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HOMER 
(From  the  bust  in  the  National  Museum  at  Naples). 


juut      v»y       -ivy      :my      VMrr      "oiv      hxs.     'Hi 


vw      VYv      Vfv      MW       vw      vw      i<w     :<JUt. 


THE 


ILIAD    OF     HOMER 


TRANSLATED    BY 


ALEXANDER    POPE, 


OTiftl)  Notes  auT)  Introtiuction 


REV.  THEODORE  ALOIS  BUCKLEY,  M.A.,  F.S.A, 


NEW   YORK 

THOMAS    Y.  CROWKLL   &    COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 


^/i-;.^ 


11410H-1 


CONTENTS. 


THE  ILIAD. 

BOOK   I. 

Pa<;b, 
The  Contention  o{  Achilles  and  Agamemnon 49 

BOOK    11. 
The  Tri.il  of  the  Army,  and  Catalogue  of  the  Forces 70 

BOOK    III. 
The  Duel  of  Menelaus  and  Paris 97 

BOOK    IV. 
The  Breach  of  the  Truce,  and  the  First  Battle 112 

BOOK   V. 
The  Acts  of  Diomed 128 

BOOK    VI. 
The  Episodes  of  Glaucus  and  Diomed,  and  of  Hector  and  Andromache 154 

BOOK    VII. 
The  Single  Combat  of   Hector  and  Ajax 171 

BOOK    VIII. 
The  Second  Battle,  and  the  Distress  of  the  Greeks 185 

BOOK    IX. 
The  Embassy  to  Acnilles joa 

BOOK    X. 
The  Ni£hl  Adventure  o!  Diomed  and  Ulysses 222 


4  CONTENTS. 


BOOK    XI. 

Pagb. 
The  Third  li.ittle,  .iiid  llie  Acts  of   Agamemnon 238 

UOOK    XII. 
The  Battle  at  the  Grecian  WaU a6o 

BOOK    XIII. 
Tlie    Fourth    Battle    Conlinued,  in  wllich    Neptune  Assists   the    Greeks:    die 

Acts  ol  Idonieiieus. 273 

BOOK    XIV. 
Juno  Deceives  Jupiter  by  the  Girdle  of  Venus 197 

BOOK    XV. 
The  Fifth  Battle,  .It  the  Ships;    and  the  Acts  of  Ajan 312 

BOOK    XVI. 
The  Sixth  Battle;   the  Acts  and  De.lth  of  Patroclus 333 

BOOK    XVII. 
The  Seventh  Battle,  for  :he  Body  of  Patroclus.— The  Acts  of  Menelaiis.  . . .     357 

BOOK    XVIII. 
The  Grief  of  Achilles,  .and  new  Armor  in.ade  him  by  Vulcan 377 

BOOK    XIX. 
The  Reeoiiciliation  of  Achilles  and  Agamemnon   394 

BOOK    XX. 
The  Battle  of  the  Gods,  and  the  Acts  of  Achilles 405 

BOOK    XXI. 
The  Battle  in  the  River  Scamander 4,^ 

BOOK    XXiI. 
The  Death  of  Hector .   4,6 

BOOK    XXIII. 
Funeral  Games  in  Honor  of  Patroclus 451 

BOOK    XXIV. 
The  Redemption  of  the  Body  of  Hector 4^ 


INTRODUCTION. 

Skepticism  is  ns  niuch  tlie  result  of  knowledge,  as  knowledcfS 
is  of  skepticism.  To  be  content  with  wh.it  we  at  present  kiKnr, 
is,  for  the  most  part,  to  shut  our  ears  against  conviction  ;  since, 
from  the  very  gradual  character  of  our  education,  we  must  con- 
tinually forget,  and  emancipate  ourselves  from,  knowledge  pre- 
viously acquired  ;  we  must  set  aside  old  notions  and  embrace 
fresh  ones ;  and  as  we  learn,  we  must  be  daily  unlearning 
something  which  it  has  cost  us  no  small  labor  and  anxiety  to 
acquire. 

And  this  difficulty  attaches  itself  more  closely  to  an  age  in 
which  progress  has  gained  a  strong  ascendency  over  prejudice, 
and  in  which  persons  and  things  are,  djy  by  day,  finding  their 
real  level,  in  lieu  of  then  conventional  value.  The  same 
principles  which  have  swept  away  traditional  abuses,  and  which 
are  making  rapid  havoc  among  the  revenues  of  sinecurists,  and 
stripping  the  thin,  tawdry  veil  from  attractive  superstitions,  are 
working  as  actively  in  literature  as  in  society.  The  credulity  of 
one  writer,  or  the  partiality  ot  another,  finds  as  powerful  a  touch- 
stone and  as  wholesome  a  chastisement  in  the  healthy  skepticism 
cf  a  temponate  class  of  antagon.sts  as  the  dreams  of  conser- 
vatism, or  the  impostures  of  pluralist  sinecures  in  the  Cliurch. 
History  and  tradition,  whether  of  ancient  or  comparatively 
recent  times,  are  subjected  to  very  different  handling  from  that 
which  the  indulgence  or  credulity  of  tormer  ages  could  allow. 
Mere  statements  are  jealously  watched,  and  the  motives  of  the 
writer  form  as  important  an  ingredient  in  the  analysis  of  his 
history,  as  the  facts  he  records.  Probability  is  a  powerful  and 
troublesome  test ;  and  it  is  by  this  troublesome  standard  that  a 
large  portion  of  historical  evidence  is  sifted.  Consistency  is  no 
less  pertinacious  and  e.xacting  in  its  demands.  In  brief,  to  write 
a  history,  we  must  know  more  than  mere  facts.  Human  nature, 
viewed  under  an  induction  of  extended  experience,  is  the  best 
help  to  the  criticism  of  human  history.  Historical  characters 
can  only  be  estimated  by  the  standard  which  human  experience, 
whether  actual  or  traditionary,  has  furnished.  To  form  correct 
views  of  individuals  we  must  regard  tliem  as  forming  parts  of  a 
great  wliole — we  must  measure  iheni  by  their  relation  to  thq 
mass   of  beings  by  whom  they  are  burruuaded,  and,  in  conteitt 


INTRO D  UC  TION: 


plating  the  incidents  in  their  lives  or  condition  which  tradition 
has  handed  down  to  us,  we  must  ratlier  consider  the  general 
bearing  of  tlie  whole  narrative,  than  the  respective  probability 
of  its  details. 

It  is  unfortunate  for  us,  that,  of  some  of  the  greatest  men,  we 
know  least,  and  talk-  most.  Homer,  Socrates,  and  Shakespere  ' 
have,  perhaps,  contributed  more  to  the  intellectual  enlightenment 
of  mankind  than  any  other  three  writers  who  could  be  named, 
and  yet  the  history  of  all  three  has  given  rise  to  a  boundless 
ocean  of  discussion,  which  has  left  us  little  save  the  option  of 
choosing  which  theory  or  theories  we  will  follow.  Tl.e  person- 
ality of  Shakespere  is,  perhaps,  the  only  thing  in  which  critics 
will  allow  us  to  believe  without  controversy  ;  but  upon  every- 
thing else,  even  down  to  the  authorship  of  plays,  there  is  more  or 
less  of  doubt  and  uncertainty.  Of  Socrates  we  know  as  little  as 
the  contradiction?,  of  Plato  and  Xenophonwill  allow  us  to  know. 
He  was  one  of  the  dramatis  perso>i(F  in  two  dramas  as  unlike  in 
principles  as  in  style.  He  appears  as  the  enunciator  of  opinions 
as  different  in  their  tone  as  those  of  the  writers  who  have  handed 
them  down.  When  we  have  read  Plato  or  Xenophon,  we  think 
■we  know  something  of  Socrates  ;  when  we  have  fairly  read  and 
examined  both,  we  feel  convinced  that  we  are  something  worse 
than  ignorant. 

It  has  been  an  easy,  and  a  popular  expedient,  of  late  years, 
to  deny  the  personal  or  real  existence  of  men  and  things  whose 
life  and  condition  were  too  much  for  our  belief.  This  system — 
which  has  often  comforted  the  religious  skeptic,  and  substituted 
the  consolations  of  .Strauss  for  those  of  the  New  Testament — 
has  been  of  incalculable  value  to  the  historical  theorists  of  the 
last  and  present  centuries.  To  question  the  existence  of  Alex- 
ander the  Great,  would  be  a  more  excus.able  act  than  to  beljeve 
in  that  of  Romulus.     To  deny  a  fact  related  in  Herodotus,  be- 

'  "  Wlut,"  says  Archdcicon  Vv'ilbcrforce,  "  is  the-  natural  root  of  loyalty  as  distin- 
guished from  such  mere  selfish  desire  of  personal  security  as  is  apt  to  take  its  place  in 
civihzed  times,  but  that  consciousness  of  a  natural  bond  among  the  families  of  men, 
which  gives  a  fellow-feeling  to  whole  clans  and  nations,  and  thus  enlists  their  affec- 
tions in  behalf  of  those  time-honored  representatives  of  their  ancient  blood,  in  whose 
success  they  feel  a  personal  interest  ?  Hence  the  delight  when  we  recognize  an  act 
of  nobility  or  justice  in  our  hereditary  princes. 

'*  *  Tuque  prior,  tu  parce  genus  qui  ducis  Olympo, 
Projice  tela  manu  sanguis  mt-us.' 

*'  So  strong  is  this  feeling  that  it  regains  an  engrafted  influence  even  when  history 
witnesses  that  vast  convulsions  have  rent  and  weakened  it  :  and  the  Celtic  feeling 
towards  the  Stuarts  has  been  rekindled  in  ^ur  own  days  towards  the  granddaughter 
of  George  the  Third  of  Hanover. 

'■  Somewhat  similar  may  be  seen  in  the  disposition  to  idolize  those  great  Lawgivers 
of  man's  race,  who  have  given  expression,  in  the  immortal  language  of  song,  to  the 
deeper  inspirations  of  our  nature.  The  thoughts  of  Homer  or  of  Shakespere  are  llm 
iMiiversal  inheritance  of  the  human  race.  In  this  mutual  ground  every  man  nieuts  his 
brother  ;  they  have  been  set  forth  by  the  providence  of  God  to  vindicate  for  all  of  us 
what  nature  could  effect,  and  that,  in  these  representatives  of  our  r.icc,  we  mifbl 
recognize  our  coutniou  benefactors." — Doctriru  oj the  iHcarHtUitn^  pp.  9,  I0« 


INIRODUCTION. 


cause  it  is  inconsistant  with  a  theory  developed  from  an  Assyrian 
inscription  which  no  two  scholars  read  in  the  same  way,  is  more 
pardonable  than  to  believe  in  the  s;ood-natured  old  king  whom 
the  elegant  pen  of  Florian  has  idealized — Autiia  Potnpiliits. 

Skepticism  has  attained  its  culminating  point  with  respect  to 
Homer,  and  the  state  of  our  Homeric  knowledge  may  be 
described  as  a  free  permission  to  believe  any  theory,  provided 
we  throw  overboard  all  written  tradition  concerning  the  author 
or  authors  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey.  What  few  authorities 
exist  on  the  subject  are  summarily  dismissed,  although  the 
arguments  appear  to  run  in  a  circle.  "  This  cannot  be  true,  be- 
cause it  is  not  true  ;  and  that  is  not  true,  because  it  cannot  be 
true."  Such  seems  to  be  the  style  in  which  testimony  upon 
testimony,  statement  upon  statement,  is  consigned  to  denial  and 
oblivion. 

It  is,  however,  unfortunate  that  the  professed  biographies  of 
Homer  are  partly  forgeries,  partly  freaks  of  ingenuity  and 
imagination,  in  which  truth  is  the  requisite  most  wanting.  Be- 
fore taking  a  brief  review  of  the  Homeric  theory  in  its  present 
conditions,  some  notice  must  be  taken  of  the  treatise  on  the  Life 
of  Homer  which  has  been  attributed  to  Herodotus. 

According  to  this  document,  the  city  of  Cumae  in  vtolia,  was, 
at  an  early  period,  the  seat  of  frequent  immigrations  from 
various  parts  of  Greece.  Among  the  immigrants  was  Menapo- 
lus,  the  son  of  Ithngenes.  Although  poor,  he  married,  and  the 
result  of  the  union  was  a  girl  named  CritheTs.  The  girl  was  left 
an  orphan  at  an  early  age,  under  the  guardianship  of  Cleanax, 
of  Argos.  It  is  to  the  indiscretion  of  this  maiden  that  we  "are 
indebted  for  so  much  happiness."  Homer  was  the  first  fruit  of 
her  juvenile  frailty,  and  received  the  name  of  Melesigenes,  from 
having  been  born  near  the  river  Meles,  in  Boeotia,  whithei* 
Critheis  had  been  transported  in  order  to  save  her  reputation. 

"  At  this  time,"  continues  our  narrative,  "  there  lived  at 
Smyrna  a  man  named  Phemius,a  teacher  of  literature  and  music, 
who,  not  being  married,  engaged  Critheis  to  manage  his  house- 
hold, and  spin  the  fla.\  he  received  as  the  price  of  his  scholastic 
labors.  So  satisfactory  was  her  performance  of  this  task,  and 
so  modest  her  conduct,  that  he  made  proposals  of  marriage,  de- 
claring himself,  as  a  further  inducement,  willing  to  adopt  her 
son,  who,  he  asserted,  would  become  a  clever  man  if  he  were 
carefully  brought  up." 

They  were  married  ;  careful  cultivation  ripened  the  talents 
which  nature  had  bestowed,  and  Melesigenes  soon  surpassed 
his  schoolfellows  in  every  attainment,  and,  when  older,  rivalled 
his  preceptor  in  wisdom.  Phemius  died,  leaving  him  sole  heir 
to  his  property,  and  his  mother  soon  followed.  Melesigenes 
earned  on  his  adopted  father's  school  with  great  success,  excit- 


o  introduction: 

ing  llic  admiration  not  only  of  tlie  inliabitants  of  Smyrna,  but 
also  of  the  strangers  whom  the  trade  carried  on  there,  especiaily 
in  the  exportation  of  corn,  attracted  to  that  city.  Anionj;  the  e 
visitors,  one  IVIentes,  from  Leiicadia,  the  modern  Santa  Maur.i, 
who  evinced  a  knowledge  and  intelligence  rarely  found  in  those 
times,  persuaded  Melesigenes  to  close  his  school,  and  accom- 
pany him  on  his  travels.  He  promised  not  only  to  pay  his 
expenses,  but  to  furnish  him  with  a  further  stipend,  urging,  that, 
"  While  he  was  yet  young,  it  was  fitting  that  he  should  see  with 
his  own  eye.",  the  countries  and  cities  which  might  hereafter  be 
the  subjects  of  his  discourses."  Melesigenes  consented,  and 
set  out  with  his  patron,  "  examining  all  the  curiosities  of  the 
countries  they  visited,  and  informing  himself  of  everything  by 
interrogating  those  whom  he  met."  We  may  also  suppose,  that 
he  wrote  memoirs  of  all  that  he  deemed  worthy  of  preservation.' 
Having  set  sail  from  Tyrrhenia  and  Iberia,  they  reached  Ithaca. 
Here  Melesigenes,  who  had  already  suffered  in  his  eyes,  became 
much  worse;  and  Mentes,  who  was  about  to  leave  for  Leuoadia, 
left  him  to  the  medical  superintendence  of  a  friend  of  his, 
named  Mentor,  the  son  of  Alcinor.  Under  his  hospitable  and 
intelligent  host,  Melesigenes  rapidly  became  acquainted  with  the 
legends  respecting  Ulysses,  which  afterwards  formed  the  sub- 
ject of  the  Odyssey.  The  inhabitants  of  Ithaca  assert,  that  it 
was  here  that  Melesigenes  became  blind,  but  the  Colophonians 
make  their  city  the  seat  of  that  misfortune.  He  then  returned 
to  -Smyrna,  where  he  applied  himself  to  the  study  of  poetry.' 

Hut  poverty  soon  drove  him  to  Cuma?.  Having  passed  over 
the  Herm.xan  ])Iain,  he  arrived  at  Neon  Teichos,  the  New 
Wall,  a  colony  of  Cum;p.  Here  his  misfortunes  and  poetical 
talent  gained  liim  tlie  friendship  of  one  Tychias,  an  armorer. 
"And  up  to  my  time,"  continued  the  author,  "the  inhaljitants 
showed  the  place  where  he  used  to  sit  when  giving  a  recitation 
of  his  verses ;  and  they  greatly  honored  the  spot.     Here  also  a 

'  EiKoc  hi  fitv  Tjv  Ka'i  ^ivrifiOfTvya  TrdyTiiiV  ypl<tiffT9ai-  Vit.  TToiii  !  S(l!v\  h- 
Herodot.  t.  iv.  p.  299,  sq.  §  6.     I  may  observe  tiiat  tins  Life  has  l>i  <  n  '  hi 

English  by  my  learned  young  friend,  Kenneth  R.  H.  Mackenzie,  ami   1  v 

prose  translation  of  the  Odyssey.  The  present  abridgment.  liowevLr,  will  <  -nt  m;i  ill 
that  is  of  use  to  tlie  reader,  lor  the  biographical  value  of  the  treatise  is  most  in- 
significant. 

3  /.  r.  both  of  composing  and  reciting  V3rses,  for,  as  Blair  observes,  *'  The 
first  poets  sang  their  own  verses."  Sextus  Einpir.  adv.  Mus.  p.  360,  ed.  F.abric. 
Ou  afieXa  76  Toi  Kai  oi  wotijTai  ^eAojrotoi  Ae-yoi-Tai,  Ka'i  To  'O/ATJpou  errrj  to 
iraAai  Trpo?  \vpai'  ijSfTO. 

"The  voice,'*  observes  Heeren,  "was  always  accompanied  by  some  instrument. 
The  bard  was  provided  with  a  harp,  on  winch  he  plavLd  a  prelude,  I,,  elevate  and 
inspire  his  mind,  and  with  which  he  accomiiamcil  il,  -  t,  -.J,  1  !  _  im-  Ilis  voice 
probably  preserved  a  medium  between  siiii;ni:.;  au.l  I     :i  '    1      ,   tn.l  not  the 

melody,  were   regarded  by  the  listeners  :  lience   ii    v. ■    1    i  Inn    in   remain 

intelligible  to  all.  In  countries  where  nothing  sninln  ,  in  1.  :  ■ ill  li.  repre- 
sent such  scenes  to  the  mind  :  but  whoever  has  li.ul  ,ni  op].o,  liiiul  v  "I  lisle, iing  to  the 
improvisator!  of  Italy,  can  easily  iorin  an  idea  of  Ueniodocusaiid  i'heniius."— j^»i-(«l« 
tirttce,  p.  94. 


7NTRVDUCTI0N: 


poplar  crew,  which  they  said  had  sprung  up  ever  since  Melesi- 
genes  arrived." » 

Ikit  poverty  still  drove  him  on,  and  he  went  by  way  of 
Larissa,  as  Ijcing  the  most  convenient  road.  Here,  the  Cumans 
sa\',  he  composed  an  epitaph  on  Gordius,  king  of  Phrygia,  which 
has,  however,  and  with  greater  probabihty,  been  attributed  to 
Cleobulus  of  Lindus.^ 

Arrived  at  Cums,  he  frequented  the  conversationes '"  of  the 
old  men,  and  delighted  all  by  the  charms  of  his  poetry.  Encour- 
aged by  this  favorable  reception,  he  declared  that,  if  they  would 
allow  liim  a  public  maintenance,  he  would  render  their  city  most 
gloriously  renowned.  They  avowed  their  willingness  to  support 
him  in  the  measure  he  proposed,  and  procured  him  an  audience 
in  the  council.  Having  made  the  speech,  with  the  purport  of 
which  our  author  has  forgotten  to  acquaint  us,  he  retired,  and 
left  them  to  debate  respecting  the  answer  to  be  given  to  his  pro- 
posal. 

The  greater  part  of  the  assembly  seemed  favorable  to  the 
poet's  demand,  but  one  man  observed  that  '•  if  they  were  to  feed 
Homers,  they  would  be  encumbered  with  a  multitude  of  useless 
people."  "From  this  circumstance,"  says  tlie  writer,  "Mele- 
sigenes  acquired  the  name  of  Homer,  for  tlie  Cumans  call  blind 
men  Homers."''  With  a  love  of  economv,  which  shows  how 
similar  the  world  has  always  been  in  its  treatment  of  literary 
men.  the  pension  was  denied,  and  the  poet  vented  his  disap- 
pointment in  a  wish  that  Cumxa  might  never  produce  a  poet 
capable  of  giving  it  renown  and  glory. 

At  Phocoea,  Homer  was  destined  to  experience  another  lit- 
erary distress.  One  Tliestoridcs,  who  aimed  at  the  reputation 
of  poetical  genius,  kept  Homer  in  his  own  house,  and  allowed 
him  a  pittance,  on  condition  of  the  verses  of  the  poet  passing 
in  his  name.  Having  collected  sufficient  poetry  to  be  profitable, 
Thestorides,  like  some  would-be-literary  publishers,  neglected 

*  "  Should  it  not  be,  since  my  arrival .' "  asks  Mackenzie,  observing  that,  "  poplars 
can  hardly  live  so  long."  Hut,  setting  aside  the  fact  that  we  must  not  expect  consist- 
ency in  a  mere  romance,  the  ancients  had  a  superstitious  belief  in  the  great  age  of 
trees  which  grew  near  places  consecrated  by  the  presence  of  gods  and  great  men. 
See  Cicero  de  Legg.  ii.  i,  sub  init.,  where  he  speaks  of  the  plane  tree  under  wliich 
Socrates  used  to  walk,  and  of  the  tree  at  Delos,  where  Latona  gave  birth  to  Apollo. 
This  passage  is  referred  to  by  Stephanus  of  Byzantium,  s.  v.  N.  T.  p.  490.  ed.  de 
Pinedo.  I  omit  quoting  any  of  the  dull  epigrams  ascribed  to  Homer,  for,  as  Mr. 
Justice  Talfourd  rightly  observes,  "The  authenticity  of  these  fragments  depends 
upon  that  of  the  pseudo-Herodotean  Life  of  Homer,  friin!  whicli  they  are  taken." 
Lit.  of  Gieece,  pp.  38,  in  Encyl.  Metroii.  Cf.  Coleridge,  Classic  Poets,  p.  317. 

''  It  is  quoted  as  the  work  of  Cleobulus,  by  Diogenes  Laert.  Vit.  Cleob.  p.  62,  ed. 
Casaub. 

*  I  trust  T  am  justified  in  employing  this  as  an  equivalent  for  the  Greek  AfV^ai. 
''Us  ei  Toii«'(>^rjpou>;  56Jti  Tpeieii/  avToi?,  buiAoi'  iroAAoi'Te  Km  axp^olv  efovfflf, 

iiTfuBfi'  he  Kai  Tovv(tf±a.  "O^ijpo?  fKeKpaTTjaf  Tw  Mf^rrTiyevel  ctto  T^y  avfx't>opT)^-  ot 
>ip  Kufjoioi  Toiif  Tvi(.Acu.s  'O^iipout  keynvaif.  '  Vil.  Horn.  /.  f.  p.  311.  The  etymol. 
ogy  has  been  condemned  by  recent  scholars.  See  Welcker,  Epische  Cyclus,  p.  i2j 
■pd  Mackenzie's  note,  p.  xiv. 


introduction: 


the  man  whose  brains  lie  had  sucked,  and  left  him.  At  his  de- 
parture, Homer  is  said  to  have  observed :  "  O  Thestorides,  of 
the  many  tilings  hidden  from  the  knowledge  of  man,  nothing  ia 
more  unintelligilile  than  the  human  heart." ' 

Homer  continued  his  career  of  difficulty  and  distress,  until 
some  Chian  merchants,  struck  by  the  similarity  of  the  verses 
they  heard  him  recite,  acquainted  him  with  the  fact  that  Thes- 
torides was  pursuing  a  profitable  livelihood  by  the  recital  of  the 
very  same  poems.  This  at  once  detern-.ined  him  to  set  out  for 
Chios.  No  vessel  happened  then  to  be  setting  sail  thither,  liut 
be  found  one  ready  to  start  for  Hrythras,  a  town  of  Ionia,  which 
faces  that  island,  and  he  prevailed  upon  the  seamen  to  allow 
him  to  accompany  them.  Having  embarked,  he  invoked  a  fa- 
vorable wind,  and  prayed  that  he  might  be  alile  to  expose  the 
imposture  of  Thestorides,  who,  bv  his  breach  of  hospitality,  had 
drawn  down  the  wrath  of  Jove  the  Hospitable. 

At  Erythras,  Homer  fortunately  met  with  a  person  who  had 
known  him  in  Phocoea,  by  whose  assistance  he  at  length,  after 
some  difficulty,  reached  the  little  hamlet  of  Pithys.  Here  he 
met  with  an  adventure,  which  we  will  continue  in  the  words  of 
our  author.  "  Having  set  out  from  Pithys,  Homer  went  on,  at- 
tracted by  the  cries  of  some  goats  that  were  pasturing.  The 
dogs  barked  on  his  approach,  and  he  cried  out.  Glaucus  (for 
that  was  the  name  of  the  goat-herd)  heard  his  voice,  ran  up 
quickly,  called  off  his  dogs,  and  drove  them  awav  from  Homer. 
For  some  time  he  stood  wondering  how  a  blind  man  should 
have  reached  such  a  place  alone,  and  what  could  be  his  design 
in  coming.  He  then  went  up  to  him,  and  inquired  who  he  was, 
and  how  he  had  come  to  desolate  places  and  untrodden  spots, 
and  of  what  he  stood  in  need.  Homer,  by  recounting  to  him 
the  whole  history  of  his  misfortunes,  moved  him  with  compas- 
sion ;  and  he  took  him,  and  led  him  to  his  cot,  and  having  lit  a 
fire,  bade  him  sup.'' 

"The  dogs,  instead  of  eating,  kept  barking  at  the  stranger, 
according  to  their  usual  habit.  Whereupon  Homer  addressed 
Glaucus  thus  :  O  Glaucus,  my  friend,  prythee  attend  to  my  be- 
hest. First  give  the  dogs  their  supper  at  the  doors  of  the  hut: 
for  so  it  is  better,  since,  whilst  they  watch,  nor  thief  nor  wild 
beast  will  approach  the  fold. 

Glaucus  was  pleased  with  the  advice,  and  marvelled  at  its 

*  ftfffTopifiTjc,  OfTjTOtaii'  avtataTuiv  iro^ctitv  nep,  oiiKev  a^paa-rorepov  irfKerat  voov 
avflpiwirocfftf.  H)id.  p.  315.  During  his  st.iy  nt  Pliocce.1,  Hnmer  is  said  to  have  com- 
posed the  Little  Ili.id,  and  the  Phouceid.  SeelMuller's  Hist,  of  Lit.  vi.  §  3-  Welclier, 
/.  c.  pii.  132,  272,  35S,  sqq.,  and  Mure,  Gr.  Lit.  vol.  ii.  p.  284,  sq. 

9  This  IS  so  pretty  a  picture  of  earlv  manners  and  hospitality,  that  it  is  almost  a 
pitv  to  tind  that  it  is  nbviouslv  a  copy  from  the  Odyssey.  See  the  fourteenth  book. 
In  fact,  whoever  was  the  author  of  this  fictili<nis  biography,  he  showed  some  tact  in 
identifying  Honrer  with  certain  events  described  in  his  poemSi  and  in  elicitlDg  froo) 
them  the  germ*  r^  something  like  a  personal  narrative. 


INTRODUCTIOhT.  " 


suthor.  Having  finished  supper,  the)'  banqueted  '°  afresh  on 
conversation.  Homer  narrating  liis  wanderings,  and  telling  of  the 
cities  he  had  visited. 

At  length  thev  retired  to  rest;  but  on  tlie  following  morn- 
ing, Glaucus  resolved  to  go  to  his  master,  and  acquaint  him 
with  his  meeting  with  Homer.  Having  left  the  goats  in  charge 
of  a  fellow-servant,  he  left  Homer  at  home,  promising  to  return 
quickly.  Having  arrived  at  Bolissus,  a  place  near  the  farm, 
and  finding  his  mate,  he  told  him  the  whole  story  respecting 
Homer  and  his  journey.  He  paid  little  attention  to  what  he 
said,  and  blamed  Glaucus  for  his  stupidity  in  taking  in  and 
feeding  maimed  and  enfeebled  persons.  However,  he  bade 
him  bring  the  stranger  to  him. 

Glaucus  told  Homer  what  had  taken  place,  and  bade  him 
follow  him,  assuring  him  that  good  fortune  would  be  the  result. 
Conversation  !«on  showed  that  the  stranger  was  a  man  of  much 
cleverness  and  general  knowledge,  and  the  Chian  persuaded 
him  to  remain,  and  to  undertake  the  charge  of  his  children." 

liesides  the  satisfaction  of  driving  the  impostor  Tlrestorides 
from  the  island,  Homer  enjoyed  considerable  success  as  a 
teacher.  In  the  town  of  Chios  he  established  a  school  where 
he  taught  the  precepts  of  poetry.  "To  this  day,"  says  Chan- 
dler,'- "the  most  curious  remaining  is  that  which  has  been 
named,  not  without  reason,  the  School  of  Homer.  It  is  on  the 
coast,  at  some  distance  from  the  city,  northward,  and  appears 
to  have  been  an  open  temple  of  Cybele.  formed  on  the  top  of  a 
rock.  The  shape  is  oval,  and  in  the  centre  is  the  image  of  the 
goddess,  the  head  and  an  arm  wanting.  She  is  represented,  as 
usual,  sitting.  The  chair  has  a  lion  carved  on  each  side,  and 
on  the  back.  The  area  is  bounded  by  a  low  rim,  or  seat,  and 
about  five  yards  over.  The  whole  is  hewn  out  of  the  mountain, 
is  rude,  indistinct,  and  probably  of  the  most  remote  antiquity.." 

So  successful  was  this  school,  that  Homer  realized  a  consid- 
erable fortune.  He  married,  and  had  two  daughters,  one  of 
whom  died  single,  the  other  married  a  Chian. 

The  following  passage  betrays  the  same  tendency  to  connect 


^"  Aid  Aoyw*-  eo-Tioii'To.  A  common  met.iphor.  Sn  Plato  c.ills  the  parties  cor>- 
versinj  *aij-u^o.-(s,  or  eo-riiTopes,  Tim.  i.  p.  522.  A.  Cf.  Tliemi-l.  Oral.  vi.  p.  1&8, 
and  xvi.  p.  374,  ed.  Petav.  So  BtijY^^aiTi  crotftoi?  o^oi)  Kai  TfpiTi'uts  TjSt'iD  ttji/  Qoivr\x- 
Toi?  jo-Tiionei-oi!  jTToKi,  Choricius  in  Fabnc  Bibl.  Gr.  T.  viii.  p.  S51.  Adyois  yip 
fffWo,  Athensus,  vii.  p.  275,  A. 

"  It  was  at  Bohssus,  and  in  the  house  of  this  Cliian  citizen,  that  Homer  is  tald  to 
have  written  the  Balrachomyomachia,  or  Battle  of  the  Frogs  and  Mice  ;  \e  Epicich- 
hdia,  and  some  other  mmor  works. 

'-  Ch.mdler,  Travels,  vol.  i.  p.  61,  referred  to  in  the  Voyage  Pittoresque  dans  la 
Grice,  vol.  i.  p.  92,  where  a  view  of  the  spot  is  given,  of  which  the  author  candidly 
says,— "Je  ne  puis  repondre  d'une  exactitude  scrupuleuse  dans  la  vue  g^n^rale  que 
iVii  iloMiiL-  ;  t.ir  etaiit  alli!  seul  pour  I'examnier,  je  perdis  mon  cray.m,  et  je  fus  ..Lilirf 
de  It,'  h  fir  i  ma  riiumuire.  Je  ne  crois  tepcudiiutpab  avoir  tiuu  \  lue  plaiudie  d'cila 
en  cetle  uccaiiou," 


INTRODUCTION. 


the  personages  of  the  poems  with  the  history  of  the  poet,  which 
has  already  been  mentioned:  — 

"  In  his  poetical  conip(_>sitions  Homer  displays  great  grati- 
tude  towards  Mentor  of  Ithaca,  in  the  Odyssey,  whose  name  he 
has  inserted  in  his  poem  as  the  companion  of  Ulysses,''  in  re- 
turn for  the  care  taken  of  him  when  afflicted  with  blindness. 
He  also  testifies  his  gratitude  to  Phemius,  who  had  given  him 
both  sustenance  and  instruction." 

His  celebrity  continued  to  increase,  and  many  pei,^ons  ad- 
vised him  to  visit  Greece,  whither  his  reputation  had  now  ex- 
tended. Having,  it  is  said,  made  sime  additions  to  his  poems 
calculated  to  please  the  vanity  of  the  Athenians,  of  whose  city 
he  had  hitherto  made  no  mention,'-'  he  set  out  for  Samos. 
Here  being  recognized  l)y  a  Samian,  wlio  had  met  with  him  in 
Chios,  he  was  handsomely  received,  and  invited  to  join  in  cele- 
brating the  Apaturian  festival.  He  recited  some  verses,  which 
gave  great  satisfaction,  and  by  singing  the  Eiresione  at  the 
New  Moon  festivals,  he  earned  a  subsistence,  visiting  the  houses 
of  the  rich,  with  whose  children  he  was  very  popular. 

In  the  spring  he  sailed  for  Alliens,  and  arrived  at  the  island 
of  los,  now  Ino,  where  he  fell  extremely  ill,  and  died.  It  is 
said  that  his  death  arose  from  vexation,  at  not  having  been  able 
to  unravel  an  enigma  proposed  by  some  fishermen's  children. '5 

Such  is,  in  brief,  the  substance  of  the  earliest  life  of  Homer 
we  possess,  and  so  broad  are  tlie  evidences  of  its  historical 
worthlessness,  that  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  point  them  out  in 
detail.  Let  us  now  consider  some  of  the  opinions  to  which  a 
persevering,  patient,  and  learned — but  by  no  means  consistent 
— series  of  investigations  has  led.  In  doing  so,  I  profess  to 
bring  forward  statements,  not  to  voucli  for  their  reasonableness 
or  probability. 

"  Homer  appeared.  The  history  of  this  poet  and  his  works 
is  lost  in  doubtful  obscurity,  as  is  the  history  of  many  of  the 
first  minds  who  have  done  honor  to  humanity,  because  they  rose 
amidst  darkness.  The  majestic  stream  of  his  song,  blessing 
and  fertilizing,  flows  like  the  Nile,  througli  many  lands  and  na- 
tions ;  and,  like  tlie  sources  of  the  Nile,  its  fountains  will  ever 
remain  concealed." 

Such  are  the  words  in  wliich  one  of  tlie  most  judicious  Ger- 
man critics  has   elotjuently  described  the   uncertainty  in  which 

"  A  more  probable  rc-i^on  for  this  companionsliip,  .Tnd  for  tlie  cliaracter  of  Mfn- 
lor  ilseif,  is  given  by  tlm  .illcuorists,  viz.  :  llie  iissuiniilioii  of  Meiilor's  form  by  ihe 
puar(ii.-iii  deny  of  tlie  wisii  bJly^ses,  Minerva.  The  classical  reader  may  compare 
Plutarch,  Opp.  t.  ii.  p.  SKo ;  Xvla«d.  Her.iclid.  Pont.  Allec.  Hum.  i>.  531-5,  ..( 
Gale's  Opiisc.  Mythol.  Uionys.  Halic.  de  Hom.  Pocs.  c.  15  ;  Apul.  de  Deo  bocral, 


^  The  riddle  is  ijiveu  in  §  35.     Compare  Mackenz 


JNTRODUCTWAI.  13 


(he  whole  of  the  Homeric  question  is  involved.     With  no  less 
truth  and  feeling  he  proceeds  ; — 

"  It  seems  here  of  chief  importance  to  expect  no  more  than 
the  nature  of  things  makes  possible.  If  the  period  of  tradition 
in  history  is  the  region  of  twilight,  we  should  not  expect  in  it 
jjerfect  light.  The  creations  of  genius  always  seem  like  mir- 
acles because  tliey  are,  for  the  most  part,  created  far  out  of  the 
veach  of  observation.  If  we  were  in  possession  of  all  the  his- 
torical testimonies,  we  never  could  wholly  explain  the  origin  of 
the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey  ;  for  their  origin,  in  all  essential 
points,  must  have  remained  the  secret  of  the  poet."  "> 

From  this  criticism,  which  shows  as  much  insight  into  the 
depths  of  human  nature  as  into  the  minute  wire-drawings  of 
scholastic  investigation,  let  us  pass  on  to  the  main  question  at 
issue.  Was  Homer  an  individual.'''  or  were  the  Iliad  and 
Odyssey  the  result  of  an  ingenious  arrangement  of  fragments 
by  earlier  poets  ? 

Well  has  Landor  remarked :  "  Some  tell  us  there  were 
twenty  Homers  ;  some  den)  that  there  ever  was  one.  It  were 
idle  and  foolish  to  shake  the  contents  of  a  vase,  in  order  to  let 
them  settle  at  last.  We  are  perpetually  laboring  to  destroy  our 
delights,  our  composure,  our  devotion  to  superior  power.  Of 
all  the  animals  on  earth  we  least  know  what  is  good  for  us.  My 
opinion  is,  that  what  is  best  for  us  is  our  admiration  of  good. 
No  man  living  venerates  Homer  more  than  I  do.""* 

But  greatly  as  we  admire  the  generous  enthusiasm  which 
rests  contented  with  the  poetry  on  which  its  best  impulses  had 
been  nurtured  and  fostered,  without  seeking  to  destroy  the 
vividness  of  first  impressions  by  minute  analysis — our  editorial 
office  compels  us  to  give  some  attention  to  the  doubts  and 
difficulties  with  which  the  Homeric  question  is  beset,  and  to  en- 
treat our  reader,  for  a  brief  period,  to  prefer  his  judgment  to 
his  imagination,  and  to  condescend  to  dry  details. 

Before,  however,  entering  into  particulars  respecting  the 
question  of  this  unity  of  the  Homeric  poems  (at  least  of  the 
Iliad),  I  must  express  my  sympathy  with  the  sentiments  ex- 
pressed in  the  following  remarks  : — 

"  We  cannot  but  think  the  universal  admiration  of  its  unity 
by  the  better,  the  poetic  age  of  Greece,  almost  conclusive  testi 
mony  to  its  original  composition.  It  was  not  until  the  age  oi 
tlie  grammarians  that  its  primitive  integrity  was  called  in  ques- 
tion ;  nor  is  it  injustice  to  assert,  that  the  minute  and  analytical 
spirit  of  a  grammarian  is  not  the  best  qualification  for  the  pro- 
found feeling,  th    comprehensive  conception  of  an  harmonious 

'<■  Heeren's  Ancient  Greece,  p.  96. 

*^  Compare  Sir  K.  L.  Bulwer's  Caxluiis,  v.  ;.  p.  4. 

1*  Pericles  and  Aspasia,  Letter  Ixxxiv..  Wurks,  vol-  ii.  p.  387, 


14  INTRODUCTION. 


whole.  The  most  exquisite  anatomist  may  he  no  judge  of  the 
symmetry  of  tlie  human  frame :  and  we  would  take  the  opinion 
of  Chantrey  or  Westmacott  on  the  proportions  and  genera) 
beauty  of  a  form,  rather  than  that  of  Mr.  Brodie  or  Sir  Astley 
Cooper. 

"  There  is  some  truth,  tliough  some  malicious  exaggeration, 
in  the  lines  of  Pope  :— 

**  *  The  critic  eye — that  microscope  of  wit — 
Sees  hairs  and  pores,  examines  bit  by  bit ; 
How  parts  relate  to  parts,  or  they  to  whole. 
The  body's  harmony,  the  beaming  soul, 
Are  things  which  Kuster,  Burmann,  Wasse,  shall  see, 
When  man's  whole  frame  is  obvious  to  a  flea.'  "  '» 

Long  was  the  time  which  elapsed  before  any  one  dreamt  of 
questioning  the  unity  of  the  authorship  of  the  Homeric  poems. 
The  grave  and  cautious  Thucydides  quoted  without  hesitation 
the  Hymn  to  Apollo,-"  the  authenticity  of  which  has  been  al- 
ready disclaimed  by  modern  critics.  Longinus,  in  an  oft-quoted 
passage,  merely  expressed  an  opinion  touching  the  comparative 
inferiority  of  the  Odyssey  to  the  Iliad  ;  -'  and,  among  a  mass  of 
ancient  authors,  whose  very  names  --  it  would  be  tedious  to  de- 
tail, no  sus])icion  of  the  personal  non-existence  of  Homer  ever 
arose.  So  far,  the  voice  of  antiquity  seems  to  be  in  favor  of 
our  early  ideas  on  the  subject  :  let  us  see  what  are  the  discov- 
eries to  which  more  modern  investigations  lay  claim. 

At  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century,  doubts  had  begun  to 
awaken  on  the  subject,  and  we  find  Bentley  remarking  "  that 
Homer  wrote  a  sequel  of  songs  and  rhapsodies,  to  be  sung  by 
himself,  for  small  comings  and  good  cheer,  at  festivals  and 
other  days  of  merriment.  These  loose  songs  were  not  collected 
together,  in  the  form  of  an  epic  poem,  tiU  about  Peisistratus' 
time,  about  five  hundred  years  after."  =3 

»9  Quarterly  Review,  No.  Ixxxvii.  p.  147. 

^  Viz.,  the  following  beautiful  passage, ior  the  translation  of  which  I  am  indebted 
to  Coleridge,  Classic  Poets,  p  286  : — 

**  '  Origias,  farewell !  and  oh  !   remember  me 
Hereafter,  when  some  stranger  from  the  sea, 
A  hapless  wanderer,  may  your  isle  explore, 
And  ask  you,  maid,  of  all  the  bards  you  boast. 
Who  sings  the  sweetest,  and  delights  you  most  — 
Oh!  answer  all, — '  A  blind  old  man,  and  poor — 
Sweetest  he  sings — and  dwells  on  Chios'  rocky  shore.'  " 

See  Thucyd.  iii.  104 
**  Longin.  de  Sublim.  ix.  §  26.     "OBtv  kv   rjj  'OBvirtreia  irapfLKacai  T15    av  xttra* 
ivofievto  701*  "Oiiijpov  TjAtiD,  06  &(xa  T^9  c^oipoTTjTO?  jrapa^efei  TO  fif,fSo<;. 

■'  See  Tatian,  quoted  m  Fabric.  Bibl.  Gr.  v.  II.  t.  ii.  Mr.  Mackenzie  h.is  given 
three  brief  but  elaborate  papers,  on  the  different  writers  on  the  subject,  which  deserve 
to  be  consulted.  See  Notes  and  Queries,  vol.  v.  pp.  99,  171.  .md  221.  His  own 
views  are  moderate,  and  perhaps  as  satisfactory,  on  the  whole,  as  any  of  the  hy- 
potheses hitherto  put  forth.  In  fact,  they  consist  in  an  attempt  to  blend  those 
hypotheses  into  something  like  consistency,  rather  than  in  adirocating  any  indi- 
vidual theory. 

^  LcUcFs  to  Fhilekuth.     Lips. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Two  French  writers — Hedelin  and  Perrault — avowed  a  sim- 
ilar skepticism  on  tlie  subject;  but  it  is  in  the  "  Scienza  Nuo- 
va  "  of  Battista  Vico,  tliat  we  first  meet  with  the  germ  of  the 
tlieorv,  subsequently  defended  by  Wolf  with  so  much  learning 
and  acuteness.  Indeed,  it  is  with  the  Wolfian  theory  that  we 
|have  chiefly  to  deal,  and  with  the  following  bold  hypothesis, 
which  we  will  detail  in  the  words  of  Grote  : — '•■ 

'•  Half  a  century  ago,  the  acute  and  valuable  Prolegomena 
of  F.  A.  Wolf,  turning  to  account  the  Venetian  Scholia,  which 
had  then  been  recently  published,  first  opened  philosophical 
discussion  as  to  tlie  history  of  the  Homeric  text.  A  consider- 
able part  of  that  dissertation  (though  by  no  means  the  whole) 
is  employed  in  vindicating  the  position,  previously  announced 
by  Bentley,  amongst  others,  that  the  separate  constituent  por- 
tions of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  had  not  been  cemented  together 
into  any  compact  body  and  unchangeable  order,  until  the  days 
of  Peisistratus,  in  the  sixth  century  before  Christ.  As  a  step 
towards  that  conclusion.  Wolf  maintained  that  no  written 
copies  of  either  poem  could  be  shown  to  have  existed  during 
the  earlier  times,  to  which  their  composition  is  referred  ;  and 
that  without  writing,  neither  the  perfect  symmetry  of  so  compli- 
cated a  work  could  have  been  originally  conceived  by  any  poet, 
nor,  if  realized  by  him,  transmitted  with  assurance  to  posterity. 
The  absence  of  easy  and  convenient  writing,  such  as  must  be 
indispensably  supposed  for  long  manuscri|)ts,  among  the  early 
Greeks,  was  thus  one  of  the  points  in  Wolf's  case  against  the 
primitive  integrity  of  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey.  By  Nitzsch, 
and  other  leading  opponents  of  Wolf,  the  connection  of  the 
one  with  the  other  seems  to  have  been  accepted  as  he  origin- 
ally put  it ;  and  it  has  been  considered  incumbent  on  those 
who  defended  the  ancient  aggregate  character  of  the  Ili.ad  and 
Odyssey,  to  maintain  that  they  were  written  poems  from  the 
beginning. 

"  To  me  it  appears,  that  the  architectonic  functions  ascribed 
by  Wolf  to  Peisistratus  and  his  associates,  in  reference  to  the 
'Homeric  poems,  are  nowise  admissible.  But  much  would  un- 
doubtedly be  gained  towards  that  view  of  the  question,  if  it 
could  be  shown,  that,  in  order  to  controvert  it,  we  v^ere  driven 
to  the  necessity  of  admitting  long  written  poems,  in  the  ninth 
century  before  the  Christian  sera.  Few  things,  in  my  opinion, 
can  be  more  improbable ;  and  Mr.  Payne  Knight,  opposed  as 
he  is  to  the  Wolfian  hvpothesis,  admits  this  no  less  than  Wolf 
himself.  The  traces  of  writing  in  (jreece,  even  in  the  seventh 
century  before  the  Christian  ^ra,  are  exceedingly  trifling.  We 
have  no  remaining  inscription  earlier  than  the  fortieth  Olym- 
piad, dnd  the  early  inscriptions  are   rude  and   unskilfully  exar 

'*  Hist,  of  Greece,  vol.  li.  p.  191,  sqq. 


t6  introduction. 


cutcd  ;  nor  can  we  even  assure  ourselves  whether  Archilochus, 
Simonides  of  Amorgus,  Kallinus,  Tyrtaeus,  Xanthus,  and  the  other 
early  elegiac  and  lyric  poets,  committed  their  compositions  to 
writing,  or  at  what  time  the  practice  of  doing  so  became  famil- 
iar. The  first  jjositive  ground  which  authorizes  us  to  presume 
the  existence  of  a  manuscript  of  Homer,  is  in  the  famous  ordi- 
nance of  Solon,  with  regard  to  the  rhapsodies  at  the  Panathe- 
na;a:  but  for  what  length  of  time  previously  manuscripts  had 
existed,  we  are  unable  to  say. 

"  Those  who  maintain  the  Homeric  poems  to  have  been  writ- 
ten from  the  beginning,  rest  their  case,  not  upon  positive  proofs, 
nor  yet  upon  the  existing  habits  of  society  with  regard  to  poetry 
— for  they  admit  generally  that  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  were 
not  read,  but  recited  and  heard, — but  upon  the  supposed  neces- 
sity that  there  must  have  been  manuscripts  to  ensure  the  pres- 
ervation of  the  poems — the  unassisted  memory  of  reciters  being 
neither  sufficient  nor  trustworthy.  But  here  we  only  escape  a 
smaller  difficulty  by  running  into  a  greater  ;  for  the  existence 
of  trained  bards,  gifted  with  extraordinary  memory,''  is  far  le.ss 
astonishing  than  that  of  long  manuscripts,  in  an  age  essentially 
non-reading  and  non-writing,  and  when  even  suitable  instru- 
ments and  materials  for  the  process  are  not  obvious.  More- 
over, there  is  a  strong  positive  reason  for  believing  that  the 
bard  was  under  no  necessity  of  refreshing  his  memory  by  con- 

!"■•  "  It  is,  indeed,  not  easy  to  calculate  the  height  to  which  the  memory  may  be 
cultivated.  To  take  an  ordinary  case,  we  might  refer  to  that  of  any  first-rate  actor, 
wlio  must  be  prepared,  at  a  very  short  warning,  to  *  rliapsndize,'  niglit  after  night, 
parts  which,  when  laid  together,  would  jmouut  to  an  immeuse  number  of  lines.  But 
all  this  isnothing  to  two  instances  of  our  own  day.  Visiting  at  Naples  a  gentleman 
of  the  highest  intellectual  attainments,  and  who  held  a  distinguished  rank  among  the 
men  of  letters  in  the  last  century,  he  informed  us  that  the  day  before  he  had  passed 
much  time  in  examining  a  man,  not  highly  educated,  who  had  learned  to  repeat  the 
whole  Gierusalemme  of  Tasso  ;  not  only  to  .-ecite  it  consecutively,  but  also  to  repeat 
those  stanzas  in  utter  defiance  of  the  sense,  either  forwards  or  backwards,  or  from  the 
eighth  line  to  (he  first,  alternately  the  odd  and  even  lines  ;-in  short,  whatever  the 
passage  required,  the  memory,  which  seemed  to  cling  to  the  words  much  more  than 
to  the  sense,  had  it  at  such  perfect  command,  that  it  could  produce  it  under  any  form. 
Our  informant  went  on  to  state  that  this  singular  being  was  proceeding  to  learn  the 
Orlando  Furioso  in  the  same  manner.  But  even  this  instance  is  less  wonderful  than 
one  as  to  which  we  may  appeal  to  any  of  our  readers  that  happened  some  twenty 
years  ago  to  visit  the  town  of  Stirling,  in  Scotland.  No  such  person  can  have  for- 
gotten the  poor,  uneducated  man.  Blind  Jamie,  who  could  actually  repeat,  after  a  few 
minutes'  consideration,  any  verse  required  from  any  part  of  the  Bible— even  the  ob- 
scurest and  most  unimportant  enumeration  of  mere  proper  names  not  excepted.  We 
do  not  mention  these  facts  as  touching  the  more  difficult  part  of  the  question  before  lis ; 
but  facts  they  are  ;  and  if  we  find  so  much  difficulty  in  calculating  the  extent  to  wliich 
the  mere  memory  may  be  cultivated,  are  we,  in  these  days  of  multifarious  reading, 
and  of  countless  distracting  affairs,  fair  judges  of  the  perfection  to  which  the  inven- 
tion and  the  memory  combined  mayatlain  in  a  simpler  age,  and  among  a  more  single- 
minded  people  ?  "—(?Krtr/fr/j' ^«'i>7x', /.  r.,  p.  143,  sqq.  -J       £ 

Heeren  steers  between  the  two  opinions,  observing  that,  "  The  Dschunganade  ot 
the  Cahnucks  is  said  to  surpass  the  poems  of  Homer  in  length,  as  much  as  it  stands 
benealh  them  in  merit  ;  and  yet,  it  .  xists  only  in  the  memory  of  a  people  which  is 
not  acquaiiiled  with  writing.  But  the  songs  of  a  nation  are  probably  the  last  things 
winch  .ire  committed  to  writing,  for  the  very  reason  that  tliey  art  reiwinbered.  — 
Ancient  Greecit  u.  100. 


INTRODUCTION.  I? 


sultin,£j  a  manuscript ;  for  if  such  had  been  the  fact,  blindness 
woiilii  have  been  a  disqualification  for  the  profession,  which  we 
know  that  it  was  not,  as  well  from  the  example  of  Demodokus, 
in  the  Odyssey,  ss  from  tliat  of  the  blind  bard  of  Chios,  in  the 
Hymn  to  the  Delian  Apollo,  whom  Thucydides,  as  well  as  the 
i'eneral  tenor  of  Grecian  legend,  identifies  with  Homer  himself. 
The  author  of  that  hymn,  be  he  who  he  may,  could  never  have 
ilescribed  a  blind  man  as  attaining  the  utmost  perfection  in  his 
art,  if  he  had  been  conscious  that  the  memory  of  the  bard  was 
only  maintained  by  constant  reference  to  the  manuscript  in 
/lis  chest." 

The  loss  of  the  digamma,  that  cruxoi  critics,  that  quicksand 
upon  which  even  the  acumen  of  Bentley  was  shipwrecked,  seems 
to  prove  beyond  a  doubt,  that  the  pronunciation  of  the  Greek 
language  had  undergone  a  considerable  change.  Now  it  is 
certainly  difficult  to  suppose  that  tlie  Homeric  poems  could  have 
suffered  by  this  change,  had  written  copies  been  preserved.  If 
Chaucer's  poetry,  for  instance,  had  not  been  written,  it  could 
only  have  come  down  to  us  in  a  softened  form,  more  like  the 
effeminate  version  of  Dryden,  than  the  rough,  quaint,  noble 
original. 

•'  At  what  period,"  continues  Grote,  "  these  poems,  or  indeed 
any  otiier  Greek  poems,  first  began  to  be  written,  must  be 
matter  of  conjecture,  tluiugh  tliere  is  ground  for  assurance  that 
it  was  before  the  time  of  Solon.  If,  in  the  absence  of  evidence, 
we  may  venture  upon  naming  any  more  determinate  period,  the 
([uestion  at  once  suggests  iiself,  What  were  the  purposes  which, 
ill  that  state  of  society,  a  manuscript  at  its  first  commencement 
must  have  been  intended  to  answer  ?  For  whom  was  a  written 
Iliad  necessary.'  Not  for  the  rhapsodes  ;  for  with  them  it  was 
not  only  planted  in  the  memory,  but  also  interwoven  with  the 
feelings,  and  conceived  in  conjunction  with  all  those  flexions 
and  intonations  of  voice,  pauses,  and  other  oral  artifices  which 
were  required  for  emphatic  delivery,  and  which  the  naked 
manuscript  could  never  reproduce.  Not  for  the  general  public 
■ — they  were  accustomed  to  receive  it  with  its  rhapsodic  delivery, 
and  with  its  accompaniments  of  a  solemn  and  crowded  festival. 
The  only  persons  for  whom  the  written  Iliad  would  be  suitable 
would  be  a  select  few ;  studious  and  curious  men ;  a  class  of 
readers  capable  of  analyzing  the  complicated  emotions  which 
ihey  had  experienced  as  hearers  in  the  crowd,  and  who  would, 
on  perusing  the  written  words,  realize  in  their  imaginations  a 
iensible  portion  of  the  impression  communicated  by  the  reciter. 
Incredible  as  the  statement  may  seem  in  an  age  like  the  present, 
there  is  in  all  early  societies,  a-.id  there  was  in  early  Greece,  a 
time  when  no  such  reading  cl.iss  existed.  If  we  could  discover 
at  wliat  time  such  a  class  first  began  to  be  formed,  we  should  be 


iS  jwroductwn: 

able  to  make  a  guess  at  the  time  when  tlie  old  epic  poems  were 
first  committed  to  writing.  Now  tlie  period  which  may  with 
the  greatest  probability  be'fixed  upon  as  having  first  witnessed 
the  formation  even  o£  the  narrowest  reading  class  in  Greece,  is 
the  middle  of  the  seventh  century  before  the  Christian  a;ra  (li.c. 
660  to  B.C.  630),  the  age  of  Terpander,  Kallinus,  Archilochus, 
Simonides  of  Amorgus,  &c.  I  ground  this  supposition  on  the 
change  then  operated  in  the  character  and  tendencies  of  Gre- 
cian i^oetry  and  music — the  elegiac  and  the  iambic  measures 
having  been  introduced  as  rivals  to  the  primitive  hexameter,  and 
poetical  compositions  having  been  transferred  from  the  epical 
past  to  the  affairs  of  present  and  real  life.  Such  a  change  was 
important  at  a  time  when  poetry  was  the  only  known  mode  of 
publication  (to  use  a  modern  phrase  not  altogctlier  suitable,  yet 
the  nearest  approaching  to  the  sense).  It  argued  a  new  way  of 
looking  at  the  old  epical  treasures  of  the  people  as  well  as  a 
thirst  for  new  poetical  effect  ;  and  the  men  who  stood  forward 
in  it,  may  well  be  considered  as  desirous  to  study,  atid  com- 
petent to  criticize,  from  their  own  individual  point  of  view,  the 
written  words  of  the  Homeric  rhapsodies,  just  as  we  are  told 
that  Kallinus  both  noticed  and  eulogized  the  Thebais  as  the 
production  of  Homer.  There  seems,  therefore,  ground  for 
conjecturing  that  (for  the  use  of  this  newly-formed  and  important, 
but  very  narrow  class),  manuscripts  of  the  Homeric  poems  and 
other  old  epics,— the  Thebais  and  the  Cypria,  as  well  as  the 
Iliad  and  the  Odyssey, — began  to  be  compiled  towards  the 
middle  of  the  seventh  century  (B.C.  i)  ;  and  the  opening  of 
ligypt  to  Grecian  commerce,  which  took  place  about  the  same 
period,  would  furnish  increased  facilities  for  obtaining  the 
reqjisite  papyrus  to  write  uiion.  A  reading  class,  when  once 
formed,  would  doubtless  slowly  increase,  and  the  number  of 
manuscripts  along  with  it  ;  so  that  before  the  time  of  Solon, 
fifty  years  afterwards,  both  readers  and  manuscripts,  though 
still  comparatively  few,  might  have  attained  a  certain  recognized 
authority,  and  formed  a  tribunal  of  reference  against  the  care- 
lessness of  individual  rhapsodes."  -'' 

But  even  Peisistratus  has  not  been  suffered  to  remain  in 
possession  of  the  credit,  and  we  cannot  help  feeling  the  force  of 
the  following  observations  : — 

"  There  "are  several  incidental  circumstances  which,  in  our 
opinion,  throw  some  suspicion  over  the  whole  history  of  the 
Peisistratid  compilation,  at  least  over  the  theory,  that  the  Iliad 
was  cast  into  its  present  stately  and  harmonious  form  by  the 
directions  of  tlie  Athenian  ruler.  If  the  great  poets,  who 
flourished  at  the  bright  period  of  Grecian  song,  of  which,  alas  ! 
we  have  inherited  little  more  than  the  fame,  and  the  faint  echo; 

**  Vol.  ii.  p.  198.  sqq. 


/jVTRODUCT/ON.  19 


;f  Stesichorus,  Anacreon,  and  Simonides  were  employed  in  the 
noble  task  of  compiling  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey,  so  much  must 
have  been  done  to  arrange,  to  connect,  to  harmonize,  tliat  it  is 
almost  incredible,  that  stronger  marks  of  Athenian  manufacture 
should  not  remain.  Whatever  occasional  anomalies  may  be 
detected,  anomalies  A'hich  no  doubt  arise  oiit  of  our  own 
ignorance  of  tlie  language  of  the  Homeric  age  ;  however  the 
irregular  use  of  the  digammamay  have  perplexed  our  Bentleys, 
to  whom  the  name  of  Helen  is  said  to  have  caused  as  mach 
disquiet  and  distress  as  the  fair  one  herself  among  the  heroes 
of  her  age  ;  however  Mr.  Knight  may  have  failed  in  rediacing 
the  Homeric  language  to  its  primitive  form  ;  however,  tinaliy, 
the  Attic  dialect  may  not  have  assumed  all  its  more  marked  and 
distinguishing  characteristics  : — still  it  is  difficult  to  suppose 
that  the  language,  particularly  in  the  joinings  and  transitions, 
and  connecting  parts,  should  not  more  clearly  betray  the  incon- 
gruity between  the  more  ancient  and  modern  forms  of  e.xpres- 
sion.  It  is  not  quite  in  character  with  such  a  period  to  imitate 
an  antique  stvle,  in  order  to  piece  out  an  imperfect  poem  in  the 
character  of  the  origin.al,  as  Sir  Walter  Scott  has  done  in  his 
continuation  of  Sir  Tristram. 

"  If,  however,  not  even  such  faint  and  indistinct  traces  of 
Athenian  compilation  are  discoverable  in  the  language  of  the 
poems,  the  total  .absence  of  Athenian  national  feeling  is  perhaps 
no  less  worthy  of  observation.  In  later,  and  it  may  fairly  be 
suspected  in  earlier  times,  the  Athenians  were  more  than 
ordinarily  jealous  of  the  fame  of  their  ancestors.  But,  amid  all 
the  traditions  of  the  glories  of  early  Greece  embodied  in  the 
Iliad,  the  Athenians  play  a  most  subordinate  and  insignificant 
part.  Even  the  few  passages  which  relate  to  their  ancestors, 
Mr.  Knight  suspects  to  be  interpolations.  It  is  possible,  indeed, 
that  in  its  leading  outline,  the  Iliad  maybe  true  to  historic  fact; 
that  in  the  great  maritime  expedition  of  western  Greece  against 
the  rival  and  half-kindred  empire  of  the  Laomedon  iadas,  the 
chieftain  of  Thessalv,  from  his  valor  and  the  number  of  his 
forces,  may  have  been  the  most  important  ally  of  the  Pelopon- 
nesian  sovereign  :  the  pre-eminent  value  of  the  ancient  poetry 
on  the  Trojan  war  may  thus  have  forced  the  national  feeling  of 
the  Athenians  to  yield  to  their  taste. '  The  songs  which  spoke 
of  their  own  great  ancestor  were,  no  doubt,  of  far  inferior  sul>- 
limity  and  popularity,  or,  at  first  siglit,  a  Theseid  would  have 
been  much  more  likely  to  have  emanated  from  an  Athenian 
synod  of  compilers  of  ancient  song,  than  an  Achilleid  or  an 
Olysseid.  Could  France  have  given  birth  to  a  Tasso,  Tancred 
would  have  been  the  hero  of  the  Jerusalem.  If,  however,  the 
Homeric  ballads,  as  they  are  sometimes  called,  which  related 
the  wrath  of  Achilles,  with  all  its  direful  conscqueuces,  were  bo 


INTRODUCTION. 


far  superior  to  the  rest  of  tlie  poetic  cycle,  as  to  admit  no  rivalry, 
— it  is  still  surprising,  tliat  throughout  the  whole  poem  the 
(iillida  juitttura  should  never  betray  the  workmanship  of  an 
Athenian  hand  ;  and  that  the  national  spirit  of  a  race,  who  have 
at  a  later  period  not  inaptly  been  compared  to  our  self-admiring 
neighbors,  the  French,  should  submit  with  lofty  self-denial  to 
the  almost  total  exclusion  of  their  own  ancestors — or,  at  least,  to 
the  questionable  dignity  of  only  having  produced  a  leader 
tolerably  skilled  in  the  military  tactics  of  his  age."  " 

To  return  to  the  Wolfian  theory.  While  it  is  to  be  confessed, 
that  Wolf's  objections  to  the  primitive  integrity  of  the  Iliad  and 
Odyssey  have  never  been  wholly  got  over,  we  cannot  help  dis- 
covering that  they  have  failed  to  enlighten  us  as  to  any  subtan- 
tial  point,  and  that  the  difficulties  with  which  the  whole  subject 
is  beset,  are  rather  augmented  than  otherwise,  if  we  admit  his 
hypothesis.  Nor  is  Lachmann's  -^  modification  of  his  theory 
any  better.  He  divides  the  first  tv/enty-two  books  of  the  Iliad 
into  sixteen  different  Eongs,  and  treats  as  ridiculous  the  belief 
that  their  amalgamation  into  one  regular  poem  belongs  to  a 
period  earlier  than  the  age  of  Pcisistratus.  _  This,  as  Grote 
observes,  "  explains  the  gaps  and  contradictions  in  the  narrative, 
but  it  explains  nothing  else."  Moreover,  we  find  no  contradic- 
tions watranting  this  belief,  and  the  so-called  sixteen  poets 
concur  in  getting  rid  of  the  following  leading  men  in  the  first 
battle  after  the  secession  of  Achilles  :  Elphenor,  chief  of  the 
Eubceans ;  Tlepolemus,  of  the  Rhodians ;  Pandarus  of  the 
Lycians  ;  Odius,  of  the  Halizonians  ;  Pirous  and  Acamas,  of  the 
Thracians.  None  of  these  heroes  again  make  their  appearance, 
and  we  can  but  agree  with  Colonel  Mure,  that  "  it  seems  strange 
that  any  number  of  independent  poets  should  have  so  harmo- 
niously dispensed  with  the  services  of  all  six  in  the  sequel." 
The  discrepancy,  by  which  Pykemenes,  who  is  represented  as 
dead  in  the  f^fth  book,  weeps  at  his  son's  funeral  in  the  thirteenth, 
can  only  be  regarded  as  the  result  of  an  interpolation. 

Grote,  althiDugh  not  very  distinct  in  stating  his  own  opinions 
on  the  subject,  has  done  much  to  clearly  show  the  incongruity 
of  the  Wolfian  theory,  and  of  Lachmann's  modifications  with  the 
character  of  Peisistratus.  But  he  has  also  shown,  and  we  think 
with  equal  success,  that  the  two  questions  relative  to  the  prim- 
itive unity  of  these  poems,  or,  supposing  that  irapossible,_  the 
unison  of  these  parts  by  Peisistratus,  and  not  before  \\\z  time, 
are  essentially  distinct.  In  short,  "  a  man  may  believe  the 
Iliad  to  have  been  put  together  out  of  preexisting  songs,  with- 
out recognizing  the  age  of  Ptiisistratus  as  the  period  of  its  first 

-'  Oii.irteiH  Review.  I.  c.  p.  Mi,  sq. 

=•  Betr.ieluiuineii  iibcr  die  llias.  Berol.  iS.»i.  See  Grote,  p.  2o^.  Notes  an« 
Quene.,vul.v.i>..2.. 


INTRO  D  UC  TION. 


compilation."  The  friends  or  literary  employes  oi  Pcisistratus 
must  have  found  an  Iliad  that  was  already  ancient,  and  the 
silence  of  the  Alexandrine  critics  respecting  the  Peisistratic 
"  recension,"  goes  far  to  prove,  that,  among  the  numerous 
manuscripts  they  examined,  this  was  either  wanting,  or  thought 
unworthy  of  attention. 

"  Moreover,"  he  continues,  "  the  whole  tenor  of  the  poems 
themselves  confirms  what  is  here  remarked.  There  is  nothing, 
either  in  the  Iliad  or  Odyssey,  which  savors  of  modernism, 
applying  that  term  to  the  age  of  Peisistratus — nothing  which 
brings  to  our  view  the  alterations  brought  about  by  two  cen- 
turies, in  the  Greek  language,  the  coined  money,  the  habits  of 
writing  and  reading,  the  despotisms  and  republican  govern- 
ments, the  close  military  array,  the  improved  construction  of 
ships,  the  Amphiktyonic  convocations,  the  mutual  frequentalion 
of  religious  festivals,  the  Oriental  and  Egyptian  veins  of  religion, 
iS:c.,  familiar  to  the  latter  epoch.  These  alterations  Onomak- 
ritus,  and  the  other  literary  friends  of  Peisistratus,  could  hardly 
have  failed  to  notice,  even  without  design,  had  they  then,  for 
the  first  time,  undertaken  the  task  of  piecing  together  many 
self-existent  epics  into  one  large  aggregate.  Everything  in  the 
two  great  Homeric  poems,  both  in  substance  and  in  language, 
belongs  to  an  age  two  or  three  centuries  earlier  than  Peisis- 
tratus. Indeed,  even  the  interpolations  (or  those  passages 
which,  on  the  best  grour.ds  are  pronounced  to  be  such)  betray 
no  trace  of  the  sixth  century  before  Christ,  and  may  well  have 
been  heard  by  Archilochus  and  Kallinus — in  some  cases  even 
by  Arktinus  and  Hesiod — as  genuine  Honyric  matter.^'  As  far 
as  the  evidences  on  the  case,  as  well  internal  as  exturnal, 
enable  us  to  judge,  we  seem  warranted  in  believing  that  the 
Iliad  and  Odyssey  were  recited  substantially  as  they  now  stand 
(always  allowing  for  parti.tl  divergences  of  text  and  interpola- 
tions) in  776  P..  c,  our  first  trustworthy  mark  of  Grecian  time  ; 
and  this  ancient  date,  let  it  be  added,  as  it  is  the  best-authenti- 
cated fact,  so  it  is  also  the  most  important  attribute  of  the  Ho- 
meric poems,  considered  in  reference  to  Grecian  history ;  for 
they  thus  afford  us  an  insight  into  the  anti-historica!  character 
of  the  Greeks,  enabling  us  to  trace  the  subsequent  forward  inarch 
of  the  nation,  and  to  seize  instructive  contrasts  between  their 
former  and  their  later  condition."  3° 

On  the  whole,  I  am  inclined  to  believe,  that  the  labors  of 
Peisistratus  were  wholly  of  an  editorial  character,  although,  I 
must  confess,  that  I  can  lay  down  nothing  respecting  the  extent 
of  his  labors.  At  the  same  time,  so  far  from  believing  that 
the  composition  or  primary  arrangement  of  these  poems,  in  their 
present  form,  was  the  work  of   Peisistratus,  I   am   rather  per- 

*^  Prol«g£.  pp.  xixii.,  xxxvi.,  C  *  Vul.  ii.  p.  214,  sqq. 


WTRODUCTIOt^. 


suaded  that  the  fine  taste  and  elegant  mind  of  that  Athenian  ^ 
would  lead  him  to  preserve  an  ancient  and  traditional  order  of 
the  ix)ems,  rather  than  to  patch  and  re-construct  them  according 
to  a  fanciful  hypothesis.  I  will  not  repeat  the  many  discus- 
sions respecting  wliether  the  poems  were  written  or  not,  or 
whether  the  art  of  writing  was  Known  in  the  time  of  their 
reputed  author.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  more  we  read,  the 
less  satisfied  we  are  upon  either  subject. 

I  cannot,  however,  help  thinking,  that  the  story  which 
attributes  the  preservation  of  these  poems  to  Lycurgus,  is  little 
else  than  a  version  of  the  same  story  as  that  of  Peisistratus, 
wliile  its  historical  probability  must  be  measured  by  that  of 
many  others  relating  to  the  Spartan  Confucius. 

1  will  conclude  this  sketch  of  the  Homeric  theories,  with  an 
attempt,  made  by  an  ingenious  friend,  to  unite  them  into  some- 
thing like  consistency.     It  is  as  follows  : — 

"  No  doubt  the  common  soldiers  of  that  age  had,  like  the 
common  sailors  of  some  fifty  years  ago,  some  one  qualified  to 
'discourse  in  excellent  music'  among  them.  Many  of  these, 
like  those  of  the  negroes  in  the  United  States,  were  extempo- 
raneous, and  allusive  to  events  passing  around  them.  But  what 
was  passing  around  tliem  ?  The  grand  events  of  a  spirit-stirring 
war;  occurrences  likely  to  impress  themselves,  as  the  mystical 
legends  of  former  times  had  done,  upon  their  memory;  besides 
which,  a  retentive  memory  was  deemed  a  virtue  of  the  first 
water,  and  was  cultivated  accordingly  in  those  ancient  times. 
Ballads  at  first,  and  down  to  the  beginning  of  the  war  with 
Troy,  were  merely  recitations,  with  an  intonation.  Then  fol- 
lowed a  species  of  recitative,  probably  with  an  intoned  burden. 
Tune  ne.xt  followed,  as  it  aided  the  memory  considerably. 

"  It  was  at  this  period,  about  for  hundred  years  af'er  the 
war,  that  a  poet  flourished  of  the  name  of  IVIelcsigenes,  or 
Moeonides,  but  most  probably  tlie  former.  He  saw  that  these 
ball.ids  might  be  made  of  great  utility  to  his  purpo.se  of  writing 
a  poem  on  the  social  position  of  Hellas,  and,  as  a  collection,  he 
published  these  lays,  connecting  them  by  a  tale  of  his  own. 
This  poem  now  exists,  under  the  title  of  the  '  Odyssea.'  The? 
author,  however,  did  not  affix  his  own  name  to  the  poem,  which, 
in  fact,  was,  great  part  of  it,  remodelled  from  the  archaic  dialect 
of  Crete,  in  which  tongue  the  ballads  were  found  by  him.  He 
therefore  called  it  the  poem  of  Homeros,  or  the  Collector  ;  but 
this  is  rather  a  proof  of  his  modesty  and  talent,  than  of  his  mere 
drudging  arrangement  of  other  people's  ideas ;  for,  as  Grote 

*l  "Who,"  says  Cicero,  de  Oral.  lii.  34,  "  was  more  learned  in  that  age,  or  whose 
eloquence  is  reported  to  have  been  more  perfected  bv  literature  than  that  of  Peisis- 
tratus, who  is  said  first  to  have  disposed  the  books  of  Homer  ia  Ute  order  in  which  •ti% 
now  have  them.'"'  CuJnpare  Wolf's  Prulegoiueua  3i,  %. 


introduction:  23 


has  finely  observed,  arguing  for  the  unity  of  authorship,  'a 
great  poet  might  have  re-cast  pre-existing  separate  songs  into 
one  comprehensible  whole ;  but  no  mere  arrangers  or  compilers 
would  be  competent  to  do  so.' 

"  While  employed  on  the  wild  legend  of  Odysseus,he  met  with 
a  ballad,  recording  the  quarrel  of  Achilles  and  Agamemnon. 
His  noble  mind  seized  the  hint  that  there  presented  itself,  and 
the  Achilleis  '=  grew  under  his  hand.  Unity  of  design,  however, 
caused  him  to  publish  the  poem  under  the  same  pseudonyme  as 
his  former  work :  and  the  disjointed  lays  of  the  ancient  hards 
were  joined  togetlier,  like  those  relating  to  the  Cid,  into  a 
chronicle  history,  named  the  Iliad.  Melesigenes  knew  that  the 
poem  was  destined  to  be  a  lasting  one,  and  so  it  has  proved ; 
but,  first,  the  poems  were  destined  to  undergo  many  vicis- 
situdes and  corruptions,  by  the  people  who  took  to  singing 
them  in  the  streets,  assemblies,  and  agoras.  However,  Solon 
first,  and  then  Peisistratus,  and  afterwards  Aristoteles  and 
others,  revised  the  poems,  and  restored  the  works  of  Mele- 
sigenes Honeros  to  their  original  integrity  in  a  great  meas- 
ure."" 

Having  thus  given  some  general  notion  of  the  strange 
theories  which  have  developed  themselves  respecting  this  most 
interesting  subject,  I  must  still  express  my  conviction  as  to  the 
unity  of  the  authorship  of  the  Homeric  poems.  To  deny  that 
many  corruptions  and  interpolations  disfigure  them,  and  that 
the  intrusive  hand  of  the  poetasters  may  here  and  there  have 
inflicted  a  wound  more  serious  than  the  negligence  of  the 
copyist,  would  be  an  absurd  and  captious  assumption ;  but  it  is 
to  a  higher  criticism  that  we  must  appeal,  if  we  would  either 
understand  or  enjoy  these  poems.  In  maintaining  the  authen- 
ticity and  personality  of  their  one  author,  be  he  Homer  or 
Melesigenes,  qiiocunque  fiomine  vocari  enm  jus  fasque  sit,  I 
feel  conscious  that,  while  the  whole  weight  of  historical 
evidence  is  against  the  hvpothesis  which  would  assign  these 
great  works  to  a  plurality  of  authors,  the  most  powerful  internal 
evidence,  and  that  which  springs  from  tlie  deepest  and  most 
immediate  impulse  of  the  soul,  also  speaks  eloquently  to  tha 
contrary. 

The  minutias  of  verbal  criticism  I  am  far  from  seeking  to 
despise.  Indeed,  considering  the  character  of  some  of  my  own 
books,  such  an  attempt  would  be  gross  inconsistency.  But, 
while  I  appreciate  its  importance  in  a  philological  view,  I  am 
inclined  to  set  little  store  on  its  asthetic  value,  especially  in 

"  "  The  first  book,  together  with  the  eighth,  and  the  books  from  the  eleventh  t« 
the  twenty-second  inclusive,  seems  to  form  the  primary  organisation  of  the  poen^ 
thot.  properly  an  Acbilleis." — Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  235 

^  K.  K.  U.  Aiackeazie,  Notes  aud  (Queries,  p.  222,  sqQ 


24  INTRODUCTION. 

poetry.  Three  parts  of  tlie  emendations  made  upon  poets  art 
mere  alterations,  some  of  which,  had~they  been  suggested  to  tlia 
author  by  his  Maecenas  or  Africanus,  he  would  probably  havy 
adopted.  Moreover,  those  who  are  most  exact  in  laying  down 
rules  of  verbal  criticism  and  interpretation,  are  often  least  com- 
f>etent  to  carry  out  their  own  precepts.  Grammarians  are  nol 
poets  by  profession,  but  may  be  so  per  accidejis.  I  do  not  at 
this  moment  remember  two  emendations  on  Homer,  calculated 
to  substantially  improve  the  poetry  of  a  passage,  although  a 
mass  of  remarks,  from  Herodotus  down  to  Loewe,  have  given 
us  the  history  of  a  thousand  minute  points,  without  which  our 
Greek  knowledge  would  be  gloomy  and  jejune. 

But  it  is  not  on  words  only  that  grammarians,  mere  gram- 
marians, will  exercise  their  elaborate  and  often  tiresome 
ingenuity.  Binding  down  an  heroic  or  dramatic  poet  to  the 
block  upon  which  they  have  previously  dissected  his  words  and 
sentences,  they  proceed  to  use  the  axe  and  the  pruning  knife  by 
wholesale  ;  and  inconsistent  in  everything  but  their  wish  to 
make  out  a  case  of  unlawful  affiliation,  they  cut  out  book  after 
book,  passage  after  pass.age,  till  the  author  is  reduced  to  a  col- 
lection of  fragments,  or  till  those,  who  fancied  they  possessed 
the  works  of  some  great  man,  find  that  they  have  been  put  off 
with  a  vile  counterfeit  got  up  at  second  hand.  If  we  compare 
the  theories  of  Knight,  Wolf,  Lachmann,  and  others,  we  shall 
feel  better  satisfied  of  the  utter  uncertainty  of  criticism  than  of 
the  apocryphal  position  of  Homer.  One  rejects  what  another 
considers  the  turning-point  of  his  theory.  One  cuts  a  supposed 
knot  by  expunging  what  another  would  explain  by  omitting 
something  else. 

Nor  is  this  morbid  species  of  sagacity  by  any  means  to  be 
looked  upon  as  a  literary  novelty.  Justus  Lipsius,  a  scholar  of 
no  ordinary  skill,  seems  to  revel  in  the  imaginary  discovery, 
that  the  tragedies  attributed  to  Seneca  are  by  four  different 
authors.'-i  Now,  I  will  venture  to  assert,  that  these  tragedies  are 
so  uniform,  not  only  in  their  borrowed  phraseology — a  phrase- 
ology with  whicli  writers  like  Boethius  and  Saxo  Grammaticus 
were  more  charmed  than  ourselves — in  their  freedom  from  real 
poetry,  and  last,  but  not  least,  in  an  ultra-refined  and  consistent 
abandonment  of  good  taste,  that  few  writers  of  the  present  day 
would  question  the  capabilities  of  the  same  gentleman,  be  he 
Seneca  or  not,  to  produce  not  only  these,  but  a  great  many 
more  equally  bad.  With  equal  sagacity.  Father  Hardouin 
astonished  the  world  with  the  starding  announcement  that  the 
^neid  of  Virgil,  and  the  satires  of  Horace,  were  literary 
deceptions.  Now,  without  wishing  to  say  one  word  of  disre- 
spect against  the  industry  and  learning— nay,  the  refined  acute- 

«  See  his  Epistle  to  Kaphcliiigius,  m  Stlirudct's  edition,  to.4,  Delphis,  172S. 


L\'TRODUCTIO^r.  25 

ness — which  scholars,  like  Wolf,  have  bestowed  upon  this 
subject,  I  must  express  my  fears,  that  many  of  our  modern 
Homeric  theories  will  become  matter  for  the  surprise  and 
entertainment,  rather  than  the  instruction,  of  posterity.  Nor 
can  I  help  thinking,  that  the  literary  history  of  more  recent 
times  will  account  for  many  points  of  difficulty  in  the  transmis- 
sion of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  to  a  period  so  remote  from  that 
01  their  first  creation. 

I  have  already  expressed  my  belief  that  the  labors  of  Pei- 
sistratus  were  of  a  purely  editorial  character;  and  there  seems 
no  more  reason  why  corrupt  and  imperfect  editions  of  Homer 
m.ly  not  have  been  abroad  in  his  day,  than  that  the  poems  of 
Valerius  Flaccus  and  Tibullus  should  have  given  so  much 
trouble  to  Poggio,  Scaliger,  and  others.  But,  after  all,  the 
main  fault  in  all  the  Homeric  theories  is,  that  they  demand  too 
great  a  sacrifice  of  those  feelings  to  which  poetry  most  pow- 
erfully appeals,  and  which  are  its  most  fitting  judges.  The 
ingenuity  which  has  sought  to  rob  us  of  the  name  and  ex- 
istence of  Homer,  does  too  much  violence  to  that  inward 
emotion,  which  makes  our  whole  soul  yearn  with  love  and 
admiration  for  the  blind  bard  of  Chios.  To  believe  the  author 
of  the  Iliad  a  mere  compiler,  is  to  degrade  the  powers  of 
human  invention  ;  to  elevate  analytical  judgment  at  the 
expense  of  the  most  ennobling  impulses  of  the  soul;  and  to 
forget  the  ocean  in  the  contemplation  of  a  polypus.  There  is  a 
catholicity,  so  to  speak,  in  the  very  name  of  Homer.  Our  faith 
in  the  author  of  the  Iliad  may  be  a  mistaken  one,  but  as  yet 
nobody  has  taught  us  a  better. 

While,  however,  I  look  upon  the  belief  in  Homer  as  one 
that  has  nature  herself  for  its  mainspring;  while  I  can  join 
with  old'Ennius  m  believing  in  Homer  as  the  ghost,  who,  like 
some  patron  saint,  hovers  round  the  bed  of  the  poet,  and  even 
bestows  rare  gifts  from  that  wealth  of  imagination  which  a  host 
of  imitators  could  not  exhaust, — still  I  am  far  from  wishing  to 
deny  that  the  author  of  these  great  poems  found  a  rich  fund 
of  tradition,  a  well-stocked  mythical  storehouse  from  whence 
he  might  derive  both  subject  and  embellishment.  ISut  it  is  ore 
thing  to  use  existing  romances  in  the  embellishment  of  a  poem, 
another  to  patch  up  the  poem  itself  from  such  materials. 
What  consistency  of  style  and  execution  can  be  hoped  for  from 
such  an  attempt  ?  or,  rather,  what  bad  taste  and  tedium  will  not 
be  the  infallible  result  ? 

A  blending  of  popular  legends,  and  a  free  use  of  the  songs 
of  other  bards,  are  features  perfectly  consistent  with  poetical 
originality.  In  fact,  the  most  original  writer  is  still  drawing 
upon  outward  imjiressions — nay,  even  his  own  thoughts  are  a 
Kind  of  secondary  agents  which  support  and  feed  the  impulses 


introduction: 


oi  iiTiagination.  But  unless  there  be  some  grand  pervading 
principle — some  invisible,  yet  most  distinctly  stamped  arche- 
typus  of  the  great  whole,  a  poem  like  the  Iliad  can  never  come 
to  the  birth.  Traditions  the  most  picturesque,  episodes  the 
most  pathetic,  local  associations  teeming  with  the  thoughts  of 
gods  and  great  men,  may  crowd  in  one  mighty  vision,  oi  reveal 
themselves  in  more  substantial  forms  to  the  mind  of  the  poet; 
but,  except  the  power  to  create  a  grand  whole,  to  which  these 
shall  be  but  as  details  and  embellishments,  be  present,  we  shall 
have  nought  but  a  scrap-book,  a  parteire  filled  with  flowers  and 
weeds  strangling  each  other  in  their  wild  redundancy :  we  shall 
have  a  cento  of  rags  and  tatters,  which  will  require  little  acufe- 
less  to  detect. 

Sensible  as  I  am  of  the  difficulty  of  disproving  a  negative, 
^nd  aware  as  I  must  be  of  the  weighty  grounds  there  are  for 
opposing  my  belief,  it  still  seems  to  me  that  the  Homeric  ques- 
tion is  one  that  is  reserved  for  a  higher  criticism  than  it  has 
often  obtained.  We  are  not  by  nature  intended  to  know  all 
things ;  still  less,  to  compass  the  powers  by  which  the  greatest 
blessings  of  life  have  been  placed  at  our  disposal.  Were  faith 
no  virtue,  then  we  might  indeed  wonder  why  God  willed  our 
ignorance  on  any  matter.  But  we  are  too  well  taught  the  con- 
trary lesson ;  and  it  seems  as  though  our  faith  sliould  be  especi- 
ally tried  touching  the  men  and  the  events  which  have  wrought 
Host  influence  upon  the  condition  of  humanity.  And  there  is  a 
ind  of  sacredness  attached  to  the  memory  of  the  great  and  the 
^od,  which  seems  to  bid  us  repulse  the  skepticism  which  would 
allegorize  their  existence  into  a  pleasing  apologue,  and  measure 
the  giants  of  intellect  by  an  homojopathic  dynameter. 

Long  and  habitual  reading  of  Homer  appears  to  fapiiliarize 
our  thoughts  even  to  his  incongruities  ;  or  rather,  if  we  read  in 
a  right  spirit  and  with  a  heartfelt  appreciation,  we  are  too  much 
dazzled,  too  deeply  wrapped  in  admiration  of  the  whole,  to  dwell 
upon  the  minute  spots  which  mere  analysis  can  discover.  In 
reading  an  heroic  poem  we  must  transform  ourselves  into  hemes 
of  tlie  time  being,  we  in  imagination  must  fight  over -the  sama 
battles,  woo  the  same  loves,  burn  with  the  same  sense  of  injury, 
as  an  Achilles  or  a  Hector.  And  if  we  can  but  attain  this  degree 
of  enthusiasm  (and  less  enthusiasm  will  scarcely  suffice  for  the 
reading  of  Homer),  we  shall  feel  that  the  poems  of  Homer  are 
not  only  the  work  of  one  writer,  but  of  the  greatest  writer  that 
ever  touched  the  hearts  of  men  by  the  power  of  song. 

And  it  was  this  supposed  unity  of  authorship  which  gave 
these  poems  their  powerful  influence  over  the  minds  of  the  men 
of  old.  Heeren  who  is  evidently  little  disposed  in  favor  of 
modern  theories,  finally  observes  : — 

"It  was  Homer  who  formed  the  character  of  the  Greek 


tntkoduction:  ^7 


nation.  No  poet  h.is  ever,  as  a  poet,  exercised  a  similar 
influence  over  his  countrymen.  Propliets,  lawgivers,  and  sages 
have  formed  the  character  of  other  nations;  it  was  reserved  to 
a  pott  to  form  ihat  jf  Ihe  Greeks.  This  is  a  feature  in  their 
character  which  was  not  wholly  erased  even  in  the  period  of 
their  degeneracy.  When  lawgivers  and  sages  appeared  in 
Greece,  the  work  of  the  poet  had  already  been  accomphshed  ; 
ard  they  paid  homage  to  his  superior  genius.  He  held  up  be- 
fore his  nation  the  mirror,  in  which  tliey  were  to  behoJd  llie 
world  of  gods  and  heroes  no  less  than  of  feeble  mortals,  and  to 
behold  tliem  reflected  with  purity  and  truth.  His  poems  are 
founded  on  the  first  feeling  of  human  nature ;  on  the  love  of 
children,  wife,  and  country;  on  that  passion  which  outweighs 
all  othars,  the  love  of  glory.  His  songs  were  poured  forth  from 
a  breast  which  sympathized  with  all  the  feehngs  of  man;  and 
therefore  they  enter,  and  will  continue  to  enter,  every  breast 
which  cherishes  the  same  sympathies.  If  it  is  granted  to  his 
immortal  spirit,  from  another  heaven  than  any  of  wliich  he 
dreamed  on  earth,  to  look  down  on  his  race,  to  see  the  nations 
from  the  fields  of  Asia  to  the  forests  of  Hercynia,  performing 
pilgrimages  to  the  fountain  which  his  magic  wand  caused  to  flow ; 
if  it  is  permitted  to  him  to  view  the  vast  assemblage  of  grand, 
of  elevated,  of  glorious  productions,  which  had  been  called  into 
being  by  means  of  his  songs;  wlierever  his  immortal  spirit  may 
reside,  this  alone  would  suffice  to  complete  his  happiness."  '■'■' 

Can  we  contemplate  that  ancient  monument,  on  which  the 
"Apotheosis  of  Homer"  "^  is  depictured,  and  not  feel  how  much 
of  pleasing  association,  how  much  that  appeals  most  forcibly 
and  most  distinctly  to  our  minds,  is  lost  by  the  admittance  oV 
any  theory  but  our  old  tradition .'  The  more  we  read,  and  the 
more  we  think — think  as  becomes  the  readers  of  Homer. — the 
more  rooted  becomes  the  conviction  that  the  Father  of  Poetry 
gave  us  this  rich  inheritance,  whole  and  entire.  Whatever 
were  the  means  of  its  preservation,  let  us  rather  be  thankful  for 
the  treasury  of  taste  and  eloquence  thus  laid  open  to  our  use, 
than  seek  to  make  it  a  mere  centre  around  wliich  to  drive  a 
series  of  theories,  whose  wiklness  is  only  equalled  by  their 
inconsistency  with  each  other. 

As  the  hymns,  and  some  other  poems  usually  ascril)cd  to 
Homer,  are  not  included  in  Pope's  translation,  I  will  content 
myself  with  a  brief  account  of  the  3attle  of  the  Frogs  and  Mice, 
from  the  pen  of  a  writer  who  has  done  it  full  justice  »: — 

"This  poem,"  says  Coleridge,  "is  a  short  mock-heroic  of 
ancient  date.     The  text   varies  in   different  editions,  and  is 

"Tlie  be^l  clcsciii'itidii  of'  tilis  nionument  will  be  found  in  Vaux's  "  Antiquities  ol 
(he  P.ntwli  Museum,"  p.  1138.  sq.  Tlie  muuumcut  itself  (Towneley  Sculptures,  N«i 
I2J)  ,s  well  kuown. 

K  Coleridire.  Classic  P««lt.  n.  >■.&. 


28  introduction: 


obviously  disturbed  and  corrupt  to  a  great  degree ;  it  is  com- 
monly said  to  have  been  a  juvenile  essay  of  Homer's  genius ; 
others  have  attributed  it  to  the  same  Pigrees,  mentioned  above, 
and  whose  reputation  for  humor  seems  to  have  invited-  tha 
appropriation  of  any  piece  of  ancient  wit,  the  author  of  which 
was  uncertain  ;  so  little  did  the  Greeks,  before  the  age  of  the 
Ptolenjies,  know  or  care  aljout  that  department  of  criticism  em- 
ployed in  determining  the  genuineness  of  ancient  writings.  As 
to  this  little  poem  being  a  youthful  prolusion  of  Homer,  it  seems 
sufficient  to  say  that  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  it  is  a  plain 
and  palpable  parody,  not  only  of  the  general  spirit,  but  of  the 
numerous  passages  of  the  Iliad  itself;  and  even,  if  no  such 
intention  to  parody  were  discernible  in  it,  the  objection  wou!d 
still  remain,  that  to  suppose  a  work  of  mere  burlesque  to  be  the 
primary  effort  of  poetry  in  a  simple  age,  seems  to  reverse  th;>,t 
order  in  the  development  of  national  taste,  whicli  the  history  of 
every  other  people  in  Europe,  and  of  many  in  Asia,  has  almost 
ascertained  to  be  a  law  of  the  human  mind;  it  is  in  a  state  o* 
society  much  more  refined  and  permanent  than  that  described 
in  the  Iliad,  that  any  popularitv  would  attend  such  a  ridicule  of 
war  and  the  gods  as  is  contained  in  this  poem ;  and  the  fact  of 
there  having  existed  three  other  poems  of  the  same  kind  attrib- 
uted, for  aught  we  can  see,  with  as  much  reason  to  Elomer,  is  a 
strong  inducement  to  believe  that  none  of  them  were  of  the 
Homeric  age.  Knight  infers  from  the  usage  of  the  word  (JiV-mc, 
"writing  tablet,"  instead  of  "(cr"//"/,  "  skin,"  which,  according 
to  Herod.  5,  58,  was  the  material  employed  by  the  Asiatic  Greeks 
for  that  purixjse,  that  this  poem  was  another  offspring  of  Attic 
ingenuity ;  and  generally  that  the  familiar  mention  of  the  cock 
(v.  191)  is  a  strong  argument  against  so  ancient  a  date  for  its 
composition." 

Having  thus  given  a  brief  account  of  the  poems  comprised 
in  Pope's  design,  I  will  now  proceed  to  make  a  few  remarks  on 
his  translation,  and  on  my  own  purpose  in  the  present  edition. 

Pope  was  not  a  Grecian.  His  whole  education  had  been 
irregular,  and  his  earliest  acquaintance  with  the  poet  was 
through  the  version  of  Ogilby.  It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that 
his  wliole  work  bears  the  impress  of  a  disposition  to  be  satisfied 
with  the  general  sense,  rather  than  to  dive  deeply  into  the 
minute  and  delicate  features  of  language.  Hence  his  whole 
work  is  to  be  looked  upon  rather  as  an  elegant  paraphrase  than 
a  translation.  There  are,  to  be  sure,  certain  conventional 
anecdotes,  which  prove  that  Pope  consulted  various  friends, 
whose  classical  attainments  were  sounder  than  his  own,  during 
the  undertaking;  but  it  is  proliabic  that  these  examinations  were 
the  result  rather  of  the  contradictory  versions  already  existing, 
than  of  a  desire  to  make  a  perfect  transcript  of  the  original. 


INTRODUCTIO.V.  29 


And  in  those  days,  what  is  called  literal  translation  was  less 
cultivated  than  at  present.  If  something;  like  the  general  sense 
could  be  decorated  with  the  easy  gracefulness  of  a  practised 
poet;  if  the  charms  of  metrical  cadence  and  a  pleasins;  fluency 
could  be  made  consistent  with  a  fair  interpretation  of  the  poets 
meaning,  his  words  were  less  jealously  sought  for,  and  those 
who  could  read  so  good  a  poem  as  Pope's  Iliad  had  fair  reason 
to  be  satisfied. 

It  would  be  absurd,  therefore,  to  test  Pope's  translation  by 
our  own  advancing  knowledge  of  the  original  text.  We  must 
be  content  to  look  at  it  as  a  most  delightful  work  in  itself, — a 
work  which  is  as  much  a  part  of  English  literature  as  Homer 
aimself  is  of  Greek.  We  must  not  be  torn  from  our  kindly 
hssociations  with  the  old  Iliad,  that  once  was  our  most  cherished 
companion,  or  our  most  looked-for  prize,  merely  because  Butt- 
mann,  Loewe,  and  Liddell  have  made  us  so  much  more  accurate 
as  to  dii^fi/j'i-z).Xnv  being  an  adjective,  and  not  a  substantive. 
Far  be  it  from  us  to  defend  the  faults  of  Pope,  especially  when 
we  think  of  Chapman's  fine,  bold,  rough  old  English; — far  be  it 
from  us  to  hold  up  his  translation  as  wliat  a  translation  of 
Homer  tnii^/U  be.  But  we  can  still  dismiss  Pope's  Iliad  to  the 
hands  of  our  readers,  with  the  consciousness  that  they  must 
have  read  a  very  great  number  of  books  before  they  Iiave  read 
its  fellow. 

As  to  the  Notes  accompanying  the  present  volume,  they  are 
drawn  up  without  pretension,  and  mainly  with  tlie  view  of  help- 
ing the  general  reader.  Having  some  little  time  since  trans- 
?ted  all  the  works  of  Homer  for  another  publisher,  I  might 
have  brought  a  large  amount  of  accumulated  matter,  sometimes 
of  a  critical  character,  to  bear  upon  the  text.  But  Pope's 
version  was  no  field  for  such  a  display  ;  and  my  purpose  was  to 
touch  briefly  on  antiquarian  or  mythological  allusions,  to  notice 
occasionally  some  departures  from  the  original,  and  to  give  a 
few  parallel  passages  from  our  English  Homer,  Milton.  In  the 
latter  task  I  cannot  pretend  to  novelty,  but  I  trust  that  my  other 
annotations,  while  utterly  disclaiming  high  scholastic  views,  will 
be  found  to  convey  as  much  as  is  wanted ;  at  least,  as  far  as  the 
necessary  limits  of  these  volumes  could  be  expected  to  admit. 
To  write  a  commentary  on  Homer  is  not  my  present  aim  ;  but  if 
I  have  made  Pope's  translation  a  little  more  entertaining  and 
instructive  to  a  mass  of  miscellaneous  readers,  I  shall  consider 
my  wishes  satisfactorily  accoi^plished. 

THEODORE  ALOIS  BUCKLEY 
Chris!  Chunk. 


POPE'S  PREFACE  TO  THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER. 

Homer  is  universally  allowed  to  have  had  the  greatest  in- 
dention of  any  writer  whatever.  The  praise  of  judgment  Virgil 
has  justly  contested  with  him,  and  others  may  have  their  pre- 
tensions as  to  particular  excellences  ;  but  his  invention  remains 
yet  unrivalled.  Nor  is  it  a  wonder  if  he  has  ever  been  acknowl- 
edged the  greatest  of  poets,  who  most  excelled  in  that  which  is 
the  very  foundation  of  poetry.  It  is  the  invention  that,  in  dif- 
ferent degrees,  distinguishes  all  great  geniuses  :  the  utmost 
stretch  of  human  study,  learning,  and  industry,  wh'rh  masters 
'.everything  besides,  can  never  attain  to  this.  It  furnishes  art 
with  all  her  materials,  and  without  it  judgment  itself  can  at  best 
but  "steal  wisely  :  "  for  art  is  only  like  a  prudent  steward^  that 
lives  on  managing  the  riches  of  nature.  Whatever  praises  may 
be  given  to  works  of  judgment,  there  is  not  even  a  single  beauty 
in  thein  to  which  the  invention  must  not  contribute  :  as  in  the 
most  regular  gardens,  art  can  only  reduce  beauties  of  nature  to 
more  regularity,  and  such  a  figure,  which  the  common  eye  may 
better  take  in,  and  is,  therefore,  more  entertained  with.  And, 
perhaps,  the  reason  why  common  critics  are  inclined  to  prefer 
a  judicious  and  methodical  genius  to  a  great  and  fruitful  one,  is, 
because  they  find  it  easier  for  themselves  to  pursue  their  obser- 
vations through  a  uniform  and  bounded  walk  of  art,  than  to 
comprehend  the  vast  and  various  extent  of  nature. 

Our  author's  work  is  a  wild  paradise,  where,  if  we  cannot  see 
all  the  beauties  so  distinctly  as  in  an  ordered  garden,  it  is  only 
because  the  number  of  them  is  infinitely  greater.  It  is  like  a 
copious  nursery,  which  contains  the  seeds  and  first  productions 
of  every  kind,  out  of  which  those  who  followed  him  have  buj 
selected  some  particular  p'ants,  each  according  to  his  fancv,  to 
cultivate  and  beautify.  If  some  things  are  too  luxuriant  it  is 
owing  to  the  richness  of  the  soil ;  and  if  others  are  not  arrived 
to  perfection  or  maturity,  it  is  only  because  they  are  overrun 
and  oppressed  by  those  of  a  stronger  nature. 

It  is  to  the  strength  of  this  amazing  invention  we  are  to  at- 
tribute that  unequalled  fire  and  rapture  which  is  so  forcible  in 
Homer,  tliat  no  man  of  a  t'ue  poetical  spirit  is  master  of  him- 
self whilf  he  reads  him.  What  he  writes  is  of  the  most  ani- 
mated nature  im.aginable ;  everything  moves,  everything  live.'v 


PREFACE.  31 

and  is  put  in  action.  It  a  council  be  called,  or  a  battle  fought, 
you  are  not  coldly  informed  of  what  was  said  or  done  as  from  a 
third  person  ;  the  reader  is  hurried  out  of  himself  by  the  force 
of  the  poet's  imai;ination,  and  turns  in  one  place  to  a  hearer,  in 
another  to  a  spectator.  The  course  of  his  verses  resembles 
that  of  the  army  he  describes, 

Ot'o'  «/)  lua-j,  wnii  T-.-r.ijjh  yOin  -<i.(ra  •>';i.(inn. 
"  They  pour  along  like  a  fire  that  sweeps  the  whole  earth  before 
it."  It  is,.however,  remarkable,  that  his  fancy,  which  is  every- 
where vigorous,  is  not  discovered  immediately  at  the  beginning 
of  his  poem  in  its  fullest  splendor:  it  grows  in  the  progress 
both  upon  himself  and  others,  and  becomes  on  fire,  like  a  char- 
iot-wheel, by  its  own  rapidity.  Exact  diai-iosition,  just  thought, 
correct  elocution,  polished  numbers,  may  have  been  found  in  a 
thousand;  but  this  poetic  fire,  this  '•vivida  vis  aninii,"  in  a  very 
few.  Even  in  works  where  all  those  are  imperfect  or  neglected, 
this  can  overpower  criticism,  and  make  us  admire  even  while 
we  disapprove.  Nay,  where  this  appears,  though  attended  with 
absurdities,  it  brightens  all  the  rubbish  about  it,  till  we  see 
nothing  but  its  own  splendor  This  fire  is  discerned  in  \'irgil, 
but  discerned  as  through  a  glass,  reflected  from  Homer,  more 
shining  than  fierce,  but  everywhere  equal  and  constant:  in  Lu- 
can  and  Statins  it  bursts  out  in  sudden,  short,  and  interrupted 
flashes-  in  Milton  it  glows  like  a  furnace  kept  up  to  an  uncom- 
mon ardor  by  the  force  of  art :  in  Shakspeare  it  strikes  before 
we  are  aware,  like  an  accidental  fire  from  heaven  :  but  in  Homer, 
and  in  him  only,  it  burns  everywhere  clearly  and  everywhere 
irresistibly. 

I  shall  here  endeavor  to  show  how  this  vast  invention  ex- 
erts itself  in  a  manner  superior  to  that  of  any  poet  through  all 
the  main  constituent  parts  of  his  work,  as  it  is  the  great  and 
peculiar  characteristic  which  distinguishes  him  from  all  other 
authors. 

This  strong  and  ruling  faculty  was  like  a  powerful  star, 
which,  in  the  violence  of  its  course,  drew  all  things  within  its 
vortex.  It  seemed  not  enough  to  have  taken  in  the  whole  cir- 
cle of  arts,  and  the  whole  compass  of  nature,  to  supply  his  ma.x- 
ims  and  reflections ;  all  the  inward  passions  and  affections  of 
mankind,  to  furnish  his  characters  ;  and  all  the  outward  forms 
and  images  of  things  for  his  descriptions  :  but  wanting  yet  an 
ampler  sphere  to  expatiate  in,  he  opened  a  new  and  boundless 
walk  for  his  imagination,  and  created  a  world  for  himself  in  the 
invention  of  fable.  That  which  Aristotle  calls  "the  soul  of 
poetry,"  was  first  breathed  into  it  by  Homer.  I  shall  bejjin 
-With  considering  him  in  his  part,  as  it  is  naturally  the  first;  and 
I  speak  of  it  both  as  it  means  the  design  of  a  poem,  and  as  it  is 
taken  for  fiction. 


32  PREFACE. 

Fable  may  be  divided  into  the  probable,  the  allegorical,  and 

the  marvellous.  The  proljable  fable  is  the  recital  of  such  ac- 
tions as,  though  they  did  not  happen,  yet  might,  in  tlie  common 
course  of  nature  :  or  of  such  as,  thougli  they  did,  became  fables 
by  the  additional  episodes  and  manner  of  telling  them.  Of  this 
sort  is  the  main  story  of  an  epic  poem,  ■'  The  return  of  Ulysses, 
the  settlement  of  the  Trojans  in  Italy,"  or  the  like.  That  of  the 
Iliad  is  the  -'anger  of  Achilles,"  the  most  short  and  single  sub- 
ject that  ever  was  chosen  by  any  poet.  Yet  this  he  has  sup- 
plied with  a  vaster  variety  of  incidents  and  events,  arid  crowded 
with  a  greater  number  of  councils,  speeches,  battles,  and  epi- 
sodes of  all  kinds,  than  are  to  be  found  even  in  those  poems 
whose  schemes  are  of  the  utmost  latitude  and  irregularity. 
The  action  is  hurried  on  with  the  most  vehement  spirit,  and  its 
whole  duration  employs  not  so  much  as  fifty  days.  Virgil,  for 
want  of  so  warm  a  genius,  aided  himself  by  taking  in  a  more 
extensive  subject,  as  well  as  a  greater  length  of  time,  and  con- 
tracting the  design  of  both  Homer's  poems  into  one,  which  is 
yet  but  a  fourth  part  as  large  as  his.  The  other  epic  poets  have 
used  the  same  practice,  but  generally  carried  it  so  far  as  to 
superinduce  a  multiplicity  of  fables,  destroy  the  unity  of  action, 
and  lose  their  readers  in  an  unreasonable  length  of  time.  Nor  is 
it  only  in  the  main  design  tiiat  they  have  been  unable  to  add  to 
his  invention,  but  they  have  followed  him  in  every  episode  and 
part  of  story.  It  he  has  given  a  regular  catalogue  of  an  army, 
they  all  draw  up  their  forces  in  the  same  order.  If  he  has  fu- 
neral games  for  Patrochis,  Virgil  has  the  same  for  Anchises  ;  and 
Statins  (rather  than  omit  them)  destroys  the  unity  of  his  actions 
for  those  of  Archemorus  If  Ulysses  visit  the  shades,  the 
/Eneas  of  Virgil  and  Scipio  of  Silius  are  sent  after  him.  If  he 
be  detained  from  his  return  by  the  allurements  of  Calypso,  so 
is  /Eneas  by  Uido,  and  Rinaldo  by  Armida.  If  Achilles  be  ab- 
sent from  the  army  on  the  score  of  a  quarrel  through  half  the 
poem,  Rinaldo  must  absent  himself  just  as  long  on  the  like 
account  If  he  gives  his  hero  a  suit  of  celestial  armor,  Virgil 
and  Tasso  make  the  same  present  to  theirs.  Virgil  has  not  only 
observed  this  close  imitation  of  Homer,  but,  where  he  had  not 
led  the  way,  supplied  the  want  from  other  Greek  authors.  Thus 
the  story  of  Sinon.  and  the  taking  of  Troy,  was  copied  (says 
Macrobius)  almost  word  for  word  from  Pisander,  as  the  loves 
'„."  Uido  and  /Eneas  are  taken  from  those  of  Medea  and  Jason 
in  Apollonius;  and  several  others  m  the  same  manner. 

To  proceed  to"  the  allegorical  fable. — If  we  reflect  upon  those 
innumerable  knowledges,  tliose  secrets  of  nature  and  physical 
philosophy  which  Homer  is  generally  supposed  to  have  wrapped 
up  in  his  allegories,  what  a  new  and  ample  scene  ot  wonder 
may  tins  consideration  afford  us  !     How  fertile  will   that  imag- 


PREFACE.  33 

ination  appear,  whicli  was  able  to  clothe  all  the  properties  of 
elements,  the  qualifications  of  the  mind,  the  virtues  and  vices, 
in  forms  and  persons  ;  antl  to  introduce  them  into  actions  agree- 
able to  the  nature  of  the  tilings  they  shallowed  !  This  is  a  field 
in  which  no  succeeding  poets  could  dispute  with  f-lomer;  and 
whatever.commendations  have  been  allowed  them  on  this  head, 
are  by  no  means  for  their  invention  in  having  enlarged  his  cir- 
cle, but  for  their  judgment  in  I'ftiving  contracted  it.  For  when 
the  mode  of  learning  changed  in  the  following  ages,  and  science 
was  delivered  in  a  plainer  manner,  it  then  became  as  reason- 
able in  the  more  modern  poets  to  lay  it  aside,  as  it  was  in  Ho- 
mer to  make  use  of  it.  And  perhaps  it  was  no  unliappy  circum- 
stance for  Virgil,  tliat  there  was  not  in  his  time  that  demand 
upon  him  of  so  great  an  invention  as  might  be  capable  of  fur- 
nisliing  all  those  allegorical  parts  of  a  poem. 

The  marvellous  fable  includes  whatever  is  supernatural,  and 
especially  the  machines  of  the  gods.  If  Homer  was  not  the 
first  who  introduced  the  deities  (as  Herodotus  imagines)  into 
the  religion  of  Greece,  he  seems  the  first  who  brought  tliem 
into  a  system  of  machinery  for  poetry,  and  such  a  one  as  makes 
Its  greatest  importance  and  dignity:  for  we  find  those  authors 
who  have  been  offended  at  the  literal  notion  of  the  gods,  con- 
stantly laying  tlieir  accusation  against  Homer  as  the  chief  sup- 
port of  it.  But  whatever  cause  there  might  be  to  blame  his 
machines  in  a  philosophical  or  religious  view,  they  arc  so  per- 
fect in  the  poetic,  that  mankind  have  been  ever  since  contented 
to  follow  them  ;  none  have  been  able  to  enlarge  the  sphere  of 
poetry  beyond  the  limits  he  has  set:  every  attempt  of  this  na- 
ture has  proved  unsuccessful ;  and  after  all  the  various  changes 
of  times  and  religions,  his  gods  continue  to  this  day  the  gods  of 
poetry. 

We  come  now  to  the  characters  of  his  persons;  and  here 
we  shall  find  no  autlior  has  ever  drawn  so  many,  with  so  visible 
and  surprising  a  variety,  or  given  us  such  lively  and  ail^ecting 
impressions  of  them.  Every  one  has  something  so  singularly 
his  own,  that  no  painter  could  have  distinguished  them  more  by 
their  features,  than  the  poet  has  by  their  manners.  Nothing 
can  be  more  exact  than  the  distinctions  he  has  observed  in  the 
different  degrees  of  virtues  and  vices.  The  single  quality  of 
courage  is  wonderfully  diversified  in  the  several  characters  of 
the  Iliad.  That  of  Achilles  is  furious  and  intractable  ;  that  of 
Diomede  forward,  yet  listening  to  advice,  and  subject  to  com- 
mand ;  that  of  Ajax  is  heavy  and  self-confiding;  of  Hector, 
active  and  vigilant :  the  courage  of  Agamemnon  is  inspirited  by 
love  of  empire  and  ambition;  that  of  Menelaiis  mixed  with  soft- 
ness and  tenderness  for  his  people  :  we  find  in  Idomeneus  a 
plain  direct  soldier ;  in  Sarpedon  a  gallant  and  generous  one. 
i 


34.  PREFACE. 

Nor  is  this  judicious  and  astonishing  diversity  to  be  found 
onlv  in  the  principal  quahty  which  constitutes  the  main  of  each 
character,  but  even  in  the  under  parts  of  it,  to  whicii  he  talves 
care  to  give  a  tincture  of  that  principal  one.  For  example :  the 
main  characters  of  Ulysses  and  Nestor  consist  in  wisdom;  and 
thev  are  distinct  in  this,  that  the  wisdom  of  one  is  artificial  and 
various,  of  the  other  natural,  open,  and  regular.  But  they  have, 
besides,  characters  of  courage ;  and  this  quality  also  takes  a 
different  turn  in  eacli  from  the  difference  of  his  prudence;  for 
one  in  the  war  depends  still  upon  caution,  the  other  upon  expe- 
rience. It  would  be  endless  to  produce  instances  of  these 
kinds.  The  characters  of  Virgil  are  far  from  striking  us  in  this 
open  manner ;  they  lie,  in  a  great  degree,  hidden  and  undistin- 
guished ;  and.  where  they  are  marked  most  evidently  affect  us 
not  in  proportion  to  those  of  Homer.  His  characters  of  valor 
are  much  alike ;  even  that  of  Turnus  seems  no  way  peculiar, 
but,  as  it  is,  in  a  superior  degree;  and  we  see  nothing  that  dif- 
ferences the  courage  of  Mnestheus  from  that  of  Sergestus, 
Cloanthus,  or  the  rest.  In  like  manner  it  may  be  remarked  of 
Statius's  heroes,  that  an  air  of  impetuosity  runs  through  them 
all;  the  same  horrid  and  savage  courage  appears  in  his  Capa- 
neus,  Tydeus,  Hippomedon,  &c.  They  have  a  parity  of  charac- 
ter, which  makes  them  seem  brothers  of  one  family.  I  believe 
when  the  re.ader  is  led  into  this  tract  of  reflection,  if  he  will 
pursue  it  through  the  epic  and  tragic  writers,  he  will  be  con 
vinced  how  infinitely  superior,  in  this  point,  the  invention  of 
Homer  was  to  that  of  all  others. 

The  speeches  are  to  be  considered  as  they  flow  from  the 
characters;  being  perfect  or  defective  as  they  agree  or  disagree 
with  the  manners,  of  those  who  utter  them.  As  there  is  more 
variety  of  characters  in  the  Iliad,  so  there  is  of  speeches,  than 
in  any  other  poein.  "  Everything  in  it  has  manner  "  (as  Aris- 
totle expresses  it) ;  that  is,  everything  is  acted  or  spoken. '  It  is 
hardly  credible,  in  a  work  of  such  length,  how  small  a  number 
of  lines  are  employed  in  narration.  In  Virgil  the  dramatic  part 
is  less  in  proportion  to  the  narrative  ;  and  the  speeches  often 
consist  of  general  reflections  or  thoughts,  which  might  be 
equally  just  "in  any  person's  mouth  upon  the  same  occasion.  As 
many  of  his  persons  have  no  apparent  characters,  so  many  of 
his  speeches  escape  being  applied  and  judged  by  the  rule  of 
propriety.  We  oftener  think  of  the  author  himself  when  we 
read  Virgil,  than  when  we  are  engaged  in  Homer  ;  all  which  are 
the  effects  of  a  colder  invention,  that  interests  us  less  in  the 
action  described  :  Homer  makes  us  hearers,  and  Virgil  leaves 
us  readers. 

If,  in  the  next  place,  we  take  a  view  of  the  sentiments,  the 
same  presiding  faculty  is  eminent  in  the  sublimity  and  spirit  of 


PREFACE.  3S 

his  thousrlits.  Longinus  has  given  his  opinion,  that  it  was  ir. 
this  part  Homer  principally  excelled.  What  were  alone  suffi- 
cient to  prove  the  grandeur  and  excellence  of  his  sentiments  in 
general,  is,  that  they  have  so  remarkable  a  parity  with  those  oi 
the  Scripture.  Duport,  in  his  Gnomologia  Homerica,  has 
collected  innumerable  instances  of  this  sort.  And  it  is  with 
justice  an  excellent  modern  writer  allows,  that  if  Virgil  has  not 
so  many  thoughts  that  are  low  and  vulgar,  he  has  no^  so  many 
that  are  sublime  and  noble  ;  and  that  the  Roman  author  seldom 
rises  into  very  astonishmg  sentiments  wliere  he  is  not  fired  by 
the  Iliad. 

If  we  observe  his  descriptions,  images,  and  similes,  we  sliall 
find  the  invention  still  predominant.  To  what  else  can  we 
ascribe  that  vast  comprehension  of  images  of  every  sort,  where 
we  see  each  circunistuice  of  art,  and  individual  of  nature,  sum 
moned  together  by  the  extent  and  fecundity  of  his  imagination  ; 
to  which  all  things,  in  their  various  views  presented  themselves 
in  an  instant,  and  had  their  impressions  taken  off  to  perfection 
at  a  heat  ?  Nay,  he  not  only  gives  us  the  full  prospects  of 
things,  but  several  unexpected  peculiarities  and  side  views, 
unobserved  by  any  painter  but  Homer.  Nothing  is  so  surpris- 
ing as  the  descriptions  of  his  battles  ;  which  take  up  no  le.ss 
than  half  the  Iliad,  and  are  supplied  with  so  vast  a  variety  of 
incidents,  that  no  one  bears  a  likeness  to  another;  such  different 
kmds  of  deaths,  that  no  two  heroes  are  wounded  in  the  sai'iie 
manner;  and  such  a  |)roiusion  of  noble  ideas,  that  every  battle 
rises  above  the  last  in  greatness,  horror,  and  confusion.  It  is 
certain  there  is  not  near  that  number  of  images  and  descriptions 
in  any  epic  poet ;  though  every  one  has  assisted  himself  with  a 
great  quantity  out  of  him  ;  and  it  is  evident  of  Virgil  esisecially, 
mat  he  has  scarce  any  comparisons  which  are  not  drawn  from  his 
master. 

If  we  descend  from  hence  to  the  expression,  we  see  the 
bright  imagination  of  Homer  shining  out  in  the  most  enlivened 
forms  of  it.  We  acknowledge  him  the  father  of  poetical  diction  ; 
the  first  who  taught  that  "  language  of  the  gods  "  to  men.  His 
expression  is  like  the  coloring  of  some  great  masters,  which  di.=. 
covers  itself  to  be  laid  on  boldly,  and  executed  with  rapidity. 
It  is,  indeed,  the  strongest  and  most  glowing  imaginable,  arid 
touched  with  the  greatest  spirit.  Aristotle  had  reason  to  say, 
he  was  tlie  only  poet  who  has  found  out  "  living  words  :  "  there 
are  in  him  more  daring  figures  and  metaphors  that  in  any  good 
author  whatever.  An  arrow  is  "  impatient  "  to  be  on  the  wing, 
a  weapon  "  thirsts  "  to  drink  the  blood  of  an  enemy,  and  the 
like  ;  yet  his  expression  is  never  too  big  for  the  sense,  but  justly 
great  in  proportion  to  it.  It  is  the  sentiment  that  swells  and 
fills  out  the  diction,  which  rises  with  it,  and   forms  itsi  If  about 


30  PREFACE. 

it ;  for  in  the  same  degree  that  a  thought  is  warmer,  an  expres- 
sion ^ill  be  brighter  ;  as  that  is  more  strong,  this  will  become 
more  perspicuous  ;  like  glass  in  the  furnace,  which  grows  to  a 
greater  magnitude,  and  refines  to  a  greater  clearness,  only  as  the 
breath  within  is  more  powerful,  and  the  heat  more  intense. 

To  throw  his  language  more  out  of  prose.  Homer  seems  to 
have  affected  the  compound  epithets.  This  was  a  sort  of  com- 
position peculiarly  proper  to  poetry  ;  not  only  as  it  heightened 
the  diction,  but  as  it  assisted  and  filled  the  numbers  with  greater 
^ound  and  pomp,  and  likewise  conduced  in  some  measure  to 
Ihicken  the  images.  On  this  last  consideration  I  cannot  but 
attribute  these  also  to  the  fruitfulness  of  his  invention  ;  since 
(as  he  has  managed  them)  they  are  a  sort  of  supernumerary 
pictures  of  the  persons  or  things  to  which  they  were  joined. 
We  see  the  motion  of  Hector's  plumes  in  the  epithet  A'u/juOaiu- 
/i.i?,  the  landscape  of  Mount  Neritus  in  that  of  EivotrtipuXhig, 
and  so  of  others  ;  which  particular  images  could  not  have  been 
insisted  upon  so  long  as  to  express  them  in  a  description  (though 
but  of  a  single  line)\vitIiout  diverting  the  reader  too  much  from 
the  principal  action  or  figure.  As  the  metaphor  is  a  short 
simile,  one  of  these  epithets  is  a  short  description. 

Lastly,  if  we  consider  his  versification,  we  shall  be  sensible 
what  a  share  of  praise  is  due  to  his  invention  in  that  also.  He 
wa3  not  satisfied  with  his  language  as  he  found  it  settled  in  any 
one  part  of  Greece,  but  searched  through  its  different  dialects 
with  this  particular  view,  to  beautify  and  perfect  his  numbers  : 
he  considered  these  as  they  had  a  greater  mixture  of  vowels  or 
consonants,  and  accordingly  employed  them  as  the  verse  requii  ed 
either  agreater  snioothDe'ss  or  strength.  What  he  most  affected 
was  the  Ionic,  which  has  a  peculiar  sweetness,  from  its  never 
using  contradictions,  and  from  its  custom  of  resolving  the  diph- 
thongs into  two  syllables,  so  as  to  make  the  words  open  thern- 
selves  with  a  more  spreading  and  sonorous  fluency.  With  this 
he  mingled  the  Attic  contractions,  the  broader  Doric,  and  the 
feebler  /Eolic,  which  often  rejects  its  aspirate,  or  takes  off  its 
accent  ;  and  completed  this  variety  by  altering  some  letters 
with  the  license  of  poetry.  Thus  his  measures,  instead  of  being 
fetters  to  his  sense,  were  always  in  readiness  to  run  along  with 
the  warmth  of  his  rapture,  and  even  to  give  a  further  representa- 
tion of  his  notions,  in  the  correspondence  of  their  sounds  to 
what  they  signified.  Out  of  all  these  he  had  derived  that 
harmony  which  makes  us  confess  he  had  not  only  the  richest 
head,  but  the  finest  ear  in  the  world.  This  is  so  great  a  truth, 
that  whoever  will  but  consult  the  tune  of  his  verses,  even  with- 
out understanding  them  (with  the  same  sort  of  diligence  as  we 
daily  see  practised  in  the  case  of  Italian  operas),  will  find  more 
sweetness,  variety,  and  majesty  of  sound,  than  in  any  other 


rREFACE.  37 

language  of  poetry.  Tlie  beauty  of  Iiis  numbers  is  allowed  by 
the  critics  to  be  copied  but  faintly  by  Virgil  himself,  though  tliey 
are  so  just  as  to  ascribe  it  to  the  nature  of  the  Latin  tonj;ue  ; 
indeed  the  Greek  has  some  advantages  both  from  the  natural 
sound  of  its  words,  and  the  turn  and  cadence  of  its  verse,  which 
agree  with  the  genius  of  no  other  language.  Virgil  was  very 
sensible  of  this,  and  used  the  utmost  diligence  in  working  up  a 
more  intractable  language  to  whatsoever  grace  it  was  capable  of 
and  in  particular,  never  failed  to  bring  the  sound  of  his  line  to  a 
beautiful  agreement  with  its  sense.  If  the  Grecian  poet  has 
not  been  so  frequently  celebrated  on  this  account  as  the  Roman, 
the  only  reason  is,  that  fewer  critics  have  understood  one  lan- 
guage than  the  other.  Diony.sius  of  Halicarnassus  has  pointed 
out  many  of  our  author's  beauties  in  this  kind,  in  his  treatise  of 
the  Composition  of  Words.  It  suffices  at  present  to  observe  of 
his  numbers,  that  they  flow  with  so  much  ease,  as  to  make  one 
imagine  Homer  had  no  other  care  than  to  transcribe  as  fast  as 
the  Muses  dictated,  and,  at  the  same  time,  with  so  much  force 
and  inspiriting  vigor,  that  they  awaken  and  raise  us  like  the 
sound  of  a  trumpet.  They  roll  along  as  a  plentiful  river,  always 
in  motion,  and  always  full  ;  while  we  are  borne  away  by  a  tide 
of  verse,  the  most  rapid,  and  yet  the  most  smooth  imaginable. 

Thus  on  whatever  side  we  contemplate  Homer,  what  princi- 
pally strikes  us  is  his  invention.  It  is  that  which  forms  the 
character  of  each  part  of  his  work  ;  and  accordingly  we  find 
it  to  have  made  his  fable  more  extensive  and  copious  than 
any  other,  his  manners  more  lively  and  strongly  marked,  his 
speeches  more  affecting  and  transported,  his  sentiments  more 
warm  and  sublime,  his  images  and  descriptions  more  full  and 
animated,  his  expression  more  raised  and  daring,  and  his  num- 
bers more  rapid  and  various.  I  hope,  in  what  has  been  said  of 
Virgil,  with  regard  to  any  of  these  heads,  I  have  no  way  dero- 
gated from  his  character.  Nothing  is  more  absurd  or  endless, 
than  tlie  common  method  of  comparing  eminent  writers  by  an 
opposition  of  particular  passages  in  them,  and  forming  a  judg- 
ment from  thence  of  their  merit  upon  the  whole.  We  ought  to 
have  a  certain  knowledge  of  the  principal  character  and  dislin. 
guishing  excellence  of  each  :  it  is  in  that  we  are  to  consider  him, 
and  in  proportion  to  his  degree  in  that  we  are  to  admire  him. 
No  author  or  man  ever  excelled  all  the  world  in  more  than  one 
faculty  ;  and  as  Homer  has  done  this  in  invention,  Virgil  has  in 
judgment.  Not  that  we  are  to  think  that  Homer  wanted  judg- 
ment, because  Virgil  had  it  in  a  more  eminent  degree  ;  or  that 
Virgil  wanted  invention,  because  Homer  possessed  a  larger 
share  of  it ;  each  of  these  great  authors  had  more  of  both  than 
perhaps  any  man  b  .-sides,  and  arr  only  said  to  have  less  in 
comparison  with  one  another.     Homer  was  the  greater  geuivs, 


3><  PREFACE. 

Virgi!  the  better  artist.  In  one  we  most  admire  the  man,  in  the 
other  the  work.  Homer  hurries  and  transports  us  with  a  com- 
manding impetuosity  ;  Virgil  leads  us  with  an  attractive  majesty  ; 
Homerscatters  with  a  generous  profusion  ;  Virgil  l)estows  witli 
a  careful  magnificence  ;  Homer,  like  the  Nile,  pours  out  of  his 
riches  with  a  boundless  overflow;  Virgil,  like  a  river  in  its 
banks,  with  a  gentle  and  constant  stream.  When  we  behold 
their  battles,  methinks  the  two  poets  resemble  the  heroes  they 
celebrate.  Homer,  boundless  and  resistless  as  Achilles,  bears 
all  before  him,  and  shines  more  and  more,  as  the  tumult' 
increases  ;  Virgil,  calmly  daring  like  ^neas,  appear.s,undisturbed 
in  the  midst  of  the  action  ;  disposes  all  abouthim,  and  conquers 
with  tranquillity.  And  when  we  look  upon  their  machines, 
Homer  seems  like  his  own  Jupiter  in  his  terrors,  sliaking 
Olympus,  scattering  the  lightnings,  and  firing  the  heavens : 
Virgil,  like  the  same  power  in  his  benevolence,  counselling  with 
the  gods,  laying  plans  for  empires,  and  regularly  ordering  his 
whole  creation. 

But  after  all,  it  is  with  great  parts,  as  with  great  virtues,-  they 
naturally  border  on  some  imperfection  ;  and  it  is  often  hard  to 
distinguish  e.vactly  where  the  virtue  ends,  or  the  fault  begins. 
As  prudence  may  sometimes  sink  to  suspicion,  so  may  a  great 
judgment  decline  to  coldness  ;  and  as  magnanimity  may  run  up 
to  profusion  or  e.\travagance,  so  may  a  great  invention  to  redun- 
dancy or  wildness.  If  we  look  upon  Homer  in  this  view,  we 
shall  perceive  the  chief  objections  against  him  to  proceed  from 
so  noble  a  cause  as  the  excess  of  this  faculty. 

Among  these  we  may  reckon  some  of  his  marvellous  fictions, 
upon  which  so  much  criticism  has  been  spent,  as  surpassing  all 
the  bounds  of  probability.  Perhaps  it  may  be  with  great  and 
superior  souls,  as  with  gigantic  bodies,  which,  exerting  them- 
selves with  unusual  strength,  exceed  what  is  commonly  thought 
the  due  proportion  of  parts,  to  become  miracles  in  the  whole  , 
and,  like  the  old  heroes  of  that  make,  commit  something  near 
extravagance,  amidst  a  series  of  glorious  and  inimitable  per- 
formances. Thus  Homer  has  his  "speaking  horses;"  and 
Virgil  his  "  myrtles  distilling  blood  ,  "  where  the  latter  has  not 
so  much  as  contrived  the  easy  intervention  of  a  deity  to  save  the 
probability. 

It  is  owing  to  the  same  vast  invention,  that  his  similes  have 
been  thought  too  exuberant  and  full  of  circumstances.  The 
force  of  this  faculty  is  seen  in  nothing  more,  than  in  its  inability 
to  confine  itself  to  that  single  circumstance  upon  which  the 
comparison  is  grounded:  it  runs  out  into  eml>ellishments  of 
additional  images,  which,  however,  are  so  managed  as  not  to 
overpower  tlie "main  one.  His  similes  are  like  pictures,  where 
the  principal  figure  has  nut  only  its  propoition  given  agreeable 


PKEFACE.  39 

to  the  ori.ijinal,  but  is  also  set  off  with  occasional  ornaments  aiiil 
prospects.  The  same  will  account  for  his  manner  of  heaping  a 
number  of  comparisons  tugetlier  in  one  breath,  when  his  fancy 
suggested  to  him  at  once  so  many  various  and  correspondent 
images.  The  reader  will  easily  extend  this  observation  to  more 
objections  of  the  same  kind. 

If  there  are  otiiers  wliich  seem  rather  to  charge  him  with  a 
defector  narrowness  of  genius,  tlian  an  excess  of  it,  those  seem- 
ing defects  will  be  found  upon  e.xamination  to  proceed  wholly 
from  the  nature  of  the  times  he  lived  in.  Such  are  his  grosser 
representations  of  the  gods ;  and  the  vicious  and  imperfect 
manners  of  his  heroes,  but  1  must  here  speak  a  word  of  the 
latter,  as  it  is  a  point  generally  carried  into  extremes,  both  by 
the  censurers  and  defenders  of  Homer.  It  must  be  a  strange 
partiality  to  antiquity,  to  think  with  Madame  Dacier,' "  that 
those  times  and  manners  are  so  inuch  the  more  excellent,  as 
they  are  more  contrary  to  ours."  Who  can  be  so  prejijdiced  in 
their  favor  as  to  magnify  the  felicity  of  those  ages,  when  a 
spirit  of  revenge  and  cruelty,  joined  with  the  practice  of  raoir"* 
and  robbery,  reigned  through  the  world  :  when  no  mere"  '^'-^ 
shown  but  for  the  sake  of  lucre ;  when  tlie  greatest  princes  weie 
put  to  the  sword,  and  their  wives  and  daughters  made  slaves 
and  concubines  ?  On  the  other  side,  I  would  not  be  so  delicate 
as  those  modern  critics,  who  are  shocked  at  the  servile  offices 
and  mean  employments  in  which  we  sometimes  see  the  hemes 
of  Homer  engaged.  There  is  a  pleasure  in  faking  a  view  of  tliat 
simplicity,  in  opposition  to  the  luxury  of  succeeding  ages :  in 
beholding  monarchs  without  their  guards;  princes  tending 
their  flocks,  and  princesses  drawing  water  from  the  springs. 
'When  we  read  Homer,  we  ought  to  reflect  that  we  are  reading 
the  most  ancient  author  in  the  heathen  world;  and  those  who 
consider  him  in  this  light,  will  double  their  pleasure  in  the 
perusal  of  him.  Let  them  think  they  are  growing  acquainted 
with  nations  and  people  that  are  now  no  more ;  tliat  they  are 
stepping  almost  three  thousand  years  back  into  the  remotest 
antiquity,  and  entertaining  themselves  with  a  clear  and  surpris- 
ing vision  of  things  nowhere  else  to  be  found,  the  only  true 
mirror  of  that  ancient  world.  By  this  means  alone  their  greatest 
obstacles  will  vanish  ;  and  what  usually  creates  their  dislike, 
will  become  a  satisfaction. 

This  consideration  may  further  serve  to  answer  for  the  con- 
stant use  of  the  same  epithets  to  his  gods  and  heroes:  !,uch  as 
the  "far-darting  Phoebus,"  the  "blue-eyed  Pallas,"  the  "swift- 
footed  Achilles,"  &c,  which  .some  have  censured  as  impertinent, 
and  tediously  repeated.     Those  of  the  gods  depended  upon  the 

^  Preface  lo  her  tioruer. 


4°  PREFACE. 

powers  and  offices  then  believed  to  belong  to  them ;  and  had 
contracted  a  weight  and  veneration  from  tlie  rites  and  solemn 
devotions  in  which  they  were  used  :  they  wei'e  a  sort  of  attri- 
butes with  which  it  was  a  matter  of  religion  to  salute  them  on  al' 
occasions,  and  which  it  was  an  irreverence  to  omit.  As  for  the 
epithets  of  great  men,  Mons.  Boileau  is  of  opinion,  that  they 
were  in  the  nature  of  surnames,  and  repeated  as  such  ;  for  the 
Greeks  having  no  names  derived  from  their  fathers,  were 
obliged  to  add  some  other  distinction  of  each  person;  either 
naming  his  parents  expressly,  or  his  place  of  birth,  profession, 
or  the  like :  as  Alexander  the  son  of  Philip,  Herodotus  of  Hali- 
carnassus,  Diogenes  the  Cynic,  &c.  Homer,  therefore,  complying 
with  the  custom  of  his  country,  used  such  distinctive  additions 
as  better  agreed  with  poetry.  And,  indeed,  we  have  something 
parallel  to  these  in  modern  times,  such  as  the  names  of  Harold 
Harefoot,  Edmund  Ironside,  Edward  Longshanks,  Edward  the 
Black  Prince,  &c.  If  yet  this  be  thoughtlo  account  better  for 
the  propriety  than  for  the  repetition,  I'shall  add  a  further  con- 
jecture. Hesiod,  dividing  the  world  into  its  different  ages,  has 
placed  a  fourtli  age,  between  the  brazen  and  the  iron  one,  of 
"heroes  distinct  from  other  men;  a  divine  race  who  fought  at 
Thebes  and  Troy,  are  called  demi-gods,  and  live  by  the  care 
of  Jupiter  in  the  islands  of  the  blessed.'"'  Now  among  the  di- 
vine honors  which  were  paid  them,  they  mjght  have  this  also  in 
common  with  the  gods,  not  to  be  mentioned  without  the  solem- 
nity of  an  epithet,  and  such  as  might  be  acceptable  to  them  by 
celebrating  their  families,  actions  or  qualities. 

What  other  cavils  have  been  raised  against  Homer,  are  sncb 
as  hardly  deserve  a  reply,  but  will  yet  be  taken  notice  of  as  they 
occur  in  the  course  of  the  work.  Many  have  been  occasioned' 
by  an  injudicious  endeavor  to  exalt  Virgil ;  which  is  much  the 
same,  as  if  one  should  think  to  raise  the  superstructure  by  un- 
dermining the  foundation:  one  would  imagine,  by  the  whole 
course  of  their  parallels,  that  these  critics  never  so  much  as 
heard  of  Homer's  having  written  first ;  a  consideration  which 
whoever  compares  these  two  ]ioets  ought  to  have  always  in  his 
eye.  Some  accuse  him  for  the  same  things  which  they  over- 
look or  praise  in  the  other;  as  when  they  prefer  the  fable  and 
moral  of  the  /Eneis  to  those  of  the  Iliad,  for  the  same  reasons 
which  might  set  the  Odyssey  above  the  /Cneis;  as  that  the  hero 
is  a  wiser  man,  and  the  action  of  the  one  more  beneficial  to  his 
country  than  that  of  the  other;  or  else  they  blame  him  for  not 
doing  what  he  never  designed ;  as  because  Achilles  is  not  as 
good  and  perfect  a  prince  as  /Eneas,  when  the  very  moral  of 
his  poem  required  a  contrary  character:  it  is  thus  that  Rapin 


'  Ht;siud.  Upp.  et  Dier.  Lib.  1.  vers.  155,  &c* 


PlinfACE.  41 

judges  in  liis  comparison  of  Homer  and  Virgil.  Others  select 
those  particular  passages  of  Homer  wliich  are  not  so  labored  as 
some  that  Virgil  drew  out  of  them'  this  is  the  whole  manage- 
ment of  Scaliger  in  his  Poetics.  Otliers  quarrel  with  wliat  they 
take  for  low  and  mean  expressions,  sometimes  through  a  false 
delicacy  and  refinement,  oftener  from  an  ignorance  of  the  graces 
of  the  original,  and  then  triumpli  in  the  awkwardness  of  their 
own  translations:  this  is  the  conduct  of  Perrault  in  his  Paral- 
lels. Lastly,  there  are  others,  wlio,  pretending  to  a  fairer  pro- 
ceeding, distinguish  between  the  personal  merit  of  Homer,  and 
that  of  his  work ;  but  when  they  come  to  assign  the  causes  of 
the  greiit  reputation  of  the  Iliad,  tliey  found  it  upon  the  ignor- 
ance of  his  times,  and  the  prejudice  of  those  that  followed :  and 
in  pursuance  of  this  principle,  they  make  those  accidents  (such 
as  the  contention  of  the  cities,  &c.)  to  be  the  causes  of  his  fame, 
which  were  in  reality  the  consequences  of  his  merit  The  same 
might  as  well  be  said  of  Virgil,  or  any  great  author  whose  gen- 
eral character  will  infallibly  rai.'ie  many  casual  additions  to  their 
reputation.  This  is  the  method  of  Mons.  de  la  Mott :  who  yet 
confesses  upon  the  whole  that  in  whatever  age  Homer  had 
hved,  he  must  have  been  the  greatest  poet  of  his  nation,  and 
tliat  he  may  be  said  in  his  sense  to  be  the  master  even  of  those 
vho  surpassed  him. 

In  all  these  objections  we  see  nothing  that  contradicts  his 
title  to  tlie  honor  of  the  chief  invention:  and  as  long  as  this 
(which  IS  indeed  the  characteristic  of  poetry  itself)  remains  un- 
equalled by  his  followers,  he  still  continues  superior  to  them. 
A  cooler  judgment  may  commit  fewer  faults,  and  be  more  ap- 
proved in  the  eyes  of  one  sort  of  critics  :  but  that  warmth  of 
fancy  will  carry  the  loudest  and  most  univers.al  applauses  which 
holds  the  heart  of  a  reader  under  the  strongest  enchantment. 
Homer  not  only  appears  the  inventor  of  poetry,  but  excels  all 
the  inventors  of  other  arts,  in  this,  that  he  has  swallowed  up 
the  honor  of  those  who  succeeded  him.  What  he  has  done 
admitted  no  increase,  it  only  left  room  for  contraction  or  regu- 
lation. He  showed  all  the  stretch  of  fancy  at  once;  and  if  he 
has  failed  in  some  of  liis  flights,  it  was  but  because  he  attempted 
everything.  A  work  of  this  kind  seems  like  a  mighty  tree, 
which  rises  from  the  most  vigorous  seed,  is  improved  with  Ih- 
dustry,  flourishes,  and  produces  the  finest  fruit;  nature  and  art 
conspire  to  raise  it ;  pleasure  and  profit  join  to  make  it  valuable  • 
and  they  who  find  the  justest  faults,  have  only  said  that  a  few 
branches  which  run  luxuriant  through  a  richness  of  nature, 
might  be  lopped  into  form  to  give  it  a  more  regular  appearance. 

Having  now  spoken  of  the  beauties  and  defects  of  the  orig- 
inal, it  remains  to  treat  of  the  translation,  with  the  same  view 
to  the  ohief  characteristic      ",3  far  as  that  is  seen  in  the  maia 


4*  PRKFACE. 

parts  of  the  poem,  such  as  the  fable,  manners,  and  sentiments, 
no  translator  can  pr^'juchce  it  but  by  wilful  omissions  or  con- 
tractions. As  it  also  breaks  out  in  <"  yery  particular  image, 
description,  and  simile,  whoever  lessens  or  too  much  softens 
those,  takes  o\{  from  this  chief  character  It  is^the  first  grand 
duty  of  an  interpreter  to  give  his  author  entire  and  unmaimed  : 
and  for  the  rest,  the  diction  and  versification  only  are  his  proper 
province,  since  these  must  be  his  own,  but  the  others  he  is  to 
take  as  he  finds  them. 

It  should  then  bj  considered  what  methods  may  afford  some 
equivalent  in  our  language  for  the  graces  of  these  m  the  Greek. 
It, is  certain  no  literal  translation  can  be  just  to  an  excellent 
original  in  a  superior  language;  but  it  is  a  great  mistake  to 
imagine  (as  many  have  done)  that  a  rash  paraphrase  can  make 
amends  for  this  general  defect ;  which  is  no  less  in  danger  to 
lose  the  spirit  of  an  ancient,  by  deviating  into  the  modern  man- 
ners of  e.xpression  If  there  be  sometimes  a  darkness,  there  is 
often  a  light  in  antiquity,  which  nothing  better  ])reserves  than 
a  version  almost  literal.  I  know  no  liberties  one  ought  to  take, 
but  those  which  are  necessary  to  transfusing  the  spirit  of  the 
original,  and  supporting  tlie  poetical  style  of  the  translation: 
and  I  will  venture  to  say,  there  have  not  been  more  men  misled 
m  former  times  by  a  servile,  dull  adherence  to  the  letter,  than 
have  been  deluded  in  ours  by  a  chimerical,  insolent  hope  of 
raising  and  iaiproving  their  author.  It  is  not  to  be  doubted, 
that  tiie  fire  of  the  poem  is  what  a  translator  should  principally 
regard,  as  it  is  most  likely  to  e.xpire  in  his  managing:  however, 
it  is  his  safest  way  to  be  content  with  preserving  this  to  his 
utmost  in  the  whole,  without  endeavoring  to  be  more  than  he  finds 
his  author  is.  in  any  particular  place  It  is  a  great  secret  in  writ- 
ing, to  know  when  to  be  plain,  and  when  poetical  and  figurative, 
and  it  is  what  Homer  will  teach  us,  if  we  will  but  follow  mod 
estly  m  his  footsteps.  Where  his  diction  is  bold  and  lofty,  let 
us  raise  ours  as  high  as  we  can:  hut  where  his  is  plain  and 
humlile,  we  ought  not  to  be  deterred  from  imitating  him  by  the 
fear  of  incurring  the  censure  of  a  mere  English  critic.  Nothing 
that  belongs  to  Homer  seems  to  have  been  more  commonly  mis- 
taken than  the  just  pitch  of  his  style:  some  of  his  translators 
having  swelled  into  fustian  in  a  |5roud  confidence  of  the  sub- 
lime;  others  sunk  into  flatness,  in  a  cold  and  timorous  notion 
of  simplicity.  Methinks  I  see  these  different  followers  of  Ho- 
mer, soivie  sweating  and  straining  after  him  by  violent  leaps  and 
bounds  (the  certain  signs  of  false  mettle),  others  slowly  and 
servilelv  cree]jing  in  his  train,  while  the  poet  himself  is  all  the 
time  proceeding  with  .in  unaffected  and  equal  maje.sly  before 
them.  However,  of  the  two  e.\trenies  one  could  .'■ooner  pardon 
frenzy  than  frigidity;  no  author  is   to  be  envied  for  such  Cuiu" 


PREFACE.  43 

Biendalions,  as  he  may  gain  by  that  cliaractcr  of  style,  which 
his  friends  must  agree  together  to  call  simplicity,  and  the  rest 
of  the  world  will  call  dulness.  There  is  a  graceful  and  dignified 
simplicity,  as  well  as  a  bold  and  sordid  one ;  which  differ  as 
much  from  each  other  as  the  air  of  a  plain  man  from  that  of  a 
sloven  :  it  is  one  thing  to  be  tricked  up,  and  another  not  to  be 
dressed  at  all.  Simplicity  is  the  mean  between  ostentation  and 
rusticity. 

This  pure  and  noble  simplicity  is  nowhere  in  such  perfeo 
iion  as  in  the  Scripture  and  our  author.  One  may  afiirni,  with 
all  respect  to  the  inspired  writings,  tliat  the  Divine  Spirit  made 
use  of  no  other  words  but  wliat  were  intelligible  and  common 
to  men  at  that  time,  and  in  that  part  of  the  world ;  and,  as  Ho- 
mer is  the  author  nearest  to  those,  his  style  must  of  course 
bear  a  greater  resemblance  to  the  sacred  books  than  that  of 
any  other  writer.  This  consideration  (together  with  what  has 
been  observed  of  the  parity  of  some  of  his  thoughts)  may,  me- 
thinks,  induce  a  translator,  on  the  one  hand,  to  give  in  to  sev- 
eral of  those  general  phrases  and  manners  of  e.xpression,  which 
have  attained  a  veneration  even  in  our  language  from  being 
used  in  the  Old  Testament;  as,  on  the  other,  to  avoid  those 
which  have  been  appropriated  to  the  Divinity,  and  m  a  manner 
consigned  to  mvstery  and  religion. 

For  a  further  preservation  of  this  air  of  simplicity,  a  partic- 
ular care  should  be  taken  to  express  with  all  plainness  those 
moral  sentences  and  proverbial  speeches  which  are  so  numer- 
ous in  this  poet.  They  have  something  venerable,  and  as  I  ma" 
say,  oracular,  in  that 'unadorned  gravity  and  shortness  with 
which  tliey  ave  delivered:  a  grace  which  wouid  be  utterly  lost 
by  endeav'ori/ig  to  give  them^what  we  call  a  more  ingenious 
(that  is.  a  more  modern)  turn  in  the  paraphrase. 

Perhaps  the  mixture  of  some  Grscisms  and  old  words  after 
the  manner  of  Milton,  if  done  without  too  much  affectation, 
might  not  have  an  ill  effect  in  a  version  of  this  particular  work, 
which  most  rif  any  other  seems  to  require  a  venerable,  antique 
cast.  I3ut  certainly  the  use  of  modern  terms  of  war  and  gov- 
ernment, such  as  "platoon,  campaign,  junto,"  or  the  like  (into 
which  some  of  his  translators  have  fallen),  cannot  be  allowable ; 
those  only  excepted  without  which  it  is  impossible  to  treat  the 
subjects  in  any  living  language. 

There  are  two  peculiarities  in  Homer's  diction  which  are  a 
sort  of  marks  or  moles  by  which  every  common  eye  distin- 
guishes him  at  first  sight ,  those  who  are  not  his  greatest  ad- 
mirers look  upon  them  as  defects,  and  those  who  arc,  seern 
pleased  with  them  as  beauties.  I  speak  of  his  compound  epi- 
thets, and  nf  his  repetitions  Many  of  the  former  cannot  \vt 
<lone  literally  into  Englisli  without  destroying  tlie  purity  of  oul 


44  PREFACE. 

language.  I  believe  such  should  be  retained  as  slide  easily  ot 
themselves  into  an  English  compound,  without  violence  to  the 
ear  or  to  the  received  rules  of  composition,  as  well  as  those 
which  have  received  a  sanction  from  the  authority  of  our  best 
poets,  and  are  become  familiar  through  their  use  of  them;  such 
as  "  the  cloud-compelling  Jove,"  &c.  As  for  tlie  rest,  whenever 
any  can  be  as  fully  and  significantly  expressed  in  a  single  word 
as  in  a  compound  one,  the"  course  to  be  taken  is  obvious. 

Some  that  cannot  be  so  turned,  as  to  preserve  their  full  im- 
an-e  by  one  or  two  words,  may  have  justice  done  them  by  cir- 
cumlocution ;  as  the  epithet  Lhinii<ftjkhi^  to  a  mountain,  would 
appear  little  or  ridiculous  translated  literally  "  leaf-shaking,"  but 
affords  a  majestic  idea  in  the  periphrasis  :  "the  lofty  mountain 
shakes  his  waving  woods."  Others  that  admit  of  different 
significations,  may  receive  an  advantage  from  a  judicious  varia- 
tion, according  to  the  occasions  on  which  they  are  introduced. 
For  example,  the  epithet  of  Apollo,  ixj^iinlo^o-^  "far-shooting," 
is  capable  of  two  explications  ;  one  literal,  in  respect  of  tlie 
darts  and  bow,  the  ensign  of  that  god  ;  the  other  allegorical, 
with  regard  to  the  rays  of  the  sun;  therefore,  in  such  pl.aces 
where  Apollo  is  represented  as  a  god  in  person,  I  would  use 
the  former  interpretation  ;  and  where  the  effects  of  the  sun  are 
descnlied,  I  would  make  choice  of  the  latter.  Upon  the  whole. 
It  will  be  necessary  to  avoid  that  perpetual  repetition  of  the  same 
epithets  wliich  we  find  in  Homer,  and  which,  though  it  might  be 
accommodated  (as  has  been  already  shown)  to  the  e;ir  of  those 
times,  is  by  no  means  so  to  ours :  but  one  may  wait  for  oppor- 
tunities of  placing  them,  where  they  derive  an  additional  beauty 
from  the  occasions  on  wliich  they  are  employed  ,  and  in  doing 
this  properly,  a  translator  m.iy  at  once  show  his  fancy  and  his 
judgment. 

Gs  for  Homer's  repetitions,  we  may  divide  them  into  three 
sorts  ■  of  whole  narrations  and  speeches,  of  single  sentences, 
and  of  one  verse  or  hemistitch.  I  hope  it  is  not  impossible  to 
have  such  a  reg.xrd  to  these,  as  neither  to  lose  so  known  a  mark 
of  the  author  on  the  one  hand,  nor  to  offend  the  reader  too 
mucli  on  tlie  other  The  repetition  is  not  ungraceful  in  those 
speeches  where  the  dignity  of  the  speaker  renders  it  a  sort  of 
insolence  to  alter  his  words  ;  as  in  the  messages  from  goas  to 
men,  or  from  higher  i)Owers  to  inferiors  in  concerns  ofsiate, 
or  where  the  ceremonial  of  religion  seems  to  require  it,  in  the 
solemn  forms  of  prayers,  oaths,  or  the  like.  In  other  cases,  I 
believe  the  best  rule  is,  to  be  guided  by  the  nearness,  or  dis. 
tance,  at  which  the  repetitions  are  placed  in  the  original  :  when 
they  follow  too  close,  one  may  vary  the  expression  ;  but  it  is  a 
question,  whether  a  professed  translator  be  authorized  to  omit 
any  :    if  they  be  tedious,  tlie  author  is  to  answer  for  it. 


PREFACE.  45 

It  only  remains  to  speak  of  the  versification.  Homer  (as 
has  been  said)  is  perpetually  applying  the  sound  to  the  sense,  and 
varying  it  on  every  new  subject.  Tins  is  indeud  one  of  the 
most  exquisite  beauties  of  poetry,  and  attainable  by  very  few  : 
I  only  know  of  Homer  eminent  for  it  in  the  Greek,  and  Virgil 
in  the  I  atin.  I  am  sensible  it  is  wliat  m.iy  sometimes  happen 
by  chance,  when  a  writer  is  warm  and  fully  possessed  of  his 
image  ;  however,  it  may  reasonably  be  believed  they  designed 
Ihis,  in  whose  verse  it  so  manifestly  appears  in  a  superior 
degree  to  all  otliers  Few  readers  have  the  ear  to  be  judges 
of  it :  but  those  who  have,  will  see  I  have  endeavored  at  this 
beauty. 

Upon  the  whole,  I  must  confess  myself  utterly  incapable  of 
doing  justice  to  Homer.  I  attempt  him  in  no  other  hope  but  that 
which  one  may  entertain  without  much  vanity,  of  giving  a  more 
tolerable  copy  of  him  than  any  entire  translation  in  verse  has 
yet  done.  We  have  only  those  of  Chapman,  Hobbes,  and 
Ogilby.  Chapman  has  taken  the  advantage  of  an  immeasura- 
ble length  of  verse,  notwithstanding  which,  there  is  scarce  any 
par.tphrase  more  loose  and  rambling  than  his.  He  has  fre- 
quent interpolations  of  four  or  six  lines  ;  and  I  remember  one 
in  the  thirteenth  book  of  the  Odyssey,  ver.  312,  where  he  has 
spun  twenty  verses  out  of  two.  '  He  is  often  mistaken  in  so 
bold  a  manner,  that  one  might  think  he  deviated  on  purpose,  if 
he  did  not  in  other  places  of  his  notes  insist  so  much  upon 
verbal  trifles.  He  appears  to  have  had  a  strong  affectation  o£ 
extracting  new  meanings  out  of  his  author ;  insomuch  as  to 
promise,  in  his  rhyming  preface,  a  poem  of  the  mysteries  he 
had  revealed  in  Homer;  and  perhaps  he  endeavored  to  strain 
the  obvious  sense  to  this  end.  His  expression  is  involved  in 
fustian  ;  a  fault  for  which  he  w.as  remarkable  in  his  original 
writings,  as  in  the  tragedy  of  Bussy  d'Amboise,  &c.  In  a  word, 
the  nature  of  the  man  may  account  for  his  whole  performance ; 
for  he  appears,  from  his  preface  and  remarks,  to  have  been  of 
an  arrogant  turn,  and  an  enthusiast  in  poetry  His  own  boast, 
of  having  finished  half  the  Iliad  in  less  than  fifteen  weeks,  shows 
with  what  negligence  his  version  was  performed.  But  tliat 
which  is  to  be  allowed  him,  and  which  very  much  contributed 
to  cover  his  defects,  is  a  daring  fiery  spirit  that  animates  his 
translation,  which  is  something  like  what  one  might  imagine 
Homer  himself  would  have  writ  before  he  arrived  at  years  of 
discretion. 

Hobbes  has  given  us  a  correct  explanation  of  the  sense  in 
genera!  ;  but  for  particulars  and  circumstances  he  continually 
lops  them,  and  often  omits  the  most  beautiful.  As  for  its  being 
esteemed  a  close  translation,  I  doubt  not  many  have  been  led 
into  that  error  by  the  shortness  of  it,  which  proceeds  not  froq 


+6  PREFACE. 

his  lollowing  the  original  line  by  line,  but  from  the  contractions 
above  mentioned.  He  sometimes  omits  whole  similes  and 
sentences;  and  is  now  and  then  guilty  of  mis-.akcs,  into  which 
no  writer  of  his  learning  could  have  fallen,  but  through  care- 
lessness. His  poetry,  as  well  as  Ogilby's,  is  too  mean  for 
criticism. 

It  is  a  great  loss  to  the  poetical  world  that  Mr.  Dryden  did 
not  live  to  translate  the  Iliad.  He  has  left  us  only  the  first 
book,  and  a  small  part  of  the  sixth ;  in  which  if  he  has  in  some 
places  not  truly  interpreted  the  sense,  or  preserved  the  an- 
tiquities. It  ought  to  be  excused  on  account  of  tlie  haste  he  was 
obliged  to  write  in.  He  seems  to  have  Ii.td  too  much  re- 
gard to  Chapman,  whose  words  he  sometimes  copies,  and  has 
unhappily  followed  him  in  passages  where  he  wanders  from  the 
original.  However,  had  he  translated  the  whole  work,  I 
would  no  more  have  attempted  Homer  after  him  tlian  Virgil: 
his  version  of  whom  (notwithstanding  some  human  errors)  is 
the  most  noble  and  spirited  translation  1  know  in  any  language. 
But  the  fate  of  great  geniuses  is  like  that  of  great  ministers  : 
though  they  are  confessedly  the  first  in  the  ccmmonwealth  of 
letters,  they  must  be  envied  and  caluminated  only  for  being  at 
the  head  of  it. 

That  wliith,  in  my  opinion,  ought  to  be  tlie  endeavor  of  any 
one  who  translates  Homer,  is  above  all  things  to  keep  aliye 
that  spirit  and  fire  which  makes  his  chief  character-  in  partic- 
ular places,  where  tlie  sense  can  bear  any  doubt,  to  follow  the 
strongest  and  most  poetical,  as  most  agreeing  with  that  char- 
acter ,  ito  copy  him  in  all  the  variations  of  his  style,  and  the 
modulations  of  his  numbers  ;  to  preserve,  in  the  more  active  or 
descriptive  parts,  a  warmth  and  elevation ;  in  the  more  sedate 
or  narrative,  a  plainness  and  solemnity,  in  tlie  speeches  a  ful- 
ness and  perspicuity  ;  in  the  sentences, a  shortness  and  gravity; 
not  to  neglect  even  the  little  figures  and  turns  on  the  words, 
nor  sometimes  the  very  cast  of  the  periods  ;  neither  to  omit 
nor  confound  any  rites  or  customs  of  antiquity  :  perhaps,  too, 
he  ought  to  include  the  whole  in  a  shorter  compass  than  hr.:; 
hitherto  been  done  by  any  translator  who  has  tolerably  i-rc- 
served  either  the  sense  or  poetry  What  I  would  further  rec- 
oiT.mend  to  him  is,  to  study  his  author  rather  from  his  own 
text,  than  from  any  commentaries,  how  learned  soever,  or  what- 
ever figure  they  may  make  m  the  estimation  of  the  world  ;  to 
consider  liim  attentively  in  comparison  with  Virgil  above  all 
the  ancients,  and  with  Milton  above  all  the  moderns. _  Next 
these,  the  Archbishop  of  Cambray's  Telemachus  may  give  l.im 
the  truest  idea  of  the  spirit  and  turn  of  our  author  ;  and  liossu's 
admirable  Treatise  of  the  Epic  Poem  the  justcst  notion  of  Lis 
..tsisn   and  conduct.     But  after  all,  with  whatever  judgment 


PREFACE.  47 

and  study  a  man  may  proceed,  or  with  whatever  happiness  he 
may  perform  siicli  a  work,  he  must  hope  to  please  l>ut  a  few ; 
those  only  who  have  at  once  a  taste  of  poetry,  and  competent 
learning  For  to  satisfy  such  a  want  eitlier,  is  not  in  the  nature 
of  tliis  undertaking;  since  a  mere  modern  wit  can  hke  notliing 
that  is  not  modern,  and  a  pedant  nothing  that  is  not  Greek. 

What  I  have  done  is  submitted  to  the  pubhc  ;  from  whose 
opinions  I  am  prepared  to  learn;  though  I  fear  no  judges  so 
httle  as  our  best  poets,  who  are  most  sensible  of  the  weight  of 
this  task.  As  for  the  worst,  whatever  they  shall  please  to  say, 
they  may  give  me  some  concern  as  they  are  unhappy  men,  bu' 
none  as  they  are  malignant  writers.  1  was  guided  m  this  trans- 
lation by  judgments  very  different  from  theirs,  and  by  persons 
for  whom  they  can  have  no  kindness,  if  an  old  observation  be 
true,  that  the  strongest  antipathy  in  the  world  is  that  of  fools 
to  men  of  wit.  Mr"  Addison  was  the  first  wiiose  advice  deter- 
mined me  to  undertake  this  task  ,  who  was  pleased  to  write  to 
me  upon  that  occasion  in  such  terms  as  I  cannot  repeat  with- 
out vanity.  I  was  obliged  to  Sir  Richard  Steele  for  a  very 
early  recommendation  of  my  undertaking  to  the  public.  Dr. 
Swift  promoted  my  interest  with  that  warmth  with  which  he 
always  serves  his  friend.  The  humanity  and  frankness  of  Sir 
Samuel  Garth  are  wliat  I  never  knew  wanting  on  any  occasion. 
I  must  also  acknowledge,  with  infinite  pleasure,  the  many 
friendly  offices,  as  well  as  sincere  criticisms,  of  Mr.  Congruve, 
who  had  led  me  the  way  in  translating  some  parts  of  Homer. 
I  must  add  the  names  of  Mr.  Rowe,  and  Dr.  Parnell,  though 
I  shall  take  a  further  opportunity  of  doing  justice  to  the  last, 
whose  good  nature  (to  give  it  a  great  panegyric),  is  no  less 
extensive  than  his  learning.  The  favor  of  these  gentlemen  is 
not  entirely  undeserved  by  one  who  bears  them  so  true  an  af- 
fection. But  what  can  I  say  of  the  honor  so  many  of  the  great 
have  done  me  ;  while  the  first  names  of  the  .age  appear  as  my 
subscribers,  and  the  most  distinguished  patrons  and  ornaments 
of  learning  as  my  chief  encouragers  ?  Among  these  it  is  a  par- 
ticular pleasure  to  me  to  find,  that  my  highest  obligations  are 
to  such  who  have  done  most  honor  to  tlie  name  of  poet: 
that  his  grace  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  was  not  displeased  I 
should  undert.ake  the  author  to  whom  he  has  given  (in  his  ex- 
cellent Essay)  so  complete  a  praise  : 

"  Read  Homer  once,  and  you  can  read  no  more  ; 
For  .-ill  books  else  appear  so  mean,  si)  pn.ir. 
Verse  will  seem  prose  ■   but  still  persist  lu  it:,id. 
And  Homer  will  be  all  the  books  you  need  ' 

That  the  Earl  of  Halifa.'c  was  one  of  the  first  to  f.avor  mc  ;  of 
whom  it  is  hard  to  say  whether  the  advancement  of   the   polite 


4S  PREFACE. 

arts  is  more  owing  to  his  generosity  or  his  example  :  that  such 
a  genius  as  my  Lord  Bohngbroke,  not  more  distmguished  in 
the  great  scenes  of  business,  tlian  in  all  the  useful  and  enter- 
taining parts  of  learning,  has  not  refused  to  be  the  critic  of 
these  sheets,  and  the  patron  of  their  writer  :  and  that  the  noble 
autho!  of  the  tragedy  of  "  Heroic  Love  "  has  continued  his 
partiality  to  me,  from  my  writing  pastorals  to  my  attempting 
the  Iliad.  I  cannot  deny  myselfthe  pride  of  confessing,  tiiat  I 
have  had  the  advantage  not  only  of  their  advice  for  the  con- 
duct in  general,  but  their  correction  of  several  particulars  of 
this  translation. 

I  could  say  a  great  deal  of  the  pleasure  of  being  distinguished 
by  the  Earl  of  Carnarvon  ;  but  it  is  almost  absurd  to  particu- 
larize any  one  generous  action  in  a  person  whose  whole  life  is 
a  continued  series  of  them.  Mr.  Stanhope,  the  present  secre- 
tary of  state,  will  pardon  my  desire  of  having  it  known  that  he 
was  pleased  to  promote  this  affair.  The  particular  zeal  of  Mr. 
Harcourt  (the  son  of  the  late  Lord  Chancellor)  gave  me  a  proof 
how  much  I  am  honored  in  a  share  of  his  friendship.  I  must 
attribute  to  the  same  motive  that  of  several  others  of  my 
friends  :  to  whom  all  acknowledgments  are  rendered  unneces- 
sary by  the  privileges  of  a  familiar  correspondence  ;  and  I  am 
satisfied  I  can  no  way  better  oblige  men  of  their  turn  than  by 
my  silence. 

In  short,  I  have  found  more  patrons  than  ever  Homer 
wanted.  He  would  have  thought  himself  happy  to  have  met 
the  same  favor  at  Athens  that  has  been  shown  me  by  its  learned 
rival,  the  University  of  Oxford.  And  I  can  hardly  envy  him 
those  pompous  honors  he  received  after  death,  when  I  reflect 
on  the  enjoyment  of  so  many  agreeable  obligations,  and  easy 
friendsliips,  which  make  the  satisfaction  of  life.  This  distinc 
tion  is  the  more  to  be  acknowledged,  as  it  is  shown  to  one 
whose  pen  has  never  gratified  the  prejudices  of  particular  par- 
ties, or  the  vanities  of  particular  men.  Whatever  the  success 
may  prove,  1  shall  never  repent  of  an  undertaking  in  which  I 
have  experienced  the  candor  and  friendship  of  so  many  per- 
sons of  merit :  and  in  which  I  hope  to  pass  some  of  those  years 
ot  youth  that  are  generally  lost  in  a  circle  of  follies,  after  a 
ni.i'nner  neither  wholly  uuuseful  to  others  nor  disagreeable  to 
niyseli. 


THE    ILIAD. 


BOOK    I. 

ARGUMENT.* 

THE   CONTENTION   OF   ACH 

Im  tbe  wir  ct  Trov.  the  Greeks  having  sa( 
taken  from  thence  two  beautiful  captives 
Agamemnon,  and  llie  last  to  AcIliMes.  ( 
fit  Apollo,  comes  to  the  Grecian  camp  to 
poem  opens,  m  the  tenth  year  of  the  s 
lently  dismissed  by  Agamemnon,  eritrt.-.u 
a  pestilence  on  tlie  Greeks.  Acbili-.  i. 
declare  the  cause  of  it;  who  .itiiilni' 
being  obhged  to  send  back  his  c.ipt  i  u  .  . 
whicli  Nestor  pacifies  ;  however,  .1-  In  I 
seizes  on  Rriseis  in  revenge-  ALhilles 
forces  from  the  rest  of  the  Greeks  ;  ai 
Jupiter  to  render  them  sensible  of  the  w 
the  Trojans.  Jupiter,  granting  Iicr  suit, 
runs  high,  tiirihey  are  reconciled  by  the 
The  time  of  iwo-and  iweniy  days  is 
plague,  one  in  the  council  and  quarrel  of 
with  the  vtthiopians.  at  wliose  r 
in  the  Grecian  camp,  then  chan^ 

Achilles'  wrath,  to  Greece  the  direful  spring 
Of  woes  unnumber'd,  heavenly  goddess,  sing! 
That  wrath  which  hurled  to  Pluto's  gloomy  reign 
The  souls  of  mighty  chiefs  untimely  slain  ; 

*  The  following  argument  of  the  Ihad.  corrected  in  a  few  particulars,  is  translated 
from  Bitaub^.  and  is,  ^lerhaps,  tlie  neatest  summary  that  has  been  ever  drawn  up  . — 
•*  A  hero,  injured  by  his  general,  and  animated  with  a  noble  resentment,  leiires  to  Ins 
tent ,  and  for  a  se.ison  wilhrlr  in-,  him  'f  nnd  his  ttoO[)s  from  the  war.  During  this 
interval,  victory  abandons  t'.f  iMrv  .  -■ !  i  '  i  >r  nine  years  has  been  occujiied  in  a  great 
enterprise,  upon  the  succ._  I  ;i  i.  n,  ;  ,  :  .f  which  the  Imnoi  of  iheir  country  de- 
pends. The  general,  at  lenui  ■  ]  .  1  I  ■  vl-s  to  the  fault  which  he  had  Commuted, 
deputes  the  principal  officers  .1  In-  .(tmy  u.  the  incensed  hero,  with  commission  to 
make  compensation  for  the  injury,  and  to  lender  magnificent  prestnts.  The  hero,  ac- 
cording to  the  proud  obstinacy  of  his  character,  persists  in  ln>  aniino^iiy  ;  ;he  army  is 
again  defe^ited,  and  is  on  the  verge  of  entire  destruction  This  inexorabie  man  has  a 
friend  ;  this  friend  weeps  before  him,  and  asks  fur  the  hero*s  arms,  and  for  ml,  mission 
logo  to  the  war  in  his  stead.  The  eloquence  of  friendship  prevails  mote  tiian  the 
4  UQ) 


tLl.ES 

AND 

AGAMEMNON 

ckeds 
,  Chr 

Chu, 

.    ll 

.f   llie 

ml  r.i 

.   I.itli. 

neighb 

oring  towns,  and 
lotted  the  fiist  to 

"r'  , 

1   l< 

■'I  .    "1 fhcts 

,l„ 

1          1  h.-  king. 

id  compiai 
long  done 

uiij;  to 
oher 

llidi.iiv 
The  lis 

Inl  ll,..  ,„,„v,  he 
s  li.nisell  and  his 
,  she  supplicates 
giving  victory  to 
whom  tlie  debate 

f  li  .    , 

h.Mi 

.ry.a. 

:,:, 

In.ok- 

niflve 
0  Oiyin 

nine  during   the 
or  Jupiter's  stay 
The  bcena  lies 
pus. 

so  THE  ILLIAD.  [Book  I. 

Whose  limbs  unburied  on  the  naked  shore, 

Devouring  dogs  and  hungry  vultures  tore  :  * 

Since  great  Achilles  and  Atrides  strove, 

Such  was  the  sovereign  doom,  and  such  the  will  of  Jove  !  f 

Declare,  O  Muse!  in  what  ill-fated  hourj 
Sprung  the  fierce  strife,  from  what  offended  power 
Latona's  son  a  dire  contagion  spread,  § 
And  heap'd  the  camp  with  mountains  of  the  dead  • 
The  king  of  men  his  reverent  priest  defied,  || 
And  for  the  king's  offence  the  people  died. 

For  Chryses  sought  with  costly  gifts  to  gain 
His  captive  daughter  from  the  victor's  chain. 
Suppliant  the  venerable  father  stands  ; 
Apollo's  awful  ensigns  grace  his  hands  ; 
By  these  he  begs  ;  and  lowly  bending  down, 
Extends  the  sceptre  and  the  laurel  crown. 
He  sued  to  all,  but  chief  implored  for  grace 
The  brother-kings,  of  Atreus'  royal  race.  If 

'■  Ye  kings  and  warriors  !  may  your  vows  be  crown 
And  Troy's  proud  walls  lie  level  with  the  ground. 
May  Jove  restore  you  when  your  toils  are  o'er 
Safe  to  the  pleasures  of  your  native  shore. 
But,  oh  !  relieve  a  wretched  parent's  pain, 
And  give  Chryseis  to  these  arms  again; 
If  mercy  fail,  yet  let  my  presents  move. 
And  dread  avenging  Phcebus,  son  of  Jove." 

The  Greeks  in  shouts  their  joint  assent  declar';> 
The  priest  to  reverence,  and  release  the  fair. 
Not  so  Atrides:  he,  with  kingly  pride. 
Repulsed  the  sacred  sire,  and  thus  replied  : 

intercession  of  the  ambassadors  or  the  gifts  of  the  gener.\I.  He  lends  his  armor  to  his 
{riend,  but  commands  him  not  to  engage  with  the  chief  of  the  enemy's  army,  because 
he  reserves  to  himself  the  honor  of  that  combat,  and  because  he  also  fears  for  liis 
friend's  life.  The  prohibition  is  forgotten  ;  the  friend  Hstens  to  nothing  but  his  cour- 
age ;  his  corpse  is  brought  back  to  the  hero,  and  the  hero's  arms  become  the  prize  of 
the  conqueror.  Tlien  the  hero,  given  up  to  the  most  lively  despair,  prepares  to  fight ; 
he  receives  from  a  divinity  new  armor  ;  is  reconciled  with  his  general  ;  and,  thirsting 
for  glory  and  revenge,  enacts  prodigies  of  valor  ;  recoverf.  the  victory  ;  slays  the 
enemy's  chief  ;  honors  his  friend  with  superb  funeral  rites  ;  and  exercises  a  cruel  ven- 
geance on  the  body  of  his  destroyer  ;  but  finally,  appeased  by  the  tears  and  prayers  of 
the  father  of  the  slain  warrior,  restores  to  the  old  man  the  corpse  of  his  son,  which  he 
buries  with  due  solemnities." — Coleridge,  p.  177,  sqq. 

*   Vultures.    Pope  is  more  accurate  than  the  poet  he  translates  ;  for  Homer  writes 
•*a  prey  to  dogs  and  to  alt  kinds  of  birds."     But  all  kmds  of  birds  are   not  car. 


t  i.  e.  during  the  wliole  time  of  their  striving  the  will  of  Jove  w; 

as  being  gradually 

accomplished. 

X  Compare  Milton's  *'  P.iradise  Lo^t,"  i.  6  : 

"  Siiip,  heavenly  Muse,  that  on  the  secret  top 

Of  Horeb,  or  of  Smai,  didst  inspire 

That  shepherd." 

§  Latonai's  son  :  i.  e.  Apollo.                                     ||  K m;^  of  mfn  : 

AgamemDOD. 

U  Brother  kin£s  :  MeneUus  and  Atdiuemnon. 

Book  I.J  THE  ILIAD.  SI 

"  Hence  on  thy  life,  and  fly  these  hostile  plains, 
Nor  ask,  presumptuous,  what  the  king  detains  : 
Hence,  with  thy  laurel  crown,  and  golden  rod  ; 
Nor  trust  too  far  those  ensigns  of  thy  god. 
Mine  is  thy  daughter,  priest,  and  shall  remain  ; 
And  prayers,  and  tears,  and  bribes,  shall  plead  in  vain 
Till  time  shall  rifle  every  youthful  grace, 
And  age  dismiss  her  from  my  cold  embrace. 
In  daily  labors  of  the  loom  employ'd. 
Or  doom'd  to  deck  the  bed  she  once  enjoy'd. 
Hence  then  ;  to  Argos  shall  the  maid  retire, 
Far  from  her  native  soil  or  weeping  sire." 

The  trembling  priest  along  the  shore  return'd. 
And  in  the  anguish  of  a  father  mouin'd. 
Disconsolate,  not  daring  to  comijlain, 
Silent  he  wander'd  by  the  sounding  main  ; 
Till,  safe  at  distance,  to  his  god  he  prays. 
The  god  who  darts  around  the  world  his  rays. 

"  O  Smintheus  !  sprung  from  fair  Latona's  line,* 
Thou  guardian  power  of  Cilia  the  divine,  f 
Thou  source  of  light !  whom  Tenedos  adores. 
And  whose  bright  presence  gilds  thy  Chrysa's  shores 
If  e'er  with  wreaths  I  hung  Uiy  sacred  fane,  % 
Or  fed  thg  flames  with  fat  of  oxen  slain  ; 
God  of  the  silver  bow  !  thy  shafts  employ, 
Evenge  thy  servant,  and  the  Greeks  clestro,y." 

Thus  Clirvses  pray'd  : — the  favoring  power  attends, 
And  from  Olympus'  lofty  tops  descends. 
Bent  was  his  bow,  the  Grecian  hearts  to  wound  ;  § 
Fierce  as  he  moved,  his  silver  shafts  resound. 


•  S^nhilheu!.  an  epithet  taken  from  •rixivPo'i.  t'l.  V\r-  :■  -.,  nime  for  a  iiwtise.  wai 
appliLt:  111  Apollo  for  havint:  put  an  end  to  a  I'l  ij  I        i  ■IikIi  had  harassed  that 

territorv.     Str.iho,  however,  savs.  that  when    lli      I  in'^ratwig  from  Crett^ 

they  were  told  hv  an  oracle  to  settle  in  that  pli.  <  .    (l..  i-      '  li.mld  not  be   allacked 

bv  the  oricinal  inhabitants  of  the  land,  and  that,  h.ivn.i^  1,  ,  '  I  .,  -A,.-  i:ij:i.  ,  .M„i,ber 
of  fieid-micc  came  and  jrnawed  awav  the  leathern  strap    ■  i     !i  ■  '    >!'^s 

of  thirir  armor.     In  fnllilment  of  the  oracle,  they  setiii-  '.         .        i    i .1  .1 

tem]il.'  to  Rnilnlli.-an  Apollo.  Grote.  "  History  ofGre., ,  ,"  ,  1  <  .,  „  ■■,..,]  il  ,,,  ,l,t 
"  nn,  1,1  .  -f  -;innilu-an  Apollo,  in  various  parts  of  the  Tro.id  ai.dits  neijliliorin'^  iwr- 
rill'      '  I     I    !     tlie  earliest  period  of /Eolian  coloniEation." 

'■  if  Troas  near  Thebe,  so  called  from  Cillus,  a  sister  of  Mippodami% 

I  .A  mistake,      it  should  !)e, 

'*  If  e'er  I  roo/etf  ihy  graceful  fane," 
for  the  custom  of  decoratinp  tem)iles  with  garlands  was  of  later  d.'He. 

?  nc:,t  -i;,,  hh  l;.-n.     "The  Anollo  of    Homer,  it  must  1).-  Imrne    in    mind,  is  a 

diff.  I-  ■  I  ,1,  n  „  !    ,  f iIi,   .\  -.:■   -r  ihe  same  name  m   ilr    1,1   ,    .'       „  ,d  pantheon. 

Til  '       )     I  1  •  I    '1  ■  I  *       '      1 1 1  111!   unforeseen  or    in    1     '        .in       ,  (he  rav.iRes 

0(11    I  ,  1!      !■:      I  f     ',     ■.  ■  I  lilld  or  )irnmisiiiu    iili'i,     I  '    '  It     nlhugeimof 


fnndan.ental  attribn 
hule  foreknowledge 


5*  THE  ILIAD.  ll;uoK  1. 

Breatliing  revenge,  a  sudden  night  he  spread. 
And  gloomy  darkness  roli'd  about  his  head. 
The  Heet  in  view,  he  twang'd  his  deadly  bow. 
And  hissing  fly  the  feather'd  fates  below. 
On  mules  and  dogs  the  infection  tirst  began  ;  * 
And  last,  the  vengeful  arrows  ii.x'd  in  man. 
For  nine  long  nights,  through  all  the  dusky  air. 
The  pyres,  thick-flaming,  shot  a  dismal  glare. 
But  ere  the  tenth  revolving  day  was  run, 
Inspired  by  Juno,  Thetis'  godlike  son 
Convened  to  council  all  the  Grecian  train ; 
For  much  the  goddess  mourn'd  her  heroes  slain,  j 
The  assembly  seated,  rising  o'er  the  rest, 
Achilles  thus  the  king  of  men  address'd  : 

"  Why  leave  we  not  the  fatal  Trojan  shore, 
And  measure  back  the  seas  we  cross'd  before  ? 
The  plague  destroying  whom  the  sword  would  spare. 
'Tis  time  to  save  the  few  remains  of  war. 
But  let  some  prophet,  or  some  sacred  sage. 
Explore  the  cause  of  great  Apollo's  rage  ; 
Or  learn  the  wasteful  vengeance  to  remove 
By  mystic  dreams,  fordreatiis  descend  from  Jov 
If  broken  vows  this  heavy  curse  have  laid, 
Let  altars  .smoke,  and  hecatombs  be  paid. 
So  Heaven,  atoned,  shall  dying  Greece  restore, 
And  Phoebus  dart  his  burning  shafts  no  more." 

He  said,  and  sat  :  when  Chalcas  thus  replied; 
Chalcas  the  wise,  the  Grecian  priest  and  guide. 
That  sacred  seer,  whose  comprehensive  view, 
The  past,  the  present,  and  the  future  knew  : 
Uprising  slow,  the  venerable  sage 
Thus  spoke  the  prudence  and  the  fears  of  age  : 

"  Beloved  of  Jove,  Achilles  !  would'st  thou  knov/ 
Why  angry  Phoebus  bends  his  fatal  bow  ? 

pensatinns  ?  Tlie  close  union  of  the  arts  of  prophecy  and  song  explains  his  additional 
office  of  sod  of  music,  while  the  arrows  with  whicli  he  and  his  sister  were  armed, 
symbols  of  sudden  death  in  every  age,  no  less  naturally  procured  him  that  of  god  of 
archery.  Of  any  connection  between  Apollo  and  the  Sun,  whatever  may  have  existed 
in  the  more  esoteric  doctrine  of  the  Greek  sanctuaries,  there  is  no  trace  in  either  Iliad 
or  Odyssey." — Mure,  "  History  of  Greek  Literature,'*  vol.  i.  p.  47S,  sq. 

*  It  has  frequently  been  observed,  that  most  pestilence  begins  witli  aiumals,  and 
that  Homer  had  this  fact  in  mind. 

t  Co,ive'ie,{  lo  council.  The  public  assembly  in  the  heroic  times  is  well  charac- 
terized by  Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  92  :  "  It  is  an  assembly  for  talk.  Communication  and 
diecussion,  to  a  certain  extent  by  the  chiefs  in  person,  of  the  people  as  listeners  and 
sympathizers — often  for  eloquence,  and  sometimes  for  quarrel — but  here  its  ostensible 
purposes  ends." 

i  Old  Jacob  Duport,  whose  *'  Gnnmologia  Homerica  "  is  full  of  curious  and  use- 
ful things,  quotes  several  passages  of  the  ancients,  in  which  reference  is  made  to  these 
words  of  Homer,  in  maintenance  of  the  belief  that  dreams  had  a  divine  origin  and  an 
import  in  which  men  were  interested. 


THE  ILIAD.  53 


First  give  tliy  faith,  and  plight  a  prince's  word 
Of  sure  protection,  by  thy  power  and  sword  : 
For  I  must  speal<  what  wisdom  would  conceal. 
And  truths,  invidious  to  the  great,  reveal. 
Bold  is  the  task,  when  subjects,  grown  too  wise. 
Instruct  a  monarch  where  his  error  lies  ; 
For  though  we  deem  the  short-lived  fury  past, 
'Tis  sure  the  mighty  will  revenge  at  last." 
To  whom  Pelides: — "From  thy  inmost  soul 
Speak  what  thou  know'st,  and  speak  without  control 
E'en  by  that  god  I  swear  who  rules  the  day. 
To  whom  thy  hands  the  vows  of  Greece  convey. 
And  whose  bless'd  oracles  thy  lips  declare  ;  . 
Long  as  Achilles  breathes  this  vital  air, 
No  daring  Greek,  of  all  the  numerous  band, 
Against  his  priest  shall  lift  an  impious  hand; 
Not  ee'n  the  chief  by  whom  our  hosts  are  led, 
The  king  of  kings,  shall  touch  that  sacred  head." 

Encouraged  thus,  the  blameless  man  replies: 
"Nor  vows  unpaid,  nor  slighted  sacrifice. 
But  he,  our  chief,  provoked  the  raging  pest, 
Apollo's  vengeance  for  his  injured  priest. 
Nor  will  the  god's  awaken'd  fury  cease. 
But  plagU'SS  shall  spread,  and  funeral  fires  increase, 
Till  the  great  king,  without  a  ransom  paid. 
To  her  own  Chrysa  send  the  black-eyed  maid.* 
Perhaps,  with  added  sacrifice  and  prayer. 
The  priest  may  pardon,  and  the  god  may  spare." 

The  prophet  spoke  :  when  with  a  gloomy  frown 
The  monarch  started  from  his  shining  throne  ; 
Black  choler  fill'd  his  breast  that  boil'd  with  ire, 
And  from  his  eye-balls  flash'd  the  living  fire  : 
"Augur  accursed  !  denouncing  mischief  still, 
Prophet  of  plagues,  forever  boding  ill ! 
Still  must  that  tongue  some  wounding  message  bring; 
And  still  thy  priestly  pride  provoke  thy  king  ? 
For  this  are  Phoebus'  oracles  explored. 
To  teach  the  Greeks  to  murmur  at  their  lord  ? 
For  this  with  falsehood  is  my  honor  stained, 
Is  heaven  offended,  and  a  priest  profaned ; 
Because  my  prize,  my  beauteous  maid,  I  hold, 
And  heavenly  charms  prefer  to  proffer'd  gold? 
A  maid  unmatch'd  in  manners  as  in  face, 
Skill'd  in  each  art,  and  crown'd  with  every  grace  ; 
Not  half  so  dear  were  Clytsmnestra's  charms. 
When  first  her  blooming  beauties  bless'd  my  arms. 
•  Rather,  *'  bright-eyed."    See  the  Geijuau  cntica  quoted  by  Araold* 


54  THE  ;liad.  ■[■■■i",k 

Yet,  if  the  gods  demand  her,  let  her  sail ; 

Our  cares  are  only  for  the  public  weal  : 

Let  me  be  deem'd  the  hateful  cause  of  all, 

And  suffer,  rather  than  my  people  fall. 

The  prize,  the  beauteous  prize,  I  will  resign, 

So  dearly  valued,  and  so  justly  mine. 

But  since  for  common  good  I  yield  the  fair, 

My  private  loss  let  grateful  Greece  repair ; 

Nor  unrewarded  let  your  prince  complain. 

That  lie  alone  has  fought  and  bled  in  vain." 

"  Insatiate  king  (Achilles  thus  replies). 

Fond  of  the  power,  but  fonder  of  the  prize ! 

VVould'st.thou  the  Greeks  their  lawful  prey  should  yield, 

The  due  reward  of  many  a  well-fought  field  .' 

The  spoils  of  cities  razed  and  warriors  slain, 
We  share  with  justice,  as  with  toil  we  gain  ; 
But  to  resume  whate'er  thy  avarice  craves 
(That  trick  of  tyrants)  may  be  borne  by  slaves. 
Yet  if  our  chief  for  plunder  only  fight, 
The  spoils  of  I  lion  shall  thy  loss  requite. 
Whene'er,  by  Jove's  decree,  our  conquering  powers 
Shall  humble  to  the  dust  her  lofty  towers." 

Then  thus  the  king  :  "  Shall  1  my  prize  resign 
With  tame  content,  and  thou  possess'd  of  thine? 
Great  as  thou  art,  and  like  a  god  in  fight, 
Think  not  to  rob  me  of  a  soldier's  right. 
At  thy  demand  shall  I  restore  the  maid  : 
First  let  the  just  equivalent  be  paid  ; 
Such  as  a  king  might  ask  ;  and  let  it  be 
A  treasure  worthy  her,  and  worthy  me. 
Or  grant  me  this,  or  with  a  monarch's  claim 
This  hand  shall  seize  some  other  captive  dame. 
The  mighty  Ajax  shall  his  prize  resign  ;* 
Ulysses'  spoils,  or  even  thy  own,  be  mine. 
The  man  who  suffers,  loudly  may  complain; 
And  rage  he  may,  but  he  shall  rage  in  vain. 
But  tills  when   time  requires. — It  now  remains 
We  launch  a  bark  to  plough  the  watery  plains, 
And  waft  the  sacrifice  to  Chrysa's  shores, 
With  chosen  pilots,  and  with  laboring  oars. 
Soon  shall  the  fair  the  sable  ship  ascend. 
And  some  deputed  prince  the  charge  attend: 
This  Greta's  king,  or  Ajax  shall  fulfil, 
Or  wise  Ulysses  see  performed  our  will; 


•  Tlie  prize  given  to  Ajax  was  Tecmessa,  iioile  Ulysses,  receired  Laodice, 
daughter  oi  Cycuus. 


B<«OK  I.]  THE  ILIAD.  SS 

Or,  if  our  royal  pleasure  shall  ordain, 
Achilles'  stlf  conducl  her  o'er  the  main; 
Let  tierce  Achilles,  dreadful  in  his  rage. 
The  god  propitiate,  and  the  pest  assuage." 

At  this,  Pelides,  frowning  stern,  replied: 
"  O  tyrant,  arm'd  with  insolence  and  pride  I 
Inglorious  slave  to  interest,  ever  join'd 
With  fraud,  unworthy  of  a  royal  mind ! 
What  generous  Greek,  obedient  to  thy  word, 
Shall  form  an  ambush,  or  shall  lift  the  sword  ? 
What  cause  have  I  to  war  at  thy  decree  ? 
The  distant  Trojans  never  injured  me ; 
To  Pythia's  realms  no  hostile  troops  they  led  : 
Sate  in  her  vales  mv  warlike  coursers  fed  ;  * 
Far  hence  removed,  the  hoarse-resounding  main. 
And  walls  of  rocks,  secure  my  native  reign, 
Whose  fruitful  soil  luxuriant  harvests  grace, 
Rich  in  her  fruits,  and  in  her  martial  race. 
Hither  we  sail'd,  a  voluntary  throng, 
To  avenge  a  private,  not  a  public  wrong  : 
What  else  to  Troy  the  assembled  nations  draws, 
But  thine,  ungrateful,  and  thy  brother's  cause? 
Is  this  the  pay  our  blood  and  toils  deserve  ; 
Disgraced  and  injured  by  the  man  we  serve  ? 
And  darest  thou  threat  to  snatch  my  prize  away. 
Due  to  the  deeds  of  many  a  dreadful  day  ? 
A  prize  as  small,  O  tyrant!  match'd  with  thine, 
As  thy  own  actions  if  compared  to  mine. 
Thine  in  each  conquest  is  the  wealthv  prey, 
Tfkough  mine  the  sweat  and  danger  of  the  day. 
Seme  trivial  present  to  my  ships  I  bear: 
Or  barren  praises  pay  the  wounds  of  war.  ■ 
But  now,  proud  monarch,  I'm  thy  slave  no  more; 
My  fleet  shall  waft  me  to  Thessalia's  shore  : 
Left  by  Achilles  on  the  Trojan  plain. 
What  spoils,  what  conquests,  shall  Atrides  gain  ? 

To  tins  the  king:  "  Fly,  mighty  warrior  '  fly; 
Thy  aid  we  need  not,  and  thy  threats  defy 
There  want  not  chiefs  in  such  a  cause  to  fight, 
And  Jove  himself  shall  guard  a  monarch's  right. 
Of  all  the  kings  (the  god's  distinguish'd  care) 
To  power  superior  none  such  hatred  bear  • 
Strife  and  debate  thy  restless  soul  employ. 
And  wars  and  horrors  are  thy  savage  joy. 
If  thou  hast  strength,  'twas  I-le:iven  that  strength  bestow'd 
For  know,  vain  man  !  thy  valor  is  from  God. 
Haste,  launch  thy  vessels,  fly  with  speed  away 


56  THE  ILIAD.  TBooK  L 

Rule  thy  own  realms  with  arbitrary  sway ; 

I  heed  thee  not,  but  prize  at  equal  rate 

Thy  shorl-hved  friendship,  and  thy  groundless  nate. 

Go,  threat  thy  earth-born  Myrmidons  :— but  here  * 

'Tis  mine  to  threaten,  prince,  and  thine  to  fear. 

Know,  if  the  god  the  beauteous  dame  demand, 

My  bark  shall'  waft  her  to  her  native  land  ; 

Biit  then  prepare,  imperious  prince  !  prepare. 

Fierce  as  thou  art,  to  vield  tliy  captive  fair  : 

Even  in  thy  tent  I'll  seize  the  blooming  prize, 

Thy  loved  liriseis  with  the  radiant  eyes. 

Hence  shalt  thou  prove  my  might,  and  curse  the  hour 

Thou  stood'st  a  rival  of  imperial  power; 

And  hence,  to  all  our  hosts  it  shall  be  known, 

That  kings  are  subject  to  the  gods  alone." 

Achilles  heard,  with  grief  and  rage  oppressed, 
His  heart  swell'd  high,  and  labor'd  in  his  breast; 
Distracting  thoughts  by  turns  his  bosom  ruled  ; 
Now  fired  by  wrath,  and  now  by  reason  cool'd : 
That  prompts  his  hand  to  draw  the  deadly  sword, 
Force  through  the  Greeks,  and  pierce  their  haughty  lord  ; 
This  whispers  soft  his  vengeance  to  contr 
And  calm  the  rising  tempest  of  his  soul. 
Just  as  in  anguish  of  suspense  he  stay'd. 

While  half  unslieathed  appear'd  the  glittering  blade,  t 

Minerva  swift  descended  from  above, 

Sent  by  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  Jove 

(For  both  the  princes  claim'd  her  equal  care); 

Behind  she  stood,  and  by  the  golden  hair 

Achilles  seized;  to  him  alone  confess'd  ; 

A  sable  cloud  concealed  her  from  the  rest. 

He  sees,  and  sudden  to  the  goddess  cries, 

Known  by  the  flames  that  sparkle  from  her  eyes : 
"Descends  Minerva,  in  her  guardian  care, 

A  heavenly  witness  of  the  wrongs  I  bear 

•  The  Mvrmiflnms  dwelt  on  ihe  southern  borders  of  Thess.ily,  and  took  their 
origin  from  Mvrmido,  son  ,)f  JupUer  and  Eurymedusa.  It  is  fai.cifullv  supposed  that 
the  name  was  derived  from  nupi")?.  an  atil,  "  because  they  imuaied  the  diligence  ut 
the  anls,  and  like  them  were  indefatigable,  continually  employed  m  cuhivating  the 
earth  ;  the  change  from  ants  to  men  is  founded  merely  on  the  equivocation  of  heir 
name,  which  resemljles  that  of  the  ant  :  tliey  bore  a  further  resemblance  to  these  little 
anim.{ls,  m  that  instead  of  inhabiting  towns  or  villages,  at  first  they  commonly  resided 
in  the  open  fields,  having  no  other  retreats  but  dens  and  the  cavities  of  trees,  until 
Ithacus  brought  them  together,  and  settled  them  in  more  secure  and  comfortable 
habitations."  — Anthon's  "  Lempriere." 

t  Eustathms,  after  Herachdes  Ponticus  and  others,  allegorizes  this  apparition,  as 
ifthe  appearance  of  Mmervn  to  Achilles,  unseen  by  the  rest,  was  intended  lopoin 
out  the  sudden  recollection  that  he  would  gain  nothing  by  intemperate  wr,ith,  and  U  .it 
It  weie  best  to  restrain  his  anger,  and  only  gratify  it  by  withdrawing  his  se_r»ices.  i iic 
jamc  idea  is  rather  cleverly  worked  out  by  Apuleius,  "  Ue  Deo  bocratis. 


F.ooK  I.]  Tim  ILIAD.  5? 

From  Atreus'  son  ? — Then  let  those  eyes  that  view 

The  daring  crime,  behold  the  vengeance  too." 
"  Forbear  (the  progeny  of  Jove  replies), 

To  calm  thy  fury  I  forsake  the  skies : 

Let  great  Achilles,  to  the  gods  resign'd, 

To  reason  yield  the  empire  o'er  his  mind. 

By  awful  Juno  this  command  is  given  : 

The  king  and  you  are  both  the  care  of  heaven. 

The  force  of  keen  reproaches  let  him  feel ; 

But  sheathe,  obedient,  thy  revenging  steel. 

For  1  pronounce  (and  trust  a  lieavenly  power) 

Thy  injured  honor  has  its  fated  hour. 

When  the  proud  monarch  shall  thy  arms  implore, 

And  bribe  thy  friendship  with  a  boundless  store. 

Then  let  revenge  no  longer  bear  the  sway ; 

Command  thy  jiassions.  and  the  gods  obey." 
To  her  Pelides  . — "  With  regardful  ear, 

'Tis  just,  O  goddess  !  I  thy  dictates  hear. 

Hard  as  it  is,  my  vengeance  I  suppress  : 

Those  who  revere  the  gods  the  gods  will  bless." 

He  said,  observant  of  the  blue-eyed  maid  : 

Then  in  the  sheath  return'd  the  sliining  blade. 

The  goddess  swift  to  high  Olympus  flies, 

And  joins  the  sacred  senate  of  the  skies. 
Nor  yet  the  rage  his  boiling  breast  forsook, 

Which  thus  redoubling  on  Atrides  broke  : 

"  O  monster  !  mix'd  of  insolence  and  fear. 

Thou  dog  in  forehead,  but  in  heart  a  deer  ! 

When  wert  thou  known  in  ambush'd  fights  to  dare. 

Or  nolily  face,  the  horrid  front  of  war  ? 

'Tis  ours,  the  chance  of  fighting  fields  to  try; 

Thine  to  look  on,  and  bid  the  valiant  die  : 

So  much  'tis  safer  through  the  camp  to  go, 

And  rob  a  subject,  than  despoil  a  foe. 

Scourge  of  thy  people,  violent  and  base  ! 

Sent  in  Jove's  anger  on  a  slavish  race  ; 

Who,  lost  to  sense  of  generous  freedom  past, 

Are  tamed  to  wrongs  ; — or  this  had  been  thy  last. 

Now  by  this  sacred  sceptre  hear  me  swear, 

Which  never  more  shall  leaves  or  blossoms  bear, 

Which  sever'd  from  the  trunk  (as  1  from  thee) 

On  tlie  bare  mountains  left  its  parent  tree; 

This  sceptre,  form'd  by  temper'd  steel  to  prove 

An  ensign  of  the  delegates  of  Jove, 

From  wliom  the  power  of  iaws  and  justice  springs 

(Tremendous  oath  !  inviolate  to  kings)  ; 

By  this  I  swear : — when  bleeding  Greece  again 


58  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  I 

Shall  call  Achilles,  she  shall  call  in  vain. 

When,  flush'd  with  slaughter,  Hector  comes  to  spread 

The  purpled  shore  with  mountains  of  the  dead, 

Then  shall  tliou  mourn  the  affront  thy  madness  gave, 

Forced  to  implore  when  impotent  to  save : 

Then  rage  in  bitterness  of  soul  to  know 

This  act  has  made  the  bravest  Greek  thy  foe." 

He  spoke  ;  and  furious  hurl'd  against  the  ground 
His  sceptre  starr'd  with  golden  studs  around  : 
Then  sternly  silent  sat.     With  like  disdain 
The  raging  king  return'd  his  frowns  again. 

To  calm  their  passion  with  the  words  of  age. 
Slow  from  his  seat  arose  the  Pylian  sage, 
Experienced  Nestor,  in  persuasion  skill'd: 
Words,  sweet  as  honey,  from  his  lips  distill'd  :• 
Two  generations  now  had  pass'd  away, 
Wise  by  his  rules,  and  happy  by  his  sway ; 
Two  ages  o'er  his  native  realm  he  reign'd, 
And  now  the  example  of  the  third  remain'd. 
All  view'd  witii  awe  the  venerable  man  ; 
Who  thus  with  mild  benevolence  began  :— 

"  What  shame,  what  woe  is  this  to  Greece  !  what  joy 
To  Troy's  proud  monarch,  and  the  friends  of  Troy! 
That  adverse  gods  commit  to  stern  debate 
The  best,  the  "bravest,  of  the  Grecian  state. 
Young  as  ye  are,  this  youthful  heat  restrain. 
Nor  think  your  Nestor's  years  and  wisdom  vain. 
A  godlike  race  of  heroes  once  I  knew, 
Such  as  no  more  these  aged  eyes  shall  view  ! 
Lives  there  a  chief  to  match  Pirithous'  fame, 
Uryas  the  bold,  or  Ceneus'  deathless  name  ; 
Theseus,  endued  with  more  than  mortal  might, 
Or  Polyphemus,  like  tlie  gods  in  figlit  .'' 
With  these  of  old,  to  toils  of  battle  bred, 
In  early  youth  my  h.ardy  days  I  led  ; 
Fired  with  the  thirst  which  virtuous  envy  breeds, 
And  smit  witli  love  of  lionorable  deeds. 
Strongest  of  men,  they  pierced  the  mountain  boar. 
Ranged  the  wild  deserts  red  with  monsters'  gore. 
And  from  their  hills  the  shaggy  Centaurs  tore  : 
Yet  these  with  soft  persuasive  arts  I  sway'd  ; 
When  Nestor  spoke,  they  listen'd  and  obey'd. 


>  Col-pare  Milton,  "  Paradise  Lost,"  bk.  ii. : 

"  Thougli  his  tongue 


Dropp'd  1 

'  For  the  Ups  u£  a  stratige  woman  drop  as  an  honey-c»mb." 


Hook  1.]  THE  ILIAD.  «i9 

If  in  my  youth,  even  these  esteem'd  me  wise  ; 

Do  you,  young  warriors,  hear  my  age  advise. 

Atrides,  seize  not  on  the  beauteous  slave  ; 

That  prize  the  Greeks  by  common  suffrage  gave  : 

Nor  thou,  Achilles,  treat  our  prince  with  pride ; 

Let  kings  be  just,  and  sovereign  power  preside. 

Tliee  the  first  honors  of  die  war  adorn, 

Like  gods  in  strength,  and  of  a  goddess  born  ; 

Him  awful  majesty  exalts  above 

"ilie  powers  of  earth,  and  sceptred  sons  of  Jove. 

Let  both  unite  with  well-consenting  mind. 

So  shall  authority  with  strength  be  join'd. 

Leave  me,  O  king !  to  calm  Achilles'  rage  ; 

Rule  thou  thyself,  as  tniore  advanced  in  age. 

Forbid  it,  gods  !  Achilles  should  be  lost, 

The  pride  of  Greece,  and  bulwark  of  our  host." 

This  said,  he  ceased.     The  king  of  men  replies  : 
"  Thy  years  are  awful,  and  thy  words  are  wise. 
But  that  imperious,  that  unconquer'd  soul, 
No  laws  can  limit,  no  respect  control. 
Before  his  pride  must  his  superiors  fall ; 
His  word  the  law,  and  he  the  lord  of  all  ? 
Him  must  our  hosts,  our  chiefs,  ourself  obey  ? 
What  king  can  bear  a  rival  in  his  sway  ? 
Grant  that  the  gods  his  matchless  force  have  gwen 
Has  foul  reproach  a  privilege  from  heaven  ?" — 

Here  on  the  monarch's  speech  Achilles  broVe 
And  furious,  thus,  and  interrupting  spoke; 
"  Tyrant,  I  well  deserved  thy  galling  chain. 
To  live  thy  slave,  and  still  to  serve  in  vain, 
Should  I  submit  to  each  luijust  decree  : — 
Command  thy  vassals,  but  command  not  me. 
Seize  on  Brise'is,  whom  the  Grecians  doom'd 
My  prize  of  war,  yet  tamely  see  resumed  ; 
And  seize  secure  ;  no  more  Achilles  draws 
His  conquering  sword  in  any  woinan's  cause. 
The  gods  command  me  to  forgive  the  past: 
But  let  this  first  invasion  be  the  last  : 
For  know,  thy  blood,  when  next  thou  darest  invade, 
Shall  stream  in  vengeance  on  my  reeking  blade." 

At  this  they  ceased  :  the  ^tern  debate  expired  ; 
The  chiefs  in  sullen  majesty  retired. 

Achilles  with.  Patroclus  took  his  way 
Where  near  his  tents  his  hollow  vessels  lay. 
M-eantime  Atrides  launch'd  with  numerous  oars 
A  well-rigg'd  ship  for  Chrysa's  sacred  sliores  ; 
High  on  the  deck  was  fair  Chryseis  placed, 


THE  ILTAD.  IBooK  1. 

And  sage  Ulysses  with  the  conduct  graced  ; 
Safe  in  her  sides  the  hecatomb  they  stow'd, 
Then  swiftly  sailing,  cut  the  liquid  road. 

The  host  to  expiate  next  the  king  prepares, 
With  pure  lustrations,  and  with  solemn  prayers. 
Wash'd  by  the  briny  wave,  the  pious  train  * 
Are  cleansed  ;  and  cast  the  ablutions  in  the  main. 
Along  tlie  shore  whole  hecatombs  were  laid, 
And  bulls  and  goats  to  Phoebus'  altars  paid  ; 
The  sable  fumes  in  curling  spires  arise, 
And  waft  their  grateful  adors  to  the  skies. 
The  army  thus  in  sacred  rites  engaged, 
Atrides  still  with  deep  resentment  raged. 
To  wait  his  will  two  sacred  heralds  stood, 
Talthybius  and  Eurybates  the  good. 

"  Haste  to  the  fierce  Achilles'  tent  (he  cries), 

Thence  bear  Briseis  as  our  royal  prize  ; 

Submit  he  must  ;  or  if  they  will  not  part, 

Ourself  in  arms  shall  tear  her  from  his  heart." 
The  unwilling  heralds  act  their  lord's  commands 

Pensive  they  walk  along  the  barren  sands  ; 

Arrived,  the  hero  in  his  tent  they  find, 

With  gloomy  aspect  on  his  arm  reclined. 

At  awful  distance  long  they  silent  stand, 

Loth  to  advance,  and  speak  their  hard  command  ; 

Decent  confusion  !     This  the  godlike  man 

Perceived  and  thus  with  accent  mild  began: 
"  With  leave  and  honor  enter  our  abodes, 

Ye  sacred  ministers  of  men  and  gods !  t 

I  know  your  message ;  by  constraint  you  came  ; 

Not  you,  but  your  imperious  lord  I  blame. 

Patroc'us,  haste,  the  fair  Briseis  bring  ; 

Conduct  my  captive  to  the  haughty  king. 

But  witness,  heralds,  and  proclaim  my  vow. 

Witness  to  gods  above,  and  men  below  ! 

But  first,  and  loudest,  to  your  prince  declare 

(That  lawless  tyrant  whose  commands  you  bear), 

Unmoved  as  death  Achilles  shall  remain. 

Though  prostrate  Greece  shall  bleed  at  every  vein  ; 


•  Salt  waler  was  chiefly  used  in  lustrations,  from  its  being  supposed  to  possess 
certain'  fiery  panicles.  Hc-nce,  if  sea-water  could  not  be  obtained,  salt  -yas  thrown 
into  the  fresh  water  to  be  used  for  the  lustration.  Menander,  in  Uem.  Alex.  vn.  p. 
,,■.,  i'SciTi  rreppipoi'ai,  (fipiAoJi- SAos,  ()><;koh. 

t  The  persons  of  lieralds  were  held  inviolable,  and  they  were  at  liberty  to  travel 
_l,ilher  they  would  without  fear  of  molestation.  Pollux,  Onom.  vili  p.  i  5Q.  I  he 
office  was  generally  given  to  old  men,  and  tlicy  were  believed  lo  be  under  the  especij 
protection  of  Jove  and  Meicury. 


Book  I.]  THE  IL/AD. 

The  raging  chief  in  frantic  passion  lost, 
Blind  to  himself,  and  useless  to  his  host, 
UnskiU'd  to  juilge  the  future  by  the  past. 
In  blood  and  slaughter  shall  repent  at  last." 

Patroclus  now  the  unwilling  beauty  brought ; 
She,  in  soft  sorrows,  and  in  pensive  thought, 
Pass'd  silent,  as  the  heralds  held  her  hand. 
And  oft  look'd  back,  slow-moving  o'er  the  strand. 
Not  so  his  loss  the  fierce  Achilles  bore  ; 
But  sad,  retiring  to  tlie  sounding  shore. 
O'er  tlie  wild  margin  of  the  deep  he  hung, 
That  kindred  deep  from  whence  his  mother  sprung  :  • 
There  bathed  in  tears  of  anger  and  disdain, 
Thus  loud  lamented  to  the  stormy  main  : 

"  O  parent  goddess!  since  in  early  bloom 
Thy  son  must  fall,  by  too  severe  a  doom  ; 
Sure  to  so  short  a  race  of  glory  born. 
Great  Jove  in  justice  should  this  span  adorn  : 
Honor  and  fame  at  least  the  thunderer  owed  ; 
And  ill  he  pays  the  promise  of  a  god, 
I£  yon  proud  monarch  thus  thy  son  defies, 
Obscures  my  glories,  and  resumes  my  prize." 

Far  from  the  deep  recesses  of  the  main, 
Where  aged  Ocean  holds  his  watery  reign. 
The  goddess-mother  lieard.     The  waves  divide  ; 
And  like  a  mist  she  rose  above  the  tide; 
Beheld  him  mourning  on  the  naked  shores, 
And  thus  the  sorrows  of  his  soul  explores. 
"  Why  grieves  my  son  ?     Thy  anguish  let  me  share  ; 
Reveal  the  cause,  and  trust  a  parent's  care." 

He  deeply  sighing  said  :  "  To  tell  my  woe 
Is  but  tc  mention  what  too  well  you  know. 
From  Thebc,  sacred  to  Apollo's  name  t 
(Action's  realm),  our  conquering  army  came, 
With  treasure  loaded  and  triumphant  spoils. 
Whose  just  division  crown'd  the  soldier's  toils; 
But  bright  Chryseis,  heavenly  prize  !  was  led, 
By  vote  selected,  to  the  general's  bed. 


•  His  mother,  Thct!';,  the  daughter  nf  Ne-ein  .md  Doris,  who  w.is  courted  by 
Neptuue  and  Jupiter.  When,  however,  it  -vas  known  that  tlie  son  to  whom  she  would 
give  birth  must  prove  greater  than  his  fatlier,  it  was  determined  to  wed  her  to  a 
mortal,  and  Peicus,  with  j;reat  difficulty,  succeeded  ni  obtaining  her  hand,  as  she 
eluded  him  by  assuming  various  forms.  Her  children  were  all  destroyd  by  fire 
through  her  atteniins  to  see  whether  they  were  innnortal,  and  Achilles  would  have 
shared  the  same  fate  hail  not  his  father  rescued  him.  She  afterwards  rendered  him 
invulnerable  by  plunging  him  into  the  waters  of  llic  Slyx,  with  the  exceplictu  of  lha« 
part  of  the  heel  by  which  she  held  him.     Hygin.  Fab.  54. 

t  Thebe  was  a  city  of  Mysia,  north  of  Adramyttium. 


THE  ILIAD.  IBooK  I. 

The  priest  of  I'lioebus  sought  by  gifts  to  gain 

His  beauteous  daughter  from  the  victor's  cliain  ;  ' 

The  fleet  he  reacli'd,  and,  lowly  bending  down, 

Held  forth  tlie  sceptre  and  the  laurel  crown, 

Intreating  all ;  but  chief  implored  for  grace 

The  brother-kings  of  Atreus'  royal  race  : 

The  generous  Greeks  their  joint  consent  declare, 

The  priest  to  reverence,  and  release  the  fair; 

Not  so  Atrides  :  he,  with  wonted  pride, 

The  sire  insulted,  and  his  gifts  denied  : 

The  insulted  sire  (his  god's  peculiar  care) 

To  Phcebus  pray'd,  and  Phoebus  heard  the  prayer ; 

A  dreadful  plague  ensues  :  the  avenging  darts 

Incessant  fly,  and  pierce  the  Grecian  hearts. 

A  prophet  then,  inspired  by  heaven,  arose. 

And  points  the  crime,  and  thence  derives  the  woes  : 

Myself  the  first  the  assembled  chiefs  incline 

To  avert  the  vengeance  of  the  power  divine  ; 

Then  rising  in  his  wrath,  the  rionarch  srorpi'd  ; 

Incensed  he  threaten'd,  and  his  threats  perforra'd : 

The  fair  Chryseis  to  her  sire  was  sent. 

With  offer'd  gifts  to  make  the  god  releat; 

But  now  he  seized  ISriseis'  heavenly  charms, 

And  of  my  valor's  prize  defrauds  my  arms, 

Defrauds  the  votes  of  all  tlie  Grecian  train  ;  * 

And  service,  faith,  and  justice,  plead  in  vain. 

But,  goddess  !  thou  thy  suppliant  son  attend. 

To  high  Olympus'  shining  court  ascend. 

Urge  all  the  ties  to  former  service  owed. 

And  sue  for  vengeance  to  the  thundering  god. 

Oft  hast  thou  triumph'd  in  the  glorious  boast. 

That  thou  stood'st  forth  of  all  the  ethereal  host, 

When  bold  rebellion  shook  the  realms  above. 

The  undaunted  guard  of  cloud-compelling  Jove  ; 

When  the  bright  partner  of  his  awful  reign, 

The  wariike  maid,  and  monarch  of  the  main. 

The  traitor-gods,  by  mad  ambition  driven. 

Durst  threat  with  chains  the  omnipotence  of  Heaven. 

Then,  call'd  by  thee,  tne  monster  Titan  came 

(Wliom  gods  Briareus,  men  /Egeon  name), 

Through  wondering  skies  enormous  stalk'd  along; 

Not  he  that  shakes  the  solid  earth  so  strong : 

With  giant-pride  at  Jove's  high  throne  he  stands, 

And  brandish'd  round  him  all  his  hundred  hands  : 

The  affrighted  gods  confess'd  their  awful  lord, 

•  'ill."  '-".  litliauds  me  ol   tlie  priic;  alluUed  roe  by  their  votes 


Book  I.]  THE  ILIAD.  Oj 

They  dropp'cl  the  fetters,  trembled,  and  adored.* 
This,  goddess,  this  to  his  remembrance  call, 
Embrace  his  knees,  at  his  tribunal  fall  ; 
Conjure  him  far  to  drive  the  Grecian  train. 
To  hurl  them  headlong  to  their  fleet  and  main. 
To  heap  the  shores  with  copious  death,  and  bring 
The  Greeks  to  know  the  curse  of  such  a  king: 
Let  Agamemnon  lift  his  haughty  head 
O'er  all  his  wide  dominion  of  the  dead. 
And  mourn  in  blood  that  e'er  he  durst  disgrace 
The  boldest  warrior  of  the  Grecian  race." 

"  Unhappy  son  !  (fair  Thetis  thus  replies, 
While  tears  celestial  trickle  from  her  eyes) 
Why  have  I  borne  thee  with  a  mother's  throes 
To  Fates  averse,  and  nursed  for  future  woes  ?t 
So  short  a  space  the  light  of  heaven  to  view  S 
So  short  a  space  !  andfiU'cl  with  sorrow  too? 
O  might  a  parent's  careful  wish  prevail, 
Far,  far  from  I  lion  should  thy  vessels  sail, 
And  thou,  from  camps  remote,  the  danger  shun 
Which  now,  alas  !  too  nearly  threats  my  son. 
Yet  (what  I  can)  to  move  thy  suit  I'll  go 
To  great  Olympus  crown'd  with  fleecy  snow. 
Meantime,  secure  within  thy  ships,  from  far 
Behold  the  field,  nor  mingle  in  the  w.ar. 
The  sire  of  gods  and  all  the  ethereal  train, 
On  the  warm  limits  of  the  farthest  main. 
Now  mix  with  mortals,  nor  disdain  to  gr.ace 
The  feasts  of  itthiopia's  blameless  race  ;  \ 


•  Quintus  Calaber  goes  still  £urther  in  his  account  of  the  service  rendered  to  love 
by  Thetis: 

"  Nay,  more,  the  fetters  of  Almightv  Jove 
She  loosed."— Dyce's  "  Cakiber,"  s.  58. 

t  Ta  Fates  averse.  Of  the  glootny  destiny  reigning  throughout  the  Homeric 
poems,  and  from  wliich  even  the  pods  are  not  exempt,  Schlegel  well  observes :  **  This 
power  extends  also  to  the  world  of  gods  :  for  the  Grecian  gods  are  mere  powers  of 
nature  ;  and  although  immeasurably  higher  than  mortal  man,  yet,  compared  with 
infinitude,  they  arc  on  an  equal  footing  witit  liimself." —  **  Lectures  on  the  Drama,'* 
T.  p.  '7. 

X  It  has  been  observed,  that  the  annual  procession  of  the  sacred  ship,  so  often 
represented  on  Egyptian  monuments,  and  the  return  of- the  deity  from  Ethiopia  after 
some  days'  absence,  serves  to  show  the  Ethiopian  origin  of  Thebes,  and  of  the  wor- 
ship of  Jupiter  Amnion.  "  I  think,"  says  Heeren,  after  quoting  a  passage  from 
Diodorus  about  the  holy  ship,  "  that  this  procession  is  represented  m  one  of  the  great 
sculptured  reliefs  on  the  temple  of  Kaniak.  The  sacred  ship  of  Ammon  is  on  the 
shore  with  its  whole  equipment,  and  is  towed  along  by  another  boat.  It  is,  therefore, 
on  its  voyage.  This  must  have  been  one  of  the  most  celebrated  festivals,  since,  even 
according  to  the  interpretation  of  antiquity.  Homer  alludes  to  it  when  lie  spe.iks  of 
Jupiter's  visit  to  the  Ethiopians,  and  his  twelve  davs'  absence."— Long,  "  Egyptian 
Antiquities."  vol.  i.  p.  96.  Eustatliius,  vol.  i-  p.  gS,  sq.  (ed.  Basil.)  gives  this  iinet- 
preution,  and  likewise  au  allegorical  one,  which  we  will  spare  the  reader. 


64  '^{!K  JLTAD.  [Book  t 

Twelve  days  the  powers  indulge  the  genial  rite, 
Returning  with  tlie  twelfth  revolving  light. 
Then  will  1  mount  the  brazen  dome,  and  move 
The  high  tribunal  of  immortal  Jove." 

The  goddess  spoke  :  the  rolling  waves  unclose  ; 
Then  down  the  steep  she  plunged  from  whence  she  i  DSe, 
And  left  him  sorrowing  on  the  lonely  coast, 
In  wild  resentment  for  the  fair  he  lost. 

In  Chrysa's  port  now  sage  Ulysses  rode; 
Beneath  the  deck  the  destined  victims  stow'd: 
The  sails  they  furl'd,  they  lash  the  mast  aside, 
And  dropp'd  their  anchors,  and  the  pinnace  tied. 
Next  on  the  shore  their  hecatomb  they  land ; 
Chryeis  last  descending  on  the  strand. 
Her,  thus  returning  from  the  furrow'd  main, 
Ulysses  led  to  Phcebus'  sacred  fane; 
Where  at  his  solemn  altar,  as  the  maid 
He  gave  to  Chryses,  thus  the  hero  said  : 

"  Hail,  reverend  priest!  to  I'huebus'  awful  dome 
A  suppliant  I  from  great  Atrides  come : 
Unransom'd,  here  receive  the  spotless  fair; 
Accept  the  hecatomb  the  Greeks  prepare ; 
hwA  may  thy  god  who  scatters  darts  around, 
Atoned  by  .sacrifice,  desist  to  wound."  * 

At  this,  the  sire  embraced  the  maid  again. 
So  sadly  lost,  so  lately  sought  in  vain. 
Then  near  the  altar  of  the  darting  king. 
Disposed  in  rank  their  hecatomb  they  bring; 
With  water  purify  their  hands,  and  take 
The  sacred  offering  of  the  salted  cake  ; 
While  thus  with  arms  devoutly  raised  in  air, 
And  solemn  voice,  the  priest  directs  his  prayer ; 

"  God  of  the  silver  bow,  thy  ear  incline, 
Whose  power  incircles  Cilia  the  divine; 
Whose  sacred  eye  thy  Tenedos  surveys. 
And  gilds  fair  Chrysa  with  distinguish'd  rays  ! 
If,  fired  to  vengeance  at  thy  priest's  request. 
Thy  direful  darts  inflict  the  raging  pest : 
Once  more  attend  !  .avert  the  wasteful  woe. 
And  smile  propitious,  and  unbend  thy  bow." 

So  Chryses  pray'd.     Apollo  heard  his  prayer; 
And  now  the  Greeks  their  hecatomb  prepare  ; 
Between  their  horns  the  salted  barley  threw, 

•  Aloned.  i.  c.  reconciled.  This  is  ttie  proper  and  mo-!t  natural  rnenr.'  -  "^  thr 
word,  as  may  be  seen  irom  Taylor's  remarks  in  Calmet's  Dictionaiy,  p.  no,  ol  -n/ 
tditioD. 


Book  I.]  THE  ILIAD.  65 

And,  with  their  heads  to  heaven,  the  victims  slew;  * 
The  '.iml)s  they  sever  from  the  inclosing  hide 
The  thi.i^hs,  selected  to  the  gods,  divide  : 
On  these,  in  double  c.iuls  involved  ^\itli  art. 
The  choicest  morsels  lay  from  every  part. 
The  priest  himself  before  liis  altar  stands, 
And  burns  the  offering  with  his  holy  hands, 
Pours  the  black  wine,  and  sees  tlie  flames  aspire; 
The  youth  with  instruments  surround  the  fire  : 
Tlie  thighs  thus  sacrificed,  and  entrails  dress'd, 
The  assistants  part,  transfix,  and  roast  the  rest : 
Then  spread  the  tallies,  the  repast  prepare; 
Each  takes  his  seat,  and  eacli  receives  his  share. 
When  now  the  rage  of  hunger  was  repress'd, 
With  pure  libations  they  conclude  the  feast; 
The  youths  with  wine  tlie  copious  goblets  crown'd, 
And,  pleased,  dispense  the  flowing  bowls  around  ; 
With  hymns  divine  the  joyous  banquet  ends, 
The  pasans  lengllien'd  till  thj  sun  dcscendj  : 
The  Greeks,  restored,  the  grateful  notes  prolong; 
Apollo  listens,  and  ajjproves  tlie  song. 

'Twas  night;  the  chiefs  beside  their  vessel  lie, 
'  Till  rosy  morn  had  purpled  o'er  the  sky  : 
,  Then  launch,  and  hoist  the  mast;  indulgent  gales, 
I  Supplied  liy  Phoebus,  fill  the  swelling  sails; 
The  milk-white  canvas  bellying  as  they  blow, 
The  parted  ocean  foams  and  roars  below  : 
Above  the  bounding  billows  swift  they  flew. 
Till  now  the  Grecian  camp  appear'd  in  view. 
Far  on  the  beach  they  haul  their  bark  to  land, 
(The  crooked  keel  divides  the  yellow  sand,) 
Then  part,  where  stretch'd  along  the  winding  bay, 
The  ships  and  tents  in  mingled  prospect  lay. 

But  raging  still,  amidst  his  navy  sat 
The  stern  Achilles,  steadfast  in  his  hate ; 


•  That  is,  drawing  bacic  their  necks  while  they  cut  their  throats.  *'  I  f  the  sacrifice 
Tvas  in  honor  of  tlie  celestial  gods,  the  throat  was  bent  upward  towards  heaven  ;  but  if 
made  to  the  heroes,  or  infernal  deities,  it  waskilled  with  us  throat  toward  the  ground." 
•  -"  Elgin  Marbles,"  vol.  i.  p.  Si. 

**  The  jolly  crew,  unmindful  of  the  past, 
The  quarry  share,  their  plenteous  dinner  haste. 
Some  strip  the  skin  ;  some  portion  out  the  spoil  : 
The  limbs  yet  trembling,  in  the  caldrons  boil  ; 
Some  on  the  fire  the  reeking  entrails  broil. 
Stretch'd  on  the  grassy  turf,  at  ease  they  dine, 

-Restore  their  strength  with  meat,  and  cheer  their  souls  wilh  wine." 
Dryden's  Virgil,  i.  203 
t  Crtvm^d,  i.  e.  filt'd  to  the  brim.     The  custom  of  adorning  goblets  with  tiowera 
was  of  later  date. 


66  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  T 

Nor  mix'd  in  combat,  nor  in  council  join'd  ; 
But  wasting  cares  lay  heavy  on  bis  mind  : 
In  his  black  tlioughts  revenge  and  slaughter  roll, 
And  scenes  of  blood  rise  dreadful  in  his  soul. 

Twelve  days  were  past,  and  now  the  dawning  light 
The  gods  had  summon'd  to  the  Olympian  height: 
Jove,  first  ascending  from  the  watery  bovvers, 
Leads  the  long  order  of  ethereal  powers. 
When,  like  the  morning-mist  in  early  day, 
Rose  from  the  flood  the  daughter  of  the  sea; 
And  to  the  seats  divine  her  flight  address'd. 
There,  far  apart,  and  high  above  the  rest. 
The  thunderer  sat ;  where  old  Olympus  shrouds 
His  hundred  heads  in  heaven,  and  props  the  clouds. 
Suppliant  the  goddess  stood  :  one  hand  she  placed 
Beneath  his  beard,  and  one  his  knees  embraced. 
"  If  e'er,  O  father  of  the  gods !  (she  said) 
My  words  could  please  thee,  or  my  actions  aid, 
Some  marks  of  honor  on  my  son  bestow, 
And  pay  in  glory  what  in  life  you  owe. 
Fame  is  at  least  by  heavenly  promise  due 
To  life  so  short,  and  now  dishonor'd  too. 
Avenge  this  wrong,  O  ever  just  and  wise  ! 
Let  Greece  be  humbled,  and  the  Trojans  rise; 
Till  the  proud  king  and  all  the  Achaian  race 
Shall  heap  with  honors  him  they  now  disgrace." 

Thus  Thetis  spoke  ;  but  Jove  in  silence  held 
The  sacred  counsels  of  his  breast  conceal'd. 
Not  so  repulsed,  the  goddess  closer  press'd. 
Still  grasp'd  his  knees,  and  urged  tlie  dear  request. 
"  O  sire  of  gods  and  men  !  thy  suppliant  hear  ; 
Refuse,  or  grant ;  for  what  has  Jove  to  fear  .'' 
Or  oh  !  declare,  of  all  the  powers  above. 
Is  wretched  Thetis  least  the  care  of  Jove  ?  " 

She  said:  and,  sighing,  thus  the  god  replies, 
Who  rolls  the  thunder  o'er  the  vaulted  skies  : 

*'  What  hast  thou  ask'd  ?  ah.  why  should  Jove  engage 
In  foreign  contests  and  domestic  rage, 
The  gods'  complaints,  and  Juno's  fierce  alarms, 
While  I,  too  partial,  aid  the  Trojan  arms? 
Go,  lest  the  haughty  partner  of  my  sway 
With  jealous  eyes  thy  close  access  survey; 
Rut  part  in  peace,  secure  thy  prayer  is  sped : 
Witness  the  sacred  honor?  of  our  head. 
The  nod  that  ratifies  the  will  divine, 
The  faithful,  fix'd,  irrevocable  sign  ; 
This  seals  thy  suit,  and  this  fulfils  thy  vows—'' 


Book  T.-J  THE  II.TAD.  67 

He  spoke,  and  awful  bends  his  sable  brows,* 
Shakes  his  ambrosial  curls,  and  gives  the  nod, 
The  stamp  of  fate  and  sanction  of  the  god  : 
High  heaven  with  trembling  the  dread  signal  took. 
And  all  Olympus  to  the  centre  shook. f 

Swift  to  the  seas  profound  the  goddess  flies, 
Jove  to  his  starry  mansions  in  the  skies. 
The  shining  synod  of  the  immortals  wait 
The  coming  god,  and  from  their  thrones  of  state 
Arising  silent,  wrapp'd  in  holy  fear. 
Before  the  majesty  of  heaven  appear. 
Trembling  they  stand,  while  Jove  assumes  the  throne, 
All.  but  the  god's  imperious  queen  alone  : 
Late  had  she  view'd  the  silver-footed  dame, 
And  all  her  passions  kindled  into  flame. 
"  Say,  artful  manager  of  heaven  (she  cries), 
Who  now  partakes  the  secrets  of  the  skies  ? 
Thy  Juno  knows  not  the  decrees  of  fate. 
In  vain  the  partner  of  imperial  stale. 
What  favorite  goddess  then  those  cares  divides, 
Which  Jove  in  prudence  from  his  consort  hides  ?  " 

To  this  the  thunderer ;  "  Seek  not  thou  to  find 
The  sacred  counsels  of  almighty  mind; 
Involved  in  darkness  lies  the  great  decree. 
Nor  can  the  depths  of  fate  be  pierced  by  thee. 
What  fits  thy  knowledge,  thou  the  first  shalt  know; 
The  first  of  gods  above,  and  men  below ; 
But  thou,  nor  they,  shall  search  the  thoughts  that  roll 
Deep  in  the  close  recesses  of  my  soul." 

Full  on  the  sire  the  goddess  of  the  skies," 
Roird  the  large  orbs  of  her  majestic  eves, 
And  thus  return'd  : — "Austere  Saturnius,  say. 
From  whence  this  wrath,  or  who  controls  thy  sway? 
Thy  boundless  will,  for  me,  remains  in  force. 
And  all  thy  counsels  take  the  destined  course. 
But  'tis  for  Greece  I  fear:  for  late  was  seen. 
In  close  consult,  the  silver-footed  queen. 
Jove  to  his  Thetis  nothing  could  deny, 

•  Hr  sfokr,  &c.  "  When  a  friend  inquired  of  Pliidias  from  what  pattern  he  had 
formed  his  Olympian  Jupiter,  he  is  said  to  have  answered  by  repeating  these  lines  ot 
the  first  Iliad  in  which  the  poet  represents  the  majesty  of  the  god  in  the  most  sublime 
terms  ;  thereby  signifying  that  the  genius  of  Homer  had  inspired  him  with  it.  Those 
who  beheld  this  statue  are  said  to  haTe  been  so  struck  with  it  as  to  have  asked 
whether  Jupiter  had  descended  from  heaven  to  show  himself  to  Phidias,  or  whether 
Phidias  had  been  carried  thither  to  contemplate  the  god.'* — **  Elgin  Marbles,"  vob 
ui.  p.  124. 

t  '  "So  was  his  will 

m  oath. 

rnce,  cpnfirm'd." 
*'  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  451, 


68  THE  JLIAD.  [Book  I 

Nor  was  the  signal  vain  that  shook  the  sky. 
What  fatal  favor  has  the  goddess  won, 
To  grace  Iier  fierce,  inexorable  son  ? 
Perhaps  in  Grecian  blood  to  drench  the  plain. 
And  glut  his  vengeance  with  my  people  slain." 

Then  thus  the  god  :  "  O  restless  fate  of  pride. 
That  strives  to  learn  what  heaven  resolves  to  hide 
Vain  is  the  search,  presumptuous  and  abhorr'd. 
Anxious  to  thee,  and  odious  to  thy  lord. 
Let  this  suffice  :  the  immutable  decree 
No  force  can  shake :  what  is,  that  ought  to  be. 
Goddess,  submit ;  nor  dare  our  will  withstand. 
But  dread  the  power  of  this  avenging  hand  : 
The  united  strength  of  all  the  gods  above 
In  vain  resists  the  omnipotence  of  Jove." 

The  thunderer  spoke,  nor  durst  the  queen  reply 
A  reverent  horror  silenced  all  the  sky. 
The  feast  disturb'd,  with  sorrow  Vulcan  saw 
His  mother  menaced,  and  the  gods  in  awe; 
Peace  at  his  lieart,  and  pleasure  his  design. 
Thus  interposed  the  architect  divine  : 
"The  wretched  cjaarrels  of  the  mortal  state 
.^re  far  unworthy,  gods  !  of  your  debate  : 
Let  men  their  days  in  senseless  strife  employ. 
We,  in  eternal  peace  and  constant  joy. 
Thou,  goddess-mother,  with  our  sire  comply, 
Nor  break  the  sacred  union  of  the  sky  : 
Lest,  roused  to  rage,  he  shake  the  bless'd  abodes, 
Launch  the  red  lightning,  and  dethrone  the  gods, 
If  you  submit,  the  thunderer  stands  appeased  ; 
The  gracious  power  is  willing  to  be  pleased." 

Tluis  Vulcan  spoke  :  and  rising  with  a  bound, 
The  double  bowl  with  sparkling  nectar  crown' d,* 
Which  held  to  Juno  in  a  cheerful  way, 
"  Goddess  (lie  cried),  be  patient  and  obey. 
Dear  as  you  are,  if  Jove  his  arm  extend, 
I  can  but  grieve,  unable  to  defend. 
What  god  so  dar-ing  in  your  aid  to  move, 
Or  lift'his  hand  against  the  force  of  Jove  ? 
Once  in  your  cause  I  felt  his  matchless  might, 
Hurl'd  headlong  down  from  the  ethereal  height ;  f 

*  A  douHe  bmvl,  i.  e.  a  vessel  with  .1  cup  ,Tt  brnh  ends,  some 
ores  by  wliich  .t  lialfpeniiy  or  pennyworth  of  nuts  is  sold.  S 
p.  yj,  sq. 

f  "  Paradise  Lost,"  i.  44. 

"  Him  111'  Alnili;htv  power 
Hurl'd  headlong  flaming  Irom  th'  ethereal  ski. 
With  hideous  ruin  and  combustion." 


Book  I.]  THE  ILIAD.  69 

Toss'd  all  the  day  in  rapid  circles  rouiul ; 

Nor  till  the  sun  descended  touch'd  the  ground; 

ISreathless  I  foil,  in  giddy  motion  lost  ; 

The  Sinthians  raised  me  on  the  Lemnian  coast ;  * 

He  said,  and  to  her  hands  the  goblet  jieaved, 
Which,  with  a  smile,  the  white-arm'd  queen  received. 
Then,  to  the  rest  he  fill'd;  and  in  his  turn, 
Each  to  his  lips  applied  the  nectar'durn, 
Vulcan  with  awkward  grace  his  office  plies. 
And  unextinguish'd  laughter  shakes  the  skies. 

Thus  the  blest  gods  the  genial  day  prolong. 
In  feasts  ambrosial,  and  celestial  song.f 
Apollo  tuned  the  lyre  ;  the  Muses  round 
With  voice  alternate  aid  the  silver  sound. 
Meantime  the  radiant  sun  to  mortal  sight 
Descending  swift,  roU'd  down  the  rapid  light: 
Then  to  their  starry  domes  the  gods  depart, 
Tlie  shining  monuments  of  Vulcan's  art : 
Jove  on  his  couch  reclined  his  awful  head, 
And  Juno  slumber'd  on  the  golden  bed. 


*  Tlie  occasion  on  whicli  Vulcan  incurred  Jove's  displeasure  was  this.— After  Her, 
cules  had  taken  and  pillaged  Troy,  Juno  raised  a  storm  which  drove  him  to  the  island 
of  Cos,  having  previously  cast  Jove  into  a  sleep,  to  prevent  him  aiding  his  son.  Jove, 
in  revenge,  fastened  iron  anvils  to  her  leet,  and  hung  her  from  the  Bky,  and  Vulcan, 
attempting  to  relieve  her,  was  kicked  down  from  Olympus  in  the  manner  described. 
The  ailegorists  have  gone  mad  in  finding  deep  explanations  for  this  amusing  fiction. 
See  Heraclides,  "  Ponticns,"  p.  463,  sq.,  ed-  Gale.  The  story  is  told  by  Homer  him- 
self in  Book  XV.  Tlie  Sinthians  were  a  race  of  robbers,  the  ancient  inhabitants  of 
Lemuo£,  which  island  was  ever  after  sacred  to  Vulcan. 

'*  Nor  was  his  name  unheard  or  unadored 
In  ancient  Greece  ;  and  in  Ausonian  land 
Men  call'd  him  Mulciber  ;  and  how  he  fell 
From  heaven,  they  fabled,  thrctwn  by  angry  Jove 
Sheer  o'er  the  crystal  battlements  ;  from  morn 
To  noon  he  fell,  fn.nl  noon  to  dewy  eve, 
A  summer's  day  ;  and  with  the  setting  sun 
Dropp'd  from  the  zenith  like  a  falling  star 
On  Lemnos,  th'  jEgeaii  isle  ;  thus  they  relate." 

**  Paradise  Lost,"  i.  738. 
t  It  is  ingeniously  observed  by  Grotc,  vol. !.  p.  463,  that  *'The  gods  formed  a  so.-f 
•f  political  com.nunily  of  their  own,  which  had  its  heirarchy,  its  distribution  of  ranks 
and  duties,  its  contentions  for  power  and  occasional  revolutions,  its  public  meetings  ir 
tlie  agora  of  Olympus,  and  its  multitudinous  banquets  or  festivals." 


7°  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II. 


BOOK   IL 

ARGUMENT. 

THB  TRIAL  OF   THE    ARMY,    AND   CATALOGUE   OP   THE    PORCBS. 

Jupiter,  in  pursuance  of  the  request  of  Thetis,  sends  a  deceitful  vision  to  AgamemnoTi, 
persuading  him  to  lead  the  army  to  battle,  in  order  to  make  the  Greeks  sensible  of 
their  want  of  Achilles.  Tlie  general,  who  is  deluded  with  the  hopes  of  taking 
Troy  without  his  assistance,  but  fears  the  army  was  discouraged  by  his  absence, 
and  the  late  plague,  as  well  as  by  the  length  of  time,  contrives  to  make  trial  of  their 
disposition  by  a  stratagem.  He  first  communicates  his  design  to  the  princes  in 
council,  that  he  would  propose  a  return  to  the  soldiers,  and  that  they  should  put  a 
stop  to  them  if  the  proposal  was  embraced.  Then  he  assembles  the  whole  host, 
and  upon  moving  for  a  return  to  Greece,  they  unanimously  agree  to  it,  and  run  to 
prepare  the  ships.  They  are  detained  by  the  management  of  Ulysses,  who  chas- 
tises the  insolence  of  Thersites.  The  assembly  is  recalled,  several  speeches  made 
on  the  occasion,  and  at  length  tlie  advice  of  Nestor  followed,  which  was  to  make  a 
general  muster  of  the  troops,  and  to  divide  them  into  their  several  nations,  before 
they  proceeded  to  battle.  This  gives  occasion  to  the  poet  to  enumerate  all  the 
forces  of  tht  Greeks  and  Trojans,  and  m  a  large  catalogue- 

The  time  employed  in  this  book  consists  not  entirely  of  one  day.  The  scene 
lies  in  the  Grecian  camp,  and  upon  the  sea-shore  ;  towards  the  end  it  removes  ta 
Troy. 

Now  pleasing  sleep  had  seal'd  each  mortal  eye, 
Stretch'd  in  the  tents  the  Grecian  leaders  lie  : 
The  immortals  shimber'd  on  their  thrones  above  j 
All,  but  the  ever-wakeful  eyes  of  Jove.* 
To  h(inor  Thetis'  son  lie  bends  his  care, 
And  phmge  tlie  Greeks  in  all  the  woes  of  war  5 
Then  bids  an  empty  phantom  rise  to  sight, 
And  thus  commands  the  vision  of  the  night. 

*'  Fly  hence,  deluding  Dream  I  and  light  as  air,t 
To  Agamemnon's  ample  tent  repair. 
Bid  him  in  arms  draw  forth  the  embattled  train, 
Lead  all  his  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain. 

•  Plato,  Rep.  ili.  p.  437,  was  so  scandalized  at  this  deception  of  Jupif^r's,  and  at 
his  other  attacks  on  the  cliaracter  of  the  gods,  tliat  he  would  fain  sentence  him  10  am 
honorable  banishment.  (See  Minucius  Felix,  §  22.)  Coleridge,  Introd.  p.  154,  well 
observes  that  the  supreme  father  of  gods  and  men  had  a  full  right  to  employ  a  lying 
Spirit  to  work  out  his  ultimate  will.  Compare  "  Paradise  Lost,  v.  646 . 
"  And  roseate  dews  disposed 
All  but  the  unsleeping  eyes  o£  God  to  rest.'* 

t  Dream  ought  to  be  spelt  with  a  capital  letter,  being,  I  think,  evidently  perso«- 
ified  as  the  god  of  dreams.      See  Anthon  and  others. 

"  When,  by  MiuLMva  sent,  a  fraiui/til  Dre:im 

Rush'd  from  the  skies,  the  bane  u£  her  and  Troy." 

Dyce's  "  Select  Translations  from  Quintus  Calaber,"  p,  10. 


F.ooK  li.J  THE  ILlAL).  71 

Declare,  e'en  now  'tis  given  him  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  witle-extended  Troy. 
Yor  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 
Destruction  hangs  o'er  yon  devoted  wall, 
And  nodding  llion  waits  the  impending  fall." 

Swift  as  the  word  the  vain  illusion  fled, 
Descends,  and  hovers  o'er  Atrides'  head; 
Clothed  in  the  figure  of  the  Pylian  sage, 
Renown'd  for  wisdom,  and  revered  for  age  : 
Around  his  temples  spreads  his  golden  wing, 
And  thus  the  flattering  dream  deceives  the  king. 

"  Canst  thou,  with  all  a  monarch's  cares  oppress'd, 
O  Atreus'  son  !  canst  thou  indulge  thy  rest  ?* 
Ill  fits  a  chief  who  mighty  nations  guides, 
Directs  in  council,  and  in  war  pre  sides. 
To  whom  its  safety  a  whole  people  owes, 
To  waste  long  nights  in  indolent  repose. f 
Monarch,  awake  !  'tis  Jove's  command  I  bear; 
Thou,  and  thy  glory,  claim  his  heavenly  care. 
In  just  array  draw  forth  the  embattled  train, 
Lead  all  thy  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain ; 
E'en  now,  O  king!  'tis  given  thee  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  wide-extended  Troy. 
For  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 
Destruction  hangs  o'er  yon  devoted  wall. 
And  nodding  llion  waits  the  impending  fall. 
Awake,  bqt  waking  thi.s  advice  approve. 
And  trust  the  vision  that  descends  from  Jove." 

The  phantom  said;  tlien  vanish'd  from  his  sight. 
Resolves  to  air,  and  mixes  with  the  night. 
A  thousand  schemes  the  monarch's  mind  employ; 
Elate  in  thought  he  sacks  untnken  Troy : 
Vain  as  he  was,  and  to  the  future  blind. 
Nor  saw  what  Jove  and  secret  fate  design'd. 
What  mighty  toils  to  either  host  remain, 
What  scenes  of  grief,  and  numbers  of  the  slain! 
Eager  he  rises,  and  in  fancy  hears 
The  voice  celestial  murmuring  in  his  ears. 
First  on  his  limbs  a  slender  vest  he  drew. 
Around  him  next  the  regal  mantle  threw, 

*  "  Sleep' St  thnu,  companion  dear,  what  sleep  can  close 

Thy  eye-lids  ? " — "  Paradise  Lost,"  v.  673. 

*  This  tfuly  military  sentiment  has  been  echoed  by  the  approving  voice  of  many  a 
general  and  statesman  of  antiquity.  See  Phny's  P.inegyric  on  Tr.>jan.  Silius  neatly 
translates  it, 

"  Turpe  duci  totam  somno  «on&umere  noctem." 


7* 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II 

The  embroider'd  sandals  on  his  feet  were  tied 
The  starry  falchion  glitter'd  at  his  side  ; 
And  last,  liis  arm  the  massy  sceptre  loads, 
Unstain'd,  immortal,  and  the  gift  of  gods. 

Now  rosy  Morn  ascends  the  court  of  Jove, 
Lifts  up  her  light,  and  opens  day  above. 
The  king  despatch'd  his  heralds  with  commands 
To  range  the  camp  and  summon  all  the  bands : 
The  gathering  host'j  the  monarch's  word  obey; 
While  to  the  fleet  Atr'des  bends  his  way. 
In  his  black  ship  the  Pylian  prince  he  found  ; 
There  calls  a  senate  of  the  peers  around: 
The  assembly  placed,  the  king  of  men  express'd 
The  counsels  laboring  in  his  artful  breast. 

"Friends  and  confederates;  with  attentive  ear 
Receive  my  words,  and  credit  what  you  hear. 
Late  as  I  slumber'd  in  the  shades  of  night, 
A  dream  divine  appear'd  before  my  sight; 
Whose  visionary  form  like  Nestor  came. 
The  same  in  habit,  and  in  mien  the  same.* 
The  heavenly  phantom  hover'd  o'er  my  head, 
'And,  dost  thou  sleep,  O  Atreus'  son  ?  (he  said) 
111  fits  a  chief  who  mighty  nations  guides, 
Directs  in  council,  and  in  war  presides  ; 
To  whom  its  safety  a  whole  people  owes. 
To  waste  long  nights  in  indolent  repose. 
Monarch,  awake!  'tis  Jove's  command  1  bear, 
Thoe  and  thy  glory  claim  his  heavenly  care. 
In  just  array  draw'forth  the  embattled  train. 
And  lead  the  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain ; 
E'en  now,  O  king!  'tis  given  thee  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  wide-extended  Troy. 
For  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 
Destruction  hangs  o'er  yon  devoted  wall. 
And  nodding  llion  waits  the  impending  fall. 

This  hear  observant,  and  the  gods  obey!' 
The  vision  spoke,  and  pass'd  in  air  away. 
Now,  valiant  chiefs  !  since  heaven  itself  alarms, 
Unite,  and  rouse  the  sons  of  Greece  to  arms. 
But  first,  with  caution,  try  what  yet  they  dare, 
Worn  with  nine  years  of  un.successful  war. 
To  mc  e  the  troops  to  measure  back  the  main, 
Be  mine ;  and  yours  the  province  to  detain." 

'  The  same  in  liaUt,  &c. 

"  Tm  whom  once  more  the  winged  god  appears  ; 
Uis  lurTier  vouthfnt  mien  and  sluine  he  wears." 

iJcydeu's  Virgil,  iT.  8o» 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD.  1% 

He  spoke,  and  sat:  when  Nestor,  rising  said_. 
(Nestor,  whom  Pylos'  sandy  realms  obey'd,) 
'■  Princes  of  Greece,  your  faithful  ears  incline, 
Nor  doubt  the  vision  of  the  powers  divine ; 
Sent  by  great  Jove  to  him  who  rules  the  host. 
Forbid  it,  heaven!  this  warning  should  be  lost: 
Then  let  us  haste,  obey  the  god's  alarms, 
And  join  to  rouse  the  sons  of  Greece  to  arms." 

Thus  spoke  the  sage  :  the  kings  without  delay 
Dissolve  the  council,  and  tlieir  chief  obey: 
The  sceptred  rulers  lead  ;  the  following  host, 
Pour'd  forth  by  thousands,  darkens  all  the  coast. 
As  from  some  rocky  cleft  the  shepherd  sees 
Clustering  in  heaps  on  heaps  the  driving  bees. 
Rolling  and  blackening,  swarms  succeeding  swarms, 
With  deeper  murmurs  and  more  hoarse  alarms ; 
Dusky  they  spread,  a  close  embodied  crowd, 
And  o'er  the  vale  descends  the  living  cloud.* 
So,  from  the  tents  and  ships,  a  lengthen'd  train 
Spreads  all  the  beach,  and  wide  o'ershades  the  plain : 
Along  the  region  runs  a  deafening  sound  ; 
Beneath  their  footsteps  groans  the  trembling  ground. 
Fame  files  before  the  messenger  of  Jove, 
And  shining  soars,  and  claps  her  wings  above. 
Nine  sacred  heralds  now,  proclaiming  loud  f 
The  monarch's  will,  suspend  the  listening  crowd. 
Soon  as  the  throngs  in  order  ranged  appear, 
And  fainter  murmurs  died  upon  tlie  ear, 
The  king  of  kings  his  awful  figure  raised . 
High  in  his  hand  the  golden  sceptre  blazed ; 
The  golden  sceptre,  of  celestial  flame. 
By  Vulcan  form'd,  from  Jove  to  Hermes  came: 
To  Pelops  he  the  immortal  gift  resign'd ; 
The  immortal  gift  great  Pelops  left  behind. 
In  Atreus'  hand,  which  not  with  Atreus  ends. 
To  rich  Thyestes  ne.\t  the  prize  descends  ; 
And  now  the  mark  of  Agamemnon's  reign, 

*  '*  As  bees  in  spring-lime,  when 

The  sun  with  Taurus  rides, 
Pour  fourtli  their  populous  youth  about  the  hive 
In  clusters  ;  they  among  fresh  dews  and  flowers 
Fiy  to  and  fro,  or  on  the  smoothed  pLink, 
The  suburb  of  this  str.iw-bulU  citadel, 
New-nibb'd  with  bahn,  exjjaliate  and  confer 
Their  state  affairs.     So  illicit  the  very  crowd 
Swarm'd  and  weie  straileuM." — "  Paradise  Lest,**  i.  768. 
t   It  was- the  herald's  duty  to  make  the  people  sit  down.     *'  A  sta»di»^  agora  is  a 
Bymiiluni  nf  manifest  Irrrnr  (11.  xviii.  2.1^)  ;    an   ever.infj;  ai;nr.T,  to  wliicii  men  came 
elevated  by  wme,  L,  also  the  forerunner  nf  mischief  ('  Odyssey  '  iii.  138)."— Grote,  ii. 


74  TlfE  TLTAD.  Book  II, 

Subjects  all  Aigos,  and  controls  the  main.* 

On  this  bright  sceptre  now  the  king  reclined, 
And  artful  thus  pronounced  the  speech  design'd: 
"Ye  sons  of  Mars;  partake  your  leader's  care, 
Heroes  of  Greece,  and  brothers  of  the  war! 
Of  partial  Jove  with  justice  I  complain, 
And  heavenly  oracles  believed  in  vain. 
A  safe  return  was  promised  to  our  toils, 
Renown'd,  triumphant,  and  enrich'd  with  spoils. 
Now  shameful  flight  alone  can  save  the  host. 
Our  blood,  our  treasure,  and  our  glory  lost. 
So  Jove  decrees,  resistless  lord  of  all ! 
At  whose  command  whole  empires  rise  or  fall: 
He  shakes  the  feeble  props  of  liuman  trust, 
And  towns  and  armies  !iumbles  to  the  dust. 
What  shame  to  Greece  a  fruitful  war  to  wage, 
Oh,  lasting  shame  in  every  future  age  ! 
Once  great  in  arms,  the  common  scorn  we  grow, 
Repulsed  and  baffled  by  a  feeble  foe. 
So  small  their  number,  that  if  wars  were  ceased, 
And  Greece  triumphant  held  a  general  feast. 
All  rank'd  by  tens,  whole  decades  when  they  dine 
Must  want  a  Trojan  slave  to  pour  the  wine.f 
But  other  forces  have  our  hopes  o'erthrown, 
And  Troy  prevails  by  armies  not  her  own. 
Now  nine  long  years  of  mighty  Jove  are  run, 
Since  first  the  labors  of  this  war  begun  : 
Our  cordage  toin.  decav'd  our  vessels  lie. 
And  scarce  insure  the  wretched  power  to  fly. 
Haste,  then,  forever  leave  the  Trojin  wall ! 
Our  weeping  wives,  cur  tender  children  call: 
Love,  duty,  safety,  summon  us  away, 
'Tis  nature's  voice,  and  nature  we  obey. 

*  This  sceptre,  like  tli.it  of  Jud.-\h  (Genesis  xHx.  lot.  is  a  type  of  the  supreme  and 
far-spread  dominion  of  tlie  house  of  the  Atrides.  SeeThucydides  i.  o.  "It  is  traced 
throusli  the  hands  of  Hermes  ;  he  being  the  wealtli-givinc  god,  whose  blessing  is 
most  efficacious  i-i  furthering  the  process  f>f  acquisition." — Grote,  i.  p.  2 12.  Compare 
Qumtus  Calajet  iDyce's  Selections,  p.  43): 

"  Thus  the  monarch  spoke. 

Then  pledged  the  chief  in  a  capacious  cup. 

Golden,  and  framed  by  art  divine  (a  gift 

Which  io  Almighty  Jove  lame  Vulcan  brought 

Upon  his  nuptial  day,  when  he  espoused 

The  Qut-en  of  Lnve)  ;  the  sire  of  gods  bestow'd 

The  cup  on  D.udanus,  who  gave  it  next 

To  Erictbonius  :  Tros  received  it  then, 

And  left  it,  with  his  wealth,  to  be  possess'd 

By  llus  ;  he  10  great  I.aonudon 

Gave  it  ;  and  i.isl  to  Pri.un's  lol  it  fell."' 
t  Grnte,  i.  p.  3Q3,  states  the  number  of  the  <3recian  forces  at  upwards  of  100,000 
BOD.    Nichols  makes  a  total  uf  135,000. 


B«oK  III  TIfE  ILTAD.  75 

Our  shatter'd  barks  may  yet  transport  us  o'er, 
Safe  and  inglorious,  to  our  native  shore. 
Fly,  Grecians,  fly,  your  sails  and  oars  employ, 
And  dream  no  more  of  lieaven-defended  'I'roy." 

His  deep  design  unknown,  the  hosts  approve 
Atrides'  speech.     The  mighty  numljers  move. 
So  roll  the  billows  to  the  Icarian  shore, 
From  east  and  south  when  winds  begin  to  roar, 
Burst  their  dark  mansions  in  the  clouds,  and  sweep 
The  whitening  surface  of  tlie  ruffled  deep. 
And  as  on  corn  when  western  gusts  descend,* 
Before  tlie  blast  the  lofty  harvests  bend : 
Thus  o"er  tlie  field  the  moving  host  appears, 
With  nodding  plumes  and  groves  of  waving  spears. 
The  gathering  murmur  spreads,  their  trampling  feet 
Beat  the  loose  sands,  and  thicken  to  the  fleet; 
With  long-resounding  cries  they  urge  the  train 
To  fit  the  ships,  and  laurch  into  the  main. 
They  toil,  they  sweat,  thick  clouds  of  dust  arise, 
The  doubling  clamors  echo  to  the  skies. 
E'en  then  the  Greeks  had  left  the  hostile  plain, 
And  fate  decreed  the  fall  of  Troy  in  vain ; 
But  Jove's  imperial  queen  their  flight  surv^y'd. 
And  sighing  thus  be&poke  the  blue-eyed  maid: 

"  Shall  then  the  Grecians  fly  !   O  dire  di.sgrace! 
And  leave  unpunish'd  this  perfidious  race? 
Sliall  Trov,  sliall  Priam,  and  the  adulterous  spouse. 
In  peace  enjoy  tlie  fruits  of  broken  vows  ? 
And  bravest  chiefs,  in  Helen's  quarrel  slain, 
Lie  unrevenged  on  yon  detested  plain? 
No :  let  my  Greeks,  unmoved  by  vain  alarms. 
Once  more  refulgent  shine  in  brazen  arms. 
Haste,  goddess,  haste !  the  flying  host  detain, 
Nor  let  one  sail  be  hoisted  on  the  main." 

Pallas  obeys,  and  from  Olympus'  height 
Swift  to  the  ships  precipitates  her  flight. 
Ulysses,  first  in  public  cares,  she  found, 
For  prudent  counsel  like  the  gods  renown'd  : 
Oppress'd  with  generous  grief  the  hero    food. 
Nor  drew  his  sable  vessels  to  the  flood. 
'•  And  is  it  thus,  divine  Laertes'  son. 
Thus  fly  the  Greeks  (the  martial  maid  begun), 
Thus  to  their  country  bear  their  own  disgrace, 

•        -  "As  thick  a5  when  a  field 

Of  Ceres,  ripe  for  harvest,  waving  bends 
His  bearded  throve  of  ears,  whicli  way  the  wind 
Sways  theiu." — "Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  980,  sqq. 


TtJE  ILIAD.  [KooK  II. 

And  fame  eternal  leave  to  Priam's  race  ? 
Shall  beauteous  Helen  still  remain  unfreed, 
Still  unrevengud,  a  thousand  heroes  bleed  ! 
Haste,  generous  Ithacus  !  prevent  the  shame, 
Recall  your  armies,  and  your  chiefs  reclaim. 
Your  owr  resistless  eloquence  employ, 
And  to  the  immortals  trust  the  fall  of  Troy." 

The  voice  divine  confess'd  the  warlike  maid, 
Ulysses  heard,  nor  uninspired  obey'd: 
Then  meetmg  first  Atrides,  from  his  hand 
Received  the  imperial  sceptre  of  command. 
Thus  graced,  attention  and  respect  to  gain, 
He  runs,  he  flies  through  all  the  Grecian  train  ; 
Each  prince  of  name,  or  chief  in  arms  approved, 
He  fired  with  praise,  or  with  persuasion  moved. 

"  Warriors  like  you,  with  strength  and  wisdom  bless'd, 
By  brave  examples  should  confirm  the  rest. 
The  monarch's  will  not  yet  reveal'd  appears  ; 
He  tries  our  courage,  but  resents  our  fears. 
The  unwary  Greeks  his  fury  may  provoke  ; 
Not  thus  the  king  in  secret  council  spoke. 
Jove  loves  our  chief,  from  Jove  his  honor  springs, 
Beware  !  for  dreadful  is  the  wrath  of  kings." 

But  if  a  clamorous  vile  plebeian  rose, 
Him  with  reproof  he  cl'Cck'd  or  tamed  with  blows. 
'•■  Be  still,  thou  slave,  and  to  thy  betters  yield  ; 
Unknown  alike  in  council  and  in  field  ! 
Ye  gods,  what  dastards  would  our  host  command ! 
Swept  to  the  war,  the  lumber  of  a  land. 
Be  silent,  wretch,  and  think  not  here  allow'd 
That  worst  of  tyrants,  an  usurping  crowd. 
To  one  sole  monarch  Jove  commits  the  sway ; 
His  are  the  laws,  and  him  let  all  obey."  * 

With  words  like  these  the  troops  Ulysses  ruled. 
The  loudest  silenced,  and  the  fiercest  cool'd. 
Back  to  the  assembly  roll  the  thronging  train, 
Desert  the  ships,  and  pour  upon  the  plain. 
Murmuring  they  move,  as  when  old  ocean  roars. 
And  heaves  huge  surges  to  the  trembling  shores; 
The  groaning  banks  are  burst  with  bellowing  sound. 
The  rocks  reniurmur  and  the  deeps  rebound. 
At  length  the  tumult  sinks,  the  noises  cease, 
And  a  still  silence  lulls  the  camp  to  peace. 

I  popular  one  witti  some  of  tlie  gre.itest  tyrants,  who 
limited    usun">ation    of   power.      Dion,  Ca'.iKU.-,  and 
Uomitian  were  particul.irly  foiul  of  it,  and,  in  an  extended  form,  we  tinU  llie   »*axim 
propounded  by  C'reon  in  the  Antigone  of  Sophocles.     Sec  SOiDe  important  refl>-*^  ol 

Ueeren,  '*  Aiiaent  Greece,"  ch.  vi.  p.  105. 


THE  ILIAD.  77 


Tbersites  only  clamor'cl  in  the  throng, 

Loquacious,  loud,  and  turbulent  of  tongue  : 

Aweil  by  no  shame,  by  no  respect  controU'd, 

In  scandal  busy,  in  reproaches  bold  : 

With  witty  malice  studious  to  defame, 

Scorn  all  his  joy,  and  laughter  all  his  aim : — 

But  chief  he  gloried  with  licentious  style 

To  lash  the  great,  and  monarchs  to  revile. 

His  figure  such  as  might  his  soul  proclaim  ; 

One  eye  was  blinking,  and  one  leg  was  lame : 

His  mountain  shoulders  half  his  breast  o'erspread, 

Thin  hairs  bestrew'd  his  long  misshapen  head. 

Spleen  to  mankind  his  envious  heart  possess'd, 

And  much  he  hated  all,  but  most  the  best : 

Ulysses  or  Achilles  still  his  theme  ; 

But  royal  scandal  his  delight  supreme. 

Long  had  he  lived  the  scorn  of  every  Greek, 

Vex'd  when  he  spoke,  yet  still  they  heard  him  speak. 

Sharp  was  his  voice  ;  which  in  the  shrillest  tone, 

Thus  with  injurious  taunts  attack'd  the  throne. 

"  Amidst  the  glories  of  so  bright  a  reign, 
What  moves  the  great  Atridts  to  complain  ? 
'Tis  thine  whate'er  the  warrior's  lireast  inflames, 
The  golden  spoil,  and  thine  tiie  lovely  dames. 
With  all  the  wealth  our  wars  and  blood  bestow, 
Thy  tents  are  crowded  and  thy  clicsts  o'erflow. 
Thus  at  full  ease  in  heaps  of  riches  roU'd, 
What  grieves  the  monarch  ?     Is  it  thirst  of  gold  ? 
Say,  shall  we  march  with  our  unconquer'd  powers 
(The  Greeks  and  I)  to  Ilion's  hostile  towers. 
And  bring  the  race  of  royal  bastards  here, 
For  Troy  to  ransom  at  a  price  too  dear  .•" 
But  safer  plunder  thy  own  host  supplies; 
Say,  wouldst  thou  seize  some  valiant  leader's  prize 
Or,  if  thy  heart  to  generous  love  be  led. 
Some  captive  fair,  to  bless  thy  kingly  bed .' 
Whate'er  our  master  craves  submit  we  must, 
Plagued  with  his  pride,  or  punish'd  for  his  lust 
Oh  women  of  Achaia  ;  men  no  more  ! 
Hence  let  us  fly,  and  let  him  waste  his  store 
In  loves  and  pleasures  on  the  Phrygian  shore. 
We  may  be  wanted  on  some  busy  day. 
When  Hector  comes  :  so  great  Achilles  may: 
From  liim  he  forced  the  prize  we  jointly  gave. 
From  him,  the  fierce,  the  fearless,  and  the  brave* 
And  durst  he,  as  he  ouglit,  resent  that  wrong, 
This  mighty  tyrant  were  no  tyrant  long." 


78  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II 

Fierce  from  his  seat  at  tliis  Ulysses  springs,* 
In  generous  vengeance  of  tlie  king  of  Icings, 
Willi  indignation  sparl<ling  in  liis  eyes, 
He  views  tlie  wretch,  and  sternly  thus  replies: 

"  Peace,  factious  monster,  born  to  vex  the  state, 
With  wrangling  talents  form'd  for  foul  debate- 
Curb  that  impetuous  tongue,  nor  rashly  vain. 
And  singly  mad,  asperse  tlie  sovereign  reign. 
Have  we  not  known  thee,  slave  !  of  all  our  host. 
The  man  who  acts  the  least,  upbraids  the  most  ? 
Think  not  the  Greeks  to  shameful  flight  to  br'.ng, 
Nor  let  those  lips  profane  the  name  of  king. 
For  our  return  we  trust  the  heavenly  powers ; 
Be  that  their  Care  ;  to  fight  like  men  be  ours. 
But  grant  the  host  with  wealth  the  general  load. 
Except  detraction,  what  hast  thou  bestow'd  ? 
Suppose  some  hero  should  his  spoils  resign. 
Art  thou  that  hero,  could  those  spoils  be  thine  .'' 
Gods !  let  me  perish  on  this  hateful  shore. 
And  let  these  eyes  behold  my  son  no  more  ; 
If,  on  thy  next  offence,  this  hand  forbear 
To  strip  those  arms  tliou  ill  deserv'st  to  wear, 
Expel  the  council  where  our  princes  meet. 
And  send  thee  scourged  and  howling  through  the  fleet." 

He  said,  and  cowering  as  the  dastard  bends, 
The  weighty  sceptre  on  his  bank  descends  :  t 
On  the  round  bunch  the  bloody  tumors  rise  : 
The  tears  spring  starting  from  his  haggard  eyes ; 


•  It  may  be  remarked,  that  the  character  of  Thersites,  revolting  and  contemptible 
as  it  is,  serves  admirably  to  develop  the  disposition  of  Ulysses  in  a  new  light,  in  which 
mere  cunning  is  less  prominent.  Of  the  gradual  and  individual  development  of 
Homer's  heroes,  Schlegel  well  observes,  "  In  bas-relief  the  figures  are  usually  in  pro- 
file, and  in  the  epos  all  are  characterized  in  the  simplest  manner  in  relief ;  they  are 
not  grouped  together,  but  follow  one  another :  so  Homer's  heroes  advance,  one  by 
one,  in  succession  before  us.  It  has  been  remarked  that  the  Iliad  is  not  definitely 
closed,  but  that  we  are  left  to  suppose  something  both  to  precede  and  to  follow  it.  The 
bas-relief  is  equally  without  limit,  and  may  be  continued  ad  infiyiitum,  either  from 
before  or  behind,  on  which  account  the  ancients  preferred  for  it  such  subjects  as  ad- 
mitted of  an  indefinite  extension,  sacrificial  processions,  dances,  and  lines  of  combat- 
ants, and  hence  they  also  exhibit  bas-reliefs  on  curved  surfaces,  such  as  vases,  or  the 
frieze  of  a  rotunda,  where,  by  the  curvature,  the  two  ends  are  withdrawn  from  our 
sight,  and  where,  while  we  advance,  one  object  appears  as  another  disappears.  Read- 
ing Homer  is  very  much  like  such  a  circuit  ;  the  present  object  alone  .arresting  our 
attention,  we  lose  sight  of  that  v.iiich  precedes,  and  do  not  concern  ourselves  about 
what  is  to  follow."— Dramatic  Liter,lture,"  p.  75. 

t  **  There  cannot  be  a  clearer  indication  than  this  description — so  graphic  in  the 
orrginal  poem — of  the  true  character  of  the  Homeric  agora.  The  multitude  who  com- 
pose it  are  listening  and  acquiescent,  not  .ft-T!  Ii.-^itntmg,  and  never  refractory  to  the 
chief.  The  fate  which  awaits  a  prcMn- 1 1,  ..;  .iii.even  where  his  virulent  re- 
proaches are  substantially  well-foutuk.i.  1  .  :  iMrth  in  the  treatment  of  Ther. 
sites;  while  the  unpopularity  of  such  a  1 1.  1  .  .ltd  even  more  by  the  excessive 
pains  which  Homer  takes  to  heap  U[H.i.  ;,.:.i  .  ,  u.  ;vl  personal  deformities,  than  by 
the  chastisement  of  Odysseus— he  is  lanrj,  UiUl,  crook-backed,  of  msshapeu  head, 
and  stiuintuig  vision."— Groic,  vol.  i.  p.  97. 


Book  TI.]  THE  ILIAD.  70 

Trembling  he  sat,  and  shrunk  in  abject  fears, 
From  his  vile  visage  wiped  the  scalding  tears  ; 
While  to  his  neighbor  eacli  express'd  his  thought: 

"Ye  gods  !  what  wonders  has  Ulysses  wrought! 
Whal  fruits  his  conduct  and  his  courage  yield! 
Great  in  the  council,  glorious  in  the  field. 
Generous  he  rises  in  the  crown's  defence, 
To  curb  the  factious  tongue  of  insolence, 
Such  just  examples  on  offenders  shown, 
Sedition  silence,  and  assert  the  throne." 

'Twas  thus  the  general  voice  the  hero  praised. 
Who,  rising,  high  the  imperial  sceptre  raised  : 
The  blue-eyed  Pallas,  his  celestial  friend, 
(In  form  a  herald.)  bade  the  crowds  attend. 
The  expecting  crowds  in  still  attention  hung, 
To  hear  the  wisdom  of  his  heavenly  tongue. 
Then  deeply  thoughtful,  pausing  ere  he  spoke, 
His  silence  thus  the  prudent  hero  broke  : 

"  Unhappy  monarch  !  whom  the  Grecian  race 
With  shame  deserting,  heap  with  vile  disgrace. 
Not  such  at  Argos  was  their  generous  vow: 
Once  all  their  voice,  but  ah  !  forgotten  now : 
Ne'er  to  return,  was  then  the  common  cry, 
Till  Troy's  proud  structures  should  in  ashes  lie. 
Behold  them  weeping  for  their  native  shore ; 
What  could  their  wives  or  helpless  children  more? 
What  heart  but  melts  to  leave  the  tender  train. 
And,  one  short  month,  endure  the  wintry  main? 
Few  leagues  removed,  we  wish  our  |  eaceful  seat, 
When  the  ship  tosses,  and  the  tempests  beat: 
Then  well  may  this  long  stay  provoke  their  tears 
The  tedious  length  of  nine  revolving  vears. 
Not  for  their  grief  the  Grecian  host  I  blame; 
But  vanquish'd  !  baffled  !  oh,  eternal  shame  ! 
Expect  the  time  to  Troy's  destruction  given. 
And  try  the  faith  of  Chalcas  and  of  heaven. 
What  pass'd  at  Aulis,  Greece  can  witness  bear,* 
And  all  who  live  to  breathe  this  Phrygian  air. 
Beside  a  fountain's  sacred  brink  we  raised 
Our  verdant  altars,  and  the  victims  blazed : 
'Twas  where  the  plane-tree  spread  its  sliades  around, 
The  altars  heaved :  and  from  the  crumbling  ground 
A  mighty  dragon  shot,  of  dire  portent; 


*  Accordip.i;  to  P.iusanias,  both  the  sprig  and  the  remains  of  the  tree  were  exhib« 
in  his  time.  The  tragedians,  Lucretius  and  others,  adopted  a  different  fable  ta 
unt  for  the  stoppage  at  Anlis,  and  seem  to  have  found  the  sacrifice  nf  Iphigenia 
:r  suited  to  form  the  subject  of  a  tragedy.     Compare  Drydeu's  "  iGjieid,"  voL 


8o  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  1/. 

From  Jove  himself  the  dreadful  sign  was  sent. 

Straight  to  the  tree  his  sanguine  spires  he  roll'd, 

Andcurl'd  around  in  many  a  winding  fold; 

The  topmost  branch  a  mother-bird  possess'd; 

Eight  callow  infants  fill'd  the  mossy  nest; 

Herself  the  ninth;  tha  serpent,  as  he  hung, 

Stretch'd  his  black  jaws  and  crush  d  the  crying  young 

While  hovering  near,  with  miserable  moan, 

The  drooping  mother  wail'd  her  children  gone. 

The  mother  last,  as  round  the  nest  she  flew, 

Seized  by  the  beating  wing,  the  monster  slew ; 

Nor  long  survived  :  to  marble  turn'd,  he  stands 

A  lasting  prodigy  on  Aulis'  sands. 

Such  was  the  will  of  Jove  ;  and  hence  we  dare 

Trust  in  his  omen,  and  support  the  war. 

For  while  around  we  gazed  with  wondering  eyes, 

And  trembling  sought  the  powers  with  sacrifice. 

Full  of  his  god,  the  reverend  Chalcas  cried,* 
'Ye  Grecian  warriors  !  lay  your  fears  aside. 

This  wondrous  signal  Jove  himself  displays. 

Of  long,  long  labors,  but  eternal  praise. 

As  many  birds  as  by  the  snake  were  slain, 

So  many  years  the  toils  of  Greece  remain ; 

But  wait  the  tenth,  for  Ilion's  fall  decreed:' 

Thus  spoke  the  prophet,  thus  the  Fates  succe 

Obey,  ye  Grecians  !  with  submission  wait, 

Nor  let  your  flight  avert  the  Trojan  fate." 

He  said:  the  shores  with  loud  applauses  sound. 

The  hollow  ships  each  deafening  shout  rel)Ound. 

Then  Nestor  thus—"  These  vain  debates  forbear. 

Ye  talk  like  children,  not  like  heroes  dare. 

Where  now  are  all  your  high  resolves  at  last  ? 

Your  leagues  concluded,  your  engagements  past? 

Vow'd  with  libations  and  with  victims  then. 

Now  vanish'd  like  their  smoke  :  the  faith  of  men! 

While  useless  words  consume  the  unactive  hours, 

No  wonder  Trov  so  long  resists  our  powers. 

Rise,  great  Atrides  !  and  with  courage  sway; 

We  march  to  war,  if  thou  direct  the  way. 

But  leave  the  few  that  dare  resist  thy  laws. 

The  mean  deserters  of  the  Grecian  cause. 

To  grudge  the  conquests  mighty  Jove  prepares. 
And  view  with  envy  our  successful  wars. 
On  that  great  dav,'when  first  the  martial  train. 
Big  with  the  fate' of  Ilion,  plough'd  the  main, 

•  Full  of  his  god,   i.  <-..  Apnllo,  filled  with  '.he  propliEtic  spirit.    "  Tlu  god" 
■ould  be  more  sinii-.k  and  emphatic. 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD.  Si 

Jove,  on  the  right,  a  prosperous  signal  sent, 
And  thunder  rolling  shook  the  firmament. 
Encouraged  hence,  maintain  the  glorious  strife, 
Till  every  soldier  grasp  a  Phrygian  wife. 
Till  Helen's  woes  at  full  revenged  appear. 
And  Troy's  proud  matrons  render  tear  for  tear. 
Before  that  day,  if  any  Greek  invite 
His  country's  troops  to  base,  inglorious  flight. 
Stand  forth  that  Greek !  and  hoist  his  sail  to  fly, 
And  die  the  dastard  first,  who  dreads  to  die. 
But  now,  O  monarch  !  all  thy  chiefs  advise  :* 
Nor  what  they  offer,  thou  thyself  despise. 
Among  those  counsels,  let  not  mine  be  vain; 
In  tribes  and  nations  to  divide  thy  train  : 
His  separate  troops  let  everv  leader  call. 
Each  strengthen  each,  and  all  encourage  all. 
What  chief,  or  soldier,  of  the  numerous  band, 
Or  bravely  fights,  or  ill  obeys  command, 
When  thus  distinct  they  war,  shall  soon  be  kno\"<n 
And  what  the  cause  of  Ilion  not  o'erthrown; 
If  fate  resists,  or  if  our  arms  are  slow. 
If  gods  above  prevent,  or  men  below." 

To  him  the  king:  "  How  much  thy  years  excel 
In  arts  of  counsel,  and  in  speaking  well! 
O  would  the  gods,  in  love  to  Greece,  decree 
But  ten  such  sages  as  they  grant  in  thee ; 
Such  wisdom  soon  should  Priam's  force  destroy. 
And  soon  should  fall  the  haughty  towers  of  Troy  I 
But  Jove  forbids,  who  plunges  those  he  hates 
In  fierce  contention  and  in  vain  debates: 
Now  great  Achilles  from  our  aid  withdraws, 
By  me  provoked  ;  a  captive  maid  the  cause  : 
If  e'er  as  friends  we  join,  the  Trojan  wall 
Must  shake,  and  heavy  will  the  vengeance  fall 
But  now,  ye  warriors,  take  a  short  repast ; 
And,  well  refresh'd,  to  bloody  conflict  haste. 
His  sharpen'd  spear  let  every  Grecian  wield 
And  every  Grecian  fix  his  brazen  shield, 
Let  all  excite  the  fiery  steeds  of  war, 
And  all  for  combat  fit  the  rattling  car. 
This  day,  this  dreadful  day,  let  each  contend 
No  rest,  no  respite,  till  the  shades  descend  j 
Till  darkness,  or  till  death,  shall  cover  all : 
Let  the  war  bleed,  and  let  the  mighty  fall ; 
Till  bathed  in  sweat  be  every  manly  breast, 

•  Those  crili*:s  who  have  main 
oolal.or.,  shrulj  have  paid  more  a 
Introducticu  tu  their  enumeration. 


82  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  n 

With  Ihe  huge  shield  eacli  brawny  arm  depress'd, 
Each  aching  nerve  refuse  the  lance  to  throw, 
And  each  spent  courser  at  the  cliariot  blow. 
Who  dares,  inglorious,  in  his  ships  to  stay, 
Who  dares  to  tremble  on  this  signal  day ; 
That  wretch,  too  mean  to  fall  by  martial  power, 
The  birds  shall  mangle,  and  the  dogs  devour." 

The  monarch  spoke  ;  and  straight  a  murmur  ros''.. 
Loud  as  the  surge-s  when  the  tempest  blows. 
That  dash'd  on  broken  rocks  tumultuous  roar. 
And  foam  and  thunder  on  the  stony  shore. 
Straight  to  tlie  tents  the  troops  dispersing  bend, 
The  fires  are  kindled,  and  the  smokes  ascend; 
With  hasty  feasts  they  sacrifice,  and  prav. 
To  avert  the  dangers  of  the  doubtful  day. 
A  steer  of  five  years'  age,  large  limb'd,  and  fed,* 
To  Jove's  high  altars  Agamemnon  led  : 
There  bade  the  noblest  of  the  Grecian  peers; 
And  Nestor  first,  as  most  advanced  in  years. 
Ne.\t  came  Idomcneus.f  and  Tydeus'  son.f 
Aja.x  the  less,  and  Aja.\  Telamon  ;  § 
Then  wise  Ulysses  in  his  rank  was  placed; 
And  Menelaiis  came,  unbid,  the  last.|| 
The  chiefs  surround  the  destined  beast,  and  take 
The  sacred  otfering  of  the  salted  cake  : 
When  thus  the  king  prefers  his  solemn  prayer; 
"  O  thou  !  whose  thunder  rends  the  clouded  air. 
Who  in  the  heaven  of  heavens  hast  fixed  thy  throne. 
Supreme  of  gods  !  unbounded,  and  alone  ! 
Hear!  and  before  the  burning  sun  descends, 
Before  the  night  her  gloomy  veil  extends, 
Low  in  the  dust  be  laid  yon  hostile  spires, 


*  The  following  observ.ition  will  be  useful  to  Homeric  readers  :  "  Particular  ani- 
mals were,  at  a  later  time,  consecrated  to  particular  deities.  To  Jupiter,  Ceres,  Juno, 
Apollo,  and  Bacchus  victims  of  advanced  at^e  might  be  offered.  An  ox  of  five  ye.^rs 
old  was  considered  especially  acceptable  to  Jupiter.  A  black  bull,  a  ram,  or  a  boar 
pig,  were  offerings  for  Neptune.  A  heifer,  or  a  sheep,  for  Minerva.  To  Ceres  a 
sow  was  sacrificed,  as  an  enemy  to  corn.  The  goat  to  Bacchus,  because  he  fed  on 
vine^.  Diana  was  propitiated  with  a  stag  ;  and  to  Venus  the  dove  was  consecrated, 
riie  infernal  and  evil  deities  were  to  be  appeased  with  black  victims.  The  most  ac- 
ceptable  of  all  sacrifices  was  the  heifer  of  a  year  old,  which  had  never  borne  the  yoke. 
It  was  to  be  perfect  in  every  limb,  healthy,  and  without  blemish." — "  Elgin  Marbles," 
vol.  i.  p.  78. 

t  IdometieiiSt  son  of  Deucalion,  was  king  of  Crete.  Having  vowed,  during  a 
tempest,  on  his  return  from  Troy,  to  sacrifice  to  Neptune  the  first  creature  that  should 
present  itself  to  liii.  eve  on  the  Cretan  shore,  his  son  fell  a  victim  to  his  rash  vow. 

X    Tydilii-  >,<.:.   ,    ,      |li,„nr,I. 

iThalr-,  Ai  \,  i,  i  I  I  ( iilcus,  a  Locrian.  He  must  be  distinguished  from  the 
other,  who  w  1    I         ■  I  ^   '  ll(M^. 

II  Agreil.!    ,:    .1>  I  ^    has  been  written  to  account  for  the  word  «««</,  in  this 

line.  Even  Pl.m.,  "  Syrn]io»."  p.  315.  has  fomid  some  curious  meaning  in  what,  to  us, 
appears  to  need  no  explanation.  Was  tliere  any  heroic  rn'e  of  etiquette  which  prft" 
Tented  one  brother  king  visiting  aiiottier  without  a  formal  iuvitation  ? 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD. 


Be  Priam's  palace  sunk  in  Grecian  fires, 

In  Hector's  breast  be  plunged  this  sliining  .swo 

And  slau^hter'd  lieroes  groan  around  tlit-ir  lord! 

Thus  prayed  the  chief:  his  unavailing  prayer 
Great  Jove  refused,  and  toss'd  in  empty  air: 
The  God  averse,  while  yet  the  fumes  arose, 
Prepared  new  toils,  and  doubled  woes  on  woes. 
Their  prayers  perform'd  the  chiefs  the  rite  pursue, 
The  barley  sprinkled,  and  the  victim  slew. 
The  limbs  they  sever  from  the  inclosing  hide, 
The  thighs,  selected  to  the  gods,  divide. 
On  these,  in  double  cauls  involved  with  art, 
The  choicest  morsels  lie  from  every  part. 
From  the  cleft  wood  the  crackling  flames  aspire, 
While  the  fat  victims  feed  the  sacred  fire. 
The  thighs  thus  sacrificed,  and  entrails  dress'd, 
The  assistants  part,  transfi.\,  and  roast  the  rest; 
Then  spread  the  tables,  the  repast  prepare, 
Each  takes  his  seat,  and  each  receives  his  share. 
Soon  as  the  rage  of  hunger  was  suppress'd, 
The  generous  Nestor  thus  the  prince  address'd : 

"  Now  bid  thy  heralds  sound  the  loud  alarms. 
And  call  the  squadrons  sheathed  in  brazen  arms  ; 
Now  seize  the  occasion,  now  the  troops  survey, 
And  lead  to  war  when  heaven  directs  the  way." 

He  said;  the  monarch  issued  his  commands; 
Straight  the  loud  heralds  call  the  gathering  bands; 
The  chiefs  inclose  their  king;  the  hosts  divide. 
In  tribes  and  nations  rank'd  on  either  side. 
High  in  the  midst  the  blue-eyed  virgin  flies; 
From  rank  to  rank  she  darts  her  ardent  eyes; 
The  dreadful  a'gis,  Jove's  immortal  shield, 
Blazed  on  her  arm,  and  lighten'd  all  the  field: 
Round  the  vast  orb  a  hundred  serpents  roU'd, 
Form'd  the  bright  fringe,  and  seem'tf  to  burn  in  gold, 
With  this  each  Grecian's  manly  breast  she  warms, 
Swells  their  bold  hearts,  and  strings  their  nervous  arnu) 
No  more  they  sigh,  inglorious,  to  return, 
But  breathe  revenge,  and  for  the  combat  burn. 

As  on  some  mountain,  through  the  lofty  grove, 
The  crackling  flames  ascend,  and  blaze  above ; 
The  fires  expanding,  ;)rs  the  winds  arise. 
Shoot  their  long  beams,  and  kindle  half  the  skies: 
So  from  the  polish'd  arms,  and  brazen  shields, 
A  gleamy  splendor  flash'd  along  the  fields. 
Not  less  their  number  than  the  embodied  cranes, 
Or  milk-white  swans  in  Asius'  water  plains. 


S4  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II, 


That,  o'er  the  windings  of  Caystei's  springs,* 

Stretcli  their  long  necks,  and  clap  their  rustling  wings, 

Now  tower  aloft,  and  course  in  airy  rounds, 

Now  light  with  noise;  with  noise  the  field  resounds. 

Thus  numerous  and  confused,  extending  wide, 

The  legions  crowd  Scamander's  flowery  side  ;t 

With  rushing  troops  the  plains  are  cover'd  o'er, 

And  thundering  footsteps  shake  the  sounding  shore. 

Along  tlie  river's  level  meads  they  stand 

Thick  as  in  spring  the  flowers  adorn  the  ,and, 

Or  leaves  the  trees ;  or  thick  as  insects  play, 

The  wandering  nation  of  a  summer's  day : 

That,  drawn  by  milky  steams,  at  evening  hours. 

In  gather'd  swarms  surround  the  rural  bowers; 

From  pail  to  pail  with  busy  murmur  run 

The  gilded  legions,  glittermg  in  the  sun. 

So  throng'd,  so  close,  the  Grecian  squadrons  stood 

In  radiant  arms,  and  thirst  for  Trojan  blood. 

Each  leader  now  his  scatter'd  force  conjoins 

In  close  array,  and  forms  the  deepening  lines. 

Not  with  more  ease  the  skilful  shepherd-swain 

Collects  his  flocks  from  thousands  o.n  the  plain. 

The  king  of  kings,  majestically  tall, 

Towers  o'er  his  armies,  and  outshines  them  all ; 

Like  some  jjroud  bull,  that  round  the  pastures  leads 

His  subject  herds,  the  monarch  of  the  meads, 

Great  as  the  gods,  the  exalted  chief  was  seen, 

His  strength  like  Neptune,  and  like  Mars  his  mien  ;{ 

Jove  o'er  his  eyes  celestial  glories  spread. 

And  dawning  conquest  played  around  his  head. 

*  Fresh-water  fowl,  especially  swans,  were  found  in  great  numbers  about  Ihs 
Asian  Marsh,  a  fenny  tract  of  country  in  Lydia,  formed  by  the  river  Cayster,  near  its 
mouth.     See  Virgil,  "  Georgics,"  vol.  i.  3S3,  sq. 

t  Scamander^  or  Scamandros,  was  a  river  of  Troas,  rising,  according  to  Slrabo, 
on  the  highest  part  of  Mount  Ida,  in  the  same  hill  with  the  Granicus  and  the  CEdipus. 
and  falling  into  tlie  sea  at  Sigsum  ;  everything  tends  to  identify  it  with  Mendere,  as 
Wood,  Rennell  and  others  maintain  ;  the  Mendere  is  40  miles  long,  300  feet  broad, 
deep  in  the  time  of  flood,  nearly  dry  in  the  summer.  Dr.  Clarke  successfully  com^ 
bats  the  opinion  of  those  who  make  the  Scamander  to  have  arisen  from  the  spnngs  of 
Bounabarshy,  and  traces  the  source  of  the  river  to  the  highest  mountain  in  the  chain 
of  Ida,  now  Kusdaghy  ;  receives  the  Simois  in  its  course  ;  towards  its  mouth  it  is 
very  muddy,  and  flows  through  marshes.  Between  the  Scamander  and  Simois, 
Homer's  Troy  is  su|)|,os..il  t..  li.ive  stood  :   Ihis  river,  according  to  Homer,  was  called 

Xanlhus  by  tlie-i   !  ,  ^ l  i    I\    mi.      Tli      wit   j^  of  the  Scamander  had  the 

singular  projKi  11  m'  1    '       '    1    1     ili    ti wool  of  such  animals  as 

bathed  in  thcni  ;  I .    :..  .  \l       n  1.   Ii ,  and  Venus,  bathed  there 

before  they  appiMi.  1  ■  hi  I'm  I"  i.l.iiu  ili>  ui.i.l- n  J|i|ile  ;  the  name  Xanthus, 
"  yellow,"  was  i:iveii  in  ili-  ^cam.l^uicr  trcMii  iIk-  pcculi.rr  color  of  its  waters,  stiil  ap- 
plicable to  the  Mendere,  the  yellow  color  of  whose  waters  attracts  the  attention  of 
travellers. 

t  It  should  be,  "  his  cktit  like  Neptune."  The  torso  of  Neptune,  in  the  "  Elgin 
Marl.Ici,"  No.  10.,  (vol.  li.  p.  26),  is  renuikaUe  for  its  breadth  and  uus^irenesi  g< 
developiucDt. 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD.  85 

Say,  virgins,  seated  round  tlie  tlirone  divine. 
All-knowing  goddesses  !  immortal  nine  !  * 
Since  earth's  wide  regions,  heaven's  immcasur'd  height, 
And  hell's  abyss,  hide  nothing  from  your  sight, 
(We,  wretched  mortals  !  lost  in  doubts  below. 
But  guess  by  rumor,  and  but  boast  we  know,)' 
O  say  what  heroes,  fired  by  thirst  of  fame. 
Or  urged  by  wrongs,  to  Troy's  destruction  came. 
To  count  them  all,  demands  a  thousand  tongues, 
A  throat  of  brass,  and  adamantine  lungs. 
Daughters  of  Jove,  assist !  inspired  by'  you 
The  mighty  labor  dauntless  I  pursue; 
Wh.it  crowded  armies,  from  what  climes  they  brino-. 
Their  names,  their  numbers,  and  their  chiefs  I  sin^! 

THE   CATALOGUE    OF    THE    SHIPS.f 

The  hardy  warriors  whom  Boeotia  bred, 

Benelius,  Leitus,  Prothoenor,  led: 

With  these  Arcesilaus  and  Clonius  stand. 

Equal  in  arms,  and  equal  in  command. 

These  head  the  troops  that  rocky  Aulis  yields. 

And  Eteon's  hills,  and  Hyrie's  watery  fields. 

And  Schcenos,  Scholos,  Gra;a  near  the  main. 

And  Mycalessia's  ample  piny  plain  ; 

Those  who  in  Peteon  or  Ilesion  dwell. 

Or  Harma  where  Apollo's  prophet  fell ; 

Heleon  and  Hylfe,  which  the  springs  o'ertlovr 

And  Medeon  lofty,  and  Ocalea  low  ; 

Or  in  the  meads  of  Haliartus  stray. 

Or  Thespia  sacred  to  the  god  of  day : 


Say  fi,sl,  for  heav'n  hides  nothins  from  thy  view."-"  Paradise  Lost,' 


Mad 
Manda 
Tu  'I  ! 


Debil  aura  di  fama  appen.n  giunge."— ''Gier.  Lib."  iv.  iq. 
t  "  The  Catahgue  is,  perhaps,  the  portion  of  tlie  poem  in  favor  of  which  a  chlm 
Ho'mTh'"  ^.""""-^h.p  has  been  most  plausibly  urgVd.  Although  heexampleTf 
Homer  has  since  rendereu  some  such  formal  enumeration  of  the  forces  en»ared  t 
commpn  practice  m  epic  poems  descriptive  of  great  warlike  adventures  still  so°mini'ite 
a  slatisticaj  detail  cati  neither  be  considered  as  imperatively  required,  nor  perhaos 
such  as  would,  in  ordinary  cases,  suggest  itself  to  the  mind  of  a^joet      YetSere'^l 

dearlvL  hVorVr"  °'  *=  "'=''  "^''i"?  '"'">  '^'^•°""'  ^^^  in.ernal'evidence  are  more 
S  .ft      Th  connection  with  the  remotest  period,  with  the  remainder  of  the 

«  s^rilv  nresr''°',"'°".K'  •"''  ^»'?I°S"^.  whensoever  it  may  have  taken   p  ace,   .^ 

'mSs"!Krr;^i:^ra'c»^lrtTrT^^^ 

vail  a  n..r„K.^..  ^r  ^^«-ouiu  tor  me  narmony  observable  in  the  recurrence  of  so 

aholerhe^fi^,-,"  "^  P"  r^™"'  "'°"  °*  "'^"'  historically  unimportant,  and  not  a  few 
denJed  in  ,hi  L  f  '  T  °'  =°  "".^"y  geographical  and  genealogical  details  as  are  con- 
„h>h(    r  'T  hundred  hues,  and  incidentally  scattered  over  the  thousands 

which  follow  1  eqtially  inexplicable  were  the  pointed  allusions  occurring  hTth  s  episocle 
beT;;ldr,LT,al;"  '^'  T'T  ^".^  ^^tsequent  text,  several  of  whfcli  couU  h.ard  y 
i^d  L  -^rrrLrGree^^^^  "'=^'""  °'  ""=  H-d.-'-Mure,  "  Languag^ 


86  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II 

Onchestus,  Neptune's  celebrated  groves; 

Cop^,  and  ThisbC,  famed  for  silver  doves ; 

For  flocks  Erythroe,  Glissa  for  the  vine; 

Platea  green,  and  Nysa  tb"  divine  ; 

And  they  whom  Thebe's  well-built  walls  inclose, 

Where  Myde,  Eutresis,  Corone,  rose  ; 

And  Arnfe  rich,  with  purple  harvests  crown'd ; 

And  Anthedon,  Bceotia's  utmost  bound. 

Full  fifty  ships  they  send,  and  each  conveys 

Twice  sixty  warriors  through  the  foaming  seas.* 

To  these  succeed  Aspledon's  martial  train, 
Who  plough  the  spacious  Orchomenian  plain. 
Two  valiant  brothers  rule  the  undaunted  throng, 
liilmen  and  Ascalaphus  the  strong : 
Sons  of  Astyoch6,  the  heavenly  fair, 
Whose  virgin  charms  subdued  the  god  of  war: 
(In  Actor's  court  as  she  retired  to  rest. 
The  strength  of  Mars  the  blushing  maid  compress'd) 
Their  troops  in  thirty  sable  vessels  sweep. 
With  equal  oars,  the  hoarse-resounding  deep. 

The  Fhocians  next  in  forty  barks  repair ; 
Epistrophus  and  Schedius  head  the  war: 
From  those  rich  regions  where  Cephisus  leads 
His  silver  current  through  the  flowery  meads; 
From  Panopea,  Chrysa  the  divine, 
Where  Anemoria's  stately  turrets  shine, 
Where  Pytho,  Daulis,  Cyparissus  stood, 
And  fair  Lilae  views  the  rising  flood. 
These,  ranged  in  order  on  the  floating  tide, 
Close,  on  the  left,  the  bold  Boeotian's  side. 

Fierce  Ajax  led  the  Locrian  squadrons  on, 
Ajax  the  less,  Oileus'  valiant  son; 
Skill'd  to  direct  the  flying  dart  aright; 
Swift  in  pursuit,  and  active  in  the  fight. 
Him,  as  their  chief,  the  chosen  troops  attend, 
Which  Bessa,  Thronus,  and  rich  Cynos  send ; 

•  Twice  sixty :  "  Thucydides  observes  that  the  BtEotian  vessels,  which  ciiried 
one  hundred  and  twenty  men  each,  were  probably  meant  to  be  tlie  largest  in  the  fleet, 
and  those  of  Philoctetes,  carrying  fifty  each,  the  smallest.  The  average  would  be 
eighty-five,  anti  Thucydides  supposes  the  troops  to  have  rowed  and  navigated  them- 
selves ;  and  that  very  few,  besides  the  chiefs,  went  as  mere  passengers  or  landsmen. 
In  sllort,  we  have  in  the  Homeric  descriptions  the  complete  picture  of  an  Indian  or 
African  war  canoe,  many  of  which  are  considerably  larger  than  the  largest  scale  as- 
signed fo  those  of  the  Greeks.  If  the  total  number  of  the  Greek  ships  be  taken  at 
twelve  hundred,  according  to  Thucydides,  although  in  point  of  fact  there  are  only 
eleven  hundred  and  eighty-six  in  the  Catalogue,  the  amount  of  the  army,  upon  the 
foregoing  average,  will  be  about  a  hundred  and  two  thousand  men.  The  historian 
considers  this  a  small  force  as  representing  all  Greece.  Byrant,  comparing  it  with  the 
allied  armies  at  Platx,  thinks  it  so  large  as  to  prove  the  entire  falsehood  of  the  whole 
story  ;  and  his  reasonings  and  calculations  are,  for  their  curiosity,  well  worth  a  carr 
iul  perusal."— Coleridge  p.  311,  »}. 


Book  II.J  THE  ILIAD.  »7 

Opus,  Calliarus,  and  Scarphe's  bands ; 

And  those  who  dwell  where  pleasing  Augia  stands, 

And  where  Boagrius  floats  the  lowly  lands, 

Or  in  fair  Tarphe's  sylvan  seats  reside  : 

In  forty  vessels  cut  the  yielding  tide. 

Euboea  next  her  martial  sons  prepares. 
And  sends  the  brave  Abantes  to  the  wars  : 
Breathing  revenge,  in  arms  they  take  their  way 
From  Chalcis'  walls,  and  strong  Eretria; 
The  Isteian  fields  for  generous  vines  renown'd, 
The  fair  Caristos,  and  the  Styrian  ground ; 
Where  Dios  from  her  towers  o'erlooks  the  plain, 
And  high  Cerinthus  views  the  neighboring  main. 
Down  their  broad  shoulders  falls  a  length  of  hair; 
Their  hands  dismiss  not  the  long  lance  in  air; 
But  with  protended  spears  in  fighting  fields 
Pierce  the  tough  corslets  and  the  brazen  shields. 
Twice  twenty  ships  transport  the  warlike  bands. 
Which  bold  Elphenor,  fierce  in  arms,  commands. 

Fully  fifty  more  from  Athens  stem  the  main, 
Led  by  Menestheus  through  the  liquid  plain. 
(Athens  tlie  fair,  where  great  Erectheus  sway'd. 
That  owed  his  nurture  to  the  blue-eyed  maid, 
But  from  the  teeming  furrow  took  his  birth. 
The  mighty  offspring  of  the  foodful  earth. 
Him  Pallas  placed  amidst  her  wealthy  fane, 
Adored  with  sacrifice  and  oxen  slain ; 
Where,  as  the  years  revolve,  her  altars  blaze. 
And  all  the  tril)es  resound  the  goddess'  praise.) 
No  chief  like  tliee,  Menestheus!  Greece  could  jield. 
To  marslial  armies  in  flie  dusty  field, 
The  extended  wings  of  battle  to  display, 
Or  close  the  embodied  host  in  firm  array. 
Nestor  alone,  improved  by  length  of  days. 
For  martial  conduct  bore  an  equal  praise. 

With  these  appear  tlie  Salaminian  bands. 
Whom  the  gigantic  Telamon  commands  ; 
In  twelve  black  ships  to  Troy  they  steer  thei'-  course, 
And  with  tlie  great  Athenians  join  their  force. 

Next  move  to  war  the  generous  Argive  train, 
From  high  Trcezen6,  and  Maseta's  plain, 
And  fair  /Egina  circled  by  the  main  : 
Whom  strong  Tyrinthe's  lofty  walls  surround. 
And  Epidaure  with  viny  harvests  crown'd : 
And  where  fair  Asinen  and  Hermoin  show 
Their  cliffs  above,  and  ample  bay  below. 
These  by  the  brave  Euryalus  were  led,  : 


88  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II. 

Great  Stiienelus,  and  greater  Diomed  ; 

But  chief  Tydides  bore  the  sovereign  sway  : 

In  fourscore  barks  they  plough  the  watery  way. 

The  proud  Mycene  arms  her  martial  powers, 
Cleon^,  Corinth,  with  imperial  towers,* 
Fair  Araethyrta,  Ornia's  fruitful  plain, 
And  yCgion,  and  Adrastus'  ancient  reign ; 
And  those  who  dwell  along  the  sandy  shore, 
And  where  Pellent:  yields  her  fleecy  store. 
Where  Helict:  and  Hyperesia  lie, 
And  Gonoessa's  spires  salute  the  sky. 
Great  Agamemnon  rules  the  numerous  band, 
A  hundred  vessels  in  long  order  stand. 
And  crowded  nations  wait  his  dread  command. 
High  on  the  deck  the  king  of  men  appears, 
And  his  refulgent  arms  in  triumph  wears; 
Proud  of  his  liost,  unrivall'd  in  his  reign, 
In  silent  pomp  he  moves  along  the  main. 

His  brotlier  follows,  and  to  vengeance  warms 
The  hardy  Spartans,  exercised  in  arms: 
Phar&s  and  Brysia's  valiant  troops,  and  those 
Whom  Laceda;mon's  lofty  hills  inclose; 
Or  Messe"s  towers  for  silver  doves  renown'd, 
Amyclae,  Laas,  Augia's  happy  ground. 
And  those  wliom  CEtyloo'  low  walls  contain. 
And  Helos,  on  the  margin  of  the  main  : 
These,  o'er  the  bending  ocean,  Helen's  cause, 
In  si.\ty  ships  with  Menelaiis  draws: 
Eager  and  loud  from  man  to  man  lie  flies. 
Revenge  and  fury  flaming  in  his  eyes; 
While  vainly  fond,  in  fancy  oft  he  hears 
The  fair  one's  grief,  and  sees  her  falling  tears. 

In  ninety  sail,  from  Pylos'  sandy  coast, 
Nestor  the  sage  conducts  his  chosen  host: 
From  Amphigenia's  ever-fruitful  land. 
Where  ^py  higli,  and  little  Pteleon  stand ; 
Where  beauteous  Arene  her  structures  shows, 
Arkd  Thryon's  walls  Alpheus'  streams  inclose: 
And  Dorion,  famed  for  Thamyris'  disgrace, 
Superior  once  of  all  the  tuneful  race, 
Till,  vam  of  mortals'  empty  praise,  he  strove 
To  match  the  seed  of  cloud-compelling  Jove  ! 
Too  daring  bard  !  whose  unsuccessful  pride 
The  immortal  Muses  in  their  art  defied. 

*  The  mention  of  Corinth  is  an  anachronism,  as  tliat  city  was  called  Epiiyre  before 
ill  capture  by  the  Dorians.  But  Velleius,  vol.  i.  p.  3,  well  observes  that  the  poel 
would  naturally  speak  of  various  towns  and  cities  by  the  names  by  which  they  wwre 
known  in  his  own  time. 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD. 

The  avenging  Muses  of  the  light  of  clay 
Deprived  his  eyes,  and  snatch'd  his  voice  away; 
No  more  his  heavenly  voice  was  heard  to  sing, 
His  hand  no  more  awaked  the  silver  string. 

Where  under  high  Cyllene,  crown'd  with  wood. 
The  shaded  tomb  of  old  yEpytus  stood  ; 
From  Ripe,  Stratie,  Tegea's  bordering  towns, 
.  The  Phenean  fields,  and  Orchomenian  downs. 
Where  the  fat  herds  in  plenteous  pasture  rove; 
And  Stymphelus  with  her  surrounding  grove  ; 
Parrhasia,  on  her  snowy  cliffs  reclined, 
And  high  Enispe  shook  by  wintry  wind. 
And  fair  Mantinea's  ever-pleasing  site  ; 
In  sixty  sail  the  Arcadian  bands'unite. 
Bold  Agapenor,  glorious  at  their  head, 
(Ancsus'  son)  the  mighty  squadron  led. 
Their  ships,  supplied  by  Agamemnon's  care, 
Through  roaring  seas  the  wondering  warriors  bear 
The  first  to  battle  on  the  appointed  plain. 
But  new  to  all  the  dangers  of  the  main. 

Those,  where  fair  Ehs  and  Buprasicm  join  ; 
Whom  Hyrmin,  here,  and  Myrsinus  confine, 
And  bounded  there,  where  o'er  the  valleys  rose 
The  Olenian  rock :  and  where  Alisium  flows  ; 
Beneath  four  chiefs  (a  numerous  army)  came: 
The  strength  and  glory  of  the  Epean  name. 
In  separate  squadrons  these  their  train  divide, 
Each  leads  ten  vessels  through  the  yielding  ti'le. 
One  was  Amphimachus,  and  Thalpius  one; 
(Eurytus'  this,  and  that  Teatus'  son;) 
Diores  sprung  from  Amarynceus'  line; 
And  great  Polyxenus,  of  force  divine. 

But  those  who  view  fair  Elis  o'er  the  seas 
From  the  blest  islands  of  the  Echinades, 
In  forty  vessels  under  Megcs  move, 
liegot  by  Phyleus,  the  bel^i'-d  of  Jove: 
To  strong  Dulich'mni  from  nis  sire  he  fled, 
And  thence  to  Tro,  liis  hardy  warriors  led. 

Ulysses  followed  through  the  watery  road, 
A  chief,  in  wisdom  equal  to  a  god. 
With  those  whom  Cephalenia's  line  inclosed, 
Or  till  their  fields  along  the  coast  opposed ; 
Or  where  fair  Ithaca  o'erlooks  the  floods. 
Where  high  Neritos  shakes  his  waving  woods 
Where  .'Egilipa's  rugged  sides  are  seen, 
Crocylia- rocky,  and  Zacyntluis  green. 
These  in  twelve  galleys'with  vermilion  prorcs, 


90  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  U- 

Bene.itli  his  conduct  sought  the  Phrygian  shores. 

Thoas  came  next,  Andramon's  vahant  son, 
From  Pleuron's  walls,  and  chalky  Calydon, 
And  rough  Pylene',  and  the  Olenian  steep, 
And  Chalcis,  beaten  by  the  rolling  deep. 
He  led  the  warriors  from  the  /Etolian  shore, 
For  now  the  sons  of  QLneus  were  no  more  ! 
The  glories  of  the  mighty  race  were  tied ! 
Qineus  himself,  and  Meleager  dead  ! 
To  Thoas'  care  now  trust  the  martial  train, 
His  forty  vessels  follow  through  the  main. 

Next,  eighty  barks  the  Cretan  king  command.s, 
Of  Gnossus,  Lyctus,  and  Gortyna's  bands ; 
And  those  who  dwell  where  Rhytion's  domes  arise, 
Or  white  Lycastus  glitters  to  the  skies. 
Or  where  by  Phasstus  silver  Jardan  runs  ; 
Crete's  hundred  cities  pour  forth  all  her  sons. 
These  niarch'd,  Idomeneus,  beneath  thy  care. 
And  Merion,  dreadful  as  the  god  of  war. 

Tlepolemus,  the  sun  of  Hercules, 
Led  nine  swift  vessels  through  the  foamy  seas  ; 
From  Rhodes,  with  everlasting  sunshine  bright, 
Jalyssus,  Lindus,  and  Camirus  white. 
His  captive  motlier  fierce  Alcides  bore 
From  Ephyr's  walls  and  Self's  winding  shore, 
Where  mighty  towns  in  ruins  spread  the  plain, 
And  saw  their  blooming  warriors  early  slain. 
The  hero,  when  to  manly  years  he  grew, 
Alcides'  uncle,  old  Licymnins,  slew; 
For  this,  constrain'd  to  quit  his  native  place. 
And  shun  the  vengeance  of  the  Herculean  race, 
A  fleet  he  built,  and  with  a  numerous  train 
Of  willing  e-xiles  wander'd  o'er  the  main ; 
Where,  many  seas  and  many  sufferings  past, 
On  happy  Rhodes  tlie  cliief  arrived  at  last : 
There  in  three  tribes  divides  his  native  band. 
And  rules  them  peaceful  in  a  foreign  land; 
Increased  and  prosper'd  in  tlieir  new  abodes 
By  mighty  Jove,  the  sire  of  men  and  gods  ; 
With  joy  they  saw  the  growing  empire  rise. 
And  showers  of  wealth  descending  from  the  skies. 

Three  ships  with  Nireus  sought  the  Trojan  shor^ 
Nireus,  whom  Agale  to  Charopus  bore, 
Nireus,  in  faultless  shape  and  blooming  grace, 
The  loveliest  youth  of  all  the  Grecian  race;* 


'  Adam,  the  goodliest  man  of  men  since  born, 
His  suub,  the  futre&t  oi  her  daughters  Eve." — **  Paradise  Lu^t,"  i 


Cook  II.]  THE  ILIAD.  QI 

Pelides:  only  matcli'd  his  early  charms  ; 

But  few  his  troops,  and  small  his  strengtii  in  arms. 

Next  thirty  galleys  cleave  the  liquid  plain, 
Ol  those  Calycln^'s  sea-girt  isles  contam  ; 
■  With  them  the  youth  of  Nisyrus  repair, 
Casus  the  strong,  and  Crajiathus  the  fair; 
Cos,  where  Kurypylus  possess'd  the  sway. 
Till  great  Alcidcs  made  the  realms  obey : 
These  Antiphus  and  bold  I'hidippus  bring, 
Sprung  from  the  god  by  Thessalus  the  kmg. 

Now,  Muse,  recount  Pelasgic  Argos'  powers, 
From  Alos,  Alope,  and  Ircchin's  towers : 
From  Phthia's  spacious  vales  ;  and  Hella,  bless'd 
With  female  beauty  far  beyond  the  rest. 
Full  fifty  ships  beneath  Achilles'  care, 
The  Achaians,  Myrmidons,  Hellenians  bear; 
Thessalians  all,  though  various  in  their  name ; 
The  same  their  nation,  and  their  chief  the  same. 
But  now  inglorious,  stretch'd  along  the  shore. 
They  hear  the  brazen  voice  of  war  no  more ;   / 
No  more  the  foe  they  face  in  dire  array : 
Close  in  his  fleet  the  angry  leader  lay ; 
Since  fair  BriseTs  from  hi^  arms  was  torn, 
The  noblest  spoil  from  sack'd  Lyrnessus  borne. 
Then,  wnen  the  chief  the  Theban  walls  o'erthrew, 
And  the  bold  sons  of  great  Evenus  slew.  ^ 

There  mourn'd  Achilles,  plunged  in  depth  of  care 
But  soon  to  rise  in  slaugliter.  blood,  and  war 

To  these  the  youth  of  PhylacJ^  succeed, 
Itona,  famous  for  her  fleecy  breed. 
And  grassy  Pteleon  dcck'd  with  cheerful  greens, 
The  bowers  of  Ceres,  and  the  sylvan  scenes. 
Sweet  Pyrrhasus,  with  blooming  flowerets  crown'd. 
And  Antron's  watery  dens,  and  cavern'd  ground. 
These  own'd,  as  chief.  Protesilas  the  brave. 
Who  now  lay  silent  in  the  gloomy  gr.ive  : 
The  first  who  boldly  touch'd  the  Trojan  shore. 
And  dyed  a  Phrygian  lance  with  Grecian  gore; 
There  lies,  far  distant  from  his  native  plain; 
Unfinish'd  his  proud  palaces  remain. 
And  his  sad  consort  beats  her  breast  in  vain. 
His  troops  in  forty  ships  Podarces  led, 
Iphiclus'  son,  and  brother  to  the  dead  ; 
Nor  he  unworthy  to  command  the  host ; 
Yet  still  thev  mourn'd  their  ancient  leader  lost 

The  men  who  Glaphyra's  fair  soil  partake, 
Wheie  hills  incirde  I3cebe's  lowly  lake. 


92  THE  ILIAD.  IBuuK  U 

Where  Phoere  hears  the  neighboring  watei^s  fall, 

Or  proud  lolcus  lifts  her  airy  wall, 

In  ten  black  sliips  embark 'd  for  1  lion's  shore, 

With  bold  Eumclus,  whom  Alceste  bore: 

All  Pelias'  race  Alceste  far  outshined, 

The  grace  and  glory  of  the  beauteous  kind, 

The  troops  Methone  or  Thaumacia  yields, 
Olizon's  rocks,  or  Meliboea's  fields, 
iVith  Philoctetes  sail'd  whose  matchless  art 
I'rom  the  tough  bow  directs  the  featlier'd  dart. 
Seven  were  his  ships  ;  each  vessel  fifty  row, 
Skill'd  in  his  science  of  the  dart  and  bow. 
Eut  he  lay  raging  on  the  Leninian  ground, 
A  poisonous  hydra  gave  the  burning  wound  ; 
There  groan'd  the  chief  in  agonii;ing  pain. 
Whom  Greece  at  length  shall  wisli,  nor  wish  in  vain. 
His  forces  Medon  kd  from  Lemros'  shore, 
Oileus'  son,  whom  beauteous  Rhena  bore. 

The  CEchalian  race,  in  those  high  towers  contain'd 
Where  once  Eurytus  in  proud  triumph  reign'd. 
Or  where  her  humbler  turrets  Tricca  rears. 
Or  where  Ithomt^,  rough  with  rocks,  appears, 
In  thirty  sail  the  sparkling  \^aves  divide, 
Which  Podalirius  and  Machaon  guide. 
To  these  his  skill  their  parent-god  imparts. 
Divine  professors  of  the  healing  arts. 

The  bold  Otmenian  and  Asterian  bands 
In  forty  barks  Eurypylus  c-imands. 
Whcr;  Titan  l.jsi  his  hoary  head  in  snow. 
And  where  Hypcria's  silver  fountains  How. 
Thy  troops,  Argissa,  Polypoetes  leads. 
And  Eicon  slielter'd  by  Olympus'  shades, 
Gyrton&'s  warriors  ;  and  where  Orthc:  lies, 
And  (31i>6sson's  chalky  cliffs  arise. 
Sprung  from  Pirithoiis  of  immortal  race. 
The  fruit  of  fair  Hippodamc's  embrace, 
(That  day,  when  hurl'd  from  Pelion's  cloudy  head, 
To  distant  dens  the  shaggy  Centaurs  fled) 
With  Polypoetes  join'd  in  equal  sway 
Leonteus  leads,  and  forty  ships  obey. 

In  twenty  sail  the  bold  Perrhaebians  came 
From  Cyphus,  Guneus  was  their  leader's  name. 
With  these  the  Enians  join'd,  and  those  who  freezo 
Where  cold  Dodona  lifts  her  holy  trees  ; 
Or  wliere  the  pleasing  Titaresius  glides. 
And  into  Peneus  rolls  liis  easy  tides  ; 
Yet  o'er  the  silvery  surface  pure  they  flow. 


Book  II.]  THE  ILIAD.  9.1 

The  sacred  stream  unmix'd  with  streams  below. 

Sacred  and  awful !  from  the  dark  abodes 

Styx  pours  the  in  forth,  the  dreadful  oath  of  gods  ! 

Last,  under  Prothous  the  Magnesians  stood, 
(Prothous  the  swift,  of  old  Tenthredon's  blood;) 
Who  dwell  where  Pelion,  crown'd  with  piny  boughs. 
Obscures  the  glade,  and  nods  his  shaggy  brows  ; 
Or  where  through  flowery  Tempd  Peneus  stray'd: 
(The  region  stretch'd  beneath  his  mighty  shade  :) 
In  forty  sable  barks  they  stcmm'd  the  main  ; 
Such  were  the  chiefs,  and  such  the  Grecian  train. 

Say  next,  O  Muse  !  of  all  Achaia  breeds, 
Who  bravest  fought,  or  rcin'd  tlie  noblest  steeds? 
Eumelus'  mares  were  foremost  in  the  chase, 
As  eagles  fleet,  and  of  Pheretian  race; 
Bred  where  Pieria's  fruitful  fountains  flow. 
And  Irain'd  by  him  who  bears  the  silver  bow. 
Fierce  in  the  fight  their  nostrils  breathed  a  flime. 
Their  height,  tiicir  color,  and  their  age  the  same; 
O'er  fields  of  death  they  whirl  the  rapid  car. 
And  break  the  ranks,  and  thunder  through  the  war. 
■  Ajax  in  arms  the  first  renown  acquired. 
While  stern  Achilles  in  his  wrath  retired  : 
(tlis  was  the  strength  that  mortal  might  cxceed.s, 
And  ids  tlie  unrivall'd  race  of  heavenly  steeds  :) 
But  Thetis'  son  now  shines  in  arms  no  more  ; 
His  troops,  neglected  on  the  sandy  shore. 
In  empty  air  their  sportive  javelins  throw, 
Or  whirl  the  disk,  or  bend  an  idle  bow  : 
Unstain'd  with  blood  his  cover'd  cliariots  stand; 
The  immortal  coursers  graze  along  the  strand  ; 
But  the  brave  chiefs  the  inglorious  life  deplored. 
And,  wandering  o'er  the  camp,  required  their  lord. 

Now,  like  a  deluge,  covering  all  around. 
The  shining  armies  sweep  along  the  ground ; 
Swift  as  a  flood  of  fire,  when  storms  arise. 
Floats  the  wild  field,  and  blazes  to  the  skies. 
Earth  groan'd  beneath  them  ;  as  when  angry  Jove 
Hurls  down  the  forky  lightning  from  above, 
On  Arimd  when  he  the  thunder  throws, 
And  fires  Typhoeus  with  redoubled  blows. 
Where  Typhon,  press'd  beneath  the  burning  load 
Still  feels  the  fury  of  the  avenging  god. 

But  various  Iris,  Jove's  commands  to  bear. 
Speeds  on  the  wings  of  winds  through  liquid  airj 
In  Priam's  ]jorch  the  Trojan  chiefs  she  found, 
The  old  consulting,  and  the  youths  around. 


04  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II, 

Politps'  shape,  the  monarch's  son,  she  chose, 
Wlio  from  ,'Esetes'  tomb  observed  tlie  foes,* 
Hi-h  on  the  mound;  from  wlience  in  prospect  lay 
Tlie  fields,  the  tents,  the  navy,  and  the  bay. 
In  this  dissembled  form,  she  hastes  to  bring 
The  unwelcome  message  to  the  Phrygian  king. 

"  Cease  to  consult,  the  time  for  action  calls  ; 
War,  horrid  war,  approaches  to  your  walls  ! 
.    Assembled  armies  oft  have  I  beheld  ; 

But  ne'er  till  now  such  numbers  charged  a  field : 

Thick  as  autumnal  leaves  or  driving  sand. 

The  moving  squadrons  blacken  all  the  strand. 

Thou,  godlike  Hector  !  all  thy  force  employ, 

Assemble  all  the  united  bands  of  Troy  ; 

In  just  array  let  every  leader  call 

The  foreign  troops  :  this  day  demands  them  all !" 

The  voice  divine  the  mighty  chief  alarms  : 
The  council  breaks,  the  warriors  rush  to  arms. 
The  gates  unfolding  pour  forth  all  their  train, 
Nations  on  nations'fill  the  dusky  plain, 
Men,  steeds,  and  chariots,  shake  the  trembling  ground . 
The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  skies  resound. 

Amidst  the  plain,  in  sight  of  Ilion,  stands 
A  rising  mount,  the  work  of  human  hands  ; 
(This  for  Myrinne's  tomb  the  immortals  know, 
Though  call'd  Bateia  in  the  world  below  ;) 
Beneath  their  chiefs  in  martial  order  here. 
The  au.xiliar  troops  and  Trojan  hosts  appear. 

The  godlike  Hector,  high  above  the  rest, 
Shakes  his  huge  spear,  and  nods  his  plumy  crest: 
In  throngs  around  his  native  bands  repair, 
And  groves  of  lances  glitter  in  the  air. 

Divine  ^Eneas  brings  the  Dardan  race, 
Anchises'  son,  by  Venus'  stolen  embrace, 
Born  in  the  shades  of    da's  secret  grove; 
(A  mortal  mi.xing  with  ihe  queen  of  love  ;) 
Archilochus  and  Acanias  divide 
The  warrior's  toils,  and  combat  by  his  side. 

Who  fair  Zeleia's  wealthy  valleys  tilkf 
Fast  by  the  foot  of  Ida's  sacred  hill. 
Or  drink,  ^sepus,  of  thy  sable  flood. 
Were  led  by  Pandarus,  of  royal  blood  ; 

1  ^setes"  tomb.  Monuments  were  often  built  on  the  sea-ceast,  and  of  a  con- 
•i  3..- able  height,  so  as  to  serve  as  watch-towers  or  land-marks  See  mv  notes  to 
my  rrose  translations  of  the  "  Odyssey."  li.  p-  21,  or  on  b.ur.  '•  Alcest.     v.il  1.  p.  240. 

i  Zelfia  another  name  for  1  ycia.  The  mhabitants  were  greatly  devoted  to  th« 
wrrsh.|.  uf  Apollo,     bee  Mullet,  "  DonaiK-,"  vol.  ..  p.  24«. 


K  II 1  THE  TLTAD.  9S 

To  whom  his  art  Apollo  deign'd  to  show, 
Graced  with  the  presents  of  his  shafts  and  bow 

From  rich  Apa-sus  and  Adrestia's  towers. 
High  Teree's  summits,  and  Pityea's  bowers; 
F'rom  these  the  congregated  troops  obey 
Young  Aniphius  and  Adrastus'  equal  sway; 
Old  Merops'  sons  ;  whom,  skill'd  in  fates  to  come, 
The  sire  forevvarn'd,  and  prophesied  their  doom  : 
Fate  urged  them  on  !  the  sire  forewarn'd  in  vain, 
Thev  rush'd  to  war,  and  perish'd  on  the  plain. 

From  Practius'  stream.  Percoti^'s  pasture  lands. 
And  Sestos  and  Abydos'  neighboring  strands, 
From  great  Arisba's  walls  and  Selle's  coast, 
Asius  Hvrtacides  conducts  his  host : 
High_on  his  car  he  shakes  the  flowing  reins, 
His  fiery  coursers  thunder  o'er  the  plains. 

The  fierce  Pelasgi  ne.xt.  in  war  renown'd, 
March  from  Larissa's  ever-fertile  ground  : 
In  equal  arms  their  brother  leaders  shine, 
Hippothous  bold,  and  Pyleus  the  divine. 

Ne.xt  Acamas  and  I^vrous  lead  their  hosts. 
In  dread  arrav,  from  Thracia's  v  intry  coasts  ; 
Round  the  blrak  realms  where  Hellespontus  roars. 
And  Boreas  beats  the  hoarse-resounding  shores 

With  great  Euphemus  the  Ciconians  move, 
Sprung  from  Troezenian  Ceus,  loved  by  Jove. 

Pvrschmes  the  P^onian  troops  attend, 
Skill'd  in  the  fight  their  crooked  bows  to  bend; 
From  Axius'  ample  bed  he  leads  them  on, 
Axius,  that  laves  the  distant  Amydon, 
Axius,  that  swells  with  all  his  neighboring  ri'ls, 
And  wide  around  the  floating  region  fills. 

The  Paphlagonians  Pylsmenes  rules. 
Where  rich  Henetia  breeds  her  savage  mules, 
Where  Erythinus'  rising  cliffs  are  seen, 
Thv  groves  of  box,  Cytorus  !  ever  green, 
And  where  vEgialus  and  Cronina  lie, 
And  lofty  Sesamus  invades  the  sky. 
And  where  Parthenius,  rol''i  ihrough  hanks  of  fiower% 
Reflects  her  bord—'r.g  palaces  and  bowers. 

Here  niarch'd  in  arms  the  Halizonian  band. 
Whom  Odius  and  Epistrophus  command. 
From  those  far  regions  where  the  sun  refines 
The  ripening  silver  in  Alvbean  mines. 

There  mighty  Chromis  led  the  Mysian  train, 
And  augur  Ennomus.  inspired  in  vain  ; 
For  stern  Achilles  lopp'd  his  sacred  head, 


gfi  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  II. 


Roll'd  down  Scamander  with  the  vulgar  dead. 

Phorcys  and  brave  Ascanius  here  unite 
The  Ascanian  fluygians,  eager  for  the  fight. 

Of  those  wlio  round  Msonia's  realms  reside, 
Or  whom  the  vales  in  shades  of  Tmolus  hide, 
Mestles  and  Antiphus  the  charge  partake, 
Born  on  the  banks  of  Gyges'  silent  lake. 
There,  from  the  fields  where  wild  Mreander  flows. 
High  Mycale,  and  Latnios'  shady  brows. 
And  proud  Miletus,  came  the  Carian  throngs. 
With  mingled  clamors  and  with  barbarous  tongues.* 
Amphimachus  and  Naustes  guide  the  train, 
Naustes  the  bold,  Amphimachus  the  vain, 
Who,  trick'd  with  gold,  and  ghtteringon  his  car, 
Rode  like  a  woman  to  the  field  of  war. 
Fool  that  he  was  !  by  fierce  Achilles  slain, 
The  river  swept  him  to  the  briny  main  : 
There  whehn'd  with  waves  the  gaudy  warrior  lies 
The  valiant  victor  seized  the  golden  prize. 

The  forces  last  in  fair  array  succeed. 
Which  blameless  Glaucus  and  Sarpedon  lead 
The  warlike  bands  that  distant  Lycia  yields. 
Where  gulfy  Xanthus  foams  along  the  fields. 

*  Barbarous  tongues.  ■'Various  as  were  the  di,llects  nf  the  Greeks— and  these 
difterences  existed  not  onlv  between  the  several  tribes,  but  even  between  neigh- 
boring cities— thev  yet  acknnviilKlsed  in  their  language  that  thev  formed  but  one 
nation— were  but  branches  of  the  ^^nv  fimilv.  Honier  has  •  men  ..f  other  loneues  ;  ' 
jnd    yet  Homer   had    no  gei  erjl  name    l..r  tlic    Greek    nat:un."  — Heeren,  "  Ancieut 


Book  III.]  THE  ir./An.  97 


BOOK   III. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE    DUEL   OF    MENELAUS    AND    PARIS. 

The  armies  being  ready  to  engage,  a  single  combat  is  agreed  upon  between  Mene- 
laiis  and  Paris  (by  the  intervention  of  Hector)  tor  the  determination  of  the  war. 
i  ris  is  sent  to  call  Helen  to  behold  the  fight.  She  leads  her  to  the  walls  of  Troy, 
where  Priam  sat  witli  his  counsellors  observing  the  Grecian  leaders  on  the  plain 
below,  to  whom  Helen  gives  an  account  of  the  chief  of  them.  The  kings  on  either 
part  take  the  solemn  oath  for  the  conditions  of  the  combat.  The  duel  ensues  ; 
wherein  Paris  being  oveicorae,  he  is  snatched  away  ni  a  cloud  by  Venus,  aiid 
transported  to  his  apartment.  She  then  calls  Helen  from  the  walls,  and  brings 
ttffi  lovers  together.  Agamemnon,  on  the  part  of  the  Grecians,  demands  the  res- 
l/'^ation  of  Helen,  and  the  performance  of  the  articles. 

The  three-and-twentieth  day  still  continues  throughout  this  book.    The  i»cene 
#   Vjmetimes  in  the  fields  before  Troy,  and  someiunes  in  Troy  itseli. 

Thus  by  their  leaders*  care  each  martial  oand 
Moves  into  ranks,  and  stretches  o'er  the  land. 
With  shouts  the  Trojans,  rushinc:  from  afar, 
Proclaim  their  motions,  and  provoke  the  war. 
So  when  inclement  winters  vex  the  plain 
With  piercing  frosts,  or  thick-descending  rain, 
To  warmer  seas  the  cranes  embodied  fly,* 
With  noise,  and  order,  through  the  midway  sky; 
To  pigmy  nations  wounds  and  death  they  brings 
And  all  the  war  descends  upon  the  wini;, 
But  silent,  breathing  rage,  resolved  and  skill'd  \ 
By  mutual  aids  to  fix  a  doubtful  field, 
Swift  march  the  Greeks  :  the  rapid  dust  around 
Darkening  arises  from  the  labored  ground. 
Thus  from  his  flaggy  wings  when  Notus  sheds 
A  night  of  vapors  round  the  mountain  heads, 

•  The  cranes. 

*'  Marking  the  tracts  of  air,  the  clamorous  cranes 
Wheel  their  due  flight  in  varied  ranks  descried  ; 
And  each  with  outstretch'd  neck  his  rank  maintains, 
In  marshall'd  otder  through  th'  ethereal  void.'* 

Lorenzo  de  Medici,  in  Roscoe's  Life,  Appendix. 
See  Gary's  Dante  :  "  Hell,"  canto  v. 
t  SiUnU  breathing  rage. 

"  Thus  they 
Breathing  united  force  with  fixed  thought. 
Moved  on  in  silence." 

*'  Paradise  Lost     hook  ■   «^ 


9S  Trn-:  IT.TAD.  [Book  nil 

Swift-gliding  mists  tlie  dusky  fields  invade, 

To  thieves  "more  grateful  than  the  midnight  shade; 

While  scarce  the  swains  their  feeding  flocks  survey, 

Lost  and  confused  amidst  the  thicken'd  day  : 

So  wrapp'd  in  gathering  dust,  the  Grecian  train, 

A  moving  cloud,  swept  on,  and  hid  the  plain. 

Now  front  to  front  the  hostile  armies  stand, 
Eager  of  fight,  and  only  wait  command  ; 
When,  to  the  van,  before  the  sons  of  fame 
Whom  Troy  sent  forth,  the  beauteous  Paris  came  : 
In  form  a  god  !  the  panther's  speckled  hide 
Flow'd  o'er  his  armor  with  an  easy  pride  : 
His  bended  bow  across  his  shoulders  flung, 
His  sword  beside  him  negligently  hung; 
Two  pointed  spears  he  shook  with  gallant  grace, 
And  dared  the  bravest  of  the  Grecian  race. 

As  thus,  with  glorious  air  and  proud  disdain, 
He  boldly  stalk'd,  the  foremost  on  the  plain, 
Him  Menelaiis,  loved  of  Mars,  espies. 
With  heart  elated,  and  with  joyful  eyes : 
So  joys  a  lion,  if  the  branching  deer, 
Or  mountain  goat,  his  bulky  prize,  appear; 
Eager  he  seizes  and  devours  the  slain, 
Press'd  by  bold  youths  and  baying  dogs  in  vain. 
Thus  fond  of  vengeance,  with  a  furious  bound. 
In  clanging  arms'he  leaps  upon  the  ground 
From  his  high  chariot :  him,  approaching  near. 
The  beauteous  champion  views  with  marks  of  fear, 
Smit  with  a  conscious  sense,  retires  behind. 
And  shuns  the  fate  he  well  deserved  to  find. 
As  when  some  shepherd,  from  the  rustling  trees* 
Shot  forth  to  view,  a  scaly  serpent  sees. 
Trembling  and  pale,  he  starts  with  wild  affright 
And  all  confused  precipitates  his  flight: 
So  from  the  king  the  shining  warrior  flies. 
And  plunged  amid  the  thickest  Trojans  lies. 
As  godlike  Hector  sees  the  prince  »etreat. 
He  thus  upbraids  him  with  a  generous  heat: 
"  Unhappy  Paris  !  f  but  to  women  brave  ! 
So  fairly  form'd,  and  only  to  deceive  ! 


*  "  As  wlien  some  peasant  in  a  bushy  braVe 
H.T*  witll  unwary  footing  press'd  a  snake  ; 
He  starts  aside,  astonisli'd  when  lie  spies 
His  risins  crest,  blue  neck,  and  lolhng  eyes." 

Dryden's  VirRil.ii.  510 

t  Apffirap.!,  /.  r.,  unlucky,  ill-fated   Paris.      This  alludes  to  the   evils  ".'''^''  j;"- 
Blted  f.om  his  having  been  brought  up,  despite  the  omens  which  attended  his  birth. 


Book  III.]  THE  ILIAD.  99 

Oh,  hadst  thou  died  wlien  first  tliou  saw'st  the  light, 

Or  died  at  least  before  thy  nuptial  rite ! 

A  better  fale  than  vainly  thus  to  boast, 

And  fly.  the  scandal  of  thy  Trojan  host. 

Gods  1  how  the  scornful  Greeks  exult  to  see 

Their  fears  of  danger  undeceived  in  thee  ! 

Thy  figure  promised  with  a  martial  air, 

But  ill  thy  soul  supplies  a  form  so  fair. 

In  former  days,  in  all  thy  gallant  pride. 

When  thy  tall  ships  triumphant  stemm'd  the  tide, 

When  Greece  beheld  thy  painted  canvas  flow, 

And  crowds  stood  wondering  at  the  passing  show, 

Say,  was  it  thus,  with  such  a  baffled  mien, 

You  met  the  appro.aches  of  the  Spartan  queen. 

Thus  from  her  realm  conveyed  the  beauteous  prize. 

And  both  her  warlike  lords  outshined  in  Helen's  eyes? 

This  deed,  thy  foes'  delight,  thy  own  disgrace, 

Thy  father's  grief,  and  ruin  of  thy  race  ; 

This  deed  recalls  thee  to  the  proffer'd  fight ;   ■ 

Or  hast  thou  injured  whom  thou  dar'st  not  right? 

Soon  to  thy  cost  the  field  would  make  thee  know 

Thou  keep'st  the  consort  of  a  braver  foe. 

Thy  graceful  form  instilling  soft  desire, 

Thy  curling  tresses,  and  tliy  silver  lyre, 

Beauty  and  youth  ;  in  vain  to  tliese  you  trust, 

When  youth  and  beauty  shall  be  laid  in  dust: 

Troy  yet  may  wake,  and  one  avenging  blow 

Crush  the  dire  author  of  his  country's  woe." 

His  silence  here,  with  blushes,  Paris  breaks: 
"  'Tis  just,  my  brother,  what  your  anger  speaks  : 
But  who  like  thee  can  boast  a  soul  sedate, 
So  firmly  proof  to  all  the  shocks  of  fate  ? 
Thy  force,  like  steel,  a  temper'd  hardness  shows, 
Still  edged  to  wound,  and  still  untired  with  blows, 
Like  steel,  uplifted  by  some  strenuous  swain, 
With  falling  woods  to  strew  the  wasted  plain. 
Thy  gifts  I  praise  ;  nor  thou  despise  the  charms 
With  which  a  lover  golden  Venus  arms  ; 
Soft  moving  speech,  and  pleasing  outward  show, 
No  wish  can  gain  them,  but  the  gods  bestow. 
Yet,  would'st  thou  have  the  proffer'd  combat  stand, 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans  seat  on  either  hand  ; 
Then  let  a  midway  space  our  hosts  divide. 
And,  on  that  stage  of  war,  the  cause  be  tried  : 
By  Paris  there  the  .Spartan  king  be  fought. 
For  beauteous  Helen  and  the  wcaltli  she  brought; 
And  who  his  rival  can  in  arms  subdue, 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  III. 

His  be  the  fair,  and  his  the  treasure  too. 
Thus  with  a  lasting  league  your  toils  may  cease. 
And  Troy  possess  lier  fertile  tields  in  peace  ; 
Thus  may  the  Greeks  review  their  native  shore, 
Much  famed  for  generous  steeds,  for  beauty  more." 

He  said.     The  challenge  Hector  heard  with  joy, 
Then  with  his  spear  restrain'd  the  youth  of  Troy, 
Held  by  the  midst,  athwart ;  and  near  the  foe 
Advanced  with  steps  majestically  slow  : 
While  round  his  dauntless  head  the  Grecians  pour 
Their  stones  and  arrows  in  a  mingled  shower. 

Then  thus  the  monarch,  great  Atrides,  cried : 
"  Forbear,  ye  warriors  !  lay  the  darts  aside  : 
A  parley  Hector  asks,  a  message  bears  ; 
We  know  him  by  the  various  plume  he  wears." 
Awed  by  his  high  command  the  Greeks  attend, 
The  tumult  silence,  and  the  tight  suspend. 

While  from  the  centre  Hector  rolls  his  eyes 
On  either  host,  and  thus  to  both  applies : 
♦'Hear,  all  ye  Trojan,  all  ye  Grecian  bands. 
What  Paris,  author  of  the  war,  demands. 

Your  shining  swords  within  the  sheath  restrain, 

And  pitch  your  lances  in  the  yielding  plain. 

Here  in  the  midst,  in  either  army's  sight. 

He  dares  the  Spartan  king  to  single  fight ; 

And  wills  that  Helen  and  the  ravish'd  spoil. 

That  caused  the  contest,  shall  reward  the  toil. 

Let  these  the  brave  triumphant  victor  grace. 

And  different  nations  part  in  leagues  of  peace." 
He  spoke  :  in  still  suspense  on  either  side 

Each  army  stood  :  the  Spartan  chief  replied  : 
"  Me  too,  ye  warriors,  hear,  whose  fatal  right 

A  world  engages  in  the  toils  of  fight. 

To  me  the  labor  of  the  field  resign ; 

Me  Paris  injured  ;  all  the  war  be  mine. 

Fall  he  that  must,  beneath  his  rival's  arms; 

And  live  the  rest,  secure  of  future  harms. 

Two  lambs,  devoted  by  your  country's  rite, 

To  earth  a  sable,  to  the  sun  a  white. 

Prepare,  ye  Trojans !  while  a  third  we  bring 

Select  to  Jove,  the  inviolable  king. 

Let  reverend  Priam  in  the  truce  engage, 

And  add  the  sanction  of  considerate  age ; 

His  sons  are  faithless,  headlong  in  debate. 

And  youth  itself  an  empty  wavering  state  ; 

Cool  age  advances,  venerably  wise, 

Turns  on  all  hands  its  deep-discerning  eyes; 


Book  III.]  THE  ILIAD. 

Sees  what  befell,  and  what  may  yet  befall, 
Concludes  from  both,  and  best  provides  for  all. 

The  nations  hear  with  rising  hopes  possess'd. 
And  peaceful  prospects  dawn  in  every  breast. 
Within  the  lines  they  drew  their  steeds  around, 
And  from  their  chariots  issued  on  the  ground : 
Next,  all  unbuckling  the  rich  mail  they  wore, 
Laid  their  bright  arms  along  the  sable  shore. 
On  either  side  the  meeting  hosts  are  seen 
With  lances  fix'd,  and  close  the  space  between. 
Two  heralds  now,  dcspatch'd  to  Troy,  invite 
The  Phrygian  monarch  to  the  peaceful  rite. 

Talthy'bius  hastens  to  the  fleet,  to  bring 
The  lanib  for  Jove,  the  inviolable  king. 
Meantime  to  beauteous  Helen,  from  the  skies 
The  various  goddess  of  the  rainbow  flies : 
(Like  fair  Laodic^  in  form  and  face, 
The  loveliest  nymph  of  Priam's  royal  race:} 
Her  in  the  palace,  at  her  loom  she  found ; 
The  golden  web  her  own  sad  story  crown'd, 
The  Trojan  wars  she  weaved  (herself  the  prize) 
And  the  dire  triumphs  of  her  fatal  eyes. 
To  whom  the  goddess  of  the  painted  bow: 
"  Approach,  and  view  the  wondrous  scene  below  !  * 
Each  hardy  Greek,  and  valiant  Trojan  knight, 
So  dreadful  late,  and  furious  for  the  fight. 
Now  rest  their  spears,  or  lean  upon  their  shields; 
Ceased  is  the  war,  and  silent  all  the  fields. 
Paris  alone  and  Sparta's  king  advance, 
In  single  fight  to  toss  the  beamy  lance; 
Each  met  in  arms,  the  fate  ot  combat  tries, 
Thy  love  the  motive,  and  thy  charms  the  prize." 

This  said,  the  many-colored  maid  inspires 
Her  husband's  love,  and  wakes  her  former  fires; 
Her  country,  parents,  all  that  once  were  dear, 
Rush  to  her  thought,  and  force  a  tender  tear. 
O'er  her  fair  face  a  snowy  veil  she  threw. 
And,  softly  sighing,  from  the  loom  withdrew. 
Her  handmaids,  Clymene  and  /Ethra,  wait 
Her  silent  footsteps  to  the  Scxan  gate. 

There  sat  the  seniors  of  the  Trojan  race: 
(Old  Priam's  chiefs,  and  most  in  Priam's  grace,) 
The  king  the  first;  Thymoetes  at  his  side; 

•  Th^  following  scene,  in  which  Homer  has  contrived  to  introduce  si 
sketch  of  the  Grecian  wani.irs,  has  been  imitated  by  Euripides,  who  in 
nissa;"  represents  Auluonie  surveying  the  opposinj;  champions  from  a 
while  the  psdagogus  describes  their  insignia  and  details  their  histories. 


102  77/^  ILIAD.  [Book  III. 

Lampus  and  Clylius,  long  in  council  tried  ; 

Pantlius,  and  Hicetaon.  once  the  stronsj; 

And  next,  the  wisest  of  the  reverend  throng, 

Antenor  grave,  and  sage  Ucalegon, 

Lean'd  on  the  walls  and  bask'd  before  the  sun  ; 

Chiefs,  who  no  more  in  bloody  fights  engage, 

But  wise  through  time,  and  narrative  with  age, 

In  summer  days,  like  grasshoppers  rejoice, 

A  bloodless  race,  that  send  a  feeble  voice. 

These,  when  the  Spartan  queen  approach'd  the  tower 

In  secret  ovvn'd  resistless  beauty's  power: 

They  cried,  "No  wonder*  such  celestial  charms 

For  nine  long  years  have  set  the  world  in  arms; 

W!iat  winning  graces  !  wliat  majestic  mien  ! 

Slie  moves  a  goddess,  and  she  looks  a  queen  ! 

Yet  lience,  O  Heaven,  convey  that  fatal  face. 

And  from  destruction  save  the  Trojan  race." 
The  good  old  Priam  welcomed  her,  and  cried, 

'■  .'Vpproach,  my  child,  and  grace  thy  father's  side. 

See  on  tlie  plain  thy  Grecian  spouse  appears, 

Tlie  friends  and  kindred  of  thy  former  years. 

No  crime  of  thine  our  present  sufferings  draws, 

Not  thou,  but  Heaven's  disposing  will,  the  cause 
The  gods  these  armies  and  this  force  employ, 
Tlie  hostile  gods  conspire  the  fate  of  Troy. 
But  lift  thy  eyes,  and  say,  what  Greek  is  he 

(F"ar  as  from  hence  these  aged  orbs  can  see) 

Around  whose  brow  such  martial  graces  shine. 

So  tall,  so  awful,  and  almost  divine  ! 

Though  some  of  larger  stature  tread  the  green, 

None  match  his  grandeur  and  e.xalted  mien; 

He  seems  a  monarch,  and  his  country's  pride." 

Thus  ceased  tlie  king,  and  thus  tlie  fair  replied: 

"  Before  thy  presence,  fatlier,  I  appear, 

With  conscious  shame  and  reverential  fear. 

Ah  !  had  I  died,  ere  to  these  walls  I  Hed, 

False  to  my  country,  and  my  nuptial  bed  ; 

My  brothers,  friends,  and  daughter  left  behind, 

False  to  them  all,  to  Paris  only  kind  ! 

For  this  I  mourn,  till  grief  or  dire  disease 

Shall  waste  the  form  whose  fault  it  was  to  please  I 

Tlie  king  of  kings,  Atrides,  you  survey, 

Great  in  the  war,  and  great  i'n  arts  of  sway: 

My  brother  once,  before  my  days  of  shame  ! 

And  oh  !  that  still  he  bore  a  brother's  name ! " 

•  No  -.voruirr.  Sc.     Z.iuis  tlif  celL-br.itiil  alli^l,  is  said  to  have  aupendeU  thew 
lees  to  Ins  picture  ui  Helen,  as  a  mullo.     Vr»ler.  Max.  lii.  ■>. 


Book  III.]  THE  ILIAD.  103 

With  wonder  Priam  view'd  the  godlike  man, 
ExtoU'd  the  liappy  prince,  and  tlius  began  : 
"O  bless'd  Atrides  !  born  to  prosperous  fate, 
Successful  monarch  of  a  mighty  state  ! 
How  vast  thy  empire  !     Of  your  matchless  train 
What  numbers  lost,  what  numbers  yet  remain! 
In  Phrygia  once  were  gallant  armies  known, 
In  ancient  time,  when  Otreus  tiird  tlie  tlirone, 
When  godlike  Mygdon  led  their  troops  of  horse, 
And  I,  to  join  them,  raised  the  Trojan  force: 
Against  the  manlike  Amazons  we  stood,* 
And  Sanger's  stream  ran  purple  with  their  blood. 
But  far  inferior  those,  in  martial  grace, 
And  strength  of  numbers,  to  this  Grecian  race." 

This  said,  once  more  he  view'd  the  warrior  train ; 
"What's  he,  whose  arms  lie  scatter'd  on  the  plain?" 
Broad  is  his  breast,  his  shoulders  larger  spread, 
Though  great  Atrides  overtops  his  head. 
Nor  yet  appear  his  care  and  conduct  small  ; 
From  rank  to  rank  he  moves,  and  orders  all. 
The  stately  ram  thus  measures  o'er  the  ground, 
And,  master  of  the  flock,  surveys  them  round." 

Then  Helen  thus  :  "  Whom  your  discerning  eyes 
Have  singled  out,  is  Ithacus  the  wise  : 
A  barren  island  boasts  his  glorious  birth; 
His  fame  for  wisdom  fills  the  spacious  earth." 

Antenor  took  the  word,  and  thus  began  :  \ 
"  Myself,  O  king  !  have  seen  that  wondrous  man 
When,  trusting  Jove  and  hospitable  laws. 
To  Troy  he  came,  to  plead  the  Grecian  cause; 
(Great  IVIenelaus  urged  the  same  request;) 
My  house  was  honor'd  with  each  royal  guest: 
I  knew  their  persons,  and  admired  their  parts, 
Both  brave  in  arms,  and  both  approved  in  arts. 
Erect,  the  Spartan  most  engaged  our  view  ; 


•  The  early  epic  was  largely  occupied  with  the  exploits  and  sufferings  of  women, 
•t  heroines,  the  wives  and  daughters  of  the  Grecian  heroes.  A  nation  of  courageous, 
hardy,  indefatigable  women,  dwelling  apart  from  men.  permitting  only  a  short  tempo- 
rary intercourse,  for  the  purpose  of  renovating  their  numbers,  burning  out  their  nght 
breast  with  a  view  of  enabling  themselves  to  draw  the  bow  freely  ;  this  was  at  once  a 
general  type,  stimulating  to  the  fancy  of  the  poet,  and  a  theme  eminently  popular 
with  his  hearers.  We  find  these  warlike  females  constantly  reappearing  in  the  an- 
cient poems,  and  univcr5.illy  accepted  as  past  realities  in  the  Iliad.  When  Priam 
wishes  to  illustrate  emphatically  the  most  numeron>.  host  in  which  he  ever  found  him- 
self included,  he  tells  us  that  it  a--  i-rml  '  -;  ni  P' vv-ia,  on  the  banks  of  the  San- 
ganus,  for  the  purpose  of  re ^1  :  ;'  ■  I  i  :  '  'unions.  When  Belleio|ihoii  is 
to  be  employed  in  a  deadly  .iimI            ,      ,  ;,     .  i  v  iliose  who  prudently  wished 

to  prnciire  Ins  di-alh,  he  is  di-  1   M    ,     ,,,  \  i    ./..Ms  — Ginte,  vol.    i.  j,.  289. 

\  lititenor^  like  ./Eneas,  had  .iluav^   Lttii    l.ivuiablc  to  111 


I  THE  JUAD.  [Book  III 

Ulyssns  seated,  greater  reverence  drew. 

When  Atreus'  son  harangued  the  listening  traiu, 

Just  was  his  sense,  and  his  expression  plain. 

His  words  succinct,  yet  full,  without  a  fault : 

He  spoke  no  more  than  just  the  thing  he  ought. 

But  when  Ulysses  rose,  in  thought  profound,* 

His  modest  eyes  he  fix'd  upon  the  ground; 

As  one  unskill'd  or  dumb,  he  seem'd  to  stand, 

Nor  raised  his  head,  nor  stretch'd  his  sceptred  hand; 

But,  when  he  speaks,  what  elocution  flows  I 

Soft  as  the  fleeces  of  descending  snows,! 

The  copious  accents  fall,  with  easy  art ; 

Melting  they  fall,  and  sink  into  the  heart ! 

Wondering  we  hear,  and  fix'd  in  deep  surprise, 

Our  ears  refute  the  censure  of  our  eyes." 

The  king  then  ask'd  (as  yet  the  camp  he  view'd) 
"What  chief  is  that,  with  giant  strength  endued. 
Whose  brawny  shoulders,  and  whose  sweUing  chest, 
And  lofty  stature,  far  exceed  the  rest  ? 
"Ajax  the  great  (the  beauteous  queen  replied). 
Himself  a  host:  the  Grecian  strength  and  pride. 
Soe  !  bold  Idomeneus  superior  towers 
Amid  yon  circle  of  his  Cretan  powers, 
Great  as  a  god  !  I  saw  him  once  before. 
With  Menelaus  on  the  Spartan  shore. 
The  rest  I  know,  and  could  in  order  name  ; 
All  v.iliant  chief.s,  and  men  of  mighty  fame. 
Yet  two  are  wanting  of  the  numerous  train, 
Whom  long  my  eyes  have  sought,  but  sought  in  vain: 
Castor  and  Pollux,  first  in  martial  force. 
One  bold  on  foot,  and  one  renown'd  for  horse. 
RTy  brothers  these  ;  the  same  our  native  shore, 
One  house  contain'd  us,  as  one  mother  bore. 
Perhaps  the  chiefs,  from  warlike  toils  at  ease, 
For  distant  Troy  refused  to  sail  the  seas  ; 


•  "  His  lab'ring  heart  with  sudden  rapture  seized 

He  pau5M,  and  on  the  ground  in  silence  gazed. 
Unskill'd  and  uninspired  he  seems  to  stand, 
Nor  lifts  the  eye,  nor  graceful  moves  the  hand: 
Ahen,  while  the  chiefs  in  still  attention  hung. 
Pours  the  full  tide  of  eloquence  along  ; 
While  from  his  lips  the  melting  torrent  flows, 
Soft  as  the  fleeces  o!  descending  snows. 
Now  stronger  jotes  engage  the  listening  crowd, 
Louder  the  accents  rise,  and  yet  more  loud. 
Like  thunders  rolling  from  a  distant  cloud 

Merrick's  "  Sryphiodorus,      i. 
»  n„nnrt    "  Goomol    Hnmcr,"  p.  20,  well   olisrrves   that   this   comparisoi 

.1 J  be  sarcastically  appiicd  t.>  x\^. /rig.d  style  of  oratory.     It,  of  course,  here  , 

denotes  the  ready  fluency  of  Ulysses. 


Book  III.]  THE  ILIAD.  105 

Perhaps  their  swords  some  nobler  quarrel  draws, 
Ashamed  to  combat  in  their  sister's  cause." 

So  spoke  the  fair,  nor  knew  her  brothers'  doom  ;  * 
Wrapt  in  the  cold  embraces  of  the  tomb  ; 
■    Adorn'd  with  honors  in  their  native  shore, 
Silent  they  slept,  and  heard  of  wars  no  more. 

Meantime  the  heralds,  through  the  crowded  town, 
Brinn;  the  rich  wine  and  destined  victims  down. 
Idasus'  arms  the  golden  goblets  press'd,t 
Who  thus  the  venerable  king  address'd  : 
"  Arise,  O  father  of  the  Trojan  state  ! 
The  nations  call,  thy  joyful  people  wait 
To  seal  the  truce,  and  end  the  dire  debate. 
Paris,  thy  son,  and  Sparta's  king  advance, 
In  measured  lists  to  toss  the  weighty  lance; 
And  who  his  rival  shall  in  arms  subdue. 
His  be  the  dame,  and  his  the  treasure  too. 
Thus  with  a  lasting  league  our  toils  may  cease, 
And  Tioy  possess  her  fertile  fields  in  peace  : 
So  shall  the  Greeks  review  their  native  shore. 
Much  famed  for  generous  steeds,  for  beauty  more." 

With  grief  he  heard,  and  bade  the  chiefs  prepare 
To  join  his  milk-white  coursers  to  the  car  ; 
He  mounts  tlie  seat,  Antenor  at  his  side  ; 
The  gentle  steeds  through  Scasa's  gates  they  guide  :  % 
Next  from  the  car  descending  on  the  plain, 
Amid  the  Grecian  host  and  Trojan  train, 
Slow  they  proceed  :  the  sage  Ulysses  then 
Arose,  and  with  him  rose  the  king  of  men. 
On  either  side  a  sacred  herald  stands. 
The  wine  they  mix,  and  on  each  monarch's  hands 
Pour  the  full  urn  ;  then  draws  the  Grecian  lord 
His  cutlass  sheathed  beside  his  ponderous  sword ; 
From  the  sign'd  victims  crops  the  curling  hair ;  § 
The  heralds  part  it,  and  the  princes  share ; 
Then  loudly  thus  before  the  attentive  bands 
He  calls  the  gods,  and  spreads  his  lifted  hands  : 

"  O  first  and  greatest  power  !  whom  all  obey. 
Who  high  on  Ida's  holy  mountain  sway. 


•  Her  irolkers'  doom.  They  perished  in  combat  with  Lynceus  and  Ida" 
whilst  besieging  Sparta.  See  HyRin.  Poet.  Astr.  32,  22.  Virgil  and  others,  ho» 
ever,  make  them  share  immortality  by  turns. 

t  Id^us  was  the  arm-bearer  and  charioteer  of  kine  Priam,  slain  durine  tliis  war 
a.  .En.  vi.  487.  '' 

•  St.r.i's  g-aUs,  rather  Sitrnn  fatn.  i.e.  the  left-hand  gates. 

,    ^,  ""^'^'^  '^"■•''"""'■y  i"   '11  satrilic-s.     Hence  we  find  Iras  descuudmg  to  cui  ol 
the  iuir  ui  DiJo,  before  which  she  could  not  expire. 


THE  TLIAD. 


Eternal  Jove  !  and  you  bright  orb  that  roll 

From  east  to  west,  and  view  from  pole  to  pole  ! 

Thou  mother  Earth  !  and  all  ye  living  floods  ! 

Infernal  furies,  and  Tartarean  gods, 

Who  rule  the  dead,  and  horrid  woes  prepare 

For  perjured  kings,  and  all  who  falsely  swear ! 

Hear,  and  be  witness.     If,  by  Paris  slain, 

Great  Menelaias  press  the  fatal  plain  ; 

The  dame  and  treasures  let  the  Trojan  keep, 

And  Greece  returning  plough  the  watery  deep. 

If  by  my  brother's  lance  the  Trojan  bleed. 

Be  his  the  wealth  and  beauteous  dame  decreed : 

The  appointed  fine  let  Ilion  justly  pay, 

And  every  age  record  the  signal  day. 

This  if  the  Phrygians  shall  refuse  to  yield. 

Arms  must  revenge,  and  Mars  decide  the  field." 

With  that  the  chief  the  tender  victims  slew, 
And  in  the  dust  their  bleeding  bodies  tlu'ew ; 
The  vital  spirit  issued  at  the  wound, 
And  left  the  members  quivering  on  the  ground. 
PVom  the  same  urn  they  drink  the  mingled  wine. 
And  add  libations  to  the  jjowers  divine. 
While  thus  their  prayers  united  mount  the  sky, 
"  Hear,  mighty  Jove  !  and  hear,  ye  gods  on  high  ! 
And  may  their  blood,  who  first  the  league  confound, 
Shed  like  this  wine,  disdain  the  thirsty  ground  ; 
May  all  their  consorts  serve  promiscuous  lust, 
And  all  their  lust  be  scatter'd  as  the  dust  !  " 
Thus  citlier  host  their  imprecations  join'd. 
Which  Jove  refused,  and  mingled  with  the  wind. 

The  rites  now  finish'd,  reverend  Priam  rose. 
And  thus  express'd  a  heart  o'ercharged  with  woes: 
'•  Ye  Greeks  and  Trojans,  let  the  chiefs  engage, 
But  spare  the  weakness  of  my  feeble  age  : 
In  yonder  walls  that  object  let  me  shun. 
Nor  view  the  danger  of  so  dear  a  son. 
Whose  arms  shall  conquer  and  what  prince  shall  fall. 
Heaven  oVily  knows  ;  for  heaven  disposes  all." 

This  said,  the  hoary  king  no  longer  stay'd. 
But  on  his  car  the  slaughter'd  victims  laid  : 
Then  seized  the  reins  his  gentle  steeds  to  guide. 
And  drove  to  Troy,  Antenor  at  his  side. 

Bold  Hector  and  Ulysses  now  dispose 
The  lists  of  combat,  and  the  ground  inclose  : 
Next  to  decide,  liy  sacred  lots  prepare, 
Who  first  shall  launch  his  pointed  spear  in  air 
The  people  pray  with  elevated  hands. 


Book  til]  THE  ILIAD.  107 

And  words  like  these  are  heard  through  all  the  bands; 

"  Immortal  Jove,  high  Heaven's  superior  lord, 

On  lofty  Ida's  holv  mount  adored  ! 

Whoe'er  involved  us  in  this  dire  debate, 

O  give  that  author  of  the  war  to  fate 

And  shades  eternal !  let  division  cease, 

And  joyful  nations  join  in  leagues  of  peace." 

With  eyes  averted  Hector  hastes  to  turn 
The  lots  of  fight  and  shakes  the  brazen  urn. 
Then,  Paris,  thine  leap'd  forth  ;  by  fatal  chan 
Ordain'd  the  first  to  whirl  the  weighty  lance. 
Both  armies  sat  the  combat  to  survey. 
Beside  each  chief  his  azure  armor  lay, 
And  round  the  lists  the  generous  coursers  neigh. 
The  beauteous  warrior  now  arrays  for  fight. 
In  gilded  arms  magnificently  bright : 
The  purple  cuishes  clasp  his  thighs  around. 
With  flowers  adorn'd,  with  silver  buckles  bounds 
Lycaon's  corslet  his  fair  body  dress'd, 
Braced  in  and  fitted  to  his  softer  breast; 
A  radiant  baldric,  o'er  his  shoulder  tied, 
Sustain'd  the  sword  that  glitter'd  at  his  side  : 
His  youthful  face  a  polish'd  helm  o'erspread  ; 
The  waving  horse-hair  nodded  on  his  head; 
His  figured  shield,  a  shining  orb,  he  takes, 
And  in  his  hand  a  pointed  javelin  shakes. 
With  equal  speed  and  fired  by  equal  charms. 
The  Spartan  hero  sheathes  his  limbs  in  arms. 

Now  round  the  lists  the  admiring  armies  stand. 
With  javelins  fix'd,  the  Greek  and  Trojan  band. 
Amidst  the  dreadful  vale,  the  chiefs  advance, 
All  pale  with  rage,  and  shake  threatening  lance. 
The  Trojan  first  his  shining  javelin  threw 
Full  on  Atrides'  ringing  shield  it  flew. 
Nor  pierced  the  brazen  orb,  but  with  a  bound* 
Leap'd  from  the  buckler,  blunted,  on  the  ground. 
Atrides  then  his  massy  lance  prepares. 
In  act  to  throw,  but  first  prefers  his  prayers  ■ 

"  Give  me,  great  Jove  !  to  punish  lawless  lust. 
And  lay  the  Trojan  gasping  in  the  dust  : 
Destroy  the  aggressor,  aid  my  righteous  cause, 


"  This  said,  his  feeble  hand  ajav'lin  threw. 
Which,  flatt'ring,  seemed  to  loiter  as  it  flew 
Just,  and  but  barely,  to  the  mark  it  held, 
And  iaintly  tinkled  on  the  brazen  shield." 

Dryde.i's  Virgil,  i 


io8  THE  ILIAD.  [BooKlIL 


Avenge  the  breach  of  hospitable  laws  ! 

Let  this  example  future  times  reclaim. 

And  guard  from  wrong  fair  friendship's  holy  name." 

He  said,  and  poised  in  air  the  javelin  sent, 

Through  Paris'  shield  the  forceful  weapon  went, 

His  corslet  pierces,  and  his  garment  rends. 

And  glancing  downward,  near  his  flank  descends. 

The  wary  Trojan,  bending  from  the  blow. 

Eludes  the  death,  and  disappoints  his  foe  : 

But  fierce  Atrides  waved  his  sword,  and  strook 

Full  on  his  casque  :  the  crested  helmet  shook  ; 

The  brittle  steel,  unfaithful  to  his  hand. 

Broke  short  :  the  fragments  glitter'd  on  the  sand. 

The  raging  warrior  to  the  spacious  skies 

Raised'his  upbraiding  voice  and  angry  eyes  : 

'•  Then  is  it  vain  in  Jove  himself  to  trust  ? 

And  is  it  thus  the  gods  assist  the  just? 

When  crimes  provoke  us,  Heaven  success  denies; 

The  dart  falls  harmless,  and  the  falchion  flies." 

Furious  he  said,  and  towards  the  Grecian  crew 

(Seized  by  the  crest)  the  unhappy  warrior  drew ; 

Struggling  he  foUow'd,  while  the  emljroider'd  thong 

That' tied' his  helmet,  dragg'd  the  chief  along. 

Then  had  his  ruin  crowr.'d  Atrides'  joy, 

lUit  Venus  trembled  for  the  prince  of  Troy: 

Unseen  she  came,  and  burst  the  golden  band  ; 

And  left  an  empty  helmet  in  his  hand. 

The  casque,  enraged,  amidst  the  Greeks  he  threw ; 

The  Greeks  with  smiles  the  polish'd  trophy  view 

Then,  as  once  more  he  lifts  the  deadly  dart, 

In  thirst  of  vengeance,  at  his  rival's  heart ; 

Tlie  queen  of  love  her  favor'd  champion  shrouds 

(For  gods  can  all  things)  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 

Raised  from  the  field  die  panting  youth  she  led, 

And  gently  laid  him  on  the  bridal  bed. 

With  pleasing  sweets  his  fainting  sense  renews, 

And  all  the  dome  perfumes  with  heavenly  dews. 

Meantime  the  brightest  of  the  female  kind. 

The  matchless  Helen,  o'er  the  walls  reclined  ; 

To  her,  beset  with  Trojan  beauties,  came. 

In  borrow'd  form,  the  laughter-loving  dame. 

(She  seem'd  an  ancient  maid,  well-skiU'd  to  cull 

The  snowy  fleece,  and  wind  the  twisted  wool.) 

The  goddess  softly  shook  her  silken  vest. 

That  shed  perfumes,  and  whispering  thus  address'd: 

'•  Haste,  happy  nymph  !  for  thee  thy  Paris  calls, 
Safe  from  the  fight,  in  yonder  lofty  walls. 


ft'-^K  ni.]  THE  ILIAD.  J  09 

fair  as  a  god  ;  with  odors  round  him  spread, 
He  lies,  and  waits  thee  on  the  well-known  bed 
Mot  like  a  warrior  parted  from  the  foe. 
But  some  gay  dancer  in  the  public  show." 

She  spoke,  and  Helen's  secret  soul  was  moved; 
She  scorn'd  the  champion,  but  the  man  she  loved. 
Fair  Venus'  neck,  her  eyes  that  sparkled  fire, 
And  breast,  reveal'd  the  queen  of  soft  desire.* 
Struck  with  her  presence,  straight  the  lively  red 
Forsook  her  cheek;  and  trembling,  thus  she  said: 
"  Then  is  it  still  thy  pleasure  to  deceive  ? 
And  woman's  frailty  always  to  believe  ! 
Say,  to  new  nations  must  I  cross  the  main, 
Or  carry  wars  to  some  soft  Asian  plain  ? 
For  whom  must  Helen  break  her  second  vow? 
What  other  Paris  is  thy  darling  now? 
Left  to  Atrides,  (victor  in  the  strife,) 
An  odious  conquest  and  a  captive  wife, 
Hence  let  me  sail ;  and  if  thy  Paris  bear 
My  absence  ill,  let  Venus  ease  his  care. 
A  handmaid  goddess  at  his  side  to  wait. 
Renounce  the  glories  of  thy  heavenly  state, 
Be  fix'd  forever  to  the  Trojan  shore. 
His  spouse,  or  slave ;  and  mount  the  skies  no  more. 
For  me,  to  lawless  love  no  longer  led, 
I  scorn  the  coward,  and  detest  his  bed  ; 
Else  should  I  merit  everlasting  shame. 
And  keen  reproach,  from  every  Phyrgian  dame : 
111  suits  it  now  the  joys  of  love  to  know, 
Too  deep  my  anguish,  and  too  wild  my  woe." 

Then  thus  incensed,  the  Paphian  queen  replies : 
"  Obey  the  power  from  whom  thy  glories  rise  : 
Should  Venus  leave  thee,  every  charm  must  fly, 
Fade  from  thy  cheek,  and  languish  in  thy  eye. 
Cease  to  provoke  me,  lest  I  make  thee  more 
The  world's  aversion,  than  their  love  before  ; 
Now  the  bright  prize  for  which  mankind  engage, 
Than,  the  sad  victim  of  the  public  rage." 

At  this,  the  fairest  of  her  se.x  obey'd. 
And  veil'd  her  blushes  in  the  silken  shade 

*  ReveaCd  the  queen. 

*'  Thus  having  said,  she  tum'd  and  made  appear 
Her  neck  refulgent  and  dishevell'd  hair, 
Whicli,  flowing  from  her  shoulders,  reach'd  the  ground, 
And  wi'iely  spread  ambrosial  scents  around. 
In  length  of  train  descends  her  sweeping  gown  : 
And,  by  her  graceful  walk,  the  queen  of  love  is  known." 

Prydeu's  Virgil,  1.  556. 


)  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  111 

Unseen,  and  silent,  from  tlie  train  she  moves, 
Led  by  the  goddess  of  the  Smiles  and  Loves! 
Arrived,  and  entor'd  at  the  palace  gate, 
The  maids  officious  round  their  mistress  wait  ; 
Then,  all  dispersing,  various  tasks  attend  ; 
The  queen  and  goddess  to  the  prince  ascend. 
Full  in  her  Paris'  sight,  the  queen  of  love 
Had  placed  the  beauteous  progeny  of  Jove  , 
Wliere,  as  he  view'd  her  charms,  she  turn'd  away 
Her  glowing  eyes,  and  thus  began  to  say: 

"  Is  this  the  chief,  who,  lost  to  sense  of  shame, 
Late  fled  the  field,  and  yet  survives  his  fame  ? 
O  hadst  thou  died  beneath  the  righteous  sword, 
Of  that  brave  man  who  once  I  call'd  my  lord! 
The  boaster  Paris  oft  desired  the  day 
With  Sparta's  king  to  meet  in  single  fray  : 
Go  now,  once  more  thy  rival's  rage  excite, 
Provoke  Atrides,  and  renew  the  fight: 
Yet  Helen  bids  thee  stay,  lest  thou  unskill'd 
Shouldst  fall  an  easy  conquest  on  the  field." 

The  prince  replies  :   '•  Ah  cease,  divinely  fai'.' 
Nor  add  reproaches  to  the  wounds  I  bear; 
This  day  the  foe  prevail'd  by  Pallas'  power: 
We  yet  may  vanquish  in  a  happier  hour : 
There  want  not  gods  to  favor  us  above ; 
But  let  the  business  of  our  life  be  love: 
The  softer  moments  let  delights  employ, 
And  kind  embraces  snatch  the  hasty  joy. 
Not  thus  I  loved  thee,  when  from  Sparta's  shore 
My  forced,  my  willing  heavenly  prize  1  bore. 
When  first  entranced  m  Cranae's  isle  I  lay,* 
Mix'd  with  thy  soul,  and  all  dissolved  away  !  " 
Thus  having  spoke,  the  enanior'd  Phrygian  boy 
Rush'd  to  the  bed,  impatient  for  the  joy. 
Him  Helen  follow'd  slow  with  bashful  charms, 
And  clasp'd  the  blooming  hero  in  her  arms. 

While  these  to  love's  delicious  rapture  yield. 
The  stern  Atrides  rages  round  the  field  : 
So  some  fell  lion  whom  the  woods  obey, 
Roars  through  the  desert,  and  demands  his  prey. 
Paris  he  seeks,  impatient  to  destroy. 
But  seeks  in  vain  along  the  troops  of  Troy  ; 
Even  those  had  yielded  to  a  foe  .so  brave 
The  recreant  warrior,  hateful  as  the  grave. 


'  and  Alberti's  "  Hesyclut 
early  kings,  Cranaus. 


iJOOK  III  1  THE  ILIAD. 

Then  speaking  thus,  the  king  of  kings  arose, 
"Ye  Troians,"Dardans,  all  our  generous  foes  ! 
Hear  and  attest !  from  heaven  with  conquest  crown-d, 
Our  brother's  arms  the  just  success  have  found  ; 
Be  therefore  now  the  Spartan  wealth  restor'd,  ' 
Let  Argive  Helen  own  her  lawful  lord  : 
The  appointed  fine  let  Ilion  justly  pay, 
And  age  to  age  record  this  signal  day." 

He  ceased ;  his  army's  loud  applauses  rise, 
And  the  long  shout  runs  echoing  through  the  skiea. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IV. 


BOOK  IV. 

ARGUMENT. 

THB   BREACH   OF  THE   TRUCE,  AND  THE   FIRST   BATTLB. 

The  gods  deliberate  in  council  concerning  the  Trojan  war  ;  they  agree  upon  the 
continuation  of  it,  and  Jupiter  sends  down  Minerva  to  break  the  truce.  She 
persuades  Pandarus  to  aim  an  arrow  at  Menelaijs,  who  is  wounded,  but  cured  by 
Machaon.  In  the  meantime  some  of  the  Trojan  troops  attack  the  Greeks.  Aga- 
memmon  is  distinguished  in  all  the  parts  of  a  good  general  ;  he  reviews  the  troops, 
and  exhorti  the  leaders,  some  by  praises  and  others  by  reproof.  Nestor  is  particu- 
larly celebrated  or  his  military  discipline.  The  battle  joins,  and  great  numbers  are 
slain  on  both  sides. 

Tl>e  same  day  continues  through  this  as  through  the  last  book  (as  it  does  also 
through  the  two  following,  and  almost  to  the  end  of  the  seventh  book).  The  scene 
is  wholly  in  the  field  before  Troy. 

And  now  Olympus'  shining  gates  unfold  ; 

The  gods,  with  Jove,  assume  their  thrones  of  gold: 

Immortal  Hebe,  fresh  with  bloom  divine, 

The  golden  goblet  crowns  with  purple  wine : 

While  the  full  bowls  flow  round,  the  powers  employ 

Their  careful  eyes  on  long-contended  Troy. 

When  Jove,  disposed  to  tempt  Saturnia's  spleer 
Thus  waked  the  fury  of  his  partial  queen. 
"Two  powers  divine  the  son  of  Atreus  aid, 
Imperial  Juno,  and  the  martial  maid  ;  * 
But  high  in  heaven  they  sit,  and  gaze  from  far, 
The  tame  spectators  of  his  deeds  of  war. 
Not  thus  fair  Venus  helps  her  favor'd  knight, 
The  queen  of  plea.sures  shares  the  toils  of  fight. 
Each  danger  wards,  and  constant  in  her  care, 
Baves  in  the  moment  of  the  last  despair. 
Her  act  has  rescued  Paris'  forfeit  life. 
Though  great  Atrides  gain'd  the  glorious  strife. 
Then  say,  ye  powers  !  what  signal  issue  waits 
To  crown  tliis  deed,  and  finish  all  the  fates  ! 
Shall  Heaven  by  peace  the  bleeding  kingdoms  spare, 
Or  rouse  the  furies,  and  awake  the  war  .'' 
Yet,  would  the  gods  for  human  good  provide, 
Atrides  soon  might  gain  his  beauteous  bride, 

*  Thf  martial  maid.  In  the  original,  *'  Minerva  Alalcomeneis,"  i.  e.  the  de/tnder. 
so  ca..ed  irum  her  temple  at  Alalcomene  in  Boeulia. 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD.  113 

Still  Priam's  walls  in  peaceful  honors  grow, 

And  through  his  gates  the  crowding  nations  flow." 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  the  queen  of  heaven,  enraged 
And  queen  of  war,  in  close  consult  engaged : 
Apart  they  sit,  their  deep  designs  employ, 
And  meditate  the  future  woes  of  Troy. 
Though  secret  anger  swell'd  Minerva's  breast, 
The  prudent  goddess  yet  her  wrath  suppress'd; 
But  Juno,  impotent  of  passion,  l)roke 
Her  sullen  silence,  and  with  fury  spoke  : 

"  Shall  then,  O  tyrant  of  the  ethereal  reign  ! 
My  schemes,  my  labors,  and  my  hopes  be  vain  ? 
Have  I,  for  this,  shook  Illion  with  alarms. 
Assembled  nations,  set  two  worlds  in  arms .' 
To  spread  the  war,  I  flew  from  shore  to  shore  ; 
The  immortal  coursers  scarce  the  labor  bore. 
At  length  ripe  vengeance  o'er  tlieir  heads  impends, 
But  Jove  himself  the  faithless  race  defends: 
Loth  as  thou  art  to  punish  lawless  lust, 
Not  all  the  gods  are  partial  and  unjust." 

The  sire  whose  thunder  shakes  the  cloudy  skies. 
Sighs  from  his  inmost  soul,  and  thus  replies  : 
"  Oh  lasting  rancor  !  oh  insatiate  hate 
To  Phrygia's  monarch,  and  the  Phrygian  state  ! 
What  high  offence  has  fired  the  wife  of  Jove  ? 
Can  wretched  mortals  harm  the  powers  above. 
That  Troy,  and  Troy's  whole  race  thou  wouldst  confound, 
And  yon  fair  structures  level  with  the  ground ! 
Haf;te,  leave  the  skies,  fulfil  thy  stern  desire. 
Burst  all  her  gates,  and  wrap  her  walls  in  fire  ! 
Let  Priam  bleed  !  if  yet  you  thirst  for  more, 
Bleed  all  his  sons,  and  Ilion  float  with  gore  : 
To  boundless  vengeance  the  wide  realm  be  given. 
Till  vast  destruction  glut  the  queen  of  heaven! 
So  let  it  be,  and  Jove  his  peace  enjoy,* 
When  heaven  no  longer  hears  the  name  of  Troy. 
But  should  this  arm  prepare  to  wreak  our  hate 
On  thy  loved  realms,  whose  guilt  demands  their  fate:. 
Presume  not  thou  the  lifted  bolt  to  stay, 
Remember  Troy,  and  give  the  vengeance  way. 
For  know,  of  all  the  numerous  towns  that  rise 
Beneath  the  rolling  sun  and  starry  skies. 
Which  gods  have  raised,  or  earth-born  men  enjoy, 
None  stands  so  dear  to  Jove  as  sacred  Truy. 
No  mortals  merit  more  distinguish'd  grace 


'**  Anything  for  a  quiet  life  I  ' 


114  Ty^'^  TTJAD.  [Book  IV- 

Tlian  go'1-Iike  Priam,  nr  than  Priam's  race. 
Still  to  our  name  their  hecatombs  expire. 
And  altars  blaze  with  unextinguish'd  fire." 

At  this  the  goddess  rolled  her  radiant  eyes, 
Then  on  the  thunderer  fix'd  them,  and  replies: 
"  Three  towns  are  Juno's  on  the  Grecian  plains. 
More  dear  than  all  the  extended  earth  contains, 
Mycenae,  Argos,  and  the  Spartan  wall;  * 

These  thou  mayst  raze,  nor  I  forbid  their  falls 
-Tis  not  in  me  the  vengeance  to  remove  ; 
The  crime's  sufficient  that  they  share  my  love. 
Of  power  superior  why  should  I  complain? 
Resent  I  may,  but  must  resent  in  vain. 
Yet  some  distinction  Juno  might  require, 
Sprung  with  thyself  from  one  celestial  sire, 
A  goddess  born,  to  share  the  realms  above. 

And  styled  the  consort  of  the  thundering  Jove; 
Nor  thou  a  wife  and  sister's  right  deny;  f 
Let  both  consent,  and  both  by  terms  comply ; 
So  shall  the  gods  our  joint  decrees  obey, 
And  heaven  shall  act  as  we  direct  the  way. 
See  ready  Padas  waits  thy  high  commands 
To  raise  in  arms  the  Greek  and  Phrygian  bands; 
Their  sudden  friendship  by  her  arts  may  cease, 
And  the  proud  Trojans  first  infringe  the  peace." 

The  sire  of  men  and  monarch  of  the  sky 
The  advice  approved,  and  bade  Minerva  tly. 
Dissolve  the  league,  and  all  her  arts  employ 
To  make  the  breach  the  faithless  act  of  Troy. 
Fired  with  the  charge,  she  headlong  urged  her  flight. 
And  shot  like  lightning  from  Olympus'  height. 
As  the  red  comet,  from  Saturnius  sent 
To  fright  the  nations  with  a  dire  portent, 
(A  fatal  sign  to  armies  on  the  plain. 
Or  trembling  sailors  on  the  wintry  main). 
With  sweeping  glories  glides  along  in  air, 
And  shakes  the  sparkles  from  its  blazing  h?ir  :  % 

*  Ar^as.     The  worship  of  Juno  at  Argos  was  very  cflebrald  in  ancient  times, 
»nd  she  was  regarded  as  the  patron  deity  o£  that  city.     Apul.  Met.,  vi.  p.  453  ;  Serviua 
on  Virs.  Je.n.,  i.  28. 
t  A  luifi  andiiittr. 

"  But  I,  who  walk  in  awful  state  above 
The  majesty  of  heav'n,  the  sister-wife  of  JOT." 

Dryden's  "  Virgil,"  i.  70. 
So  Apuleius,  /.  e.  speaks  of  her  as  "  Joyis  germana  et  conjuj,"  and  so  Horace  04 
lit.  )•  &4i  "conjuge  me  Jovis  et  sororc." 

t  "Thither  came  Uriel,  gleaming  through  the  evrn 
On  a  sunbeam,  swift  as  a  shootini;  star 
lu  autumn  thwarts  the  niglit.  when  vapours  fired 


Book  IV.]  ^         THE  IL/AD.  115 

Between  both  armies  thus,  in  open  sight, 

Shot  the  bright  goddess  in  a  trail  of  light, 

With  eyes  erect  the  gazing  hosts  admire 

The  power  descending,  and  the  heavens  on  fire  ! 

"  The  gods  (they  cried),  the  gods  this  signal  sent. 

And  fate  now  labors  with  some  vast  event  : 

Jove  seals  the  league,  or  bloodier  scenes  prepares  ; 

Jove,  the  great  arbiter  of  peace  and  wars." 

They  said,  while  Pallas  through  the  Trojan  throng, 
(In  shape  a  mortal),  pass'd  disguised  along. 
Like  bold  Laodocus,  her  course  she  bent, 
Who  from  Antenor  traced  his  high  descent. 
Amidst  tlie  ranks  Lyciion's  son  she  found, 
The  warlike  Pandarus,  for  strength  renown'd  ; 
Whose  squadrons,  led  from  black  /Esepus'  flood,* 
With  flaming  shields  in  martial  circle  stood. 
To  him  the  goddess:  "Phrygian  !  canst  thou  hear 
A  well-timed  counsel  with  a  willing  ear  ? 
What  praise  were  thine,  couldst  thou  direct  thy  dart, 
Amidst  his  triumph,  to  the  Spartan's  heart  .-' 
What  gifts  from  Troy,  from  Paris  wouldst  thou  gain, 
Thy  country's  foe,  the  Grecian  glory  slain  .' 
Then  seize  the  occasion,  dare  the  mighty  deed 
Aim  at  his  breast,  and  may  that  aim  succeed  J 
But  first,  to  speed  the  shaft,  address  thy  vow 
To  Lycian  Phcebus  witli  the  silver  bow, 
And  swear  the  firstlings  of  thy  tlock  to  pay. 
On  Zelia's  altars,  to  the  god  of  day."  f 

He  heard,  and  madly  at  the  motion  pleased, 
His  polish'd  bow  with  hasty  rashness  seized. 
'Twas  form'd  of  horn,  and  smooth'd  with  artful  toil : 
A  mountain  goat  resign'd  the  shining  spoil. 
Who  pierced  long  since  beneath  his  arrows  bled  ; 
The  stately  quarry  on  the  cliffs  lay  dead. 
And  si.xteen  palms  his  brow's  large  honors  spread  : 
The  workmen  join'd,  and  shaped  the  bended  horns. 
And  beaten  gold  each  taper  point  adorns. 
This,  by  the  Greeks  unseen,  the  warrior  bends, 
Screen'd  bv  the  shields  of  his  surrounding  friends 
There  meditates  the  mark ;  and  couching  low. 
Fits  the  sharp  arrow  to  the  well-strung  bow. 


Impress  the  air,  and  shows  themann 
From  what  point  of  his  compass  to  beware 
Impetuous  winds." — "  Paradise  Lost,''  iv.  555. 

•  AZstpus'  Jlood.     A  river  of   Mysia,  rising  from  Mount  Colylus,  in  the  soulhert) 
irt  nf  the  chain  of  Ida. 

*  Zelia,  a  town  of  Troas,  at  the  foot  of  Ida. 


>  THE  ILTAD.        ,  [Book  IV. 

One  from  a  hundred  feather'd  deaths  he  chose. 
Fated  to  wound,  and  cause  of  future  woes  ; 
Then  offers  vows  with  hecatombs  to  crown 
Apollo's  altars  in  his  native  town. 

Now  with  full  force  the  yielding  horn  he  bends, 
Drawn  to  an  arch,  and  joins  the  doubling  ends  ; 
Close  to  his  breast  he  strains  the  nerve  below, 
Till  the  barb'd  points  approach  the  circling  bow  ; 
The  impatient  weapon  whiz?:es  on  the  wing ; 
Sounds  the  tough  horn,  and  twangs  the  quivering  string 

But  thee,  Atrides  !  in  that  dangerous  hour 
The  gods  forget  not,  nor  thy  guardian  power, 
Pallas  assists,  and  (weakened  in  its  force) 
Diverts  the  weapon  from  its  destined  course : 
So  from  her  babe,  when  slumber  seals  his  eye. 
The  watchful  mother  wafts  the  envenom'd  fly. 
Just  where  his  belt  vvitli  golden  buckles  join'd, 
Where  linen  folds  the  double  corslet  lined, 
She  turn'd  the  shaft,  which,  hissing  from  above, 
Pass'd  the  bro.ad  belt,  and  through  the  corslet  drove 
The  folds  it  pierced,  the  plaited  linen  tore. 
And  razed  the  skin,  and  drew  the  purple  gore. 
As  when  some  stately  trappings  are  decreed 
To  grace  a  monarch  on  his  bounding  steed. 
Pi.  nymph  in  Caria  or  Maeonia  bred, 
Stains  the  pure  ivory  with  a  lively  red  ; 
With  equal  lustre  various  colors  vie. 
The  shining  whiteness,  and  the  Tyrian  dye: 
So  great  Atrides  !  show'd  thy  sacred  blood. 
As  down  thy  snowy  thigh  distill'd  the  streaming  flood. 
With  horror  seized,  the  king  of  men  descried 
The  shaft  infi.x'd,  and  saw  the  gushing  tide : 
Nor  less  the  Spartan  fear'd,  before  he  found . 
The  shining  barb  appear  above  the  wound, 
Then,  with  a  sigh,  that  heaved  his  manly  breast. 
The  royal  brother  thus  his  grief  express  d. 
And  grasp'd  his  hand  ;  while  all  the  Grteks  around 
With  answering  sighs  return'd  the  plaintive  sound. 

"  Oh,  dear  as  life  !  did  I  for  this  agree 
The  solemn  truce,  a  fatal  truce  to  thee  ! 
Wert  thou  exposed  to  all  the  hostile  train, 
To  fight  for  Greece,  and  conquer,  to  be  slain  ! 
The  race  of  Trojans  in  thy  ruin  join, 
And  faith  is  scorn'd  by  all  the  perjured  line. 
Not  thus  our  vows,  confirm'd  with  wine  and  gore. 
Those  hands  we  plighted,  and  those  oaths  we  swore. 
Shall  all  be  vSin ;  when  Heaven's  revenge  is  slow, 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD.  117 

Jove  but  prepares  to  strike  the  fiercer  blow. 

The  day  shall  come,  that  great  avenging  day, 

When  Troy's  proud  glorie's  in  the  dust  shall  lay, 

When  Priam's  powers  and  Priam's  self  shall  fall. 

And  one  prodigious  ruin  swallow  all. 

I  see  the  god,  already,  from  the  pole 

Bare  his  red  arm,  and  bid  the  thunder  roll; 

I  see  the  Eternal  all  his  fury  shed, 

And  shake  his  a;gis  o'er  their  guilty  head. 

Sucli  mighty  woes  on  perjured  princes  wait; 

But  thou,  alas !  deserv'st  a  happier  fate. 

Still  must  I  mourn  the  period  of  thy  days, 

And  only  mourn,  without  my  share  of  praise  ? 

Deprived  of  thee,  the  heartless  Greeks  no  more 

Shall  dream  of  conquests  on  tlie  hostile  shore  ; 

Troy  seized  of  Helen,  and  our  glory  lost, 

Thy  bones  shall  moulder  on  a  foreign  coast ; 

While  some  proud  Trojan  thus  insulting  cries, 

(And  spurns  the  dust  where  Menelaiis  lies), 

'Such  are  the  trophies  Greece  from  Ilion  brings 

And  such  the  conquest  of  her  king  of  kings  ! 

Lo  his  proud  vessels  scatter'd  o'er  the  main, 

And  unrevenged,  his  mighty  brother  slain.' 

Oh  !  ere  that  dire  disgrace  shall  blast  my  fame, 

O'erwhelm  me,  earth!  and  hide  a  monarch's  shame." 

He  said  :  a  leader's  and  a  brother's  fears 
Possess  his  soul,  which  thus  tlie  Sjiartan  cheers  : 
"  Let  not  thy  words  the  warmth  of  Greece  abate  ; 
The  feeble  dart  is  guiltless  of  my  fate  : 
Stiff  with  the  rich  embroider'd  work  around. 
My  varied  belt  repell'd  the  flying  wound." 

To  whom  the  king:   "  My  brotlier  and  my  friend, 
Thus,  always  thus,  may  Heaven  thy  life  defend! 
Now  seek  .some  skilful  hand,  whose  powerful  art 
May  stanch  the  effusion,  and  extract  the  dart. 
Herald,  be  swift,  and  bid  Machaon  bring 
His  speedy  succor  to  the  Spartan  king; 
Pierced  with  a  winged  shaft  (the  deed  of  Troy), 
The  Grecian  sorrow,  and  the  Dardan's  joy." 

With  hasty  zeal  the  swift  Talthybius  flies  ; 
Through  the  thick  files  he  darts  his  searching  eyes. 
And  finds  Machaon,  where  sublime  he  stands  • 

*  "  PocLzleirius  a»d  Ma^hiwn  are  the  leeches  of  the  Grecian  arp'v,  highly  prized 
and  consulted  by  all  the  wounded  chiefs.  Their  medical  renown  was  further  pro- 
longed in  the  subsequent  poem  of  Arktinus,  the  lliu  Persis,  wherein  tlie  one  was 
represented  as  unrivalled  in  surgical  o])erations,  the  ntlicr  as  sagacious  in  detecting 
and  appreciating  morbid  symptoms.  It  was  Pud.ileirius  who  first  noticed  the  glaring 
•y«s  and  disturbed  deportment  which  preceded  Uie  suicide  of  Ajax. 


Ii8  THE  ILIAD.  IHooK  IV- 

In  arms  encircled  with  his  native  bands. 
Then  thus  :  "  Machaon,  to  the  king  repair, 
His  wounded  brother  claims  thy  timely  care; 
Pierced  by  some  Lycianor  Dardanian  bow, 
A  grief  to  us,  a  triumph  to  the  foe." 

The  heavy  tidings  grieved  the  godlike  man  ; 
Swift  to  his  succor  through  the  ranks  he  ran  : 
The  dauntless  king  yet  standing  firm  he  found, 
And  all  the  chiefs  in  deep  concern  around. 
Where  to  the  steely  point  the  reed  was  join'd, 
The  shaft  he  drew,  but  left  the  head  behind. 
Straight  the  broad  belt  with  gay  embroidery  graced, 
He  loosed;  the  corslet  from  his  breast  unbraced; 
Then  suck'd  the  blood,  and  sovereign  balm  infused,* 
Which  Chiron  gave,  and  yEscuIapius  used. 

While  round  the  prince  the  Greeks  employ  their  care 
The  Trojans  rush  tumultuous  to  the  war ; 
Once  more  they  glitter  in  refulgent  arms. 
Once  more  the  fields  are  filled  with  dire  alarms. 
Nor  had  you  seen  the  king  of  men  appear 
Confused,  unactive,  or  surprised  with  fear 
But  fond  of  glory,  with  severe  delight. 
His  beating  bosom  claim'd  the  rising  fight. 
No  longer  with  liis  warlike  steeds  lie  stay'd, 
Or  press'd  the  car  with  polish'd  brass  inlaid 
But  left  Eurymedon  the  reins  to  guide  ; 
The  fiery  coursers  snorted  at  his  side. 
On  foot  through  all  the  martial  ranks  he  moves, 
And  these  encourages,  and  those  reproves. 
"Brave  men  !  "  he  cries,  (to  such  who  boldly  dare 
Urge  their  swift  steeds  to  face  the  coming  war), 
"Your  ancient  valor  on  the  foes  approve; 
Jove  is  with  Greece,  and  let  us  trust  in  Jove. 
'Tis  not  for  us,  but  guilty  Troy,  to  dread, 

"  Galen  appears  uncertain  whether  Asklepius  (as  well  as  Dionysus)  was  originally 
a  end,  i.r  whether  he  was  fiist  a  man  and  then  became  afterwards  a  god  ;  but  A|iollo- 
dorus'piofessed  to  fix  the  exact  dale  of  his  apotheosis.  Throughout  all  the  historical 
ages  th-  descendants  of  Asklepius  were  numerous  and  widely  diffused.  The  many 
families,  or  gentes,  called  Asklepiads,  who  devoted  themselves  to  the  study  and  prac- 
tice of  medicine,  and  who  principally  dwelt  near  the  temples  of  Asklepius,  whither 
sick  and  suffering  men  came  to  obtain  relief— all  recognized  the  god  not  merely  as  the 
object  of  their  common  worship,  but  also  as  their  actual  progenitor."— Grote,  vol.  L 
p.  248. 

*  "  The  plant  she  bruises  with  a  stone,  and  stands 

Tempering  the  juice  between  her  ivory  hands. 
This  o'er  her  breast  she  sheds  with  sovereign  art. 
And  bathes  with  gentle  touch  the  wounded  part  • 
The  wound  such  virtue  from  the  juice  derives, 
At  once  the  blood  is  stauch'd,  the  youth  revives." 

'*  Urlaodo  Furioso,**  book  7. 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD.  1 19 

Whose  crimes  sit  heavy  on  her  perjured  head  ; 
Her  sons  and  matrons  Greece  shall  lead  in  chains, 
And  her  dead  warriors  strew  the  mournful  plains." 

Thus  with  new  ardor  he  the  brave  inspires  ; 
Or  thus  the  fearful  with  reproaches  fires  : 
"  Shame  to  your  country,  scandal  of  your  kind; 
Born  to  the  fate  ye  well  deserve  to  find  ! 
Why  stand  ye  gazing  round  the  dreadful  plain, 
Prepared  for  flight,  but  dooni'd  to  fly  in  vain  .' 
Confused  and  panting  thus,  the  hunted  deer 
Falls  as  he  flies,  a  victim  to  his  fear. 
Still  must  ye  wait  the  foes,  and  still  retire. 
Till  yon  tall  vessels  blaze  with  Trojan  fire? 
Or  trust  ye,  Jove  a  valiant  foe  shall  chase, 
To  save  a  trembling,  heartless,  dastard  race  .'" 

This  said,  he  stalk'd  with  ample  strides  along. 
To  Crete's  brave  monarch  and  his  martial  throng; 
High  at  their  head  he  saw  the  chief  appear, 
And  bold  Meriones  e.xcite  the  rear. 
At  this  the  king  his  generous  joy  express'd. 
And  clasp'd  the  warrior  to  his  armed  breast. 
"  Divine  Idomcneus  !  what  thanks  we  owe 
To  worth  like  thine !  what  praise  shall  we  bestow 
To  thee  the  foremost  honors  are  decreed, 
First  in  the  fight  and  every  graceful  deed. 
For  this,  in  banquets,  when  the  generous  bow.s 
Restore  our  blood,  and  raise  the  warriors  souls, 
Though  all  the  rest  with  stated  rules  we  bound, 
Unmix'd,  unmeasured,  are  thy  goblets  crown'd. 
Be  still  thyself,  in  arms  a  mighty  name : 
Maintain  thy  honors,  and  enlarge  thy  fame." 
To  whom  the  Cretan  thus  his  speech  address'd 
"  Secure  of  me,  O  king  !  exhort  the  rest. 
Fix'd  to  thy  side,  in  every  toil  I  share, 
Thy  firm  associate  in  the  day  of  war. 
But  let  the  signal  be  this  moment  given ; 
To  mix  infiglit  is  all  I  ask  of  heaven. 
The  field  shall  prove  how  perjuries  succeed, 
And  chains  or  death  avenge  the  impious  deed. 

Charmd  with  this  heat,  the  king  his  course  purtu 
And  next  the  troops  of  either  Ajax  views : 
In  one  firm  orb  the  ijands  were  ranged  aroun 
A  cloud  of  heroes  blacken'd  all  the  ground. 
Thus  from  the  lofty  promontory's  brow 
A  swain  surveys  the  gathering  storm  below  ; 
Slow  from  the  main  the  heavy  vapors  rise. 
Spread  in  dim  streams,  and  sail  along  the  skies. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IV 


Till  black  as  night  the  swelling  tempest  shows, 
The  cloud  condensing  as  the  west  wind  blows  : 
He  dreads  the  imoending  storm,  and  drives  his  flock 
To  the  close  covert  of  an  arching  rock. 

Such,  and  so  thick,  the  embattled  squadrons  stood, 
With  spears  erect,  a  moving  iron  wood  : 
A  shady  light  was  shot  from  glimmering  shields, 
And  their  brown  arms  obscured  the  dusky  fields. 

"  O  heroes  !  worthy  such  a  dauntless  train. 
Whose  godlike  virtue  we  but  urge  in  vain, 
(Exclaim'd  the  king),  who  raise  your  eager  bands 
With  great  examples,  more  than  loud  commands. 
Ah!  would  the  gods  but  breathe  in  all  the  rest 
Such  souls  as  burn  in  your  exalted  breast, 
Soon  should  our  arms  with  just  success  be  crown'd, 
And  Troy's  proud  walls  lie  smoking  on  the  ground." 

Then  to  the  next  the  general  bends  his  course  ; 
(His  heart  exults,  and  glories  in  his  force); 
There  reverend  Nestor  ranks  his  Pylian  bands, 
And  with  inspiring  eloquence  commands  ; 
With  strictest  order  sets  his  train  in  arms, 
The  chiefs  advises,  and  the  soldiers  warms. 
Alastor,  Chromius,  Hcemon,  round  him  wait, 
Bias  the  good,  and  Pelagon  the  great. 
The  horse  and  chariots  fo  the  front  assign'd. 
The  foot  (the  strength  of  war)  he  ranged  behind: 
The  middle  space  suspected  troops  supply. 
Inclosed  by  both,  nor  left  the  power  to  fly; 
He  gives  command  to  "curb  the  fiery  steed. 
Nor  cause  confusion,  nor  the  ranks  exceed  : 
Before  the  rest  let  none  too  rashly  ride; 
No  strength  nor  skill,  but  just  in  time,  be  tried 
The  charge  once  made,  no  warrior  turn  the  rein. 
But  fight,  or  f.all;  a  firm  embodied  train. 
He  whom  the  fortune  of  the  field  shall  cast 
From  forth  his  cliariot,  mount  the  next  in  haste  ; 
Nor  seek  unpractised  to  direct  the  car. 
Content  with  javelins  to  provoke  the  war. 
Our  great  forefathers  held  this  prudent  course. 
Thus  ruled  their  ardor,  thus  preserved  their  force; 
By  laws  like  these  immortal  conquests  made. 
And  earth's  proud  tyrants  low  in  ashes  laid." 

So  spoke  the  master  of  the  martial  art. 
And  touch'd  with  transport  great  Atrides'  heart. 
••  Oh  !  hadst  thou  strength  to  match  thy  brave  desires 
And  nerves  to  second  what  thy  soul  inspires  ! 
But  wasting  years,  that  wither  human  race. 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD. 

Exhaust  thy  spiriis,  and  thy  arms  unlirace. 
What  once  thou  wert,  oh  ever  mightst  thou  be  ! 
And  age  the  lot  of  any  chief  but  thee." 

Thus  to  the  experienced  prince  Atrides  cried; 
He  sliooli  his  hoary  locks,  and  tlius  replied  : 
"  Well  might  I  wish,  could  mortal  wish  renew  * 
That  strength  which  once  in  boiling  youth  I  knew; 
Such  as  I  was,  when  Ereuthalion,  slain 
IJeneath  this  arm,  fell  prostrate  on  the  plain. 
But  heaven  its  gifts  not  all  at  once  bestows. 
These  years  with  wisdom  crowns,  with  action  those  : 
The  field  of  combat  fits  the  young  and  bold, 
The  solemn  council  best  becomes  the  old : 
To  you  the  glorious  contlict  I  resign. 
Let  sage  advice,  the  palm  of  age,  be  mine." 

He  said.     With  joy  the  monarch  march'd  before, 
And  found  Menestheus  on  the  dusty  shore. 
With  whom  the  firm  Athenian  phalanx  stands  ; 
And  next  Ulysses,  with  his  subject  bands. 
Remote  their  forces  lay,  nor  knew  so  far 
The  peace  infringed,  nor  heard  the  sounds  of  war ; 
The  tumult  late  begun,  they  stood  intent 
To  watch  the  motion,  dubious  of  the  event. 
The  king,  who  saw  their  squadrons  yut  unmoved, 
With  hasty  ardor  thus  the  chief  reproved  : 

"  Can  Peleus'  son  forget  a  warrior's  part. 
And  fears  Ulysses,  skill'd  in  every  art  .'' 
Why  stand  you  distant,  and  the  rest  expect. 
To  mix  in  combat  with  yourselves  neglect  ? 
From  you  'twas  hoped  among  the  first  to  dare 
The  shock  of  armies,  and  commence  the  war ; 
For  this  your  names  are  c.all'd  before  the  rest, 
To  share  the  pleasures  of  the  genial  feast : 
And  can  you,  chiefs  !  without  a  blush  survey- 
Whole  troops  before  you  laboring  in  the  fray  ? 
Say,  is  it  thus  those  honors  you  requite  ? 
The  first  in  banquets,  but  the  last  in  fight." 

Ulysses  heard  :  the  hero's  warmth  o'erspread 
His  cheek  with  Iilushes  :  and  severe,  he  said  : 
"Take  back  the  unjust  reproach!  Behold  we  stand 

•  IVell  might  I  tvlsh. 

"  Would  heav'n  (said  he)  my  strent^th  and  youth  recall, 
Such  as  I  was  beneath  Prsueste's  wall — 
Then  when  I  made  the  foremost  foes  retire. 
And  set  whole  heaps  of  cnnquer'd  shields  on  fire  : 
When  Herilus  in  sin-.;le  fii;hl  I  slew, 
Whom  with  three  lives  Feronia  did  endue." 

Dryden'i  Virjil,  viii. 


122  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV 

Sheathed  in  bright  arms,  and  but  expect  command. 
If  glorious  deeds  afford  thy  soul  delight, 
Behold  me  plunging  in  the  thickest  fight. 
Then  give  thy  warrior-chief  a  warrior's  due. 
Who  dares  to  act  whate'er  thou  dar'st  to  view." 
Struck  with  his  generous  wrath,  the  king  replies: 

"  O  great  in  action,  and  in  council  wise  ! 
With  ours,  thy  care  and  ardor  are  the  same, 
Nor  need  I  to  commend,  nor  aught  to  blame. 
Sage  as  thou  art,  and  learn'd  in  human  kind, 
Forgive  the  transport  of  a  martial  mind. 
Haste  to  the  fight,  secure  of  just  amends; 
The  gods  that  make,  shall  keep  the  worthy,  friends. 

He  said,  and  pass'd  where  great  Tydides  lay. 
His  steeds  and  chariots  wedged  in  firm  array ; 
(The  warlike  Sthenelus  attends  liis  side ;)  * 
To  whom  with  stern  reproach  the  monarch  cried : 
"  O  son  of  Tydeus  !  (he,  whose  strength  could  tame 
The  bounding  steed,  in  arms  a  mighty  name) 
Canst  thou,  remote,  the  mingling  hosts  descry, 
With  hands  unactive,  and  a  careless  eye  ? 
Not  thus  thy  sire  the  fierce  encounter  fear'd  ; 
Still  first  in  front  the  matchless  prince  appear'd  : 
What  glorious  toils,  what  wonders  they  recite. 
Who  view'd  him  laboring  through  the  ranks  of  fight 
I  saw  him  once,  when  gathering  martial  powers, 
A  peaceful  guest,  he  sought  Mycenae's  towers  ; 
Armies  he  ask'd,  and  armies  had  been  given, 
Not  we  denied,  but  Jove  forbade  from  heaven ; 
While  dreadful  comets  glaring  from  afar, 
Forewarn'd  the  horrors  of  the  Theban  war.f 
Next,  sent  by  Greece  from  where  Asopus  Hows, 
A  fearless  envoy,  he  approach'd  the  foes  ; 
Thebes'  hostile  walls  unguarded  and  alone, 
Dauntless  he  enters,  and  demands  the  throne. 
The  tyrant  feasting  witli  his  chiefs  he  found. 
And  dared  to  combat  all  those  chiefs  around : 
Dared,  and  subdued  before  their  haughty  lord  ; 
For  Pallas  strung  his  arm  and  edged  his  sword. 
Stung  with  the  shame,  within  the  winding  way. 
To  bar  his  passage  fifty  warriors  lay ; 
Two  heroes  led  the  secret  squadron  on, 
Maon  the  fierce,  and  hardy  Lycophon ; 

•  Slkettelus,  a  son  of  Capaneus,  one  of  the  Epigoni.  He  was  one  of  the  suitor* 
p(  Helen,  and  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  those  who  entered  Troy  inside  the  wooden 
horse. 

t  F^n-fwarn^ d  thf  hprrorst  The  same  portent  has  already  been  raentionaj.  To 
this  dav.  uioderu  nations  aru  nut  wholly  free  from  this  superstition. 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD.  1J3 

Those  fifty  slaughter'd  in  the  gloomy  vale. 
He  spared  but  one  to  bear  the  dreadful  tale, 
Such  Tydeus  was,  and  such  his  martial  fire  ; 
Gods  !  how  the  son  degenerates  from  the  sire  I 

No  words  the  godlike  Diomed  return'd. 
But  heard  respectful,  and  in  secret  burn'd: 
Not  so  fierce  Capaneus'  undaunted  son  ; 
Stern  as  his  sire,  the  boaster  thus  begun: 

"  What  needs,  O  monarch  !  this  invidious  prai 
Ourselves  to  lessen,  while  our  sire  you  raise? 
Dare  to  be  just,  Atrides  !  and  confess 
Our  value  equal,  though  our  fury  less. 
With  fewer  troops  we  storm"d  the  Theban  wall, 
And  happier  saw  the  sevenfold  city  fall,* 
In  impious  acts  tlie  guilty  father  died  ; 
The  sons  subdued,  for  Heaven  was  on  their  side 
Far  more  than  heirs  of  all  our  parents'  fame, 
Our  glories  darken  their  diminish'd  name.'' 

To  him  Tydides  thus  :  "  My  friend,  forbear ; 
Suppress  thy  passion,  and  the  king  revere': 
His  high  concern  may  well  e.xcuse  this  rage, 
Whose  cause  we  follow,  and  whose  war  we  wage  : 
His  the  first  praise,  were  Ilion's  towers  o'erthrown, 
And,  if  we  fail,  the  chief  disgrace  his  own. 
Let  him  the  Greeks  to  hardy  toils  e-xcite, 
'Tis  ours  to  labor  in  the  glorious  fight." 

He  spoke,  and  ardent,  on  the  trembling  ground 
Sprung  from  his  car :  his  ringing  arms  resound. 
Dire  was  the  clang,  and  dreadful  from  afar, 
Of  arm'd  Tydides  rushing  to  the  war. 
As  when  the  winds,  ascending  by  degrees,! 
First  move  the  whitening  surface  of  the  seas, 
The  billows  float  in  order  to  the  shore. 
The  wave  behind  rolls  on  the  wave  before; 
Till,  with  the  growing  storm,  the  deeps  arise, 
P'oam  o'er  the  rocks,  and  thunder  to  the  skies. 
So  to  the  fight  the  thick  battalions  throng. 
Shields  urged  on  shields,  and  men  drove  men  along 
Sedate  and  silent  move  the  numerous  bands  ; 
No  sound,  no  whisper,  but  the  chief's  commands, 

•  Sei'eti/old  city.     Boeotian  Thebes,  which  had  seven  gates. 

\  As  Tuh^n  the  winds. 

*'  Thus,  when  a  black-brow'd  ^ust  begins  to  rise, 
While  foam  at  first  on  the  ciirl'd  ocean  tries  ; 
Then  roars  the  main,  the  billows  mount  the  skies  ; 
Till,  hy  the  fury  of  the  storm  full  blown, 
The  muddy  billow  o'er  the  clouds  is  thrown." 

Dryden's  Virgil,  vii.  736. 


124  THE  IIJAD.  [Book  iv. 

Those  only  heard  ;  with  awe  the  rest  obey. 
As  if  some  god  had  snatch'd  their  voice  away. 
Not  so  the  Trojans  ;  from  their  host  asoends 
A  general  shout  that  all  the  region  rends. 
As  when  the  fleecy  flocks  unnumber'd  stand 
In  wealthy  folds,  and  wait  the  milker's  hand, 
The  hollow  vales  incessant  bleating  fills, 
The  lambs  reply  from  all  the  neighboring  hills  : 
Such  clamors  rose  from  various  nations  round, 
Mix'd  was  the  murmur,  and  confused  the  sound. 
Each  host  now  joins,  and  each  a  god  inspires. 
These  Mars  incites,  and  those  Minerva  fires, 
Pale  flight  around,  and  dreadful  terror  reign  ; 
And  discord  raging  bathes  the  purple  plain  ; 
Discord  !  dire  sister  of  the  slaughtering  power. 
Small  at  her  birth,  but  rising  every  hour. 
While  scarce  the  skies  her  horrid  head  can  bound, 
She  stalks  on  earth,  and  shakes  the  world  around  ;* 
The  nations  bleed,  where'er  her  steps  she  turns, 
The  groan  still  deepens,  and  the  combat  burns. 

Now  shield  with  shield,  with  helmet  helmet  closed. 
To  armor  armor,  lance  to  lance  opposed, 
Host  against  host  with  shadowy  squadrons  drew, 
The  sounding  darts  in  iron  tempests  flew, 
Victors  and  vanquish'd  join'd  promiscuous  cries, 
And  shrilling  shouts  and  dying  groans  arise  ; 
With  streaming  blood  the  slippery  fields  are  dyed, 
And  slaughter'd  heroes  swell  the  dreadful  tide. 

As  torrents  roll,  increased  by  numerous  rills, 
With  rage  impetuous,  down  their  echoing  hills 
Rush  to  the  vales,  and  pour'd  along  the  plain. 
Roar  through  a  thousand  channels  to  the  main  : 
The  distant  shepherd  trembling  hears  the  sound 
So  mix  both  hosts,  and  so  their  cries  rebound. 

The  bold  Antilochus  the  slaughter  led. 
The  first  who  struck  a  valiant  "Trojan  dead : 
At  great  Echepolus  the  lance  arrives. 
Razed  his  high  crest,  and  through  his  helmet  drives ; 
Warm'd  in  the  brain  the  brazen  weapon  lies, 
And  shades  eternal  settle  o'er  his  eyes. 
So  sinks  a  tower,  that  long  assaulted  had  stood 
Of  force  and  fire,  its  walls  besniear'd  with  blood. 
Him,  the  bold  leader  of  the  Abantian  throng,t 

"  Stood 
Like  Tencriffe  or  Atlas  unremoved  ; 

His  stature  rcach'd  the  sky."—"  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  986. 
t  The  Abantes  seem  to  have  beeu  oi  Thracian  origin. 


Book  IV. j  THE  ILIAD.  125 

Seized  to  despoil,  and  dragg'd  the  corpse  along 
But  while  he  strove  to  tug  the  inserted  dart, 
Agenor's  javelin  reach'd  the  hero's  heart. 
His  flank,  unguarded  by  his  ample  shield. 
Admits  the  lance  :  he  falls,  and  spurns  the  field; 
The  nerves,  unbraced,  support  his  limbs  no  more; 
The  soul  conies  floating  in  a  tide  of  gore. 
Trojans  and  Greeks  now  gather  round  the  slain  j 
The  war  renews,  the  warriors  bleed  again  : 
As  o'er  their  prey  rapacious  wolves  engage, 
Man  dies  on  man,  and  all  is  blood  and  rage. 

In  blooming  youth  fair  Simoisius  fell, 
Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell ; 
Fair  Simoisius,  whom  his  mother  bore 
Amid  the  flocks  on  silver  Simois'  shore: 
The  nymph  descending  from  the  hills  of  Ide, 
To  seek  her  parents  on  his  flowery  side. 
Brought  forth  the  babe,  their  common  care  ana  joy. 
And  thence  from  Simois  named  the  lovely  buy. 
Short  was  his  date  !  by  dreadful  Ajax  slain. 
He  falls,  and  renders  all  their  cares  in  vain ! 
So  falls  a  poplar,  that  in  watery  ground 
Raised  high  the  head,  with  stately  branches  crown'd, 
,,Feird  by  some  artist  with  his  shining  steel. 
To  shape  the  circle  of  the  bending  wheel,) 
Cut  down  it  lies,  tall,  smooth,  and  largely  spread, 
With  all  its  beauteous  honors  on  its  head  : 
There,  left  a  subject  to  the  wind  and  rain. 
And  scorch'd  by  suns,  it  withers  on  the  plain 
Thus  pierced  by  Ajax,  Simoisius  lies 
Stretch'd  on  the  shore,  and  thus  neglected  dies. 

At  Ajax,  Antiphus  his  javelin  threw; 
The  pointed  lance  with  erring  fury  flew. 
And  Leucus,  loved  by  wise  Ulysses,  slew. 
He  drops  the  corpse  of  Simoisius  slain. 
And  sinks  a  breathless  carcase  on  the  plain. 
This  saw  Ulysses,  and  with  grief  enraged. 
Strode  where  the  foremost  of  the  foes  engaged 
Arm'd  with  his  spear,  he  meditates  the  wound. 
In  act  to  throw  ;  but  cautious  look'd  around, 
Struck  at  his  sight  the  Trojans  backward  drew, 
And  trembling  heard  the  javelin  as  it  flew. 
A  cliief  stood  nigh,  who  froin  Abydos  came. 
Old  Priam's  son,  Democoon  was  his  name. 
The  weapon  enter'd  close  above  his  ear, 
.  _Cokl  througMiis  temples  glides  the  whizzing  spear  ;  * 

I  may,  nnte  fur  all,  reiii.irk  tti.it  Homer  is  mo'it  anatomically  correct  as  to  ^ 
--»rls  ot  th;  body  m  whicii  a  wound  would  be  immediatelv  mortal. 


126  THE  ILiAD.  [Book  IV. 


With  piercing  slirieks  the  youth  resigns  his  breath, 
His  eye-balls  darken  with  the  shades  of  death; 
Ponderous  he  falls  ;  his  clanging  arms  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  rings  against  the  ground. 

Seized  with  affright  the  boldest  foes  appear; 
E'en  godlike  Hector  seems  himself  to  fear; 
Slow  he  gave  way,  the  rest  tumultuous  fled  ; 
The  Greeks  with  shouts  press  on,  and  spoil  the  dead: 
But  Phcebus  now  from  Ilion's  towering  height 
Shines  forth  reveal'd,  and  animates  the  fight. 
"  Trojans,  be  bold,  and  force  with  force  oppose  ; 
Your  foaming  steeds  urge  headlong  on  the  foes! 
Nor  are  their  bodies  rocks,  nor  ribb'd  with  steel; 
Your  weapons  enter,  and  your  strokes  they  feel. 
Have  ye  forgot  what  seem'd  your  dread  before  ? 
The  great,  the  fierce  Achilles  fights  no  more." 

Apollo  thus  from  Ilion's  lofty  towers. 
Array 'd  in  terrors,  roused  the  Trojan  powers  : 
While  war's  fierce  goddess  fires  the  Grecian  foe, 
And  shouts  and  thunders  in  the  fields  below. 
Then  great  Diore.s  fell,  by  doom  divine. 
In  vain  his  valor  and  illustrious  line. 
A  broken  rock  the  force  of  Pyrus  threw 
(Who  from  cold  .-Enus  led  the  Thracian  crew),* 
Full  on  his  ankle  dropp'd  the  ponderous  stone, 
Burst  the  strong  nerves,  and  crash'd  the  solid  bone: 
Supine  he  tumbles  on  the  crimson  sands, 
Before  his  helpless  friends,  and  native  bands, 
And  spreads  for  aid  his  unavailing  hands. 
The  foe  rush'd  furious  as  he  pants  for  breath, 
And  through  his  navel  drove  the  pointed  death: 
His  gushing  entrails  smoked  upon  the  ground. 
And  the  warm  life  came  issuing  from  the  wound. 

His  lance  bold  Thoas  at  the  conquerer  sent, 
Deep  in  his  breast  above  the  pap  it  went. 
Amid  the  lungs  was  fix'd  the  winged  wood. 
And  quivering  in  his  heaving  bosom  stood  : 
Till  from  the  dying  chief,  approaching  near. 
The  ^tolian  warrior  tugg'd  his  weighty  spear : 
Then  sudden  waved  his  flaming  falchion  round. 
And  gash'd  his  belly  with  a  ghastly  wound  ; 
The  corpse  now  breathless  on  the  bloody  plain, 
To  spoil  his  arms  the  victor  strove  in  vain  ; 
The  Thracian  bands  against  the  victor  press'd, 
A  grove  of  lances  glitter'd  at  his  breast. 


Book  IV.]  THE  ILIAD.  127 

Stern  Thoas,  glaring  with  revengeful  eyes, 
In  sullen  fury  slowly  quits  the  prize. 

Thus  fell  two  lieroes  ;  one  the  pride  of  Thrace, 
And  one  tlie  leader  of  the  Epeian  race  ; 
Death's  sable  shade  at  once  o'ercast  their  eyes, 
In  dust  the  vanquish'd  and  tlie  victor  lies. 
With  copious  slaughter  all  the  fields  are  red, 
And  heap'd  with  growing  mountains  of  the  dead. 

Had  some  brave  chief  this  martial  scene  beheld. 
By  Pallas  guarded  through  the  dreadful  field  ; 
Might  darts  be  bid  to  turn  their  points  away, 
And  swords  around  him  innocently  play; 
The  war's  whole  art  with  wonder  had  he  seen, 
And  counted  heroes  where  he  counted  men. 

So  fought  each  host,  with  thirst  of  glory  fired. 
And  crowds  on  crowds  triumjjhantly  expired. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 


BOOK  V. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE   ACTS   OF    DIOMBD. 

Difimed,  a^^isleil  bv  P.ill.is.  performs  wonders  in  this  day's  battle.  Pandarus  wcunds 
hini  wrth  n.  ,rrnv.  |.„i  111-  ',-...l.l..ss  cures  him,  enables  him  to  disce.n  gods  from 
m()tt.iK.  ,'■  i  I"  I.  I  '  I  M  contending  with  any  of  the  former,  excepting 
Venus.       1  II      .    h,  oppose  him  ;  Pandarus  is  killed,  and  yEneas  in 

great  d, (II.    .  i  :,.  i ,     ,■    of  Venus;    who,  as  site  is  removing  her  son 

from  lliuli,ln,  ;.  ,.,.ui..i«  ;  I  li  li.iTid  hv  Diomed.  Apollo  seconds  her  in  his 
rescue,  and  it  length  cam.  ii  1  n.  i  m  Iroy,  where  he  is  healed  in  llie  temple 
of  Pergamus.  Mars  rail...  .  il,  I  i  .",  md  assists  Hector  to  make  a  stand.  In 
the  mean  time  yEneas  is  p  ;  i.  .1  b.  ih  lield,  and  they  overthrow  several  of  the 
Greeks  ;  among  the  rest  T.cin.inniuj  i>  slain  by  Sarpedon.  Juno  and  Minerva 
descend  to  resist  Mars;  tlie  latter  incites  Diomed  to  go  against  the  god  ;  he 
wounds  him  and  sends  him  groaning  to  heaven. 

The  first  battle  continues  through  this  book.     TIte  scene  is  the  same  as  in  the 
lormer. 

But  Pallas  now  Tydides'  soul  inspires,* 

Fills  with  her  force,  and  warms  with  all  her  fires, 

Above  the  Greeks  his  deathless  fame  to  raise, 

And  crown  her  hero  with  distinguish'd  praise. 

Higli  on  his  helm  celestial  lightnings  play. 

His  beamy  shield  emits  a  living  ray  ; 

The  unwearied  blaze  incessant  streams  supplies, 

Like  the  red  star  that  fires  the  autumnal  skies, 

Wlien  fresh  he  rears  his  radiant  orb  to  sight, 

And,  bathed  in  ocean,  shoots  a  keener  light. 

Such  glories  Pallas  on  the  chief  bestow'd. 

Such,  from  his  arms,  the  fieice  effulgence  "Jow'd: 

Onward  she  drives  him   furious  to  engage. 

Where  the  fight  burns,  and  where  the  thickest  rage. 

The  sons  of  Dares  first  the  combat  sought, 
A  wealthy  priest,  but  rich  without  a  fault ; 
In  Vulcan's  fane  the  father's  days  were  led, 
The  sons  to  toils  of  glorious  battle  bred  ; 


Compare  Tassn,  Gier.  Lib.,  : 


K  'I  fa  grande,  et  anguslo  ollre  il  costume, 
Gr  empie  d'  honor  la  faccia,  e  vi  riduce 
Di  giovinezza  il  bel  purpureo  luine.'* 


Book  v.]  the  II.TAD. 

These  singled  from  tlieir  troops  the  fight  maintain, 
These,  from  their  steeds,  Tydides  on  the  plain. 
Fierce  for  renown  the  brother-chiefs  draw  near, 
mnd  first  bold  I'hegeus  cast  liis  sounding  spear, 
Which  o'er  the  warrior's  shoulder  took  its  course, 
And  spent  in  empty  air  its  erring  force. 
Not  so,  Tydides,  flew  thy  lance  in  vain. 
But  pierced  his  breast,  and  stretch'd  him  on  the  plain. 
Seized  with  unusual  fear,  Ida;us  fled. 
Left  the  rich  chariot,  and  his  brother  dead. 
And  had  not  Vulcan  lent  celestial  aid, 
He  too  had  sunk  to  death's  eternal  shade; 
But  in  a  smoky  cloud  the  god  of  fire 
Preserved  the  son,  in  pity  to  the  sire. 
The  steeds  and  chariot,  to  the  navy  led, 
*    Increased  the  spoils  of  gallant  Diomed. 

Struck  with  amaze  and  shame,  the  Trojan  crew, 
Or  slain,  or  fled,  the  sons  of  Dares  view  ; 
When  by  the  l'loo<l-stain'd  hand  Minerva  press'd 
The  god  of  battles,  and  this  speech  address'd  : 

'■  Stern  power  of  war  !  by  whom  the  mighty  fall. 
Who  bathe  in  blood,  and  shake  the  lofty  wall ! 
Let  the  brave  chiefs  their  glorious  toils  divide; 
And  whose  the  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide : 
While  we  from  interdicted  fields  retire. 
Nor  tempt  the  wrath  of  heaven's  avenging  sire." 

Her  words  allay  the  impetuous  warrior's  heat, 
The  god  of  arms  and  martial  maid  retreat; 
Removed  from  fight,  on  Xanthus'  flowery  bounds 
They  sat,  and  listen'd  to  the  dying  sounds. 

Meantime,  the  Greeks  the  Trojan  race  pursue. 
And  some  bold  chieftain  every  leader  slew: 
First  Odius  falls,  and  bites  the  bloody  sand. 
His  death  ennobled  by  Atrides' hand  : 

As  lie  to  flight  his  wheeling  car  address'd, 
The  speedy  javelin  drove  from  back  to  breast. 
In  dust  the  mighty  Halizonian  lay, 
His  arms  resound,  the  spirit  wings  its  way. 

Thy  fate  was  ne.xt,  O  Ph^estus  !  doom'd  to  feel 
The  great  Idomeneus'  protended  steel; 
Whom  iJorus  sent  (his  son  and  only  joy) 
From  fruitful  Tarne  to  the  fields  of  Troy. 
The  Cretan  javelin  reach'd  him  from  afar. 
And  pierced  his  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  car; 
Back  from  the  car  he  tumbles  to  the  ground, 
And  everlasting  shades  his  eves  surround. 

Then  died  Scamandrius.  expert  in  the  chase, 


130  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V 

In  woods  and  wilds  to  wound  the  savage  race; 

Diana  tauglit  him  all  her  sylvan  arts, 

To  bend  the  bow  and  aim  unerring  darts  : 

But  vainly  here  Diana's  arts  he  tries, 

The  fatal  lance  arrests  him  as  he  flies ; 

From  Menelaiis'  arm  the  weapon  sent, 

Through  his  broad  back  and  heaving  bosom  went: 

Down  sinks  the  warrior  with  a  thundermg  sound, 

His  brazen  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 

Next  artful  Phereclus  untimely  fell ; 
Bold  Merion  sent  him  to  the  realms  of  hell. 
Thy  father's  skill,  O  Phereclus  !  was  thine, 
The  graceful  fabric  and  the  fair  design ; 
For  loved  by  Pallas,  Pallas  did  impart 
To  him  the  shipwright's  and  the  buildet's  art. 
Beneath  his  hand  the  fleet  of  Paris  rose. 
The  fatal  cause  of  all  his  country's  woes  ; 
But  he,  the  mystic  will  of  heaven  unknown. 
Nor  saw  his  country's  peril,  nor  his  own. 
The  hapless  artist,  while  confused  he  fled, 
The  spear  of  Merion  mingled  with  the  dead. 
Through  his  right  hip,  with  forceful  fury  cast. 
Between  the  bladder  and  the  bone  it  pass'd ; 
Prone  on  his  knees  he  falls  with  fruitless  cries, 
And  death  in  lasting  slumber  seals  his  eyes. 

From  Meges'  force  the  swift  Pedaeus  fled, 
Antenor's  offspring  from  a  foreign  bed. 
Whose  generous  spouse,  Theanor,  heavenly  fair. 
Nursed  the  young  stranger  with  a  mother's  care. 
How  vain  those  cares  !  when  Meges  in  the  rear 
Full  in  his  nape  infix'd  the  fatal  spear; 
Swift  through  his  crackling  jaws  the  weapon  glides, 
And  the  cold  tongue  and  grinning  teetii  divides. 

Then  died  Hvpsenor,  generous  and  divine. 
Sprung  from  the  brave  Dolopion's  mighty  line, 
"Who  near  adored  Scamander  made  abode. 
Priest  of  the  stream,  and  honored  as  a  god. 
On  him,  amidst  the  flying  numbers  found, 
Eurypylus  inflicts  a  deadly  wound  ; 
On  ills  broad  shoulders  fell  the  forceful  brand. 
Thence  glancing  downwards,  lopp'd  his  holy  hand, 
Which  stain'd  witli  sacred  blood  the  blushing  sand. 
Down  sunk  the  priest  :  the  purple  hand  of  death 
Closed  his  dim  eye.  and  fate  suppress'd  his  breath. 

Thus  toil'd  the  chiefs,  in  different  parts  engaged- 
In  every  quarter  fierce  Tydides  raged; 
Amid  the  Greek,  amid  the  Trojan  train, 


Rook  v.]  the  ILIAD.  131 

Rapt  through  the  ranks  he  thunders  o'er  the  plain; 

Now  liere,  now  there,  he  darts  from  place  to  place. 

Pours  on  the  rear,  or  lightens  in  their  face. 

Thus  from  high  hills  the  torrents  swift  and  strong 

Deluge  whole  fields,  and  sweep  the  trees  along, 

Through  ruin'd  moles  the  rushing  wave  resounds, 

O'erwhelms  the  bridge,  and  bursts  the  lofty  bounds  ; 

The  yellow  harvests  of  the  ripen'd  year. 

And  flatted  vineyards,  one  sad  waste  appear!* 

While  Jove  descends  in  sluicy  sheets  of  rain, 

And  all  the  labors  of  mankind  are  vain. 

So  raged  Tydides,  boundless  in  his  ire. 
Drove  armies  back,  and  made  all  Troy  retire. 
With  grief  the  leader  of  the  Lycian  band 
Saw  the  wide  waste  of  his  destructive  hand: 
His  bended  bow  against  the  chief  he  drew; 
Swift  to  the  mark  the  thirsty  arrow  flew. 
Whose  forky  point  the  hollow  breastplate  tore, 
Deep  in  his  shoulder  pierced,  and  drank  the  goret 
The  rushing  stream  his  brazen  armor  dyed, 
While  the  proud  archer  thus  exulting  cried: 

'•  Hither,  ye  Trojans,  hither  drive  your  steeds  ! 
Lo  !  by  our  hand  the  bravest  Grecian  bleeds, 
Not  long  the  deathful  dart  he  can  sustain  ; 
Or  Phoebus  urged  me  to  these  fields  in  vain." 
So  spoke  he.  boastful ;  but  the  winged  dart 
Stopp'd  short  of  life,  and  niock'd  the  shooter's  art. 
The  wounded  chief,  behind  his  car  retired, 
The  helping  hand  of  Sthenelus  required; 
Swift  from  his  seat  he  leap'd  upon  the  ground, 
And  tugg'd  the  weapon  from  the  gushing  wound; 
When  thus  the  king  his  guardian  power  address'd, 
The  purple  current  wandering  o'er  his  vest : 

"  O  progeny  of  Jove  !  unconquer'd  maid  ! 
If  e'er  my  godlike  sire  deserved  thy  aid, 
\l  e'er  I  felt  thee  in  the  fighting  field ; 
Now,  goddess,  now,  thy  sacred  succor  yield. 
O  give  my  lance  to  reach  the  Trojan  knight. 
Whose  arrow  wounds  tlie  chief  thou  guard'st  in  fight; 
And  lay  the  boaster  grovelling  on  the  shore, 
That  vaunts  these  eyes  shall  view  the  light  no  more." 


'  Or  deluges,  descending  on  the  plains. 
Sweep  o'er  the  yellow  year,  destroy  the  pains 
Of  lab'ring  oxen,  and  the  peasant's  gains  ; 
Uproot  the  forest  oaks,  and  bear  away 
Flocks,  folds,  and  trees,  an  ucdistinguish'd  prev." 

Dryden'a  Virgil  ii. 


132  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 

Thus  pray'd  Tydides,  and  Minerva  heard, 
His  nerves  confirm'd,  his  languid  spirits  cheer'd; 
He  feels  each  limb  with  wonted  vigor  light  ; 
His  beating  bosom  claim'd  the  promised  fight. 
"  Be  bold  (she  cried),  in  every  combat  shine. 
War  be  thy  province,  thy  protection  mine  ; 
Rush  to  the  fight,  and  every  foe  control ; 
Wake  each  paternal  virtue  in  thy  soul : 
Strength  swells  thy  boiling  breast,  infused  by  me, 
And  all  thy  godlike  father  breathes  in  thee  ; 
Yet  more,  from  mortal  mists  I  purge  thy  eyes,* 
And  set  to  view  the  warring  deities. 
These  see  thou  shun,  through  all  the  embattled  plain  ; 
Nor  rashly  strive  where  human  force  is  vain. 
If  Venus  mingle  in  the  martial  band. 
Her  shalt  thou  wound  :  so  Pallas  gives  command." 

With  that,  the  blue-eyed  virgin  wing'd  her  flight ; 
The  hero  rush'd  impetuous  to  the  fight ;_ 
With  tenfold  ardor  now  invades  the  plain, 
Wild  with  delay,  and  more  enraged  by  pain. 
As  on  the  fleecy  flocks  when  hunger  calks, 
Amidst  the  field  a  brindled  lion  falls  ; 
If  chance  some  shepherd  with  a  distant  dait 
The  savage  wound,  he  rouses  at  the  smart, 
He  foams,  he  roars  ;  the  shepherd  dares  not  stay, 
But  trembling  leaves  the  scattering  flocks  a  prey ; 
Heaps  fall  on  heaps ;  ho  bathes  with  blood  the  ground, 
Then  leaps  victorious  o'er  the  lofty  mound. 
Not  with  less  fury  stern  Tydides  flew ; 
And  two  brave  leaders  at  an  instant  slew; 
Astynoiis  breathless  fell,  and  by  his  side, 
His  peoples'  pastor,  good  Hypenor,  died  ; 
Astynoiis"  breast  the  deadly  lance  receives, 
Hypenor's  shoulder  his  broad  falcliion  cleaves. 
Those  slain  he  left,  and  sprung  with  noble  rage 
Abas  and  Polyidus  to  engage  ; 
Sons  of  Eurydamus,  who,  wise  and  old, 
Could  fate  foresee,  and  mystic  dreams  unfold ; 
The  youths  return'd  not  from  the  doubtful  plain, 
And  the  sad  father  tried  his  arts  in  vain  ; 
No  mystic  dream  could  make  their  fates  appear, 
Though  now  determined  by  Tydides'  spear. 

Young  Xanthus  next,  and  Thoon  felt  his  rage  : 


»  From  mortal  mists. 

"  But  to  nobler  sights 
Michael  from  Adaius  eyes  the  film  removed 


Paradise  Lost," 


Book  V-I  THE  ILIAD.  133 

The  joy  and  hope  of  Phajnops'  feeble  age  : 

Vast  was  liis  wealth,  and  these  the  only  heirs 

Of  all  his  labors  and  a  life  of  cares. 

Cold  death  o'ertakes  them  in  their  blooming  years, 

And  leaves  the  father  unavailing  tears : 

To  strangers  now  destends  his  heapy  store, 

The  race  forgotten,  and  the  name  no  more. 

Two  sons  of  Priam  in  one  chariot  ride. 
Glittering  in  arms,  and  combat  side  by  side. 
As  when  the  lordly  lion  seeks  his  food 
Where  grazing  heifers  range  the  lonely  wood. 
He  leaps  amidst  tliem  with  a  furious  hound, 
Bends  their  strong  necks,  and  tears  them  to  the  ground: 
So  from  their  seats  the  brother  chiefs  are  torn, 
Their  steeds  and  chariot  to  the  navy  borne. 

With  deep  concern  divine  /Eneas  view'd 
The  foe  prevailing,  and  his  friends  pursued  ; 
Through  the  thick  siorm  of  singing  spears  he  flies, 
Exploring  Pandarus  with  careful  eyes. 
At  length  he  found  Lycaon's  mighty  son  ; 
To  whom  the  chief  of  Venus"  race  begun: 

"  Where,  Pandarus,  arc  all  thy  honors  now. 
Thy  winged  arrows  and  unerring  bow. 
Thy  matchless  skill,  thy  yet  unrivall'd  fame. 
And  boasted  glory  of  the  Lycian  name  ? 

0  pierce  that  mortal  !  if  we  mortal  call 

That  wondrous  force  by  which  whole  armies  fall 
Or  god  incensed,  who  quits  the  distant  skies 
To  ]5unish  Troy  for  slighted  sacrifice; 
(Which,  oh  avert  from  our  unhappy  state  ! 
For  what  so  dreadful  as  celestial  hate) .? 
Whoe'er  he  be,  propitiate  Jove  with  prayer; 
If  man,  destroy  ;  if  god,  entreat  to  spare." 

To  him  the  Lycian  :  '•  Whom  your  eyes  behold. 
If  right  I  judge,  is  Diomed  the  bold  : 
Such  coursers  whirl  him  o'er  the  dusty  field. 
So  towers  his  helmet,  and  so  flames  his  shield. 
If  'tis  a  god,  he  wears  that  chief's  disguise  : 
Or  if  that  chie'f,  some  guardian  of  the  skies, 
Involved  in  clouds,  protects  him  in  the  fray. 
And  turns  unseen  the  frustrate  dart  away. 

1  wing'd  an  arrow,  which  not  idly  fell, 

The  stroke  had  fix'd  him  to  the  gates  of  hell ; 
And,  but  some  god,  some  angry  god  withstaiids, 
His  fate  was  due  to  these  unerring  hands. 
Skill'd  in  the  bow.  on  foot  I  sought  tlie  war. 
Nor  jnin'il  swift  horses  to  the  ra'pid  car. 


134  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 

Ten  polisli'd  cliariots  I  possessed  at  home, 

And  still  they  grace  Lycaon's  princely  dome: 

There  veil'd  in  spacious  coverlets  they  stand  ; 

And  twice  ten  coursers  wait  their  lord's  command. 

The  good  old  warrior  bade  me  trust  to  these, 

When  first  for  Troy  I  sail'd  the  sacred  seas  ; 

In  fields,  aloft,  the  whirling  car  to  guide. 

And  through  the  ranks  of  death  triumphant  ride. 

But  vain  with  you',.h,  and  yet  to  thrift  inclined, 

I  heard  his  counsels  with  unhcedful  mind. 

And  thought  the  steeds  {your  large  supplies  unknown) 

Might  fail  of  forage  in  the  straiten'd  town  ; 

So  took  my  bow  and  pointed  darts  in  hand 

And  left  the  rhariots  in  my  native  land. 

"  Too  late,  O  friend  !  my  rashness  I  deplore  ; 
These  shafts,  once  fatal,  carry  death  no  more. 
Tydeus'  and  Atreus'  sons  their  points  have  found, 
And  undissembled  gore  pursued  the  wound. 
In  vain  thsy  bleed:  this  unavailing  bow 
Serves,  not  to  slaughter,  but  provoke  the  foe. 
In  evil  hour  these  bended  horns  I  strung, 
And  seized  the  quiver  where  it  idly  hung. 
Cursed  be  the  fate  that  sent  me  to  the  field 
Without  a  warrior's  arms,  the  spear  and  shield  ! 

If  e'er  with  life  I  quit  the  Trojan  plain, 

If  e'er  I  see  my  spouse  and  sire  again. 

This  bow,  unfaithful  to  my  glorious  aims. 

Broke  by  my  hand,  shall  feed  the  blazing  flames." 
To  whom  the  leader  of  the  Dardan  race  : 

"  Be  calm,  nor  Phoebus'  honor'd  gift  disgrace. 

The  distant  dart  be  praised,  though  here  we  need 

The  rushing  chariot  and  the  bounding  steed. 

Against  yon  hero  let  us  bend  our  course. 

And,  hand  to  hand,  encounter  force  with  force. 

Now  mount  my  seat,  and  from  the  chariot's  height 

Observe  my  father's  steeds,  renown'd  in  fight ; 

Practised  alike  to  turn,  to  stop,  to  chase, 

To  dare  the  shock,  or  urge  the  rapid  race ; 

Secure  with  these,  through  fighting  fields  we  go ; 

Or  safe  to  Troy,  if  Jove  assist  the  foe. 

Haste,  seize  the  wliip,  and  snatch  the  guiding  rein ; 

The  warrior's  fury  let  this  arm  sustain  ; 

Or,  if  to  combat  thy  bold  heart  incline, 

Take  tliou  the  spear,  the  chariot's  care  be  mine." 
"  O  prince  !  (Lycaon's  valiant  son  replied) 

As  thine  the  steeds,  be  thine  the  task  to  guide. 

The  horses,  practised  to  their  lord's  command. 


iiooK  v.]  THE  lUAD.  I3S 

Shall  bear  the  rein,  and  answer  to  thy  hand ; 

But,  if,  unhappy,  we  desert  tlie  light. 

Thy  voice  alone  can  animate  their  flight; 

Else  shall  our  fates  be  numbered  with  the  dead, 

And  these,  the  victor's  prize,  in  triumph  led. 

Thine  be  the  guidance,  then  :  with  spear  and  shield 

Myself  will  charge  this  terror  of  the  field." 

And  now  both  heroes  mount  the  glittering  car; 
The  bounding  coursers  rush  amidst  the  war  ;  , 

Their  fierce  approach  bold  Slhenelus  espied, 
Who  thus,  alarm'd,  to  great  Tydides  cried  : 

"O  friend  !  two  chiefs  of  force  immense  I  see. 
Dreadful  they  come,  and  bend  their  rage  on  thee: 
Lo  tlie  brave  heir  of  old  Lycaon's  line. 
And  great  ^neas,  sprung  from  race  divine ! 
Enough  is  given  to  fame.     Ascend  thy  car  ! 
And  save  a  life,  the  bulwark  of  our  war." 

At  this  the  hero  cast  a  gloomy  look, 
Fix'd  on  the  chief  with  scorn  ;  and  thus  he  spoke: 

"  Me  dost  thou  bid  to  shun  the  coming  fight  ? 
Me  wouldst  thou  move  to  base,  inglorious  flight  ? 
Know,  'tis  not  honest  in  my  soul  to  fear. 
Nor  was  Tydides  born  to  tremble  here. 
]  hate  the  cumbrous  chariot's  slow  advance, 
And  the  long  distance  of  the  flying  lance  ; 
But  while  my  nerves  are  strong,  my  force  entire, 
Thus  front  the  foe,  and  emulate  my  sire. 
Nor  shall  yon  steeds,  that  fierce  to  fight  convey 
Those  threatening  heroes,  bear  them  both  away; 
One  chief  at  least  beneath  this  arm  shall  die  ; 
So  Pallas  tells  me,  and  forbids  to  fly. 
But  if  she  dooms,  and  if  no  god  withstand. 
That  both  shall  fall  by  one  victorious  hand, 
Then  heed  my  words  :  my  horses  here  detain, 
Fix'd  to  the  chariot  by  the  straiten'd  rein; 
Swift  to  /Eneas'  empty  seat  proceed, 
And  seize  the  coursers  of  ethereal  breed  ; 
The  race  of  those,  which  once  the  thundering  god  * 
For  ravish'd  Ganymede  on  Tros  bestow'd. 
The  best  that  e'er  on  earth's  broad  surface  run, 
Beneath  the  rising  or  the  setting  sun. 


■  nf  coursers,  bom  of  heav'niy  breed, 
t.iiii  iheir  nostrils  breathed  ethereal  fire  : 
I  t  irtc  stole  from  her  celestial  sire, 
i-.l/tiiting  mares  produced  on  earth, 
;  wombs  conceived  a  inure  than  innrlal  birth.'* 
Uiydcu's  Virgil,  ' 


136  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 

Hence  great  Anchises  stole  a  breed  unknown, 

By  mortal  mares,  from  fierce  Laomedon : 

Four  of  this  race  his  ample  stalls  contain. 

And  two  transport  .Cneas  o'er  the  plain. 

These,  were  the  rich  immortal  prize  our  own. 

Through  the  wide  world  should  make  our  glory  known." 

Thus  while  they  spoke,  the  foe  came  furious  on, 
And  stern  Lycaon's  warlike  race  begun  : 

"  Prince,  thou  art  met.     Though  late  in  vain  assail'd, 
The  spear  may  enter  where  tlie  arrow  fail'd." 

He  said,  then  shook  the  ponderous  lance,  and  flung; 
On  his  broad  shield  the  sounding  weapon  rung, 
Pierced  the  tough  orb,  and  in  his  cuirass  hung, 
«'  He  bleeds  !  the  pride  of  Greece  !  (the  boaster  cries,) 
Our  triumph  now,  the  mighty  warrior  lies  !  " 
"  Mistaken  vaunter  !  (Diomed  replied  ;) 
Thy  dart  has  err'd,  and  now  my  spear  be  tried ; 
Ye  'scape  not  both  ;  one,  headlong  from  his  car, 
Witli  hostile  blood  shall  glut  the  god  of  war." 

He  spoke,  and  rismg  hurl'd  his  forceful  dart, 
Which,  driven  by  Pallas,  pierced  a  vital  part; 
Full  in  his  face  it  enter'd,  and  betwixt 
The  nose  and  eye-ball  the  proud  Lycian  fix'd  ; 
Crash'd  all  his  jaws,  and  cleft  th    tongue  witliin. 
Till  the  bright  point  look  d  out  b  neath  the  chin. 
Headlong  lie  falls,  his  he    let  knocks  the  ground: 
Earth  groans  beneath  him,  and  his  arms  resound. 
The  starting  coursers  tremble  witl   affright; 
The  soul  indignant  seeks  the  realms  of  night. 

To  guard  his  slaughter'd  friend,  yEneas  Hies, 
His  spear  extending  where  the  carcase  lies  ; 
Watchful  he  wlieels,  protects  it  every  way. 
As  the  grim  lion  stalks  around  his  prey. 
O'er  the  fall'n  trunk  his  ample  shield  display'd. 
He  hides  the  hero  with  his  mighty  shade, 
And  threats  aloud  !   the  Greeks  with  longing  eyes 
Behold  at  distance,  but  forbear  tlie  prize. 
Then  fierce  Tydides  stoops  ;  and  from  the  fields 
Heaved  with  vast  force,  a  rocky  fragment  wields. 
Not  two  strong  men  the  enormous  weight  could  raise, 
Such  men  as  live  in  these  degenerate  days  :  * 
He  swung  it  round;  and,  gathering  strength  to  throw, 
Discharged  the  ponderous  ruin  at  the  foe. 


•  The  belief  in   the  exisleucc  ol  men  of  Urjjcr  slaCure  in  earlier  limes,  is  by  no 
Bloains  confined  to  Homer. 


Book  V.]  THE  JLIAD.  137 

Where  to  the  hip  the  inserted  thigh  unites, 
Full  on  the  bone  the  pointed  marble  lights  ; 
Througli  both  the  tendons  broke  the  rugged  stone, 
And  stripp'd  the  skin,  and  crack'd  the  solid  bone. 
Sunk  on  his  knees,  and  staggering  with  his  pains, 
His  falling  bulk  liis  bended  arm  sustains; 
Lost  in  a  dizzy  mist  the  warrior  lies  ; 
A  sudden  cloud  comes  swimming  o'er  his  eyes. 
There  the  brave  chief,  who  miglity  numbers  sway'd, 
Opprcss'd  had  sunk  to  death's  eternal  shade, 
But  heavenly  Venus,  mindful  of  the  love 
She  bore  Anchises  in  the  Idi^an  grove. 
His  danger  views  with  anguish  and  despair. 
And  guards  her  offspring  with  a  mother's  care. 
About  her  much-loved  son  her  arms  she  throws, 
Her  arms  wliose  whiteness  match  the  falling  snows. 
Screen'd  from  the  foe  behind  her  shining  veil, 
The  swords  wave  harmless,  and  the  javelins  fail : 
Safe  through  the  rushing  horse,  and  feather'd  flight 
Of  sounding  shafts,  she  bears  him  from  the  fight. 

Nor  Sthenelus,  with  unassisting  hands, 
Remain'd  unheedful  of  his  lord's  commands  : 
His  panting  steeds,  removed  from  out  the  war, 
He  fix'd  with  straiten'd  traces  to  the  car. 
Next,  rushing  to  the  Dardan  spoil,  detains 
The  heavenly  coursers  with  the  flowing  manes; 
These  in  proud  triumph  to  the  fleet  convey 'd, 
No  longer  now  a  Trojan  lord  oliey'd. 
That  charge  to  bold  Deipylus  he  gave 
(Vhom  most  he  loved,  as  brave  men  love  the  brave)^ 
li.cn  mounting  on  his  car,  resumed  the  rein, 
And  follow'd  where  Tydides  swept  the  plain. 

Meanwhile  (his  conquest  ravished  from  his  eyes) 
The  raging  chief  in  chase  of  Venus  flies  : 
No  goddess  she,  commission'd  to  the  field. 
Like  Pallas  dreadful  with  her  sable  shield. 
Or  fierce  Bellona  thundering  at  the  wall. 
While  flames  ascend,  and  mighty  rums  fall ; 
He  knew  soft  combats  suit  the  tender  dame. 
New  to  the  field,  and  still  a  foe  to  fame. 
Through  breaking  ranks  his  furious  course  he  bends 
And  at  the  goddess  his  broad  lance  extends; 
Through  her  bright  veil  the  daring  weapon  drove, 
The  ambrosial  veil  which  all  the  Graces  wove ; 
Her  snowy  hand  the  razing  steel  profaned. 
And  the  transparent  skin  with  crimson  stain'd. 
From  the  clear  vein  a  stream  immortal  flow'd, 


r3'3  THE  ILIAD.  tUuoK  V. 

Such  stream  as  issues  from  a  wounded  god  ;* 

Pure  emanation  !  uncorrupted  flood  ! 

Unlike  our  gross,  diseased,  terrestrial  blood  : 

(For  not  the  bread  of  man  their  life  sustains, 

Nor  wine's  inflaming  juice  supplies  their  veins  :) 

With  tender  shrieks  the  goddess  fill'd  the  place, 

And  dropped  her  offspring  from  her  weak  embrace. 

Him  Phoebus  took  :  he  casts  a  cloud  around 

The  fainting  chief,  and  wards  the  mortal  wound. 
Then  with  a  voice  that  shook  the  vaulted  skies, 

The  king  insults  the  goddess  as  she  flies  : 

"  111  with  Jove's  daughter  bloody  fights  agree, 

The  field  of  combat  is  no  scene  for  thee  : 

Go,  let  thy  own  soft  sex  employ  tliy  care, 

Go,  lull  the  coward,  or  delude  the  fair. 

Taught  by  this  stroke  renounce  the  war's  alarms, 

And  learn  to  tremble  at  the  name  of  arms." 

Tydides  thus.     Tlie  goddess,  seized  with  dread. 

Confused,  distracted,  from  the  conflict  fled. 

To  aid  her,  swift  the  winged  Iris  flew, 

Wrapt  in  a  mist  above  the  warring  crew. 

The  queen  of  love  with  faded  charms  she  found. 

Pale  was  her  cheek,  and  livid  look'd  the  wound. 

To  Mars,  who  sat  remote,  they  bent  their  way  : 
Far,  on  the  left,  with  clouds  involved  he  lay; 
Beside  him  stood  his  lance,  distain'd  with  gore, 
And,  rein'd  with  gold,  his  foaming  steeds  before. 
Low  at  his  knee,  she  begg'd  with  streaming  eyes 
Her  brother's  car,  to  mount  the  distant  skies, 
And  show'd  the  wound  by  fierce  Tydides  given, 
A  mortal  man,  who  dares  encounter  heaven. 
Stern  Mars  attentive  hears  the  queen  complain. 
And  to  her  hand  commits  the  golden  rein ; 
She  mounts  the  seat,  oppreas'd  with  silent  woe. 
Driven  by  the  goddess  of  the  painted  bow. 
The  lash  resounds,  the  rapid  chariot  flies, 
And  in  a  moment  scales  the  lofty  skies : 
They  stopp'd  the  car,  and  there  the  coursers  stood, 
Fed  by  fair  Iris  with  ambrosial  food; 
Before  her  mother,  love's  bright  queen  appears, 
O'erwhelmed  with  anguish,  and  dissolved  in  tears: 
Slie  raised  her  in  her'arms,  beheld  her  bleed. 
And  ask'd  what  god  had  wrought  this  guilty  deed  ? 

•  Suik  stream,  i-e-  the  kh^r,  ot  blood  of  the  eods. 

"  A  ilic.im  i,f  nect'-ous  huiiiur  issuini;  flnwM. 
Sanguine,  buch  ^s  celestial  spirits  may  bleed." 


Book  v.]  THE  ILTAD.  139 

Then  she  :  "This  insult  from  no  god  I  found, 
An  impious  mortal  gave  the  daring  wound  ! 
Behold  the  deed  of  haughty  Diomed  ! 
'Twas  in  the  son's  defence  the  mother  bled. 
The  war  witli  Troy  no  more  the  Grecians  wage; 
But  with  tlie  gods  (the  immortal  gods)  engage." 

Dione  then  :  "  Thy  wrongs  with  patience  be.ar, 
And  share  those  griefs  inferior  powers  must  share: 
Unnumber'd  woes  mankind  from  us  sustain, 
And  men  with  woes  afflict  the  gods  again. 
The  mighty  Mars  in  mortal  fetters  bound,* 
And  lodged  in  brazen  dungeons  underground, 
Full  thirteen  moons  imprison'd  roar'd  in  vain; 
Otus  and  Ephialtes  held  the  chain : 
Perhaps  had  perish'd  had  not  Hermes'  care 
Restored  the  groaning  god  to  upper  air. 
Great  Juno's  self  has  borne  her  weight  A  pain, 
The  imperial  partner  of  the  lieavenly  reign  ■ 
Amphitryon's  son  infix'd  the  deadly  dart,t 
And  till'd  with  anguish  her  immortal  heart. 
E'en  hell's  grim  king  Alcides'  power  confess'd. 
The  shaft  found  entrance  in  his  iron  breast; 
To  Jove's  high  palace  for  a  cure  he  fled, 
Pierced  in  his  own  dominions  of  the  dead  ; 
Where  Pieon,  sprinkling  heavenly  balm  around, 
Assuaged  the  glowing  pangs,  and  closed  the  wound. 
Rash,  impious  man  !  to  stain  the  bless'd  abodes, 
And  drench  his  arrows  in  the  blood  of  gods  ! 

"But  thou  (though  Pallas  urged  thy  frantic  deed). 
Whose  spear  ill-fated  makes  a  goddess  bleed. 
Know  thou,  whoe'er  with  heavenly  power  contends. 
Short  is  his  date,  and  soon  his  glory  ends  ; 
From  fields  of  death  when  late  he  shall  retire. 
No  infant  on  his  knees  shall  call  him  sire. 
Strong  as  tliou  art,  some  god  may  yet  be  found, 
To  stretch  tliee  pale  and  gasping  on  the  ground; 
Thy  distant  wife,  /Egiale  the  fair.f 
Starting  from  sleep  with  a  distracted  air, 
Shall  rouse  thy  slaves,  and  her  lost  lord  deplore, 
The  brave,  the  great,  the  glorious  now  no  more  !" 

This  said,  she  wiped  from  Venus"  wounded  palm 
The  sacred  ichor,  and  infused  the  balm. 

•  This  »-as  during  the  wars  with  the  Titans. 

t  A  mphitryon's  son,  Hercules,  born  to  Jove  by  Alcmena,  the  wife  of  Amphitryon. 

t  AC^iale,  dausllter  of  Adrastus.  The  Cyclic  poets  (see  Anlhon's  Lempriere,  j. 
».)  assert  that  Venu>  incited  her  to  infidelity,  in  revenge  for  the  wound  she  hid  re- 
Ceived  tiom  her  htisband. 


140  TITE  ILIAD.  IBooK  V. 

Juno  and  Pallas  with  a  smile  survey'd, 
Aiid  thus  to  Jove  began  the  blue-eyed  maid  : 

"  Permit  thy  daughter,  gracious  Jove  !  to  tell 
How  this  miscliance  the  Cyprian  queen  befell, 
As  late  she  tried  with  passion  to  inHame 
The  tender  bosom  of  a  Grecian  dame  ; 
Allured  the  fair,  with  moving  thoughts  of  joy. 
To  quit  her  country  for  some  youth  of  Troy ; 
The  clasping  zone,  with  golden  buckles  bound, 
Razed  her  soft  hand  with  this  lamented  wound." 

The  sire  of  gods  and  men  superior  smiled. 
And,  calling  V'enus,  thus  address'd  his  child  : 
"  Not  these,  O  daughter,  are  thy  proper  cares, 
Thee  milder  arts  befit,  and  softer  wars  ; 
Sweet  smiles  are  thine,  and  kind  endearing  charms; 
To  Mars  and  Pallas  leave  the  deeds  of  arms." 

Thus  they  in  heaven  :  while  on  the  plain  below 
The  fierce  Tydides  charged  his  Dardan  foe, 
Flush'd  with  celestial  blood  pursued  his  way. 
And  fearless  dared  the  threatening  god  of  day ; 
Already  in  his  hopes  he  saw  him  kill'd. 
Though  screen'd  behind  Apollo's  mighty  shield. 
Thrice  rushing  furious,  at  the  chief  he  strook  ; 
His  blazing  buckler  thrice  Apollo  shook  : 
He  tried  the  fourth  :  when,  breaking  from  the  cloud, 
A  more  than  mortal  voice  was  lieard  aloud. 

"  O  son  of  Tydeus,  cease  !  be  wise  and  see 
How  vast  the  difference  of  the  TOds  and  thee  ; 
Distance  immense  !  between  the  powers  that  shine 
Above,  eternal,  deathless,  and  divine, 
.And  mortal  man  !  a  wretch  of  humble  birth, 
A  short-lived  reptile  in  the  dust  of  earth." 

So  spoke  the  god  who  darts  celestial  fires  : 
He  dreads  his  fury,  and  some  steps  retires. 
Then  Phoebus  bore  the  chief  cf  Ven-s'  race 
To  Troy's  high  fane,  and  to  his  holy  place  ; 
Latona  there  and  Phcebe  heal'd  the  wound. 
With  vigor  arm'd  him,  and  with  glory  crown'd. 
This  done,  tlie  patron  of  the  silver  bow 
A  phantom  raised,  the  same  in  shape  and  show 
With  great  ^'Eneas  ;  such  the  form  he  bore, 
And  such  in  fight  the  radiant  arms  he  wore. 
Around  the  spectre  bloody  wars  are  waged. 
And  Greece  and  Troy  with  clashing  shields  engaged. 
Meantime  on  Ilion's  tower  Apollo  stood. 
And  calling  Mars,  thus  urged  tlie  raging  god  : 
"  Stern  power  of  arms,  by  whom  the  mighty  fall ; 


Book  V-l  THE  ILIAD. 


Who  bathest  in  blood,  and  shakest  the  embattle.d  wa'.l, 

Rise  in  thy  wrath  !  to  hell's  abhorr'd  abodes 

Despatch  yon  Greek,  and  vindicate  the  gods. 

First  rosy  Venus  felt  his  brutal  rage  ; 

Me  next  he  charged,  and  dares  all  heaven  engage  : 

The  wretch  would  brave  high  heaven's  immortal  sire,, 

His  triple  thunder,  and  his  bolts  of  fire." 

The  god  of  battle  issues  on  the  plain. 
Stirs  all  the  ranks,  and  fires  the  Trojan  train ; 
In  form  like  Acamas,  the  Thracian  guide, 
Enraged  to  Troy's  retiring  chiefs  he  cried  : 

"  How  long,  ye  sons  of  Priam  !  will  ye  fly, 
And  unrevenged  see  Priam's  people  die? 
Still  unresisted  shall  the  foe  destroy, 
And  stretch  the  slaughter  to  the  gates  of  Troy  ? 
Lo,  brave  ^EneSs  sinks  beneath  his  wound. 
Not  godlike  Hector  more  in  arms  renown'd  : 
Haste  all,  and  take  the  generous  warrior's  part." 
He  said  ; — new  courage  swell'd  each  hero's  heart. 
Sarpedon  first  his  ardent  soul  express'd, 
And,  turn'd  to  Hector,  these  bold  words  address'd : 

'■  Say,  chief,  is  all  thy  ancient  valor  lost  .'' 
Where  are  thy  threats,  and  where  thy  glorious  boast. 
That  propp'd  alone  by  Priam's  race  should  stand 
Troy's  sacred  walls,  nor  need  a  foreign  hand  1 
Now.  now  thy  country  calls  her  wonted  friends, 
And  the  proud  vaunt  in  just  derision  ends. 
Remote  they  stand  while  alien  troops  engage, 
Like  trembling  hounds  before  the  lion's  rage. 
Far  distant  hence  I  held  my  wide  command, 
Where  foaming  Xanthus  laves  the  Lycian  land  ; 
With  ample  wealth  (the  wish  of  mortals)  bless'd, 
A  beauteous  wife,  and  infant  at  her  breast ; 
With  those  I  left  whatever  dear  could  be  : 
Greece,  if  she  conquers,  nothing  wins  from  me; 
Yet  first  in  fight  my  Lycian  bands  I  cheer. 
And  long  to  meet  this  mighty  man  ye  fear ; 
While  Hector  idle  stands,  nor  bids  the  brave 
Their  wives,  their  infants,  and  their  altars  save. 
Haste,  warrior,  haste  !  preserve  thy  threaten'd  state, 
Or  one  vast  burst  of  all-involving  fate 
Full  o'er  your  towers  shall  fall,  and  sweep  away 
Sons,  sires,  and  wives,  an  undistinguish'd  prey. 
Rouse  all  thy  Trojans,  urge  thy  aids  to  fight ; 
These  claim  thy  thoughts  by  dav.  thy  watch  by  night; 
With  force  incessant  the  brave  Greeks  oppose  ; 
Such  cares  thy  friends  deserve,  and  such  thy  foes  '' 


142  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 

Stung  to  the  heart  the  generous  Hector  hears, 
But  just  reproof  with  decent  silence  bears, 
from  his  proud  car  the  prince  impetuous  springs, 
On  earth  he  leaps,  his  brazen  armor  rings. 
Two  sliining  spears  are  brandish'd  in  his  hands ; 
Thus  arm'd,  he  animates  his  drooping  bands, 
Revives  their  ardor,  turns  their  steps  from  flight, 
And  wakes  anew  the  dying  flames  of  fight. 
They  turn,  tliey  stand  ;   the  Greeks  their  fury  dar«. 
Condense  their  powers,  and  wait  the  growing  war. 

As  when,  on  Ceres'  sacred  floor,  the  swain 
;preads  the  wide  fan  to  clear  the  golden  grain. 
And  the  light  chaff,  before  the  breezes  borne, 
Ascends  in  clouds  from  off  the  heapy  corn  ; 
The  gray  dust,  rising  with  collected  winds. 
Drives  o'er  the  barn,  and  whitens  all  the  hinds  : 
So  white  with  dust  the  Grecian  host  appears. 
From  trampling  steeds,  and  thundering  charioteers  ; 
The  dusky  clouds  from  labor'd  earth  arise, 
And  roll  in  smoking  volumes  to  the  skies. 
Mars  hovers  o'er  them  with  his  sable  shield, 
And  adds  new  horrors  to  the  darken'd  field : 
Pleased  with  his  charge,  and  ardent  to  fulfil, 
In  Troy's  defence,  Apollo's  heavenly  will  : 
Soon  as  from  fight  the  blue-eyed  maid  retires, 
Each  Trojan  bosom  with  new  warmth  he  fires. 
And  now  the  god,  from  forth  his  sacred  fane, 
Produced  /Eneas  to  the  shouting  train  ; 
Alive,  unharm'd,  with  all  his  peers  around. 
Erect  he  stood,  and  vigorous  from  his  wound: 
Inquiries  none  they  made;  the  dreadful  day 
No  pause  of  words  admits,  no  dull  delay  : 
Fierce  Discord  storms,  Apollo  loud  e.xclaims. 

Fame  calls.  Mars  thunders,  and  the  field's  in  flames. 
Stern  Diomed  with  either  Ajax  stood. 

And  great  Ulysses,  bathed  in  hostile  blood. 

Embod.ed  close,  the  laboring  Grecian  train 

The  fiercest  shock  of  charging  hosts  sustain. 

Unmoved  and  silent,  the  whole  war  they  wait. 

Serenely  dreadful,  and  as  fix'd  as  fate. 

So  when  the  embattled  clouds  in  dark  array, 

Along  the  skies  their  gloomy  lines  display ; 

When  now  the  North  his  boisterous  r.age  has  spent. 

And  peaceful  sleeps  the  liquid  element :_  _ 

The  low-hung  vapors,  motionless  and  stili. 

Rest  on  the  summits  of  the  shaded  hill ; 

Till  the  mass  scatters  as  the  winds  arise, 


SOOK  V.|  THE  ILIAD. 

Dispersed  and  broken  throun;h  the  ruffled  skies. 

Nor  was  tlie  general  wanting  to  his  train  ; 
From  troop  to  troop  he  toils  through  all  the  plain, 
'•  Ye  Greeks,  be  men  !  the  charge  of  battle  bear; 
Your  brave  associates  and  yourselves  revere  ! 
Let  glorious  acts  more  glorious  acts  inspire, 
And  catch  from  breast  to  breast  the  noble  fire  ! 
On  valor's  side  the  odds  of  combat  lie. 
The  brave  live  glorious,  or  lamented  die  ; 
The  wretch  who  trembles  in  the  field  of  fame. 
Meets  death,  and  worse  than  death,  eternal  shame  .'* 

These  words  he  seconds  with  his  flving  lance, 
To  meet  whose  point  was  strong  Deicoon's  chance: 
Eneas'  friend,  and  in  his  native  place 
Honor'd  and  loved  like  Priam's  royal  race  : 
Long  had  he  fouglit  the  foremost  in  the  field, 
But  now  the  monarch's  lance  transpierced  his  shield: 
His  shield  too  weak  the  furious  dart  to  stay, 
Through  his  broad  belt  the  weapon  forced 'its  way: 
The  grisly  wound  dismiss'd  his  soul  to  hell, 
His  arms  rxowkI  him  rattled  as  he  fell. 

Then  fierce  /Eneas,  brandishing  his  blade, 
In  dust  Orsilochus  and  Crethon  laid, 
Wliose  sire  Diocleus,  wealthy,  brave  and  great, 
In  well-built  Phera:  held  his  lofty  seat  :  ♦ 
Sprung  from  Alpheiis'  plenteous  stream,  that  yields 
Increase  of  harvests  to  the  Pylian  fields. 
He  got  Orsilochus,  Diocleus  he. 
And  these  descended  in  the  third  degree. 
Too  early  expert  in  the  martial  toil. 
In  sable  ships  they  left  their  native  soil, 
To  avenge  .Strides  :   now.  untimely  slain. 
They  fell  with  glory  on   the  Phrygian  plain. 
So  two  young  mountain  lions,  nursed  with  blood 
In  deep  recesses  of  the  gloomy  wood. 
Rush  fearless  to  the  plains,  and  uncontroll'd 
Depopulate  the  stalls  and  waste  the  fold  : 
Till  pierced  at  distance  from  their  native  den, 
O'erpowered  they  fall  beneath  the  force  of  men. 
Prostrate  on  earth  their  beauteous  bodies  lay, 
Like  mountain  firs,  as  tall  and  straight  as  they. 
Great  .Menelaiis  views  with  pitying  eyes. 
Lifts  his  bright  lance,  and  at  the  victor  flies  ; 
Mars  urged  him  on  ;  yet.  ruthless  in  his  hate, 
The  god  but  urged  him  to  provoke  his  fate. 


1  u£  PcUsgiotia,  HI  Thes3a]/. 


144  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 

He  thus  advancing,  Nestor's  valiant  son 

Shakes  for  his  danger,  and  neglects  his  own  ; 

Struck  with  the  thought,  should  Helen's  lord  be  slain, 

And  all  his  country's" glorious  labors  vain. 

Already  met,  the  threatening  heroes  stand  ; 

The  spears  already  tremble  in  their  hand: 

In  rush'd  Antilochus,  his  aid  to  bring, 

And  fall  or  conquer  by  the  Spartan  king. 

These  seen,  the  Dardan  backward  turn'd  his  course. 

Brave  as  he  was,  and  shunn'd  unequal  force. 

The  breathless  bodib.,  \Z  the  Greeks  they  drew, 

Then  mix  in  combat,  and  their  toils  renew. 

First,  Pylaemenes,  great  in  battle,  bled, 
Who  sheathed  in  brass  the  I'aphlagonians  led. 
Atrides  mark'd  him  wliere  sublime  he  stood  ; 
Fix'd  in  his  throat  the  javelin  drank  his  blood. 
The  faithful  Myden,  as  he  turn'd  from  fight 
His  flying  coursers,  sunk  to  endless  night ; 
A  broken  rock  by  Nestor's  son  was  thrown: 
His  bended  arm  received  the  falling  stone  ; 
From  his  numb'd  hand  the  ivory-studded  reins, 
Dropp'd  in  the  dust,  are  trail'd  along  the  plains : 
Meanwhile  liis  temples  feel  a  deadly  wound  ; 
He  groans  in  death,  and  ponderous  sinks  to  ground: 
Deep  drove  his  helmet  in  the  sands,  and  there 
Tlie  head  stood  fix'd,  the  quivering  legs  in  air. 
Till  trampled  flat  beneath  the  coursers'  feet : 
The  youthful  victor  mounts  his  empty  seat. 
And  bears  the  prize  in  triumph  to  the  fleet. 

Great  ffector  saw,  and  raging;  at  the  view, 
Pours  on  tlie  Greeks:  the  Trojan  troops  pursue: 
He  fires  his  host  with  animating  cries, 
And  bring  along  the  furies  of  the  skies, 
Mars,  stern  destroyer  !  and  Bellona  dread, 
Flame  in  the  front^  and  thunder  at  their  head  : 
This  swells  the  tumult  and  the  rage  of  fight ; 
That  shakes  a  spear  that  casts  a  dreadful  light. 
Where  Hector  march 'd,  the  god  of  batdes  shined, 
Now  storm'd  before  him,  and  now  raged  behind. 

Tydides  paused  amidst  his  full  career; 
Then  first  the  hero's  manly  breast  knew  fear. 
As  when  some  simple  swain  his  cot  forsakes. 
And  wide  through  fens  an  unknown  journey  takes: 
If  chance  a  sweUing  brook  his  passage  stay, 
And  foam  impervio\]s  'cross  the  wanderer's  way. 
Confused  lie  steps,  a  length  of  country  pass'd, 
Eyes  the  rough  waves,  and  tired,  returns  at  last 


Bivc  v.]  THE  ILIAD.  145 

Amazed  no  less  the  great  Tydides  stands : 

He  stay'd,  and  turning  thus  address'd  his  bands : 

"  No  wonder,  Greeks  !  that  all  to  Hector  yield  ; 
Secure  of  favoring  gods,  he  takes  the  field  : 
His  strokes  they  second,  and  avert  our  spears: 
Behold  where  Wars  in  mortal  arms  appears  ! 
Retire  then,  warriors,  but  sedate  and  slow; 
Retire,  but  with  your  faces  to  the  foe. 
Trust  not  too  much  your  unavailing  might ; 
'Tis  not  with  Troy,  but  with  the  gods  ye  fight." 

Now  near  the  Greeks  the  black  battalions  drew; 
And  first  two  leaders  valiant  Hector  slew  : 
His  force  Anchialus  and  Mnesthes  found, 
In  every  art  of  glorious  war  renown'd  ; 
In  the  same  car  the  chiefs  to  combat  ride, 
And  fougjit  united,  and  united  died. 
Struck  at  the  sight,  the  mighty  Ajax  glows 
With  thirst  of  vengeance,  and  assaults  the  foes. 
His  massy  spear  with  matchless  fury  sent, 
Through  Amphius'  belt  and  heaving  belly  went ; 
Amphius  Apssus'  happy  soil  possess'd. 
With  herds  abounding,  and  with  treasure  bless'd; 
But  fate  resistless  from  his  country  led 
The  chief,  to  perish  at  his  people's  head. 
Shook  with  his  fall  his  brazen  armor  rung, 
And  fierce,  to  seize  it,  conquering  Ajax  sprung; 
Around  his  head  an  iron  tempest  rain'd ; 
A  wood  of  spears  his  ample  shield  sustain'd  : 
Beneath  one  foot  the  yet  warm  corpse  he  press'd, 
And  drew  his  javelin  from  the  bleeding  breast : 
He  could  no  more;  the  showering  darts  denied 
To  spoil  his  glittering  arms,  and  plumy  pride. 
Now  foes  on  foes  came  pouring  on  the  fields, 
With  bristling  lances,  and  compacted  shields  ; 
Till  in  the  steely  circle  straiten'd  round, 
Forced  he  gives  way,  and  sternly  quits  the  ground. 

While  thus  they  strive,  Tlepolemus  the  great,* 
Urged  by  the  force  of  unresisted  fate. 
Burns  with  desire  Sarpedon's  strength  to  prove; 
Alcides'  offspring  meets  the  son  of  Jove. 
Sheathed  in  bright  arms  each  adverse  chief  came  on. 
Jove's  great  descendant,  and  his  greater  son. 

•  TUpolemuz^  son  of  Hercules  and  Astyochia.  Having  left  his  native  country, 
Argos,  in  consequence  of  the  accidental  murder  of  Liscymnius,  he  was  commanded  by 
a.i  oracle  to  retire  to  Rhodes.  Here  he  was  chosen  l<inc,  and  accompanied  the  Tropn 
cxpedilion.  After  his  death,  certain  games  were  instituted  at  Rhodes  in  his  honor, 
low  iri^lors  being  rewarded  with  crowns  of  Donlar. 


146  THE  ILIAD.  p-nx  Y. 

Prepared  for  combat,  ere  the  lance  he  toss'd 
The  daring  Rhodian  vents  liis  haughty  boast: 

"  What  brings  tliis  Lycian  counsellor  so  far. 
To  tremble  at  our  arms,  not  mix  in  war! 
Know  thy  vain  self,  nor  let  their  flattery  move. 
Who  style  thee  son  of  cloud-compelling  Jove. 
How  far  unlike  those  chiefs  of  race  divine. 
How  vast  the  difference  of  their  deeds  and  thine ! 
Jove  got  such  heroes  as  my  sire,  whose  soul 
No  fear  could  daunt,  nor  earth  nor  hell  control. 
Troy  felt  his  arm,  and  yon  proud  ramparts  stand 
Raised  on  the  ruins  of  his  vengeful  hand  : 
With  six  small  ships,  and  but  a  slender  train, 
He  left  a  town  a  wide-deserted  plain. 
But  what  art  thou,  who  deedless  look'st  around. 
While  unrevenged  thy  Lycians  bile  the  ground  I 
Small  aid  to  Troy  thy  feeble  force  can  be  ; 
But  wert  thou  greater,  thou  must  yield  to  me. 
Pierced  by  my  spear,  to  endless  darkness  go  ! 
I  make  this  present  to  the  shades  below." 

The  son  of  Hercules,  the  Rhodian  guide. 
Thus  haughty  spoke.     The  Lycian  king  replied  : 

"Thy  sire,'0  prince  !  o'erturned  the  Trojan  state^ 
Whose' perjured  monarch  well  deserved  his  fate; 
Those  heavenly  steeds  the  hero  sought  so  far. 
False  he  detain'd.  the  just  reward  of  war. 
Nor  so  content,  the  generous  chief  defied. 
With  base  reproaches  and  unmanly  pride. 
But  you,  unworthy  the  high  race  you  boast. 
Shall  raise  my  glory  when  thy  own  is  lost : 
Now  meet  thy  fate,  and  by  Sarpjdon  slain. 
Add  one  more  ghost  to  Pluto's  gloomy  reign." 

He  said  :  botli  javelins  at  an  instant  flew ; 
Both  struck,  both  wounded,  but  Sarpedon's  sipw  ; 
Full  in  the  boaster's  neck  the  weapon  stood, 
Transfix'd  his  throat,  and  drank  the  vital  blood 
The  soul  disdainful  seeks  the  caves  of  night. 
And  his  seal'd  eyes  forever  lose  the  light. 

Yet  not  in  vain,  Tlepolemus,  was  thrown 
Thy  angry  lance  :  which  piercing  to  the  bone 
Sarpedon's  thigh,  had  robb'd  the  chief  of  breath; 
But  Jove  was  present,  and  forbade  the  death. 
Borne  from  the  conflict  by  his  Lycian  throng. 
The  wounded  hero  dragg'd  the  lance  along. 
(His  friends,  each  luisied  in  his  several  part, 
Througli  haste,  or  danger,  had  not  drawn  the  dan.) 
The  Greeks  with  slain  Tlepolemus  retired  ; 


Book  V.]  TUF.  TLTAn.  I4? 

Whose  fall  Ulysses  view'd,  witli  fury  fired: 
Doubtful  if  Jove's  great  son  he  should  pursue. 
Or  pour  his  vengeance  on  the  Lycian  crew. 
But  heaven  and  fate  the  first  design  withstand, 
Nor  this  great  death  must  grace  Ulysses'  hand. 
Minerva  drives  him  on  the  Lycian  train  ; 
Alasfor,  Cronius,  Halius,  strew'd  the  plain, 
Alcander,  Prytanis,  Noemon  fell ;  * 
And  numbers  more  his  sword  had  sent  to  hell, 
But  Hector  saw  ;  and,  furious  at  the  sight, 
Rush'd  terrible  amidst  the  ranks  of  fight. 
With  joy  Sarpedon  view'd  the  wish'd  relief, 
And,  faint,  lamenting,  thus  implored  the  chief: 

"  O  suffer  not  the  foe  to  bear  away    ■ 
Mv  helpless  corpse,  an  unassisted  prey  ; 
If  I,  unbless'd,  must  see  my  son  no  more, 
My  much-loved  consort,  and  my  native  shore. 
Yet  let  me  die  in  Iliop's  sacred  wall; 
Troy,  in  whose  cause  1  fell,  shall  mourn  my  fall." 

He  said,  nor  Hector  to  the  chief  replies, 
But  shakes  his  plume,  and  fierce  to  combat  flies; 
Swift  as  a  whirlwind,  drives  the  scattering  foes; 
And  dyes  the  ground  with  purple  as  he  goes. 

Beneath  a  beech,  Jove's  consecrated  shade. 
His  mournful  friends,  divine  Sarpedon  laid  : 
Brave  Pelagon,  his  favorite  chief,  was  nigh, 
Who  wrench'd  the  javelin  from  his  sinewy  thigh. 
The  fainting  soul  stood  ready  wing'd  for  flight, 
And  o'er  his  eye-balls  swam  the  shades  of  night; 
But  Boreas  rising  fresh,  with  gentle  breath, 
Recall'd  his  spirit  from  the  gates  of  death. 

The  generous  Greeks  recede  with  t.ardy  pace, 
Though  Mars  and  Hector  thunder  in  their  face; 
None  turn  their  backs  to  mean  ignoble  flight, 
Slow  they  retreat,  and  even  retreating  fight. 
Who  first,  who  last,  by  Mars'  and  Hector's  hand. 
Stretch 'd  in  their  blood,  lay  gasping  on  the  sand  ? 
Tenthras  the  great,  Orestes  the  renown'd 
For  managed  steeds,  and  Trechus  press'd  the  ground; 
Next  CEnomaus  and  Qinops'  offspring  died  ; 
Oresbius  last  fell  groaning  at  their  side: 
Oresbius,  in  his  painted  mitre  gay, 
In  fat  Boeotia  held  his  wealthy  sway, 
Where  lakes  surround  low  Hyle's  watery  plain ; 
A  prince  and  people  studious  of  their  gain. 

*  These  heroes*  names  have  since  yassc^  into  a  kind  of  pruveib,  designating  'he 
tip^Utfi  or  mob. 


148  THE  ILIAD.  [l^uoK  V. 

The  carnage  Jurio  from  the  skies  survey'd, 
And  touch'd'with  ijrief  bespoke  the  blue-eyed  maid  : 
"Oh,  sight  accursed!  Shall  faithless  Troy  prevail, 
And  sl^all  our  promise  to  our  people  fail  ? 
How  <ain  the  word  to  Menelaiif,  given 
By  Jc/e"s  great  daughter  and  the  queen  of  heaven, 
Beneach  hi's  arms  that  Priam"s  towers  should  fall. 
If  warring  gods  forever  guard  the  wall ! 
Mars,  red  with  slaughter,  aids  our  hated  foes: 
Haste,  let  us  arm,  and  force  with  force  oppose  !  " 

She  spoke  ;  Minerva  burns  to  meet  the  war: 
And  now  heaven's  empress  calls  her  blazing  car. 
At  her  command  rush  forth  the  steeds  divine ; 
Rich  with  immortal  gold  their  trappings  shine. 
Bright  Heb6  waits;  by  Hebe'-,  ever  young, 
Tlie  whirling  wheels  are  to  the  chariot  hung. 
On  the  bright  axle  turns  the  bidden  wheel 
Of  sounding  brass  ;  the  polish'd  axle  steel. 
Eiglit  brazen  spokes  in  radiant  order  flame ; 
Tlie  circles  gold,  of  uncorrupted  frame. 
Such  as  the  heavens  produce:  and  round  the  gold 
Two  brazen  rings  of  work  divine  were  roU'd. 
The  bossy  naves  of  solid  silver  shone  ; 
Braces  of  gold  suspend  the  moving  throne  : 
The  car,  behind,  and  arching  figure  bore ; 
The  bending  concave  form'd  an  arch  before. 
Silver  the  beam,  the  extended  yoke  was  gold. 
And  golden  reins  the  immortal  coursers  hold. 
Herself,  impatient,  to  the  ready  car. 
The  coursers  joins,  and  breathes  revenge  and  virar, 

Pallas  disrobes  ;  her  radiant  veil  untied, 
With  flowers  adorn'd,  with  art  diversified 
<The  labor'd  veil  her  heavenly  fingers  wove). 
Flows  on  the  pavement  of  the  court  of  Jove. 
Now  heaven's  dread  arms  her  mighty  limbs  invest, 
Jove's  cuirass  blazes  on  her  ample  breast : 
Deck'd  in  sad  triumph  for  the  mournful  field, 
Oe'r  her  broad  shoulders  hangs  his  horrid  shield, 
Dire,  black,  tremendous  !   Round  the  margin  roU'dj 
A  fringe  of  serpents  hissing  guards  the  gold  : 
Here  all  the  terrors  of  grim  War  appear. 
Here  rages  Force,  here  tremble  Flight  and  Fear, 
Here  storm'd  Contention,  and  here  Fury  frown'd. 
And  the  dire  orb  portentous  Gorgon  crovvn'd. 
The  massy  golden  helm  she  next  assumes. 
That  dreadful  nods  with  four  o'ershading  plumes 
bo  vast,  the  broad  circumference  contains 


BookV.1  the  ILIAD.  149 

A  hundred  armies  on  a  hundred  plains. 
The  goddess  thus  the  imperial  car  ascends  ; 
Shook  by  her  arm  the  mighty  javelin  bends, 
Ponderous  and  huge ;  that  when  her  fury  burns. 
Proud  tyrants  humbles,  and  whole  hosts  o'erturns. 

Swift  at  the  scourge  the  ethereal  coursers  fly, 
While  the  smooth  chariot  cnts  the  liquid  sky. 
Heaven's  gates  spontaneous  open  to  the  powers,* 
Heaven's  golden  gates,  kept  by  the  winged  Hours  ;f 
Commission'd  in  alternate  watch  they  stand. 
The  sun's  b'^ight  portals  and  the  skies  command. 
Involve  in  clouds  the  eternal  gates  of  day, 
Or  the  dark  barrier  roll  with  ease  away. 
The  sounding  hinges  ring:  on  either  side 
The  gloomy  volumes,  pierced  with  light,  divide. 
The  chariot  mounts,  where  deep  in  ambient  skies, 
Confused,  Olympus'  hundred  heads  arise ; 
Where  far  apart  the  Thunderer  fills  his  throne. 
O'er  all  the  gods  superior  and  alone. 
There  with  her  snowy  hand  the  queen  restrair.s 
The  fiery  steeds,  and  thus  to  Jove  complains: 

"O  sire  !  can  no  resentment  touch  thy  soul? 
Can  Mars  rebel,  and  does  no  thunder  roll  ? 
What  lawless  rage  on  yon  forbidden  plain, 
What  rash  destruction  !  and  what  heroes  slain! 
Venus,  and  Phcebus  with  the  dreadful  bow, 
Smile  on  the  slaughter,  and  enjoy  my  woe. 
Mad,  furious  power  !  whose  unrelenting  mind 
No  god  can  govern,  and  no  justice  bind. 
Say,  mighty  father  !  shall  we  scourge  this  pride. 
And  drive  from  fight  the  impetuous  homicide?" 

To  whom  assenting,  thus  the  Thunderer  said: 
"  Go!  and  the  great  Minerva  be  thy  aid. 
To  tame  the  monster-god  Minerva  knows. 
And  oft  afflicts  his  brutal  bre.ast  with  woes." 

He  said  ;  Saturnia,  ardent  to  obey, 
Lasli'd  her  white  steeds  along  the  aerial  way. 
Swift  down  the  steep  of  heaven  the  chariot  rolls. 
Between  the  expanded  earth  and  starry  poles. 

•  SpOHtammis  oprn. 

"  Veil'd  with  his  gorgeo«s  wings,  upspringing  light 
Flew  through  the  midst  of  heaven  ;  th'  angelic  quires, 
On  each  hand  parting  to  his  speed  gave  way 
Through  all  th'  empyreal  road  ;  till  at  the  gate 
Of  heaven  arrived,  the  gate  self-open'd  wide. 
On  golden  hinges  turning." — *'  Paradise  Lost,**  v.  250. 

"  Till  Morn, 
Wiked  by  the  circling  Hours,  with  rosy  hand 
Uubarr'd  the  gates  oflight." — "  Paratjlse  Lost,"  vi.  2. 


150  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  V. 

Far  as  a  shepherd,  from  some  point  on  high,* 

O'er  the  wide  main  extends  his  boundless  eye  ; 

Through  such  a  space  of  air,  with  thundering  sound, 

At  every  leap  the  immortal  coursers  bound  : 

Troy  now  they  reach'd  and  touch'd  those  banks  divina 

Where  silver  Simois  and  Scamander  join. 

There  Juno  stopp'd,  and  (her  fair  steeds  unloosed) 

Of  air  condensed  a  vapor  circumfused  : 

For  these,  impregnate  with  celestial  dew, 

On  Sininis,  brink  ambrosial  herbage  grew. 

Thence  to  relieve  the  fainting  Argive  throng, 

Smooth  as  the  sailing  doves  they  glide  along. 

The  best  and  bravest  of  the  Grecian  band 
(A  warlike  circle)  round  Tydides  stand. 
Such  was  their  look  as  lions  bathed  in  blood. 
Or  foaming  boars,  the  terror  of  the  wood. 
Heaven's  empress  mingles  with  the  mortal  crowd, 
And  shouts,  in  Stentor's  sounding  voice,  aloud; 
Btentor  the  strong,  endued  with  brazen  lungs,-f 
Wliose  throats  surpass'd  the  force  of  fifty  tongues. 

"  Inglorious  Argives  !  to  your  race  a  shame, 
And  only  men  in  figure  and  in  name  ! 
Once  from  the  walls  your  timorous  foes  engaged. 
While  fierce  in  war  divine  Achilles  raged  ; 
Now  issuing  fearless  they  possess  the  plain, 
Now  win  the  shores,  and  scarce  the  seas  remain." 

Her  speech  new  fury  to  their  hearts  convey'd ; 
While  near  Tydides  stood  the  Athenian  maid  ; 
The  king  beside  his  panting  steeds  she  found, 
O'erspent  with  toil  reposing  on  the  ground ; 
To  cool  his  glowing  wound  he  sat  apart 
(The  wound  inflicted  by  the  Lycian  dart), 
Large  drops  of  sweat  from  all  his  limbs  descend. 
Beneath  his  ponderous  shield  his  sinews  bend. 
Whose  ample  belt,  that  o'er  his  shoulder  lay, 
He  eased  ;  and  wash'd  the  clotted  gore  away. 
The  goddess  leaning  o'er  the  bending  yoke. 
Beside  his  coursers,  thus  her  silence  broke  : 

*  Far  as  a  she/'lu^rd.  "With  what  majesty  and  pomp  does  Homer  exalt  his 
deities!  He  here  measures  the  leap  of  the  horses  by  the  extent  of  tlie  world.  And 
who  is  there,  that,  considering  the  exceeding  greatness  of  the  space,  would  not  with 
reason  cry  out,  that  '  If  the  steeds  of  the  deity  were  to  take  a  second  leap,  the  world 
would  want  room  for  it  ?  *  " — Longinus,  §  8. 

t  **  No  trumpets,  or  any  other  instruments  of  sound,  are  used  in  the  Homeric 
action  itself  ;  but  the  trumpet  was  known,  and  is  introduced  for  the  purpose  of  illus- 
tration as  employed  in  war.     Hence  arose  the  value  of  a  loud  voice  in  a  commander  ; 

Stenlorvyasan  indispensable  oiBcer In  the  early  S.aracencampaignsfrequent 

mention  is  made  of  the  service  rendered  by  men  of  uncommonly  strong  voices  ;  the 
battle  of  Honaiii  was  restored  by  the  shouts  aiui  menaces  of  Abbas,  the  uncle  of 
Mohammed,"  ^c. — Coleridge,  p.  213. 


Book  v.]  THE  ILTAD.  :SI 

"  Degenerate  prince  .  and  not  of  Tydeus'  kind, 
Whose  little  body  lodged  a  mighty  mind  ; 
Foremost  he  press'd  in  glorious  toils  to  share. 
And  scarce  refrained  when  1  forbade  the  war. 
Alone,  unguarded,  once  he  dared  to  go. 
And  feast,  incircled  by  the  Theban  foe; 
There  braved,  and  vanquirh'd,  many  a  hardy  knight; 
Such  nerves  I  gave  hin.,  and  such  force  in  fight. 
Thou  too  no  les    hast  been  m_,  constant  care  ; 
Thy  hands  I  arm'd,  and  sent  thee  forth  to  war: 
But  thee  or  fear  deters,  or  sloth  detains ; 
No  drop  of  all  thy  father  warms  thy  veins." 

The  chief  thus  answered  mild  :  "  Immortal  maid  ! 
I  own  thy  presence,  and  confess  thy  aid. 
Not  fear,  thou  know'st,  witliholds  me  from  the  plains, 
Nor  sloth  hath  seized  me,  but  thy  word  restrains : 
From  warring  gods  thou  bad'st  me  turn  my  spear, 
And  Venus  only  found  resistance  here. 
Hence,  goddess!  heedful  of  thy  high  commands. 
Loth  I  gave  way,  and  warn'd  our  Argive  bands : 
For  Mars,  the  homicide,  these  eyes  beheld. 
With  slaughter  red,  and  raging  round  the  field." 

Then  thus  Minerva: — "Brave  Tydides,  hear! 
Not  Mars  himself,  nor  aught  immortal,  fear. 
Full  on  the  god  impel  thy  foaming  horse  : 
Pallas  commands,  and  Pallas  lends  thee  force. 
Rash,  furious,  blind,  from  these  to  those  he  flies, 
And  every  side  of  wavering  combat  tries; 
Large  promise  makes,  and'breaks  the  promise  made: 
Now  gives  the  Grecians,  now  the  Trojans  aid."* 

She  said,  and  to  the  steeds  approaching  near. 
Drew  from  his  seat  the  martial  charioteer. 
The  vigorous  power  the  trembling  car  ascends. 
Fierce  for  revenge;  and  Diomed'attends  : 
The  groaning  axle  bent  beneath  the  load; 
So  great  a  hero,  and  so  great  a  god, 
Shesnatch'd  the  reins,  she  lash'd  with  a'l  her  force, 
And  full  on  Mars  impell'd  the  foaming  horse: 
But  first,  to  hide  her  heavenly  visage,  spread 
Black  Orcus'  helmet  o'er  her  radiant  head. 

Just  then  gigantic  Periphas  lay  slain. 
The  strongest  w^arrior  of  the  ^tolian  train ; 
The  god,  who  slew  him,  leaves  his  prostrate  prize 
Stretch'd  where  he  fell,  and  at  Tydides  flies. 


'  Long  had  the  wavering  god  the  war  delay'd, 
While  Greece  and  Truy  alternate  own'd  his  aid.' 
Mtrnck's  *•  Tryphiodorus 


I  THE  ILIAD.  I  Boo 

Now  rushing  fierce,  in  equal  arms  appear 

The  daring  Greek,  the  dreadful  god  of  war! 

Full  at  the  chief,  above  his  courser's  head, 

From  Mars'  arm  the  enormous  weapon  fled: 

Pallas  opposed  her  hand,  and  caused  to  glance 

Far  frcm  the  car  the  strong  immortal  lance. 

Then  threw  the  force  of  Tydeus'  warlike  son  ; 

The  javelin  hrss'd  ;  the  goddess  urged  it  on  : 

Where  tlie  broad  cincture  girt  his  armor  round. 

It  pierced  the  god  :  his  groin  received  the  wound. 

From  the  rent  skin  the  warrior  tugs  again 

The  smoking  steel.     Mars  bellows  \vith  the  pain  j 

Loud  as  the  roar  encountering  armies  yield, 

When  shouting  millions  sliake  the  thundering  field. 

Both  armies  start,  and  trembling  gaze  around  ; 

And  earth  and  heaven  re-bellow  to  tlie  sound. 

As  vapors  blown  by  Auster  s  sultry  breath, 

Pregnant  with  plagues,  and  shedding  seeds  of  deatb, 

Ben'eath  the  rage  of  burning  Sirius  rise. 

Choke  the  parch'd  earth,  and  blacken  all  the  skies; 

In  such  a  cloud  the  god  from  combat  driven, 

Hi<;h  o'er  the  dusky  whirlwind  scales  the  heaven. 

WiW  with  liis  pain,  lie  sought  the  bright  abodes, 

There  sullen  sat  beneath  the  sire  of  gods, 

Show'd  llie  celestial  blood,  and  with  a  groan 

Thus  pour'd  his  plaints  before  the  immortal  throne  f 

"  Can  Jove,  supine,  flagitious  facts  survey, 
And  brook  the  furies  of  this  daring  day .' 
For  mortal  men  celestial  powers  engage, 
And  gods  on  gods  exert  eternal  rage  : 
From  thee,  O  father  !  all  these  ills  we  hear. 
And  thy  fell  daughter  with  the  shield  and  spear: 
Thou  gavest  tliat  fury  to  the  realms  of  light. 
Pernicious,  wild,  regardless  of  the  riglit. 
All  heaven  beside  reveres  thy  sovereign  sway. 
Thy  voice  we  hear,  and  thy  behests  obey : 
'Tis  hers  to  offend,  and  even  offending  share 
Thy  breast,  thy  counsels,  thy  distinguish'd  care  : 
So  boundless  she,  and  thou  so  partial  grown, 
Well  may  we  deem  the  wondrous  birth  thy  own. 
Now  frantic  Diomed.  at  her  command. 
Against  the  immortals  lifts  his  raging  hand  : 
The  heavenly  Venus  first  his  fury  found. 
Me  next  encountering,  me  he  dared  to  wound; 
Vanquish'd  I  fled  :  even  I,  the  god  of  fight. 
From  mortal  madness  scarce  was  saved  by  flight. 
Else  hadst  thou  seen  me  sink  on  yonder  plain, 


fiooK  v.]  THE  ILIAD.  153 

Heap'd  round,  and  heaving  under  loads  of  slain 
Or  pierced  with  Grecian  darts,  for  ages  lie, 
Condemn'd  to  pain,  though  fated  not  to  die." 

Him  tlnis  upbraiding,  with  a  wrathful  look 
The  lord  of  tliundeis  view'd,  and  stern  bespoke  : 
"To  me,  perfidious  !  this  lamenting  strain  ? 
Of  lawless  force  shall  lawless  Mars  complain  ? 
Of  all  the  gods  who  tread  the  spangled  skies 
Thou  most  unjust,  most  odious  in  our  eyes  ! 
Inhuman  discord  is  thy  dire  delight, 
The  wa:,te  of  slaughter,  and  the  rage  of  fight. 
No  liounds,  no  law,  thy  fiery  temper  quells, 
And  all  tliy  motlier  in  thy  soul  rebels. 
In  vain  our  threats,  in  vain  our  power  we  use ; 
She  gives  the  example,  and  her  son  pursues. 
Yet  long  the  inflicted  pangs  thou  shalt  not  mourn, 
Sprung  since  thou  art  from  Jove,  and  heavenly-born. 
Else,  singed  with  lightning,  hadst  thou  hence  been  thrown, 
Where  chain'd  on  burning  rocks  the  Titians  grown." 

Thus  he  who  shakes  Olympus  with  his  nod ; 
Then  gave  to  P.ieon's  care  the  bleeding  god.* 
With  gentle  liand  the  balm  he  pour'd  :.round. 
And  heal'd  the  immortal  flesh,  and  closed  the  wound. 
As  when  the  fig's  press'd  juice,  infused  in  cream, 
To  curds  coagulates  the  liq'.;d  stream, 
Sudden  the  fluids  fix  the  parts  combined  ; 
Sucli,  and  so  soon,  th;  etherr.l  texture  join'd. 
Cleansed  from  the  dust  and  goro,  fair  Hebe  dress'd 
His  mighty  limbs  in  an  immortal  vebt. 
Glorious  he  sat,  in  majesty  restored, 
Fast  by  tlie  throne  of  heaven's  superior  lord. 
Juno  and  Pallas  mount  the  bless'd  abodes, 
Their  task  perform'd,  and  mix  among  the  gods. 

•  Paon  seems  to  have  been  to  the  gods,  wIkh  Pud-ileirius  and  Machiion  were  t* 
the  Grecian  heroes. 


IS4  TJ/E  ILIAD.  [Book  V. 


BOOK   VI. 

ARGUMENT 

THE  EPISODES  OP  GLAUCU<;   AND   DIOMED,   AND  OF   HECTOR  AND  ANDROMACHE. 

The  gnds  having  left  the  field,  the  Grecians  prevail.  Helenus,  the  chief  angur  of 
Troy,  commands  Hector  to  return  to  the  city,  in  order  to  appoint  a  solemn  pro- 
cession of  the  queen  and  the  Troian  matrons  to  the  temple  of  Mnierva,  to  entreat 
her  to  remove  Dicjmed  from  the  fight.  The  battle  relaxing  during  the  absence  of 
Hector,  Glaucus  and  Diomed  have  an  interview  between  tlie  two  armies  ;  where, 
coming  to  the  knowledge  of  the  friendship  and  hospitality  passed  between  their 
ancestors,  they  make  exchange  of  their  arms.  Hector,  having  performed  the 
orders  i>f  Helenus,  prevails  upon  Pans  to  return  to  the  battle,  and,  taking  a  tender 
leave  of  his  wife,  Andromache,  hastens  again  to  the  field. 

The  scene  is  first  in  the  field  of  battle,  between  the  rivers  Simois  and,  Seaman- 
der,  and  then  changes  to  Troy. 

Now  heaven  forsake.s  the  fight :  the  immortals  yield 

To  liuman  force  and  human  skill  the  field  : 

Dark  showers  of  javelins  fly  from  foes  to  foes; 

Now  here,  now  there,  the  tide  of  combat  flows  ; 

Wliile  Troy's  famed  streams,  tliat  bo-jnd  the  deathful  plain 

On  either  side,  run  purple  to  the  main. 

Great  Aja.x  first  to  conquest  led  tlie  way. 
Broke  tlie  thick  ranks,  and  tu^nVl  the  doubtful  day. 
The  Tliracian  Acamas  his  falchion  found. 
And  hew'd  the  enormous  giant  to  the  ground  ; 
His  thundering  arm  a  deadly  stroke  impress'd 
Where  the  black  horse-hair  nodded  o'er  his  crest; 
Fi.\'d  in  his  front  tlie  brazen  weapon  lies, 
And  seals  in  endless  shades  his  swimming  eyps. 
Ne.\t  Teutliras'  son  distain'd  the  sands  with  blood, 
Axylus,  hospitable,  rich,  and  good  : 
In  fair  Arisbe's  walls  (his  native  place)  * 
He  held  his  seat !  a  friend  to  human  race. 
Fast  by  the  road,  his  ever-open  door 
Obliged  the  wealthy,  and  relieved  the  poor. 
To  stern  Tydides  now  he  falls  a  prev. 
No  friend  to  guard  him  in  the  dreadful  day! 
lireatliJess  tlie  good  man  fell,  and  by  his  side 
His  faitliful  servant,  old  Calesius  died. 

•  Arisde,  a  colony  of  the  Mitylenaians  in  Troas. 


Book  VI.]  TffE  ILIAD.  JSS 

By  great  Euryalus  was  Dresus  slain. 
And  next  he  laid  Opheltius  on  the  plain. 
Two  twins  were  near,  bold,  beautiful,  and  young, 
P'rom  a  fair  naiad  and  Bucolion  sprung 
(Laomedon's  while  flocks  Bucolion  fed. 
That  monarcli's  first-born  by  a  foreign  bed  ; 
In  secret  woods  he  won  the  naiad's  grace. 
And  two  fair  infants  crown'd  his  strong  embrace). 
Here  dead  they  lay  in  all  their  youthful  charms; 
The  ruthless  victor  stripp'd  their  shining  arms. 

Astyalus  by  Polypcetes  fell ; 
Ulysses'  spear  Pidytes  sent  to  hell ; 
By  Teucer's  shaft  brave  Aretaon  bled. 
And  Nestor's  son  laid  stern  Ablerus  dead; 
Great  Agamemnon,  leader  of  the  brave, 
The  mortal  wound  of  rich  Elatus  gave, 
Who  held  in  Pedasus  his  pioud  abode,* 
And  tili'd  the  banks  where  silver  Satnio  flow'd. 
Melanthius  by  Eurypylus  was  slain; 
And  Phylacus  from  Leituc  flies  in  vain. 

Unbless'd  Adrastus  next  at  mercy  lies 
Beneath  the  Spartan  spear,  a  living  prize. 
Scared  with  the  din  and  tumult  of  the  fight, 
His  headlong  steeds,  precipitate  in  flight, 
Rush'd  on  a  tamarisk's  strong  trunk,  and  broke 
The  shatter'd  chariot  from  the  crooked  yoke ; 
Wide  o'er  the  field,  resistless  as  the  wind, 
For  Troy  they  fly,  and  leave  their  lord  behind. 
Prone  on  his  face  he  sinks  beside  the  wheel  : 
Atrides  o'er  him  shakes  his  vengeful  steel ; 
The  fallen  chief  in  suppliant  posture  press'd 
The  victor's  knees,  and  thus  his  prayer  address'd- 

"  O  spare  my  youth,  and  for  the  life  I  owe 
Large  gifts  of  price  my  father  shall  bestow. 
When  fame  shall  tell,  that,  not  in  bailie  slain, 
Thy  hollow  ships  his  captive  son  detain  : 
Rich  heaps  of  brass  shall  in  thy  tent  be  told,t 
And  steel  well-temper'd,  and  persuasive  gold." 


•  Pedasus,  a  town  near  Pylos. 

'Riih  heaps  of  brass.  "  The  halls  of  Alkinous  and  Meuelaus  glitter  with  gold, 
t,-,  sr,  and  electrum  ;  while  large  stocks  of  yet  unemployed  metal— gold,  copper,  and 
r>l  -are  stored  up  in  the  treasure-chamber  of  Odysseus  and  other  chiefs.  Coined 
»on  ly  IS  unknown  in  the  Homeric  age— the  trade  carried  on  being  one  of  barter.  In 
lefck-  mce  also  to  the  metals,  it  deserves  to  be  remarked,  that  the  Homeric  descriptions 
inivi  rsally  suppose  copper,  and  not  iron,  to  be  employed  for  arms,  both  offensive 
ind  «  tensive.  By  what  process  the  copper  was  tempered  and  hardened,  so  as  to 
lerve  'he  purpose  of  the  warrior,  we  do  not  know  ;  but  the  use  of  iron  for  these  ob- 
*cts  L.tfloni;s  to  a  later  age."— Grule,  vol.  li.  p.  142. 


156  77/^5  ILIAD.  I  Cook  VI 

He  said  :  compassion  toucli'd  the  liero's  lieart 
He  stood,  suspended  with  the  lifted  dart : 
As  pity  pleaded  for  his  vanquish'd  prize, 
Stern  Agamemnon  swift  to  vengeance  flies. 
And,  furious,  thus  :  "  Oh  impotent  of  mind  !  * 
Shall  these,  shall  these  Atrides'  mercy  find  ? 
Well  hast  thou  known  proud  Troy's  perfidious  land. 
And  well  her  natives  tnerit  at  thy  hand  ! 
Not  one  of  all  the  race,  nor  sex,  nor  age, 
Shall  save  a  Trojan  from  our  boundless  rage  . 
Ilion  shall  perish  whole,  and  bury  all; 
Her  babes,  her  infants  at  the  breast,  shall  f.dl ;  f 
A  dreadful  lesson  of  exampled  fate, 
To  warn  the  nations,  and  to  curb  the  great  ! " 

Tlie  monarch  spoke  ;    the  words,  with  warmth  address'd. 
To  rigid  justice  steel'd  his  brother's  breast. 
Fierce  from  his  knees  the  hapless  chief  he  thrust ; 
The  monarch's  javelin  stretch'd  him  in  the  dust, 
Then  pressing  with  his  foot  his  panting  heart, 
Forth  from  the  slain  he  tiigg'd  the  reeking  dart. 
Old  Nestor  saw,  and  roused  the  warrior's  rage  ; 
"Thus,  heroes  !  thus  the  vigorous  combat  wage  ; 
No  son  of  Mars  descend,  for  servile  gains. 
To  touch  the  booty,  while  a  foe  remains. 
Behold  yon  glittering  host,  your  future  spoil  ! 
First  gain  the  conquest,  then  reward  the  toil." 

And  now  that  Greece  eternal  fame  acquired, 
And  frighted  Troy  within  her  walls,  retired, 
Had  not  sage  Helenus  her  state  redress'd. 
Taught  by  the  gods  that  moved  his  sacred  breast. 
Where  Hector  stood,  with  great  yEneas  join'd, 
The  seer  reveal'd  the  counsels  of  his  mind. 

"  Ye  generous  chiefs  !  on  whom  the  immortals  lay 
The  cares  and  glories  of  this  doubtful  day  ; 
On  whom  your  aids,  your  country's  hopes  depend ; 
Wise  to  consult,  and  active  to  defend  ! 
Here,  at  our  gates,  your  brave  efforts  unite. 
Turn  back  the  routed,  and  forbid  the  fiight, 

»  Ok  impotent^  &c.  "  In  battle,  quarter  seems  never  to  have  been  given,  cicepl 
with  a  view  to  the  ransom  of  tlie  prisoner.  Agamemnon  reproaches  Menelaus  with 
unmanly  softness,  wlu;n  he  is  on  the  point  of  sparing  a  alien  enemy,  and  hiniselt  pul« 
the  suppliant  to  the  sword." — Thirlwall,  vol.  i.  p.  iSi. 

"The  ruthless  steel,  impatient  of  delay. 
Forbade  the  sire  to  linger  out  the  day; 
It  struck  the  bending  father  to  the  earth, 
And  crept  the  wailing  infant  at  the  birth. 
Can  iiuiocents  the  rage  of  parties  know. 
And  they  who  ne'er  offended  find  a  foe  ?  '* 

Rowc  s  Lncan,  bk.  ii, 


Book  VI.]  THE  ILIAD.  157 

Ere  yet  their  wives'  soft  arms  tlie  cowards  gain, 

The  sport  and  insult  of  the  hostile  train. 

When  your  commands  hav.i  hearten'd  every  band, 

Ourselves,  here  fi.\'d,  will  make  the  dan^^erous  stand ; 

Press'd  as  we  are,  and  sore  of  former  fight, 

These  straits  demand  our  last  remains  of  might. 

Meanwhile  thou,  Hector,  to  the  town  retire, 

And  teach  our  mother  what  the  gods  require : 

Direct  the  queen  to  lead  the  assembled  train 

Of  Troy's  chief  matrons  to  Minerva's  fane  ;* 

Unbar  the  sacred  gates,  and  seek  the  power, 

With  offer'd  vows,  in  Ilion's  topmost  tower. 

The  largest  mantle  her  rich  wardrobes  hold, 

Most  prized  for  art,  and  labor'd  o'er  with  gold, 

Before  the  goddess'  honor'd  knees  be  spread, 

And  twelve  young  heifers  to  her  altars  led  : 

If  so  the  power,  atoned  by  fervent  pr.iyer, 

Our  wives,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare, 

And  far  avert  Tydides'  wasteful  ire, 

That  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  all  Troy  retire ; 

Not  thus  Achilles  taught  our  hosts  to  dread. 

Sprung  though  he  was  from  more  than  mortal  bed ; 

Not  thus  resistless  ruled  the  stream  of  fight. 

In  rage  unbounded,  and  unniatch'd  in  might." 

Hector  obedient  heard  :  and,  with  a  bound, 
Leap'd  from  his  trembling  chariot  to  the  ground  ; 
Tlirough  all  his  host  inspiring  force  he  flies, 
And  bids  the  thunder  of  the  battle  rise. 
With  rage  recruited  the  bold  Trojans  glow, 
And  turn  the  tide  of  conflict  on  the  foe  : 
Fierce  in  the  front  he  shakes  two  dazzling  spears  ; 
All  Greece  recedes,  and  'midst  her  triumphs  fears  ; 
Some  god,  they  thought,  who  ruled  the  fate  of  wars. 
Shot  down  avenging  from  the  vault  of  stars. 

Then  thus  aloud  :  "  Ye  dauntless  Dardans,  hear! 
And  you  whom  distant  nations  send  to  war ! 
Be  mindful  of  the  strength  your  fathers  bore  ; 
Be  still  yourselves,  and  Hector  asks  no  more. 
One  hour  demands  me  in  the  Trojan  wall. 
To  bid  our  altars  flame,  and  victims  fall : 
Nor  shall,  I  trust,  the  matrons'  holy  train. 
And  reverend  elders,  seek  the  gods  in  vain." 

"  Meantime  the  Trojan  dames,  oppress'd  with  woe, 
To  Pallas'  fane  in  long  procession  go. 
In  hopes  to  reconcile  their  heav'niy  fiie  : 
They  weep  ;  they  beat  their  breasts  ;  they  rend  their  hair, 
Aud  rich  cmbroiderM  vests  for  presents  beai." 

Dryden's  Virgi],  i.  670. 


JCS  THE  ILIAD.  Book  VI. 

This  said,  with  ample  strides  the  horo  pass'd; 
The  shield's  large  orb  behind  his  shoulder  cast, 
His  neck  o'ersbading,  to  his  ankle  hung; 
And  as  he  niarch'd  the  brazen  buckler  rung. 

Now  paused  the  battle  (godlike  Hector  gone),  • 
Where  daring  Glaucus  and  great  Tydeus'  son 
Between  both  armies  met:  the  chiefs  from  far 
Observed  each  other,  and  had  mark'd  for  war. 
Near  as  they  drew,  Tydides  thus  began  : 

"  What  art  thou,  boldest  of  the  race  of  man  ? 
Our  eyes  till  now  that  aspect  ne'er  beheld. 
Where  fame  is  reap'd  amid  the  embattled  field; 
Yet  far  before  the  troops  thou  dar'st  appear, 
And  meet  a  lance  the  fiercest  heroes  fear. 
Unhappy  they,  and  born  of  luckless  sires, 
Who  tempt  our  fury  when  Minerva  fires  ! 
But  if  from  heaven,  celestial,  thou  descend, 
Know  with  immortals  we  no  more  contend. 
Not  long  Lycurgus  view'd  the  golden  light, 
That  daring  man  who  mix'd  wifh  gods  in  fight 
Bacchus,  and  Bacchus'  votaries,  he  drove. 
With  brandish'd  steel,  from  Nyssa's  sacred  grove' 
Their  consecrated  spears  lay  scatter'd  round, 
With  curling  vines  and  twisted  ivy  bound  ; 
While  Bacchus  headlong  sought  the  briny  flood, 
And  Thetis'  arms  received  the  trembling  god.  , 

Nor  fail'd  the  crime  the  immortal's  wrath  to  move 
(The  immortals  bless'd  with  endless  ease  above); 
Deprived  of  sight  by  their  avenging  doom, 
Cheerless  he  breath 'd,  and  wander'd  in  the  gloom^ 
Then  sunk  unpitied  to  the  dire  abodes, 
A  wretch  accursed,  and  hated  by  the  gods! 
I  brave  ntt  heaven  :  but  if  the  fruits  of  earth 
Sustain  thv  life,  and  human  be  thy  birth, 
Bold  as  thou  art,  too  prodigal  of  breath. 
Approach,  and  enter  the  dark  gates  of  death." 

"What,  or  from  whence  1  am,  or  who  my  sire 
(Replied  the  chief),  can  Tydeus'  son  inquire  1 
Like  leaves  on  trees  the  race  of  man  i    found, 
Now  green  in  youth,  now  withering  on  the  ground  ; 

*  The  manner  in  which  this  episode  is  introduced,  is  well  illustrated  by  Iht  /(!;■/  A\\% 
remarks  of  Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  29S  :  "  The  poet's  method  of  introducing  liis  epi»  u^i  ais*/, 
illustrates  in  a  curious  mannerhis  tact  m  the  Iramatic department  of  his  art  M^here, 
for  exaiii|>tL-,  one  or  mou^  Iii.to.-s  are  despalclied    n  some  commission,  to  be  eXLvtited 

at  a  £.  .1  I  ;,  .!,,l,,,...   -f  lin, I.ice.  tlie  fu    ImeTi    of  this  t.ask  is  not.  as  a  Keneral 

rule.  Ill,  !    ■.  '        \   I  L-i  tain  interval'    allowed  Ihem  for  reachiiii;  the  ap. 

poiiiiiil  >■  i    I  I     il' I  val  IS  dramatized,  as  It  were,  either  by  a  temuorary 

contiiuiil;.  .,  ,1  !h     ;:       i;.itive.orb     fixing  attention  for  a  while  on  some  new 

tiaiisaciiun,  al  llu    ;  j.=e  ut  wm^li  the  further  account  of  the  mission  is  resumed." 


Book  VI.]  THE  J  LI  AD.  J  59 

Another  race  the  following  spring  supplies ; 
They  fall  successive,  and  successive  rise  : 
So  generations  in  their  course  decay; 
So  tloiirish  these,  when  those  are  pass'd  away. 
lUit  if  thou  still  persist  to  search  my  birtli, 
Then  hear  a  tale  that  fills  the  spacious  earth. 

"  A  city  stands  on  Argos'  utmost  bound 
(Argos  the  fair,  for  warlike  steeds  renowu'd), 
yliolian  Sisyphus,  with  wisdom  bless'd, 
In  ancient  time  the  happy  wall  possess'd, 
Then  call'd  Ephyre  :  Glaucus  was  his  son  ; 
Great  Glaucus,  father  of  Rellerophon, 
Who  o'er  the  sons  of  men  in  beauty  shined, 
Loved  for  that  valor  which  preserves  mankind. 
Then  mighty  Pr;Etus  Argos  sceptre  sway'd, 
Whose  hard  commands  Bellerophon  obey'd. 
With  direful  jealousy  the  monarch  raged. 
And  the  brave  prince  in  numerous  toils  engaged. 
For  him  Antaja  burn'd  with  lawless  dame. 
And  strove  to  tempt  him  from  the  paths  of  fame: 
In  vain  she  tempted  the  relentless  youth, 
Endued  with  wisdom,  sacred  fear,  and  truth. 
Fired  at  his  scorn  the  queen  to  Praetus  fled. 
And  begg'd  revenge  for  her  insulted  bed  : 
Incensed  he  heard,  resolving  on  his  fate  ; 
But  hospitable  laws  restrain'd  his  hate  : 
To  Lycia  the  devoted  youth  he  sent. 
With  tablets  seal'd,  that  told  his  dire  intent.* 
Now  bless'd  by  every  power  who  guards  the  good, 
The  chief  arrived  at  Xanthus'  silver  flood  : 
There  Lycia's  monarch  paid  him  honors  due, 
Nine  days  he  feasted,  and  nine  bulls  he  slew. 
But  when  the  tenth  bright  morning  orient  glow'd, 
The  faithful  youth  his  monarch's  mandate  show'd: 
The  fatal  tablets,  till  that  instant  seal'd. 
The  deathful  secret  to  the  king  reveal'd. 
First,  dire  Chimera's  conquest  was  enjoin'd; 
A  mingled  monster  of  no  mortal  kind  ! 
Behind,  a  dragon's  fiery  tail  was  spread; 
A  goat's  rough  body  bore  a  lion's  head ; 
Her  pitchy  nostrils  flaky  flames  expire  ; 
Her  gaping  throat  emits  infernal  fire. 

"  This  pest  he  slaughter'd  (for  he  read  the  skies, 
And  trusted  heaven's  informing  prodigies), 

*  With  tablets  seaUd.  Th? 
character.  Whether  writing  wa 
See  Grote,  vol.  li.  p.  192,  bqq. 


lOo  TUP.  ILIAD.  [DooK  VI 

Tfien  met  in  arms  the  Solymasan  crew  * 
(Fiercest  of  men),  and  those  the  warrior  slew; 
Next  tlie  bold  Amazons'  whole  force  defied  ; 
And  conqiier'd  still,  for  heaven  was  on  liis  side. 

"  Nor  ended  here  his  toils  :  his  Lycian  foes, 
At  his  return,  a  treacherous  ambush  rose, 
Witli  levell'd  spears  along  the  winding  shore: 
There  fell  they  breathless,  and  return'd  no  more. 

"  At  length  the  monarch,  with  repentant  grief, 
Confessed  the  gods,  and  god-descended  chief  ; 
His  daughter  gave,  the  stranger  to  detain, 
Willi  half  the  honors  of  his  ample  reign  : 
The  Lycians  grant  a  chosen  space  of  ground, 
Willi  woods,  with  vineyards,  and  with  harvests  crown'd. 
There  long  the  chief  his  happy  lot  possess'd, 
With  two  brave  sons  and  one  fair  daughter  bless'd 
(Fair  e'en  in  heavenly  eyes  :  her  fruitful  love 
Crown'd  with  Sarpedon's  birth  the  embrace  of  Jove); 
But  wiien  at  last,  distracted  in  liis  mind, 
Forsook  by  heaven,  forsaking  humankind, 
Wide  o'er  the  Aleian  field  he  chose  to  stray, 
A  long,  forlorn,  uncomfortable  way  !  f 
Woes  heap'd  on  woes  consumed  his  wasted  heart: 
His  beauteous  daughter  fell  by  Phoebe's  dart; 
His  eldest  born  by  raging  Mars  was  slain, 
In  combat  on  the  SolymcEan  plain. 
Hip|X)lochus  survived  :  from  him  I  came, 
The  honor'd  author  of  my  birth  and  name ; 
By  his  decree  I  sought  the  Trojan  town ; 
By  his  instructions  learn  to  win  renown. 
To  stand  the  first  in  worth  as  in  command. 
To  add  new  honors  to  my  native  land, 
Before  my  eyes  my  mighty  sires  to  place, 
And  emulate  the  glories  of  our  race." 

He  spoke,  and  transport  fill'd  Tydides'  heart  j 
In  earth  the  generous  warrior  fix'd  his  dart, 
Then  friendly,  thus  the  Lycian  prince  address'd  ; 
"Welcome,  my  brave  liereditary  guest! 
Thus  ever  let  us  meet,  with  kind  embrace. 
Nor  stain  the  sacred  friendship  of  our  race. 
Know,  chief,  our  grandsires  have  been  guests  of  old; 
CEneus  the  strong,  Bellerophon  the  bold  : 

*  Solymtran  creiv,  a  people  of  Lycia. 

t   From   this '*  niclanchnly  niadiiuss  "  o£    Bellerophon,  hypochonrlria  received  the 
name  of  "  Morbus  Belieioplioiiteus."     See  my  notes  in  my  prose  translation,  p.  iij. 
'    "      "  iiiuated  between  the  riverj 


Book  VI  ]  THE  ILIAD. 

Our  ancient  seat  his  honor'd  presence  graced, 

Where  twenty  days  in  genial  rites  he  pass'd. 

The  parting  heroes  mutual  presents  left  ; 

A  golden  goblet  was  thy  grandsire's  gift; 

Qineus  a  belt  of  matchless  work  bestowed, 

That  rich  with  Tyrian  dye  refulgent  glow'd. 

(This  from  his  pledge  I  learn 'd,  which,  safely  stored 

Among  my  treasures,  still  adorns  my  board  : 

For  Tydeus  left  me  young,  when  Thebo's  wall 

Beheld  the  sons  of  Greece  untimely  fall). 

Mindful  of  this,  in  friendsliip  let  us  join; 

If  heaven  our  steps  to  foreign  lands  incline. 

My  guest  in  Argos  thou,  and  I  in  Lycia  thine. 

Enough  of  Trojans  to  this  lance  shall  yield, 

In  the  full  harvest  of  yon  ample  field; 

Enough  of  Greeks  shall  dye  tliy  spear  with  gore; 

But  thou  and  Diomed  be  foes  no  more. 

Now  change  we  arms,  and  prove  to  either  host 

We  guard  tlie  friendship  of  the  line  we  boast." 

Thus  having  said,  the  gallant  chiefs  alight, 
Their  hands  they  join,  their  mutual  faith  they  plight; 
Brave  Glaucus  then  each  narrow  thought  resign'd, 
(Jove  warm'd  his  bosom,  and  enlarged  his  mind), 
For  Diomed's  brass  arms,  of  mean  device. 
For  which  nine  oxen  paid  (a  vulgar  price). 
He  gave  his  own,  of  gold  divinely  wrought,* 
A  hundred  beeves  the  shining  purchase  bought. 

Meantime  the  guardian  of  the  Trojan  state. 
Great  Hector,  enter'd  at  the  ScDean  gate.f 
Beneath  the  beech-tree's  consecrated  shades, 
The  Trojan  matrons  and  the  Trojan  maids 
Around  him  flock'd,  all  press'd  with  pious  care 
For  husbands,  brothers,  sons,  engaged  in  war, 
Hs  bids  the  train  in  long  procession  go, 
And  seek  the  gods,  to  avert  the  impending  woe. 
And  now  to  Priam's  stately  courts  he  came, 
Rais'd  on  arch'd  columns  of  stupendous  frame  ; 
O'er  these  a  range  of  marble  structure  runs, 
The  rich  pavilions  of  his  fifty  sons. 
In  fifty  chambers  lodged  :  and  rooms  of  state, J 

*  His  (yiviii  of  gold.    This  bad  bargain  has  passed  into  a  common  proverb 
AulusGellius,  ii.  23. 

t  Sca:an,  i.  e.  left  hand. 
%  Injijty  chambers. 

''  The  fifty  nuptial  beds,  (such  hopes  had  he. 
So  large  a  promise  of  a  progeny,! 
The  ports  of  plated  gold,  and  hung  with  spoils." 

Drydcn's  Vircil.  ii. 


l62  ■  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VI. 

Opposed  to  those,  where  Priam's  daughters  sate. 
Twelve  domes  for  them  and  their  loved  spouses  shone. 
Of  equal  beauty,  and  of  polish'd  stone. 
Hither  great  Hector  pass'd,  nor  pass'd  unseen 
Of  royal  Hecuba,  his  mother-queen. 
(With  her  Laodici',  whose  beauteous  face 
,     Surpass'd  the  nymphs  of  Troy's  illustrious  race.) 
Long  in  a  strict  embrace  she  held  her  son. 
And  press'd  his  hand,  and  tender  thus  begun  : 

'■  O  Hector  !  say,  what  great  occasion  calls 
My  son  from  fight,  when  Greece  surrounds  our  walls 
Com'st  thuu  to  supplicate  the  almighty  power 
With  lifted  hands,  from  Ilion's  lofty  tower  ? 
Stay,  till  I  bring  the  cup  with  Bacchus  crown'd. 
In  Jove's  high  name,  to  sprinkle  on  the  ground. 
And  pay  due  vows  to  all  the  gods  around. 
Then  with  a  plenteous  draught  refresh  thy  sou!. 
And  draw  new  spirits  from  the  generous  bowl; 
Spent  as  thou  art  with  long  laborious  fight, 
The  brave  defender  of  thy  country's  right." 

'•  Far  hence  be  Bacchus'  gifts  (the  chief  rejoin'd); 
Inflaming  wine,  pernicious  to  mankind, 
Ihinerves  the  limbs,  and  dulls  the  noble  mind. 
Let  cliiefs  abstain,  and  spare  the  sacred  juice 
To  sprinkle  to  the  gods,  its  better  use. 
By  me  that  holy  office  were  profaned  ; 
111  fits  it  me,  with  human  gore  distain'd. 
To  the  pure  skies  these  horrid  hands  to  raise, 
Or  offer  heaven's  great  Sire  polluted  praise. 
You,  with  your  matrons,  go !  a  spotless  train, 
And  burn  rich  odors  in  Minerva's  fane. 
The  largest  mantle  your  full  wardrobes  hold, 
Most  prized  for  art,  and  labor'd  o'er  with  gold. 
Before  the  goddess'  honor'd  knees  be  spread. 
And  twelve  young  heifers  to  her  altar  led. 
So  may  the  power,  attoned  by  fervent  prayer. 
Our  wives,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare  ; 
And  far  avert  Tydides'  wasteful  ire. 
Who  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  afl  Troy  retire. 
Be  this,  O  mother,  your  religious  care  : 
I  go  to  rous  ■  -oft  i  aris  to  the  war; 
I '"yet  -T^t  lost  to  all  the  sense  of  shame, 
The  r^cr_ant  v.  irrior  hear  the  voice  of  fame. 
Oh,  wo"Id  '  ind  earth  t'  e  hateful  wr-tch  embrace, 
Tha'  pes'  -  f  Troy,  that    uin   if  mr  race  '  * 

~Owh!J!.      lrarth,Sic.     -  Itis  appar.    I'j  a  .uH^^n.  inegnlarl  .    I  nf  ;,npu;ai 
i»di«B.ltion  to  which  H-     -r  -lUiidcs,  i.hcu  he  regrcu  r*..  liie  Trojans  had  nut  spint 


Book  VI.J  tiie  ILIAD.  163 

Deep  to  the  dark  abyss  might  he  descend, 

Troy  yet  should  flourish,  and  my  sorrows  end." 

Tliis  heard,  she  gave  command  :  and  summon'd  came 

Each  noble  matron  and  illustrious  dame. 

The  Plirygian  queen  to  her  rich  wardrobe  went, 

Where  treasured  odors  breathed  a  costly  scent. 

There  lay  the  vestures  of  no  vulgar  art. 

Sidonian  maids  embroider'd  every  part, 

Whom  from  soft  Sidon  youthful  i'aris  bore. 

With  Helen  touching  on  the  Tyrian  shore. 

Here,  as  the  queen  revolved  wi'th  careful  eyes 

The  various  te.xtures  and  the  various  dyes, 

She  chose  a  veil  that  shone  superior  far. 
And  glow'd  refulgent  as  the  morning  star. 

Herself  with  this  the  long  procession  leads  ; 

The  train  majestically  slow  proceeds. 

Soon  as  to  1  lion's  topmost  tower  they  come. 

And  awful  reach  the  high  Palladian  dome, 

Antenor's  consort,  fair  Theano,  waits 

As  Pallas'  priestess,  and  unbars  the  gates. 

With  hands  uplifted  and  imploring  eyes, 

They  fill  the  dome  with  supplicating  cries. 

The  priestess  then  the  shining  veil  displays, 

Placed  on  Minerva's  knees,  and  thus  slie  prays! 

"Oh  awful  goddess  !  ever-dreadful  maid, 
Troy's  strong  defence,  unconquer'd  Pallas'  aid  ! 
Break  thou  Tydides'  spear,  and  let  him  fall 
Prone  on  the  dust  before  the  Trojan  wall  F 
So  twelve  young  heifers,  guiltless  of  the  yoke. 
Shall  fill  thy  temple  with  a  grateful  smoke. 
Put  thou,  atoned  by  penitence  and  prayer. 
Ourselves,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare  ! " 
So  pray'd  the  priestess  in  her  holy  fane  ; 
So  vow'd  the  matrons,  but  they  vow'd  in  vain. 

While  these  appear  before  the  power  with  prayers. 
Hector  to  Paris'  lofty  dome  repairs.* 

enough  to  cover  Paris  with  a  mantle  of  stones.  This,  however,  was  also  one  of  the 
ordinary  formal  modes  of  punishment  for  great  public  offences.  It  may  have  be*-!, 
originally  connected  with  the  same  feeling— the  desire  of  avoiding  the  pollution  if 
bloodshed — which  seems  to  have  suggested  the  practice  of  burying  prisoners  alive, 
with  a  scantling  of  food  by  their  side.  Though  Homer  makes  no  mention  of  this 
horrible  usage,  the  ex.imple  of  the  Roman  vestals  affords  reasons  for  believing  that,  m 
ascribing  it  to  the  heroic  ages,  Sophocles  followed  an  authentic  tradition."— Thirlw.ll.'s 
Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  171,  sq. 

*  Paris'  lofty  dome.  "  With  respect  to  the  private  dwellings,  which  are  oftene.^t 
described,  the  poet's  language  barely  enables  us  to  form  a  general  notion  of'ln-i«' 
ordinary  plan,  and  affords  no  conception  of  the  style  which  prevailed  in  them,  or  then 
effect  on  the  eye.  It  seems  indeed  probable,  from  the  manner  in  which  he  dwells  on 
Uieir  metallic  ornaments,  that  the  higher  beauty  of  proportion  was  but  little  required 
«r  understood  ;  and  it  is,  perhaps,  strength  and  couveuience,  rather  tlian  elegance. 


154  THE  IL/AD.  [Book  VL 

Himself  the  mansion  raised  ;  from  every  part 
Assembling  architects  of  matchless  art. 
Near  Priam's  court  and  Hectors  palace  stands 
The  pompous  structure,  and  the  town  commands, 
A  spear  the  hero  bore  of  wondrous  strength, 
Of  full  ten  cubits  was  the  lance's  length  ; 
The  steely  point  with  golden  ringlets  join'd, 
Before  him  brandish'd,  at  each  motion  shined. 
Thus  entering,  in  the  glittering  rooms  he  found 
His  brother-chief,  whose  useless  arms  lay  round, 
His  eyes  delighting  with  their  splendid  show. 
Brightening  the  shield,  and  polishing  the  bow. 
Beside  him  Helen  with  her  virgins  stands, 
Guides  their  rich  labors,  and  instructs  their  hands. 

Him  thus  inactive,  with  an  ardent  look 
The  prince  beheld,  and  high-resenting  spoke. 
"Thy  hate  to  Troy,  is  this  the  time  to  show.' 
(O  wretch  ill-fated,  and  thy  country's  foe  !  ) 
Paris  and  Greece  against  us  both  conspire ; 
Thy  close  resentment,  and  their  vengeful  ire. 
For  thee  great  Ilion's  guardian  heroes  fall. 
Till  heaps  of  dead  alone  defend  her  wall  ; 
For  thee  the  soldier  bleeds,  the  matron  mourns, 
And  wasteful  war  in  all  its  fury  burns. 
Ungrateful  man  !  deserves  not  this  thy  care. 
Our  troops  to  hearten,  and  our  toils  to  share  ? 
Rise,  or  behold  the  conquering  flames  ascend, 
And  all  the  Phrygian  glories  at  an  end." 

"  Brother,  'tis  just  (replied  the  beauteous  youth), 
Thy  free  remonstrance  proves  thy  worth  and  truth : 
Yet  charge  my  absence  less,  O  generous  chief ! 
On  hate  to  Trov,  than  conscious  shame  and  grief: 
Here,  hid  from'human  eyes,  thy  brother  sate. 
And  mourned,  in  secret,  his  and  Ilion's  fate. 
'Tis  now  enough  :  now  glory  spreads  her  charms. 
And  beauteous  Helen  calls  her  chief  to  arms. 
Conquest  to-dav  my  happier  sword  may  bless, 
•Tis  man's  to  fight,  but  he.aven's  to  give  success. 
But  while  I  arm,  contain  thy  ardent  mind ; 
Or  go,  and  Paris  shall  not  lag  behind." 

He  said,  nor  answer'd  Priam's  warlike  son; 
When  Helen  .hus  with  lowly  grace  begun  : 

"  Oh,  generous  brother  !  (if  the  guilty  dame 
That  caused  these  woes  deserve  a  sister's  name  !) 


neans  to  commend,  in  speaking  of  the  fair  house  whicli  Paris  had  built  tor 
(ith  the  aid  of  the  most  sldlful  masons  of  Troy."— Thirlwall's  Greece,  vol.  u 


Book  VI.]  THE  ILIAD.  161; 

Would  heaven,  ere  all  these  dreadful  deeds  were  dome, 

The  day  that  show'd  me  to  the  golden  sun 

Had  seen  my  death  !  why  did  not  whirlwinds  bear 

The  fatal  infant  to  the  fowls  of  air? 

Why  sunk  I  not  beneath  the  whelming  tide, 

And  midst  the  roarings  of  the  waters  died  ? 

Heaven  fill'd  up  all  my  ills,  and  I  accursed 

Bore  all,  and  Paris  of  those  ills  the  worst. 

Helen  at  least  a  braver  spouse  might  claim, 

Warm'd  with  some  virtue,  some  regard  of  fame  ? 

Now  tired  with  toils,  thy  fainting  limbs  recline, 

With  toils,  sustain'd  for  Paris'  sake  and  mine : 

The  gods  have  link'd  our  miserable  doom, 

Our  present  woe,  and  infamy  to  come  : 

Wide  shall  it  spread,  and  last  through  ages  long. 

Example  sad  !  and  theme  of  future  song."' 

The  chief  replied  :  "This  time  forbicts  to  rest; 
The  Trojan  bands,  by  hostile  fury  press'd, 
Bem.ind  their  Hector,  and  his  arm  require  ; 
The  combat  urges,  and  my  soul's  on  fire. 
Urge  thou  thy  knight  to  march  where  glory  calls. 
And  timely  join  me,  ere  I  leave  the  walls. 
Ere  yet  I  mingle  in  the  direful  fray. 
My  wife,  my  infant,  claim  a  moment's  stay ; 
Tills  day  (perhaps  the  last  that  sees  me  here) 
Demands  a  parting  word,  a  tender  tear: 
This  day,  some  god  who  hates  our  Trojan  land 
May  vanquish  Hector  by  a  Grecian  hand." 

He  said,  and  pass'd  with  sad  presaging  heart 
To  seek  his  spouse,  his  soul's  far  dearer  part ; 
At  home  he  sought  her,  but  he  sought  in  vain; 
She,  witli  one  maid  of  all  her  menial  train, 
Had  hence  retired  ;  and  with  her  second  joy, 
The  young  Astyanax,  the  hope  of  Troy, 
Pensive  she  stood  on  Ilion's  towery  height, 
Beheld  the  war,  and  sicke  I'd  at  the  sight; 
There  lier  sad  eyes  in  vain  her  lord  e.x'plore, 
Or  weep  the  wounds  her  bleeding  country  bore. 

But  he  who  found  not  whom  his  soul  desired. 
Whose  viriue  charm'd  him  as  her  beauty  fired 
Stood  in  the  gates,  and  ask'd  "  what  way  she  bent 
Her  parting  step  ?     It  to  the  fane  she  went, 
Where  late  the  mourning  matrons  made  resort ; 
Or  sought  her  sisters  in  the  Trojan  court  ?  " 
"  Not  to  the  court  (replied  the  attendant  train), 
Nor  mix'd  with  matrons  to  Minerva's  fane  : 
To  Ilion's  steepy  tower  she  bent  her  way, 


l66  THE  JLI/iD.  lUouK  VI, 

To  mark  the  fortunes  of  tlie  doubtful  day. 
Troy  fled,  she  heard,  before  the  Grecian  sword; 
She  heard,  and  trembled  for  her  absent  lord  : 
Distracted  with  surprise,  she  seem'd  to  fly, 
Fear  on  her  cheek,  and  sorrow  in  her  eye. 
The  nurse  attended  with  her  infant  boy. 
The  young  Astyanax,  the  hope  of  Troy." 

Hector  this  heard,  return'd  without  delay; 
Swift  througii  the  town  he  trod  his  former  way, 
Through  streets  of  palaces,  and  walks  of  state; 
And  met  the  mourner  at  the  Scaean  gate. 
With  haste  to  meet  him  sprung  the  joyful  L\ir. 
His  blameless  wife.  Action's  wealthy  heir 
(Cilician  Theb^  great  Aetion  sway'd, 
Antl  Hippoplacus'  wide  e,xtended  sliade)  : 
The  nurse  stood  near,  in  whose  embraces  press'd, 

His  only  hope  hung  smiling  at  her  breast. 

Whom  each  soft  charm  and  early  grace  adorn, 

Fair  as  the  newborn  star  that  glides  the  morn. 

To  this  loved  infant  Hector  gave  the  name 

Scamandrius,  from  Scaraander's  honor'd  stream 

Astyanax  the  Trojans  call'd  the  boy. 

From  his  great  father,  the  defence  of  Troy. 

Silent  the  warrior  smiled,  and  pleased  resign'd 

To  tender  passions  all  his  mighty  mind ; 

His  beauteous  princess  cast  a  mournful  look. 

Hung  on  his  hand,  and  tlien  dejected  spoke; 

Hor  bosom  labor'd  with  a  boding  sigh, 

And  the  big  tear  stood  trembling  in  her  eye. 

"  Too  daring  prince  !  ah,  whither  dost  tliou  run  ? 

Ah,  too  forgetful  of  thy  wife  and  son  ! 

And  tliink'st  thou  not  how  wretched  we  shall  be 

A  widow  I,  a  helpless  orphan  he  ? 

For  sure  such  courage  length  of  life  denies, 

And  thou  must  fall,  thy  virtue's  sacrifice. 

Greece  in  her  single  heroes  strove  in  vain  ; 

Now  hosts  oppose  thee,  and  thou  must  be  slain. 

O  grant  me,  gods,  ere  Hector  meets  his  doom, 

All  I  can  ask  of  heaven,  an  early  tomb  ! 

So  shall  my  days  in  one  sad  tenor  run. 

And  end  with  sorrows  as  they  first  begun. 

No  parent  now  remains  my  griefs  to  share. 

No  father's  aid,  no  mother's  tender  care. 

The  fierce  Achilles  wrapt  our  walls  in  fire, 

Laid  Thebe  waste,  and  slew  my  warlike  sire ! 

His  fate  compassion  in  tlie  victor  bred  ; 

Stern  as  he  was,  he  yet  revered  the  dead, 


Book  VI.]  THE  ILIAD.  1C7 

His  radiant  arms  preserved  from  hostile  spoil, 
And  laid  him  decent  on  the  funeral  pile  ; 
Then  raised  a  mountain  where  his  bones  were  burn'd 
The  mountain-nymphs  the  rural  tomb  adorn'd, 
Jove's  sylvan  daughters  bade  their  elms  bestow 
A  barren  shade,  and  in  his  honor  grow. 

"  By  the  same  arm  my  seven  brave  brothers  fell; 
In  one  sad  day  beheld  the  gates  of  hell ; 
While  the  fat  herds  and  snowy  flocks  they  fed, 
Amid  their  fields  the  hapless  heroes  bled  ! 
My  mother  lived  to  wear  the  victor's  bands, 
The  queen  of    Hippoplacia's  sylvan  lands: 
Redeem'd  too  late,  she  scarce  beheld  again 
Her  pleasing  empire  and  her  native  plain, 
When  ah  !   oppress'd  by  life-consuming  woe. 
She  fell  a  victim  to  Diana's  bow. 

"Yet  while  my  Hector  still  survives,  I  see 
My  father,  mother,  brethren,  all,  in  thee  : 
Alas  !  my  parents,  brothers,  kindred,  all 
Once  more  will  perish,  if  my  Hector  fall, 
Thy  wife,  thy  infant,  in  thy  danger  share  : 
Oh,  orove  a  husband's  and  a  father's  care  .' 
That  quarter  most  the  skilful  Greeks  annoy, 
Where  yon  wild  fig-trees  join  the  wall  o(  Troy ; 
Thou,  from  tliis  tower  defend  the  important  post; 
There  Agamemnon  points  his  di'eadful  host. 
That  pass  Tydides,  Aja.\,  strive  to  gain. 
And  there  the  vengeful  Spartan  fires  his  train. 
Thrice  our  bold  foes  the  fierce  attack  have  given 
Or  led  by  hopes,  or  dictated  from  heaven. 
Let  others  in  the  field  their  arms  employ, 
13ut  stay  my  Hector  here,  and  guard  his  Troy." 

The  chief   replied:   "  That  post  shall  be  my  care. 
Not  that  alone,  but  all  the  works  of  war. 
How  would  the  sons  of  Troy,  in  arms  rcnown'd. 
And  Troy's  proud  dames,  whose  garments  sweep  the  ground 
Attaint  the  lustre  of  my  foriner  name, 
Should  Hector  basely  quit  the  field  of  fame  ? 
My  early  youth  was  bred  to  martial  pains. 
My  soul  impels  me  to  the  embattled  plains  I 
Let  me  be  foremost  to  defend  the  throne, 
And  guard  my  father's  glories,  and  mv  own. 

"Yet  come  it  will,  the  day  decreed  by  fates  ! 
(How  my  heart  trembles  while  my  tongue  relates !) 
The  d.iy  when  thou,  imperial  Troy  !  must  bend. 
And  See  thy  warriors  fall,  thy  glories  end. 
And  }ct  no  dire  presage  so  wounds  my  mind. 


i  THE  ILIA  P.  [Book  VI, 

My  mother's  death,  the  ruin    of  my  kind 

Not  Priam's  hoary  hairs  defiled  with  gore, 

Not  all  my  brothers  gaspinj;  on  the  shore  ; 

As  thine,  Andromache  !    Thy  griefs  I  dread: 

I  see  thee  trembling,  weeping,  captive  led  ! 

In  Argive  looms  our  battles  to  design, 

And  woes,  of  which  so  large  a  part  was  thine ! 

To  bear  the  victor's  hard  commands,  or  bring 

The  weight  of  waters  from  Hyperia's  spring. 

There  while  you  groan  beneath  the  load  of  life, 

They  cry,  '  Behold  the  mighty  Hector's  wife  ! ' 

Some  haughty  Greek,  who  lives  thy  tears  to  see, 

Imbitters  all  tliy  woes,  by  naming  me. 

The  thoughts  of  glory  past,  and  present  shame, 

A  thousand  griefs  shall  waken  at  the  name ! 

May  I  lie  cold  before  that  dreadful  day, 

Fress'd  with  a  load  of  monumental  clay  ! 

Thy  Hector,  wrapt  in  everlasting  sleep. 

Shall  neither  hear  thee  sigh,  nor  see  thee  weep." 

Thus  having  spoke,  the  illustrious  chief  of  Troy 
Stretch'd  his  fond  arms  to  clasp  the  lovely  boy. 
The  babe  clung  crying  to  his  nurse's  breast. 
Scared  at  the  dazzling  helm,  and  nodding  crest. 
With  secret  pleasure  each  fond  parent  smiled, 
And  Hector  hasted  to  relieve  his  child. 
The  glittering  terrors  from  his  brows  unliound. 
And  placed  the  beaming  helmet  on  the  ground; 
Then  kiss'd  the  child,  and,  lifting  high  in  air, 
Thus  to  the  gods  preferr'd  a  father's  prayer: 

"  O  thou  !.  whose  glory  fills  the  ethereal  throne, 
And  all  ye  deathless  powers  !  protect  my  son  ! 
Grant  him,  like  me,  to  purchase  just  renown, 
To  guard  the  Trojans,  to  defend  the  crown. 
Against  his  country's  foes  the  war  to  wage, 
And  rise  the  Hector  of  the  future  age  I 
So  when  triumphant  from  successful  toils 
Of  heroes  slain  he  bears  the  reeking  spoils, 
Whole  hosts  may  hail  him  with  deserved  accclaim, 
And  say,  '  This  chief  transcends  his  father's  fame  :' 
While  pleased  amidst  the  general  shouts  of  Troy, 
His  mother's  conscious  heart  o'erflows  with  joy." 

He  spoke,  and  fondly  gazing  on  her  charms. 
Restored  the  pleasing  burden  to  her  arms;_ 
Soft  on  her  fragrant  breast  the  babe  she  laid, 
Hush'd  to  repo'se,  and  with  a  smile  survey'd. 
The  troubled  pleasure  soon  chastised  by  fear, 
She  tningled  with  a  smile  a  tender  tear. 


Book  VI.]  THE  ILIAD.  1Q9 

The  soften'd  chief  with  kind  compassion  view'd. 
And  dried  the  falling  drops,  and  thus  pursued : 

"Andromache  !  my  soul's  far  better  part, 
Why  with  untimely  sorrows  heaves  thy  heart? 
No  hostile  hand  can  antedate  my  doom. 
Till  fate  condemns  me  to  the  silent  tomb. 
Fixed  is  the  term  to  all  the  race  of  earth  ; 
And  such  the  hard  condition  of  our  birth  : 
No  force  can  then  resist,  no  flight  can  save. 
All  sink  alike,  the  fearful  and  the  brave. 
No  more — but  hasten  to  thy  tasks  at  home 
There  guide  the  spindle,  and  direct  the  loom: 
Me  glory  summons  to  the  martial  scene. 
The  field  of  combat  is  the  sphere  for  men. 
Where  horoes  war,  the  foremost  place  I  claim. 
The  first  in  danger  as  the  first  in  fame." 

Thus  having  said,  the  glorious  chief  resumes 
His  towery  helmet,  black  with  shading  plumes. 
His  princess  parts  with  a  prophetic  sigh. 
Unwilling  parts,  and  oft  reverts  her  eye 
Tliat  stream'd  at  every  look ;  then,  moving  slow, 
Sought  her  own  palace,  and  indulged  her  woe. 
There,  while  her  tears  deplored  the  godlike  man. 
Through  all  her  train  the  soft  infection  ran ; 
The  pious  maids  their  mingled  sorrows  shed. 
And  mourn  the  living  Hector,  as  the  dead. 

But  now,  no  longer  deaf  to  honor's  call. 
Forth  issues  Pari.-  from  the  palace  wall. 
In  brazen  arms  that  cast  a  gleamy  ray. 
Swift  through  the  town  the  warrior  bends  his  way. 
The  wanton  courser  thus  with  reins  unbound  * 
Breaks  from  his  stall,  and  beats  the  trembling  ground; 
Pamper'd  and  proud,  he  seeks  the  wonted  tides, 
And  laves,  in  height  of  blood  his  shining  sides; 
His  head  now  freed,  he  tosses  to  the  skies; 
His  mane  dishevell'd  o'er  his  shoulders  flies  ; 
He  snuffs  the  females  in  the  distant  plain, 
And  springs,  e.xulting,  to  his  fields  again. 
With  equal  triumph,  sprightly,  bold,  and  gay. 
In  arms  refulgent  as  the  god  of  day. 
The  son  of  Priam,  glorying  in  his  might, 
Rush'd  forth  with  Hector  to  the  fields  of  fight. 


*  Tht  wanton 

^o,irser. 

' 

'  Come  destrier,  che  da  le  regie  stalle 

Ove  a  I'usa  de  Tarnie  si  riserba, 

FuKge,  e  libero  al  fin  per  largo  calle 

Va  tragi'  aroenti,  o  al  fiuiiie  usato,  o  a  Therba." 

Gier.  Lib.  u.  75 

tlO  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VL 

And  now,  tlie  warriors  passing  on  the  way, 
The  graceful  Paris  first  excused  his  stay. 
To  whom  the  noble  Hector  thus  replied  : 
"  O  chief!  in  blood,  and  now  in  arms,  allied  ! 
Thy  power  in  war  with  justice  none  contest; 
Known  is  thy  courage,  and  thy  strength  confess'd. 
What  pity  sloth  should  seize  a  soul  so  brave, 
Or  godlike  Paris  live  a  woman's  slave  ! 
My  heart  weeps  blood  at  what  the  Trojans  say. 
And  hopes  thy  deeds  shall  wipe  the  stain  away. 
Haste  then,  in  all  their  glorious  labors  share, 
For  much  thev  suffer,  for  thy  sake,  in  war. 
These  ills  shall  cease,  whene'er  by  Jove's  decree 
We  crown  the  bowl  to  heaven  and  liberty  : 
While  the  proud  foe  his  frustrate  triumphs  mourns, 
And  Greece  indignant  through  her  seas  returns." 


Book  VIT.1  THE  TT.TAD.  171 


BOOK    VII. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE  SINGLE  COMBAT  OF  HECTOR  AND  AJAX. 

Ihe  battle  renewing  with  double  ardor  upon  tile  return  of  Hector,  Minerva  is  under 
apprehensions  for  the  Greeks.  Apollo,  seeing  her  descend  from  Olympus,  joins 
her  near  the  ScKan  gate.  They  agree  to  put  off  the  general  engagement  for  that 
day.  and  incite  Hector  to  challenge  the  Greeks  to  a  single  combat.  Nine  of  the 
princes  accepting  the  challenge,  the  lot  is  cast  and  falls  upon  Ajax.  These  heroes^ 
after  several  attacks,  are  parted  by  the  night.  The  Trojans  calling  a  council, 
Anlenor  proposes  Ihe  delivery  of  Helen  to  Ihe  Greeks;  to  which  Paris  will  not 
consent,  but  offers  to  restore  them  her  riches.  Priam  sends  a  herald  to  make  this 
offer,  and  to  demand  a  truce  for  buniing  the  dead  ;  the  last  of  which  only  is  agreed 
to  by  Agamemnon.  When  Ihe  funerals  are  performed,  the  Greeks,  pursuant  to 
the  advice  of  Nestor,  erect  a  fortification  to  protect  their  fleet  and  camp,  tianked 
with  towers,  and  defended  by  a  ditch  and  palisades.  Neptune  testifies  his  jealousy 
at  this  work,  but  is  pacified  by  a  promise  from  Jupiter.  Both  armies  pass  Ihe 
night  in  feasting :  but  Jupiter  disheartens  the  Trojans  with  thunder,  and  other 
signs  of  his  wrath. 

The  three-and-twenlieth  day  ends  with  Ihe  duel  of  Hector  and  Ajax  ;  the  next 
day  the  truce  is  agreed  ;  another  is  taken  up  in  the  funeral  rites  of  the  slain  ;  and 
one  more  in  building  Ihe  fortification  before  the  ships.  So  that  somewhat  abuul 
three  days  is  employed  in  this  book.    The  scene  lies  wholly  in  the  .'ield. 

So  spoke  the  guardian  of  the  Trojan  state, 
Then  rush'tl  impetuous  through  the  Seaman  gate. 
Him  Paris  follow'd  to  the  dire  alarms  ; 
Both  breathing  slaughter,  both  resolved  in  arms. 
As  wlien  to  sailors  laboring  through  the  main, 
That  long  have  heaved  the  weary  oar  in  vain, 
Jove  bills  at  length  the  expected  gales  arise  ; 
The  gales  blow  grateful,  and  the  vessel  flies  : 
So  welcome  these  to  Troy's  desiring  train  ; 
The  bands  are  cheer'd,  the  war  awakes  again. 

Bold  Paris  first  the  work  of  death  begim 
On  great  Menestheus,  Areithous'  son  ;     ■ 
Spruns;  from  the  fair  Philomeda's  embrace, 
The  pleasing  Arne  was  his  native  place. 
Then  sunk  Eioneus  to  the  shades  below  ; 
Beneath  his  steely  casque  *  he  felt  the  blow     • 


'Casgue.     The  original  word  is  CTTectai-ij,  about  the  meaning  of  winch  there   is 
le  doubt.     Some  lake  it  for  a  different  kind  uf  cap  or  lielmet,  othert  for  the  rim. 


172  THE  ILIAD.  "^ov.  VIL 

Full  on  his  neck,  from  Hector's  weiglity  hand ; 
And  roU'd,  with  limbs  relax'd,  along  the  land. 
By  Glaucus'  spear  the  bold  Iphinous  bleeds, 
Fix'd  in  the  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  steeds; 
Headlong  he  tumbles  :  his  slack  nerves  unbound 
Drop  the  cold  useless  members  on  the  ground. 

When  now  Minerva  saw  her  Argives  slain, 
From  vast  Olympus  to  the  gleaming  plain 
Fierce  she  descends :   Apollo  marked  her  flight, 
Nor  shot  less  swift  from  I  lion's  towery  height. 
Radiant  they  met,  beneath  the  beechen  shade  ; 
When  thus  Apollo  to  the  blue-eyed  maid  : 

"  What  cause,  O  daughter  of  Almighty  Jove? 
Thus  wings  thy  progress  froin  the  realms  above  is 
Once  more  impetuous  dost  thou  bend  thy  way, 
To  give  to  Greece  the  long  divided  day  .'' 
Too  much  has  Troy  already  felt  thy  hate, 
Now  breathe  thy  rage,  and  hush  the  stern  debate 
This  day,  the  business  of  the  field  suspend  ; 
War  soon  shall  kindle,  and  great  Ilion  bend; 
Since  vengeful  goddesses  confederate  join 
To  raize  her  walls,  though  built  by  hands  divine* 

To  whom  the  progeny  of  Jove  replies : 
"  I  left,  for  this,  the  council  of  the  skies : 
But  who  shall  bid  conflicting  hosts  forbear, 
What  art  shall  calm  the  furious  sons  of  war?' 
To  her  the  god  :  "  Great  Hector's  soul  incite 
To  dare  the  lioldesl  Greek  to  single  fight, 
Till  Greece,  provoked,  from  all  her  numbers  show 
A  warrior  woithy  to  be  Hector's  foe." 

At  this  agreed,  the  heavenly  powers  withdrew; 
Sage  Helenus  their  secret  counsels  knew; 
Hector,  inspired,  he  sought  :  to  him  address'd. 
Thus  told  the  dictates  of  his  sacred  breast : 
"  O  son  of  Priam  !  let  thy  faithful  ear 
Receive  my  words  :  thy  friend  and  brother  hear 
Go  forth  persuasive,  and  a  while  engage 
The  warring  nations  to  suspend  their  rage; 
Then  dare  the  boldest  of  the  hostile  train 
To  mortal  com'bat  on  the  listed  plain. 
For  not  this  day  shall  end  thy  glorious  date ; 
The  gods  have  spoke  it,  and  their  voice  is  fate." 

He  said  :  the  warrior  heard  the  word  with  joy; 
■^hen  with  his  spear  restrain'd  the  youth  of  Troy, 
Held  by  the  midst  athwart.     On  either  hand 
The  squadrons  part  ;  the  expecting  Troj.ins  stand; 
Great  Agamemnon  bids  tlie  Greeks  forbear : 


Book  vii.j  THE  rLIAD.  173 

They  breathe,  and  hush  the  tumult  of  the  war. 
The  yithenian  maid,  *  and  glorious  god  of  day, 
With  silent  joy  the  settling  hosts  survey : 
In  foiM  of  vultures,  on  the  beech's  height 
They  sit  conceal'd,  and  wait  the  future  fight. 

The  thronging  troops  obscure  the  dusty  fields. 
Horrid  with  bristling  spears,  and  gleaming  shields. 
As  when  a  general  darkness  veils  the  main, 
(Soft  Zephyr  curling  the  wide  wat'ry  plain,) 
The  waves  scarce  heave,  the  face  of  ocean  sleeps 
And  a  still  horror  saddens  all  the  deeps  ; 
Thus  in  thick  orders  settling  wide  around. 
At  length  composed  they  sit,  and  shade  the  ground. 
Great  Hector  first  amidst  both  armies  broke 
The  solemn  silence,  and  their  powers  bespoke  : 

"  Hear,  all  ye  Trojan,  all  ye  Grecian  bands, 
What  my  soul  prompts,  and  what  some  god  commands 
Great  Jove,  averse  our  warfare  to  compose, 
O'erwhelms  the  nations  with  new  toils  and  woes  ; 
War  with  a  fiercer  tide  once  more  returns, 
Till  llion  falls,  or  till  yon  navy  burns. 
You  then,  O  princes  of  the  Greeks  !  appear; 
'Tis  Hector  speaks,  and  calls  the  gods  to  hear: 
From  all  your  troops  select  the  boldest  knight, 
And  him,  the  boldest,  Hector  dares  to  fight. 
Here  if  I  fall,  by  chance  of  battle  slain. 
Be  his  my  spoil,  and  his  these  arms  remain  ; 
But  let  my  body,  to  my  friends  return'd. 
By  Trojan  hands  and  Trojan  flames  be  burn'd. 
And  if  Apollo,  in  whose  aid  I  trust. 
Shall  stretch  your  daring  champion  in  the  dust; 
If  mine  the  glory  to  despoil  the  foe ; 
On  Phoebus'  temple  I'll  his  arms  bestow  : 
The  breathless  carcase  to  your  navy  sent, 
Greece  on  the  shore  shall  raise  a  monument; 
Which  when  some  future  mariner  surveys, 
Wash'd  by  broad  Hellespont's  resounding  seas. 
Thus  shall  he  say,  '  A  valiant  Greek  lies  there, 
By  Hector  slain,  the  mighty  man  of  war,' 
The  stone  shall  tell  your  vanquish'd  hero's  name 
And  distant  ages  learn  the  victor's  fame." 

This  fierce  defiance  Greece  astonish'd  heard, 
Blush'd  to  refus2,  and  to  accept  it  fear'd. 
Stern  Menelaus  first  the  silence  broke, 
And,  inly  groaning,  thus  opprobrious  spoke  : 

Mhinian  maid :  Minerva. 


174  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VII. 

"  Women  of  Greece  !   O  scandal  of  your  race, 
Whose  coward  souls  your  manly  form  disgrace, 
How  great  the  shame,  when  every  age  shall  know 
That  not  a  Grecian  met  this  noble  foe  ! 
Go  then  !  resolve  to  earth,  from  whence  ye  grew, 
A  heartless,  spiritless,  inglorious  crew! 
Be  what  ye  seem,  unanimated  clay. 
Myself  will  dare  the  danger  of  the  day  ; 
'Tis  man's  bold  task  the  generous  strife  to  try. 
But  in  the  hands  of  God  is  victory." 

These  words  scarce  spoke,  with  generous  ardor  press'd, 
His  manly  limbs  in  azure  arms  he  dress'd. 
That  day,  Atrides  !  a  superior  hand 
Had  stretch'd  thee  breathless  on  the  hostile  strand ; 
But  all  at  once,  thy  fury  to  compose, 
The  kings  of  Greece,  an  awful  band,  arose  ; 
Even  he  their  chief,  great  Agamemnon,  press'd 
Thy  daring  hxnd,  and  this  advice  address'd  : 
"  Whither.  O  Menelaus  !  wouldst  thou  run, 
And  tempt  a  fate  which  prudence  bids  thee  shun  ? 
Grieved  though  thou  art,  forbear  the  rash  design ; 
Great  Hector's  arm  is  mightier  far  than  thine  : 
Even  fierce  Achilles  learned  its  force  to  fear, 
And  trembling  met  this  dreadful  son  of  war. 
Sit  thou  secure,  amidst  thy  social  band ; 
Greece  in  our  cause  shall  arm  some  powerful  hand. 
The  mightiest  warrior  of  the  Achaian  name, 
Though  bold  and  burning  with  desire  of  fame. 
Content  the  doubtful  honor  might  forego. 
So  great  the  danger,  and  so  brave  the  foe." 

He  said,  and  turn'd  his  brother's  vengeful  mind ; 
He  stoop'd  to  reason,  and  his  rage  resign'd, 
No  longer  bent  to  rush  on  certain  harms  ; 
His  joyful  friends  unbrace  his  azure  arms. 

He  from  whose  lips  divine  persuasion  flows, 
Grave  Nestor,  then,  in  graceful  act  arose  ; 
Thus  to  the  kings  he  spoke  :  "  What  grief,  what  shame 
Attend  on  Greece,  and  all  the  Grecian  name  ! 
How  shall,  alas !  her  hoary  heroes  mourn 
Their  sons  degenerate,  and  their  race  a  scorn  ! 
What  tears  shall  down  thy  silvery  beard  be  roll'd, 
O  Peleus,  old  in  arms,  in  wisdom  old  ! 
Once  with  what  joy  the  generous  prince  would  hear 
Of  every  chief  who  fought  this  glorious  war. 
Participate  their  fame,  and  pleased  inquire 
Each  name,  each  action,  and  eacli  hero's  sire  ! 
Gods  !  should  he  see  our  warriors  trembling  stand, 


Book  VII.]  THE  ILIAD. 

And  trembling  all  before  one  hostile  hand  ; 
How  would  he  lift  his  aged  arms  on  high, 
Lament  inglorious  Greece,  and  beg  to  die ! 
Oh  !  would  to  all  the  immortal  powers  above, 
Minerva,  Peoebus,  and  almighty  Jove  ! 
Years  might  again  roll  back,  my  youth  renew, 
And  give  this  arm  the  spring  whicli  once  it  knew: 
When  fierce  in  war,  where  Jardan's  waters  fall, 
I  led  my  troops  to  Phea's  trembling  wall. 
And  with  the  Arcadian  spears  my  prowess  tried. 
Where  Celadon  rolls  down  his  rapid  tide.* 
There  Ereuthalion  braved  us  in  the  field, 
Proud  Areithous'  dreadful  arms  to  wield  ; 
Great  Areithous,  known  from  shore  to  shore 
By  the  huge,  knotted,  iron  mace  he  bore ; 
No  lance  he  shook,  nor  bent  the  twanging  bow. 
But  broke,  with  this,  the  battle  of  the  foe. 
Him  not  by  manly  force  Lycurgus  slew. 
Whose  guileful  javelin  from  the  thicket  flew, 
Deep  in  a  winding  way  his  breast  assailed. 
Nor  aught  the  warrior's  thundering  mace  avail'd. 
Supine  he  fell  :  those  arms  which  Mars  before 
Had  given  tlie  vanquish'd,  now  the  victor  bore: 
But  when  old  age  had  dimm'd  Lycurgus'  eyes, 
To  Ereuthalion  he  consign'd  the  prize. 
Furious  with  this  he  crush'd  our  levell'd  bands, 
And  dared  the  trial  of  the  strongest  hands  ; 
Nor  could  the  strongest  hands  his  fury  stay : 
All  saw,  and  fear'd,  his  huge  tempestuous  sway 
Till  I,  the  youngest  of  the  host,  appear'd. 
And,  youngest,  met  whom  all  our  army  fear'd. 
I  fought  the  chief:  my  arms  IVIinerva  crown'd: 
Prone  fell  the  giant  o'er  a  length  of  ground. 
What  then  I  was,  O  were  your  Nestor  now ! 
Not  Hector's  self  should  want  an  equal  foe. 
But,  warriors,  you  that  youthful  vigor  boast. 
The  flower  of  Greece,  the  e.xamples  of  our  host. 
Sprung  from  such  fathers,  who  such  numbers  sway, 
Can  you  stand  trembling,  and  desert  the  day  ?  " 
His  warm  reproofs  the  listening  kings  inflame 
And  nine,  the  noblest  of  the  Grecian  name. 
Lip-started  fierce  :  but  far  before  the  rest 
The  king  of  men  advanced  his  dauntless  breast 
Then  bold  Tydides,  great  in  arms,  appear'd  ; 
And  next  his  bulk  gigantic  Ajax  rear'd  ; 


1 7b  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VII. 

Oileus  foUow'd  ;  Idomen  was  there,* 
And  Me-ion,  dreadful  as  the  god  of  war : 
Witli  these  Eurypylus  and  Thoas  stand, 
And  wise  Ulysses  closed  the  daring  band. 
All  these,  alike  inspired  with  noble  rage, 
Demand  the  fight.     To  whom  the  Pylian  sage: 

"  Lest  thirst  of  glory  your  brave  souls  divide, 
What  chief  shall  combat,  let  the  gods  decide. 
Whom  heaven  shall  choose,  be  his  the  chance  to  raise 
His  country's  fame,  his  own  immortal  praise." 

The  lots  produced,  each  hero  signs  his  own  : 
Then  in  the  general's  helm  the  fates  are  thrown, f 
The  people  pray,  with  lifted  eyes  and  hands. 
And  vows  like  these  ascend  from  all  the  bands : 
"  Grant,  thou  Almighty  !  in  whose  hand  is  fate, 
A  worthy  champion  for  the  Grecian  state  : 
This  task  let  Aja.\  or  Tydides  prove. 
Or  he,  the  king  of  kings,  beloved  by  Jove." 
Old  Nestor  shook  the  casque.     By  heaven  inspired, 
Leap'd  forth  the  lot,  of  every  Greek  desired. 
This  from  the  right  to  left  the  herald  bears, 
Held  out  in  order  to  the  Grecian  peers  ; 
Each  to  his  rival  yields  the  mark  unknown. 
Till  godlike  Ajax  finds  the  lot  his  own  ; 
Surveys  the  inscription  with  rejoicing  eyes, 
Then  casts  before  him,  and  with  transport  cries  : 

'•  Warriors  !  I  claim  the  lot,  and  arm  with  joy  ; 
Re  mine  the  conquest  of  this  chief  of  Troy. 
Now  while  my  brightest  arms  my  limbs  invest, 
To  Saturn's  son  be  all  your  vows  address'd  : 
But  pray  in  secret,  lest  the  foes  should  hear. 
And  deem  your  prayers  the  mean  effect  of  fear. 
Said  I  in  secret  ?     No,  your  vows  declare 
In  such  a  voice  as  fills  the  earth  and  air, 
Lives  there  a  chief  whom  Ajax  ought  to  dread? 
Ajax,  in  all  the  toils  of  battle  bred  ! 
From  warlike  Salamis  I  drew  my  birth, 
And,  born  to  combats,  fear  no  force  on  earth." 

He  said.     The  troops  with  elevated  eyes. 
Implore  the  god  whose  thunder  rends  the  skies: 
"  O  father  of  mankind,  superior  lord! 
On  lofty  Ida's  holy  hill  adored  : 
Who  in  the  highest  heaven  has  fix'd  thy  throne. 
Supreme  of  Gods  !  unbounded  and  alone  : 


*  Oi7,i<t,  i.e.  Ainx,  the  son  of  Oileus.in  crmtrodlstinction  to  Aja 
t  In  Hit  general' i  helm.     It  was  customary  t.i  put  the  lots  into 
Ihey  -nere  well  shaken  itd  ;  Mcn  man  then  took  his  choice. 


Boov  VII.]  TUE  /LIAD.  I77 

Grant  tliou,  that  Telamon  may  bear  away 

The  praise  and  conquest  of  this  doubtful  day  ; 

Or,  if  illustrious  Hector  be  thy  care, 

That  both  may  claim  it,  and  that  both  may  share." 

Now  Ajax  braced  liis  dazzling  armor  on; 
Sheathed  in  bright  steel  the  giant-warrior  shone: 
He  moves  to  combat  with  majestic  pace  ; 
So  stalks  in  arms  the  grisly  god  of  Thrace,* 
When  Jove  to  punish  faithless  men  prepares, 
And  gives  whole  nations  to  the  waste  of  wars. 
Thus  march'd  the  chief,  tremendous  as  a  god; 
Grimly  he  smiled;  earth  trembled  as  he  strode  :  f 
His  massy  javelin  quivering  in  his  hand. 
He  stood,  the  bulwark  of  the  Grecian  band. 
Through  every  Argive  heart  new  transport  ran; 
All  Troy  stood  trembling  at  the  mighty  man; 
Even  Hector  paused  ;  and  with  new  doubt  oppress'd. 
Felt  his  great  heart  suspended  in  his  breast; 
'Twas  vain  to  seek  retreat,  and  vain  to  fear  ; 
Himself  had  challenged,  and  the  foe  drew  near. 

Stern  Telamon  behind  his  ample  shield. 
As  from  a  brazen  tower,  o'erlook'd  the  field. 
Huge  was  its  orb,  with  seven  thick  folds  o'ercast. 
Of  tough  bull-hides  ;  of  solid  brass  the  last, 
(The  work  of  Tychius,  who  in  Hylc  dwell'd 
And  in  all  arts  of  armory  excell'd), 
This  Ajax  bore  before  his  manly  breast. 
An  ',  threatening,  thus  his  adverse  chief  address'd: 

"Hector!  approach  my  arm,  and  singly  know 
What  strength  thou  hast,  and  what  the  Grecian  foe. 
Achilles  shuns  the  fight ;  yet  some  there  are, 
Not  void  of  soul,  and  not  ianskill'd  in  war  ; 
Let  him,  unactive  on  the  sea-beat  shore, 
Indulge  his  wrath,  and  aid  our  arms  no  more; 
Whole  troops  of  heroes  Greece  has  yet  to  boast. 
And  sends  thee  one,  a  sample  of  her  host, 
Such  as  I  am,  I  come  to  prove  thy  might ; 
No  more be  sudden,  and  begin  the  fight." 

"  O  son  of  Telamon,  thy  country's  pride  ! 
(To  Ajax  thus  the  Trojan  prince  replied) 


'  Code/  Thrace.     Mars,  or  M.ivors,  according  to  his  Thr; 
Mavortia  Mtrnia." 
\  Grimly  fu-  smiled, 

"And  death 
Grinn'd  horribly,  a  ghastly  smile." — '*  Paradise  Lo* 

"There  Mayors  stands 
Grinning  with  ghastly  feature."— Carey's  Danlc  ;   I 


IjS  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VIL 

Me,  as  a  boy,  or  woman,  wouldst  thou  fright, 
New  to  the 'field,  and  trembhng  at  the  fight? 
Thou  meet'st  a  chief  deserving  of  tliy  arms, 
To  combat  liorn,  and  bred  amidst  alarms: 
I  know  to  shift  my  ground,  remount  the  car, 
Turn,  charge,  and  answer  every  call  of  war; 
To  right,  to  left,  the  dexterous  lance  I  wield, 
And  bear  tliick  battle  on  my  sounding  shield. 
But  open  be  our  fight,  and  bold  each  blow ; 
1  steal  no  conquest  from  a  noble  foe." 

He  said,  and  rising,  high  above  the  field 
Whirl'd  the  long  lance  against  the  sevenfold  sfcield. 
Full  on  the  brass  descending  from  above 
Through  six  b.ill-hides  the  furious  weapon  drove, 
Till  in'the  seventh  it  fix'd.     Then  Ajax  threw  ; 
Through  Hector's  shield  the  forceful  javelin  flew, 
His  corslet  enters,  and  his  garment  rends. 
And  glancing  downwards,  near  his  flank  descends. 
The  wary   Trojan  shrinks,  and  bending  low 

Beneath  his  buckler,  disappo  nt,  the  blow. 

From  their  bored  shields  the  cliiefs  their  javelins  drew, 
Then  close  impetuous,  and  the  charge  renew ; 

Fierce  as  the  mountain-lions  bathed  in  blood. 

Or  foaming  boars,  the  terror  of  the  wood. 

At  Ajax,  Hector  his  long  lance  extends  ; 

The  blunted  point  against  the  buckler  bends; 

But  Ajax,  watchful  as  his  foe  drew  near. 

Drove  through  the  Trojan  targe  the  knotty  spear; 

It  reach'd  his  neck,  with  matchless  strength  impell'd! 

Spouts  the  black  gore,  and  dims  his  shining  shield. 

Yet  ceased  not  Hector  thus  :  but  stooping  down, 

In  his  strong  hand  up-heaved  a  flinty  stone. 

Black,  craggy,  vast :  to  this  his  force  he  bends; 

Full  on  the  brazen  boss  the  stone  descends ; 

The  hollow  brass  resounded  with  the  shock: 

Tlien  Ajax  seized  the  fragment  of  a  rock. 

Applied  each  nerve,  and  swinging  round  on  high, 

With  force  tempestuous,  let  the  ruin  fly  ; 

The  huge  stone  thundering  through  his  buckler  broke: 

His  slacken'd  knees  received  the  numbing  stroke  ; 

Great  Hector  falls  extended  on  the  field. 

His  bulk  supporting  on  the  shatter'd  sjiijid; 

Nor  wanted  heavenly  aid  :  Apollo's  might 

Confirm'd  his  sinews,  and  restored  to  fight. 

And  now  both  heroes  their  broad  falchions  drew: 

In  flaming  circles  round  their  heads  they  flew  ; 

But  then  by  heralds'  voice  the  word  was  given, 


Book  VII  1  JHh  JLIAD.  179 

The  sacred  ministers  of  earth  and  heaven  : 
Divine  Talthybius,  whom  the  Greeks  employ, 
And  sage  Idsus  on  the  part  of  Troy, 
Between  the  swords  their  peaceful  sceptres  rear'd ; 
And  first  Ida;us'  awful  voice  was  heard  : 

"  Forbear,  my  sons  !  your  further  force  to  prove. 
Both  dear  to  men,  and  both  beloved  of  Jove. 
To  either  host  your  matchless  worth  is  known. 
Each  sounds  your  praise,  and  war  is  all  your  own. 
But  now  the  Night  extends  her  awful  shade; 
The  goddess  parts  you ;  be  the  night  obey'd."  * 

To  whom  great  Ajax  his  high  soul  exprcss'd: 
"  O  sage  !  to  Hector  be  these  words  address'd. 
Let  him,  who  first  provoked  our  chiefs  to  fight, 
Let  him  demand  tlie  sanction  of  the  night ; 
If  first  he  ask'd  it,  I  content  obey, 
And  cease  the  strife  when  fiector  shows  the  way." 

"O  first  of  Greeks  !  (his  noble  foe  rejoin'd) 
Whom  heaven  adorns,  superior  to  thy  kind. 
With  strength  of  body,  and  with  wortli  of  mind! 
Now  martial  law  commands  us  to  forbear  ; 
Hereafter  we  shall  meet  in  glorious  war. 
Some  future  day  shall  lengthen  out  the  strife, 
And  let  the  gods  decide  of  death  or  life ! 
Since,  then,  the  night  extends  her  gloomy  shade. 
And  heaven  enjoins  it,  be  the  night  obey'd. 
Return,  brave  Aja.x,  to  tliy  Grecian  friends. 
And  joy  the  nations  whom  thy  arm  defends; 
As  I  shall  glad  each  chief,  and  Trojan  wife. 
Who  wearies  heaven  with  vows  for  Hector's  life. 
But  let  us,  on  this  memorable  day. 
Exchange  some  gift  :  that  Greece  and  Troy  may  say 
'  Not  hate,  but  glory,  made  these  chiefs  contend; 
And  each  brave  foe  was  in  his  soul  a  friend.'" 

With  that,  a  sword  with  stars  of  silver  graced, 
The  baldric  studded,  and  the  sheath  enchased. 
He  gave  the  Greek.     The  generous  Greek  bestow'd 
A  radiant  belt  that  rich  with  purple  glow'd. 
Then  with  majestic  grace  they  quit  the  plain ; 
This  seeks  the  Grecian,  that  the  Phrygian  train. 

The  Trojan  bands  returning  Hector  wait. 
And  hail  with  joy  the  Champion  of  their  state  ; 
Escaped  great  Ajax,  they  survey  him  round, 

•  "  Sete  h  Kuerrieri.  iiicnmincio  Pindoro. 

Con  p.iii  lniL.ui  tli  piiii  ainbd  posseuli, 
Dunqueccsii  la  pugna,  e  noii  siaii  rr.iie 
Le  ragioni,  e  *1  ripobu,  e  de  ia  uullc."— Gier.  Lib.  vi.  51. 


i8o  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VIL 

Alive,  unarm'd,  and  vicrorous  frnm  Iiis  wolind  ; 
To  Troy's  high  gates  the  godlilce  man  they  bear 
Their  present  triumph,  as'their  late  despair. 

But  Ajax,  glorying  in  his  hardy  deed, 
Tlie  well-arm'd  Greeks  to  Agamemnon  lead. 
A  steer  for  sacrifice  the  king  design'd, 
Of  full  five  years,  and  of  the  nobler  kind. 
The  victim  falls  ;  they  strip  the  smoking  hide. 
The  beast  they  quarter,  and  the  joints  divide; 
Then  spread  the  tables,  the  repast  prepare, 
Each  takes  his  seat,  and  each  receives  his  share. 
The  king  himself  (an  honorary  sign) 
Before  great  Ajax  placed  the  mighty  chine.* 
When  now  the  rage  of  hunger  was  removed, 
Nestor,  in  each  persuasive  art  approved. 
The  sage  whose  counsels  long  had  sway'd  the  rest, 
]n  words  like  these  his  prudent  thought  expressed: 

"  How  dear,  O  kings  !  this  fatal  day  has  cost, 
What  Greeks  are  perish'd  !   what  a  people  loso . 
What  tides  of  blood  have  drench'd  Scan.anders  shore  ! 
What  crowds  of  heroes  sunk  \a  rise  no  moie  ! 
Then  hear  nie,  chief !  nor  let  the  morrow's  light 
Awake  thy  squadrons  to  new  toils  of  fight : 
Somt  space  at  least  permit  the  war  to  breathe. 
While  we  to  flames  our  slaughter'd  friends  bequeath, 
From  the  red  field  their  scatter'd  bodies  bear, 
And  nigh  the  fleet  a  funeral  structure  rear; 
So  decent  urns  their  snowy  bones  may  keep. 
And  pious  children  o'er  their  ashes  weep. 
Here,  where  on  one  promiscuous  pile  they  blazed. 
High  o'er  them  all  a  general  tomb  be  raised ; 
Next,  to  secure  our  camp  and  naval  powers. 
Raise  an  embattled  wall,  with  lofty  towers  ; 
From  space  to  space  be  ample  gates  around. 
For  passing  chariots  ;  and  a  trench  piofound. 
So  Greece  to  combat  shall  in  safety  go, 
Nor  fear  the  fierce  incursions  of  the  foe." 
'Twas  thus  the  sage  his  wholesome  cwmsel  moved  j 
The  sceptred  kings  of  Greece  his  words  approved. 

Meanwhile,  convened  at  Priam's  palace-gate. 
The  Trojan  peers  in  nightly  council  sate  ; 
A  senate  void  of  order,  as  of  choice  : 
Their  hearts  were  fearful,  and  confused  their  voice. 

*  It  was  an  ancient  style  nf  compliment  to  Enve  a  larger  portion  o£  fond  to  the  con- 
queror, or  person  to  whom  respect  was  to  be  shown.  See  Vug.  .'&■..  v.ii.  i8i.  Tliua 
BcDjamiD  was  honored  with  a  '*  double  portion."     Gen.  xliii.  34. 


l^ooK  VII.]  THE  ILIAD.  l8 

Antenor,  rising,  llius  demands  Iheir  ear  : 
"  V'e  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  auxiliars,  hear  ■ 
'Tis  heaven  the  counsel  of  my  breast  inspires, 
And  I  but  move  what  every  god  requires  : 
Let  Sparta's  treasures  be  this  hour  restored, 
And  Argive  Helen  own  her  ancient  lord. 
The  ties  of  faith,  the  sworn  alliance,  broke. 
Our  impious  battles  the  just  gods  provoke. 
As  this  advice  ye  practise,  or  reject, 
So  hope  success,  or  dread  the  dire  effect." 

The  senior  spoke  and  sate.     To  whom  replied 
The  graceful  husband  of  the  Spartan  bride  : 
"  Cold  counsels,  Trojan,  may  become  tliy  years. 
But  sound  ungrateful  in  a  warrior's  ears  : 
Old  man,  if  void  of  fallacy  or  art, 
Thy  words  express  the  purpose  of  thy  heart. 
Thou,  in  thy  time,  more  sound  advice  hast  given ; 
But  wisdom  has  its  date,  assign'd  by  heaven. 
Then  hear  me,  princes  of  the  Trojan  name  ! 
Their  treasures  I'll  restore,  but  not  the  dame  ; 
My  treasures  too,  for  peace,  1  will  resign  ; 
But  be  this  bright  possession  ever  mine." 

'Twas  then,  the  growing  discord  to  compose, 
Slow  from  his  seat  the  reverend  Priam  rose : 
His  godlike  aspect  deep  attention  drew  : 
He  paused,  and  these  pacific  words  ensue : 

"  Ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  auxiliar  bands  ! 
Now  take  refreshment  as  the  hour  demands ; 
Guard  well  the  walls,  relieve  the  watch  of  night. 
Till  the  new  sun  restores  the  cheerful  light. 
Then  shall  our  herald,  to  the  Atrides  sent. 
Before  their  ships  proclaim  my  son's  intent. 
Next  let  a  truce  be  ask'd,  that  Troy  may  burn 
Her  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  their  bones  inurn; 
That  done,  once  more  the  fate  of  war  be  tried, 
And  whose  tlie  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide  !  " 

The  monarch  spoke  :  the  warriors  snatch'd  with  haste 
(Each  at  his  post  in  arms)  a  short  repast. 
Soon  as  the  rosy  morn  had  waked  the  day, 
To  the  black  ships  Idaeus  bent  his  way; 
There,  to  tlie  sons  of  Mars,  in  council  found, 
He  raised  his  voice:  the  host  stood  listening  round. 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  Greeks,  give  ear ! 
The  words  of  Troy,  and  Troy's  great  monarch,  hear. 
I'leased  may  ye  hear  (so  heaven  succeed  my  prayers) 
What  Paris,  author  of  the  war,  declares. 
The  spoils  and  treasures  he  to  Ilion  bore 


1^2  THE  ILIAD.  [WouK  VIL 

(Oh  had  he  pcrish'd  ere  they  touch'd  our  shore  !) 
He  proffers  injured  Greece  :  with  large  increase 
Of  added  Trojan  wealth  to  buy  tlie  peace. 
But  to  restore  the  beauteous  bride  again, 
This  Greece  demands,  and  Troy  requests  in  vain. 
Next,  O  ye  chiefs  !  w-e  ask  a  truce  to  burn 
Our  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  their  bones  inurn. 
That  done,  once  more  the  fate  of  war  be  tried, 
And  whose  the  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide  ! " 

Tlie  Greeks  gave  ear,  but  none  the  sdence  broke ; 
At  length  Aydides  rose,  and  rising  spoke  : 
"  Oh,  take  not,  friends  !  defrauded  of  your  fame, 
Their  proffer'd  wealth,  nor  even  the  Spartan  dame. 
Let  conquest  make  them  ours  :  fate  shakes  their  wall. 
And  Troy  already  totters  to  her  fall." 

The  admiring  chiefs,  and  all  tlie  Grecian  name, 
With  general  shouts  return'd  him  loud  acclaim. 
Then  thus  the  king  of  kings  rejects  the  peace: 
"Herald  !  in  him  thou  hear'st  the  voice  of  Greece 
For  what  remains  ;  let  funeral  flames  be  fed 
With  heroes'  corps  :   I  war  not  willi  the  dead  : 
Go  search  your  slaughter'd  chiefs  on  yonder  plain, 
And  gratify  the  manes  of  the  slain. 
Be  witness,  Jove,  whose  thunder  rolls  on  high!" 
He  said,  and  rear'd  his  sceptre  to  the  sky. 

To  sacred  Troy,  wliere  all  her  princes  lay 
■    To  wait  the  event,  ihe  herald  bent  his  way. 
He  came,  and  standing  in  the  midst,  explain'd 
The  peace  rejected,  but  tlie  truce  obtain'd. 
Straight  to  their  several  cares  the  Trojans  move, 
Some  search  the  plains,  some  fell  the  sounding  grove : 
Nor  less  the  Greeks,  descending  on  the  shore, 
Hew'd  the  green  forests,  and  the  bodies  bore. 
And  now  from  forth  the  chambers  of  the  main. 
To  slied  his  sacred  light  on  earth  again, 
Arose  the  golden  chariot  of  the  day, 
And  tipp'd  the  mountains  with  a  purple  ray. 
In  mingled  throngs  the  Greek  and  Trojan  train 
Through  heaps  of  carnage  search'd  the  mournful  plain. 
Scarce  could  the  friend  his  slaughter'd  friend  explore, 
With  dust  dishonor'd,  and  deformed  with  gore. 
The  wounds  they  wash'd,  their  pious  tears  they  shed, 
And,  laid  along  their  cars,  deplored  the  dead. 
Sage  Priam  check'd  their  grief:  with  silent  haste 
The  bodies  decent  on  tlie  piles  were  placed : 
With  melting  hearts  the  cold  remains  they  burn'd. 
And,  sadly  slow,  to  sacred  Ixoj  return'd. 


Book  VII]  THE  ILIAD. 


Nor  less  the  Greeks  their  pious  sorrows  shed, 
And  decent  on  the  pile  dispose  the  dead ; 
The  cold  remains  consume  uitli  equal  care  ; 
And  slowly,  sadly,  to  their  fleet  repair. 
Now,  ere  the  morn  had  streak'd  with  reddening  light 
The  doubtful  confines  of  the  day  and  night, 
About  the  dying  flames  the  Greeks  appear'd, 
And  round  the  pile  a  general  tomb  they  rear'd. 
Tlien,  to  secure  the  camp  and  naval  powers. 
They  raised  embattled  walls  with  lofty  towers  :  * 
From  space  to  spase  were  ample  gates  around. 
For  passing  chariots,  and  a  trench  profound 
Of  large  extent ;  and  deep  in  earth  below, 
Strong  piles  infix'd  stood  adverse  to  the  foe. 

So  toil'd  tlie  Greeks  :  meanwhile  the  gods  above. 
In  sliining  circle  round  their  father  Jove, 
Amazed  beheld  the  wondrous  works  of  man  : 
Then  he,  wliose  trident  shakes  the  earth,  began  : 

"  Whfit  mortals  henceforth  shall  our  power  adore. 
Our  fanes  frequent,  our  oracles  implore, 
If  the  proud  Grecians  thus  successful  boast 
Their  rising  bulwarks  on  the  sea-beat  coast? 
See  the  long  walls  extending  to  the  main, 
No  god  consulted,  and  no  victim  slain  ! 
Their  fame  shall  fill  the  world's  remotest  end% 
Wide  as  the  morn  her  golden  beam  extends  ; 
While  old  Laoniedon's  divine  abodes, 
Those  radiant  structures  raised  by  laboring  gods. 
Shall,  razed  and  lost,  in  long  oblivion  sleep." 
Thus  spoke  tlie  lioary  monarch  of  the  deep. 

The  almighty  Thunderer  with  a  frown  replies, 
That  clouds  the  world,  and  lilackens  half  the  skies  : 
"  Strong  god  of  ocean  !  thou,  whose  rage  can  make 
The  solid  earth's  eternal  basis  shake  ! 
What  cause  of  fear  from  mortal  works  could  move  f 

t  Embattled -Jialls.  "  Another  essential  basis  of  mechanical  unity  in  the  poem  is 
»le  construction  of  the  rampart.  This  takes  place  in  llie  seventh  book.  The  reason 
iscribed  for  the  filarmg  improbability  that  the  Greeks  should  have  left  their  camp  and 
fleet  unfortified  dunng  nine  years  in  the  midst  of  a  hostile  country,  is  a  purely  poetical 
one :  '  So  long  as  Achilles  fought,  the  terror  of  his  name  sufficed  to  keep  every  foe  at 
a  distance.  The  disasters  consequent  on  his  secession  first  led  to  the  necessity  ol 
other  means  of  protection.  Accordingly,  in  the  battles  previous  to  the  eighth  book, 
no  allusion  occurs  to  a  rampart ;  in  all  those  which  follow  it  forms  a  prominent  feature. 
Here,  then,  in  the  anomaly  as  in  the  propriety  of  the  lli.id,  ihe  destiny  of  Achilles,  or 
rather  this  necuhar  crisis  of  it,  forms  the  pervading  bond  of  connection  to  the  whola 

•  li-luUiausi0//r„r,&Q. 

"  Siest  thou  not  this?  or  do  we  fear  in  vain 
Thy  boasted  thunders,  and  thy  thoughtless  reitm  ?  " 

Dryden's  Virgil,  iv.  304. 


l»4  THE  ILIAD.  IBook  VIL 

The  meanest  subject  of  our  realms  above  ? 

Where'er  the  sun's  refulgent  rajs  are  cast, 

Thy  power  is  honor'd,  and  thy  fame  shall  last. 

But  yon  jsroud  work  no  future  age  shall  view. 

No  trace  remain  where  once  the  glory  grew. 

The  sapp'd  foundations  by  thy  force  shall  fall, 

And,  whelm'd  beneath  thy  waves,  drop  the  huge  wall  : 

'Vast  drifts  of  sand  shall  change  the  former  shore  : 

The  ruin  vanish'd,  and  the  name  no  more." 

Thus  they  in  heaven  :  while,  o'er  the  Grecian  train, 
Tlie  rolling  sun  descending  to  the  main 
Beheld  the  finish  d  work.     Their  bulls  they  slew; 
Black  from  their  tents  tlie  savory  vapor  flew. 
And  now  the  fleet,  arrived  from  Lemnos'  strands. 
With  Bacchus'  blessings  cheered  the  generous  bands. 
Of  fragrant  wines  the  rich  Eunaeus  sent 
A  thousand  measures  to  the  royal  tent. 
(Eun<xus,  whom  Hypsipyle  of  yore 
To  Jason,  shepherd  of  his  people,  bore). 
Tlie  rest  they  purchased  at  their  proper  cost, 
And  well  the  plenteous  freight  supplied  the  host: 
Each,  in  exchange,  proportion'd  treasures  gave  ;* 
Some,  brass  or  iron  ;  some,  an  o.x,  or  slave. 
All  night  they  feast,  the  Greek  and  Trojan  powers: 
Those  on  the  fields,  and  these  within  their  towers. 
But  Jove  averse  the  signs  of  wrath  display'd. 
And  shot  red  lightnings  through  the  gloomy  shade  : 
Hiiml.)lcd  they  stood;  pale  horror  seized  on  all. 
While  the  deep  thunder  shook  the  aerian  hall. 
Eacli  pour'd  to  Jove  before  the  bowl  was  crown'd; 
And  large  libations  drench'd  the  thirsty  ground  ; 
Then  late,  refresli'd  with  sleep  from  toils  of  fight, 
Enjoy'd  the  balmy  blessings  of  the  night. 

*  In  exchavge.     These   lines  are  referred  to  by  Theophiltis,  the  Roman  lawyer, 
ft.  tit.  xxiii.  %  I,  as  exhibiting  the  most  ancient  mention  of  barter. 


Book  VIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  I^S 


BOOK  VIII. 


ARGUMENT. 

THB  SECOND   BATTLE,    AND  THH  DISTRESS  OF  THE  GRKBKS. 

Jupitfr  .i^semblcs  a  council  of  the  deities,  and  threatejis  them  with  the  pain";  rf  Tar- 
tdius  if  they  .issist  either  side:  Minerva  only  obtains  of  him  ihit  h.-  mn-ln.ri 
the  Greeks  by  her  counsels.     The'aTniies  join  battle  :  Jupiter  on  M     i    it        ■.-      hs 

in  his  balances  the  fates  of  both,  and  affrights  the  Greeks  witli  I        ' 1 

hehlmnes.     Nestor  alone  continnes  in  tlie  field  in  great  dangei  :    I  h    v>.s 

hfm:  whose  exploits,  and  those  of  Hector,  are  excellently  des^nb....  J, en- 
deavors to  animate  Neptune  to  the  assistance  of  the  Greeks,  but  in  vani.  llie 
acts  of  Teucer,  who  is  at  length  wounded  by  Hector,  and  carried  off.  funo  and 
Minerva  prepare  to  aid  the  Grecians,  but  are  restrained  by  Iris,  sent  from  Jupiter. 
The  night  puts  an  end  to  the  battle.  Hector  coi  tinues  in  the  field  (t'-.e  Greeks 
being  driven  to  their  fortifications  before  the  ships),  and  gives  orders  to  keep  the 
watcli  all  night  in  the  camp,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  re-embarking  and  escaping' 
by  flight.  They  kindle  fires  through  all  the  fields,  and  pass  the  night  under  ,ivins. 
The  time  of  seven  and  twenty  days  is  employed  fioni  the  opening  of  the  pm  m 
to  the  end  of  this  book.  The  scene  here  (except  of  the  celestial  uiachmes)  lies  in 
tlie  field  towards  the  seashore. 

Aurora  now,  fair  d.iugliter  of  the  dawn, 

Sprinklt^d  with  rosy  light  the  dewy  lawn;  _  , 

When  Jove  convened  the  senate  of  the  skies,]  ' 

Where  high  Olympus'  cloudy  tops  arise. 

The  sire  of  gods  his  awful  silence  broke  ; 

The  heavens  attentive  trembled  as  he  spoke :  *         i 

"Celestial  states  !  immortal  gods!  give  ear, 
Hear  our  decree,  and  reverence  what  ye  hear; 
The  fi.x'd  decree  whicli  not  all  heaven  can  move; 
Thou,  fate!  fulfil  it  !  and,  ye  powers,  approve!     j 
What  god  but  enters  yon  forbidden  field, 
Who  yields  assistance,  or  but  wills  to  yield, 
Back  to  the  skies  with  shame  he  shall  be  driven, 
Gash'd  with  dishonest  wounds,  the  scorn  of  heaven:  14 

•  "A  similar  bond  of  connection,  in  the  military  details  of  the  narrative,  is  the 
decree  issued  by  Jupiter,  at  the  commencement  of  the  eighth  book,  against  any  inrther 
interference  of  the  gods  in  the  battles.  In  the  opening  of  the  twentieth  book  tins 
interdict  is  withdrawn.  During  the  twelve  intermediate  books  it  is  kept  steadily  in 
view.  No  interposition  takes  place  but  on  the  part  of  the  specially  authorized  agents 
of  jove,  or  on  that  of  one  or  two  contumacious  deitie's,  described  as  boldly  setting  his 
commands  at  defiance,  but  checked  and  reprimanded  for  their  disobedience  ,  while 
the  other  divine  warriors,  who  in  the  previous  and  subsequent  cantos  are  so  active  m 
support  of  their  favorite  heroes,  repeatedly  allude  to  the  supreme  edict  as  the  ciuse  ol 
their  present  in.ici  Tiiy."— Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  257-  See,  however,  MtUler,  "  Greek  Ijt- 
•atixre,"  ch.  v.  §  6,  and  Grote,  voL  ii.  p.  z&z. 


iSO  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VIII. 

Or  far,  oh  far,  from  sleep  Olympus  tlv.own, 

Low  in  the  dark  Tartarean  gulf  shall  groan,  _   ,. .    -. 

With  burning  chains  fix'd  to  the  brazen  floors,       ^y^ 

And  lock'd  by  hell's  inexorable  doors;  "vfi  \jJ.K\' 

As  deep  beneath  the  infernal  centre  hurl'd,*      -   "  "    'I  ■'", 

As  from  that  centre  to  the  ethereal  world.  /\  pOAft''' 

Let  him  who  tempts  me,  dread  those  dire  abodes  tjij-h  C (;^.:7 

And  know,  the  Almighty  is  the  god  of  gods. 

League  all  your  forces,  then,  ye  powers  above. 

Join  all,  and  try  the  omnipotence  of  Jove. 

Let  down  our  golden  everlasting  chain  f 

Whose  strong  emlirace  holds  heaven,  and  earth,  and  maift 

Strive  all,  of  mortal  and  immortal  birth. 

To  dr.ag,  by  this,  the  Thunderer  down  to  earth  : 

Ye  strive  in  vain!  if  I  but  stretch  this  hand, 

I  heave  the  gods,  the  ocean,  and  the  land ; 

1  fix  the  chain  to  great  Olympus'  height. 

And  the  vast  world  hangs  trembling  in  my  sight ! 

For  such  I  reign,  unbounded  and  above  ; 

And  such  are  men,  and  gods,  compared  to  Jove." 

The  all-mighty  spoke,  nor  durst  the  powers  reply: 
A  reverend  horror  silencd  all  the  sky  ; 
Trembling  they  stood  before  their  sovereign's  look; 
At  length  his  best-beloved,  the  power  of  wisdom,  spoke: 

"O  first  and  greatest !   God,  by  gods  adored  1 
■;■::  We  own  thy  might,  our  father  and  our  lord  ! 
But,  ah  !  permit  to  pity  human  state  : 
If  not  to  help,  at  least  lament  their  f.ate. 
From  fields  forbidden  we  submiss  refrain, 
With  arms  unaiding  mourn  our  Argives  slain ; 
Yet  grant  my  counsels  still  their  breasts  may  move. 
Or  all  must  perish  in  the  wrath  of  Jove." 

The  cloud-compelling  god  her  suit  approved, 
,  And  smiled  superior  on  his  best  beloved ; 

•  "  As  far  removed  from  Gnd  and  lisht  of  heaven. 

As  from  the  centre  thrice  to  th'  utmost  pole."—"  Paradise  Lost.** 
**  E  qtianto  6  da  le  stelle  al  basso  inferno, 
Tanto  h  piu  in  si  de  la  stellata  spera." — Gier.  Lib.  i.  7. 
"  Some  of  the  epithets  which  Homer  apphes  to  the  heavens  seem  to  imply  that  he 
considered  it  as  a  solid  vault   of  metal.      But  it   is  not  necessary  to  construe  these 
epithets  so  literally,  nor  to  draw  any  such  inference  from  his  description  of  Atlas,  who 
holds  the  lofty  pillars  which  keep' earth   and  lieaven  asunder.     Vet  it  would  seem, 
from  the  manner  in  which  the  height  of  heaven  is  compared  with  the  depth  of  Tai* 
tirus,  that  the  region  of  light  was  thought  to  have  certain  bounds.     The  summit  oi 
the  Thessalian  Olvnipus  was  regarded  as  the  highest  point  on  the  earth,  and  it  is  not 
always  carefully  distinguished  from  the  aerian  regions  above.     The  idea  of  a  seat  of 
the  gods— perhaps  derived  from  a  more  ancient  tradition,  in  which  it  was  not  attached 
to  any  geographical  site— seems  tn  be   indistinctly  blended  in   the  poet's  miud  witk 
tnat  oi  the  real  aiountam."— Thirlw.ill's  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  217,  sq. 
t  **  Now  Lately  heav'n,  earth,  another  world 

Hung  o'er  my  realm,  linkVI  in  a  golden  chain 

To  that  Side  heav'n."—**  i*axiilise  Lost."  li-  1004. 


tiooK  Vni.1  THE  ILTAD.  187 

Then  call'd  his  coursers,  and  his  chariot  took  ; 
The  stedfast  firmament  beneath  them  shook:  ' 
Rapt  by  the  ethereal  steeds  the  chariot  roU'd ; 
Brass  were  their  hoofs,  their  curling  manes'  of  gold : 
Of  heaven's  undrossy  gold  the  gods  array, 
Refulgent,  flash 'd  intolerable  day. 
High  on  the  throne  he  shines  :  his  coursers  fly_^ 
Between  the  extended  earth  and  starry  sky. 
But  when  to  Jj^ia's  topmost  height  he  came, 
(Fair  nurse  of  fountains,  and  of  savage  game,) 
Where  o'er  her  pointed  summits  proudly  raised, 
His  fane  breathed  odors,  and  his  altar  blazed  ■.\-r, 
There,  from  his  radiant  car,  the  sacred  sire  ^ 
Of  gods  and  men  released  the  steeds  of  fire  : 
Blue  ambient  mists  the  immortal  steeds  embraced; 
High  on  the  cloudy  point  his  seat  he  placed  ; 
Thence  his  broad  eye  the  subject  world  surveys,'/'' 
The  town,  and  tents,  and  navigable  seas. 

Now  had  the  Grecians  snatch'd  a  short  repastj     ■  ^  • 
And  buckled  on  their  shining  arms  with  haste. 
Troy  rou.sed  as  soon;  for  on  tliis  dreadful  day      'V. 
The  fate  of  fathers,  wives,  and  infants  lay.   .  .^•' 

The  gates  unfolding  pour  forth  all  their  train;.,' 
Squadrons  on  squadrons  cloud  the  dusky  plain  . 
Men,  steeds,  and  chariots  shake  the  tremliling  ground:  ,:' 
The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  skies  resound; 
And  now  with  shouts  the  shocking  armies  closed, ' ' 
To  lances  lances,  shields  to  sliiekls  opposed. 
Host  against  host  with  shadowy  legends  drew, 
The  sounding  darts  in  iron  tempests  flew; 
Victors  and  vanquish'd  join  promiscuous  cries, 
Triumphant  shouts  and  dying  groans  arise ;  ■ 
With  streaming  blood  the  slippery  fields  are  dyed, 
And  slaoghter'd  heroes  swell  tlie  dreadful  tide. 
Long  as  the  morning;  beams,  increasing  bright,       i 
O'er  heaven's  cleai  azure  spread  the  sacred  light,.y 
Commutual  death  the  fate  of  war  confounds,  "" 

Kach  adverse  battle  gored  with  equal  wounds. 
But  when  the  sun  the  height  of  heaven  ascends, 
The  sire  of  gods  his  golden  scales  suspends,* 

•  His  golden  scalfs. 

"Jove  now,  sole  arbiter  of  peace  and  war, 
Held  foi  111  the  fatal  balance  from  afar ; 
Eacli  host  he  .veighs  ;  by  turns  they  both  prevail, 
Till  Troy  descending  fix'd  the  doubtful  scale." 

IVlerrick's  Tryphiodorus,  v.  687,  sqq. 

"  Oh'  Eternal,  to  prevent  such  horrid  fray, 
Hune  forth  in  heav'n  hi^  i...ldei.  s/-al^«. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VITT. 

With  equal  hand:  in  these  explored  the  fate 

Of  Greece  and  Troy,  ani  poised  the  mighty  weight: 

Press'd  with  its  load,  the  Grecian  balance  lies 

Low  sunk  on  earth,  the  Irojan  strikes  the  skies. 

Then  Jove  from  Ida's  top  his  horrors  spreads; 

The  clouds  burst  dreadful  o'er  the  Grecian  heads ; 

Thick  lightnings  flash  ;  the  muttering  thunder  rolls; 

Their  strength  he  withers,  tnd  unmans  their  soijls.    ' 

Before  his  wrath  the  trembli.ig  hosts  retire  ; 

The  gods  in  terrors,  and  the  skies  on  fire. 

Nor  great  Idomencus  that  sight  could  bear, 

Nor  each  stern  Ajax,  thunderbolts  of  war: 

Nor  he,  the  king  of  war,  the  alarm  sustain'd 

Ni  stor  alone,  amidst  the  storm  remain'd. 

Unwilling  he  remain'd,  for  Paris'  dart 

Had  pierced  his  courser  in  a  mortal  part  ; 

Fix'd  in  the  forehead,  where  the  springing  man 

Curl'd  o'er  the  brow,  it  stung  him  to  the  brain; 

Mad  with  his  anguish,  he  begins  to  rear, 

Paw  with  his  hoofs  aloft,  and  lash  the  air. 

Scarce  had  his  falchion  cut  the  reins,  and  freed 

The  encumber'd  chariot  from  the  dying  steed. 

When  dreadful  Hector,  thundering  through  the  war, 

Pour'd  to  the  tumult  on  his  whirling  car. 

That  day  liad  stretch'd  beneath  his  matchless  hand 

The  hoary  monarch  of  the  Pylian  band, 
But  Diomed  beheld  ;  from  forth  the  crowd 
He  rush'd,  and  on  Ulysses  call'd  aloud 

"  Whither,  oh  whither  does  Ulysses  run  ? 
Oh,  flight  unworthy  great  Laertes'  son  ! 
Mix'd  with  tlie  vulgar  shall  thy  fate  be  found. 
Pierced  in  the  back,  a  vile,  dishonest  wound  ? 
Oh  turn  and  save  from  Hector's  direful  rage 
The  glory  of  the  Greeks,  the  Pylian  sage." 
His  fruitless  words  are  lost  unheard  in  air, 
Ulysses  seeks  the  ships,  and  shelters  diere. 

■  But  bold  Tydides  to  the  rescue  goes, 
A  single  warrior  midst  a  host  of  foes  ;_ 
Before  the  coursers  with  a  sudden  spring 
He  leap'd,  and  anxious  thus  bespoke  the  king: 
"  Great  perils,  father  !  wait  the  unequal  fight ; 


Wherein  all  things  created  first  he  weighed  ; 

The  pendulous  round  earth,  witli  bilanced  air 

In  counterpoise  ;  now  ponders  all  events. 

Battles  and  realms.     In  these  he  puts  two  weights, 

The  sequel  each  of  parting  and  of  fight : 

The  latter  quick  up  flow,  and  kick'd  the  beam." 

**  Paradise  Los 


I30OK  Vlir.]  THE  ILIAD.  189 

These  younger  champions  will  oppress  thy  might  ^  '  -■ 

Thy  veins  no  more  with  ancient  vigor  gTow7  , 

Weak  is  thy  servant,  and  thy  coursers  slow. 

Then  haste,  ascend  my  seat,'  and  from  the  car 

Observe  the  steeds  ofTros,  renown'd  in  war,^ 

Practised  alike  to  turn,  to  stop,  to  chase,  \^'^ 

To  dare  the  fight,  or  urge  the  rapid  race : 

These  late  obey'd  ^Eneas'  guiding  rein  ; 

Leave  thou  thy  chariot  to  our  faithful  train; 

With  these  against  yon  Trojans  will  we  go, 

Kor  shall  great  Hector  want  an  equal  foe  ; 

Fierce  as  he  is,  even  he  may  learn  to  fear 

The  thirsty  fury  of  my  flying  spear." 

Thus  said  the  chief  ;  and  Nestor,  skill'd  in  war, 
Approves  his  counsel,  and  ascends  the  car  : 
The  steeds  he  left,  their  trusty  servants  hold;'' 
Eurvmedon,  and  Sthenelus  the  bold  : 
The' reverend  charioteer  directs  the  course, 
And  strains  his  aged  arm  to  lash  the  horse. 
Hector  they  face  ;  unknowing  how  to  fear, 
Fierce  he  drove  on;  Tydides  whiil'd  his  spear, >'■] 
The  spear  with  erring  haste  mistook  its  way, 
But  plunged  in  Enio(  eus'  bosom  lay. 
His  opening  hand  ii   death  forsakes  the  rein  ; 
The  steeds  fly  back  ;  he  falls,  and  spurns  the  plain. 
Great  Hector  sorrows  for  his  servant  kiU'd,     ' 
Yet  unrevenged  permits  to  press  the  field  ; 
Till,  to  supply  his  place  and  rule  the  car. 
Rose  Archeptolemus,  the  fierce  in  war. 
And  now  had  death  and  horror  cover'd  all ;  * 
Like  timorous  flocks  the  Trojans  in  their  wall'~ 
Inclosed  had  bled:  but  Jove  with  awful  sound 
Roll'd  the  big  thunder  o'er  the  vast  profound: 
Full  in  Tydicles'  face  the  lightning  flew  ; 
The  ground  before  him  flamed  widi  sulpliur  blue ; 
The  quivering  steeds  fell  prostrate  at  the  sight ; 
And  Nestor's  trembling  hand  confessed  his  fright: 
He  dropp'd  the  reins  ;  and,  shook  with  sacred  dread, 
Thus,  turning,  warn'd  the  intrepid  Diomed  : 

"  O  cliief  !  too  daring  in  thy  friend's  defence        '    . 
Retire  advised,  and  urge  the  cliariot  hence,  -j 
ITliis  day,  averse,  the  sovereign  of  the  skies 


'  And  now 

all  heaven 

k,  wilh  ru 

11  overspread  ; 

ghly  Falli 

foreseen 

."  -"  f.uadise 

igo  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VIIL 

-     '  Assists  great  Hector  and  our  palm  denies. 
Some  other  son  may  see  the  happier  hour, 
Whe    Grece  shall  conquer  by  his  heavenly  power. 
'Tis  not  ill  man  his  fix'd  decree  to  move  : 
The  great  will  glory  to  submit  to  Jove." 

"  O  reverend  prince  !  (Tydides  thus  replies) 
Thy  years  are  avvfi'.l,  and  thy  words  arc  wise. 
But  ah,  what  griet !  should  haughty  Hector  boast 
I  fled  inglorious  to  the  guarded  coast. 
Before  that  dire  disgrace  shall  blast  my  fame, 
O'erwhelm  me,  eartli ;  and  hide  a  warrior's  shame  !  " 
To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  :* 
"  Gods  !  can  thy  courage  fear  the  Phrygian's  pride  ? 
Hector  may  vaunt,  but'who  shall  heed  tlie  boast  ? 
Nut  those  who  felt  thy  arm,  the  Dardan  host, 
Nor  Troy,  yet  bleeding  in  her  heroes  lost ; 
Not  even  a  Phrygian  dame,  who  dreads  the  sword 
That  laid  in  dust  her  loved,  lamented  lord." 
He  said,  and,  hasty,  o'er  the  gasping  throng 
Drives  the  swift  steeds  :  the  chariot  smokes  along; 
The  shouts  of  'I'rojans  thicken  in  the  wind  ; 
The  storm  of  hissing  javelins  pours  behind. 
Then  with  a  voice  that  shakes  the  solid  s!;ies, 
Pleased,  Hector  braves  the  warrior  as  he  flies. 
"  Go,  mighty  hero  !  graced  above  the  r:st 
In  scats  of  council  and  the  sumptuous  feast :  _ 
Now  hope  no  more  those  honors  from  thy  train; 
Go  less  than  women,  in  the  form  of  man ! 
'J'o  scale  our  walls,  to  wrap  our  towers  in  flames. 
To  lead  in  exile  the  fair  Phrygian  dames. 
Thy  once  proud  hopes,  presumptuous  prince  !  are  fled; 
This  arm  shall  reach  thy  heart,  and  stretch  thee  dead." 

Now  fears  dissuade  him,  and  now  hopes  invite, 
To  stop  his  coursers,  and  to  stand  the  light; 
Thrice  turn'd  the  chief,  and  thrice  imperial  Jove 
On  Ida's  summits  thunder'd  from  above. 
Great  Hector  heard  ;  he  saw  the  flashing  light, 
(The  sign  of  conquest,)  and  thus  urged  the  fight 

"  Hea'r.  every  Trojan,  Lycian,  Dardan  band, 
All  famed  in  war,  and  dreadful  hand  to  hand. 
Be  mindful  of  the  wreaths  your  arms  have  won, 
Your  great  forefath^.rs'  glories,  and  your  own. 
Heard  ye  the   'oice  ol  Jove  ?     Success  and  fame 
Await  on  Tro  .      n  Greece  eternal  shame. 


:  epithet  Grenian  eitlier  refers  M  the  nam 
^■ci.  ur  merely  signifies  lionored,  revered. 


Book  VIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  191 

In  vain  they  skulk  behind  their  boasted  wall, 

Weak  bulwarks  ;  destined  by  this  arm  to  fall. 

High  o'er  tlieir  sliglited  trencli  our  steeds  shall  bound. 

And  pass  victorious  o'er  the  levell'd  mound. 

Soon  as  before  yon  hollow  ships  we  stand, 

Fight  each  with  flames,  and  toss  the  blazing  brand; 

Till,  their  proud  navy  wrapt  in  smoke  and  fires, 

All  Greece,  encompass'd,  in  one  blaze  expires." 

Furious  he  said  ;  then  bending  o'er  the  yoke, 
Encourage'^  his  proud  steeds,  while  thus  he  spoke: 

"  Now,  Aanthus,  /Ethon,  Lampus,  urge  the  chase, 
And  thou,  Podargus  !  prove  thy  generous  race  ; 
Be  fleet,  be  fearless,  this  important  day. 
And  all  your  master's  well-spent  care  repay. 
For  this,  high-fed,  in  plenteous  stalls  ye  stand, 
Served  with  pure  wheat,  and  by  a  princess'  hand ; 
P'or  this  my  spouse,  of  great  Action's  line, 
So  oft  has  steep'd  the  strengthening  grain  in  wine. 
Now  swift  pursue,  now  thunder  uncontroll'd  : 
Give  me  to  seize  rich  Nestor'_S-ihield  of  gold  ; 
From  Tydeus'  shoulders  strip  the  costly  load, 
Vulcanian  arms,  the  labor  of  a  god  : 
These  if  we  gain,  then  victory,  ye  powers! 
This  night,  this  glorious  night,  the  fleet  is  ours  .  '* 

That  heard,  deep  anguish  slung  Saturnia's  soul; 
She  shook  her  throne, "that  shook  the  starry  pole: 
And  thus  to  Neptune  :  "  Thou,  whose  force  can  mak» 
The  stedfast  earth  from  her  foundations  shake, 
Seest  thou  the  Greeks  by  fates  unjust  oppress'd, 
Nor  swells  thv  heart  in  that  immortal  breast? 
Yet  /Egae,  He'lice,  thy  power  obey,* 
And  gifts  unceasing  on  thine  altars  lay. 
Would  all  the  deities  of  Greece  combine, 
In  vain  iije  gloomy  Thunderer  might  repine  : 
Sole  should  he  sit,  with  scarce  a  god  to  friend, 
And  see  his  Trojans  to  the  shades  descend  : 
Such,  be  the  scene  from  his  Ida^an  bower; 
Ungrateful  prospect  to  the  sullen  power!  " 

Neptune  with  wrath  rejects  the  rash  design  .• 
"  What  rage,  what  madness,  furious  queen  !  is  thine? 
1  war  not  with  the  highest.     All  above 
Submit  and  tremljle  at  the  hand  of  Jove." 

Now  godlike  Hector,  to  whose  matchless  might 
Jove  gave  the  glory  of  the  destined  fight, 
Squadrons  on  squadrons  drives,  and  fills  the  fields 


*  jEsa^Helici*    Both  these  towosnrere  coDspicuousfortheirworshipof  Neptiiia«» 


192  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VIII 

With  close-ranged  chariots,  and  with  thicken'd  shields. 

Where  the  deep  trench  in  length  extended  lay, 

Compacted  troops  stand  wedged  in  firm  array, 

A  dreadful  front  !  they  shake  the  brands,  and  threat 

With  long-destroying  flames  the  hostile  fleet. 

The  king  of  men,  bv  Juno's  self  inspired, 

ToiTd  through  the  tents,  and  all  his  army  fired. 

Swift  as  he  moved,  he  lifted  in  his  hand 

His  purple  robe,  bright  ensign  of  command. 

High  on  the  midmost  bark  thejcing  appeafj  : 

There,  from  Ulysses'  deck,  his  voice  was  heard: 

To  Ajax  and  Achilles  reach'd  the  sound, 

Whose  distant  ships  the  guarded  navy  bound. 

"O  Argives  !  shame  of  human  race  !  (he  cried: 

The  hollow  vessels  to  his  voice  replied,) 

Where  now  are  all  your  glorious  boasts  of  yore, 

Your  hasty  triumphs  on  the  Lemnian  shore  .'' 

Each  fearless  hero  dares  a  hundred  foes. 

While  the  feast  lasts,  and  while  the  goblet  flows; 

But  who  to  meet  one  martial  man  is  found. 

When  the  fight  rages,  and  the  flames  surround? 

O  miglity  Jove  !  O  sire  of  the  distress'd  ! 

Was  ever  king  like  me,  like  me  oppress'd  ? 

With  power  immense,  with  justice  arm'd  in  vain; 

My  glory  ravish'd,  and  my  people  slain  ! 

To  tliee  my  vows  were  breathed  from  every  shore ; 

What  altar  smoked  not  with  our  victims'  gore  .'' 

With  fat  of  bulls  I  fed  the  constant  flame, 

And  ask'd  destruction  to  the  Trojan  name. 

Now,  gracious  god  !  far  humbler  our  demand ; 

Give  these  at  le.ast  to  'scape  from  Hector's  hand, 

And  save  the  relics  of  tlie  Grecian  land  !  " 

Thus  pray'd  the  king,  and  heaven's  great  father  heard 
His  vows,  in  bitterness  of  soul  preferr'd  ; 
The  wrath  appeased,  by  happy  signs  declares. 
And  gives  the  people  to  their  monarch's  prayers. 
His  eagle,  sacred  bird  of  heaven  !  he  sent, 
A  fawn  his  talons  truss'd,  (divine  portent  !) 
High  o'er  the  wondering  hosts  he  soar'd  above, 
Who  paid  their  vows  to  Panomphrean  Jove  ; 
Then  let  tlie  prey  before  his  altar  fall ; 
The  Greeks  beheld,  and  transport  seized  on  all: 
Encour.agcd  by  the  sign,  th.e  troops  revive. 
And  fierce  on  Troy  with  doubled  fury  drive. 
Tydides  first,  of  all  the  Grecian  force. 
O'er  tlie  broad  ditch  impell'd  his  foaming  horse, 
Pierced  the  deep  ranks.  Uieir  strongest  battle  tore. 


feooK  VIII.]  THE  IIFAD.  193 

And  dyed  his  javelin  red  witli  Trojan  gore. 

Young  Agelaiis  (Pliradmon  was  his  sire) 

With  flying  coursers  shunn'd  his  dreadful  ire  ; 

Struck  tlirough  the  back,  the  Phrygian  fell  oppress'd; 

Thedart  drove  on,  and  issued  at  his  breast : 

Headlong  he  quits  the  car:  his  arms  resound; 

His  ponderous  buckler  thunders  on  the  ground. 

Forth  rush  a  tide  of  Greeks,  the  passage  freed; 

The  Alridx  first,  the  Ajaces  ne.\t  succeed  : 

Meriones,  like  Mars  in  arms  renown'd, 

And  godlike  Idomen.  now  passed  the  mound; 

Evjemon's  son  next  issues  to  the  foe, 

And  last  young  Teucer  wi'.h  his  bended  bow. 

Secure  behind  the  Telamonian  shield 

The  skilful  archer  wide  survey'd  the  field, 

With  every  shaft  some  hostile  victim  slew, 

Then  close  beneath  the  sevenfold  orb  withdrew: 

The  conscious  infant  so,  when  fear  alarms, 

Retires  for  safety  to  the  mother's  arms.  -   , 

Thus  Ajax  guards  his  brother  in  the  field. 

Moves  as  he  moves,  and  turns  the  shining  shield. 

Who  first  by  Teucer's  mortal  arrows  bled  .'' 

Orsilochus  ;  then  fell  Ormenus  dead  : 

The  godlike  Lycophon  next  press'd  the  plain, 

With  Chromius,  Doetor,  Ophelestes  slain  : 

Bold  Hamopaon  breathless  sunk  to  ground ; 

The  bloody  pile  great  Melanippus  crown'd. 

Heaps  fell  on  heaps,  sad  trophies  of  his  art, 

A  Trojan  ghost  attending  every  dart. 

Great  Agamemnon  views  with  joyful  eye 

The  ranks  grow  thinner  as  his  arrows  fly : 

"O  youth  for  ever  dear  !  (the  monarch  cried) 

Thus,  always  thus,  thy  early  worth  be  tried ; 

Thy  brave  example  shall  retrieve  our  host. 

Thy  country's  saviour,  and  thy  father's  boast ! 

Sprung  from  an  alien's  bed  thy  sire  to  grace. 

The  vigorous  oflspring  of  a  stolen  embrace  : 

Proud  of  his  boy,  he  own'd  the  generous  flame, 

And  the  brave  boy  repays  his  cares  with  fame. 

Now  hear  a  monarch's  vow :  If  heaven's  high  powers 

Give  me  to  raze  Troy's  long-defended  towers  ; 

Whatever  treasures  Greece  for  me  design, 

The  next  rich  honorary  gift  be  thine  : 

Some  golden  tripod,  or  distinguish'd  car. 

With  coursers  dreadful  in  the  ranks  of  war : 

Or  some  fair  captive,  whom  thy  eves  approve. 

Shall  recompense  the  warrior's  toils  with  love.JV.^ 


194  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  VII J 

To  this  tlie  chief:  "  With  praise  the  rest  inspire, 
Nor  urge  a  soul  already  filled  with  fire. 
What  strengtli  I  have,  be  now  in  battle  tried, 
Till  every  shaft  in  Phrygian  blood  be  dyed. 
Since  rallying  from  our  wall  we  forced  the  foe, 
Still  aim'd  at  Hector  have  1  bent  my  bow  : 
Eight  forky  arrows  from  this  hand  have  fled, 
And  eight  bold  heroes  by  their  points  lie  dead  ; 
But  sure  some  god  denies  me  to  destroy 
This  fury  of  the  field,  this  dog  of  Troy."  , 

He  said,  and  twang'd  the  string.     The  weapon  flies 
At  Hector's  breast,  and  sii.gs  along  the  skies  : 
He  miss'd  the  mark  ;  but  pierced  Gorgythio's  heart, 
And  drench'd  in  royal  blood  the  thirsty  dart. 
(Fair  Castianira,  nymph  of  form  divine. 
This  offspring  added  to  king-  Priam's  line.) 
As  full-blown  ].)oppies,  overcharged  with  rain,* 
Decline  the  head,  and  drooping  kiss  the  plain  ; 
So  sinks  the  youth  :  his  beauteous  head,  depress'd 
Beneath  his  helmet,  drops  upon  his  breast. 
Another  shaft  the  raging  archer  drew. 
That  other  shaft  with  erring  fury  flew, 
(From  Hector,  Phoebus  turn'd  the  flying  wound,) 
Yet  fell  not  dry  or  guiltless  to  the  ground  : 
Thy  breast,  brave  Archeptolenius  !  it  tore, 
And  dipp'd  its  feathers  in  no  vulgar  gore. 
Headlong  he  falls  :  his  sudden  fall  alarms 
The  steeds,  that  startle  at  his  sounding  arms. 
Hector  with  grief  his  charioteer  beheld 
All  pale  and  breathless  on  the  sanguine  field  : 
Then  bids  Cebriones  direct  the  rein. 
Quits  his  bright  car,  and  issues  on  the  plain. 
Dreadful  he  shouts  :   from  earth  a  stone  he  took, 
And  rush'd  on  Teuccr  with  the  lifted  rock. 
The  youth  already  strain'd  the  forceful  yew; 
The  shaft  already  to  his  shoulder  drew ; 
The  feather  in  his  hand,  just  wing'd  for  flight, 
Touch'd  where  the  neck  and  hollow  chest  unite  ; 
There,  where  the  juncture  knits  the  channel  bone, 
The  furious  chief  discharged  the  craggy  stone  : 
The  bow-string  burst  beneath  the  ponderous  blow, 
And  his  iiumb'd  hand  dismiss'd  his  useless  bow. 


•  At/ull  ilown,  f>'c. 


JL  in  atto  SI  fentil  l.in'.:uir  Ireni.\nU 

Gl*  occMif  e  cader  su  '1  tergo  il  coUo  mira.'* 

Gier.  I^b.  ii.  85. 


Book  VIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  i9S 

He  fell :  but  Ajax  his  broad  shield  display'd, 
And  screen'd  his  brother  with  the  mighty  shade  ; 
Till  great  Alaster,  and  Mecistheus,  bore 
The  batter'd  archer  groaning  to  the  sliore. 

Troy  yet  found  grace  before  the  Olympian  sire, 
He  arm'd  their  hands,  and  fill'd  their  breasts  -with  fire. 
The  Greeks  repulsed,  retreat  behind  their  wall. 
Or  in  the  trench  on  heaps  confusedly  fall. 
First  of  the  foe,  great  Hector  march'd  along. 
With  terror  clothed,  and  more  than  mortal  strong. 
As  the  bold  hound,  that  gives  the  lion  chase, 
With  beating  bosom,  and  with  eager  pace. 
Hangs  on  his  haunch,  or  fastens  on  his  heels, 
Guards  as  he  turns,  and  circles  as  he  wheels; 
Thus  oft  the  Grecians  turn'd,  but  still  they  flew; 
Thus  following.  Hector  still  the  hindmost  slew. 
When  flying  they'had  pass'd  the  trench  profound, 
And  many  a  chief  lay  gasping  on  the  ground ; 
Before  the  ships  a  desperate  stand  they  made. 
And  fired  the  troops,  and  called  the  gods  to  aid. 
Fierce  on  his  rattling  chariot  Hector  came  : 
His  eyes  like  Gorgon  shot  a  sanguine  flame 
That  wither'd  all  their  host :  like  Mars  he  stood: 
Dire  as  the  monster,  dreadful  as  the  god  ! 
Their  strong  distress  the  wife  of  Jove  survey'd  ; 
Then  pensive  thus,  to  war's  triumphant  maid  : 

"  O  daughter  of  that  god,  whose  arm  can  wield 
The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  sable  shield  ! 
Now,  in  the  moment  of  her  last  despair. 
Shall  wretched  Greece  no  more  confess  our  care, 
Condemn'd  to  suffer  the  full  force  of  fc  e. 
And  drain  the  dregs  of  heaven's  relentless  hate? 
Gods  !  shall  one  raging  hand  thus  level  all  ? 
What  numbers  fell !  what  numbers  yet  shall  fall ! 
What  power  divine  shall  Hector's  rage  assuage  ? 
Still  swells  the  slaughter,  and  still  grows  the  rage!" 

So  spake  the  imperial  regent  of  the  skies  ; 
To  whom  the  goddess  with  the  azure  eyes : 

"  Long  since  had  Hector  stain'd  these  fields  with  gore, 
Stretch'd  by  some  Argive  on  his  native  shore  ; 
But  he  above,  the  sire  of  heaven,  withstands, 
Mocks  our  attempts,  and  slights  our  just  demands; 
The  stubborn  god,  inflexible  and  hard. 
Forgets  my  service  and  deserved  reward : 
Saved  I,  for  this,  his  favorite  son  distress'd. 
By  stern  Eurystheus  with  long  labors  press'd  'i 
He  begg'd,  with  tears  he  begg'd,  in  deep  dismay ; 


'9^  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  MWL 

I  shot  from  lieaven,  and  gave  his  arm  the  day. 
Oil  had  my  wisdom  known  this  dire  event, 
When  to  f^rim  I'luto's  gloomy  gates  he  went; 
Tlie  triple  dog  had  never  felt  his  chain, 
Nor  Sty.v  been  cross'd,  nor  hell  explored  in  vain. 
Averse  to  me  of  all  his  heaven  of  gods, 
_  J     At  Thetis' suit  the  partial  Thunderer  nods; 
To  grace  her  gloomy,  fierce,  resenting  son, 
My  hopes  are  frustrate,  and  my  Greeks  undone. 
^  Some  future  day,  perhaps,  he  may  be  moved 
'.   To  call  his  blue-eyed  maid  his  best  beloved. 
Haste,  launch  thy  chariot,  through  yon  ranks  to  ride, 
Myself  will  arm,  and  thunder  at  thy  side. 
Then,  goddess  !  say,  shall  Hector  glory  then  ? 
(That  terror  of  the  Greeks,  that  man  of  men) 
When  Juno's  self,  and  Pallas  shall  appear, 
All  dreadful  in  the  crimson  walks  of  war! 
What  mighty  Trojan  then,  on  yonder  shore, 
Expiring,  pale,  and  terrible  no  more. 
Shall  feast  the  fowls,  and  glut  the  dogs  with  gore .'" 
She  ceased,  and  Juno  rein'd  the  steeds  with  care: 
(Heaven's  awful  empress,  Saturn's  other  heir:) 
_\v:  Pallas,  meanwhile,  her  various  veil  unbound, 

With  flowers  adorn 'd,  with  art  immortal  crown'd  ; 

The  radiant  robe  her  sacred  fingers  wove 

Floats  in  rich  waves,  and  spreads  the  court  of  Jove. 

Her  father's  arms  her  mighty  limbs  invest, 

His  cuii-ass  blazes  on  her  ample  breast. 

The  vigorous  power  the  trembling  car  ascends  : 

Shook  by  her  arm,  the  massy  javelin  bends  : 

Huge,  ponderous,  strong !  that  when  her  fury  burns 

Proud  tyrants  humbles,  and  whole  hosts  o'erturns. 

Saturnia  lends  the  lash  ;  the  coursers  fly  ; 
Smooth  glides  the  chariot  through  the  liquid  sky. 
Heaven's  gates  spontaneous  open  to  the  powers. 
Heaven's  golden  gates,  kept  by  the  winged  Hours. 
Commission'd  in  alternate  watch  they  stand. 
The  sun's  bright  portals  and  the  skies  command; 
Close,  or  unfold,  the  eternal  gates  of  day. 
Bar  heaven  with  clouds,  or  roll  those  clouds  away. 
The  sounding  hinges  ring,  the  clouds  divide  : 
Prone  down  the  steep  of  heaven  their  course  they  guide. 
But  Jove,  incensed,  from  Ida's  top  survey'd. 
And  thus  enjoin'd  the  many-color'd  maid. 

"  Thaumantia  !  mount  the  winds,  and  stop  their  car; 
Against  the  highest  who  shall  w,age  the  war? 
If  furious  yet  they  dare  the  vain  debate. 


Book  VIII.]  THE  ILTAD.  197 

Thus  have  I  spoke,  and  what  I  speak  is  fate : 
Their  coursers  crush'd  beneath  the  wlieels  shall  lie, 
Their  car  in  fragments,  scatter'd  o'er  the  sky  : 
My  lightning  these  rebellions  shall  confound. 
And  hurl  them  flaming,  headlong,  to  the  ground, 
Condemn'd  for  ten  revolving  years  to  weep 
The  wounds  impress'd  by  burning  thunder  deep. 
So  shall  Minerva  learn  to  fear  our  ire, 
Nor  dare  to  combat  hers  and  nature's  sire. 
For  Juno,  headstrong  and  imperious  still, 
She  claims  some  title  to  transgress  our  will." 

Swift  as  the  wind,  the  various-color'd  maid 
From  Ida's  top  her  golden  wings  display'd  ; 
To  great  Olympus'  shining  gate  she  flies, 
There  meets  the  chariot  rushing  down  the  skies, 
Restrains  their  progress  from  the  bright  abodes. 
And  speaks  the  mandate  of  the  sire  of  gods. 

"  What  frenzy  goddesses  !  what  rage  can  move 
Celestial  minds  to  tempt  the  wrath  of  Jove  .'' 
Desist,  obedient  to  his  higli  command: 
This  is  his  word  ;  and  know  his  word  shall  stand: 
His  lightning  your  rebellion  shall  confound. 
And  hurl  ye  headlong,  flaming,  to  the  ground  ; 
Your  horses  crush'd  beneath  the  wheels  shall  lie. 
Your  car  in  fragments  scatter'd  o'er  the  sky  ; 
Yourselves  condemn'd  ten  rolling  years  to  weep 
The  wounds  impress'd  by  burning  thunder  deep. 
So  shall  Minerva  learn  to  fear  his  ire. 
Nor  dare  to  combat  hers  and  nature's  sire. 
For  Juno,  headstrong  and  imperious  still. 
She  claims  some  title  to  transgress  his  will: 
But  thee,  what  desperate  insolence  has  driven 
To  lift  thy  lance  against  the  king  of  heaven  ?  " 

Then,  mounting  on  the  pinions  of  the  wind, 
She  flew;  and  Juno  thus  her  rage  resign'd : 

"  O  daughter  of  that  god,  whose  arm  can  wield 
The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  dreadful  shield  I 
No  more  let  beings  of  superior  birth 
Contend  with  Jove  for  this  low  race  of  earth  ;  ; 
Triumphant  now,  now  miserably  slain. 
They  breathe  or  perish  as  the  fates  ordain  :       I 
But  Jove's  high  counsels  full  effect  shall  find  ; 
And,  ever  constant,  ever  rule  mankind." 

She  spoke,  and  backward  turn'd  her  steeds  of  light 
Adorn'd  with  manes  of  gold,  and  heavenly  bright. 
Tlie  Hours  unloosed  them,  panting  as  they  stood, 
Aid  heap'd  their  aujgers  with  ambrosial  food. 


THE  ILIAD.  [I'.oor  VI!l 


There  tied,  they  rest  in  high  celestial  stnlls; 
The  chariot  propp'd  against  the  crystal  walls. 
The  pensive  goddesses,  aljasli'd,  controll'd, 
Mix  witli  thegods,  and  fill  their  seats  of  ^old. 

And  now  the  Thunderer  meditates  his  flight 
From  Ida's  summits  to  the  Olympian  height. 
Swifter  than  thought,  the  wheels  instinctive  fly, 
Flame  through  the  vast  of  air,  and  reach  the  sky. 
'Twas  Neptune's  charge  his  coursers  to  unbrace. 
And  fix  the  car  on  its  immortal  base  ; 
There  stood  the  chariot,  beaming  forth  its  rays, 
Till  with  a  snowy  veil  he  screen'd  the  blaze. 
He,  whose  all-conscious  eyes  the  world  behold, 
The  eternal  Thunderer  sat,  enthroned  in  gold. 
High  heaven  the  footstool  of  his  feet  he  makes, 
And  wide  beneath  him  all  Olympus  shakes. 
Trembling  afar  the  offending  powers  appeai'd. 
Confused  and  silent,  for  his  frown  they  fear'd. 
He  saw  their  soul,  and  thus  his  word  imparts  : 
"  Pallas  and  Juno  !  say,  why  heave  your  hearts? 
Soon  was  your  battle  o'er  :  proud  Troy  retired 
Before  your  face,  and  in  your  wrath  expired. 
But  know,  whoe'er  almighty  power  withstand  ! 
Unmatch'd  our  force,  unconquer'd  is  our  hand: 
Who  shall  the  sovereign  of  the  skies  control  ? 
Not  all  the  gods  that  crnwn  the  starry  pole. 
Your  hearts  shall  tremble,  if  our  arms  we  take, 
And  each  immortal  nerve  with  horror  sliake. 
For  thus  I  speak,  aiid  what  I  speak  shall  stand ! 
What  power  soe'er  provokes  our  lifted  hand, 
On  this  our  hill  no  more  shall  hold  his  place; 
Cut  off,  and  exiled  from  the  ethereal  race." 

Juno  and  Pallas  grieving  hear  the  doom, 
But  feast  their  souls  on  llion's  woes  to  come. 
Though  secret  anger  swell'd  Minerva's  breast. 
The  prudent  goddess  yet  her  wrath  repress'd; 
But  Juno,  impotent  of  rage,  replies  : 
"  What  hast  thou  said,  O  tyrant  of  the  skies ! 
Strength  and  omnipotence  invest  thy  throne; 
'Tis  thine  to  punish  ;  ours  to  grieve  alone. 
For  Greece  we  grieve,  abandon'd  by  her  fate 
To  drink  the  dregs  of  thy  unmeasured  hate. 
From  fields  forbidden  we  submiss  refrain. 
With  arms  unaiding  see  our  Argives  slain ; 
Yet  grant  our  counsels  still  their  breasts  may  move. 
Lest  all  should  perisli  in  the  rage  of  Jove." 

The  goddess  thus  ;  and  thus  the  god  replies, 


Book  VIII.J  THE  ILIAD.  '99 

Who  swells  the  clouds,  and  blackens  all  the  skies 

"  The  morning  sun,  awaked  by  loud  alarms. 
Shall  see  the  almighty  Thunderer  in  arms. 
What  heaps  of  Argives  then  shall  load  the  plain, 
Those  radiant  eyes  shall  view,  and  view  in  vain. 
Nor  shall  great  Hector  cease  the  rage  of  fight, 
The  navy  flaming,  and  thy  Greeks  in  flight, 
Even  till  the  day  when  certain  fates  ordain 
That  stern  Acliilles  (his  Patroclus  slain)         '  ' 
Shall  rise  in  vengeance,  and  lay  waste  the  plain. 
For  such  is  fate,  nor  canst  thou  turn  its  course 
With  all  tliy  rage,  with  all  thy  rebel  force. 
Fly,  if  thy  wilt,  to  earth's  remotest  bound, 
Where  on  her  utmost  verge  the  seas  resound; 
Where  cursed  lapctus  and  Saturn  dwell, 
Fast  by  the  brink,  within  the  streams  of  hell; 
No  sun  e'er  gilds  tlie  gloomy  horrors  there ; 
No  cheerful  gales  refresh  the  lazy  air  : 
There  arm  once  more  tlie  bold  Titanian  band ; 
And  arm  in  vain;  for  what  1  will,  shall  stand." 

Now  deep  in  ocean  sunk  the  lamp  of  light, 
And  drew  behind  the  cloudy  veil  of  night : 
The  conquering  Trojans  mourn  his  beams  decay'd ; 
The  Greeks  rejoicing  bless  the  friendly  shade. 

The  victors  keep  the  field  ;  and  Hector  calls 
A  martial  council  near  the  navy  walls; 
These  to  Scam.inder's  bank  apart  he  led, 
Where  thinly  scatter'd  lay  the  heaps  of  dead. 
The  assembled  chiefs,  descending  on  the  ground, 
Attend  his  order,  and  their  prince  surround. 
A  massy  spear  he  bore  of  mighty  strength, 
Of  full  ten  cubits  was  the  lance's  length  ; 
The  point  was  brass,  refulgent  to  behold, 
Fi.x'd  to  the  wood  with  circling  rings  of  gold: 
,  The  noble  Hector  on  his  l.uice  reclined. 
And,  bending  forward,  thus  reveal'd  his  mind: 

"  Ye  valiant  Trojans,  with  attention  hear  ! 
Ye  Dardan  bands,  and  generous  aids,  give  ear ! 
This  day,  we  hoped,  would  wrap  in  conquering  flame 
Greece  with  her  ships,  and  crown  our  toils  with  fame 
But  darkness  now,  to  save  the  cowards,  falls, 
And  guards  them  trembling  in  their  wooden  walls. 
Obey  the  night,  and  use  her  peaceful  hours 
Our  steeds  to  forage,  and  refresh  our  powers. 
Straight  from  the  town  be  sheep  and  oxen  sought, 
And  strengthening  bread  and  generous  wine  be  brought. 
Wide  o'er  the  held,  high  blazing  to  the  sky, 


'  THE  ILIAD.  [UooK   VIII. 

Let  numerous  fires  the  absent  sun  supply, 

The  flaming  piles  with  plenteous  fuel  raise, 

Till  the  bright  morn  her  purple  beam  displays; 

Lest,  in  the  silence  and  the  shades  of  night, 

Greece  on  her  sable  ships  attempt  her  flight. 

Not  unmolested  let  the  wretches  gain 

Their  lofty  decks,  or  safely  cleave  the  main  ; 

Some  hostile  wound  let  every  dart  bestow, 

Some  lasting  token  of  the  Phrygian  foe. 

Wounds,  tliat  long  hence  may  ask  their  spouses'  care. 

And  warn  their  children  from  a  Trojan  war. 

Now  through  the  circuit  of  our  I  lion  wall. 

Let  sacred  heralds  sound  the  solemn  call ; 

To  bid  the  sires  with  hoary  honor's  crown'd. 

And  beardless  youths,  our  battlements  surround. 

Firm  be  the  guard,  while  distant  lie  our  powers. 

And  let  the  matrons  hang  with  lights  the  towers; 

Lest,  under  covert  of  the  midnight  shade. 

The  insidious  foe  the  naked  town  invade. 

Suffice,  to-night,  these  orders  to  obey ; 

A  nobler  charge  shall  rouse  the  dawning  day. 

The  gods,  I  trust,  shall  give  to  Hector's  hand 

From  these  detested  foes  to  free  the  land. 

Who  plough'd,  with  fates  averse,  tlie  watery  way: 

For  Trojan  vultures  a  predestined  prey. 

Our  common  safety  must  be  now  the  care  ; 

But  soon  as  morning  paints  the  fields  of  air. 

Sheathed  in  bright  arms  let  every  troop  engage. 

And  the  fired  fleet  behold  the  battle  rage. 

Then,  then  shall  Hector  and  Tydides  prove 

Whose  fates  are  heaviest  in  the  scales  of  Jove. 

To-morrow's  light  (O  haste  the  glorious  morn  !) 

Shall  see  his  bloody  spoils  in  triumph  borne. 

With  this  keen  javelin  shall  his  breast  be  gored^ 

And  pfostrate  heroes  bleed  around  their  lord. 

Certain  as  this,  oh  !  might  my  days  endure. 

From  age  inglorious,  and  black  death  secure  ; 

So  miglit  my  life  and  glory  know  no  bound. 

Like  Pallas  worshipp'd,  like  the  sun  renown'd  •■ 

As  the  next  dawn,  the  last  they  shall  enjoy. 

Shall  crush  the  Greeks,  and  end  tlie  woes  of  Troy.' 

The  leader  spoke.     From  all  his  host  around 
Shouts  of  applause  along  tlie  shores  resound. 
Each  from  the  yoke  the  smoking  steeds  untied, 
And  fix'd  their  headstalls  to  his  chariot-side. 
Fat  sheep  and  oxen  from  the  town  are  led, 
With  generous  wine,  and  all-sustaining  bread. 


Book  VIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2( 

Full  hecatombs  lay  burning  on  the  shore : 
The  winds  to  heaven  the  curling  vapors  l)ore. 
Ungrateful  offering  to  the  immortal  powers!* 
Whose  wrath  hung  heavy  o'er  the  Trojan  towers: 
Nor  Priam  nor  his  sons  obtain'd  their  grace; 
Proud  Troy  they  hated,  and  her  guilty  race. 

The  troops  exulting  sat  in  order  round, 
And  beaming  fires  illumined  all  the  ground. 
As  when  the  moon,  refulgent  lamp  of  night,f 
O'er  heaven's  pure  azure  spreads  her  sacred  light. 
When  not  a  breath  disturbs  the  deep  serene, 
And  not  a  cloud  o'ercasts  the  solemn  scene, 
Around  her  throne  the  vivid  planets  roll, 
And  stars  unnumber'd  gild  the  glowing  pole. 
O'er  the  dark  trees  a  yellower  verdure  shed. 
And  tip  with  silver  every  mountain's  head  : 
Then  shine  the  vales,  the  rocks  in  prospect  rise, 
A  flood  of  glory  bursts  from  all  the  skies  : 
The  conscious  swains,  rejoicing  in  the  sight, 
Eye  the  blue  vault,  and  bless  the  useful  liglit. 
So  many  flames  before  proud  Ilion  blaze, 
And  lighten  glimmering  Xanthus  with  their  rays. 
The  long  reflections  of  the  distant  fires 
Gleam  on  the  walls,  and  tremble  on  the  spires. 
A  thousand  piles  the  dusky  horrors  gild. 
And  shoot  a  shady  lustre  o'er  the  field. 
Full  fifty  guards  each  flaming  pile  attend. 
Whose  umber'd  arms,  by  fits,  thick  flashes  send. 
Loud  neigh  tlie  coursers  o'er  their  heaps  of  corn. 
And  ardent  warriors  wait  tne  rising  morn. 

•  Un^ratf/ui,  because  the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged  was  unjust. 
"  Struck  by  the  lab' ring  priests'  uplifted  hands 
The  victims  fall  :  tc  heaven  they  make  their  pray'r, 
The  curling  vapors  load  the  ambient  air. 
But  vain  their  toil ;  the  pow'rs  who  rule  the  skies 
Averse  beheld  the  ungrateful  sacrifice." 

Merrick's  Tryphiodorus,  vi.  527,  sq(| 
t  *'  As  when  about  the  silver  moon,  when  aire  is  free  from  winde, 

And  stars  shine  cleare,  to  whose  sweet  beams  high  prospects  on  the  brows 

Of  all  steepe  hills  and  pinnacles  thrust  up  themselves  for  shows, 

And  even  the  lowly  valleys  joy  to  glitter  in  their  sight ; 

When  the  unmeasured  firmament  bursts  to  disclose  her  light. 

And  all  the  signs  in  heaven  are  scene,  that  glad  the  shepherd's  heart." 

Chapman, 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IX. 


BOOK  IX. 


ARGUMENT. 

THR    EMBASSY   TO    ACHILLES. 

ABamemnoil,  after  the  last  day's  defeat,  proposes  to  the  Greeks  to  quit  the  siege,  and 
return  to  their  country.  Dioincc  opposes  this,  and  Nestor  seconds  him,  praising 
liis  wisdom  and  resolution.  He  orders  the  guard  to  be  strengthened,  and  a  council 
summoned  to  deliberate  what  measures  are  to  be  followed  in  this  emergency. 
Agamemnon  pursues  this  advice,  and  Nestor  further  prevails  upon  him  to  send 
ambassadors  to  Achilles,  in  order  to  move  him  to  a  reconciliation.  Ulysses  and 
Ajax  are  made  choice  of,  who  are  accompanied  by  old  Phcenix.  They  make,  each 
of  them,  very  moving  and  pressing  speeches,  but  are  rejected  with  roughness  by 
Achilles,  who  notwithstanding  retains  Phcenix  in  his  tent.  The  ambassadors  re- 
turn unsuccessfully  to  the  camp,  and  the  troops  betake  themselves  to  sleep. 

This  book,  and  the  next  following,  take  up  the  space  of  one  night,  which  is  the 
twenty-seventh  from  the  beginning  of  the  poem.  The  scene  lies  on  the  sea-shore, 
the  station  cf  the  Greciaa  ships 

Thu.S  joyful  Troy  maint.iin'd  the  watch  of  night; 

While  fear,  pale  comrade  of  inglorious  flight,* 

And  heaven-bred  horror,  on  the  Grecian  part, 

Sat  on  eacli  face,  and  sadden'd  every  heart. 

As  from  its  cloudy  dungeon  issuing  forth, 

A  double  tempest  of  the  west  and  north 

Swells  o'er  the  sea,  from  Thracia's  frozen  shore. 

Heaps  waves  on  waves,  and  bids  the  y'Kgean  roar: 

This  way  and  that  the  lioiling  deeps  are  toss'd  : 

Such  various  passions  urged  the  troubled  host, 

Great  Agamemnon  grieved  above  the  rest; 

Superior  sorrows  swell'd  his  royal  breast; 

Himself  his  orders  to  the  heralds  bears. 

To  bid  to  council  all  the  Grecian  peers. 

But  bid  in  whispers:  these  surround  their  chief, 

In  solemn  sadness,  and  majestic  grief. 

The  king  amidst  the  mournful  circle  rose  : 

Down  his  wan  cheek  a  briny  torrent  flows. 

So  silent  fountains,  from  a  rock's  tall  head. 

In  sable  stream,'!  soft-trickling  waters  shed. 

With  more  than  vulgar  grief  he  stood  oppress'd ; 

•  This  flight  of  the  Greeks,  according  to  Buttmanii,  Lexil.  p.  3sS,was  not  a  super- 
natural flij;ht  caused  by  the  pods,  but  "  a  great  and  general  one,  caused  by  Hector 
md  the  Trojans,  but  with  ihy  approval  uf  Jove." 


Book  IX  ]  THE  ILjaD.  203 

Words,  mix'd  with  sighs,  ihus  bursting  from  his  breast: 

"  Ye  sons  of  Greece  !  partal<e  your  leader's  care  ; 
Fellows  in  arms  and  princes  of  the  war! 
Of  partial  Jove  too  justly  we  complain, 
And  heavenly  oracles  believed  in  vain. 
A  safe  return  was  promised  to  our  toils, 
With  conquest  honor'd  and  enrich'd  with  spoils  : 
Now  shameful  flight  alone  can  save  the  host ; 
Our  wealth,  our  people,  and  our  glory  lost. 
So  Jove  decrees,  almighty  lord  of  all! 
Jove,  at  whose  nod  whole  empires  rise  or  fall. 
Who  shakes  the  feeble  props  of  human  trust. 
And  towers  and  armies  humbles  to  the  dust. 
Haste  then,  forever  quit  these  fatal  fields. 
Haste  to  the  joys  our  native  country  yields ; 
Spread  all  your  canvas,  all  your  oars  employ. 
Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-defended  Troy." 

He  said  :  deep  silence  held  the  Grecian  band* 
Silent,  unmov'd  in  dire  dismay  they  stand  ; 
A  pensive  scene  !  till  Tydeus'  warlike  son 
RoU'd  on  the  king  his  eyes,  and  thus  begun  : 
"When  kings  advise  us  to  renounce  our  fame. 
First  let  him  speak  who  first  has  suffer'd  shame. 
If  I  oppose  thee,  prince !  thy  wrath  withhold. 
The  laws  of  council  bid  my  tongue  be  bold. 
Thou  first,  and  thou  alone,  in  fields  of  fight, 
Durst  brand  my  courage,  and  defame  my  might : 
Nor  from  a  friend  the  unkind  reproach  appear'd, 
The  Greeks  stood  witness,  all  our  army  heard. 
The  gods,  O  chief !   from  whom  our  honors  spring'. 
The  gods  have  made  thee  but  by  halves  a  king : 
They  gave  thee  sceptres,  and  a  wide  command; 
They  gave  dominion  o'er  the  seas  and  land  ; 
The  noblest  power  that  might  the  world  control 
They  gave  thee  not — a  brave  and  virtuous  soul. 
Is  this  a  general's  voice,  that  would  suggest 
Fears  like  his  own  to  every  Grecian  breast  ? 
Confiding  in  our  want  of  worth,  he  stands; 
And  if  we  fly,  'tis  what  our  king  commands. 
Go  thou,  inglorious  !  from  the  embattled  plain  ; 
Ships  thou  hast  store,  and  nearest  to  the  main  ; 
A  noble  care  the  Grecians  shall  employ. 
To  combat,  conquer,  and  extirpate  Troy. 
Here  Greece  shall  stay ;  or,  if  all  Greece  retire, 
Myself  shall  stay,  till  Troy  or  I  expire ; 
Myself,  and  Sthenelus,  will  fight  for  fame  ; 
God  bade  us  fight,  and  'twas  willi  G(><^  we  came." 


2Q^  THE  ILIAD.  [touK  IX. 

He  ceased  ;  the  Greeks  loud  acclamations  raise, 
And  voice  to  voice  resounds  Tydides  praise. 
Wise  Nestor  then  his  reverend  figure  rear'd; 
He  spoke  :  the  host  in  still  attention  heard.  * 

"  O  truly  great  !  in  whom  the  gods  have  join'd 
Sucli  strength  o£  body  with  sucli  force  of  mind : 
In  conduct,  as  in  courage,  you  excel, 
Still  first  to  act  what  you  advise  so  well. 
These  wholesome  counsels  which  thy  wisdom  moves, 
Applauding  Greece  with  common  voice  approves. 
Kings  thou  canst  blame  ;  a  bold  but  prudent  youth : 
And  blame  even  kincjs  with  praise,  because  wjtli  trutlv 
And  vet  those  years  "that  since  thy  birth  have  run 
Would  hardly  style  thee  Nestor's  youngest  son. 
Then  let  me  add  what  yet  remains  behind, 
A  thought  unfinish'd  in  that  generous  mind  ; 
Age  bids  me  speak !  nor  shall  the  advice  I  bring 
Distaste  the  people,  or  offend  the  king: 

"  Cursed  the  man,  and  void  of  law  and  right, 
Unworthy  property,  unworthy  light, 
Unfit  for'public  rule,  or  private  care. 
That  wretch,  that  monster,  who  delights  in  war; 
Whose  lust  is  murder,  and  whose  horrid  joy, 
To  tear  his  country,  and  his  kind  destroy ! 
This  niglit,  refresh  and  fortify  thy  train  ; 
Between  the  trench  and  wall  let  guards  remain-. 
Be  that  the  duty  of  the  young  and  bold  ; 
But  tliou,  O  king,  to  council  call  the  old  ; 
Great  is  thy  sway,  and  weighty  are  thy  cares  ; 
Thy  high  commands  must  spirit  all  our  wars. 
With  'i'hracian  wines  recruit  tliy  honor'd  guests, 
For  happy  counsels  flow  from  sober  feasts. 
Wise,  weighty  counsels  aid  a  state  distress'd. 
And  such  a  monarcli  as  can  choose  the  best. 
See  what  a  blaze  from  hostile  tents  aspires, 
How  near  our  fleet  approach  the  Trojan  fires  ! 
Who  can,  unmoved,  behold  the  dreadful  light? 
What  eye  beholds  them,  and  can  close  to-night? 
This  dreadful  interval  determines  all ; 
To-morrow,  Troy  must  flame,  or  Greece  must  fall." 

Thus  spoke  the  hoary  sage  ;  the  rest  obey  ; 
Swift  through  the  gates  the  guards  direct  their  way. 
His  son  was  first  to  pass  the  lofty  mound, 

*  Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  qi,  after  iioticini;  the  inodest  calmness  and  respect  with  which 
Nestor  addresses  As;amemnon,  observes,  "  The  Homeric  Council  is  a  purely  consul 
tative  body,  assembled  not  with  any  po.«er  of  peremptorily  arresting  inisd'icvuus  ro. 
solvui  uf  tile  knit,  but  solely  ior  bu  information  aad  guidance. 


BOOK  IX.]  THE  rUAD.  205 

The  g-^nerous  Thrasymed,  in  arms  renown'd  : 
Next  him,  Ascalaphus,  lalmen  stood, 
The  double  offspring  of  tlie  warrior-god: 
Deipyrus,  Aphareus,  Merion  join. 
And  Lycomed  of  Creon's  noble  line. 
Seven  were  the  leaders  of  the  nightly  bands, 
And  each  bold  chief  a  hundred  spears  commands. 
The  fires  they  light,  to  short  repasts  they  fall, 
Some  line  the  trench,  and  others  man  the  wall. 

The  king  of  men,  on  public  counsels  bent, 
Convened  the  princes  in  his  ample  tent; 
Each  seized  a  portion  of  the  kingly  feast. 
But  stay'd  his  hand  when  thirst  and  hunger  ceased. 
Then  Nestor  spoke,  for  wisdom  long  approved, 
And  slowly  rising,  thus  the  council  moved. 

"  Monarch  of  nations  !  whose  superior  sway 
Assembled  states,  and  lords  of  earth  obey. 
The  laws  and  sceptres  to  thy  liand  are  given, 
And  millions  own  the  care  of  thee  and  Heaven. 

0  king  !  the  counsels  of  my  age  attend  : 
With  Uiee  my  cares  begin,  with  thee  must  end  : 
Thee,  prince  !  it  fits  alike  to  speak  and  hear. 
Pronounce  with  judgment,  with  regard  give  ear, 
To  see  no  wholesome  motion  be  withstood, 
And  ratify  the  best  for  public  good  : 

Nor,  though  a  meaner  give  advice,  repine, 
But  follow' it,  and  make"  the  wisdom  thine. 
Hear  then  a  thought,  not  now  conceived  in  haste, 
At  once  my  present  judgment  and  my  past. 
When  from  Pelides'  tent  you  forced  the  maid, 

1  first  opposed,  and  faithful,  durst  dissuade ; 
But  bold  of  soul,  when  headlong  fury  fired. 

You  wronged  the  man,  by  men  and  gods  admired: 
Now  seek  some  means  his  fatal  wrath  to  end, 
With  prayers  to  move  him,  or  with  gifts  to  bend." 

To  whom  the  king.     "  With  justice  hast  thou  shown 
A  prince's  faults,  and  I  with  reason  own. 
That  happy  man,  whom  Jove  still  honors  most. 
Is  more  than  armies,  and  himself  a  host. 
Bless'd  in  his  love,  this  wondrous  hero  stands; 
Heaven  fights  his  war,  and  humbles  all  our  bands. 
Fain  would  mv  heart,  which  err'd  through  frantic  rage 
The  wrathful  chief  and  angry  gods  assuage. 
If  gifts  immense  his  mighty  soul  can  bow,  * 

•  In  the  heroic  times,  it  is  not  unfrequei.t  for  the  king  to  receive  prese.it!;  to  pur- 
chase freedom  from  his  wrath,  or  immunity  from  his  eiacuons.  Such  pifts  gradually 
became  reeularj  and  formed  Uie  income  of  the  German  (Tacit.  Germ.  J  15),  Feisian 


2o6  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IX. 

Hear,  all  ye  Greeks,  and  witness  what  I  vow : 

Ten  weighty  talents  of  the  purest  gold, 

And  twice  ten  vases  o£  refulgent  mould  : 

Seven  sacred  tripods,  whose  unsullied  frame 

Yet  knows  no  office,  nor  lias  felt  the  flame ; 

Twelve  steeds  unmatch'd  in  fleetness  and  in  force. 

And  still  victorious  in  the  dusty  course 

(Rich  were  the  man  whose  ample  stores  exceed 

The  prizes  purchased  by  their  winged  speed) ; 

Seven  lovely  captives  of  the  Lesbian  line, 

Skill'd  in  each  art,  unmatch'd  in  form  divine. 

The  same  I  chose  for  more  than  vulgar  charms, 

When  Lesbos  sank  beneath  the  hero's  arms : 

All  these,  to  buy  his  friendship,  shall  be  paid, 

And  join'd  with  these  the  long-contested  maid ; 

With  all  her  charms,  ISriseis  1  resign, 

And  solemn  swear  those  charms  were  never  mine ; 

Untouch'd  she  stay'd,  uninjured  she  removes, 

Pure  from  my  arms,  and  guiltless  of  my  loves,* 

These  instant  shall  be  his  ;  and  if  the  powers 

Give  to  our  arms  proud  Ilion's  hostile  towers. 

Then  shall  he  store  (when  Greece  the  spoils  divides) 

With  gold  and  brass  his  loaded  navy's  sides  : 

Besides,  full  twenty  nymphs  of  Trojan  race 

With  copious  love  shall  crown  his  warm  embrace, 

Such  as  himself  will  choose  ;  who  yield  to  none. 

Or  yield  to  Helen's  heavenly  charms  alone. 

Yet  hear  me  further :  when  our  wars  are  o'er. 

If  safe  we  land  on  Argos'  fruitful  shore, 

There  shall  he  live  my  son,  our  honors  share, 

And  with  Orestes'  self  divide  my  care. 

Yet  more— three  daughters  in  my  court  are  bred, 

And  each  well  worthy  of  a  royal  bed ; 

Laodice  and  Iphigenia  fair,  t 

And  bright  Chrysothemis  with  golden  hair ; 


(Herodot.  iii.  89),  and  other  kings.  So,  too,  in  the  middle  ages,  "  The  feudal  aidt 
are  the  beginning  of  taxation,  of  which  they  tor  a  long  time  answered  the  purpose. 
(Hallam,  Middle  Ages,  ch.  x.  pt.  1,  p.  189.)  This  fact  frees  Achilles  from  the  appai^ 
ent  charge  of  sordidness.  Platij,  however  (De  Rep.  vi.  4),  says,  "  We  cannot  com- 
mend Phcenix,  the  tutor  of  Achilles,  as  if  he  spoke  correctly,  when  counselling  him  to 
accept  of  presents  and  assist  the  Greeks,  but,  without  presents,  not  to  desist  from  his 
wrath  ;  nor  again,  should  we  commend  Achilles  himself,  or  approve  of  his  being  sa 
covetous  as  to  receive  presents  from  Agamemnon,"  &c. 

*  It  maybe  observed,  that,  brief  as  is  the  mention  of  Briseis  in  the  Iliad,  and 
small  the  part  she  plays— what  little  is  said  is  pre-eminently  calculated  to  enhance  her 
fitness  to  be  the  bride  of  Achilles.  Purity,  and  retiring  delicacy,  are  features  well 
contrasted  with  the  rough,  but  tender  disposition  of  the  hero. 

t  Limdice.  Iphianassa,  or  Iphigenia,  is  not  mentioned  bjr  Homer,  among  the 
daughters  of  Agamemnon. 


Book  IX  J  TlfE  /LIAc.  207 

Her  let  him  choose  whom  most  his  eyes  approve, 

I  ask  no  presents,  no  reward  for  love  :' 

Myself  will  give  the  dower  ;  so  vast  a  store 

As  never  father  gave  a  child  before. 

Seven  ample  cities  shall  confess  his  sway, 

Him  Enope,  and  Phen  him  obey, 

CardamyM  with  ample  turrets  crown'd, 

And  sacred  Pedasus  for  vines  renown'd  ; 

j^ipea  fair,  the  pastures  Hira  yields, 

And  rich  Antheia  with  her  flowery  fields  :* 

Ths  whole  extent  to  Pylos'  sandy  plain, 

Along  the  verdant  margin  of  the  main. 

There  heifers  graze,  and  laboring  o.xen  toil; 

Bold  are  the  men,  and  generous  is  the  soil  ; 

There  shall  he  reign,  with  power  and  justice  crown'd. 

And  rule  the  tributary  realms  around. 

All  this  I  give,  his  vengeance  to  control. 

And  sure  all  this  may  move  his  mighty  soul. 

Pluto,  the  grisly  god,  who  never  spares, 

Who  feels  no  mercy,  and  who  hears  no  jirayers. 

Lives  dark  and  dreadful  in  deep  liell's  abodes, 

And  mortals  hate  him,  as  the  worst  of  gods. 

Great  though  he  be,  it  fits  him  to  obey  ; 

Since  more  than  his  my  years,  and  more  my  sway." 

The  monarch  thus.      The  reverend  Nestor  then: 
"  Great  Agamemnon  !  glorious  king  of  men  ! 
Such  are  thy  offers  as  a  prince  may  take, 
And  such  as  fits  a  generous  king  to  make. 
Let  chosen  delegates  this  hour  be  sent 
(Myself  will  name  them)  to  Pelides'  tent: 
Let  Phceni.x  lead,  revered  for  hoary  age, 
Great  Ajax  next,  and  Ithacus  the  sage. 
Yet  more  to  sanctify  the  word  you  send, 
Let  Hodius  and  Eurybates  attend. 
Now  pray  to  Jove  to  grant  what  Greece  demands  ; 
Pray  in  deep  silence, t  and  with  purest  hands."  { 

He  said  ;  and  all  approved.     The  heralds  bring 
The  cleansing  water  from  the  living  spring. 
The  youth  with  wine  the  sacred  goblets  crown'd, 

•  "  Agamemnon,  wllen  he  offers  to  tr.insfer  to  Acliilles  seven  towns  inhabiled  !» 
wealthy  husbandmen,  who  would  enrich  their  lord  by  presents  and  triDute,  seemi 
likewise  to  assume  rather  a  property  in  them,  than  an  authority  over  them.  And  th« 
same  thing  may  be  intimated  when  it  is  said  that  Peleus  bestowed  a  great  people,  tho 
Dolopes  of  Phthia,  on  PlicEnix."— Thirlwall's  Greece,  vol.  i.  §  6.  p.  102,  liote 

t  Pray  in  deep  siience.  Rather:  '*  use  well-oniened  words  ;  "  or,  as  Kennedy 
has  explained  it.  "Abstain  from  expressions  unsuitable  to  the  solemnity  of  the  .  cca- 
sion,  winch,  by  offending  the  god,  might  defeat  the  object  of  their  supplications" 

I  FuresI  hands,  1  his  is  one  of  the  most  ancietiJL  superstitious  respecting  pravcr- 
aad  cue  founded  as  much  in  uature  as  iu  tradition. 


2o8  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IX. 

And  large  libations  drench'd  the  sands  around. 

The  rite  perform'd,  the  chiefs  their  thirst  allay, 

Then  from  tlic  royal  tent  they  take  their  way; 

Wise  Nestor  turns  on  each  his  careful  eye, 

Forbids  to  offend,  instructs  them  to  apply  ; 

Much  he  advised  them  all,  Ulysses  most, 

To  deprecate  the  chief,  and  save  th^  host. 

Through  the  still  night  they  march,  and  hear  the  roar 

Of  murmuring  billows  on  the  sounding  shore. 

To  Neptune,  ruler  of  the  seas  profound, 

Whose  liquid  arms  the  mighty  globe  surround. 

They  pour  forth  vows,  their  embassy  to  bless. 

And  calm  the  rage  of  stern  ^acides. 

And  now,  arrived,  where  on  the  sandy  bay 

The  Myrmidonian  tents  and  vessels  lay  ; 

Amused  at  ease,  the  godlike  man  they  found, 

Pleased  with  the  solemn  harp's  harmonious  sound. 

(The  well  wrought  harp  from  conquered  Thebae  came ; 

Of  polislied  silver  was  its  costly  frame.) 

With  this  he  soothes  his  angry  soul,  and  sings 

The  immortal  deeds  of  heroes  and  of  kings. 

Patroclus  only  of  the  royal  train, 

Placed  in  his  tent,  attends  the  lofty  strain: 

Full  opposite  he  sat,  and  listen'd  long. 

In  silence  waiting  till  he  ceased  the  song. 

Unseen  the  Grecian  embassy  proceeds 

To  his  high  tent ;  the  great  Ulysses  leads. 

ftchilles  starting,  as  the  chiefs  he  spied, 

teap'd  from  his  seat,  and  laid  the  harp  aside. 

With  like  surprise  arose  Menoetius'  son: 

Pelides  grasp'd  their  hands,  and  thus  begun  : 

"  Princes,  all  hail !  whatever  brought  you  here, 
Or  strong  necessity,  or  urgent  fear; 
Welcome,  though  Greeks  f  for  not  as  foes  ye  came: 
To  me  more  dear  than  all  that  bear  the  name." 

With  that,  the  chiefs  beneath  his  roof  he  led, 
And  placed  in  seats  with  purple  carpets  spread. 
Then  thus — "  Patroclus,  crown  a  larger  bowl, 
Mix  purer  wine,  and  open  every  soul. 
Of  all  the  w-arriors  yonder  host  can  send, 
Thy  friend  most  honors  these,  and  these  thy  friend. 

He  said  :  Patroclus,  o'er  the  blazing  fire 
Heaps  in  a  brazen  vase  three  chines  entire : 
The  brazen  vase  Automedon  sustains, 
Wliich  riesh  of  porker,  slieep,  and  goat  contains. 
Achilles  at  the  genial  feast  presides, 
The  parts  transfi.\es,  and  with  skill  divides. 


Book  IX]  THE  ILIAD.  209 

Meanwhile  Patroclus  sweats,  the  fire  to  raise; 
The  tent  is  brighten'd  witli  the  rising  blaze: 
Then,  when  the  languid  flames  at  length  subside, 
He  strows  a  bed  of  glowing  embers  wide. 
Above  the  coals  the  smoking  fragments  turns 
And  sprinkles  sacred  salt  from  lifted  urns ; 
With  bread  the  glittering  canisters  they  load, 
Which  round  the  board  Menoetius'  son  bestow'd  ; 
Himself,  opposed  to  Ulysses  full  in  sight, 
Each  portion  parts,  and  orders  every  rite. 
The  first  fat  offering  to  the  immortals  due, 
Amidst  the  greedy  flames  Patroclus  threw  j 
Then  each,  indulging  in  tlie  social  feast, 
His  thirst  and  hunger  soberly  repress'd. 
That  done,  to  Phoenix  Aja.x  gave  the  sign  : 
Not  unperceived  ;   Ulysses  crown'd  with  wine 
The  foaming  bowl,  and  instant  thus  began, 
His  speech  addressing  to  the  godlike  man. 

"  Health  to  Achilles  !  happy  are  thy  guests  ! 
Not  those  more  honor'd  whom  Atrides  feasts  : 
Tlwugh  generous  plenty  crown  thy  loaded  boards, 
That,  Agamemnon's  regal  tent  affords  ; 
But  greater  cares  sit  heav}'  on  our  souls, 
Nor  eased  by  banquets  or  liy  flowing  bowls. 
What  scenes  of  slaughter  in  yon  fields  appear! 
The  dead  we  mourn,  and  lor  the  living  fear ; 
Greece  on  the  brink  of  fate  all  doubtful  stands. 
And  owns  no  help  but  from  thy  saving  hands  : 
Troy  and  her  aids  for  ready  vengeance  call ; 
Their  threatening  tents  already  shade  our  wail  : 
Hear  how  with  shouts  their  conquest  they  proclaim. 
And  point  at  every  ship  their  vengeful  flame ! 
For  them  the  father  of  the  gods  declares, 
Theirs  are  his  omens,  and  his  thunder  theirs. 
See,  full  of  Jove,  avenging  Hector  rise  ! 
See  !  heaven  and  earth  the  raging  chief  defies  ; 
What  fury  in  his  breast,  what  lightning  in  his  eyes  I 
He  waits  but  for  the  morn,  to  sink  in  flame 
The  ships,  the  Greeks,  and  all  the  Grecian  name. 
Heavens  !  how  my  country's  woes  distract  my  mind. 
Lest  Fate  accomplish  all  his  rage  design'd  ! 
And  must  we,  gods  !  our  heads  inglorious  lay 
In  Trojan  dust,  and  this  the  fatal  day? 

Return,  Achilles  :  oh  return,  though  late,  | 

To  save  thy  Greeks,  and  stop  the  course  of  Fate 
If  in  that  heart  or  grief  or  courage  lies, 
Rise  to  redeem  ;  aii,  yet  to  conquer,  rise  1 


5  THE  ILIAD.  [Book 

The  day  may  come,  when,  all  our  warriors  slain, 
That  heart  shall  melt,  that  courage  rise  in  vain  : 
Regard  in  time,  O  prince  divinely  brave  ! 
Tliose  wholesome  counsels  which  thy  father  gave. 
When  Peleus  in  his  aged  arms  embraced 
His  parting  son,  these  accents  were  his  last: 

"  '  My  child  !  with  strength,  with  glory,  and  success, 
Thy  arms  may  Juno  and  Minerva  bless  ! 
Trust  that  to  Heaven  :  but  thou,  thy  cares  engage 
To  calm  thy  passions,  and  subdue  thy  rage  : 
From  gentler  manners  let  thy  glory  grow. 
And  shun  contention,  the  sure  source  of  woe ; 
That  young  and  old  may  in  thy  praise  combine. 

The  virtues  of  humanity  be  thine ' 

This  now-despised  advice  thy  father  gave  ; 

Ah  !  check  thy  anger  ;  and  be  truly  brave. 

If  tliou  wilt  yield  to  great  Atrides'  prayers. 

Gifts  worthy  thee  his  royal  hand  prepares; 

If  not — but  hear  me,  while  I  number  o'er 

The  proffer'd  presents,  an  exhaustless  store. 

Ten  weighty  talents  of  the  purest  gold. 

And  twice  ten  vases  of  refulgent  mould  ; 

Seven  sacred  tripods,  whose  unsullied  frame 

Yet  knows  no  office,  nor  has  felt  the  flame  ; 

Twelve  steeds  unmatch'd  in  fleetness  and  in  force. 

And  still  victorious  in  the  dusty  course 

(Rich  were  the  man,  whose  ample  stores  exceed 

The  prizes  purchased  by  their  winged  speed) ; 

Seven  lovely  captives  of  the  Lesbian  line, 

Skill'd  in  each  art,  unmatch'd  in  form  divine, 

The  same  he  chose  for  more  than  vulgar  charms, 

■When  Lesbos  sank  beneath  thy  conquering  arms. 

All  these,  to  buy  thy  friendship  shall  be  paid, 

And,  join'd  with  these,  the  long-contested  maid  ; 

With  all  her  charms,  Briseis  he'll  resign. 

And  solemn  swear  those  charms  were  only  thine* 

Untouch'd  she  stay'd,  uninjured  she  removes, 

Pure  from  his  arms,  and  guiltless  of  his  loves. 

These  instant  shall  be  thine  :  and  if  the  powers 

Give  to  our  arms  proud  Ilion's  hostile  towers. 

Then  shalt  thou  store  (when  Greece  the  spoil  divides) 

With  gold  and  brass  thy  loaded  navy's  sides. 

Besides,  full  twenty  nymphs  of  Trojan  race 

With  copious  love  shall  crown  thy  warm  embrace  ; 

Such  as  thyself  shall  choose  ;  who  yield  to  none, 

Or  yield  to  Helen's  heavenly  charms  alone. 

Yet  hear  me  further :  when  our  wars  are  o'er, 


Book  IX. 1  THE  ILIAD. 


If  safe  we  land  on  Argos'  fruitful  shore. 

There  shall  thou  live  his  son,  his  honor  share, 

And  with  Orestes'  self  divide  his  care. 

Yet  more — three  daughters  in  his  court  are  bred, 

And  each  well  worthy  of  a  royal  bed  ; 

Laodice  and  Iphigenia  fair, 

And  bright  Chrysothemis  with  golden  hair : 

Her  shalt  thou  wed  wliom  most  thy  eyes  approve; 

He  asks  no  presents,  no  reward  for  love  : 

Himself  will  give  the  dower;  so  vast  a  store 

As  never  father  gave  a  child  before. 

Seven  ample  cities  shall  confess  thy  sway, 

The  Enope  and  Pherae  thee  obey, 

Cardamyle  with  ample  turrets  crown'd, 

And  sacred  Pedasus,  for  vines  renown'd: 

/Epea  fair,  the  pastures  Hira  yields, 

And  rich  Antheia  with  her  flowery  fields ; 

The  whole  e,\tent  to  Pylos'  sandy  plain, 

Along  the  verdant  margin  of  the  main. 

There  heifers  graze,  and  laboring  o.xen  toil ; 

Bold  are  the  men,  and  generous  is  the  soil. 

There  shalt  thou  reign,  with  power  and  justice  crown'd, 

And  rule  the  tributary  realms  around. 

Such  are  the  proffers  which  this  day  we  bring. 

Such  the  repentance  of  a  suppliant  king. 

But  if  all  this,  relentless,  thou  disdain. 

If  honor  and  if  interest  plead  in  vain. 

Yet  some  redress  to  suppliant  Greece  afford. 

And  be,  amongst  her  guardian  gods,  adored. 

If  no  regard  thy  suffering  country  claim. 

Hear  thy  own  glory,  and  the  voice  of  fame: 

For  now  that  chief,  whose  unresisted  ire 

Made  nations  tremble,  and  whole  hosts  retire. 

Proud  Hector,  now,  the  unequal  fight  demands. 

And  only  triumphs  to  deserve  thy  hands." 

Then  thus  the  goddess-born :  "  Ulysses,  heai 
A  faithful  speech,  that  knows  nor  art  nor  fear; 
What  in  my  secret  soul  is  understood. 
My  tongue  shall  utter,  and  my  deeds  make  good. 
Let  Greece  then  know,  my  purpose  I  retain  . 
Nor  with  new  treaties  vex  my  pe.ace  in  vain. 
Who  dares  think  one  thing,  and  another  tell. 
My  he.art  detests  him  as  the  gates  of  hell. 

"Then  thus  in  short  my  fix'd  resolves  attend. 
Which  nor  Atrides  nor  his  Greeks  can  bend; 
Long  toils,  long  perils,  in  their  cause  I  bore. 
But  now  the  unfruitful  glories  charm  no  more. 


THE  ILIAD.  [BoCHC  IX. 


Fight  or  not  fight,  a  like  reward  we  claim. 

The  wretcli  and  hero  find  their  prize  tlie  same. 

Alike  rtj^retted  in  the  dust  he  lies, 

Who  yields  ignobly,  or  who  bravely  dies. 

Of  all  my  dangers,  A\  my  glorious     ains, 

A  life  of  labors,  lo!  what  fruit  remains  ? 

As  the  bold  bird  her  helpless  young  attends, 

From  danger  guards  them,  and  from  want  defends; 

In  search  of  prey  she  wings  the  spacious  air. 

And  with  the  untasted  food  supplies  her  care  : 

For  thankless  Greece  such  hardships  have  I  braved. 

Her  wives,  her  infants,  by  .ny  labors  saved; 

Long  sleepless  nights  in  heavy  arms  I  stood. 

And  sweat  laborious  days  in  dust  and  blood. 

I  sack'd  twelve  ample  cities  on  the  main,* 

And  twelve  lay  smoking  on  the  Trojan  plain: 

Then  at  Atrides'  haughty  feet  wer>.  laid 

The  wealth  I  gather'd,  and  the  spoils  1  made. 

Your  mighty  monarch  these  in  peace  possess'd; 

Some  few  my  soldiers  had,  himself  the  rest. 

Some  present,  too,  to  every  prince  was  paid; 

And  every  prince  enjovs  the  gift  he  made: 

;  only  must  refund,  of  all  his  train; 

See  what  pre-eminence  our  merits  gain  ! 

My  spoil  alone  his  greedy  soul  delights: 

IVIy  spouse  alone  must  bless  his  lustful  nights: 

The  woman,  let  him  (as  he  may)  enjoy ; 

But  what's  the  quarrel,  then,  of  Greece  to  Troy  ? 

What  to  these  shores  the  assembled  nations  draws, 

What  calls  for  vengeance  but  a  woman's  cause.'' 

Are  fair  endowments  and  a  beauteous  face 

Beloved  by  none  but  those  of  Atreus'  race  .' 

The  wife  whom  choice  and  passion  doth  approve, 

Sure  every  wise  and  worthy  man  will  love. 

Nor  did  my  fair  one  less  distinction  claim; 

Slave  as  she  was,  ray  soul  adored  the  dame. 

Wrong'd  in  my  love,  all  proffers  I  disdain ; 

Deceived  for  once,  I  trust  not  kings  agam. 

Ye  have  my  answer — what  remains  to  do. 

Your  king,  Ulysses,  may  consult  with  you. 

What  needs  he  the  defence  this  arm  can  make  ? 

Has  he  not  walls  no  human  force  can  shake  .'' 


•  It  must  be  recollected  that  the  war  at  Trov  was  not  a  settled  siege,  and  that 
many  of  the  chieftains  busied  themselve?  in  piratical  expeditions  about  its  neighbor- 
hood. Such  a  one  wat  that  of  which  Achilles  now  speaks.  From  the  following 
vtrsrs,  it  16  evidt-nt  th.lt  the  fruits  nf  these  mamudings  went  to  the  common  support 
«i  the  expedition,  and  not  to  the  successful  piuuderer. 


Book  IX.]  THE  ILIAD.  213 

Has  he  not  fenced  his  guarded  navy  round 

Witli  piles,  vvitli  ramparts,  and  a  trench  profound  ? 

And  will  not  these  (the  wonders  he  has  done) 

Repel  the  rage  of  Priam's  single  son  ? 

There  was  a  time  ('twas  when  for  Greece  I  fought) 

When  Hector's  prowess  no  such  wonders  wrought; 

He  kept  the  verge  of  Troy,  nor  dared  to  wait 

Achilles'  fury  at  the  Scsan  gate  ; 

He  tried  it  once,  and  scarce  was  saved  by  fate. 

But  now  those  ancient  enmities  are  o'er; 

To-morrow  we  the  favoring  gods  implore  ; 

Then  shall  you  see  our  parting  vessels  crown'd, 

And  hear  with  oars  the  Hellespont  resound. 

The  third  day  hence  shall  Pthia  greet  our  sails  * 

If  mighty  Neptune  send  propitious  gales  ; 

Pthia  to  her  Achilles  shall  restore 

The  wealth  he  left  for  this  detested  shore : 

Thither  the  spoils  of  this  long  war  shall  pass, 

The  ruddy  gold,  the  steel,  and  shining  brass: 

My  beauteous  captives  thither  I'll  convey, 

And  all  that  rests  of  my  unravish'd  prey. 

One  only  valued  gift  your  tyrant  gave, 

And  that  resumed — the  fair  Lyrnessian  slave. 

Then  tell  him  :  loud,  that  all  the  Greeks  may  hear, 

And  learn  to  scorn  the  wretch  they  basely  fear 

(For  arm'd  in  impudence,  mankind  he  braves. 

And  meditates  new  cheats  on  all  his  slaves ; 

Though  shameless  as  he  is,  to  face  these  eyes 

Is  what  he  dares  not  :  if  he  dares  he  dies); 

Tell  him,  all  terms,  all  commerce  I  decline, 

Nor  share  his  council,  nor  his  battle  join  ; 

For  once  deceiv'd,  was  his  ;  but  twice  were  mine, 

No — let  the  stupid  prince,  whom  Jove  deprives 

Of  sense  and  justice,  run  where  frenzy  drives  • 

His  gifts  are  hateful  :  kings  of  such  a' kind 

Stand  but  as  slaves  before  a  noble  mind, 

Not  though  he  proffer'd  all  himself  possess'd. 

And  all  his  rapine  could  from  others  wrest : 

Not  all  the  golden  tides  of  wealth  that  crown 

The  many-peopled  Orchomenian  town  ;  f 

•  Plhra,  the  capital  lA  Achilles'  Thessahan  domains. 

t  Orchomenian  taum.  The  topofjraphy  of  Orchomenus,  in  BcEotia,  "  situated," 
as  it  was,  "  on  the  ruirthern  bank  of  the  lake  .*;pais,  which  receives  not  only  the  river 
Cephisus  from  the  valleys  of  Phocis,  but  also  other  rivers  from  Parnassus  and  Hel- 
icon "  {Grote,  vol.  1.  p.  iSi),  was  a  sufficient  reason  for  its  prosperity  and  decay. 
"  As  long  as  the  channels  of  these  waters  were  diligently  watched  and  kept  clear,  a 
large  portion  of  the  lake  was  in  the  condition  of  alluvial  land,  pre-eminently  rich  .ind 
iertile.    But  when  the  channels  came  to  \x  eithei  neglected,  or  designedly  choked  up 


*'4  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IX. 

Not  all  proud  Thebes'  unrivall'd  walls  contain, 

The  world's  great  empress  on  the  Egyptian  plain 

(That  spreads  her  conquests  o'er  a  thousand  states. 

And  pours  her  heroes  through  a  hundred  gates, 

Two  hundred  horsemen  and  two  hundred  cars 

From  each  wide  portal  issuing  to  the  wars) ;  * 

Though  bribes  were  heap'd  on  bribes,  in  number  more 

Than  dust  in  fields,  or  sands  along  the  shore  ; 

Sliould  all  these  offers  for  my  friendship  call, 

'Tis  he  that  offers,  and  I  scorn  them  all. 

Atrides'  daughter  never  shall  be  led 

(An  ill-match'd  consort)  to  Achilles'  bed  ; 

Like  golden  Venus  though  she  charm'd  the  heart. 

And  vied  with  Pallas  in  the  works  of  art ; 

Some  greater  Greek  let  those  high  nuptials  grace, 

I  hate  alliance  with  a  tyrant's  race. 

If  heaven  restore  me  to  my  realms  with  life. 

The  reverend  Peleus  shall  elect  my  wife  ; 

Thessalian  nymphs  there  are  of  form  divine, 

And  kings  that  sue  to  mix  their  blood  with  mine. 

Bless'd  in  kind  love,  my  years  shall  glide  away. 

Content  with  just  hereditary  sway; 

There,  deaf  forever  to  the  martial  strife, 

Enjoy  the  dear  prerogative  of  life. 

Life  is  not  to  be  bought  with  heaps  of  gold. 

Not  all  Apollo's  Pythian  treasures  hold. 

Or  Troy  once  held,  in  peace  and  pride  of  sway, 

Can  bribe  the  poor  possession  of  a  day  ! 

Lost  herds  and  treasures  we  by  arms  regain, 

And  steeds  unrivall'd  on  the  dusty  plain  : 

But  from  our  lips  the  vital  spirit  fled. 

Returns  no  more  to  wNake  the  silent  dead. 

My  fates  long  since  by  Thetis  were  disclosed. 

And  each  alternate,  life  or  fame,  proposed  ; 

Here,  if  I    ay,  before  the  Trojan  town, 

Short  IS  my  date,  but  deathless  my  renown  : 

If  I  return,  I  quit  immortal  praise 

For  years  on  years,  and  long-extended  days. 

Convinced,  though  late,  I  find  my  fond  mistake, 

And  warn  the  Greeks  the  wiser  choice  to  make ; 

To  quit  these  shores,  their  native  seats  enjoy, 

Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-defended  Troy. 

bv  an  enemy,  the  water  accumulated  in  such  a  degree  as  to  occupy  the  soil  of  more 
llian  one  ancient  islet,  and  to  occasion  the  change  of  the  site  of  Orchomenus  itself 
fj-unt  the  plain  to  the  declivity  of  Mount  Hyphanteion."     {Jiid-) 

♦  The  phrase  "hundred  pates,"  &c.,  seems  to  be  merely  expressive  uf  a  great 
OUJuber.     See  notes  to  my  pruse  trauslatiOD,  p.  162* 


Book  IX.]  THE  ILIAD.  2 15 

Jove's  arm  display'd  asserts  lier  from  the  skies  ! 

Her  hearts  are  strengthen'd,  and  her  glories  rise. 

Go  then  to  Greece,  report  our  fix'd  design  ; 

Bid  all  your  counsels,  all  your  armies  join, 

Let  all  your  forces,  all  your  arts  conspire, 

To  save  the  ships,  the  troops,  the  chiefs,  from  fire. 

One  stratagem  has  fail'd,  and  others  will : 

Ye  find,  Achilles  is  unconquered  still. 

Go  then — digest  my  message  as  )'e  may — 

But  here  this  night  let  reverend  Phoenix  stay 

His  tedious  toils  and  hoary  hairs  demand 

A  peaceful  death  in  I'thia's  friendly  land. 

But  whether  he  remain  or  sail  with  me, 

His  age  be  sacred,  and  his  will  be  free." 

The  son  of  I'eleus  ceased  :  the  chiefs  around 
In  silence  wrapt,  in  consternation  drown'd. 
Attend  the  stern  reply.     Then  Phoenix  rose 
(Down  his  white  beard  a  stream  of  sorrow  flows) ; 
And  while  the  fate  of  suffering  Greece  he  mrturn'd. 
With  accent  weak  these  tender  words  return'd. 

"Divine  Achilles!  wilt  thou  then  retire. 
And  leave  our  hosts  in  blood,  our  fleets  on  fire  ? 
If  wrath  so  dreadful  fill  thy  ruthless  mind. 
How  shall  thy  friend,  thy  Phcenix,  stay  behind? 
The  royal  Peleus,  when  from  Pthia's  coast 
He  sent  thee  early  to  the  Achaian  host ; 
Thy  youth  as  then  in  sage  debates  unskill'd, 
And  new  to  perils  of  the  direful  field: 
He  bade  me  teach  thee  all  ways  of  war. 
To  shine  in  councils,  and  in  camps  to  dare. 
Never,  ah,  never  let  me  leave  thy  side  ! 
No  time  sliall  part  us,  and  no  fate  divide, 
Not  though  the  god,  that  breathed  my  lite,  restore 
The  bloom  I  boasted,  and  the  port  I  bore, 
When  Greece  of  old  belield  my  youthful  flames 
(Delighful  Greece,  the  land  of  lovely  dames), 
My  father  faithless  to  my  mother's  arms, 
Old  as  he  was,  adored  a  stranger's  charms. 
I  tried  what  youth  could  do  (at  her  desire) 
To  win  the  damsel,  and  prevent  my  sire. 
My  sire  with  curses  loads  my  hated  head, 
And  cries,  '  Ye  furies  !  barren  be  his  bed.' 
Infernal  Jove,  the  vengeful  fiends  below, 
And  ruthless  Proserpine,  confirm'd  his  vow. 
Despair  and  grief  distract  my  laboring  mind  ! 
Gods  !  what  a  crime  my  impious  heart  design'd  ! 
I  thought  (but  some  kind  god  that  thought  suppress'd) 


tlb  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IN; 

To  plunge  the  poniard  in  my  father's  breast ; 

Then  meditate  my  flight :  my  friends  in  vain 

With  prayers  entreat  me,  and  with  force  detain. 

On  fat  of  rams,  black  bulls,  and  brawny  swine. 

They  daily  feast,  with  draughts  of  fragrant  wine  ; 

Strong  guards  they  placed,  and  watch'd  nine  nights  entire ) 

The  roofs  and  porches  flamed  with  constant  fire. 

The  tenth,  I  forced  the  gates,  unseen  of  all : 

And  favor'd  by  the  night,  o'erleap'd  the  wall. 

My  travels  thence  through  spacious  Greece  extend; 

In  Phthia's  court  at  last  my  labors  end. 

Your  sire  received  me,  as  his  son  caress'd, 

With  gifts  enrich'd,  and  with  possessions  bless'd. 

The  strong  Dolopians  thenceforth  own'd  my  reign, 

And  all  the  coast  that  runs  along  the  main. 

By  love  to  thee  his  bounties  1  repaid, 

And  early  wisdom  to  thy  soul  convey'd  : 

Great  as  thou  art,  my  lessons  made  thee  brave : 

A  child  I  took  thee,  but  a  hero  gave. 

Thy  infant  breast  a  like  affection  show'd ; 

Still  in  my  arms  (an  ever-pleasing  load) 

Or  at  my  knee,  by  Phceni.x  would'st  thou  stand; 

No  food  was  grateful  but  from  Pha;iiix'  hand.* 

I  pass  my  watchings  o'er  thy  helpless  years, 

The  tender  labors,  the  compliant  cares  ; 

The  gods  (I  thought)  reversed  their  hard  deeree, 

And  Phcenix  felt  a  father's  joys  in  thee  : 

Thy  growing  virtues  justified  my  cares, 

And  promised  comfort  to  my  silver  hairs. 

Now  be  thy  rage,  thy  fatal  rage,  resign'd ; 

A  cruel  heart  ill  suits  a  manly  mind  : 

•  Compare  the  following  pretty  lines  of  Quintus  Cilaber  (Dyce's  Select  Tra***    r 
lions,  p.  SS) : — 

"  Many  gifts  he  gave,  and  o'er 

Dolopia  bade  me  rule  :  thee  in  his  arms 

He  brouglit  an  infant,  on  my  bosom  laid 

The  precious  charge,  and  anxiously  enjoin'd 

That  I  should  rear  thee  as  my  own  with  all 

A  parent's  love.     I  fail'd  not  in  my  trust  ; 

And  oft,  while  round  my  neck  thy  hands  were  lock'd, 

From  thy  sweet  lips  the  half-articulate  sound 

Of  Father  came  ;  and  oft,  as  children  use. 

Mewling  and  puking  didst  thou  drench  my  tunic." 
**ThJs  description,"  observes  my  learned  friend  (notes,  p.  121),  '*is  taken  from  the 
passage  nf  Homer,  li.  ix.,  in  translating  which,  Pope,  with  that  squeamish,  arufiewl 
taste,  whicl'  distinguished  the  age  of  Anne,  omits  the  natural  (and,  let  me  add,  affeibt- 
ioe)  Circumstance." 

"  And  the  wine 

Held  to  thy  lips  ;  and  many  a  time  in  fits 

Of  infant  frowardness,  the  purple  juice 

Rejecting,  thou  hast  deluged  all  my  vest, 

And  fill'd  my  bosom." — Cowper. 


Book  IX.]  THE  ILTAD.  2'7- 

The  gods  (the  only  great,  and  only  wise) 

Are  moved  by  offerings,  vows,  and  sacrifice; 

Offending  man  their  high  compassion  wins, 

And  daily  prayers  atone  for  daily  sins. 

Prayers  are  Jove's  daughters,  of  celestial  race, 

Lame  are  their  feet,  and  wrinkled  is  their  face  ; 

With  humble  mein,  and  with  dejected  eyes, 

Constant  they  follow,  where  injustice  flies  : 

Injustice  swift,  erect,  and  unconfined. 

Sweeps  the  wide  earth,  and  tramples  o'er  mankind, 

While  Prayers,  to  heal  her  wrongs   move  slow  behind. 

Who  hears  these  daughters  of  almighty  Jove, 

For  him  they  mediate  to  the  throne  above  : 

When  man  rejects  the  humble  suit  they  make, 

The  sire  revenges  for  the  daughters'  sake  ; 

From  Jove  commission'd,  fierce  injustice  then 

Descends  to  punish  unrelenting  men. 

O  let  not  headlong  passion  bear  the  sway 

These  reconciling  goddesses  obey  : 

Due  honors  to  the  seed  of  Jove  belong. 

Due  honors  calm  the  fierce,  and  bend  the  strong. 

Were  these  not  paid  thee  by  the  terms  we  bring. 

Were  rage  still  harbor'd  in  the  haughty  king ; 

Nor  Greece  nor  all  her  fortunes  should  engage 

Thy  friend  to  plead  against  so  just  a  rage. 

But  since  what  honor  asks  the  general  sends. 

And  sends  by  those  whom  most  thy  heart  commends, 

The  best  and  noblest  of  the  Grecian  train  ; 

Permit  not  these  to  sue,  and  sue  in  vain  ! 

Let  me  (my  son)  an  ancient  fact  unfold, 

A  great  example  drawn  from  times  of  old  ; 

Hear  wliat  our  fathers  were,  and  what  their  praise, 

Who  conquer'd  their  revenge  in  former  days. 

"  Where  Calydon  on  rocky  mountains  stands  * 
Once  fought  the  /Etolian  and  Curetian  bands; 
To  guard  it  those;  to  conquer,  these  advance  ; 
And  mutual  deaths  were  dealt  with  mutual  chance. 
The  silver  Cynthia  bade  contention  rise. 
In  vengeance  of  neglected  sacrifice  ; 
On  Oineus  fields  she  sent  a  monstrous  boar. 
That  levell'd  harvests,  and  whole  forests  tore  : 
This  beast  (when  many  a  chief  his  tusks  had  slain) 
Great  Meleager  stretch'd  along  the  plain, 


•  Where  Calydon.  For  a  good  sketch  of  the  story  of  Meleager, 
inserted  here,  see  Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  195,  sqq. ;  and  for  the  authorities,  : 
the  prose  translation,  p.  16C). 


1  THE  IIJAD.  [Book  IX. 

'1  lien,  for  his  spoils,  a  new  debate  arose. 
The  neighbor  nations  thence  commencing  foes. 
Sirong  as  they  were,  the  bold  Curetes  fail'd, 
While  Meleager's  thundering  arm  prevail'd  : 
Till  rage  at  length  inflamed  his  lofty  breast 
(For  rage  invades  the  wisest  and  the  best.) 

"  Cursed  by  Althaea,  to  his  wrath  he  yields, 
And  in  his  wife's  embrace  forgets  the  fields. 
(She  from  Marpessa  sprung,  divinely  fair, 
And  matchless  Idas,  more  than  man  in  war: 
The  god  of  day  adored  the  mother's  charms ; 
Against  the  god  the  father  bent  his  arms  : 
The  afflicted  pair,  their  sorrows  to  proclaim, 
From  Cleopatra  changed  their  daughter's  name. 
And  call'd  Alcyone  ;  a  name  to  show 
The  father's  grief,  the  mourning  mother's  woe). 
To  her  the  chief  retired  from  stern  debate, 
But  found  no  peace  from  fierce  Althaea's  hate  : 
Althaea's  hate  the  unhappy  warrior  drew, 
Whose  luckless  hand  his  royal  uncle  slew ; 
She  beat  the  ground,  and  call'd  the  powers  beneath 
On  her  own  son  to  wreak  her  brother's  death  ; 
Hell  heard  her  curses  from  the  realms  profound. 
And  tlie  red  fiends  that  walk  the  nightly  round. 
In  vain  /Etolia  her  deliverer  waits. 
War  shakes  her  walls,  and  thunders  at  her  gates. 
She  sent  ambassadors,  a  chosen  band. 
Priests  of  the  gods,  and  elders  of  the  land ; 
liesought  the  chief  to  save  the  sinking  state: 
Their  jjrayers  were  urgent,  and  their  proffers  great 
(Full  fifty  acres  of  the  richest  ground, 
Half  pasture  green,  and  half  with  vineyards  crown'd): 
His  suppliant  father,  aged  ffineus,  came; 
His  sisters  follow'd  ;  even  the  vengeful  dame. 
Althaea,  sues ;  his  friends  before  him  fall : 
He  stands  relentless,  and  rejects  them  all. 
Meanwhile  the  victor's  shouts  ascend  the  skies ; 
The  walls  are  scaled  ;  the  rolling  flames  arise; 
At  length  his  wife  (a  form  divine)  appears. 
With  piercing  cries,  and  supplicating  tears  ; 
She  paints  the  horrors  of  a  conquer'd  town, 
The  heroes  slain,  the  palaces  o'erthrown. 
The  matrons  ravish'd,  the  whole  race  enslaved; 
The  warrior  heard,  he  vanquish'd,  and  he  saved. 
The  yEtoIians,  long  disdain'd,  now  took  their  turn, 
And  left  the  chief  their  broken  faith  to  mourn. 
Learn  hence,  betimes  to  curb  pernicious  ire, 


Book  IX.  J  THE  ILIAD.  219 

Nor  stay  till  yonder  fleets  ascend  in  fire  ; 

Accept  the  piesents  ;  draw  tliy  conquering  sword; 

And  be  amongst  our  guardian  gods  adored." 

Thus  he  :  the  stern  Achilles  thus  replied: 
"My  second  father,  and  my  reverend  guide  : 
Thy  friend,  believe  me,  no  such  gifts  demands. 
And  ask  no  honors  from  a  mortal's  hands ; 
Jove  honors  me,  and  favors  my  designs  ; 
His  pleasure  guides  me,  and  his  will  confines ; 
And  here  I  stay  (if  such  his  high  behest) 
While  life's  warm  spirit  beats  within  my  breast. 
Yet  hear  one  word,  and  lodge  it  in  thy  heart : 
No  more  molest  me  on  Atrides'  part : 
Is  it  for  him  these  tears  are  taught  to  flow. 
For  him  these  sorrows  'i  for  my  mortal  foe  .'' 
A  generous  friendship  no  cold  medium  knows, 
Burns  with  one  love,  with  one  resentment  glows; 
One  should  our  interests  and  our  passions  be  ; 
IV!y  friend  must  hate  the  man  that  injures  me. 
Do  this,  my  Phoeni.x,  'tis  a  generous  part; 
And  share  my  realms,  my  honors,  and  my  heart. 
Let  these  return  :  our  voyage,  or  our  stay, 
Rest  undetermined  till  the  dawning  day." 

He  ceased  ;  then  order'd  for  the  sage's  fjed 
A  warmer  couch  with  numerous  carpets  spread. 
With  that,  stern  Ajax  his  long  silence  broke, 
And  thus,  impatient,  to  Ulysses  spoke  : 

"  Hence  let  us  go — why  waste  we  time  in  vain  ? 
See  what  effect  our  low  submissions  gain  ! 
Liked  or  not  liked,  his  words  we  must  relate. 
The  Greeks  expect  them,  and  our  heroes  wait. 
Proud  as  he  is,  that  iron  heart  retains 
Its  stubborn  purpose,  and  his  friends  disdains. 
Stern  ana  unpitying  !  if  a  brother  bleed. 
On  just  atonement,  we  remit  the  deed  ; 
A  sire  the  slaughter  of  his  son  forgives ; 
The  price  of  blood  discharged,  the  murderer  lives: 
The  haughtiest  hearts  at  length  their  rage  resign, 
And  gifts  can  conquer  every  soul  but  thine.*- 
The  gods  that  unrelenting  breast  have  steel'd. 
And  cursed  thee  with  a  mind  that  cannot  yield. 

•  Gifts  can  conquer.  It  is  well  observed  by  Bishop  Thirlwall,  **  Greece,"  vol.  i. 
p.  iSo,  that  **  llie  law  oi  honor  among  the  Greeks  did  not  compel  them  to  tre.isure  up 
in  their  memory  the  offensive  language  which  might  be  addressed  to  them  by  a  pas- 
sionate adversary,  nor  to  conceive  that  it  left  a  stain  which  could  only  be  washed  .iway 
by  blood.  Even  for  real  and  deep  injuries  they  were  cummonly  willitig  to  accept  a 
pecuniary  compenutisn." 


>  THE  ILrAD.  [Book  IX- 

One  woman-slave  was  ravish'd  from  thy  arms  : 
Lo,  seven  are  offer'd,  and  of  equal   charms. 
Then  hear,  Achilles  !  be  of  better  mind  ; 
Revere  thy  roof,  and  to  thy  guests  be  kind; 
And  know  the  men  of  all  the  Grecian  host, 
Who  honor  worth,  and  prize  thy  valor  most." 

"  O  soul  of  battles,  and  thy  people's  guide ! 
(To  Ajax  thus  the  first  of  Greeks  replied) 
Well  hast  thou  spoke  ;  but  at  the  tyant's  name 
My  rage  rekindles,  and  my  soul's  on  flame  : 
'Tis  just  resentment,  and  becomes  the  brave : 
Disgraced,  dishonor'd,  like  the  vilest  slave  ! 
Return,  then,  heroes  !  and  our  answer  bear, 
The  glorious  combat  is  no  more  my  care ; 
Not  till,  amidst  yon  sinking  navy  slain. 
The  blood  of  Greeks  shall  dye  the  sable  main; 
Not  till  the  flames,  by  Hector's  fury  thrc  /n, 
Consume  your  vessels,  and  approach  my  own  ; 
Just  there,  the  impetuous  homicide  shall  stand, 
There  cease  his  battle,  and  there  feel  our  hand." 

This  said,  each  prince  a  double  goblet  crown'd, 
And  cast  a  large  libation  on  the  ground  ; 
Then  to  their  vessels,  through  the  gloomy  shades, 
The  chiefs  return  ;  divine  Ulysses  leads. 
Meantime  .'Achilles'  slaves  prepared  a  bed, 
With  fleeces,  carpets,  and  soft  linen  spread  : 
There,  till  the  sacred  morn  restored  the  day, 
In  slumber  sweet  the  reverend  Phoenix  lay. 
But  in  his  inner  tent,  an  ampler  space, 
Achilles  slept;  and  in  his  warm  embrace 
Fair  Diomede  of  the  Lesbian  race. 
Last,  for  Patroclus  was  the  couch  prepared. 
Whose  nightly  joys  the  beauteous  Iphis  shared; 
Achilles  to  his  friend  consign'd  her  charms 
Wlien  .Scyros  fell  before  his  conquering  arms. 

And  ilow  the  elected  chiefs  whom  Greece  had  sent, 
Pass'd  through  the  hosts,  and  reach'd  the  royal  tent. 
Then  rising  all,  with  goblets  in  their  hands. 
The  peers  and  leaders  of  the  Achaian  bands 
Hailed  their  return  :  Atrides  first  begun  : 

"  Say  what  success  .''  divine  Laertes'  son  ! 
Achilles'  high  resolves  declare  to  all : 
Returns  the  chief,  or  must  our  navy  fall.?" 

"  Great  king  of  nations  !     (Ithacus  replied) 
Fix'd  is  his  wrath,  unccnquer'd  is  his  pride ; 
He  slights  thy  friendship,  thy  proposals  scorns, 
And,  thus  implored,  with  fiercer  fury  burns. 


Book  IX.]  THE  ILIAD. 

To  save  our  army,  and  our  fleets  to  free, 

Is  not  liis  care ;  out  left  to  Greece  and  thee. 

Your  eyes  shall  view,  when  morning  paints  the  sky, 

Beneath  his  oars  the  whitening  billows  fly  ; 

Us  too  he  bids  our  oars  and  sails  employ. 

Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-protected  Troy ; 

For  Jove  o'ershades  her  with  his  arm  divine. 

Inspires  her  w^ar.  and  bids  her  glory  shine. 

Such  was  his  word  :  what  further  he  declared. 

These  sacred  heralds  and  great  Ajax  heard. 

But  Phoenix  in  his  tent  the  chief  retains, 

Safe  to  transport  him  to  his  native  plain.s 

When  morning  dawns  ;  if  other  he  decree. 

His  age  is  sacred,  and  his  choice  is  free." 

Ulysses  ceased  :  the  great  Achaian  host. 
With  sorrow  seized,  in  consternation  lost, 
Attend  the  stern  reply.     Tydides  broke 
The  general  silence,  and  undaunted  spoke. 

"Why  should  we  gifts  to  proud  Achilles  send. 
Or  strive  with  prayers  his  haughty  soul  to  bend  ? 
His  country's  woes  he  glories  to  deride, 
And  prayers  will  burst  that  swelling  heart  with  pride. 
Be  the  fierce  impulse  of  his  rage  obey'd, 
Our  battles  let  him  or  desert  or  aid  ; 
Then  let  him  arm  when  Jove  or  he  think  fit  : 
That,  to  his  madness,  or  to  Heaven  commit : 
What  for  ourselves  we  can,  is  always  ours ; 
This  night,  let  due  repast  refresh  our  powers 
(For  strength  consists  in  spirits  and  in  blood. 
And  those  are  owed  to  generous  wine  and  food); 
But  when  the  rosv  messenger  of  day 
Strikes  the  blue  mountains  with  her  golden  ray. 
Ranged  at  the  ships,  let  all  our  squadrons  shine 
In  flaming  arms,  a  long-extended  line  : 
In  the  dread  front  let  great  Atrides  stand. 
The  first  in  danger,  as  in  high  command." 

Shouts  of  acclaim  the  listening  heroes  raise. 
Then  each  to  Heaven  the  due  libations  pays ; 
Till  sleep,  descending  o'er  the  tents,  bestows 
The  grateful  blessings  of  desired  repose.* 

•  "  The  boon  of  sleeD."— Milton. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  X. 


BOOK  X. 

ARGUMENT. 

MB  IKGHTADVCNTURK  OF   DIOMHD   AND   ULVSSOS. 

Jpon  the  refusal  nf  Achilles  to  return  to  the  army,  the  distress  of  Agamemnon  is 
described  in  the  most  lively  manner.  He  takes  no  rest  that  night,  but  passes 
through  the  camp,  awaking  the  leaders,  and  contpving  all  possible  methods  for 
the  public  safety.  Menelaus,  Nestor,  Ulysses,  and  Diom:d  are  etnployed  in 
raising  the  rest  of  the  captains.  They  call  a  council  of  war,  and  determine  tf>  send 
scouts  into  the  enemies'  camp,  to  learn  theirliosture  and  discover  their  intentions. 
Dioined  undertakes  this  hazardous  enterprise,  and  makes  choice  of  Ulysses  for  his 
companion.  In  their  passage  they  surprise  Dolon,  whom  Hector  had  sent  on  a 
like  design  to  the  camp  of  the  Grecians.  From  him  they  are  informed  of  the  situa- 
tion of  the  Trojan  and  auxiliary  forces,  and  particularly  o''  Rhesus,  and  the  Thracians 
who  were  lately  arrived.  They  pass  on  with  success  ;  kill  Rhesus,  with  several  of 
his  officers,  and  seize  the  famous  horses  of  that  prince,  with  which  they  return  io 
triumph  to  the  camp. 

The  same  night  continues  ;  the  scene  lies  in  the  two  camps. 

All  night  the  chiefs  before  their  vessels  lay, 

And  lost  in  sleep  the  labors  of  the  (Jay  : 

All  but  the  king  :  with  various  thoughts  oppress'd,* 

His  country's  cares  lay  rolling  in  his  breast. 

As  when  bv  lightnings  Jove's  ethereal  power 

Foretels  the  rattling  hail,  or  weighty  shower, 

Or  sentis  soft  snows  to  whiten  all  the  shore, 

Or  bids  the  brazen  throat  of  war  to  roar ; 

By  fits  one  flash  succeeds  as  one  expires, 

And  heaven  flames  thick  with  momentary  fires  : 

So  bursting  frequent  from  Atrides'  breast, 

Sighs  following  sighs  his  inward  fears  confess'd. 

Now  o'er  the  fields,  dejected,  he  surveys 

From  thousand  Trojan  fii  es  the  mounting  blaze ; 

Hears  in  the  passing  wind  their  music  blow, 

And  marks  distinct  the  voices  of  the  foe. 

Now  looking  backwards  to  the  fleet  and  coast, 

Anxious  he  sorrows  for  the  endanger'd  host. 

He  rends  his  hair,  in  sacrifice  to  jOve, 

And  sues  to  him  that  ever  lives  above  : 

Inly  he  groans  ;  while  glory  and  despair 

Divide  his  heart,  and  wage  a  double  war. 


All  else  of  nature's  common  gift  partake  : 

Unhappy  Dido  was  aloue  awake." — I>iyden's  Virgil,  iv.  767. 


Book  X.]  THE  ILIAD  22^ 

A  thousand  cares  his  laboring  breast  revolves; 
To  seek  sage  Nestor  now  the  chief  resolves, 
With  him,  in  wholesome  counsels,  to  debate 
What  yet  remains  to  save  the  afflicted  state. 
He  rose,  and  first  he  cast  his  mantle  round, 
Next  on  his  feet  the  shining  sandals  bound; 
A  lion's  yellow  spoils  his  back  conceal'd  ; 
His  warlike  hand  a  pointed  javelin  held. 
Meanwhile  his  brother,  pressed  with  equal  woes. 
Alike  denied  the  gifts  of  soft  repose, 
Laments  for  Greece,  that  in  his  cause  before 
So  much  had  suffer'd  and  must  suffer  more. 
A  leopard's  spotted  hide  his  shoulders  spread* 
A  brazen  helmet  glitter'd  on  his  head  : 
Thus  (with  a  javelin  in  his  hand)  he  went 
To  wake  Atrides  in  the  royal  tent. 
Already  waked,  Atrides  he  descried. 
His  armor  buckling  at  his  vessel's  side. 
Joyful  they  met  ;  the  Spartan  thus  begun  : 
"  Why  puts  my  brother  his  bright  armor  on  ? 
Sends  he  some  spy,  amidst  these  silent  hours. 
To  try  yon  camp,  and  watch  the  Trojan  powers  ? 
But  say,  what  hero  shall  sustain  that  task .'' 
Such  bold  exploits  uncommon  courage  ask  ; 
Guideless,  alone,  through  night's  dark  shade  to  go, 
And  .nidst  a  hostile  camp  explore  the  foe." 

To  whom  the  king:  "  In  such  distress  we  stand, 
No  viilgar  counsel  our  affairs  demand  ; 
Greece  to  preserve,  is  now  no  easy  part. 
But  asks  high  wisdom,  deep  design,  and  art. 
For  Jove,  averse,  our  humble  prayer  denies. 
And  bows  his  head  to  Hector's  sacrifice. 
What  eye  has  witness'd,  or  what  ear  believed. 
In  one  great  day,  by  one  great  arm  achieved, 
Such  wondrous  deeds  as  Hector's  hand  has  done. 
And  we  beheld,  the  last  revolving  sun  ? 
What  honors  the  beloved  of  Jove  adorn  ! 
Sprung  from  no  god,  and  of  no  goddess  born ; 
Yet  such  his  acts,  as  Greeks  unborn  shall  tell, 
.^nd  curse  the  battle  where  their  fathers  fell. 

"  Now  speed  thy  hasty  course  along  the  fieet, 
There  call  great  Ajax,  and  the  prince  of  Crete  ; 
Ourself  to  hoary  Nestor  will  repair; 
To  keep  the  guards  on  duty  be  his  care 
(For  Nestor's  mfluence  best  that  quarter  guides, 
Whose  son  with  Merion,  o'er  the  watch  presides)". 
To  whom  the  Spartan  :  "  These  thy  orders  borne, 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  X. 

Say,  shall  I  stay,  or  with  despatch  return  ?  " 

"  There  shall  thou  stay  (the  king  of  men  rephed), 

Else  may  we  miss  to  meet,  without  a  guide, 

Tlie  paths  so  many,  and  the  camp  so  wide. 

Still,  with  your  voice  tlie  slothful  soldiers  raise, 

Urge  by  their  fathers'  fame  their  future  praise. 

Forget  we  now  our  state  and  lofty  birth  ; 

Not  titles  here,  but  works,  must  prove  our  worth. 

To  labor  is  the  lot  of  man  below  ; 

And  when  Jove  gave  us  life,  he  gave  us  woe." 

This  said,  each  parted  to  his  several  cares : 
The  king  to  Nestor's  sable  ship  repairs  ; 
The  sage  protector  of  the  Greeks  he  found 
Stretch  d  in  his  bed  witli  all  his  arms  around; 
The  various-color'd  scarf,  the  shield  he  rears. 
The  shining  helmet,  and  the  pointed  spears  ; 
The  dreadful  weapons  of  the  warrior's  rage, 
That,  old  in  arms,  disdain'd  the  peace  of  age. 
Then,  leaning  on  his  hand  his  watchful  head, 
The  hoary  monarch  raised  his  eyes  and  said : 

"  What'art  thou,  speak,  that  on  designs  unknown. 
While  others  sleep,  thus  range  the  camp  alone ; 
Seek'st  tliou  some  friend  or  nightly  sentinel? 
Stand  off,  a|iproach  not,  but  thy  purpose  tell." 

"O  son  of  Neleus  (thus  the  king  rejoin'd). 
Pride  of  the  Greeks,  and  glory  of  thy  kind  ! 
Lo,  here  the  wretched  Agamemnon  stands, 
rhe  unhappy  general  of  the  Grecian  bands, 
Whom  Jove  decrees  with  daily  cares  to  bend, 
And  woes,  that  only  with  his  life  shall  end  ! 
Scarce  can  my  knees  those  trembling  limbs  sustain, 
And  scarce  my  heart  support  its  load  of  pain. 
No  taste  of  sleep  these  heavy  eyes  have  known, 
Confused,  and  sad,  I  wander  thus  alone, 
With  fears  distracted,  with  no  fi.x'd  design  ; 
And  all  my  people's  miseries  are  mine. 
If  aught  of  use  thy  waking  thoughts  suggest 
(Since  cares,  like  mine,  deprive  thy  soul  of  rest), 
Impart  thy  counsel,  and  assist  thy  friend  ; 
Now  let  us  jointly  to  the  trench  descend, 
At  every  gate  the  fainting  guard  excite. 
Tired  with  the  toils  of  day  and  watch  of  night ; 
Else  may  the  sudden  foe  our  works  invade. 
So  near,  and  favor'd  by  the  gloomy  shade." 

To  him  thus  Nestor  :  '-Trust  the  powers  above. 
Nor  think  [jroud  Hectors  hopes  confirm'd  by  Jove: 
How  ill  agree  the  views  of  vain  mankind, 


Book  X.]  THE  ILIAD.  225 

And  the  wise  counsels  of  the  eternal  mind  ! 
Audacious  Hector,  if  the  gods  ordain 
That  great  Achilles  rise  and  rage  again, 
Wiiat  toils  attend  thee,  and  what  woes  remain ! 
Lo,  faithful  Nestor  thy  command  obeys  ; 
The  care  is  next  our  other  chiefs  to  raise : 
Ulysses,  Diomed,  we  cliiefly  need ; 
Meges  for  strength,  Oileus  famed  for  speed. 
Some  other  be  dispatch'd  of  nimbler  feet. 
To  those  tall  ships,  remotest  of  the  fleet, 
Where  lie  great  Ajax  and  the  king  of  Crete.* 
To  rouse  the  Spartan  I  myself  decree  ; 
Dear  as  he  is  to  us,  and  dear  to  thee. 
Yet  must  1  tax  his  sloth,  that  claims  no  share 
With  his  great  brother  in  his  martial  care  : 
Him  it  behoved  to  every  cliief  to  sue, 
Preventing  every  part  perform'd  by  j-ou ; 
For  strong  necessity  our  toils  demands. 
Claims  all  our  hearts,  and  urges  all  our  hands." 

To  whom  the  king  :  "  With  reverence  we  allow 
Thy  just  rebukes,  yet  learn  to  spare  them  now : 
My  generous  brother  is  of  gentle  kind, 
He  seems  remiss,  but  bears  a  valiant  mind  ; 
Through  too  much  deference  to  our  sovereign  sway. 
Content  to  follow  when  we  lead  the  way  ; 
But  now,  our  ills  industrious  to  prevent. 
Long  ere  the  rest  he  rose,  and  sought  my  tent. 
The  chiefs  you  named,  already  at  his  call. 
Prepare  to  meet  us  near  the  navy-wall ; 
Assembling  there,  between  the  trench  and  gates. 
Near  the  night-guards,  our  chosen  council  waits." 

"Then  none  (said  Nestor)  shall  his  rule  withstand, 
For  great  examples  justify  command." 
With  that,  the  venerable  warrior  rose  ; 
The  shining  greaves  his  manly  legs  enclose ; 
His  purple  mantle  golden  buckles  join'd. 
Warm  with  the  softest  wool,  and  doubly  lined. 
Then  rushing  from  his  tent,  he  snatch'd  in  haste 
His  steely  lance,  that  lighten'd  as  he  pass'd. 
The  camp  he  traversed  through  the  sleeping  crowd, 
Stopp'd  at  Ulysses'  tent,  and  call'd  aloud. 
Ulysses,  sudden  as  the  voice  was  sent. 
Awakes,  starts  up,  and  issues  from  his  tent. 
"What  new  distress,  what  sudden  cause  cf  fright, 
Thus  leads  you  wandering  in  the  silent  night  ?" 


The  kin^  0/ Crete  :  Idomeneus. 


■izS  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  X. 

"  O  prudent  chief  !   (the  Pyli.in  sage  replied) 

Wise  as  tlio'i  art,  be  now  tliy  wisdom  tried: 

Wliatever  means  of  safety  can  be  sought, 

Whatever  counsels  can  inspire  our  thought, 

Whatever  methods,  or  to  fly  or  fight ; 

All,  all  depend  on  this  important  night  !  " 

He  heard,  return'd,  and  took  his  painted  shield  ; 

Then  join'd  the  chiefs,  and  follow'd  through  the  field. 

Without  his  tent,  bold  Diomed  they  found. 

All  sheathed  in  arms,  his  brave  companions  round  : 

Each  sunk  in  sleep,  extended  on  the  field. 

His  head  reclining  on  his  bossy  shield. 

A  wood  of  spears  stood  by,  that,  fix'd  ui^right, 

Shot  from  their  flashing  points  a  quivering  light. 

A  bull's  black  hide  composed  the  hero's  bed  ; 

A  splendid  carpet  roU'd  beneath  his  head. 

Then,  with  his  foot,  old  Nestor  gently  shakes 

The  slumbering  chief,  and  in  these  words  awakes  : 

"  Rise,  son  of  Tydeus !  to  the  brave  and  strong 
Rest  seems  inglorious,  and  the  night  too  long. 
But  sleep's!  thou  now,  when  from  yon  hill  the  foe 
Hangs  o'er  the  fleet,  and  shades  our  walls  below  ?  " 

At  this,  soft  slumber  from  his  eyelids  fled  ; 
The  warrior  saw  the  hoary  chief,  and  said : 
"  Wondrous  old  man  !  whose  soul  no  respite  know* 
Though  years  and  honors  bid  thee  seek  repose, 
Let  younger  Greeks  our  sleeping  warriors  wake ; 
111  fits  thy  age  these  toils  to  undertake." 
"  My  friend  Jhe  answered),  generous  is  thy  care  ; 
These  toils,  my  subjects  and  my  sons  might  bear; 
Their  loyal  thoughts  and  pious  love  conspire 
To  ease  a  sovereign  and  relieve  a  sire : 
But  now  the  last  despair  surrounds  our  host ; 
No  liour  must  pass,  no  moment  must  be  lost  ; 
Each  single  Greek,  in  this  conclusive  strife, 
Stands  on  the  sharpest  edge  of  death  or  life  : 
Yet,  if  my  years  thy  kind  regard  engage, 
Employ  thy  youth  as  1  employ  my  age  : 
Succeed  to  these  my  cares,  and  rouse  the  rest ; 
He  serves  me  most,  who  serves  his  country  best." 

This  said,  the  hero  o'er  his  shoulders  flung 
A  lion's  spoils,  that  to  his  anklesliung  ; 
Then  seized  his  ponderous  lance,  and  strode  along. 
Meges  the  bold,  with  Ajax  famed  for  speed, 
The  warrior  roused,  and  to  the  entrenchments  lead. 

And  now  the  chiefs  approach  the  nightly  guard  ; 
\  wakeful  squadron,  each  in  arms  prepared  : 


Book  X.]  THE  //./AD. 


The  unwearied  watch  their  listening  leaders  keep, 

And,  couching  close,  repel  invading  sleep. 

So  faithlul  dogs  their  (leecy  cliarge  maintain, 

With  toil  protected  from  the  prowling  train; 

VVIien  the  gaunt  lioness,  with  hunger  bold. 

Springs  from  the  mountains  toward  the  guariled  fold  : 

Tlirough  breaking  woods  her  rustling  course  they  liear; 

Loud,  and  more  loud,  the  clamors  strike  their  ear 

Of  hounds  and  men  ;  they  start,  they  gaze  around, 

Watch  every  side,  and  turn  to  every  sound. 

Thus  watch'd  the  Grecians,  cautious  of  surprise, 

Eacli  voice,  each  motion,  drew  their  ears  and  eyes  : 

Each  step  of  passing  feet  increased  the  affright ; 

And  hostile  Troy  was  ever  full  in  sight. 

Nestor  with  joy  the  wakeful  band  survey'd, 

And  thus  accosted  through  the  gloomy  shade. 

'•  'Tis  well,  my  sons  !  your  nightly  cares  employ  ; 

Else  must  our  Iiost  become  the  scorn  of  Troy. 

Watch  thus,  and  Greece  slinll  live."     Tlie  Iiero  said; 

Then  o'er  the  trench  tlie  following  chieftains  led. 

His  son,  and  godlike  Merion,  march'd  behind 

(For  these  the  princes  to  their  council  join'd). 

The  trenches  pass'd.  the  assembled  kings  around 

In  silent  state  the  consistory  crown'd. 

A  place  there  was.  yet  undcfiled  with  gore, 

The  spot  where  Hector  stopp'd  his  rage  before  ; 

When  niglit  descending,  from  his  vengeful  hand 

Reprieved  the  relics  of  the  Grecian  band 

(The  plain  beside  with  mangled  corps  was  spread, 

And  all  his  progress  mark'd  by  heaps  of  dead)  : 

There  sat  the  mournful  king:  when  Neleus'  son, 

The  council  opening,  in  these  words  begun  : 

'•  Is  there  (said  he)  a  chief  so  greatly  brave 
His  life  to  hazard,  and  his  country  save.'' 
Lives  there  a  man,  who  singly  dares  to  go 
To  vonder  camp,  or  seize  some  straggling  foe.' 
Or  favor'd  by  the  night  approach  so  near. 
Their  speech,  their  counsels,  and  designs  to  hear? 
If  to  besiege  our  navies  they  prepare. 
Or  Troy  once  more  must  be  the  seat  of  war  ? 
This  could  he  learn,  and  to  our  peers  recite, 
And  pass  unharm'd  the  dangers  of  the  night; 
What  fame  were  his  through  all  succeeding  days, 
Whi!e  Phoebus  shines,  or  men  have  tongues  to  praise! 
Wh:  !  gifts  his  grateful  country  would  bestow  ! 
What  must  not  Greece  to  her  deliverer  owe  ' 
A  sable  ewe  each  leader  should  provide, 


228  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  X. 

With  each  a  sable  lambkin  by  her  side ; 
At  every  rite  his  share  should  be  increased, 
And  his  the  foremost  honors  of  the  fe.ist." 

Fear  held  them  mute  :  alone,  untaught  to  fear, 
Tydides  spoke—"  The  man  you  seek  is  here. 
Through  yon  black  camps  to  bend  my  dangerous  way. 
Some  god  within  commands,  and  I  obey. 
But  let  some  other  chosen  warrior  join, 
To  raise  my  hopes,  and  second  my  design. 
By  mutual  confidence  and  mutual  aid, 
Great  deeds  are  done,  and  great  discoveries  made; 
The  wise  new  prudence  from  the  wise  acquire, 
And  one  brave  hero  fans  another's  fire." 

Contending  leaders  at  the  word  arose  ; 
Each  generous  breast  with  emulation  glows  ; 
So  brave  a  task  each  Aja.x  strove  to  share. 
Bold  Merion  strove,  and  Nestor's  valiant  heir; 
The  Spartan  wish'd  the  second  place  to  gain. 
And  great  Ulysses  wish'd,  nor  wish'd  in  vain. 
Then  thus  the  king  of  men  the  contest  ends : 
"  Thou  first  of  warriors,  and  thou  best  of  friends. 
Undaunted  Diomed  !  what  chief  to  join 
In  this  great  enterprise,  is  only  thine. 
Just  be  thy  choice,  without  affection  made  ; 
To  birth,  or  office,  no  respect  be  paid ; 
Let  worth  determine  here."     The  monarch  spake, 
And  inly  trembled  for  his  brother's  sake. 

"  Then  thus  (the  godlike  Diomed  rejoin'd) 
My  choice  declares  the  impulse  of  my  mind. 
How  can  I  doubt,  while  great  Ulysses  stands 
To  lend  his  counsels  and  assist  our  hands  .■" 
A  chief,  whose  safety  is  Minerva's  care  ; 
So  famed,  so  dreadful,  in  the  works  of  war  : 
Eless'd  in  his  conduct,  I  no  aid  require ; 
Wisdom  like  his  might  pass  through  flames  of  fire." 

"  It  fits  thee  not,  before  these  chiefs  of  fame 
(Replied  the  sage),  to  praise  me,  or  to  blame  : 
Praise  from  a  friend,  or  censure  from  a  foe, 
Are  lost  on  hearers  that  our  merits  know. 
But  let  us  haste — Night  rolls  the  hours  away, 
The  reddening  orient  shows  the  coming  day. 
The  stars  shine  fainter  on  the  ethereal  plains, 
And  of  night's  empire  but  a  third  remains." 

Thus  having  spoke,  with  generous  ardor  press'd. 
In  arms  terrific  their  huge  limbs  they  dress'd. 
A  two-edged  falchion  Thrasymed  the  brave, 
And  ample  buckler,  to  Tydides  gave  : 


Book  X.]  THE  ILIAD. 

Then  in  a  leathern  helm  he  cased  his  head, 

Short  of  its  crest,  and  with  no  plume  o'erspread 

(Such  as  by  youths  unused  to  arms  are  worn) : 

No  spoils  enrich  it,  and  no  studs  adorn. 

Next  him  Ulysses  took  a  shining  sword, 

A  bow  and  quiver,  with  bright  arrows  stored  : 

A  well-proved  casque,  with  leather  braces  bound 

(Thy  gift,  Meriones),  his  temples  crown'd  ; 

Soft  wool  within  ;  without,  in  order  spread,* 

A  bon-r's  white  teeth  grinn'd  horrid  o'er  his  head. 

This  from  Amyntor,  rich  Ormenus'  son, 

Autolycus  by  fraudful  rapine  won. 

And  gave  Amphidamas  ;  from  him  the  prize 

Molus  received,  the  pledge  of  social  ties  ; 

The  helmet  next  by  Merion  was  possess'd. 

And  now  Ulysses'  thoughtful  temples  press'd. 

Thus  sheathed  in  arms,  the  council  they  forsake. 

And  dark  through  paths  oblique  their  progress  take. 

Just  then,  in  sign  slie  favor'd  their  intent, 

A  long-wing'd  heron  great  Minerva  sent : 

This,  though  surrounding  shades  obscured  their  view, 

By  the  shrill  clang  and  whistling  wings  they  knew. 

As  from  the  right  she  soar'd,  Ulysses  pray'd, 

Hail'd  the  glad  omen,  and  address'd  the  maid  : 

"  O  daughter  of  that  god  wliose  arm  can  wield 
The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  dreadful  shield  I 
O  thou  !  forever  present  in  my  way, 
Wlio  all  my  motions,  all  my  toils  survey  ! 
Safe  may  we  pass  beneath  the  gloomy  shade, 
Safe  by  thy  succor  to  our  ships  convey'd, 
And  let  some  deed  tliis  signal  night  adorn. 
To  claim  the  tears  of  Trojans  yet  unborn." 

Then  godlike  Diomed  preferr'd  his  prayer : 
"  Daughter  of  Jove,  unconquer'd  Pallas  !  hear. 
Great  queen  of  arms,  whose  favor  Tydeus  won. 
As  thou  defend'st  the  sire,  defend  the  son. 
When  on  ^sopus'  banks  the  banded  powers 
Of  Greece  he  left,  and  sought  the  Theban  towers. 
Peace  was  his  charge  ;  received  with  peaceful  show, 
He  went  a  legate,  but  return'd  a  foe  : 
Then  help'd  by  thee,  and  cover'd  by  thy  shield. 
He  fought  with  numbers,  and  made  numbers  yield. 
So  now  be  present,  O  celestial  maid! 
So  still  continue  to  the  race  thine  aid  ! 


•  Soft  wool  Tvitkin,  i.  e.  a  kind  of  wuolleii  stufBiig,  pressed  i 
>  protect  the  lidd,  and  ni,ike  the  .helmet  &t  close. 


^3<^  THE  ILIAD.  [Eoo.c  X. 

A  youthful  steer  shall  fall  beneath  the  stroke, 

Untamed,  unconscious  of  the  galling  yoke, 

With  ample  forehead,  and  with  spreading  horns, 

Whose  taper  tops  refulgent  gold  adorns." 

The  heroes  pray'd,  andPallas  from  the  skies 

Accords  their  vow,  succeeds  their  enterprise. 

Now,  like  two  lions  panting  for  the  prey. 

With  dreadful  thoughts  they  trace  the  dreary  way, 

Through  the  black  horrors  of  the  ensanguined  plain. 

Through  dust,  through  blood,  o'er  arms,  and  hills  of  slain. 

Nor  less  bold  Hector,  and  the  sons  of  Troy, 
On  high  designs  the  wakeful  liours  employ  ; 
The  assembled  peers  their  lofty  chief  enclosed  ; 
Wlio  thus  the  counsels  of  his  breast  proposed  ; 

"  What  glorious  man,  for  high  attempts  prepared, 
Dares  greatly  venture  for  a  rich  reward .' 
Of  yoncler  fleet  a  bold  discovery  make, 
What  watch  they  keep,  and  what  resolves  they  take  ? 
If  now  subdued  they  meditate  their  fliglit. 
And,  spent  with  toil^  neglect  the  watch  of  night  ? 
His  be  the  chariot  that  shall  please  him  most, 
Of  all  the  plunder  of  the  vanquish'd  host ; 
His  the  fair  steeds  that  all  the  rest  excel, _ 
And  his  the  glory  to  have  served  so  well." 

A  youth  there  was  among  the  tribes  of  Troy, 
Dolon  his  name,  Eumedes'  only  boy, 
(Five  girls  beside  the  reverend  herald  told.) 
Rich  WIS  the  son  in  brass,  and  rich  in  gold  ; 
Not  bless'd  by  nature  with  the  charms  of  face, 
But  swift  of  foot,  and  matchless  in  tne  race. 
"  Hector  !  (he  said)  my  courage  bids  me  meet 
This  high  achievement,  and  e.xplore  the  fleet ; 
But  firsl  exalt  thy  sceptre  to  the  skies. 
And  swear  to  grant  me  the  demanded  prize ; 
The  immortal  coursers,  and  the  glittering  car, 
That  bear  Pelides  tlrough  the  ranks  of  war. 
Encouraged  thus,  no  idle  scout  I  go. 
Fulfil  thy  wish,  their  whole  intention  know. 
Even  to  the  royal  tent  pursue  my  way. 
And  all  their  counsels,  all  their  aims  betray." 

The  chief  then  heaved  the  golden  sceptre  high. 
Attesting  thus  the  monarch  of  the  sky : 
"  Be  witness  thou  !  immortal  lord  of  all ! 
Whose  thunder  shakes  the  dark  aerial  hall : 
By  none  but  Dolon  shall  this  prize  be  borne, 
And  him  alone  the  immortal  steeds  adorn."' 

Thus  Hector  swore  :  the  gods  were  call'd  in  vain, 


Book  \]  THE  ILIAD.  231 

But  the  rash  youth  prepares  to  scour  the  plain  : 
Across  his  back  the  bended  bow  lie  flung, 
A  wolf's  gray  hide  around  his  shoulders  hinig, 
A  ferret's  downy  fur  his  helmet  lined, 
And  in  his  hand  a  pointed  javelin  shined. 
Then  (never  to  return)  he  sought  the  shore, 
And  trod  the  path  his  feet  must  tread  no  more. 
Scarce  had  he  pass'd  tlie  steeds  and  Trojan  throng 
(Still  bending  forward  as  he  coursed  aloni;), 
When,  on  the  hollow  way,  the  approachint;  tread 
Ulysses  mark'd,  and  thus  to  Diomed  : 

"  O  friend  !   I  hear  some  stc])  of  hostile  feet, 
Moving  '.his  way,  or  hastening  to  tlie  fleet; 
Some  spy,  perhaps,  to  lurk  beside  the  mairv ; 
Or  nightly  pillager  that  strips  the  slain. 
Yet  let  him  pass,  and  win  a  little  space  ; 
Then  rush  behind  him,  and  prevent  his  pace. 
But  if  too  swift  of  foot  he  flies  before, 
Confine  his  course  along  the  fleet  and  shore. 
Betwixt  the  camp  and  him  our  spears  employ, 
And  intercept  his  hoped  return  to  Troy." 

With  that  they  stepp'd  aside,  and  stoop'd  their  head 
(As  Dolon  pass'd),  behind  a  heap  of  dead  : 
Along  the  path  the  spy  unwary  flew ; 
Soft,  at  just  distance,  both  tlie  chiefs  pursue. 
So  distant  they,  and  sucli  the  space  between. 
As  when  two  teams  of  mules  divide  the  green 
(To  whom  the  hind  like  shares  of  land  allows), 
When  now  new  furrows  part  the  approaching  ploughs.. 
Now  Dolon,  listening,  heard  them  as  tliey  pass'd  ; 
Hector  (he  thought)  had  sent,  and  check'd  his  haste, 
Till  scarce  at  distance  of  a  javelin's  throw, 
No  voice  succeeding,  he  perceived  the  foe. 
As  when  two  skilful  hounds,  the  leveret  wind  ; 
Or  chase  through  woods  obscure  the  trembling  hind; 
Nosv  lost,  now  seen,  they  intercept  his  way. 
And  from  the  herd  still  turn  the  flying  prey: 
So  fast,  and  with  such  fears,  the  Trojan  flew ; 
So  close,  so  constant,  the  bold  Greeks  pursue. 
Now  almost  on  the  fleet  the  dastard  falls. 
And  mingles  with  the  guards  that  watch  the  walls; 
When  brave  Tydides  stopp'd  ;  a  gen'rous  Vhought 
(Inspired  by  Pallas)  in  his  bosom  wrought. 
Lest  on  the  foe  some  forward  Greek  advance. 
And  snatch  the  glory  from  his  lifted  "lance. 
Then  thus  aloud  :   "  Whoe'er  thou  art,  remain  ; 
This  javelin  else  shall  fix  thee  to  the  plain." 


232 


THE  ILIAD.  [UooK  X. 

He  said,  and  high  in  air  the  weapon  cast, 
Which  wilful  err'd,  and  o'er  his  shoulder  pass'd ; 
Then  fix'd  in  earth.     Against  the  trembling  wood 
The  wretch  stood  propp'd,  and  quiver'd  as  he  stood; 
A  sudden  palsy  seized  his  turning  head  ; 
His  loose  teeth  chatter'd,  and  his  color  fled; 
The  panting  warriors  seize  him  as  he  stands, 
And  with  unmanly  tears  his  life  demands. 

"  O  spare  my  youth,  and  for  the  breath  I  owe, 
Large  gifts  of  price  my  father  shall  bestow : 
Vast  heaps  of  brass  shall  in  your  ships  be  told. 
And  steel  well-temper'd  and  refulgent  gold." 

To  whom  Ulysses  made  this  wise  reply : 
"  Whoe'er  thou  art,  be  bold,  nor  fear  to  die. 
What  moves  thee,  say,  when  sleep  has  closed  the  sight. 
To  roam  the  silent  fields  in  dead  of  night  t 
Cam'st  thou  the  secrets  of  our  camp  to  find. 
By  Hector  prompted,  or  tliy  daring  mind  ? 
Or  art  some  wretch  by  hopes  of  plunder  led, 
Through  heaps  of  carnage,  to  despoil  the  dead  ?  " 

Then  thus  pale  Dolon,  with  a  fearful  look 
(Still,  as  he  spoke,  his  limbs  with  horror  shook): 
"  Hither  I  came,  by  Hector's  words  deceived; 
Much  did  he  promise,  rashly  I  believed: 

No  less  a  bribe  than  great  Achilles'  car, 

And  those  swift  steeds  that  sweep  the  ranks  of  war. 

Urged  me,  unwilling,  this  attempt  to  make; 
To'learn  what  counsels,  what  resolves  you  take : 

H  now  subdued,  you  fix  your  hopes  on  flight. 

And,  tired  with  toils,  neglect  the  watch  of  night." 
"  Bold  was  thy  aim  and  glorious  was  the  prize 

(Ulysses,  with  a  scornful  smile,  replies), 

Far  other  rulers  those  proud  steeds  demand, 

And  scorn  the  guidance  of  a  vulgar  hand  ; 

Even  great  Achilles  scarce  their  rage  can  tame, 

Achilles  sprung  from  an  immortal  dame. 

But  say,  be  faithful,  and  the  truth  recite  ! 

Where  lies  encamp'd  the  Trojan  chief  to-night  ? 

Where  stand  his  coursers  .'  in  what  quarter  sleep 

Their  other  princes  ?  tell  what  watch  they  keep  : 

Say,  since  this  conquest,  what  their  counsels  are; 

Or  here  to  combat,  from  their  city  far, 

Or  back  to  Uion's  walls  tranr.fer  the  war?" 
Ulysses  thus,  and  thus  Eumedes'  son  : 

"  What  Dolon  knows  his  faithful  tongue  sliall  own. 

Hector,  the  peers  assembling  in  his  tent, 

A  council  holds  at  llus'  monument 


1 

J 


Book  X.]  THE  ILIAD.  2  33 

No  certain  guards  the  nightly  watch  partake ; 
Where'er  yon  fires  ascend,  the  Trojans  wake  : 
Anxious  for  Troy,  the  guard  the  natives  keep  ; 
Safe  in  their  cares,  the  auxiliar  forces  sleep, 
Whose  wives  and  infants  from  the  danger  far, 
Discharge  their  souls  of  hall  the  fears  of  war." 

Then  sleep  those  aids  among  the  Trojan  train 
(Inquired  the  chief),  or  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain  ?" 
To  whom  the  spy  :  "  Their  powers  they  thus  dispose  : 
The  I'ajons,  dreadful  with  their  bended  bows, 
The  Carians,  Caucons,  the  Pelasgian  host, 
And  Leleges,  encamp  along  the  coast. 
Not  distant  far,  lie  higher  on  the  land 
The  Lycian,  Mysian,  and  Maeonian  band. 
And  Phrygia's  horse,  by  Thynibras'  ancient  wall ; 
The  Thracians  utmost,  and  apart  from  all. 
These  Troy  but  lately  to  her  succor  won. 
Led  on  by  Rhesus,  great  Eioneus'  son : 
I  saw  his  coursers  in  proud  triumph  go, 
Swift  as  the  wind,  and  white  as  winter-snow; 
Rich  silver  plates  his  shining  car  infold; 
His  solid  arms,  refulgent,  flame  with  gold  ; 
No  mortal  shoulders  suit  the  glorious  load, 
Celestial  panoply,  to  grace  a  god  ! 
Let  me,  unhappy,  to  your  fleet  be  borne, 
Or  leave  me  here,  a  captive's  fate  to  mourn, 
In  cruel  chains,  till  your  return  reveal 
The  truth  or  falsehood  of  the  news  I  tell." 

To  this  Tydides,  with  a  gloomy  frown  : 
"Think  not  to  live,  tliough  all  the  truth  be  shown: 
Shall  we  dismiss  tliee,  in  some  future  strife 
To  risk  more  bravely  thy  now  forfeit  life  ? 
Or  that  again  our  camps  thou  niay'st  explore  ? 
No — once  a  traitor,  thou  betray'st  no  more." 

Sternly  he  spoke,  and  as  the  wretch  prepared 
With  humble  blandishment  to  stroke  his  beard. 
Like  lightning  swift  the  wrathful  falchion  flew. 
Divides  the  neck,  and  cuts  the  nerves  in  two; 
One  instant  snatch'd  his  trembling  soul  to  hel!. 
The  head,  yet  speaking,  mutter'd  as  it  fell. 
The  furry  helmet  from  his  brow  they  tear, 
The  wolf's  gray  hide,  the  unbended  bow  snd  spear ; 
These  great  Ulysses  lifting  to  the  skies, 
To  favoring  Pallas  dedicates  the  prize  : 

"Great  queen  of  arms,  receive  this  hostile  spoil, 
And  let  the  Thracian  steeds  reward  our  toil : 
Thee,  first  of  all  the  heavenly  host,  we  praise  ; 


a34  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  X. 

O  speed  our  labors,  aiifi  direct  our  ways  !  " 

This  said,  the  spoils,  with  dropping  gore  defaced, 

High  on  a  spreading  tamarisk  he  placed  ; 

Then  heap'd  witli  reeds  and  gather'd  boughs  the  plain, 

To  guide  their  footsteps  to  the  place  again. 

Through  the  still  night  they  crossed  the  devious  fields, 
Slippery  with  blood,  o'er  arms  and  heaps  of  shields, 
Arriving  where  the  Thracian  squadrons  lay, 
And  eased  in  sleep  the  labors  of  the  day. 
Ranged  in  three  lines  they  view  the  prostrate  band 
The  horses  yoked  beside  each  warrior  stand. 
Their  arms  in  order  on   the  ground  reclined. 
Through  the  brown  shade  the  fulgid  weapons  shined 
Amidst  lay  Rhesus,  stretch'd  in  sleep  profound. 
And  the  white  steeds  behind  his  chariot  bound. 
The  welcome  sight  Ulysses  first  descries, 
And  points  to  l3ionied  the  tempting  prize. 
"  The  man,  the  coursers,  and  the  car  behold  ! 
Described  by  Dolon,  with  the  arms  of  gold. 
Now,  brave  Tydides  !  now  thy  courage  try. 
Approach  the  chariot,  and  the  steeds  untie  ; 
Or  if  thy  soul  aspire  to  fiercer  deeds. 
Urge  thou  the  slaughter,  while  I  seize  the  steeds." 

Pallas  (this  said)  her  hero's  bosom  warms. 
Breathed  in  his  heart,  and  strung  his  nervous  arms* 
Where'er  he  pass'd,  a  purple  stream  pursued 
His  thirsty  falcliion,  fat  with  hostile  blood, 
Bathed  all  his  footsteps,  dyed  the  fields  with  gore, 
And  a  low  groan  remurmur'd  through  the  shore. 
So  the  grim  lion,  from  his  nightly  den, 
O'erleaps  the  fences,  and  invades  the  pen. 
On  sheep  oi  goats,  resistless  in  his  way. 
He  falls,  and  foaming  rends  the  guardless  prey; 
Nor  stopped  the  fury  of  his  vengeful  hand. 
Till  twelve  lay  breathless  of  the  Thracian  band. 
Ulysses  following,  as  his  partner  slew, 
Back  by  the  foot  each  slaughter'd  warrior  drew ; 
The  milk-white  coursers  studious  to  convey 
Safe  to  the  ships,  he  wisely  clear'd  the  way : 
Lest  the  fierce  steeds,  not  yet  to  battles  bred. 
Should  start,  and  tremble  at  the  heaps  of  de.ad. 
Now  twelve  despatch'd,  the  monarch  last  they  found; 
Tydides'  falchion  fix'd  liim  to  the  ground. 
Just  then  a  deathful  dream  Minerva  sent, 
A  warlike  form  appear'd  before  his  tent, 
Whose  visionary  steel  his  bosom  tore: 


K  y.j  THE  ILIAD.  23s 

So  dream'd  the  monarch,  and  awaked  no  more.* 

Ulysses  now  the  snowy  steeds  detains, 
And  leads  them,  fasten'd  by  tlie  silver  reins  ; 
These,  with  his  bow  unbent,  he  lash'd  along 
(The  scourge  forgot,  on  Rhesus'  chariot  hung); 
Then  gave  his  friend  the  signal  to  retire  ; 
But  him,  new  dangers,  new  achievements  fire  ; 
Doubtful  lie  stood,  or  with  his  reeking  blade 
To  send  more  heroes  to  the  infernal  shade, 
Drag  off  the  car  where  Rhesus'  armor  lay, 
Or  heave  with  manly  force,  and  lift  away. 
While  unresolved  the  son  of  Tydeus  stands, 
Pallas  appears,  and  thus  her  chief  commands: 

"  Enough,  my  son  ;  from  further  slaughter  cease. 
Regard  thy  safety,  and  depart  in  peace ; 
Haste  to  the  ships,  the  gotten  spoils  enjoy. 
Nor  tempt  too  far  the  hostile  gods  of  Troy." 

The  voice  divine  confess'd  the  martial  maid  ; 
In  haste  he  mounted,  and  her  word  obey'd  ; 
The  coursers  fly  before  Ulysses'  bow. 
Swift  as  the  wind,  and  white  as  winter-snow. 

Not  unobserved  they  pass'd  :   the  god  of  light 
Had  watch'd  his  Troy,  and  mark'd  Minerva's  flight, 
Saw  Tydeus'  son  with  heavenly  succor  bless'd. 
And  vengeful  anger  filled  his  sacred  breast. 
Swift  to  the  Trojan  camp  descends  the  power, 
And  wakes  Hippocoon  in  the  morning-hour 
(On  Rhesus'  side  accustom'd  to  attend, 
A  faithful  kinsman,  and  instructive  friend); 
He  rose,  and  saw  the  field  deform'd  with  blood; 
An  empty  space  where  late  the  coursers  stood. 
The  yet-warm  Thracians  panting  on  the  coast ; 
For  each  he  wept,  but  for  his  Rhesus  most : 
Now  while  on  Rhesus'  name  he  calls  in  vain. 
The  gathering  tumult  spreads  o'er  all  the  plain ; 
On  heaps  the  Trojans  rush,  with  wild  affright. 
And  wondering  view  the  slaughters  of  the  night. 

Meanwhile  the  chiefs,  arriving  at  the  shade 
Where  late  the  spoils  of  Hector's  spy  were  laid, 


•  "  All  the  circtmstances  of  tlii^  .ictinii— the  night,  Rhesus  buried  in  a  prof.iund 
sleep,  and  Dioniede  with  the  sunr!  n:  In  h  n.  !  h.ineing  over  the  head  of  that  prince — 
furnished  Homer  with  the  id<  ,1  .  1  ;  ,  i,  ,.  wliich  represents  Rhesus  lying  fast 
asleep,  and,  as  It  were,  beholdiii.  1  i  dream,  plunging  the  sword  into  his 

b^'som.  This  image  is  very  natm  il  .  I  r  ,1  m  in  in  his  condition  awakes  no  farther 
than  to  see  conlusedly  what  environs  him,  .iiul  to  think  it  not  a  reality  but  a  dream." 
-Pope. 

*'  There's  one  did  laugh  in  his  sleep,  and  one  cry'd  mtirdcr ; 
They  wak'd  each  other." — Macbtth, 


436  THE  ILIAD.  L'Boox^  ^ 

Ulysses  stopp'd;  to  him  Tydides  bore 
The  trophy,  dropping  yet  with  Dolon's  gore  : 
Then  mounts  ag;iin  ;  again  their  nimbler  feet 
The  coursers  ply,  and  thunder  towards  the  fleet. 

Old  Nestor  first  perceived  the  approaching  sound, 
Bespeaking  thus  the  Grecian  peers  around : 
"  Methinks  the  noise  of  trampling  steeds  I  hear, 
Thickening  this  way,  and  gathering  on  my  ear; 
Perhaps  some  horses  of  the  Trojan  breed 
(So  may,  ye  gods  !  my  pious  hopes  succeed) 
The  great  Tydides  and  Ulysses  bear, 
Return'd  triumphant  with  this  prize  of  war. 
Yet  much  I  fear  (ah,  may  that  fear  be  vair  ■) 
The  chiefs  outnumber'd  by  the  Trojan  train ; 
Perhaps,  even  now  pursued,  they  seek  the  shore; 
Or,  oh !  perhaps  those  heroes  are  no  more." 

Scarce  had  he  spoke,  when,  lo !  the  chiefs  appear, 
And  spring  to  earth;  the  Greeks  dismiss  their  fear: 
With  words  of  friendship  and  extended  hands 
They  greet  the  kings  ;  and  Nestor  first  demands  : 

"  Say  thou,  whose  praises  all  our  host  proclaim. 
Thou  living  glory  of  the  Grecian  name  ! 
Say  whence  these  coursers  ?  by  what  chance  bestow'd. 
The  spoil  of  foes,  or  present  of  a  god  ? 
Not  those  fair  steeds,  so  radiant  and  so  gay, 
That  draw  the  burning  cliariot  of  the  day. 
Old  as  I  am,  to  age  I  scorn  to  yield. 
And  daily  mingle  in  the  martial  field , 
But  sure  till  now  no  coursers  struck  my  sight 
Like  these,  conspicuous  through  the  ranks  of  fight 
Some  god,  I  deem,  conferr'd  the  glorious  prize, 
Bless'il  as  ye  are,  and  favorites  of  the  skies  ; 
The  care  of  him  who  bids  the  thunder  roar, 
And  her,  whose  fury  bathes  the  world  with  gore." 

"  Father !  not  so  (sage  Ithacus  rejoin'd), 
The  gifts  of  heaven  are  of  a  nobler  kind. 
Of  Thracian  lineage  are  the  steeds  ye  view, 
Whose  hostile  king  the  brave  Tydides  slew; 
Sleeping  he  died,  with  all  his  guards  arc«nd. 
And  twelve  beside  lay  gasping  on  the  ground. 
These  other  spoils  from  conquer'd  Dol'on  came, 
A  wretch,  whose  swiftness  was  his  only  fame  ; 
By  Hector  sent  our  forces  to  explore. 
He  r»ow  lies  headless  on  the  sandy  shore." 

Tnen  o'er  the  trench  the  bounding  coursers  fiewj 
The  joyful  Greeks  with  loud  acclaim  pursut. 
Straight  to  Tydides'  high  pavilion  borne, 


Book  ;..J  rilE  ILiAD.  237 

The  matchless  steeds  his  ample  stalls  adorn : 
The  neighing  coursers  tlieir  new  fellows  greet, 
And  the  full  racks  are  heaped  with  generous  wheat. 
But  Dolon's  armor,  to  his  ships  convey'd, 
High  on  th*;  painted  stern  Ulysses  laid, 
A  trophy  destined  to  the  blue-eyed  maid. 

Now  from  nocturnal  sweat  and  sanguine  stain 
They  cleanse  their  bodies  in  the  neighb'ring  main: 
Then  in  the  polished  bath,  refresh'd  from  toil, 
Their  joints  thev  supple  with  dissolving  oil, 
In  due  repast  indulge  the  genial  hour, 
And  first  to  Pallas  the  libations  pour : 
They  sit,  rejoicing  in  her  aid  divine. 
And  the  crown'd  goblet  foams  with  floods  of  wine. 


238 


THE  ILIAD. 


[Book  XL 


BOOK   XI. 


ARGUMENT 


TMH  THIRD   BATTI, 


Agamemnon,  having 
the  Trojans  to  re 
of  war.  Agamen- 
(wlio  sends  Iris  fi 
wounded  and  retir 

Ulysses  and  Diomeil  rm  .,    ,hr  '"  '-i 
by  Paris,  is  obliged  toil.  „ii  In,  ...mi 
wounded,  and  in  the   utiiHcl  d.uigci,  t 
comes  against  Ajax  ;  but  that  hero  aloi 
In  the  meantime  Macliabn,  m  the  othi 
by  Pans,  and  carried  from  tlie  fight  in  Ne= 
the  action  from  his  ship)  sent  PatrocUi' 
wounded  in  that  manner.     Nestor  enterc 
:idents  of  the  day,  and  a  long  rccita 


ed  himself,  leads  the  Grecians  v„  battle  :  Hector  prepares 

them:  while  Jupiter,  Junn,  and  Minerva  give  the  signals 

bears  all  before  him  ;  and  Hector  is  commanded  by  Jupiter 

It  ]Miri>i.^>-l  ti'  decline  the   engagement,  till  the  kmg  shall  be 

II  ilii  li'l'l.      1U>  then  makes  a  great  slaughter  uf  the  enemy  : 

>iii  .1     hp  1..  Inin  (or  a  time  :  but  the  latter,  being  wounded 

^1.  .1  1 1  In.  (  oMip.inion,  who  is  encompassed  by  the  Trojans, 

iti.H.:,l  J.uitci,  till  Menelaus  and  Ajax  rescue  him.     Hector 

opposes  multitudes,  and  rallies  the  Greeks. 

wine  of  the  arn'y,  is  pierced  with  an  arrow 

(not.     Achilles  (who  overlooked 

uire   which  of  the  Greeks  was 


bered,  tending;  to  put  Pa 


I  mI 


;  upon  pei^ii.uliu. 
to  do  it,  cl.ul  111  . 
vnunded,  and  .nssi 
ight-aiid-twentiet 
and  adventures, 

ield  near  the  moii 


1  ;  and  the  same 
ui;h  the  twelfth, 
uf  the  eighteenth 


The  saffron  morn,  with  early  blushes  spread,* 
Now  rose  refulgent  from  Tithonus'  bed  ; 
With  new-born  day  to  gladden  mortal  sight, 
And  gild  the  courts  of  heaven  with  sacred  light: 
When  baleful  Eris,  sent  by  Jove's  command, 
The  torch  of  discord  blazing  in  her  hand, 
Through  the  red  skies  her  bloody  sign  extends, 
And,  wrapt  in  tempests,  o'er  the  fleet  descends. 
High  on  Ulysses'  bark  her  horrid  stand 
She  took,  and  thunder'd  through  the  seas  and  land. 
Even  Aja.x  and  Acliilles  heard  the  sound, 
Whose  ships,  remote,  the  guarded  navy  bound, 
Thence  the  black  fury  through  the  Grecian  tlirong 
With  horror  sounds  the  loud  Orthian  song  : 
The  navy  shakes,  and  at  the  dire  alarms 
Each  Ijosom  boils,  each  warrior  slarts  to  arms. 


'  A..r.  ;a  now  Iwd  left  hzT  saffron  bed. 
Aid  beams  cf  early  light  the  heavens 


Dryden's 


■Virfiil.  If.  639. 


Book  XI.]  THE  11 /AD.  ^39 

No  more  they  sigh,  inglorious  to  return, 

But  breathe  revenge,  and  for  the  combat  burn. 

The  king  of  men  his  hardy  host  inspires 
With  loudcommand,  with  great  exam'ple  fires! 
Himself  first  rose,  himself  before  the  rest 
His  miglity  limbs  in  radiant  armor  dress'd, 
And  first  he  cased  his  manly  legs  around 
In  shining  greaves  with  silver  buckles  bound; 
The  beaming  cuirass  next  adorn'd  his  breast. 
The  same  which  once  king  Cinyras  possess'd 
(The  fame  of  Greece  and  her  assembled  host 
Had  reach'd  that  monarch  on  the  Cyprian  coast; 
'Twas  then,  the  friendship  of  tlie  chief  to  gain, 
This  glorious  gift  he  sent,  nor  sent  in  vain  ): 
Ten  rows  of  azure  steel  the  work  infold. 
Twice  ten  of  tin,  and  twelve  of  ductile  gold  ; 
Three  "glittering  dragons  to  the  gorget  rise, 
Whose  imitated  scales  against  the  skies 
Reflected  various  light,  and  arching  bow'd. 
Like  color'd  rainbows  o'er  a  showery  cloud 
(Jove's  wondrous  bow,  of  three  celestial  dies, 
Placed  as  a  sign  to  man  amidst  the  skies). 
A  radiant  baldric,  o'er  his  shoulder  tied. 
Sustain'd  the  sword  that  glitter'd  at  his  side  : 
Gold  was  the  hilt,  a  silver  sheath  encased 
The  shining  blade,  and  golden  hangers  graced. 
His  buckler's  mighty  orb  was  next  display'd. 
That  round  the  warrior  cast  a  dreadful  shade  ; 
Ten  zones  of  brass  its  ample  brim  surround, 
And  twice  ten  bosses  the  bright  convex  crown'd  : 
Tremendous  Gorgon  frown'd  upon  its  field, 
And  circling  terrors  fill'd  the  expressive  shield  : 
Within  its  concave  hung  a  silver  thong. 
On  which  a  mimic  serpent  creeps  along. 
His  azure  length  in  easy  waves  extends. 
Till  in  three  heads  the  embroider'd  monster  ends. 
Last  o'er  his  brows  his  fourfold  lielm  he  placed, 
With  nodding  horse-hair  formidably  graced  ; 
And  in  his  hands  two  steely  javelins  wields. 
That  blaze  to  heaven,  and  lighten  all  thefields. 

That  instant  Juno,  and  the  martial  maid, 
In  happy  thunders  promised  Greece  their  aid  ; 
High  o'er  the  chief  they  clash'd  their  arms  in  air, 
And,  leaning  from  the  clouds,  expect  the  war. 

Close  to  tlie  limits  of  the  trench  and  mound. 
The  fiery  coursers  to  their  chariots  bound 
The  squires  restrain'd :  the  foot,  with  those  who  wield 


240  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XI. 

The  ligliter  arms,  rush  forward  to  the  field. 

To  second  these,  in  close  array  combined, 

The  squadrons  spread  their  saile  wings  behind. 

Now  shouts  and  tumults  wake  the  tardy  sun, 

As  with  the  light  the  warriors'  toils  begun, 

Even  Jove,  whose  thunder  spoke  his  wrath,  distill'd 

Red  drops  of  blood  o'er  all  the  fatal  field ;  * 

The  woes  of  men  unwilling  to  survey. 

And  all  the  slaughters  that  must  stain  the  day. 

Near  Ilus'  tomb,  in  order  ranged  around, 
The  Trojan  lines  possess'd  the  rising  ground  : 
There  wise  Polydamas  and  Hector  stood; 
jtneas,  honor'd  as  a  guardian  god ; 
Bold  Polybus,  Agenor  the  divine  ; 
The  brother-warriors  of  Antenor'c  line : 
With  youthful  Acamas,  whose  beauteous  face 
And  fair  proportion  match'd  the  ethereal  race. 
Great  Hector,  cover'd  with  his  spacious  shield, 
Plies  all  the  troops,  and  orders  all  the  field. 
As  the  red  star  now  shows  his  sanguine  fires 
Through  the  dark  clouds,  and  now  in  night  retiret. 
Thus  through  the  ranks  appear'd  the  godlike  man. 
Plunged  in'the  rear,  or  blazing  in  the  van  ; 
While  streamy  sparkles,  restless  as  he  Hies, 
Flash  from  his  arms,  as  lightning  from  the  skies. 
As  sweating  reapers  in  some  wealthy  field, 
Ranged  in  two  bands,  their  crooked  weapons  wield. 
Bear  down  the  fuirows,  till  their  labors  meet ; 
Thick  fall  the  heapy  harvests  at  their  feet : 
So  Greece  and  Troy  the  field  of  war  divide. 
And  falling  ranks  are  strow'd  on  every  side. 
None  stoop'd  a  thought  to  base  inglorious  flight ;  f 
But  horse  to  horse,  and  man  to  man  they  fight, 
Not  rabid  wolves  more  fierce  contest  their  prey; 
P^ach  wounds,  each  bleeds,  but  none  resign  the  day. 
Discord  with  joy  the  scene  of  death  descries, 
And  drinks  large  slaughter  at  her  sanguine  eyes : 
Discord  alone,  of  all  the  immortal  train, 
Swells  the  red  horrors  of  this  direful  plain  : 

•  Rtddrofs  ofblcod.  "  This  phenomenon,  if  a  mere  fruit  of  the  poet's  imagina- 
(  im,  might  seem  arbitrary  or  far-fetched.  It  is  one,  however,  of  ascertained  reality, 
a  id  of  no  uncommon  occurrence  in  the  climate  of  Greece."— Mure,  i.  p.  493.  Cl. 
T»sso,  Gier.  Lib-  ix.  15  : 

•*  La  terra  in  vece  del  notturno  gelo 
Bagnan  rugiade  tepide,  e  sanguigne." 

"  No  thought  of  flight, 
None  of  retreat,  no  unbecoming  deed 
That  arguad  fear." — "  Paradise  Lost,"  Ti.  336. 


Book  XL]  THE  JUaD.  241 

The  gods  in  peace  their  golden  mansions  fill, 
Ranged  in  bright  order  on  the  Olympian  hill : 
But  general  murmurs  told  their  griefs  above, 
And  each  accused  the  partial  will  of  Jove. 
Meanwhile  apart,  superior,  and  alone, 
The  eternal  Monarch,  on  his  awful  throne, 
Wrapt  in  tlie  blaze  of  boundless  glory  sate; 
And  fix'd,  fulfill'd  the  just  decrees  of  fate. 
On  earth  he  turn'd  his  all-considering  eyes, 
And  niark'd  the  spot  where  llion's  towers  arise; 
The  sea  with  ships,  the  fields  with  armies  spread, 
The  victor's  rage,  the  dying,  and  the  dead. 

Thus  wliile  the  morning-beams,  increasing  bright, 
O'er  heaven's  pure  azure  spread  the  glowing  light, 
Commutual  death  the  fate  of  war  confounds, 
Each  adverse  battle  gored  with  equal  wounds. 
But  now  (what  time  in  some  sequester'd  vale 
The  weary  woodman  spreads  his  sparing  meal. 
When  his  tired  arms  refuse  the  axe  to  rear, 
And  claim  a  respite  from  the  sylvan  war; 
But  not  till  half  the  prostrate  forests  lay 
Stretch'd  in  long  ruin,  and  exposed  to  day) 
Then,  nor  till  tlien,  the  Greeks'  impulsive  might 
Pierced  the  black  phalanx,  and  let  in  the  light. 
Great  Agamemnon  then  the  slaughter  led. 
And  slew  Bienor  at  his  people's  head  : 
Whose  squire  Oileus,  with  a  sudden  spring, 
Leap'd  from  tlie  chariot  to  revenge  his  king; 
But  in  his  front  he  felt  the  fatal  wound. 
Which  pierced  his  brain,  and  stretch'd  him  on  the  ground. 
Atrides  spoil'd,  and  left  them  on  the  plain  : 
Vain  was  their  youth,  their  glittering  armor  vain: 
Now  soil'd  with  dust,  and  naked  to  the  sky, 
Their  snowy  limbs  and  beauteous  bodies  lie. 

Two  sons  of  Priam  next  to  battle  move, 
The  product,  one  of  marriage,  one  of  love  :* 
In  the  same  car  the  brother-warriors  ride  ; 
This  took  the  charge  to  combat,  that  to  guide : 
Far  other  task,  than  when  they  wont  to  keep, 
On  Ida's  tops,  their  father's  fleecy  sheep. 
These  on  the  mountains  once  Achilles  found, 
And  captive  led,  with  pliant  osiers  bound  ; 
Then  to  their  sire  for  ample  sums  restored ; 
But  now  to  perish  by  Atrides'  sword  : 

*  )n€  0/  !oz<e.  Although  a  bastard  brother  received  only  a  small  portion  nf  the 
Inheritance,  he  was  commonly  very  well  treated.  Priam  appears  to  be  the  only  one 
i  whum  polygamy  is  directly  asserted  in  the  Iliad.     Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  114,  note. 


242  THE  II.TAD  |BooK  \I. 

Pierced  in  tlic  breast  tlie  basc-1)orn  Isus  IjJeeds : 
Cleft  tliroiigli  tlie  liead  liis  l)rntlier'.s  fate  succeeds. 
Swift  to  tlio  spoil  the  hasty  victor  falls. 
And,  stript,  their  features  to  his  mind  recalls. 
The  Trojans  see  the  youths  untimely  die, 
But  helpless  tremble  for  themselves,  and  fly. 
So  when  a  lion  ranging  o'er  the  lawns, 
Finds,  on  some  grassy  lair,  the  couching  fawns, 
Their  bones  he  cracks,  their  reeking  vitals  draws, 
And  grinds  the  quivering  flesh  with  bloody  jaws; 
The  frighted  hind  beliolds,  and  dares  not  stay, 
Bat  swift  through  rustling  thickets  bursts  her  way; 
All  drown'd  in  sweat,  the  panting  mother  flies. 
And  the  big  tears  roll  trickling  from  her  eyes. 

Amidst  the  tumult  of  the  routed  train, 
The  sons  of  false  Antimachus  were  slain  ; 
He  wlio  for  bribes  his  faithless  eounsels  sold, 
And  voted  Helen's  stay  for  Paris'  gold. 
Atrides  mark'd,  as  these  their  safety  sought, 
And  slew  the  children  for  the  father's  fault ; 
Their  headstrong  horse  unable  to  restrain. 
They  shook  with  fear,  and  dropp'd  the  silken  rein ;, 
Then  in  the  chariot  on  their  knees  they  fall, 
And  thus  with  lifted  hands  for  mercy  call  : 

"  O  spare  our  youth,  and  for  the  life  we  owe, 
Antimachus  shall  copious  gifts  bestow: 
Soon  as  he  hears,  that,  not  in  battle  slain. 
The  Grecian  ships  his  captive  sons  detain. 
Large  heaps  of  brass  in  ransom  shall  be  told, 
And  steel  well- tempered,  and  persuasive  gold." 

These  words,  attended  with  tiie  flood  of  tears, 
The  vouth  adnress'd  to  unrelenting  ears  : 
Th"  vengeful  monarch  g'ave  this  stern  reply: 
"  If  froni  Antimachus  ye  spring,  ye  die; 
The  daring  wretch  who  once  in  council  stood 
To  shed  Ulysses'  and  my  brother's  blood. 
For  proffer'd  peace  !  and  sues  his  seed  for  grace 
No,  die,  and  pay  the  forfeit  of  your  race." 

This  said,  Pisander  from  the  car  he  cast. 
And  pierced  his  breast :  supine  he  breathed  his  last. 
His  brother  leap'd  to  earth  ;  but,  as  he  lay. 
The  trenchant  falchion  lopp'd  his  hands  away : 
His  sever'd  head  was  toss'd  among  the  throng. 
And,  rolling,  drew  a  bloody  train  along. 
Then,  where  the  thickest  fought,  the  victor  flew  ; 
The  king's  example  .ill  liis  Greeks  pursue. 
Now  by  the  foot  the  flying  foot  were  slain. 


Book  XI.)  FHE  J  LI  AD  J  43 

Horse  trod  by  horse,  lay  foaming  on  the  plain. 

From  tlie  dry  fields  thick  clouds  of  dust  arise, 

Shade  tlie  black  host,  and  intercept  the  skies. 

The  brass-Iioof'd  steeds  tumultuous  plunge  and  liound, 

And  tlie  thick  thunder  beats  the  laboring  ground, 

Still  slauglitering  on,  the  king  of  men  proceeds; 

The  distanced  army  wonders  at  his  deeds. 

As  when  the  winds  with  raging  flames  conspire, 

And  o'er  the  forests  roll  the  flood  of  fire. 

In  blazing  heaps  the  grove's  old  honors  fall, 

And  one  refulgent  ruin  levels  all  : 

Before  Atrides'  rage  so  sinks  the  foe, 

Whole  squadrons  vanish,  and  proud  heads  lie  low. 

The  steeds  fly  trembling  from  his  waving  sword, 

And  many  a  car,  now  lighted  of  its  lord. 

Wide  o'er  the  field  witli  guideless  fury  rolls. 

Breaking  tlieir  ranks,  and  crushing  out  their  souls; 

While  his  keen  falchion  drinks  the  warriors'  lives  ; 

More  grateful,  now,  to  vultures  than  their  wives  ! 

Perhaps  great  flector  then  had  found  his  fate, 
But  Jove  and  destiny  prolong'd  his  date. 
Safe  from  the  darts,  the  rare  of  lieaven  he  stood, 
Amidst  alarms,  and  death,  and  dust,  and  blood. 

Now  past  the  tomb  where  ancient  llus  lay, 
Tlirougli  the  mid  field  the  routed  urge  their  way: 
Wliere  the  wild  figs  the  adjoining  summit  crown. 
The  path  they  take,  and  speed  to  reach  the  town. 
As  swift,  Atrides  with  loud  shouts  pursued, 
Hot  with  his  toil,  and  bathed  in  hostile  blood. 
Now  near  the  beech-tree,  and  the  Sccean  gates, 
The  Iiero  lialts,  and  his  associates  waits. 
Meanwhi'.a  on  every  side  around  the  plain, 
Dispersed,  disorder'd,  fly  the  Trojan  train. 
So  flies  a  herd  of  beeves,  that  hear  dismay'd 
The  lion's  roaring  through  the  midnight  shade; 
On  heaps  they  tumble  with  successless  haste  ; 
The  savage  seizes,  draws,  and  rends  the  last. 
Not  with  less  fury  stern  Atrides  flew. 
Still  press'd  the  rout,  and  still  the  hindmost  slew; 
Hurl'd  from  their  cars  the  bravest  chiefs  are  kill  d, 
And  rage,  and  death,  and  carnage  load  the  field. 

Now  storms  the  victor  at  tlie  Trojan  wall  ; 
Surveys  the  towers,  and  meditates  their  fall. 
But  Jove  descending  shook  the  Idasan  hills. 
And  down  their  summits  pour'd  a  hundred  rills: 
The  unkindled  lightning  in  his  hand  he  took. 
And  thus  the  many-colored  maid  bespoke : 


'44  THE  ILIA").  Book  XL 

"Iris,  with  haste  thy  goId('  i  ..ings  display, 
To  godh'ke  Hector  this  our  word  convey — • 
While  Agamemnon  wastes  the  ranks  around, 
Figlits  in  the  front,  and  bathes  with  blood  the  ground. 
Bid  him  give  way ;  but  issue  forth  commands. 
And  trust  the  war  to  less  important  hands  : 
But  when,  or  wounded  by  the  spear  or  dart, 
That  chief  shall  mount  his  chariot,  and  depart, 
Then  Jove  shall  string  his  arm,  and  fire  liis  breast. 
Then  to  her  ships  shall  flying  Greece  be  press'd. 
Till  to  the  main  the  burning  sun  descend. 
And  sacred  night  her  awful  shade  extend." 

He  spoke,  and  Iris  at  Ids  word  obey'd ; 
On  wings  of  winds  descends  the  various  maid. 
The  chief  she  found  amidst  the  ranks  of  war, 
Close  to  the  bulwarks,  on  his  glittering  car. 
The  goddess  then  :  "  O  son  of    Priam" hear  ! 
From  Jove  I  come,  and  his  high  mandate  bear. 
While  Agamemnon  wastes  the  ranks  around. 
Fights  in  the  front,  and  bathes  with  blood  the  ground, 
Abstain  from  fight  ;  yet  issue  forth  commands, 
And  trust  the  war  to  fjss  important  hands  : 
But  when,  or  wounded  by  the  spear  or  dart, 
The  chief  shall  mount  his  chariot,  and  depart. 
Then  Jove  shall  string  thy  arm,  and  fire  thy  breast, 
Then  to  her  ships  shall  flying  Greece  be  press"d, 
Till  to  the  main  the  burning  sun  descend, 
And  sacred  night  her  awful  shade  extend." 

She  said,  and  vanish'd.     Hector,  with  a  bound. 
Springs  from  his  chariot  on  the  trembling  ground, 
In  clanging  arms  :  he  grasps  in  either  hand 
A  pointed  lance,  and  speeds  from  band  to  band  ; 
Revives  their  ardor,  turns  their  steps  from  flight. 
And  awakes  anew  the  dying  flames  of  fight. 
They  stand  to  arms  :  the  G'reeks  their  o'nset  dare. 
Condensed  their  powers,  and  wait  the  coming  war. 
New  force,  new  spirit,  to  each  breast  returns; 
The  fight  renew'd  with  fiercer  fury  burns: 
The  king  leads  on  :  all  fix  on  him  their  eye, 
And  learn  from  him  to  conquer,  or  to  die. 

Ye  sacred  nine  !  celestial  Muses  !  tell. 
Who  faced  him  first,  and  by  his  prowess  fell  ? 
The  great  Iphidamas,  the  bold  and  young. 
From  sage  Antenor  and  Theano  sprung; 
Whom  from  his  youth  his  grandsire  Cisseus  bred, 
And  nursed  in  Thrace  where  snowy  flock  are  fed. 
Scarce  did  the  down  his  rosy  cheeks  invest, 


Book  XL]  THE  ILIAD.  245 

And  ear.y  honor  warm  liis  generous  breast, 

When  the  kind  sire  consigned  his  daughter's  chaims 

(Theano's  sister)  to  liis  youthful  arms. 

But  call'd  by  glory  to  the  wars  of  Troy, 

He  leaves  untasted  the  first  fruits  of  joy; 

From  his  loved  bride  departs  with  melting  eyes. 

And  swift  to  aid  his  dearer  country  flies. 

With  twelve  black  ships  he  reach'd  Percope's  strand, 

Thence  took  the  long  laborious  march  by  land. 

Now  fierce  for  flame,  before  the  ranks  he  springs 

Towering  in  arms,  and  braves  the  king  of  kings. 

Atrides  first  discharged  the  missive  spear; 

The  Trojan  stoop'd,  the  javelin  pass'd  in  air. 

Then  near  the  corslet,  at  the  monarch's  heart. 

With  all  his  strength,  the  youtli  directs  his  dart  ; 

But  the  broad  belt,  with  plates  of  silver  bound, 

The  point  rebated,  and  repell'd  the  wound. 

Encumber'd  with  the  dart,  Atrides  stands, 

Till,  grasp'd  with  force,  he  wrench 'd  it  from  his  hands; 

At  once  his  weighty  sword  discharged  a  wound 

Full  on  his  neck,  that  fell'd  him  to  the  ground. 

Stretch'd  in  (he  dust  the  unhappy  warrior  lies. 

And  sleep  eternal  seals  his  swimming  eyes. 

Oh  worthy  better  fate  !  oh  early  slain  ! 

Thy  country's  friend  ;  and  virtuous,  though  in  vain  ! 

No  more  the  youth  shall  join  his  consc.i's  side. 

At  once  a  virgin,  and  at  once  a  bride  ! 

No  more  with  presents  her  embraces  meet. 

Or  lay  the  spoils  of  conquest  at  her  feet. 

On  whom  his  passion,  lavish  of  his  store, 

Bestow'd  so  much,  and  vainly  promised  more  • 

Unwept,  uncovered,  on  the  plain  he  lay. 

While  the  proud  victor  bore  his  arms  away. 

Coon,  Antenor's  eldest  hope,  was  nigh  : 
Tears,  at  the  sight,  came  starting  from  liis  eye. 
While  i)ierced  with  grief  the  nuch-ioved  youth  '.vi  view'd, 
And  the  pale  features  now  deform'd  with  blood. 
Then,  with  his  spear,  unseen,  his  time  he  took, 
Aim'd  at  the  king,  and  near  his  elbow  strook. 
The  thrilling  steel  transpierced  the  brawny  purt, 
And  through  his  arm  stood  forth  the  barbed  dart. 
Surjirised  the  monarch  feels,  yet  void  of  fear 
On  Coon  rushes  with  his  lifted  spear  • 
His  brother's  corpse  the  pious  Trojan  draws, 
And  calls  his  country  to  assert  his  cause ; 
Defends  him  breathless  on  the  sanguine  field. 
And  o'er  the  body  spreads  his  ample  shield. 


246  THE  ILIAD.  IBooK  XI 

Atrides,  marking  an  unguarded  part, 
Transfix'd  the  warrior  wiili  his  brazen  dart; 
Prone  on  his  brother's  bleeding  breast  he  lay, 
The  monarch's  falchion  lopp'd  his  head  away: 
The  social  shades  the  same  dark  journey  go, 
And  join  each  other  in  the  realms  below. 

The  vengeful  victor  rages  round  the  fields. 
With  every  weapon  art  or  fury  yields  : 
By  the  long  lance,  the  sword,  or  ponderous  stone. 
Whole  ranks  are  broken,  and  whole  troops  o'erthrown, 
This,  while  yet  warm  distill'd  the  purple  flood; 
But  when  the  wound  grew  stiff  with  clotted  blood, 
Then  grinding  tortures  his  strong  bosom  rend. 
Less  keen  those  darts  the  fierce  Tlythix  send  : 
(The  powers  that  cause  the  teeming  matron's  throes 
Sad  mothers  of  unu.tterable  woes  !) 
Stung  with  the  smart,  all-panting  with  the  pain, 
He  mounts  the  car,  and  gives  his  squire  the  rein ; 
Then  with  a  voice  which  fury  made  more  strong. 
And  pain  augmented,  thus  exhorts  the  throng: 

"O  friends  !  O  Greeks!  assert  your  honors  won; 
Proceed,  and  finish  what  this  arm  begun : 
Lo  !  angry  Jove  forbids  your  chief  to  stay, 
And  envies  half  the  glories  of  the  day." 

He  said  :  the  driver  whirls  his  lengthfu!  thong; 
The  horses  fly  ;  the  chariot  smokes  along. 
Clouds  from  their  nostrils  the  fierce  coursers  blow. 
And  from  their  sides  the  foam  descends  in  snow; 
Shot  through  the  battle  in  a  moment's  space, 
The  wounded  monarch  at  his  tent  they  place. 

Nn  sooner  Hector  saw  the  king  retired. 
But  thus  his  Trojans  and  his  aids  he  fired: 
"  Hear,  all  ye  Dardan,  all  ye  Lycian  race  ! 
Famed  in  close  fight,  and  dreadful  face  to  face : 
Now  call  to  mind  your  ancient  trophies  won. 
Your  great  forefathers'  virtues,  and  your  own. 
Behold,  the  general  flies  !  deserts  his  powers ! 
Lo,  Jove  himself  declares  the  conquest  ours  ? 
Kow  on  yon  ranks  impel  your  foaming  steeds ; 
And,  sure  of  glory,  dare  immortal  deeds." 

With  words  like  these  the  fierj  chief  alarms 
His  fainting  host,  and  every  bosom  warms. 
As  the  bold  hunter  cheers  his  hounds  to  tear 
The  brindled  lion,  or  the  tusky  bear: 
With  voice  and  hand  provokes  their  doubting  hear 
And  springs  the  foremost  with  his  lifted  dart: 
So  godlike  Hec-tor  prompts  his  troops  to  dare: 


8ooK  XI.]  THE  ILTAD.  t\'i 

Nor  prompts  alone,  but  leads  himself  the  war. 

On  the  black  body  of  the  foe  he  pours  : 

As  from  the  cloud's  deep  bosom,  swelFd  with  showers, 

A  sudden  storm  the  purple  ocean  sweeps, 

Drives  the  wild  waves,  and  tosses  all  the  deeps. 

Sav,  Muse  !  when  Jove  the  Troj.xn's  glory  crown'd. 

Beneath  his  arm  what  heroes  bit  the  ground  t 

Assa;us,  Dolops,  and  Autonous  died, 

Opites  next  was  added  to  their  side  ; 

Then  brave  Hipponous,  famed  in  many  a  fight, 

Opheltius,  Orus,  sunk  to  endless  night; 

yEsyninus,  Agelaus ;  all  chiefs  of  name  ; 

The  rest  were  vulgar  deaths  unknown  to  fame. 

As  when  a  western  whirlwind,  charged  with  storms, 

Dispels  the  gather'd  clouds  that  Notus  forms : 

The  gust  continued,  violent  and  strong, 

Rolls  sable  clouds  in  heaps  on  heaps  along; 

Now  to  the  skies  the^foaming  billows  rears. 

Now  breaks  the  surge,  and  wide  the  bottom  bears : 

Thus,  raging  Hector,  with  resistless  hands, 

O'erturns,  confounds  and  scatters  all  their  bands. 

Now  the  last  ruin  the  whole  host  appals  : 

Now  Greece  had  trembled  in  her  wooden  walls; 

But  wise  Ulysses  call'd  Tydides  forth. 

His  soul  rekindled,  and  awaken  his  worth. 

"  And  stand  we  deedless,  O  eternal  shame  ! 

Till  Hector's  arm  involve  the  ships  in  flame  ? 

Haste,  let  us  join,  and  combat  side  by  side." 

The  warrior  thus,  and  thus  the  friend  replied: 

"  No  martial  toil  I  shun,  no  danger  fear; 
Let  Hector  come  ;  I  wait  his  fury  here. 
But  Jove  with  conquest  crowns  the  Trojan  train : 
Add,  Jove  our  foe,  all  human  force  is  vain." 

He  sighed  ;  but,  sighing,  raised  his  vengeful  steel. 
And  from  his  car  the  proud  Tliymbra^us  fell; 
Molion,  the  charioteer,  pursued  his  lord. 
His  death  ennobled  by  Ulysses'  sword. 
There  slain,  they  left  them  in  eternal  night, 
Then  plunged  among  the  tliickest  ranks  of  fight. 
So  two  wild  bo.ars  outstrip  the  following  hounds. 
Then  swift  revert,  and  wounds  return  for  wounds. 
Stern  Hector's  conquests  in  the  middle  plain 
Stood  check'd  awhile,  and  Greece  respired  again. 

The  sons  of  Merops  shone  amidst  the  war; 
Towering  they  rode  in  one  refulgent  car ; 
In  deep  prophetic  arts  their  father  skill'd, 
Had  warn'd  his  children  from  the  Trojan  field. 


248  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XI. 

Fate  urc;ed  them  on  :  th«  father  warn'd  in  vain ; 

They  rush'd  to  tight,  and  perish'd  on  the  plain; 

Their  breast  no  riiore  the  vital  spirit  warms  ; 

The  stern  Tydides  strips  their  shining  arms. 

Hypirochus  by  great  Ulysses  dies, 

And  rich  Hippodamus  becomes  his  prize. 

Great  Jove  from  Ide  with  slaughter  fills  his  sight, 

And  level  hangs  the  doubtful  scale  of  fight. 

By  Tydeus'  lance  Agastrophus  was  slain, 

The  far-famed  hero  of  Preonian  strain  ; 

vVing'd  with  his  fears,  on  foot  he  strove  to  fly. 

His  steeds  too  distant,  and  the  foe  too  nigh  : 

Through  broken  orders,  swifter  than  the  wind, 

He  Hed,  but  flying  left  his  life  behind. 

This  Hector  sees,  as  his  experienced  eyes 

Traverse  the  files,  and_to  tlie  rescue  .Tt,\: 

Shouts,  as  he  pass'd,  Tlie  crystal  regions  reno, 

And  moving  armies  on  his  marct  attend. 

Great  Diomcd  himself,  was  seized  with  fear, 

And  thus  bespoke  his  brother  of  the  war  : 

"  Mark  how  this  way  yon  bending  squadrons  yield! 

The  storm  rolls  on.  and  Hector  rules  the  field: 

Here  stand  his  utmost  force." — The  warrior  said  ; 
Swift  at  the  word  his  ponderous  javelin  fled  ; 
Nor  miss'd  its  aim,  but  where  the  plumage  danced 
Razed  the  smooth  cone,  and  tlience  obliquely  glanced 
Safe  in  his  helm  (the  gift  of  Pha-bus'  hands) 
Without  a  wound  tlie  'I'rojan  hero  stands  ; 
P)Ut  yet  so  stunn'd,  that,  staggering  on  the  plain. 
His  arm  and  knee  his  sinking  bulk  sustain; 
O'er  his  dim  sight  the  misty  vapors  rise, 
And  a  short  d.irkness  shades  his  swimming  eye<!. 
Tydides  followed  to  regain  his  lance ; 
While  Hector  rose,  recover'd  from  the  trance. 
Remounts  his  car,  and  herds  amidst  the  crowd: 
The  Greek  pursues  him,  and  exults  aloud  : 
"  Once  more  thank  Pha;l)i:s  for  thy  forfeit  breat'.i, 
O  thank  that  swiftness  which  outstrips  the  deatli. 
Well  by  Apollo  are  thy  prayers  repaid. 
And  oft  that  partial  power  has  lent  his  aid. 
Thou  shall  not  long  the  death  deserved  withstan(^ 
If  any  god  assist  Tydides'  hand. 
Fly  then,  inglorious !  but  thy  flight,  this  day. 
Whole  hecatombs  of  Trojan  ghosts  shall  pay." 
Him.  while  he  triumph'd,  Paris  eyed  from  far 
(The  spouse  of  Helen,  the  fair  cause  of  war); 
Around  the  fields  his  feather'd  shafts  he  sent, 


Book  XI.]  THE  ILIAD.  249 

From  ancient  lius'  niin'd  monument : 
Behind  tlie  column  placed,  he  bent  his  bow, 
And  wing'd  an  arrow  at  the  unwary  foe ; 
Just  as  he  stoop'd,  Agastrophus's  crest 
To  seize,  and  drew  the  corslet  from  his  breast. 
The  bowstring  twang'd  ;  nor  flew  the  shaft  in  vaia 
But  pierced  his  foot,  and  nail'd  it  to  the  plain. 
The  laughing  Trojan,  with  a  joyful  spring. 
Leaps  from  his  ambush,  and  insults  the  king. 

"  He  bleeds  !  (he  crits)  some  god  has  sped  mv  dart ! 
Would  the  same  god  had  fix'd  it  in  his  heart! 
So  Troy,  relieved  from  that  wide-wasting  hand, 
Should  breathe  from  slaughter  and  in  combat  stand  ; 
Whose  sons  now  tremble  at  Ids  darted  spear, 
As  scatter'd  lambs  the  rusliing  lion  fear." 

He  dauntless  thus  :  "  Thou  conqueror  of  the  fair. 
Thou  woman-warrior  with  the  curling  hair; 
Vain  archer!  trusting  to  the  distant  dart, 
Unskill'd  in  arms  to  act  a  manly  part! 
Thou  hast  but  done  what  boys  or  women  can ; 
Such  hands  may  wound,  but  not  incense  a  man. 
Nor  boast  the  scratch  thy  feeble  arrow  gave, 
A  coward's  weapon  never  hurts  the  brave. 
Not  so  this  dart,  which  thou  may'st  one  day  feel ; 
Fate  wings  its  flight,  and  death  is  on  the  steel : 
Where  this  but  lights,  some  noble  life  expires  ; 
Its  touch  makes  orphans,  bathes  the  cheeks  of  sires. 
Sleeps  earth  in  puiple,  gluts  the  birds  of  air. 
And  leaves  such  objects  as  distract  the  fair." 
Ulysses  hastens  with  a  trembling  heart. 
Before  hin  steps,  and  bending  draws  the  dart : 
Forth  flows  the  blood  ;  an  eager  pang  succeeds  ; 
Tydides  mounts,  and  to  the  navy  speeds. 
Now  on  the  tield  Ulysses  stands  alone. 
The  Greeks  all  fled,  the  Trojans  pouring  on ; 
But  stands  collected  in  himself,  and  whole, 
And  questions  thus  his  own  unconquer'd  soul : 

"  What  further  suljterfuge,  what  hopes  lemain  ' 
What  shame,  inglorious  if  I  quit  the  plain  1 
What  danger,  singly  if  I  stand  the  ground. 
My  friends  all  scatter'd,  all  the  foes  around  ? 
Yet  wherefore  doubtful.''  let  this  truth  suffice. 
The  brave  meets  danger,  and  the  coward  flies. 
To  die  or  conquer,  proves  a  hero's  heart  ; 
And,  knowing  this,  I  know  a  soldier's  part." 

Such  thoughts  revolving  in  his  careful  breast, 
Near,  and  more  near,  the  shady  cohorts  press'd; 


■■so  ThE  ILIAD.  [Book  XI 

These,  in  the  warrior,  their  own  fate  enclose; 
And  round  him  deep  the  steely  circle  grows. 
So  fares  a  boar  wliom  all  the  troop  surrounds 
Of  shouting  huntsmen  and  of  clamorous  hounds; 
He  grinds  his  ivory  tusks  ;  he  foams  witli  ire  ; 
His  sanguine  eye-balls  glare  with  living  fire  ! 
By  these,  by  tliose,  on  every  part  is  plied  ; 
And  the  red  slaughter  spreads  on  every  side. 
Pierced  through  the  shoulder,  first  Dtiopis  fell; 
Next  Ennonuis  and  Tlioon  sank  to  hell  ; 
Chersidamas,  beneath  the  navel  thrust, 
Falls  prone  to  earth,  and  grasps  the  bloody  dust 
Charops,  the  son  of  Hippasus,  was  near; 
Ulysses  reach'd  him  with  the  fatal  spear; 
But  to  his  aid  his  brother  Socus  flies, 
Socus  the  brave,  the  generous,  and  tlie  wise. 
Near  as  he  drew,  the  warrior  thus  began  : 

'  O  great  Ulysses  !  much-enduring  man  ! 
Not  deeper  skill'd  in  every  martial  sleight. 
Than  worn  to  toils,  and  active  in  the  fight ! 
Tliis  day  two  brothers  shall  thy  conquest  grace, 
And  end  at  once  the  great  Hippasian  race, 
Or  thou  beneath  this  lance  must  press  the  field." 
He  said,  and  forceful  pierced  his  spacious  shield  : 
Through  the  strong  brass  the  ringing  javelin  thrown, 
riough'd  half  his  side,  and  baredit  to  tlie  bone. 
By  Pallas'  care,  the  spear,  though  deep  infix'd, 
Stopp'd  short  of  life,  nor  with  his  entrails  mix'd. 

The  wound  not  mortal  wise  Ulysses  knew, 
Then  furious  thus  (but  first  some  steps  witlulrew)  : 
"  Unliappy  man  !  whose  death  our  hands  shall  grace ! 
Fate  calls  thee  hence  and  finish'd  is  thy  race. 
Nor  longer  check  my  conquests  on  tlie  foe  ; 
But,  pierced  by  this,  to  endless  darkness  go. 
And  add  one  spectre  to  the  realms  below  !  " 

He  spoke,  while  Socus,  seized  with  sudden  fright, 
Trembling  gave  way,  and  turn'd  his  back  to  flight ; 
Between  his  shoulders  pierced  the  following  dart, 
And  hold  its  passage  through  tlie  panting  heart : 
Wide  in  his  breast  appear'd  the  grisly  wound  ; 
He  falls;  his  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 
Then  thus  Ulysses,  gazing  on  the  slain  ; 
"  Famed  son  of  Hippasus  !  there  press  the  pkiin ; 
There  ends  thy  narrow  s])an  assign'd  by  fate, 
Heaven  owes  Ulysses  yet  a  longer  date. 
Ah,  wretch  !  no  father  shall  thy'corpse  compose  ; 
Thy  dying  eyes  no  tender  mother  close  ; 


DooK  XI.]  THE  ILIAD. 

But  hungry  birds  shall  tear  those  balls  away, 
And  hovering  vultures  scream  around  their  prey. 
Me  Greece  shall  honor,  when  I  meet  my  doom. 
With  solemn  funerals  and  a  lasting  tomb." 

Then  raging  with  intolerable  smart. 
He  writhes  his  body,  and  extracts  the  dart. 
The  dart  a  tide  of  spouting  gore  pursued. 
And  gladden'd  Troy  with  sight  of  hostile  blood. 
Now  troops  on  troops  the  fiiinting  chief  invade, 
Forced  he  recedes,  and  loudly  calls  for  aid. 
Thrice  to  its  pitch  hi.s  lofty  voice  he  rears ; 
The  well-known  voice  thrice  Menelaiis  hears  : 
Alarrn'd,  to  '\jax  Telamon  he  cried, 
Who  shares  his  labors,  and  defends  his  side: 
"  O  friend  !  Ulysses'  shouts  invade  my  ear; 
Distress'd  he  seems,  and  no  assistance  near; 
Strong  as  he  is,  yet  one  opposed  to  all, 
Oppress'd  by  multitudes,  the  best  may  fall. 
Greece  robb'd  of  him  must  bid  her  host  despair, 
And  feel  a  loss  not  ages  can  repair." 

Then,  where  the  cry  directs,  his  course  he  bends; 
Great  Ajax,  like  the  god  of  war,  attends. 
The  prudent  chief  in  sore  distress  they  found. 
With  bands  of  furious  Trojans  compass'd  round.* 
As  when  some  huntsman,  with  a  flying  spear, 
From  the  blind  thicket  wounds  a  stately  deer ; 
Down  his  cleft  side,  while  fresh  the  blood  distils. 
He  bounds  aloft,  and  scuds  from  hills  to  hills. 
Till  life's  warm  vapor  issuing  through  the  wound. 
Wild  mountain-wolves  the  fainting  beast  surround: 
Just  as  their  jaws  his  prostrate  limbs  invade, 
The  lion  rushes  through  the  woodland  shade. 
The  wolves,  though  hungry,  scour  dispersed  away; 
The  lordly  savage  vindicates  his  prey. 
Ulysses  thus,  unconquer'd  by  his  pains, 
A  single  warrior  half  a  host  sustains : 
But  soon  as  Ajax  leaves  his  tower-like  shield, 
The  scatter'd  crowds  fly  frighted  o'er  the  field ; 
Atrides'  arm  the  sinking  hero  stays 
And,  saved  from  numbers,  to  his  car  conveys. 

•  "  Circled  with  foes  ns  when  a  pncke  of  bloodie  jackals  cling 
About  a  goodly  palmed  hart,  hurt  with  a  huntL-r's  bow 
Whose  escape  his  nimble  feet  insure,  whilst  his  warm  blood  doth  flow, 
And  his  light  knees  have  power  to  move  :  but  (maistred  by  his  wound) 
Enibost  within  a  shady  hill,  the  jackals  charije  him  round, 
.^nd  teare  his  flesh— when  instantly  fortune  sends  in  the  powers 
f)f  some  Sterne  lion,  with  whose  sighte  they  (lie  aud  he  devcuis. 
So  they  around  Ulysses  prest."  —Chapman. 


i52  THE  ILIAD.  [Buok  Xi 


Victorious  Ajax  plies  tlie  routed  crew, 
And  first  Doryclus,  Priam's  son,  he  slew, 
On  strong  Pandocus  next  inflicts  a  wound, 
And  lays  Lysander  bleeding  on  the  ground. 
As  when  a  torrent,  swell'd  with  wintry  rains. 
Pours  from  the  mountains  o'er  the  deluged  plains, 
And  pines  and  oaks,  from  their  foundations  torn, 
A  country's  ruins  !  to  the  seas  are  borne  : 
Fierce  Ajax  thus  o'erwhelms  the  yielding  throng ; 
Men,  steeds,  and  chariots,  roll  in  heaps  along. 

But  Hector,  from  this  scene  of  slaughter  far. 
Raged  on  the  left,  and  ruled  the  tide  of  war : 
Loud  groans  proclaim  his  progress  through  the  plain, 
And  deep  Scamander  swells  with  heaps  of  slain. 
There  Nestor  and  Idomeneus  oppose 
The  warrior's  fury;  there  the  battle  glows; 
There  fierce  on  foot,  or  from  the  chariot's  lieight. 
His  sword  deforms  the  beauteous  ranks  of  tight. 
The  spouse  of  Helen,  dealing  darts  around, 
Had  pierced  Machaon  with  a  distant  wound 
In  his  right  shoulder  the  broad  shaft  appear' 
And  trembling  Greece  for  her  physician  fear'A 
To  Nestor  then  Idomeneus  begun: 
"  Glory  of  Greece,  old  Neleus'  valiant  son! 
Ascend  thy  chariot,  haste  with  speed  away. 
And  great  Machaon  to  the  ships  convey  ; 
A  wise  physician  skill'd  our  wounds  to  heal, 
Is  more  than  armies  to  the  public  weal." 
Old  Nestor  mounts  the  seat ;  beside  him  rode 
The  wounded  offspring  of  the  healing  god. 
He  lends  the  lash  ;  the  steeds  with  sounding  feet 
Shake  the  dry  field,  and  thunder  toward  the  fleet. 

But  now  Cebriones,  from  Hector's  car, 
Survey'd  the  various  fortune  of  the  war : 
«'  While  here  (he  cried)  the  flying  Greeks  are  slajli, 
Trojans  on  Trojans  yonder  load  the  plain. 
Before  great  Ajax  see  the  mingled  throng 
Of  menand  chariots  driven  in  heaps  along! 
I  know  him  well,  distinguish'd  o'er  the  field 
By  the  broad  glittering  of  the  sevenfold  shield. 
Thither,  O  Hector,  th'fther  urge  thy  steeds, 
There  danger  calls,  and  there  the  combat  bleeds; 
There  horse  and  foot  in  mingled  deaths  unite. 
And  groans  of  slaughter  mix  with  shouts  of  fight." 

Thus  having  spoke,  the  driver's  lash  resounds; 
Swift  throughthe  ranks  the  rapid  chariot  bounds; 
Stung  hy  the  stroke,  the  coursers  scour  the  fiekls. 


500K  XL]  THE  ILIAD.  253 

O'er  heaps  of  carcases,  and  hills  of  shields. 

The  horses'  hoofs  are  bathed  in  heroes'  gore. 

And,  dashing,  purple  all  the  car  before  ; 

The  groaning  axle  sable  drops  distils, 

And  mangled  carnage  clogs  the  rapid  wheels. 

Here  Hector,  plunging  through  the  thickest  fight, 

Uroke  the  dark  phalanx,  and  let  in  the  light 

(By  the  long  lance,  the  sword,  or  ponderous  stone. 

The  ranks  lie  scatter'd  and  the  troops  o'erthrownj : 

Ajax  he  shuns,  through  all  the  dire  debate. 

And  fears  that  arm  whose  force  he  felt  so  late. 

Liut  partial  Jove,  espousing  Hector's  part. 

Shot  heaven-bred  hoiror  through  the  Grecian's  heart; 

Confused,  unnerved  in  Hector's  presence  grown, 

Amazed  he  stood,  with  terrors  not  his  own. 

O'er  his  broad  back  his  moony  shield  he  threw. 

And,  glaring  round,  by  tardy  steps  withdrew. 

Thus  the  grim  lion  his  retreat  maintains, 

Beset  with  watchful  dogs,  and  shonting  swains  ; 

Repulsed  by  numbers  from  the  nightly  stalls, 

Though  rage  impels  him,  and  though  hunger  calls, 

Long  stands  the  showering  darts,  and  missile  fires  ; 

Then  sourly  slow  the  indignant  beast  retires  : 

So  turn'd  stern  Ajax,  by  whole  hosts  repell'd, 

While  his  swoln  heart  at  every  step  rebcll'd. 

As  the  slow  beast,  with  heavy  strength  endued. 
In  some  w  ide  field  by  troops  of  boys  pursued. 
Though  round  his  sides  a  wooden  tempest  ram, 
Crops  the  tall  harvest,  and  lays  waste  the  plain; 
Thick  on  his  hide  the  hollow  blows  resound. 
The  patient  animal  maintains  his  ground, 
Scarce  from  the  field  with  all  their  efforts  chased, 
And  stirs  but  slowly  when  !-.e  stirs  at  last : 
On  Ajax  thus  a  weight  of  Trojans  hung, 
The  strokes  redoubled  on  his  buckler  rung  ; 
Confiding  now  in  bulky  strength  he  stands. 
Now  turns,  and  backward  bears  the  yielding  bands  ; 
Now  stiff  recedes,  yet  hardly  seems  to  fly. 
And  threats  his  followers  with  retorted  eye. 
Fix'd  as  the  bar  between  two  warring  powers. 
While  hissing  darts  descend  in  iron  showers; 
In  his  broad  buckler  many  a  weapon  stood. 
Its  surface  bristled  with  a  quivering  wood; 
And  many  a  javelin,  guiltless  on  the  plain, 
Marks  the  dry  dust,  and  thirsts  for  blood  in  vain. 
But  bold  Eurypjlus  his  aid  imparts. 
And  dauntless  springs  beneath  a  cloud  of  darts ; 


ZS4  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XI. 

Whose  eager  javelin  launch'd  against  the  foe, 
Great  Apisaon  felt  the  fatal  blow; 
From  his  torn  liver  the  red  cm  rent  tlow'd, 
And  his  slack  knees  desert  their  dying  load. 
The  victor  rushing  to  despoil  the  dead, 
From  Paris'  bow  a  vengeful  arrow  fled ; 
Fix'd  in  his  nervous  thigh  the  weapon  stood, 
Fix'd  was  the  point,  but  broken  was  the  wood. 
Back  to  the  lines  the  wounded  Greek  retired, 
Yet  thus  retreating,  his  associates  fired  : 

'•  What  god,  O  Grecians  !  has  your  hearts  dismay'd  ? 
Oh,  turn  to  arms ;   'tis  Ajax  claims  your  aid. 
This  hour  he  stands  the  mark  of  hostile  rage, 
And  this  the  last  brave  battle  he  shall  wage  : 
Haste,  join  your  forces  ;  from  the  gloomy  grave 
The  warrior  rescue,  and  your  country  save.'' 
Thus  urged  the  chief :  a  generous  troop  appears, 
Who  spread  their  bucklers,  and  advance  their  spears. 
To  guard  their  wounded  friend  :  wliile  thus  they  stand 
With  pious  care,  great  Ajax  joins  the  band : 
Each  takes  new  courage  at  the  hero's  sight;    ^ 
The  hero  rallies,  and  renews  the  fight. 

Thus  raged  both  armies  like  conflicting  fires. 
While  Nestor's  chariot  far  from  fight  retires: 
His  coursers  steep'd  in  sweat,  and  stain'd  with  gore, 
The  Greeks'  preserver,  great  Machaon,  bore. 
That  hour  Achilles,  from  the  topmost  height 
Of  his  proud  ileet,  o'erlook'd  the  fields  of  fight; 
His  feasted  eyes  beheld  around  the  plain 
The  Grecian  rout,  the  slaying,  and  the  slain. 
His  friend  Machaon  singled  from  tlie  rest, 
A  transient  pity  touch'd  his  vengeful  breast. 
Straight  to  Menostius'  much-loved  son  he  sent: 
Graceful  as  Mars,  I  atroclus  quits  his  tent ; 
In  evil  hour  !     Then  fate  decreed  his  doom, 
And  fix'd  the  date  of  all  his  woes  to  come. 

"  Why  calls  my  friend  t  thy  loved  injunctions  lay; 
Whate'er  thy  will,  Patroclus  shall  obey." 

'■  O  first  of  friends  !  (Pelides  thus  replied) 
Still  at  my  heart,  and  ever  at  my  side  ! 
The  time  is  come,  when  yon  despairing  host 
Shall  learn  the  value  of  the  man  they  lost  : 
Now  at  my  knees  the  Greeks  shall  pour  their  moan, 
And  proud  Atrides  treml)le  on  his  throne. 
Go  now  to  Nestor,  and  from  him  be  taught 
What  woundetl  warrior  late  his  chariot  brought: 
for,  seen  at  dist.mce,  and  but  seen  behind. 


Book  XI]  THE  ILIAD.  255 

His  form  recall 'd  Macliaon  to  my  mind  ; 

Nor  could  I,  throuf;h  yon  cloud,  discern  his  face, 

The  coursers  pass'd  me  with  so  swift  a  pace." 

The  hero  said.     His  friend  obcy'd  with  haste, 
Through  intermingled  ships  and  tents  he  pass'd; 
The  chiefs  descending  from  their  car  he  found: 
The  panting  steeds  Eurymedon  unbound. 
The  warriors  standing  on  the  breezy  shore, 
To  dry  their  sweat,  and  wash  away  the  gore. 
Here  paused  a  moment,  while  the  gentle  gale 
Convey'd  that  freshness  the  cool  seas  exhale  ; 
Then  to  consult  on  farther  methods  went, 
And  took  their  seats  beneath  the  shady  tent. 
The  draught  prescribed,  fair  Hecamede  prepares, 
Arsinous'  daughter,  graced  with  golden  hairs 
(Whom  to  his  aged  arms,  a  royal  slave, 
Greece,  as  the  prize  of  Nestor's  wisdom  gave)  ' 
A  table  first  with  azure  feet  she  placed  ; 
Whose  ample  orb  a  brazen  charger  graced  ; 
Honey  new-press'd,  the  sacred  flour  of  wheat, 
And  wholesome  garlic,  crown'd  the  savory  treat, 
Next  her  white  hand  an  antique  goblet  brings, 
A  goblet  sacred  to  the  Pylian  kings 
From  eldest  times :  eniboss'd  with  studs  of  golt* 
Two  feet  support  it,  and  four  handles  hold ; 
On  each  bright  handle,  bending  o'er  the  brink, 
In  sculptured  gold,  two  turtles  seem  to  drink : 
A  massy  weight,  yet  heaved  with  ease  by  him, 
When  the  brisk  nectar  overlook'd  the  brim. 
Temper'd  in  this,  the  nymph  of  form  divine 
Pours  a  large  portion  of  the  Pramnian  wine  ; 
With  goat's-milk  cheese  a  flavorous  taste  bestows, 
And  last  with  flour  the  smiling  surface  strows : 
This  for  the  wounded  prince  the  dame  prepares ; 
The  cordial  beverage  reverend  Nestor  shares : 
Salubrious  draughts  the  warriors'  thirst  allay, 
And  pleasing  conference  beguiles  the  day. 

Meantime  Ratroclus,  by  Achilles  sent, 
Unheard  approached,  and  stood  before  the  tent> 
Old  Nestor,  rising  then,  the  hero  led 
To  his  high  seat  :  the  chief  refused  and  said  : 

"  'Tis  now  no  season  for  these  kind  delays; 
The  great  Achilles  with  impatience  stays. 
To  great  Achilles  this  respect  I  owe  ; 
Who  asks,  what  hero,  wounded  by  tlie  foe, 
Was  borne  from  combat  by  thy  foaming  steeds  t 
With  grief  I  see  the  great  Machaon  bleeds. 


J56  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  IX, 

This  to  report,  my  hasty  course  1  bend  ; 

Thou  know'st  tlie  fiery  temper  of  my  friend." 

"  Can  tlien  the  sons  of  Greece  (tlie  sage  rejoin'd) 

Excite  compassion  in  Achilles'  mind  ? 

Seeks  he  the  sorrows  of  our  host  to  know  ? 

This  is  not  half  the  story  of  our  woe. 

Tell  him,  not  great  Machaon  bleeds  alone. 

Our  bravest  heroes  in  the  navy  groan, 

Ulysses,  Agamemnon,  Diomed, 

And  stern  Eurypylus,  already  bleed. 

But,  ah!  what  flattering  hopes  I  entertain! 

Achilles  heeds  not,  but  derides  our  pain  : 

Even  till  the  flames  consume  our  fleet  he  stays. 

And  waits  the  rising  of  the  fatal  blaze. 

Chief  after  chief  the  raging  foe  destroys  ; 

Calm  he  looks  on,  and  every  death  enjoys. 

Now  the  slow  course  of  all-impairing  time 

Unstrings  my  nerves,  and  ends  my  manly  prime; 

Oh  !  had  I  still  that  strength  my  youth  possess'd, 

When  this  bold  arm  the  Epeian  powers  oppress'd. 

The  bulls  of  Elis  in  glad  triumph  led. 

And  stretch'd  the  great  Itymonaeus  dead  ! 

Then  from  my  fury  fled  the  trembling  swains. 

And  ours  was  all  the  plunder  of  the  plains : 

Fifty  white  hocks,  full  fifty  herds  of  swine, 

As  many  goats,  as  many  lowing  kine: 

And  thrice  the  number  of  unrivall'd  steeds. 

All  teeming  females,  and  of  generous  breeds. 

These,  as  my  first  essay  of  arms,  I  won  ; 

Old  Neleus  gloried  in  his  conquering  son. 

Thus  Elis  forced,  her  long  arrears  restored, 

And  shares  were  parted  to  each  Pylian  lord. 

The  state  of  Pyle  was  sunk  to  last  despair. 

When  the  proud  Elians  first  commenced  the  war; 

For  Neleus'  sons  Alcides'  rage  had  slain  ; 

Of  twelve  bold  brothers  I  alone  remain  ! 

Oppress'd,  we  arm'd  ;  and  now  this  conquest  gain' I 

My  sire  three  hundred  chosen  sheep  obtain'd. 

(That  large  reprisal  he  might  justly  claim, 

For  prize  defrauded,  and  insulted  fame, 

When  Elis'  monarch,  at  the  public  course, 

Detain'd  his  chariot,  and  victorious  horse.) 

The  rest  the  people  shared  ;  myself  survey'd 

The  just  partition,  and  due  victims  paid. 

Three  davs  were  past,  when  Elis  rose  to  war, 

With  manv  a  courser,  and  with  many  a  car; 

The  sons  of  Actor  at  their  armv's  head 


Book  XI.]  THE  ILIAD. 

(Young  as  tliey  were)  the  vengeful  squadrons  led. 

High  on  the  rock  fair  Thryoessa  stands, 

Our  utmost  frontier  on  the  I'ylian  lands: 

Not  tar  the  streams  of  famed  Alphaeus  flow  . 

The  stream  they  pass'd,  and  pitch'd  their  tents  below. 

Pallas,  descending  in  the  shades  of  night. 

Alarms  the  I')  Hans  and  commands  the  fight. 

Each  burns  for  fame,  and  swells  with  martial  pride, 

Myself  the  foremost ;  but  my  sire  denied  ; 

Fear'd  for  my  youth,  exposed  to  stern  alarms; 

And  stopp'd  my  chariot,  and  detain'd  my  arms. 

My  sire  denied  in  vain  :  on  foot  I  fled 

Amidst  our  chariots  ;  for  the  goddess  led. 

"  Along  fair  Arent^'s  deliglitlul  plain 
Soft  Minyae  rolls  his  waters  to  the  main  : 
There,  horse  and  foot,  the  I^ylian  troops  unite, 
And  sheathed  in  arms  expect  the  dawning  light. 
Thence,  ere  the  sun  advanced  his  noon-day  flame, 
To  great  Alpli^vus'  sacred  source  we  came. 
There  first  to  Jove  our  solemn  rights  vi-ere  paid; 
An  untamed  heifer  pleased  the  blue-eyed  maid ; 
A  bull,  Alphxus;  and  a  bull  was  slain 
To  the  blue  monarch  of  tlie  watery  main. 
In  arms  we  slept,  beside  the  winding  flood. 
While  round  the  town  the  fierce  Epeians  stood. 
Soon  as  the  sun,  with  all-revealing  ray, 
Flamed  in  the  front  of  Heaven,  and  gave  the  day, 
Bright  scenes  of  arms,  and  works  of  war  appear ; 
The  nations  meet;  there  Pylos.  Elis  here. 
The  first  wlio  fell,  beneath  my  javelin  bled  ; 
King  Augias'  son,  and  spouse  of  Agamede 
(She  that  all  simples'  healing  virtues  knew. 
And  every  herb  that  drinks  the  morning  dew): 
I  seized  his  car,  the  van  of  battle  led ; 
The  Epians  saw,  they  .trembled,  and  they  fled. 
The  foe  dispersed,  their  bravest  warrior  kill'd. 
Fierce  as  the  whirlwind  now  I  swept  the  field  ; 
Full  fifty  captive  chariots  graced  my  train  ; 
Two  chiefs  from  each  fell  breathless  to  the  plain, 
Then  Actor's  sons  had  died  but  Neptune  shrouds 
The  youthful  heroes  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 
O'er  heapy  shields,  and  o'er  the  prostrate  throng, 
Collecting  spoils,  and  slaughtering  all  along. 
Through  Wide  Buprasian  fields  we  forced  the  foes, 
Where  o'er  the  vales  the  Olenian  rocks  arose; 
Till  Pallas  stopp'd  us  where  Alisium  flows. 
Even  there  the  hindmost  of  the  rear  I  sla,y. 


858  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XI 

And  the  same  arm  that  led  concludes  the  day ; 
Then  back  to  Pyle  triumphant  take  my  way. 
There  to  higli  Jove  were  pulilic  thanks  assign'd, 
As  first  of  gods  ;  to  Nestor,  of  mankind. 

Such  then  I  v/as,  impell'd  by  youthful  blocd ; 
So  proved  my  valor  for  my  country's  good. 

"  Achilles  with  unactive  fury  glows, 
And  gives  to  passion  what  to  Greece  he  owes. 
How  shall  he  grieve,  when  to  the  eternal  shade 
Her  hosts  shall  sink,  nor  his  the  power  to  aid! 
O  friend  !  my  memory  recalls  the  day. 
When,  gathering  aids  along  the  Grecian  sea, 
I,  and  Ulysses,  touch'd  at  Phthia's  port, 
And  enter'd  Peleus'  hospitable  court. 
A  bull  to  Jove  he  slew  in  sacrifice. 
And  pour'd  libations  on  the  flaming  thighs. 
Thyself,  Achilles,  and  thy  reverend  sire 
Menoetius,  turn'd  the  fragments  on  the  fire. 
Achilles  sees  us,  to  the  feast  invites ; 
Social  we  sit,  and  share  the  genial  rites. 
We  then  explained  the  cause  on  which  we  came. 
Urged  you  to  arms,  and  found  you  fierce  for  fame. 
Your  ancient  fathers  generous  precepts  gave  ; 
Peleus  said  only  this  : — '  My  son  !  be  brave.' 
Menoetius  thus  :  '  Though  great  Achilles  shine 
In  strength  superior,  and  of  race  divine. 
Yet  cooler  thoughts  thy  elder  years  attend  ; 
Let  thy  just  counsels  aid,  and  rule  tliy  friend.' 
Thus  spoke  your  father  at  Thessalia's  court, 
Words  now  forgot,  though  now  of  vast  import. 
Ah  !  try  the  utmost  that  a  friend  can  say : 
Such  gentle  force  the  fiercest  minds  obey ; 
Some  favoring  god  Achilles'  heart  may  move  ; 
Though  deaf  to  glory,  he  may  yield  to  love. 
If  some  dire  oracle  his  breast  alarm, 
If  aught  from  Heaven  withhold  his  saving  arm, 
Some  beam  of  comfort  yet  on  Greece  may  shine, 
If  thou  but  lead  the  My'rmidonian  line  : 
Clad  in  Achilles'  arms,  if  thou  appear. 
Proud  Troy  may  tremble,  and  desist  from  war; 
Press'd  by  fresh  forces,  her  o'er-labor'd  train 
Shall  seek  their  walls,  and  Greece  respire  again." 

This  touch'd  his  generous  heart,  and  from  the  tent 
Along  the  shore  with  hasty  strides  he  went : 
'^,oon  as  he  came,  where,  on  the  crowded  strand, 
The  public  mart  and  courts  of  justice  stand, 
Where  the  tall  fleet  of  great  Ulysses  lies. 


Book  XI]  E  /L/AD 

And  altars  to  the  guardian  gods  arise  ; 
There,  sad,  he  met  tlie  brave  Evsnion's  son, 
Large  painful  drops  from  all  his  members  run  ; 
An  arrow's  head  yet  rooted  in  his  wound, 
The  sable  blood  in  circles  mark'd  the  ground. 
As  faintly  reeling  he  confess'd  the  smart, 
Weak  was  his  pace,  and  dauntless  was  his  heart. 
Divine  compassion  touch 'd  Patroclus'  breast. 
Who,  sighiiig,  thus  his  bleeding  friend  address'd  : 

"  Ah,  hapless  leaders  of  the  Grecian  host  ! 
Thus  must  ye  perish  on  a  barbarous  coast  ? 
Is  this  your  fate,  to  glut  the  dogs  with  gore. 
Far  from  your  friends,  and  from  your  native  shore? 
Say,  great  Eurypylus  !  shall  Greece  yet  stand  ? 
Resists  she  yet  the  raging  Hector's  hand  ? 
Or  are  her  heroes  doom'd  to  die  with  shame, 
And  this  the  period  of  our  wars  and  fame? 

Eurypylus  replies  :  "  No  more,  my  friend  ; 
Greece  is  no  more  !  this  da.y  her  glories  end  ; 
Even  to  the  ships  victorious  Troy  pursues, 
Her  force  increasing  as  her  toil  renews. 
Those  chiefs,  that  used  her  utmost  rage  to  meet, 
Lie  pierced  with  wounds,  and  bleeding  in  the  fleet. 
But,  thou,  Patroclus  •  act  a  friendly  part. 
Lead  to  my  ships,  and  draw  this  deadly  dart; 
With  lukewarm  water  wash  the  gore  away ; 
With  healing  balms  the  raging  smart  allay, 
Such  as  sage  Chiron,  sire  of  pharmacy, 
Once  taught  Achilles,  and  Achilles  thee. 
Of  two  famed  surgeons,  Podalirius  stands 
This  hour  surrounded  by  the  Trojan  bands  ; 
And  great  Machaon,  wounded  in  his  tent. 
Now  wants  that  succor  which  so  oft  he  lent." 

To  him  the  chief  :  "  What  then  remains  to  do 
The  event  of  things  the  gods  alone  can  view. 
Charged  by  AchlHes'  great  command  I  fly, 
And  bear  with  haste  the  Pylian  King's  reply  : 
l!ut  thy  distress  this  instant  claims  relief." 
He  said,  and  in  his  arms  upheld  the  chief. 
The  slaves  their  master's  slow  approach  survey'd, 
And  hides  of  oxen  on  the  floor  display'd  : 
There  stretch 'd  at  length  the  wounded  hero  lay; 
Patroclus  cut  the  forky  steel  away : 
Then  in  his  hands  a  bitter  root  he  bruised  ; 
The  wound  he  wash'd,  the  styptic  juice  infused. 
The  closing  flesh  that  instant  ceased  to  glow, 
The  wound  to  torture,  and  the  blood  to  flow. 


TffE  UJAD.  [Book  XIT. 


BOOK  xn. 


ARGUMENT. 


THE   BATTLE   AT   THE  GRECIAN  WALL. 


The  Greeks  havinj;  retired  into  their  entrenchments,  Hector  attempts  to  forcethem  ; 
but  it  proving  impossible  to  pass  the  ditch,  Poiydamas  advises  to  quit  their  char- 
iols,  and  manage  the  attack  on  foot.  The  Trojans  follow  his  counsel ;  and  having 
divided  their  army  into  five  bodies  of  foot,  begin  the  assault.  But  upon  the  signal 
of  an  eagle  with  a  serpent  in  his  talons,  which  appeared  on  the  left  hand  of  the 
Trojans,  Poiydamas  endeavors  to  withdraw  them  again.  This  Hector  opposes, 
and  continues  the  attack  ;  in  which  after  many  actions,  Sarpedon  makes  the  first 
breach  in  the  wall.  Hector  also,  casting  a  stone  of  vast  size,  forces  open  one  of 
the  gates,  and  enters  at  the  head  of  his  troops,  who  victoriously  pursue  th»  Gre- 
cians even  to  their  ships. 

While  thus  the  hero's  pious  cares  attend 
The  cure  and  .safety  of  his  wounded  friend, 
Trojans  and  Greeks  with  chashing  sliields  engage, 
And  mutual  deaths  are  dealt  with  mutual  rage. 
Nor  long  the  trench  or  lofty  walls  oppose  ; 
With  gods  averse  the  ill-fated  works  arose ; 
Their  powers  neglected,  and  no  victim  slain, 
The  walls  were  raised,  the  trenches  sunk  in  vain. 

Without  the  gods,  how  short  a  period  stands 
The  proudest  monument  of  mortal  hands  ! 
This  stood  while  Hector  and  Achilles  r.aged, 
While  sacred  Troy  the  warring  hosts  engaged  ; 
But  whe..  her  sons  were  slain,  her  city  burn'd, 
And  what  survived  of  Greece  to  Greece  return'd; 
Then  Neptune  and  Apollo  shook  the  shore, 
Then  Ida's  summits  pour'd  their  watery  store; 
Rhesus  and  Rhodius  then  unite  their  rill.s, 
Caresus  roaring  down  the  stony  hills, 
./Esepus,  Granibus,  with  mingled  force, 
And  Xanthus  foaming  from  his  fruitful  source; 
And  guify  Simois,  rofling  to  the  main  * 
Helmets,  and  shields,  and  godlike  heroes  slain: 


*  SimoiSf  rollings  &' 


•'  In  those  bloody  fields 
Where  Simois  rolls  the  bodies  and  the  shields 
Of  heroes."— Dryden's  VirgU,  i.  142. 


Book  XIl.J  THE  ILFAD.  '^Ol 

These,  turn'd  by  Phoebus  from  their  wonted  vvays, 

Dehiged  the  rampire  nine  continual  days; 

The  weight  of  waters  saps  the  yielding  wall, 

And  to  the  sea  the  floating  bulwarks  fall. 

Incessant  cataracts  the  Thunderer  pours, 

And  half  the  skies  descend  in  sluicy  showers. 

The  god  of  ocean,  marching  stern  before, 

With  his  huge  trident  wounds  the  trembling  shore. 

Vast  stones  and  piles  from  their  foundation  heaves. 

And  whelms  the  smoky  ruin  in  the  waves. 

Now  smooth'd  with  sand,  and  levell'd  by  the  flood, 

No  fragment  tells  where  once  the  wonder  stood  ; 

In  their  old  bounds  the  rivers  roll  again, 

Shine  'twixt  the  hills,  or  wander  o'er  the  plain.* 

But  this  the  gods  in  later  times  perform ; 
As  yet  the  bulwark  stood,  and  braved  the  storm  ; 
The  strokes  yet  echoed  of  contending  powers  ; 
War  thunder'd  at  the  gates,  and  blood  distain'd  the  towers. 
Smote  by  the  arm  of  Jove  with  dire  dismay. 
Close  by  their  hollow  ships  the  Grecians  lay  : 
Hector's  approach  in  every  wind  they  hear, 
And  Hector's  fury  every  moment  fear. 
He,  like  a  whirlwind,  toss'd  the  scattering  throng; 
Mingled  the  troops,  and  drove  the  field  along. 
So  'midst  the  dogs  and  hunters'  daring  bands, 
Fierce  of  his  might,  a  boar  or  lion  stands ; 
Arm'd  foes  around  a  dreadful  circle  form, 
And  hissing  javelins  rain  an  iron  storm  : 
His  powers  untamed,  their  bold  assault  defy. 
And  where  he  turns  the  rout  disperse  or  die  r 
He  foams,  he  glares,  he  bounds  against  them  al?. 
And  if  he  falls,  his  courage  makes  him  fall. 
With  equal  rage  cncompass'd  Hector  glows  ; 
Exhorts  his  armies,  and  the  trenches  shows. 
The  panting  steeds  impatient  fury  breathe. 
And  snort  and  tremble  at  the  gulf  beneath  ; 
Just  at  the  brink  they  neigh,  and  paw  the  ground, 
And  the  turf  trembles,  and  the  skies  resound. 
Eager  they  view'd  the  prospect  dark  and  deep. 
Vast  was  the  leap,  and  headlong  hung  the  steep 
The  bottom  bare  (a  formidable  show) ! 
And  bristled  thick  with  sharpen'd  stakes  below. 

•  **  Where  yon  disorderM  heap  of  ruin  lies, 

Stones  rent  from  stones, — where  clouds  of  dust  arise, — 
Amid  that  smother,  Neptune  holds  his  place, 
Eelow  the  wall's  foundation  drives  his  mace, 
And  heaves  the  building  from  the  solid  base." 

Dryden's  Virgil,  ii.  825. 


TITE  ILIAD.  IBooK  XIl 

The  fool  r.lonn  tbis  strong  defence  could  force, 
And  try  the  pass  impervious  to  tlie  horse. 
This  saw  Polydamas  ;  who,  wisely  brave, 
Restrain'd  great  Hector,  and  this  counsel  gave: 

"  O  thou,'  bold  leader  of  the  Trojan  bands  ! 
And  you.  confederate  chiefs  from  foreign  lands ! 
What  entrance  here  can  cumbrous  chariots  find, 
The  stakes  beneath,  the  Grecian  walls  behind  '. 
No  pass  thfough  those,  without  a  thousand  wounds, 
No  space  for  combat  in  yon  narrow  bounds. 
Proud  of  the  favors  mighty  Jove  has  shown, 
On  certain  dangers  we  too  rashly  run  : 
If  'tis  his  will  our  haughty  foes  to  tame, 
Oh  may  this  instant  end  the  Grecian  name! 
Here,  far  from  Argos,  let  their  heroes  fall. 
And  one  great  day  destroy  and  bury  all ! 
But  should  they  turn,  and  here  oppress  our  train. 
What  hopes,  what  methods  of  retreat  remain  } 
Wedged  in  the  trench,  by  our  own  troops  confused. 

In  one  promiscuous  carnage  crush'd  and  bruised. 
All  Troy  must  perish,  if  their  arms  prevail, 
Nor  sliall  a  Trojan  live  to  tell  the  tale. 

Hear  then,  ye  warriors  !  and  obey  with  speed; 

Back  from  the  trenches  let  your  steeds  be  led; 
Then  all  alighting,  wedged  in  firm  array. 

Proceed  on  foot,  and  Hector  lead  the  way. 

So  Greece  shall  stoop  before  our  conquering  power. 

And  this  (if  Jove  consent)  her  fatal  hour." 

This  counsel  pleased  :  the  godlike  Hector  sprung 

Swift  from  his  seat;  his  clanging  armor  rung. 

The  chief's  example  follow'd  by  his  train. 

Each  quits  his  car,  and  issues  on  the  plain. 

By  orders  strict  the  charioteers  enjoin'd 

Compel  the  coursers  to  their  ranks  behind. 

The  coursers  part  in  five  distinguish'd  bands. 

And  all  obey  their  several  chiefs'  commands. 

The  best  and  bravest  in  the  first  conspire, 

Pant  for  the  fight,  and  threat  the  fleet  with  fire: 

Great  Hector,  glorious  in  the  van  of  these, 

Polydamas,  and  brave  Cebriones. 

Before  the  next  the  graceful  Paris  shines, 

And  bold  Alcathous,  and  Agenor  joins. 

The  sons  of  Priam  with  the  third  appear, 

Deiphobus,  and  Helenus  the  seer; 

In  arms  with  these  the  mighty  Asius  stood, 

Who  drew  from  llyrtactus  his  noble  blood, 

And  whom  Arisba's  yellow  coursers  bore. 


Book  XII.]  THE  lUAD.  2f^3 

The  coursers  fed  on  Selle's  winding  shore. 

Antenor's  sons  the  fourth  battalion  guide, 

And  great  /Eneas,  born  on  fountful  Ide. 

Divine  Sarpedon  the  last  band  obey'd, 

Whom  Glaucus  and  Asteropajus  aid. 

Next  him,  the  bravest,  at  their  army's  head, 

But  he  more  brave  than  all  the  hosts  he  led. 
Now  with  compacted  shields  in  close  array. 

The  moving  legions  speed  their  headlong  way: 

Already  in  their  hopes  they  fire  the  fleet, 

And  see  the  Grecians  gasping  at  their  feet. 
While  every  Trojan  thus,  and  every  aid, 

The  advice  of  wise  Folydamas  obey'd, 

Asius  alone,  confiding  in  his  car. 

His  vaunted  coursers  urged  to  meet  the  vpar. 

Unhappy  hero  !  and  advised  in  vain  ; 

Those  wheels  returning  ne'er  shall  mark  the  plain; 

No  more  those  coursers  with  triumphant  joy 

Restore  their  master  to  the  gates  of  Troy  ! 

Black  death  attends  behind  the  Grecian  wall, 

And  great  Idomeneus  shall  boast  thy  fall! 

Fierce  to  the  left  he  drives,  where  from  the  plain. 

The  flying  Grecians  strove  their  ships  to  gain; 

Swift  through  the  wall  theit  horse  and  chariots  pass'd, 

The  gates  half-open'd  to  receive  the  last. 

Thither,  exulting  in  his  force,  he  flies  : 

His  following  host  with  clamors  rend  the  skies: 

To  plunge  the  Grecians  headlong  in  the  main. 
Such  their  proud  hopes;  but  all  their  hopes  were  vain  ! 
To  guard  the  gates,  two  mighty  chiefs  attend, 

Who  from  the  Lapiths'  warlike  race  descend ; 

This  I'olypcEtes,  great  Perithous'  heir, 
And  that  Leonteus,  like  the  god  of  war. 

As  two  tall  oaks,  before  the  wall  they  rise ; 

Their  roots  in  earth,  their  heads  amidst  the  skies: 

Whose  spreading  arms  with  leafy  honors  crovvn'd. 

Forbid  the  tempest,  and  protect  the  ground  ; 

High  on  the  hills  appears  their  stately  form, 

And  their  deep  roots  forever  brave  the  storm. 

So  graceful  tliese,  and  so  the  shock  they  stand 

Of  raging  Asius,  and  his  furious  band. 

Orestes,  Acanias,  in  front  appear. 

And  CEnomaus  and  Thoon  close  the  rear: 

In  vain  their  clamors  shake  the  ambient  fields. 

In  vain  around  them  beat  their  hollow  shields; 

The  fearless  brothers  on  tlie  Grecians  call. 

To  guard  their  navies,  and  defend  the  walL 


a64  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XII. 

Even  wlien  they  saw  Troy's  sable  troops  impend. 
And  Greece  tumultuous  from  her  towers  descend, 
Forth  from  the  portals  rush'd  the  intrepid  pair, 
Opposed  their  breasts,  and  stood  themselves  the  wa» 
So  two  wild  boars  spring  furious  from  their  den, 
Roused  with  the  cries  of  dogs  and  voice  of  men; 
On  every  side  the  crackling  trees  they  tear, 
And  root  the  shrubs,  and  lay  the  forest  bare  ; 
They  gnash  their  tusks,  with  fire  their  eye-balls  roll, 
Till  some  wide  wound  lets  out  their  miglity  soul. 
Around  their  heads  the  whistling  javelins  sung. 
With  soundin;,r  strikes  their  brazen  targets  rung; 
Fierce  was  the  fight,  while  vet  the  Grecian  powers 
Maintain'd  the  walls,  and  niann'd  the  lofty  towers : 
To  save  their  fleet  their  last  efforts  they  try. 
And  stones  and  darts  in  mingled  tempests  fly.  ^ 

As  when  sharp  Boreas  blows  abroad,  and  brings 
The  dreary  winter  on  his  frozen  wings ; 
Beneath  the  low-hung  clouds  the  sheets  of  snow 
Descend,  and  whiten  all  the  fields  below  : 
So  fast  the  darts  on  either  army  pour, 

So  down  the  rampires  rolls  the  rocky  shower. 
Heavy,  and  thick,  resound  the  batter'd  shields, 
And  the  deaf  echo  rattles  round  the  fields. 

With  shame  repulsed,  with  grief  and  fury  driven, 
The  frantic  Asius  thus  accuses  Heaven  :   . 

"  In  powers  immortal  who  shall  now  believe  ? 

Can  those  too  flatter,  and  can  Jove  deceive? 

What  man  could  doubt  but  Troy's  victorious  power 

Should  humble  Greece,  and  this  her  fatal  hour .? 

But  like  when  wasps  from  hollow  crannies  drive. 

To  guard  the  entrance  of  their  common  hive, 

Darkening  the  rock,  while  with  unwearied  wings 

They  strike  the  assailants,  and  infi.x  their  stings; 

A  race  determined,  that  to  death  contend: 

So  fierce  these  Greeks  their  last  retreats  defend. 

Gods  !  shall  two  warriors  only  guard  their  gates, 

Repel  an  army,  and  defraud  the  fates  ?  " 

These  empty  accents  mingled  with  the  wind, 

Nor  moved  great  Jove's  unalterable  mind; 

To  godlike  Hector  and  his  matchless  might 

Was  owed  the  glory  of  the  destined  fight. 

Like  deeds  of  arms  through  all  the  forts  were  tried, 
\nd  all  the  gates  sustain'd  an  equal  tide ; 
Through  the  long  walls  the  stony  showers  were  hearii, 

The  blaze  of  flarries,  the  flash  of  arms  appear'd. 

The  spirit  of  a  god  my  breast  inspire, 


P-70K  XII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2G5 

To  raise  each  act  to  life,  and  sing  with  fire  ! 
While  Greece  unconquer'd  kept  alive  the  war. 
Secure  o£  death,  confiding  in  despair ; 
And  all  her  guardian  gods,  in  deep  dismay, 
With  unassisting  arms  deplored,  the  day. 

Even  yet  the  dauntless  Lapithas  maintain 
The  dreadful  pass,  and  round  them  heap  the  slain. 
First  Damasus,  by  Polypoetes'  steel, 
Pierced  through  his  helmet's  brazen  visor,  fell ; 
The  weapon  drank  the  mingled  brains  and  gore  ! 
The  warrior  sinks,  tremendous  now  no  more! 
Next  Ormenus  and  Pylon  yield  their  breath  : 
Nor  less  Leontus  str/^ws  the  field  with  death ; 
First  through  the  belt  Hipponiachus  he  gored, 
Then  sudden  waved  his  unresisted  sword : 
Antiphates,  as  through  the  ranks  he  broke. 
The  falchion  struck,"and  fate  pursued  the  stroke: 
lamenus,  Orestes,  Wenon,  bled; 
And  round  him  rose  a  monument  of  dead. 
Meantime,  the  bravest  of  the  Trojan  crew, 
Bold  Hector  and  Polydamas,  pursue; 
Fierce  witli  impatience  on  the  works  to  fall. 
And  wrap  in  rolling  flames  the  fleet  and  wall. 
These  on  the  farther  bank  now  stood  and  gazed, 
By  Heaven  alarm'd,  by  prodigies  amazed  : 
A  signal  omen  stopp'd  the  passing  host, 
Their  martial  fury  in  their  wonder  lost. 
Jove's  bird  on  sounding  pinions  beat  the  skies ; 
A  bleeding  serpent  of  enormous  size, 
His  talons  Iruss'd  ;  alive,  and  curling  round, 
He  stung  the  bird,  whose  throat  received  the  wound. 
Mad  with  the  smart,  he  drops  tlie  fatal  prey, 
In  airy  circles  wings  his  painful  way, 
Floats  on  the  winds,  and  rends  the  heaven  with  cries; 
Amidst  the  host  the  fallen  serpent  lies. 
They,  pale  with  terror,  mark  its  spires  unroll'd, 
And  Jove's  portent  with  beating  hearts  behold. 
Then  first  Polydamas  the  silence  broke, 
Long  weigh'd  the  signal,  and  to  Hector  spoke: 

"  How  oft,  my  brother,  thy  reproach  I  bear. 
For  words  well  meant,  and  sentiments  sincere  ? 
True  to  those  counsels  whicli  1  judge  the  best, 
I  tell  the  faithful  dictates  of  my  breast. 
To  speak  his  thoughts  is  every  freeman's  right, 
In  peace,  in  war,  in  council,  and  in  fight ; 
And  all  I  move,  deferring  to  thy  sway. 
But  tends  to  raise  that  power  which  I  obey. 
Then  hear  mv  words,  nor  may  my  words  be  vain  ! 


266  THE  ir.TAD.  [Book  Xi; 

Seek  not  this  dny  the  Grecian  ships  to  gain ; 
For  sure,  to  warn  us,  Jove  his  omen  sent, 
And  thus  my  mind  explains  its  clear  event : 
The  victor  eagle,  whose  sinister  flight 
Retards  our  host,  and  fills  our  hearts  with  fright, 
Dismiss'd  his  conquest  in  the  middle  skies, 
Allow'd  to  seize,  but  not  possess  the  prize; 
Thus,  though  we  gird  with  fires  the  Grecian  licet, 
Though  these  ]iroud  bulwarks  tumble  at  our  feet, 
Toils  unforeseen,  and  fiercer,  are  decreed; 
More  woes  shall  follow,  and  more  lieroes  bleed. 
So  bodes  my  soul,  and  bids  me  thus  advise  ; 
For  thus  a  skilful  seer  would  read  the  skies." 

To  him  then  Hector  with  disdain  re.turn'd  : 
(Fierce  as  he  spoke,  his  eyes  with  fury  burn'd)  : 
"  Are  these  the  faithful  counsels  of  thy  tongue? 
Thy  will  is  partial,  not  thv  reason  wrong: 
Or  if  the  purpose  of  thy  heart  tliou  vent, 
Sure  heaven  resumes  the  little  sense  it  lent. 
What  coward  counsels  would  thy  madness  move 
Against  the  word,  the  will  reveal'd  of  Jove  ? 
The  leading  sign,  the  irrevocable  nod, 
And  happy  thunders  of  the  favoring  god, 
These  shall  I  slight,  and  guide  my  wavering  miud 
By  wandering  birds  that  Hit  with  every  wind  .' 
Ye  vagrants  of  the  sky  !  your  wings  extend, 
Or  where  the  suns  arise,  or  where  descend  ; 
To  right,  to  left,  unheeded  take  your  way, 
While  I  the  dictates  of  high  heaven  obey. 
Without  a  sign  his  sword  the  brave  man  draws, 
And  asks  no  omen  but  his  country's  cause. 
But  why  should'st  thou  suspect  the  war's  success? 
None  fears  it  more,  as  none  promotes  it  less  : 
Though  all  our  chiefs  amidst  yon  ships  expire. 
Trust  thy  own  cowardice  to  escape  their  fire. 
'Iroy  and  her  sons  may  find  a  general  grave, 
lint  thou  canst  live,  for  thou  canst  be  a  slave. 
Yet  should  the  fears  that  wary  mind  suggests 
Spread  their  cold  poison  througli  our  soldiers'  breasti, 
My  javelin  can  revenge  so  base  a  part. 
And  free  the  soul  that  quivers  in  thy  heart." 

Furious  he  spoke,  and,  rushing  to  the  wall. 
Calls  on  his  host ;  his  host  obe}-  the  call ; 
With  ardor  follow  where  their  leader  flies: 
Redoubling  clamors  thunder  in  the  skies. 
Jove  breathes  a  wliirhvind  from  the  liiUs  of  Ide, 
And  drifts  of  dust  the  clouded  navy  hide  ; 


Book  XII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2C7 

He  fills  the  Greeks  with  terror  and  dismay, 
And  gives  great  Hector  the  predestined  day. 
Strong  in  themselves,  but  stronger  in  his  aid, 
Close  to  the  works  their  rigid  siege  they  laid. 
In  vain  the  mounds  and  massy  beams  defend, 
While  these  they  undermine,  and  those  they  rend; 
Upheaved  the  piles  that  prop  the  solid  wall ; 
And  heaps  on  heaps  the  smoky  ruins  fall. 
Greece  on  her  ramparts  stands  the  fierce  alarms; 
The  crowded  bulwarks  blaze  with  waving  arms. 
Shield  touching  shield,  a  long  refulgent  row; 
Whence  hissing  darts,  incessant,  rain  below. 
The  bold  Ajaces  fiy  from  tower  to  tower, 
And  rouse,  with  flame  divine,  the  Grecian  power. 
The  generous  impulse  every  Greek  obeys  ; 
Threats  urge  the  fearful ;  and  the  valiant,  praise. 

"  Fellows  in  arms  !  whose  deeds  are  known  to  fame. 
And  you,  whose  ardor  hopes  an  equal  name  ! 
Since  not  alike  endued  with  force  or  art  ; 
Behold  a  day  when  each  may  act  his  part ! 
A  day  to  fire  the  brave,  and  warm  the  cold, 
To  gain  new  glories,  or  augment  the  old. 
Urge  those  who  stand,  and  tliose  who  faint,  excite; 
Drown  Hector's  vaunts  in  loud  exhorts  of  fight; 
Conquest,  not  safety,  fill  the  thoughts  of  all ; 
Seek  not  your  fleet,  but  sally  from  the  wall ; 
So  Jove  once  more  may  drive  their  routed  trairt, 
And  Troy  lie  trembling  in  her  walls  again." 

Their  ardor  kindles  all  the  Grecian  powers  ; 
And  now  the  stones  descend  in  heaviL-r  showers. 
As  when  high  Jove  his  sharp  artillery  forms, 
And  opes  his  cloudy  magazine  of  storms  ; 
In  winter's  bleak  uncomfortable  reign, 
A  snowy  inundation  hides  the  plain  ; 
He  stills  the  winds,  and  bids  the  skies  to  sleep; 
Then  pours  the  silent  tempest  thick  and  deep  ; 
And  first  the  mountain-tops  are  cover'd  o'er. 
Then  the  green  fields,  and  then  the  sandy  shore  ; 
Bent  with  the  weight,  the  nodding  woods  are  seen. 
And  one  bright  waste  hides  all  the  works  of  men  ; 
The  circling  seas,  alone  absorbing  all. 
Drink  the  dissolving  fleeces  as  they  fall : 
So  from  each  side  increased  the  stony  rain. 
And  the  white  ruin  rises  o'er  the  plain. 

Thus  godlike  Hector  and  his  troops  contend 
To  force  tlie  ramparts,  and  the  gate  to  rend  : 
Nor  Troy  could  conquer,  nor  the  Greeks  would  yield, 


268  THE  ILIAD.  \)?.'.w\^  \    I 

Till  great  Sarpedon  tower'd  amid  the  field  ; 

F"or 'might y  Jove  inspired  with  martial  flame 

His  matchless  son,  and  urged  him  on  to  fame. 

In  arms  he  shines,  conspicuous  from  afar, 

And  bears  aloft  hi.i  ample  shield  in  air ; 

Within  whose  orb  the  thick  bull-hides  were  roll'd. 

Ponderous  with  brass,  and  bound  with  ductile  gold : 

And  while  two  pointed  javelins  arm  his  hands. 

Majestic  moves  along,  and  leads  liis  Lycian  hands. 

So  press'd  with  hunger,  from  the  mountain's  brow 
Descends  a  lion  on  the  flocks  below ; 
So  stalks  the  lordly  savage  o'er  the  plain, 
In  sullen  majesty,  and  stern  disdain  : 
In  vain  loud  mastiffs  bay  him  from  afar, 
And  shepherds  gall  him  with  an  iron  war; 
Regardless,  furious,  he  pursues  his  way; 
He  foams,  he  roars,  he  rends  the  panting  prey. 

Resolved  alike,  divine  Sarpedon  glows 
With  generous  rage  that  drives  him  on  the  foes. 
He  views  the  towers,  and  meditates  their  fall, 
To  sure  destruction  dooms  the  aspiring  wall ; 
Then  casting  on  his  friend  an  ardent  look. 
Fired  with  the  thirst  of  glory,  thus  he  spoke  : 

"  Why  boast  we,  Glaucus  !  our  extended  reign,* 
Where  Xantlnis'  streams  enrich  the  Lycian  plain. 
Our  numerous  herds  that  range  the  fruitful  field, 
And  hills  where  vines  their  purple  harvest  yield, 
Our  foaming  bowls  with  purer  nectar  crown'd, 
Our  feasts  enhanced  with  music's  sprightly  sound  .> 
Why  on  those  shores  are  we  with  joy  survey'd, 
Admired  as  heroes,  and  as  gods  obey'd, 
Unless  great  acts  superior  merit  prove, 
And  vindicate  the  Ijounteous  powers  above  ? 
'Tis  ours,  the  dignity  they  give  to  grace  ; 
Tlie  first  in  valor,  as  the  first  in  place  ; 
That  when  with  wondering  eyes  our  martial  bands 
Behold  our  deeds  transcending  our  commands. 
Such,  they  may  cry,  descve  the  sovereign  state. 
Whom  those  that  envy  dare  not  imitate  ! 
Could  all  our  care  elude  the  gloomy  grave. 
Which  claims  no  less  the  fearful  and  the  brave, 

•  Why  boast  we. 

"  Wherefore  do  I  assume 
These  rovahies  and  not  retuse  to  reign, 
Refusing  to  accept  as  great  a  share 
Of  hazard  as  of  lionor,  due  alike  to  liim 
Who  reigns,  and  so  much  to  him  due 
Of  hazard  more,  as  he  above  the  rest 
Hith  honor'd  sits.'"—"'  Paratkw  Lost."  li.  jco. 


Po'icXII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2t>9 

For  lust  of  fame  I  sliould  not  vainly  dare 

In  fighting  fiukls,  nor  urge  thy  soul  to  war. 

But  since,  alas  !  ignoble  age  must  come, 

Disease,  and  death's  inexorable  doom, 

The  life,  which  others  pay,  let  us  bestow. 

And  give  to  fame  what  we  to  nature  owe ; 

Brave  though  we  fall,  and  honor'd  if  we  live. 

Or  let  us  glory  gain,  or  glory  give  !  " 

1-le  said  ;  his  words  the  listening  chief  inspire 

With  equal  warmth,  and  rouse  the  warrior's  fire ; 

The  troops  pursue  their  leaders  with  delight. 

Rush  to  the  foe,  and  claim  the  jiromised  fight. 

Menestheus  from  on  high  the  storm  beheld 

Tlireatening  the  fort,  and  blackening  in  the  field 

Around  the  walls  he  gazed,  to  view  from  far 

What  aid  appear'd  to  avert  the  approaching  war. 

And  saw  where  Teucer  with  the  Ajaces  stood. 

Of  fight  insatiate,  prodigal  of  blood. 

In  vain  he  calls  ;  the  din  of  helms  and  shields 

Rings  to  the  skies,  and  echoes  through  the  fields. 

The  brazen  hinges  fly,  the  walls  resound,  ground 

Heaven  trembles,   roar  the    mountains,    thunder^   .all    the 

Then  thus  to  Thoos  :  "  Hence  with  speed  (he  said), 

And  urge  the  bold  Ajaces  to  our  aid ; 

Their  s'trengtli,  united,  best  m.ay  help  to  bear 

The  bloody" labors  of  the  doubtful  war: 

Hither  the  I.ycian  princes  bend  tlieir  course, 

The  best  and  bravest  of  the  hostile  force. 

But  if  too  fiercely  there  the  foes  contend. 

Let  Telamon,  at  least,  our  towers  defend. 

And  Teucer  haste  with  his  unerring  bow 

To  share  the  danger,  and  repel  the  foe." 

Swift,  at  the  word,  the  herald  speeds  along 
The  lofty  ramparts,  tlirough  the  martial  throng. 
And  finds  the  heroes  badied  in  sweat  and  gore, 
Opposed  in  combat  on  the  dusty  shore. 
"  Ye  valiant  leaders  of  our  warlike  bands  ! 
Your  aid  (said  Thoos)  Peteus'  son  demands ; 
Your  strength,  united,  best  m.ay  help  to  bear 
The  bloody  labors  of  the  doubtful  war : 
Thither  tlie  Lycian  princes  bend  their  course, 
The  best  and  bravest  of  the  hostile  force. 
But  if  too  fiercely,  here,  the  foes  contend, 
At  least,  let  Telamon  those  towers  defend. 
And  Teucer  haste  with  his  unerring  bow 
To  share  the  danger,  and  repel  the  foe." 

Straight  to  the  fort  great  Ajax  turn'd  his  care, 


270  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XII. 

Aird  thus  licspoke  liis  brothers  of  the  war : 
"  Now,  va'ian't  Lycomede  !  exert  your  niight. 
And,  brave  Oileu's,  prove  your  force  in  fight ; 
To  you  1  trust  the  fortune  of  the  field, 
Till'by  this  arm  the  foe  shall  be  repell'd : 
That  done,  expect  me  to  complete  the  day. 
'I'hen  with  his  sevenfold  shield  he  strode  away. 
With  equal  steps  bold  Teucer  press'd  the  shore, 
Wlfose  fatal  bow  the  strong  Pandion  bore. 

High  on  the  walls  appear'd  the  Lycian  powers. 
Like  "some  black  tempest  gathering  round  the  towers: 
The  Greeks,  oppress'd,  th'eir  utmost  force  unite, 
Prepared  to  labor  in  the  unequal  fight: 
The  war  renews,  mix'd  shouts  and  groans  arise  ; 
Tumultuous  clamor  mounts,  and  thickens  in  the  skies. 
Fierce  Ajax  first  the  advancing  host  invades, 
And  sends  the  brave  Epicles  to  the  shades, 
Sarpedon's  friend.     Across  the  warrior's  way, 
Rent  from  the  Vifalls,  a  rocky  fragment  lay ; 
In  modern  ages  not  the  strongest  swain 
Could  heave  the  unwieldy  burden  from  the  plain  : 
He  poised,  and  swung  it  round  ;  then  toss'd  on  high, 
It  flew  with  force,  and  labor'd  up  the  sky  ; 
Full  on  the  Lycian's  helmet  thundering  down, 
The  ponderous  ruin  crush'd  his  batter'd  crown. 
As  skilful  divers  from  some  airy  steep 
Headlong  descend,  and  shoot  into  the  deep. 
So  falls  Epicles  ;  then  in  groans  expires, 
And  murmuring  to  the  shades  the  soul  retires. 
Wliile  to  the  ramparts  daring  Glaucus  drew. 
From  Teucer's  hand  a  winged  arrow  flew  ; 
The  bearded  shaft  the  destined  passage  found. 
And  on  his  naked  arm  inflicts  a  wound. 
The  chief,  who  fear'd  some  foe's  insulting  boast 
Might  stop  the  progress  of  his  warlike  host, 
Conceal'd  the  wound,  and,  leaping  from  his  height. 
Retired  reluctant  from  the  unfinish'd  fight. 
Divine  Sarpedon  with  regret  beheld 
Disabled  Glaucus  slowly  quit  the  field  ; 
His  beating  breast  with  generous  ardor  glows. 
He  springs  to  fight,  and  flies  upon  the  foes. 
Alcmaon  first  was  doom'd  his  force  to  feel ; 
Deep  in  his  breast  he  plunged  the  pointed  steel; 
Then  from  the  yawning  wound  with  fury  tore 
The  spear,  pursued  bv  gushing  streams  of  gore  : 
Down  sinks  the  warrior  with  a  thundering  sound, 
His  brazen  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 


Book  XII.]  THE  ILIAD.  271 


Swift  to  the  battlement  the  victor  flies, 
Tugs  witli  full  force,  and  every  nerve  applies  : 
It  shakes  ;  the  ponderous  stones  disjointed  yield; 
The  rolling  ruins  smoke  along  the  field. 
A  mighty  breach  appears ;  the  walls  lie  bare ; 
And,  like  a  deluge,  rushes  in  the  war. 
At  once  bold  Teucer  draws  the  twanging  bow, 
And  Ajax  sends  his  javelin  at  the  foe ; 
Fix'd  in  his  belt  the  feather'tl  weapon  stood, 
And  through  his  buckler  drove  the  trembling  wood  ; 
But  Jove  was  present  in  the  dire  debate. 
To  shield  his  offspring,  and  avert  his  fate. 
The  prince  gave  back,  not  meditating  flight, 
But  urging  vengeance,  and  severer  fight ; 
Then  raised  with  hope,  and  fired  with  glory's  charms, 
His  fainting  squadrons  to  new  fury  warms. 
"  O  where,  ye  Lycians,  is  the  strength  you  boast  ? 
Your  former  fame  and  ancient  virtue  lost ! 
The  breach  lies  open,  but  your  chief  in  vain 
Attempts  alone  the  guarded  pass  to  gain  : 
Unite,  and  soon  that  hostile  fleet  shall  fall  : 
The  force  of  powerful  union  conquers  all." 

This  just  rebuke  inflamed  the  Lycian  cre-.v; 
They  join,  they  thicken,  and  the  assault  renew: 
Unmoved  the  embodied  Greeks  their  fury  dare, 
And  fi.x'd  support  the  weight  of  all  the  war; 
Nor  could  the  Greeks  repel  the  Lycian  powers. 
Nor  the  bold  Lycians  force  the  Grecian  towers. 
As  on  the  confines  of  adjoining  grounds. 
Two  stubborn  swains  with  blows  dispute  their  bounds ; 
They  tug,  they  sweat;  but  neither  gain,  nor  yield. 
One  foot,  one  inch,  of  the  contended  field  ; 
Thus  obstinate  to  death,  they  fight,  they  fall; 
Nor  these  can  keep,  nor  those  can  win  the  wall. 
Their  manly  breasts  are  pierced  with  many  a  wound. 
Loud  strokes  are  heard,  and  rattling  arms  resound  ; 
The  copious  slaughter  covers  all  the  shore. 
And  the  high  ramparts  drip  with  human  gore. 

As  when  two  scales  are  charged  with  doubtful  loads. 
From  side  to  side  the  trembling  balance  nods 
(While  some  laborious  matron,  just  and  poor. 
With  nice  exactness  weighs  her  woolly  store), 
Till  poised  aloft,  the  resting  beam  suspends 
Each  equal  weight ;  nor  this,  nor  that,  descends  :  * 

The  battle  hung." — "  Paradise  Lust,"  vi.  a4j. 


272  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XU 

So  stood  the  war,  till  Hector's  matcliless  might, 

With  fates  prevailing,  turn'd  the  scale  o£  fight. 

Fierce  as  a  wliirlwind  up  the  walls  he  tiies, 

And  fires  his  host  with  loud  repeated  cries. 

"  Advance,  ye  Trojans  !  lend  your  valiant  hands. 

Haste  to  the  fleet,  and  toss  the  blazing  brands !" 

They  hear,  they  run ;  and,  gathering  at  his  call. 

Raise  scaling  engines,  and  ascend  the  wall: 

Around  the  works  a  wood  of  glittering  spears 

Shoots  up,  and  all  the  rising  host  appears. 

A  ponderous  stone  bold  Hector  heaved  to  throw. 

Pointed  above,  and  rough  and  gross  below  : 

Not  two  strong  men  the  enormous  weight  could  raise, 

Such  men  as  live  in  these  degenerate  days  : 

Yet  this,  as  easy  as  a  swain  could  bear 

The  snowy  fleece,  he  toss'd,  and  shook  in  air; 

For  Jove  upheld,  and  lighten'd  of  its  load 

The  unwieldy  rock,  the  labor  of  a  god. 

Thus  arm'd,  before  the  folded  gates  he  came, 

Of  massy  substance,  and  stupendous  frame  ; 

With  iron  bars  and  brazen  hinges  strong, 

On  lofty  beams  of  solid  timber^ hung: 

Then  thundering  through  the  planks  with  forceful  sway, 

Drives  the  sharp  rock ;  the  solid  beams  give  way. 

The  folds  are  shatter'd  ;  from  the  crackling  door 

Leap  the  resounding  bars,  the  flying  hinges  roar. 

Now  rushing  in,  the  furious  chief  appears, 

Gloomy  as  night !  *  and  shakes  two  shining  spears: 

A  dreadful  gleam  from  his  bright  armor  came. 

And  from  h'is  eye-balls  flash'd  the  living  flame. 

He  moves  a  god,  resistless  in  his  course. 

And  seems  a  match  for  more  than  mortal  force. 

Then  pouring  after,  through  the  gaping  space, 

A  tide  of  Trojans  fiows,  and  fills  the  place ; 

The  Greeks  behold,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly, 

The  shore  is  heap'd  with  death,  and  tumult  rends  the  sky. 


'  ...  ,111  his  impious  foes  right  onward  drove, 
GliJomy  aj  idght,^^ — "  Paradise  Lust,'*  vi.  8^1. 


•HE  ILIAD.  27.5 


BOOK  xiir. 

ARGUMENT. 

THB   FOURTH   BATTLE  CONTINUED,    IN   WHICH   NEPTUKK   ASSISTS    THE  GRBBKSt 


Neptune,  concerned  for  the  loss  of  the  Grecians,  upon  seeing  the  fortification  forced 
by  Hector  (who  had  entered  the  gate  near  the  station  of  the  Ajaces),  assumes 
the  shape  of  Calchas,  and  inspires  those  heroes  to  oppose  him  :  then,  in  the  form 
of  one  of  the  .generals,  encourages  the  other  Greeks  who  had  retired  to  their  ves- 
sels. The  Ajaces  form  their  troops  in  a  close  phalanx,  and  put  a  stop  to  Hector 
and  the  Trojans.  Several  deeds  of  valor  are  performed  ;  Merioiies,  losing  his 
spear  in  the  encounter,  repairs  to  seek  another  at  the  tent  of  Idomeneus  :  this  oc- 
casions a  conversation  between  those  two  warriors,  who  return  together  to  the 
battle.  Idomeneus  signalizes  his  courage  above  the  rest;  he  kills  Othryoneus, 
Asius  and  Alcathous:  Deiphobus  and  ^neas  march  against  him,  and  at  length 
Idomeneus  retires.  Menelaus  wounds  Helenus,  and  kills  Pisander.  The  Trojans 
are  repulsed  on  the  left  wing  :  Hector  still  keeps  his  ground  against  the  Ajaces, 
till,  being  galled  by  the  Locrian  slingers  and  archers,  Polydamas  advises  to  call  a 
council  of  war  :  Hector  approves  of  his  advice,  but  goes  first  to  rally  the  Trojans  ; 
upbraids  [*.iiis,  rejoins  Polydamas,  meets  Ajax  again,  and  renews  the  attack. 

The  eigiii-and-iwentieth  day  still  continues.    The  scene  is  between  the  Greciaa 
wall  and  the  sea-shore. 

When  now  the  Thunderer  on  the  sea-beat  coast 
Had  fix'd  great  Hector  and  his  conquering  host, 
He  left  them  to  the  fates,  in  bloody  fray 
To  toil  and  struggle  through  the  well-fought  day. 
Then  turn'd  to  Thracia  from  the  field  of  fight 
Those  eyes  that  shed  insufferable  light. 
To  where  the  Mysians  prove  their  martial  force, 
And  hardy  Thracians  tame  the  savage  horse; 
And  where  the  far-famed  Hippomolgian  strays, 
Renown'd  for  justice  and  for  length  of  days  ;* 
Thrice  happy  race  !  that,  innocent  of  blood, 
From  milk,  innoxious,  seek  their  simple  food 
Jove  sees  delighted  ;   and  avoids  the  scene 
Of  guilty  Troy,  of  arms,  and  dying  men  : 

•  Rcnoivn'd  for  justice  and  /or  length  0/  days.  Arrian.  de  Exp.  Alex.  iv.  p. 
33?.  also  speaks  of  the  independence  of  tiiese  people,  which  he  regards  as  the  result 
of  their  poverty  and  uprightness.  Some  authors  have  regarded  the  phrase  '*|Hippo- 
molgian,"  i.  e.  "  milking  their  mares,'*  as  an  epithet  applicable  to  numerous  tribes, 
since  the  oldest  of  the  Samatian  nomads  made  their  mares'  milk  one  of  their  chief 
articles  of  diet.  The  epithet  aQixMv  or  ipiwj',  in  this  passage,  has  occasmr.  d  much 
discussion.  It  may  mean,  according  as  we  read  it,  either  "  long-lived,"  or  "  bow- 
less,"  the  latter  epithet  indicating  that  they  did  not  depend  upon  archery  for  3iit>- 
Mstence. 


S74  THE  rr./AD.  [Boor.  XIII 

No  aid,  he  deems,  to  either  host  is  given. 

While  his  high  kivv  suspends  the  powers  of  Heaven 

Meantime  the  monarcli  of  the  watery  main 
Observed  the  Thunderer,  nor  observed  in  vain. 
In  Samothracia,  on  a  mountain's  brow, 
Whose  waving  woods  o'erhung  the  deeps  below, 
He  sat;  and  round  him  cast  Ids  azure  eyes 
Where  Ida's  misty  tops  confusedly  rise  ;     . 
Below,  fair  Ilion's  glittering  spires  were  seen; 
The  crowded  ships  and  saljle  seas  between. 
There,  from  the  crystal  cliambers  of  the  main 
Emerged,  he  sat,  and  mourn'd  his  Argives  slain. 
At  Jove  incensed,  with  grief  and  fury  stung, 
Prone  down  the  rocky  steep  he  rush'd  along;. 
Fierce  as  he  pass'd,  the  lofty  mountains  nod, 
The  forest  shakes;  earth  trembled  as  he  trod, 
And  felt  the  footsteps  of  the  immortal  god. 
From  realm  to  realm  three  ample  strides  he  took, 
And,  at  the  fourth,  the  distant  /Egse  shook. 

Far  in  the  bay  his  shining  palace  stands, 
Eternal  frame  !  not  raised  by  mortal  hands  : 
This  having  reach'd,  his  brass-hoof'd  steeds  he  reins. 
Fleet  as  the  winds,  and  deck'd  with  golden  manes. 
Refulgent  arms  his  mighty  limbs  infold. 
Immortal  arms  of  adamant  and  gold. 
He  mounts  the  car,  tlie  golden  scourge  applies, 
He  sits  superior,  and  the  chariot  flies: 
His  whirling  wheels  the  glassy  surface  sweep; 
The  enormous  monsters  rolling  o'er  the  deep 
Gambol  around  him  on  the  watery  way. 
And  heavy  whales  in  awkward  measures  play; 
The  sea  subsiding  spreads  a  level  plain, 
E.xults,  and  owns  the  monarch  of  the  main; 
The  parting  waves  before  his  coursers  fly; 
The  wondering  waters  leave  his  axle  dry. 

Deep  in  the  liquid  regions  lies  a  cave, 
Between  where  Tenedos  the  surges  lave, 
And  rocky  Imbrus  breaks  the  rolling  wave  : 
There  tlie  great  ruler  of  the  azure  round 
Stopp'd  liis  swift  chariot,  and  his  steeds  unbound, 
Fed  with  ambrosial  herbage  from  his  hand. 
And  link'd  their  fetlocks  with  a  golden  band, 
Infrangible,  immortal :  there  they  stay  : 
The  father  of  the  floods  pursues  his  way  : 
Where,  like  a  tempest,  darkening  heaven  around, 
Or  fiery  deluge  tliat  devours  the  ground. 
The  impatient  Trojans,  in  a  gloomy  throng. 


Book  XIII.]  TITE  ILIAD.  275 

Embattled  roll'd,  as  Hector  rush'd  along: 
To  the  loud  tumult  and  the  barbarous  cry 
The  heavens  re-echo,  and  the  shores  reply  : 
They  vow  destruction  to  the  Grecian  name, 
And  in  their  hopes  the  fleets  already  flame. 

But  Neptune,  rising  from  the  seas  profound, 
The  god  whose  earthquakes  rock  the  solid  ground. 
Now  wears  a  mortal  form  ;  like  Calchas  seen, 
Such  his  loud  voice,  and  such  his  manly  mien ; 
His  shouts  incessant  every  Greek  inspire. 
But  most  the  Ajaces,  adding  fire  to  fire. 

"  'Tis  yours,  O  warriors,  all  our  hopes  to  raise  : 
Oh  recollect  your  ancient  worth  and  praise  ! 
'Tis  yours  to  save  us,  if  vou  cease  to  fear ; 
Flight,  more  than  shameful,  is  destructive  here. 
On  other  works  though  Troy  with  fury  fall. 
And  pour  her  armies  o'er  our  batter'd  wall : 
There  Greece  has  strength  :  but  this,  this  part  o'erthrown, 
Her  strength  were  vain  ;  1  dread  for  you  alone  : 
Here  Hector  rages  like  the  force  of  fire. 
Vaunts  of  his  gods,  and  calls  high  Jove  his  sire  : 
If  yet  some  heavenly  power  your  breast  excite, 
Breathe  in  your  hearts,  and  string  your  arms  to  fight, 
Greece  yet  may  live,  her  threatened  fleet  maintain: 
And  He'ctor's  force,  and  Jove's  own  aid,  be  vain." 

Then  with  his  sceptre,  that  the  deep  controls, 
He  touch'd  the  chiefs,  and  steel'd  their  manly  souls  : 
Stren<nh   not  their  own,  the  touch  divine  imparts. 
Prompts  their  light  limbs,  and  swells  their  darmg  heart* 
Then,  as  a  falcon  from  the  rocky  height, 
Her  quarry  seen,  impetuous  at  the  sight. 
Forth-springing  instant,  darts  herself  from  high, 
Shoots  on  the  wing,  and  skims  along  the  sky : 
Such,  and  so  swift,  the  power  of  ocean  flew ; 
The  wide  horizon  shut  him  from  their  view. 

The  inspiring  god  Oileus'  active  son 
Perceived  the  first,  and  thus  to  Telamon  : 

"  Some  god,  my  friend,  some  god  in  human  form 
Favorins;  descends,  and  wills  to  stand  the  storm. 
Not  Calchas  this,  the  venerable  seer  ; 
Short  as  he  turned.  I  saw  the  power  appear: 
I  mark'd  his  parting,  and  the  steps  he  trod; 
His  own  bright  evidence  reveals  a  god. 
Even  now  some  energy  divine  I  share. 
And  seem  to  walk  on  wings,  and  tread  in  air  I 

"  With  equal  ardor  (Telamon  return'-) 
My  soul  is  kindled;  and  my  bosom  burns ; 


276  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIII 

New  rising  spirits  all  my  force  alarm, 
Lift  each  impatient  limb,  and  brace  my  arm. 
This  ready  arm,  unthinking,  shakes  the  dart; 
The  blood  pours  back,  and  fortifies  my  heart : 
Singly,  methinks,  yon  towering  chief  I  meet, 
And  stretch  the  dreadful  Hector  at  ray  feet." 

Full  of  the  god  that  urged  their  burning  breast. 
The  heroes  thus  their  mutual  warmth  express'd. 
Neptune  meanwhile  the  routed  Greeks  inspired; 
Wlio,  breathless,  pale,  with  length  of  labors  tired, 
Pant  in  the  ships  ;  while  Troy  to  conquest  calls, 
And  swarms  victorious  o'er  their  yielding  walls  : 
Trembling  before  the  impending  storm  they  lie. 
While  tears  of  rage  stand  burning  in  their  eye. 
Greece  sunk  they  thought,  and  this  their  fatal  hour; 
But  breathe  new  courage  as  they  feel  the  power. 
Teucer  and  Leitus  first  his  words  excite  ; 
Then  stern  Peneleus  rises  to  the  fight ; 
•fhoas,  Deipyrus,  in  arms  renown'd. 
And  Merion  next,  the  impulsive  fury  found  ; 
Last  Nestor's  son  the  same  bold  ardor  takes, 
While  thus  the  god  the  martial  fire  awakes : 

"  Oh  lasting  infamy,  oh  dire  disgrace 
To  chiefs  of  vigorous  youth,  and  manly  race! 
I  trusted  in  the  gods,  and  you,  to  see 
Brave  Greece  victorious,  and  her  navy  free  : 
Ah,  no — the  glorious  combat  you  disclaim. 
And  one  black  day  clouds  all  her  former  fame. 
Heavens  !  what  a  prodigy  these  eyes  survey. 
Unseen,  unthought,  till  this  am. zing  day! 
Fly  we  at  length  from  Troy's  of  conquer'd  bands  ? 
And  falls  our  fleet  by  such  inglo  ious  hands  ? 
A  rout  undisciplined,  a  stragglin/  train. 
Not  born  to  glories  of  the  dusty  )  lain  ; 
Like  frighted  fawns  from  hill  to  hill  pursued, 
A  prey  to  every  savage  of  the  wood : 
Shall  these,  so  late  who  trembled  at  your  name. 
Invade  your  camps,  involve  your  ships  in  flame  ? 
A  change  so  shameful,  say,  what  cause  has  wrought? 
The  soldiers'  baseness,  or  the  general's  fault .' 
Fools!  will  ye  perish  for  your  leader's  vice; 
The  purchase  infamy,  and  life  the  price  ? 
'Tis  not  vour  cause,  Achilles'  injured  fame; 
Another's  is  the  crime,  but  yours  the  shame. 
Grant  that  our  chief  offend  through  rage  or  lust, 
Must  you  be  cowards,  if  your  king's  unjust  ? 
Prevent  this  evil,  and  your  country  save: 


i50OK  XIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2/7 

Small  thought  retrieves  the  spirits  of  the  brave. 
Think,  and  subdue !  on  dastards  dead  to  fame 
I  waste  no  anger,  for  they  feel  no  shame  : 
But  you,  the  pride,  the  flower  of  all  our  host, 
My  heart  weeps  blood  to  see  your  glory  lost! 
Nor  deem  this  day,  this  battle,  all  you  lose; 
A  day  more  black,  a  fate  more  vile,  ensues. 
Let  each  reflect,  who  prizes  fame  or  breath, 
On  endless  infamy,  on  instant  death  : 
r'or,  lo  !  the  fated  time,  the  appointed  shore  : 
Hark  !  the  gates  burst,  the  brazen  barriers  roar! 
Impetuous  Hector  thunders  at  the  wall  ; 
The  hour,  the  spot,  to  conquer,  or  to  fall." 

These  words  the  Grecians'  fainting  hearts  inspire. 
And  listening  armies  catch  the  godlike  fire. 
Fi.x'd  at  his  post  was  each  bold  Aja.x  found. 
With  well-ranged  squadrons  strongly  circled  round. 
So  close  their  order,  so  disposed  their  fight. 
As  Pallas'  self  might  view  with  fix'd  delight ; 
Or  had  the  god  of  war  inclined  his  eyes, 
The  god  of  war  had  own'd  a  just  surprise. 
A  chosen  jihalanx,  firm,  resolved  as  fate, 
Descending  Hector  and  his  battle  wait. 
An  iron  scene  gleams  dreadful  o'er  the  fields. 
Armor  in  armor  lock'd,  and  shields  in  shields. 
Spears  lean  on  spears,  on  targets  targets  throng-, 
Helms  stuck  to  helms,  and  man  drove  man  along; 
The  floating  plumes  unnumber'd  wave  above. 
As  when  an  earthquake  stirs  the  nodding  grove; 
And  levell'd  at  the  skies  with  pointing  rays. 
Their  brandish'd  lances  at  each  motion  blaze. 

Thus  breathing  death,  in  terrible  array. 
The  close  compacted  legions  u.-gcd  their  way: 
Fierce  they  drove  on,  impatient  to  destroy; 
Troy  charged  the  first,  and  Hector  first  of  Troy. 
As  from  some  mountain's  craggy  forehead  torn, 
A  rock's  round  fragment  flies,  with  fury  borne 
(Which  from  the  stubborn  stone  a  torrent  rends), 
Precipitate  the  ponderous  mass  descends  : 
From  steep  to  steep  the  rolling  ruin  bonnds  ; 
At  every  shock  the  crackling  wood  resounds  ; 
Still  gathering  force,  it  smokes  ;  and  urged  amain. 
Whirls,  leaps,  and  thunders  down,  impetuous  to  the  plain 
There  stops— so  Hector.     Their  whole  force  he  proved,* 

•  Compare  Cliapman's  quaint,  bold  v^^rses  : — 

"  And  as  a  round  piece  tA  a  rocke,  wliich  with  a  winter's  flnnd 
Is  Irom  his  top  torn,  when  a  shaure  poured  from  a  bursteu  cloud. 


878  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIII. 

Resistless  when  he  raged,  and,  when  he  stopped,  unmoved. 

On  him  the  war  is  bent,  the  darts  are  shed, 
And  all  their  falchions  wave  around  his  head  : 
Repulsed  he  stands,  nor  from  his  stand  retires; 
But  with  repeated  sliouts  his  army  fires. 
"  Trojans  !  fee  firm  ;  this  arm  shall  make  your  way 
Through  yon  square  body,  and  that  black  array  : 
Stand,  and  my  spear  shall  route  their  scattering  power, 
Strong  as  they  seem,  embattled  like  a  tower ; 
For  he  that  Juno's  heavenly  bosom  warms. 
The  first  of  gods,  this  day  inspires  our  arms." 

He  said;  and  roused  the  soul  in  every  breast: 
Urged  with  desire  of  fame,  beyond  the  rest, 
Forth  march'd  Deiphobus  ;  but,  marching,  held 
Before  his  wary  steps  his  ample  shield. 
Bold  Merion  aim'd  a  stroke  (nor  aim'd  it  wide)  ; 
The  glittering  javelin  pierced  the  tough  bull-hide  ; 
But  pierced  not  through  :  unfaithful  to  his  hand, 
The  point  broke  shorf,  and  sparkled  in  the  sand. 
The  Trojan  wnirior,  touch'd  with  timely  fear, 
On  the  raised  orb  to  distance  bore  the  spear. 
The  Greek,  retreating,  mourn'd  his  frustrate  blow. 
And  cursed  the  treacherous  lance  that  spared  a  foe ; 
Then  to  the  ships  with  surly  speed  he  went, 
To  seek  a  surer  javelin  in  his  tent. 

Meanwhile  with  rising  rage  the  battle  glows, 
The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  clamor  grows. 
By  Teucer's  arm  the  warlike  Imbrius  bleeds, 
The  son  of  Mentor,  rich  in  generous  steeds. 
Ere  vet  to  Troy  the  sons  of  Greece  were  led. 
In  fa'ir  Pedxus'  verdant  pastures  bred, 
The  youth  had  dwelt,  remote  from  war's  alarms. 
And  blest  in  bright  Medesicaste's  arms 
(This  nymph,  the  fruit  of  Priam's  ravish'd  joy. 
Allied  the  warrior  to  the  house  of  Troy): 
To  Troy,  when  glory  c.all'd  his  arms,  he  came, 
And  match 'd  the  bravest  of  her  chiefs  in  fame: 
With  Priam's  sons,  a  guardian  of  the  throne, 
He  lived,  beloved  and  honor'd  as  his  own. 
Him  Teucer  pierced  between  the  throat  and  ear: 
He  groans  beneath  the  Telamonian  spear. 
As  from  some  far-seen  mountain's  airy  crown. 
Subdued  by  steel,  a  tall  ash  tumbles  down, 

Hath  broke  the  naturall  b.wd  it  had  within  the  rnughftey  rock, 
Flies  iumpiiiK  all  aduune  llie  woods,  resounding  evene  shocke, 
And  on,  uncheckt,  il  headlunR  leaps  till  in  a  plaine  it  stay, 
And  then  (the"  never  so  impelled),  it  stirs  Bot  any  way  :— 
So  Hector.—" 


l;ouK  Xlll.]  THE  ILIAD.  279 

And  soils  its  verdant  tresses  on  the  ground ; 
So  falls  the  youth  ;  his  arms  the  fall  resound. 
Then  Teucer  rushing  to  despoil  the  dead. 
From  Hector's  hand  a  shining  javelin  fled  : 
He  saw,  and  shunn'd  the  deafli  ;  the  forceful  dart 
Sung  on,  and  pierced  Aniphimachus's  heart, 
Cteatus'  son,  of  Neptune's  forceful  line; 
Vain  was  his  courage,  and  his  race  divine  ! 
Prostrate  he  falls;  his  clanging  arms  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  thunders  on  the  ground. 
To  seize  his  beamy  helm  the  victor  flies, 
And  just  had  fastened  on  the  dazzling  prize, 
When  Ajax'  manly  arm  a  javelin  flung ; 
Full  on  the  shield's  round  boss  the  weapon  rung; 
He  felt  the  shock,  nor  more  was  doom'd  to  feel, 
Secure  in  mail,  and  sheath'd  in  shining  steel. 
Repulsed  he  yields  ;  the  victor  Greeks  obtain 
The  spoils  contested,  and  bear  off  the  slain. 
Between  the  leaders  of  the  Athenian  line 
(Stichius  the  brave,  Menestheus  the  divine), 
t)eplored  Amphimachus,  sad  object  !  lies  ; 
Imbrius  remains  the  fierce  Ajaces'  prize. 
As  two  grim  lions  bear  across  the  lawn, 
Snatch'd  from  devouring  hounds,  a  slaughter'd  fawn. 
In  their  fell  jaws  high-lifting  through  the  wood. 
And  sprinkling  all  the  shrubs  with  drops  of  blood; 
So  these,  the  chief  :  great  Ajax  from  the  dead 
Strips  his  bright  arms  ;  Oileus  lops  his  head: 
Toss'd  like  a  ball,  and  whirl'd  in  air  away, 
At  Hector's  feet  the  gory  visage  lay. 

The  god  of  ocean,  fired  with  stern  disdain, 
And  pierced  with  sorrow  for  his  grandson  slain, 
Inspires  the  Grecian  hearts,  confirms  their  hands, 
And  breathes  destruction  on  the  Trojan  bands. 
Swift  as  a  whirlwind  rushing  to  the  fleet. 
He  finds  the  lance-fan-.ed  Idomen  of  Crete, 
His  pensive  brow  the  generous  care  express'd 
With  which  a  wounded  soldier  touch'd  his  breast^ 
Whom  in  the  chance  of  war  a  javelin  tore, 
And  his  sad  comrades  from  the  battle  bore ; 
Him  to  the  surgeons  of  the  camp  he  sent; 
That  office  paid,  he  issued  from  his  tent 
Fierce  for  the  fight  :  to  whom  the  god  begun, 
In  Thoas'  voice,  Andrasmon's  valiant  son. 
Who  ruled  where  Calydon's  white  rocks  arise, 
And  Pleuron's  chalky  cliffs  emblaze  the  skies  : 

"  Where's  now  the  imperious  vaunt,  the  daring  boast^ 


I  THE  lUAD.  [Book  XIIl 

Of  Greece  victorious,  and  prciid  Ilion  lost?" 

To  wliom  the  king  :  "  On  Greece  no  blame  be  thrown  ; 

Arms  are  her  trade,  and  war  is  all  her  own. 

Her  hardy  heroes  from  the  well-fought  plains 

Nor  fear  withholds,  nor  shameful  sloth  detains : . 

'Tis  heaven,  alas  !  and  Jove's  all-powerful  doom, 

That  far,  far  distant  from  our  native  home 

Wills  us  to  fall  inglorious  !     Oh,  my  friend  ! 

Once  foremost  in  the  fight,  still  prone  to  lend 

Or  arms  or  counsels,  now  perform  thy  best, 

And  what  thou  canst  not  singly,  urge  the  rest." 

Thus  he ;  and  thus  the  god  whose  force  can  make 
The  solid  globe's  eternal  basis  shake  : 
"  Ah  !  never  may  he  see  his  native  land. 
But  feed  the  vultures  on  this  hateful  strand, 
Who  seeks  ignolily  m  his  ships  to  stay, 
Nor  dares  to  combat  on  this  signal  day  I 
For  this,  behold  !  in  horrid  arms  I  shine, 
And  urge  thy  soul  to  rival  acts  with  mine. 
Together  let  us  battle  on  the  plain  ; 
Two,  not  the  worst ;  nor  even  this  succor  vain: 
Not  vain  the  weakest,  if  their  force  unite  ; 
But  ours,  the  bravest  have  confess'd  in  fighh" 

This  said,  he  rushes  where  the  combat  burns : 
Swift  to  his  tent  the  Cretan  king  returns  : 
From  thence,  two  javelins  glittering  in  his  hand, 
And  clad  in  arms  that  lighten'd  all  the  strand, 
Fierce  on  the  foe  the  impetuous  hero  drove, 
Like  lightning  bursting  from  the  arm  of  Jove, 
Whichtopale  man  the  wrath  of  heaven  declares. 
Or  terrifies  the  offemling  world  with  wars  ; 
In  streamy  sparkles,  kindling  all  the  skies, 
From  pole  to  pole  the  trail  of  glory  flies  : 
Thus  his  liright  armor  o'er  the  dazzled  throng 
Gleam'd  dreadful,  as  the  monarch  flash'd  along. 

Him,  near  his  tent,  Meriones  attends  : 
Whom  thus  he  questions  :  "  Ever  best  of  friendsl 
O  say,  in  every  art  of  battle  skill'd, 
What  holds  thy  courage  from  so  brave  a  field? 
On  some  important  message  art  thou  bound. 
Or  bleeds  my  friend  by  some  unhappy  wound? 
Inglorious  here,  my  soul  abhors  to  stay, 
And  glows  with  prospects  of  th'  approaching  day.* 

"  O  prince  !  (Meriones  replies)  whose  care 
Leads  fortli  the  embattled  sons  of  Crete  to  war  ; 
This  speaks  my  grief  :  this  headless  lance  I  wield; 
The  rest  lies  rooted  in  a  Trojan  shield." 


Book  XIU.]  THK  ILIAD.  25l 

To  whom  the  Cretan  :  "  Enter,  and  receive 
The  wonted  weapons ;  those  my  tent  can  give; 
Spears  I  have  store  (and  Trojan  lances  all), 
That  shed  a  lustre  round  the  illumined  wall, 
Though  I.  disdainful  of  the  distant  war, 
Nor  trust  the  dart,  nor  aim  the  uncertain  spear. 
Yet  hand  to  hand  I  fight,  and  spoil  the  slain ; 
And  thence  these  tropiiies,  and  these  arms  I  gain. 
Enter,  and  see  on  heaps  the  helmets  roll'd, 
And  high-hung  spears,  and  shields  that  flame  with  gold.* 

"  Nor  vain  (said  Merion)  are  our  martial  toils  ; 
We  too  can  boast  of  no  igiioble  spoils  : 
But  those  my  ship  contains  ;  whence  distant  far, 
I  fight  conspicusus  in  the  van  of  war. 
What  need  I  more  ?     If  any  Greek  there  be 
Who  knows  not  IVIerion,  I  apjieal  to  thee." 

To  this,  Idomeneus:    ■'The  fields  of  fight 
Have  proved  thy  valor,  and  unconquer'd  might: 
And  were  some  ambush  for  the  foes  desip:n'd. 
Even  there  thy  courage  would  not  lag  behind: 
In  that  sharp  service,  singled  from  the  rest, 
The  fear  of  each,  or  valor,  stands  confess'd. 
No  force,  no  firmness,  the  pale  coward  shows ; 
He  shifts  his  place :  his  color  comes  and  goes  : 
A  dropping  sweat  creeps  cold  on  every  part ; 
Against  his  bosom  beats  his  quivering  heart; 
Terror  and  death  in  his  wild  eye-balls  stare'. 
With  chattering  teeth  he  stand's,  and  stiffening  hair. 
And  looks  a  bloodless  image  of  despair ! 
Not  so  the  brave — still  dauntless,  still  the  same, 
Unehanged  his  color,  and  unmoved  his  frame  : 
Composed  his  thought,  determined  is  his  eye, 
And  fix'd  his  soul,  to  conquer  or  to  die  : 
If  aught  disturb  the  tenor  of  his  breast, 
'Tis  but  the  wish  to  strike  before  the  rest. 

"  In  such  assays  thy  blameless  worth  is  known. 
And  every  art  of  dangerous  war  thy  own. 
By  chance  of  fight  whatever  wounds  you  bore, 
Those  wounds  were  glorious  all,  and  all  before ; 
Such  as  may  teach,  'twas  still  thy  brave  delight 
T'  oppose  thy  bosom  where  thy  foremost  fight. 
But  why,  like  infants,  cold  to  honor's  charms, 
Stand  we  to  talk,  when  glory  calls  to  arms  .'' 
Go — from  my  conquer'd  spears  the  choicest  take, 
And  to  their  owners  send  them  nobly  back.'' 

.Swift  at  the  word  bold  Merion  snatch'd  a  speafi 
And,  breathing  slaughter,  follow'd  to  the  war. 


!82  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIII. 

So  Mars  armipotent  invades  the  plain 
(Tlie  wide  destroyer  of  tlie  race  of  man), 
Terror,  liis  best-lJeloved  son,  attends  his  course, 
Arm'd  with  stern  boldness,  and  enormous  force; 
The  pride  of  haughty  warriors  to  confound. 
And  lay  the  strength  of  tyrants  on  the  ground: 
From  Thrace  they  fly,  call'd  to  the  dire  alarms 
Of  warring  Phlegyans,  and  Ephyrian  arms; 
Invoked  L^y  both,  relentless  they  dispose. 
To  these  glad  conquest,  murderous  rout  to  those. 
So  marcliM  the  leaders  of  the  Cretan  train, 
And  their  bright  arms  shot  horror  o'er  the  plain. 

Then  first  spake  Merion  :  "Shall  we  join  the  right, 
Or  combat  in  the  centre  of  the  fight  ? 
Or  to  the  left  our  wonted  succor  lend  ? 
Hazard  and  fame  all  parts  alike  attend." 

"Not  in  the  centre  (Idomen  replied): 
Our  ablest  chieftains  the  main  battle  guide  ; 
Each  godlike  Ajax  makes  that  post  his  care, 
And  gallant  Teucer  deals  destruction  there, 
Skill'd  or  with  shafts  to  gall  the  distant  field, 
Or  bear  close  battle  on  the  sounding  shield. 
These  can  the  rage  of  haughty  Hector  tame: 
Sate  in  their  arms,  the  navy  fears  no  flame, 
Till  Jove  himself  descends,  his  bolts  to  shed. 
And  hurl  the  blazing  ruin  at  our  head. 
Great  must  he  be,  of  more  than  human  birth, 
Nor  feed  like  mortals  on  the  fruits  of  earth. 
Him  neither  rocks  can  crush,  nor  steel  can  wound, 
Whom  Aia.x  fells  not  on  the  ensanguined  ground. 
In  standing  fight  he  mates  Achilles'  force, 
Excell'd  aione  in  swiftness  in  the  course. 
Then  to  the  left  our  ready  arms  apply, 
And  live  with  glory,  or  with  glory  die." 

He  said  :  and  Merion  to  th'  appointed  place 
Fierce  as  the  god  of  battles,  urged  his  pace. 
Soon  as  the  foe  the  shining  chiefs  beheld 
Rush  like  a  fiery  torrent  o'er  the  field. 
Their  force  embodied  in  a  tide  they  pour; 
The  rising  combat  sounds  along  the  shore. 
As  warring»winds,  in  Sirius'  sultry  reign. 
From  different  quarters  sweep  the  sandy  plain 
On  every  side  the  dusty  whirlw'inds  rise, 
And  the  dry  fields  are  lifted  to  the  skies : 
Thus  by  despair,  hope,  rage,  together  driven, 
Met  the  black  hosts,  and,  meeting,  darken'd  heave 
All  dreadful  glared  the  iron  face  of  war, 


Book  XIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  283 

Bristled  with  upiiglit  spears,  that  flash'd  afar  ; 

Dire  was  the  gleam  of  breastplates,  helms,  and  shields, 

And  polished  arms  emblazed  the  flaminj;  fields  ; 

Tremendous  scene  !  that  general  horror  gave, 

But  touch'd  with  joy  the  bosoms  of  the  brave. 

Saturn's  great  sons  in  fierce  contention  vied, 
And  crowds  of  heroes  in  their  anger  died. 
The  sire  of  earth  and  heaven,  by  Thetis  won 
To  crown  with  glory  Peleus'  godlike  son, 
Will'd  not  destruction  to  the  Grecian  powers, 
But  spared  awhile  the  destined  Trojan  towers; 
While  Neptune,  rising  from  his  azure  main, 
Warr'd  on  the  king  of  heaven  with  stern  disdairi. 
And  breathed  revenge,  and  fired  the  Grecian  train. 
Gods  of  one  source,  of  one  ethereal  race. 
Alike  divine,  and  heaven  their  native  place  ; 
But  Jove  the  greater  ;  first-born  of  the  skies, 
And  more  than  men,  or  gods,  supremely  wise. 
For  this,  of  Jove's  superior  might  afraid, 
Neptune  in  human  form  conceal'd  his  aid. 
These  powers  enfold  the  Greek  and  Trojan  train 
In  war  and  discord's  adamantine  chain, 
Indissolubly  strong:  the  fatal  tie 
Is  stretch'd  on  both,  and  close  compeli'd  they  die. 
Dreadful  in  arms,  and  grown  in  combats  gray, 
The  bold  Idomeneus  controls  the  day. 
First  by  his  hand  Othryoneus  was  slain, 
Swell'd  with  false  hopes,  with  mad  ambition  vain ; 
Call'd  by  the  voice  of  war  to  martial  fame. 
From  high  Cabesus'  distant  walls  he  came  ; 
Cassandra's  love  he  sought,  with  boasts  of  power, 
And  promised  cono.uest  was  the  proffer'd  dower. 
The  king  consented,  by  his  vaunts  abused  ; 
The  king  consented,  but  the  fates  refused. 

Proud  of  himself,  and  of  the  imagined  btide, 
The  field  he  measured  with  a  larger  stride. 

Him  as  he  stalk'd,  the  Cretan  javelin  found; 

Vain  was  his  breastplate  to  repel  the  wound: 

His  dream  of  glory  lost,  he  plunged  to  hell; 

His  arms  resounded  as  the  boaster  fell. 

The  great  Idomeneus  bestrides  the  dead; 

"And  thus  (he  cries)  behold  thy  promise  sped! 

Such  is  the  help  thy  arms  to  Ilion  bring. 

And  such  the  contract  of  the  Phrygian  king ! 

Our  offers  now,  illustrious  prince  !   receive; 

For  such  an  aid  what  will  not  Argos  give  ? 

To  conquer  Troy,  with  ours  thy  forces  join, 


z84  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIU 

And  count  Atrides'  fairest  daughter  thine. 

Meantime,  on  further  methods  to  advise, 

Come,  follow  to  the  fleet  thy  new  allies  ; 

There  hear  what  Greece  has  on  her  part  to  say." 

He  spoke,  and  dragg'd  the  gory  corse  away. 

This  Asius  view'd,  unable  to  contain, 

Before  his  chariot  warring  on  the  plain  ; 

(His  crowded  coursers,  to  his  squire  consign'd. 

Impatient  panted  on  his  neck  behind  :) 

To  vengeance  rising  with  a  sudden  spring. 

He  hoped  the  conquest  of  the  Cretan  king. 

The  wary  Cretan,  as  his  foe  drew  near. 

Full  on  his  throat  discharged  the  forceful  spear : 

Beneath  the  chin  the  point  was  seen  to  glide. 

And  glitter'd,  extant  at  the  further  side. 

As  when  the  mountain-oak,  or  poplar  tall, 

Or  pine,  fit  mast  for  some  great  admiral, 

Groans  to  the  oft-heaved  axe,  with  many  a  wound. 

Then  spreads  a  length  of  ruin  o'er  the  ground : 

So  sunk  proud  Asius  in  that  dreadful  day, 

And  stretch'd  before  his  much-loved  coursers  lay. 

He  grinds  the  dust  distain'd  with  streaming  gore, 

And,  fierce  in  death,  lies  foaming  on  the  shore. 

Deprived  of  motion,  stiff  with  stu|.iid  fear, 

Stands  all  aghast  his  trembling  charioteer. 

Nor  shuns  the  foe,  nor  turns  tlie  steeds  away 

But  falls  transfix'd,  an  unresisting  prey. 

Pierced  by  Antilochus,  he  pants  beneath 

The  stately  car,  and  labors  out  his  breath. 

Thus  Asius'  steeds  (their  mighty  master  gone) 

Remain  tlie  prize  of  Nestor's  youthful  son. 

Stabb'd  at  the  sight,  Deiphobus  drew  nigh. 
And  made,  with  force,  the  vengeful  weapon  fly. 
The  Cretan  saw;  and,  stooping,  caused  to  glance 
From  his  slope  shield  the  disappointed  lance. 
Beneath  the  spacious  targe  (a  blazing  round. 
Thick  with  bull-hides  and  brazen  orbits  bound. 
On  his  raised  arm  by  two  strong  braces  stay'd 
He  lay  collected  in  defensive  shade. 
O'er  his  safe  head  the  javelin  idly  sung, 
And  on  the  tinkling  verge  more  faintly  rung. 
Even  then  the  spear  the  vigorous  arm  confess'd, 
And  pierced,  obliquely,  king  Hypsenor's  breast: 
Warm'd  in  his  liver,  to  the  ground  it  bore 
The  chief,  his  people's  guardian  now  no  more! 

"  Not  unattended  (the  proud  Trojan  cries) 
Nor  unrevenged,  lamented  Asius  lies : 


Book  XIII I  THE  iLiAD  2»5 

For  thee,  through  hell's  black  portals  stand  display "d, 
This  mate  shalfjoy  thy  melancholy  shade." 

Heart-pierciiij;  anguish,  at  the  haughty  boast, 
Touch'd  every  Greek,  but  Nestor's  son  the  most. 
Grieved  as  he  was,  his  pious  arms  attend. 
And  his  broad  buckler  shields  his  slaughter'd  friend 
Till  sad  Mecistheus  and  Alastor  bore 
His  honor'd  body  to  the  tented  shore. 

Nor  yet  from  fight  Idomeneus  withdraws  ; 
Resolved  to  perish  in  his  country's  cause. 
Or  find  some  foe,  whom  heaven  and  he  shall  doom 
To  wail  his  fate  in  deatli's  eternal  gloom. 
He  sees  Alcathous  in  the  front  aspire  : 
Great  ^syetes  was  the  hero's  sire; 
His  spouse  Hippodam,e  divinely  fair, 
Anchises'  eldest  hope,  and  darling  care 
Who  charm'd  her  parents'  and  her  husband's  heart 
.     With  beauty,  sense,  and  every  work  of  art ; 
He  once  of  1  lion's  youth  tlie  loveliest  boy, 
The  fairest  she  of  all  the  fair  of  Troy. 
By  Neptune  now  the  hapless  hero  dies. 
Who  covers  with  a  cloud  those  beauteous  eyes, 
And  fetters  every  limb  :  yet  bent  to  meet 
His  fate  he  stands  ;  nor  shuns  the  lance  of  Crete. 
Fi.x'd  as  some  column,  or  deep-rooted  oak, 
While  the  winds  sleep  ;  his  breast  received  the  stroke. 
Before  the  ponderous  stroke  his  corslet  yields, 
Long  used  to  ward  the  death  in  fighting  fields. 
Theriven  armor  sends  a  jarring  sound  ; 
His  laboring  heart  heaves  with  so  strong  a  bound. 
The  long  lance  shakes,  and  vibrates  in  the  wound ; 
Fast  flowing  from  its  source,  as  prone  he  lay, 
Life'r,  purple  tide  impetuous  gush'd  away. 

Then  Idomen,  insulting  o'er  the  slain  ; 
"Behold,  DeVphobus  !    nor  vaunt  in  vain  : 
See  ■  on  one  Greek  three  Trojan  ghosts  attend'. 
This,  my  third  victim,  to  the  shades  I  send. 
Approaching  now  thy  boasted  might  approve, 
And  try  the  prowess  of  the  seed  of  Jove. 
From  Jove,  enamour'd  of  a  mortal  dame. 
Great  Minos,  guardian  of  his  country,  came : 
Deucalion,  blameless  prince,  was  Minos'  heir: 
His  first-born  I,  the  third  from  Jupiter: 
O'er  spacious  Crete,  and  her  bold  sons,  I  reign. 
And  thence  my  ships  transport  me  through  the  main. 
Lord  of  a  host,'  o'er  all  my  host  I  shine, 
A  scourge  to  thee,  thy  father,  and  thy  line.'' 


i86  THE  n.TAD.  [Book  XIII 

The  Trojan  heard ;  uncertain  or  to  meet, 
Alone,  with  venturous  arms  the  king  of  Crete, 
Or  seek  auxiliar  force  ;  at  length  decreed 
To  call  some  hero  to  partake  the  deed, 
Forthwith  /Eneas  rises  to  his  thought :     . 
For  him  in  Troy's  remotest  lines  he  sought. 
Where  he,  incensed  at  partial  Priam,  stands, 
And  sees  superior  posts  in  meaner  hands. 
To  him,  ambitious  of  so  great  an  aid, 
The  bold  Beiphobus  approach'd,  and  said  : 

"Now,  Trojan  prince,  employ  thy  pious  arms. 
If  e'er  thy  bosom  felt  fair  honor's  charms. 
Alcathous  dies,  thy  brother  and  thy  friend  ; 
Come,  and  the  warrior's  loved  remains  defend. 
Beneath  his  cares  thy  early  youth  was  tram 'd, 
One  table  fed  you,  and  one  roof  contain'd. 
This  deed  to  fierce  Idomeneus  we  owe  ; 
liaste,  and  revenge  it  on  th'  insulting  foe." 

/Eneas  heard,  and  for  a  space  resign'd 
To  tender  pity  all  his  manly  mind  ; 
Then  rising  in  his  rage,  he  burns  to  fight: 
The  Greek  awaits  him  with  collected  might. 
As  the  fell  boar,  on  some  rough  mountain's  head, 
Arm'd  with  wild  terrors,  and  to  slaughter  bred, 
When  tlie  loud  rustics  rise,  and  shout  from  far, 
Attends  the  tumult,  and  expects  the  war; 
O'er  his  bent  back  the  bristly  horrors  rise; 
Fires  stream  in  lightning  from  his  sanguine  eyes, 
His  foaming  tusks  both  dogs  and  men  engage ; 
But  most  his  hunters  rouse  his  mighty  rage  : 
So  stood  Idomeneus,  his  javelin  shook. 
And  met  the  Trojan  with  a  lowering  look. 
Antilochus,  Deipyrus,  were  near, 
The  youthful  offspring  of  the  god  of  war, 
Merion,  and  Aphareus,  in  field  renown'd : 
To  these  the  warrior  sent  his  voice  around. 
"  Fellows  in  arms  !  your  timely  aid  unite; 
Lo,  great  /Eneas  rushes  to  the  fight : 
Sprung  from  a  god,  and  more  than  mortal  bold ; 
He  fresh  in  youth,  and  I  in  arms  grown  old. 
Else  should  this  hand,  this  hour  decide  the  strife. 
The  great  dispute,  of  glory,  or  of  life." 

He"  spoke,  and  all,  as  with  one  soul,  obey'd; 
Their  lifted  bucklers  cast  a  dreadful  shade 
Around  the  chief      /Eneas  too  demands 
Th'  assisting  forces  of  his  native  bands; 
■      Paris,  Deipiiobus,  Agenor,  join 


Book  XIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  257 

(Co-aids  and  captains  of  the  Trojan  line) ; 

In  order  follow  all  tli'  embodied  train, 

Like  Ida's  Hocks  proceeding  o'er  the  plain  ; 

Before  his  fleecy  care,  erect  and  bold, 

Stalks  the  proud  ram,  the  father  of  tlie  bold  : 

With  jcy  the  swain  survey  them,  as  he  leads 

To  the  cool  fountains,  through  the  well-known  meads; 

So  joys  /Eneas,  as  his  native  band 

Moves  on  in  rank,  and  stretches  o'er  the  land. 

Round  dread  Alcathous  now  tlie  battle  rose  ; 
On  every  side  the  steely  circle  grows ; 
Now  batter'd  breast-plates  and  hack'd  helmets  ring, 
And  o'er  llieir  heads  unheeded  javelins  sing. 
Above  tlie  rest,  two  towering  chiefs  appear, 
There  great  Idomeneus,  /Eneas  here- 
Like  gods  of  war,  dispensing  fate,  they  .;tood. 
And  burn'd  to  drench  the  ground  with  mutual  blood. 
The  Trojan  weapon  whizz'd  along  the  air ; 
The  Cretan  saw,  and  shunn'd  the  brazen  spear; 
Sent  from  an  arm  so  strong,  the  missive  wood 
Stuck  deep  in  eartli,  and  quiver'd  wliere  it  ctood. 
But  (Enomas  received  the  Cretan's  stroke  : 
The  forceful  spear  his  hollow  corslet  broke, 
It  ripp'd  his  belly  with  a  ghastly  wound, 
And  roll'd  the  smoking  entrails  on  the  ground. 
Stretch'd  on  the  plain,  he  sobs  r.way  his  breath, 
And,  furious,  grasps  the  bloody  dust  in  death. 
The  victor  from  his  breast  the' weapon  tears  ; 
His  spoils  he  could  not,  for  the  shower  of  spears. 
Though  now  unfit  an  active  war  to  wage. 
Heavy  with  cumbrous  arms,  stiff  with  cold  age, 
His  listless  limbs  unable  for  the  course, 
]n  standing  fight  he  yet  maintains  his  force  ; 
Till  faint  vi'ith  labor,  and  by  foes  repell'd. 
His  tired  slow  steps  he  drags  from  off  the  field; 
Deiphobus  beheld  liim  as  he  pass'd. 
And,  fired  with  hate,  a  parting  javelin  cast : 
The  javelin  err'd,  but  held  its  course  along. 
And  pierced  Ascalaphus,  the  brave  and  young: 
The  son  of  Mars  fell  gasping  on  the  ground. 
And  gnash'd  the  dust,  all  bloody  with  his  wound. 

Nor  knew  the  furious  father  of  his  fall  ; 
High-throned  amidst  the  great  Olympian  hall 
On" golden  clouds  th'  immortal  synod  sate  ; 
Detain'd  from  bloody  war  by  Jove  and  Fate. 

Now,  where  in  dust  the  breathless  hero  lay 
For  slain  Ascalaphus  commenced  the  fray, 


28»  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIH 

Dci'phobus  to  seize  his  helmet  flies, 

And  from  his  temple  rends  the  glittering  prize; 

Valiant  as  Mars,  Meriones  drew  near, 

And  on  his  loaded  arm  discharged  his  spear; 

He  drops  the  weight,  disabled  with  the  pain; 

The  hollow  helmet  rings  against  the  plain. 

Swift  as  a  vulture  leaping  on  his  prey. 

From  his  torn  arm  the  Grecian  rent  away 

The  reeking  javelin,  and  rejoin'd  his  friends. 

His  wounded  brother  good  Polites  tends; 

Around  his  waist  his  pious  arms  he  threw, 

And  from  the  rage  of  battle  gently  drew : 

Him  his  swift  coursers,  on  his  splendid  car, 

Rapt  from  the  lessening  thunder  of  the  war; 

To  Troy  they  drove  him,  groaning  from  the  shore, 

And  sprinkling,  as  he  pass'd,  the  sands  with  gore. 

Meanwhile  fresh  slaughter  bathes  the  sanguine  grouno. 
Heaps  fall  on  heaps,  and  heaven  and  earth  resound. 
Bold  Aphareus  i)y  great  ^ncas  blea  ; 
As  toward  the  chief  he  turn'd  his  daring  head, 
He  jjierced  his  throat  ;  the  bending  head,  depress'd 
Beneath  his  helmet,  nods  upon  his  breast ; 
His  shield  reversed  o'er  the  fallen  warrior  lies, 
And  everlasting  slumber  seals  his  eyes. 
Antiloclius,  as   Thoon  turn'd  him  round, 
Transpierced  his  back  with  a  dishonest  wound: 
The  hollow  vein,  that  to  the  neck  extends 
Along  the  chine,  his  eager  javelin  rends  : 
Supme  he  falls,  and  to  his  social  train 
Spreads  his  imploring  arms,  but  spreads  in  vain. 
Th'  exulting  victor,  leaping  where  he  lay. 
From  his  broad  shoulders  tore  the  spoils  away ; 
His  time  observed  :  for  closed  by  foes  around, 
On  all  sides  thick  the  peals  of  arms  resound. 
His  shield  emboss'd  the  ringing  storm  sustains, 
Hut  he  impervious  and  untouch'd  remains. 
(Great  Neptune's  care  preserved  from  hostile  rage 
This  youth,  the  joy  of  Nestor's  glorious  age.) 
In  arms  intrepid,  with  the  first  he  fought. 
Faced  every  foe,  and  every  danger  sought; 
His  winged  lance,  resistless  as  the  wind. 
Obeys  each  motion  of  the  master's  mind ! 
Restless  it  flies,  impatient  to  be  free, 
And  meditates  the  distant  enemy. 
The  son  of  Asius,  .\damas,  drew  near. 
And  struck  his  t.ir;;et  with  the  brazen  spear 
Fierce  iu  his  Iroiii  ;  but  Neptune  wards  the  blow, 


Book  XIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  2 

And  blunts  the  javelin  of  th'  eluded  foe ; 

In  the  broad  buckler  half  the  weapon  stood, 

Splinter'd  on  earth  flew  half  the  broken  wood. 

Disarm'd,  he  mingled  in  the  Trojan  crew; 

But  Merion's  spear  o'ertook  him  as  he  flew, 

Deep  in  the  belly's  rim  an  entrance  found, 

Where  sharp  the  pang,  and  mortal  is  the  wound. 

Bending  he  fell,  and  cioubled  to  the  ground 

Lay  panting.     Thus  an  ox  in  fetters  tied, 

While  death's  strong  pangs  distend  his  laboring  side, 

His  bulk  snormous  on  the  field  displays  ; 

His  heaving  heart  beats  thick  as  ebbing  life  decays. 

The  spear  the  conqueror  from  his  body  drew. 

And  death's  dim  shadows  swarm  before  his  view. 

Next  brave  Deipyrus  in  dust  was  laid  ; 

King  Helenus  waved  high  the  Thracian  blade, 

And  smote  his  temples  with  an  arm  so  strong, 

The  helm  fell  off,  and  roll'd  amid  the  throng : 

There  for  some  luckier  Greek  it  rests  a  prize; 

For  dark  in  death  the  godlike  owner  lies  ! 

Raging  with  grief,  great  Menelaijs  burns, 

And  fraught  with  vengeance,  to  the  victor  turns  : 

That  shook  the  ponderous  lance,  in  act  to  throw; 

And  this  stood  adverse  with  the  bended  bow. 

Full  on  his  breast  the  Trojan  arrow  fell. 

But  harmless  bounded  from  the  jjlated  steel. 

As  on  some  ample  barn's  well  hardened  floor, 

(The  winds  collected  at  each  open  door). 

While  the  broad  fan  with  force  is  whirl'd  around, 

Light  leaps  the  golden  grain,  resulting  from  the  ground; 

So  from  the  steel  that  guards  Atrides'  heart, 

Repell'd  to  distance  flies  the  bounding  dart. 

Atrides,  watchful  of  the  unwarv  foe. 

Pierced  with  his  lance  the  hand  that  grasp'd  the  bow, 

And  nailed  it  to  the  yew :  the  wounded  hand 

Trail'd  the  long  lance  that  mark'd  with  blood  the  sand? 

But  good  Agenor  gently  from  the  wound 

The  spear  solicits,  and  the  bandage  bound  ; 

A  sling's  soft  wool,  snatch'd  from  a  soldier's  side, 

At  once  the  tent  and  ligature  supplied. 

Behold  !  Pisander,  urged  by  fate's  decree. 
Springs  through  the  ranks  to  fall,  and  fall  by  thee. 
Great  Menelaiis  !  to  enchance  thy  fame  : 
High-towering  in  the  front  the  warrior  came. 
First  the  sharp  lance  was  by  Atrides  thrown; 
The  lance  far  distant  by  the  winds  was  blown. 
Nor  pierced  Pisander  thromjh  Atrides'  shield : 


»90  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  XIII. 

Pisander's  spear  fell  shiver'd  on  the  field. 
Not  so  discouraged,  to  the  future  blind, 
Vain  dreams  of  conquest  swell  his  haughty  mind; 
Dauntless  he  rushes  where  the  Spartan  lor 
Like  lightning  brandish'd  his  far  beaming  s   ord. 
His  left  arm  high  opposed  the  shining  shield: 
His  right  beneath,  tlie  cover'd  pole-axe  held 
(An  olive's  cloudy  grain  the  handle  made. 
Distinct  with  studs,  and  brazen  was  the  blade); 
This  on  the  helm  discharged  a  noble  blow  : 
The  plume  dropp'd,  nodding  to  the  plain  below, 
Shorn  from  the  crest.     Atrides  waved  his  steel ; 
Deep  through  his  front  the  weighty  falchion  fell : 
The  crashing  bones  before  its  force  gave  way ; 
In  dust  and  blood  the  groaning  hero  lay ; 
Forced  from  their  ghastly  orbs,  and  spouting  gore, 
The  clotted  eye-balls  tumble  on  the  shore. 
And  fierce  Atrides  spurn'd  him  as  he  bled. 
Tore  off  his  arms,  and  loud-exulting  said  : 

"Thus,  Trojans,  thus,  at  length  be  taught  to  fear f 
O  race  perfidious,  who  delight  in  war  I 
Already  noble  deeds  ye  have  perform'd  ; 
A  princess  raped  transcends  a  navy  storm'd ; 
In  such  bold  feats  your  impious  might  approve. 
Without  th'  assistance,  or  the  fear  of  Jove. 
The  violated  rites,  the  ravish 'd  dame; 
Our  heroes  slaughter'd,  and  our  ships  on  flame. 
Crimes  heap'd  on  crimes,  shall  bend  your  glory  down^ 
And  whelm  in  ruins  yon  flagitious  town. 
O  tliou,  great  father  !  lord  of  earth  and  skies, 
Above  the  thought 'of  man,  supremely  wise  ! 
If  from  thy  hand  the  fates  of  mortals  flow, 
From  whence  this  favor  to  an  impious  foe  ? 
A  godless  crew,  abandon'd  and  unjust. 
Still  breathing  rapine,  violence,  and  lust  ? 
The  best  of  things,  beyond  their  measure,  cloy; 
Sleep's  balmy  blessing,  love's  endearing  joy ; 
The  feast,  the  dance  ;  whate'er  mankind  desire. 
Even  the  sweet  charms  of  sacred  numbers  tire, 
But  Troy  for  ever  reaps  a  dire  delight 
In  thirst  of  slaughter,  and  in  lust  of  fight." 

This  said,  he  seized  (while  yet  the  carcass  heaved) 
The  bloody  armor,  which  his  train  received  : 
Then  sudden  mix'd  among  the  warring  crew. 
And  the  bold  son  of  Pylsmenes  slew. 
Harpalion  had  through  Asia  travell'd  far, 
Following  his  martial  father  to  the  war : 


Book  Xin.]  TffE  ri/AD.  «9' 

Through  filial  love  he  left  his  native  shore.. 

Never,  ah,  never  to  behold  it  more ! 

His  unsuccessful  spear  he  chanced  to  fling 

Against  the  target  of  the  Spartan  king; 

Thus  of  his  lance  disarm'd,  from  death  he  flies, 

And  turns  around  his  apprehensive  eyes. 

Him,  through  the  hip,  transpiercing  as  he  fled, 

The  shaft  of  Merion  mingled  with  the  dead. 

Beneath  the  bone  the  glancing  point  descends, 

And,  driving  down,  the  swelling  bladder  rends : 

Sunk  in  his  sad  companions'  arms  he  lay, 

And  in  short  pantings  sobb'd  his  soul  away 

(Like  some  vile  wonn  e.xtended  on  the  ground); 

While  life's  red  torrent  gush'd  from  out  the  wound. 

Him  on  his  car  the  Paphlagonian  train 
In  slow  procession  bore  from  off  tht  plain. 
The  pensive  father,  father  now  no  more  ! 
Attends  the  mournful  pomp  along  the  shore ; 
And  unavailing  tears  profusely  shed; 
And,  unrevenged,  deplored  his  offspring  dead. 

Paris  from  far  the  moving  sight  beheld. 
With  pity  soften'd,  and  with  fury  swell'd  : 
His  honor'd  host,  a  youth  of  matchless  grace, 
And  loved. of  all  the  Paphlagonian  race  ! 
With  his  full  strength  he  bent  his  angry  bow. 
And  wing'd  tlie  feather'd  vengeance  at  the  foe. 
A  chief  there  was,  the  brave  Euchenor  named. 
For  riches  much,  and  more  for  virtue  famed. 
Who  held  his  seat  in  Corinth's  stately  town; 
Polydus'  son,  a  seer  of  old  renown. 
Oft  had  the  father  told  his  early  doom. 
By  arms  abroad,  or  slow  disease  at  home  : 
He  climb'd  his  vessel,  pror'igal  of  breath. 
And  chose  the  certain  glorious  path  to  deatli. 
Beneath  his  ear  tlie  pointed  arrow  went ; 
The  soul  came  issuing  at  the  narrow  vent ; 
His  limbs,  unnerved,  drop  useless  on  the  ground. 
And  everlasting  darkness  shades  him  round. 

Nor  knew  great  Heccor  how  his  legions  yield 
(Wrapp'd  in  the  cloud  and  tumult  of  the  field) : 
Wide  on  the  left  the  force  of  Greece  commands, 
And  conquest  hovers  o'er  the  Achaian  bands  ; 
With  such  a  tide  superior  virtue  sway'd. 
And  lie  that  shakes  the  solid  earth  gave  aid. 
But  in  the  centre  Hector  fi.x'd  remain'd, 
Where  first  the  gates  were  forced,  and  bulwarks  gain  A-- 
There,  on  the  margin  of  the  hoary  deep 


2g3 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIII. 

(Their  naval  station  where  the  Ajaces  keep. 
And  where  low  walls  confine  the  heating  tides, 
Whose  humble  barrier  scarce  the  foe  divides  ; 
Where  late  in  fight  botli  foot  and  horse  engaged, 
And  all  the  thunder  of  the  battle  raged), 
There  join'd,  the  whole  Boeotian  strength  remains, 
The  proud  laonians  with  their  sweeping  trains, 
Locrians,  and  Phthians,  and  th'  Epsan  forct ; 
But  join'd,  repel  not  Hector's  ;iery  course. 
The  flower  of  Alliens,  Sticliius,  I^hidas,  led  : 
Bias  and  great  Menestheus  at  their  head  : 
Meges  the  strong  the  Epaean  bands  controll'd. 
And  Dracius  prudent,  and  Aniphion  bold  : 
The  Phthians,  Medon,  famed  for  martial  might, 
And  brave  Podarces,  active  in  the  fight. 
This  drew  from  Phylacus  his  noble  line ; 
Iphiclus'  son  :  and  that  (Oileus)  thine: 
(Young  Aja.\'  brother,  by  a  stolen  embrace; 
He  dwelt  far  distant  from  his  native  place, 
P.y  his  fierce  step-dame  from  his  father's  reign 
Expell'd  and  exiled  for  her  brother  slain)  ; 
These  rule  the  Phthians.  and  their  arms  employ, 
Mix'd  with  Bceotians,  on  the  shores  of  Troy. 

Now  side  by  side,  with  like  unwearied  care, 
Each  Ajax  labor'd  through  the  field  of  war  r 
So  when  two  lordly  bulls,  with  equal  toil. 
Force  the  bright  plouglishare  through  the  fallow  soil, 
Join'd  to  one  yoke  tlie" stubborn  earth  they  tear. 
And  trace  large  furrows  with  the  shining  share  ; 
O'er  their  huge  limbs  the  foam  descends  in  snow, 
And  streams  "of  sweat  down  their  sour  foreheads  flow. 
A  train  of  heroes  followed  through  the  field. 
Who  bore  by  turns  great  Ajax'  sevenfold  shield; 
Whene'er  he  breathed,  remissive  of  his  might. 
Tired  with  the  incessant  slaughters  of  the  fight. 
No  following  troops  his  brave  associate  gr.ace  : 
In  close  engagement  an  unpractised  race. 
The  Locrian  squadrons  nor  the  javelin  wield, 
Nor  bear  the  helm,  nor  lift  the  moony  shield; 
But  skill'd  from  far  tlie  flying  shaft  to  wing. 
Or  whirl  the  sounding  pebble  from  the  sling. 
Dexterous  with  these  they  aim  a  certain  wound, 
Or  fell  the  distant  warrior  to  the  ground. 
Thus  in  the  van  the  Telamonian  train, 
Throng'd  in  bright  arms,  a  pressing  fight  maintain : 
Far  in'the  rear  the  Locrian  archers  lie, 
Whose  stones  and  a^r^ws  intercept  the  sky, 


Book  XIII.]  THE  ILTAD.  293 

The  minuted  tempest  on  the  foes  they  pour: 
Troy's  scattering  orders  open  to  the  shower. 

Now  had  the  Greeks  eternal  fame  acquired, 
And  the  gall'd  Uians  to  their  walls  retired; 
But  sage  Polydamas,  discreetly  brave, 
Address'd  great  Hector,  and  this  counsel  gave  : 

"  Though  great  in  all,  tliou  seem'st  averse  to  len 
Impartial  audience  to  a  faithful  friend  ; 
To  gods  and  men  thy  matchless  worth  is  known, 
And  every  art  of  glorious  war  thy  own  ; 
But  in  cool  thought  and  counsel  to  excel, 
How  widely  differs  this  from  warring  well  ! 
Content  with  what  the  bounteous  gods  have  given. 
Seek  not  alone  to  engross  the  gifts  of  Heaven. 
To  some  the  powers  of  bloody  war  belong. 
To  some  sweet  music  and  the  charm  of  song; 
To  few,  and  wondrous  few,  has  Jove  assign 'd 
A  wise,  extensive,  all-considering  mind  : 
Their  guardians  these,  the  nations  round  confess. 
And  towns  and  empires  for  their  safety  bless. 
If  Heaven  have  lodged  this  virtue  in  my  breast. 
Attend,  O  Hector  •  what  I  judge  the  best. 
See,  as  thou  mov'st,  on  dangers  dangers  spread. 
And  war's  whole  fury  burns  around  thy  head. 
Behold!  distress'd  within  yon  hostile  wall. 
How  many  Trojans  yield,  disperse,  or  fall ! 
What  troops,  out-number'd,  scarce  the  war  maintain 
And  what  brave  heroes  at  the  ships  lie  slain  ! 
Here  cease  thy  fury:  and,  the  chiefs  and  kings 
Convoked  to  council,  weigh  the  sum  of  things. 
Whether  Cthe  gods  succeeding  our  desires) 
To  yon  tall  ships  to  bear  the  Trojan  fires ; 
Or  quit  the  fleet,  and  pass  unhurt  away, 
Contented  with  the  conquest  of  the  day. 
I  fear,  I  fear,  lest  Greece,  not  yet  undone, 
Fay  the  large  debt  of  last  revolving  sun  ■ 
Achilles,  great  Achilles,  yet  remains 
On  yonder  decks,  and  yet  o'erlooks  the  plains !'' 

The  counsel  pleased  :  and  Hector,  with  a  bound, 
Leap'd  from  his  chariot  on  the  trembling  grouad  ; 
Swift  as  he  leap'd  his  clanging  arms  resound. 
"  To  guard  this  post  (he  cried)  thy  art  employ, 
And  here  detain  the  scatter'd  youth  of  Troy  ; 
Where  yonder  heroes  faint,  I  bend  my  way, 
And  hasten  back  to  end  tlie  doubtful  day." 

This  said,  the  towering  chief  prepares  to  o-o. 
Shakes  his  white  olumes  that  to  the  breezes  flow, 


«94  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  XIII. 


And  seems  a  moving  mountain  topp'd  with  snow. 

Through  all  his  host,  inspiring  force,  he  flies, 

And  bids  anew  the  martial  thunder  rise. 

To  Panthus'  son,  at  Hector's  higli  command 

Haste  the  bold  leaders  of  the  Trojan  band  : 

But  round  the  battlements,  and  round  the  plain, 

For  many  a  chief  he  look'd,  but  look'd  in  vain; 

Deiphobus,  nor  Helenus  the  seer. 

Nor  Asius'  son,  nor  Asius  self  appear: 

For  these  were  pierced  with  many  a  ghastly  wound, 

Some  cold  in  death,  some  groaning  on  the  ground  ; 

Some  low  in  dust  (a  mournful  object)  lay  ; 

High  on  the  wall  some  breathed  their  souls  away. 

Far  on  the  left,  amid  the  throng  he  found 
(Clieering  the  troops,  and  dealing  deaths  around) 
The  graceful  Paris  ;  whom,  with  fury  moved. 
Opprobrious  thus,  th'  impatient  chief  reproved: 

••  Ill-fated  Paris  !  slave  to  womankind, 
As  smooth  of  face  as  fraudulent  of  mind  ! 
Wliere  is  Deiphobus,  where  Asius'  gone  ? 
The  godlike  fatlier,  and  th'  intrepid  son? 
The  force  of  Helenus,  dispensing  fate  ; 
And  great  Othryoneus,  so  fear'd  of  late? 
Black  fate  hangs  o'er  thee  from  th'  avenging  gods, 
Imperial  Troy  from  her  foundations  nods; 
Whelm'd  in  thy  country's  ruin  shalt  thou  fall. 
And  one  devouring  vengeance  swallow  all." 

When  Paris  thus  :  '•  My  brother  and  my  friend. 
Thy  warm  impatience  makes  thy  tongue  offend. 
In  otlier  battles  I  deserved  thy  blame. 
Though  then  not  deedless,  nor  unknown  to  fame: 
But  since  yon  rampart  by  thy  arms  lay  low, 
I  scatter'd  slaugliter  from  my  fata!  bow. 
The  chiefs  you  seek  on  yonder  shore  lie  slain; 
Of  all  those  heroes,  two  alone  remain  ; 
Deiphobus,  and  Helenus  the  seer. 
Each  now  disabled  by  a  hostile  spear. 
Go  then,  successful,  where  thy  soul  inspires  : 
This  heart  and  hand  shall  second  all  thy  fires  : 
What  with  this  arm  1  can,  prepare  to  know, 
Till  death  for  death  be  paid,  and  blow  for  blow. 
But  'tis  not  ours,  with  forces  not  our  own 
To  combat :  strength  is  of  the  gods  alone." 
These  words  flie  hero's  angry  mind  assuage  : 
Then  fierce  they  mingle  where  the  thickest  rage. 
Around  Polydamas,  tlistain'd  with  blood, 
Cebrion,  Phalces,  stern  Orthasus  stood, 


Book  Xltl]  THE  IIJAD.  295 

Palmus  with  Polypoetes  the  divine, 

And  two  bold  brothers  of  Hippotion's  line 

(Wlio  reach'd  fair  llion,  from  Ascania  far, 

The  former  day  ;  the  next  engaged  in  war). 

As  when  from  gloomy  clouds  a  whirlwind  springs, 

That  bears  Jove's  thunder  on  its  dreadful  wings, 

Wide  o'er  the  blasted  fields  the  tempest  sweeps 

Then,  gather'd,  settles  on  the  hoary  deeps  ; 

The  afflicted  deeps  tumultuous  mix  and  roar; 

The  waves  behind  impel  the  waves  before, 

Wide  rolling,  foaming  high,  and  tumbling  to  the  shore 

Thus  rank  on  rank,  the  thick  battalions  throng, 

Chief  urged  on  chief,  and  man  drove  man  along. 

Far  o'er  the  plains,  in  dreadful  order  bright, 

The  brazen  arms  reflect  a  beamy  light : 

Full  in  the  blazing  van  great  Hector  shined. 

Like  Mars  commission'd  to  confound  mankind. 

Before  him  flaming  his  enormous  shield. 

Like  the  broad  sun,  illumined  all  the  field ; 

His  nodding  helm  emits -a  streamy  ray; 

His  piercing  eyes  through  all  the  battle  stray. 

And,  while  beneath  his  targe  he  flash 'd  along, 

Shot  terrors  round,  that  wither'd  e'en  the  strong. 

Thus  stalk'd  he,  dreadful  ;  death  was  in  his  look.: 
Whole  nations  fear'd ;  but  not  an  Argive  shook. 
The  towering  Ajax,  with  an  ample  stride. 
Advanced  the  first,  and  thus  the  chief  defied : 

"  Hector  !  come  on  ;  thy  em])ty  threats  forbear, 
'Tis  not  thy  arm,  'tis  thundering  Jove  we  fear : 
The  skill  of  war  to  us  not  idly  given, 
Lo  !  Greece  is  humbled,  not  by  Troy,  but  Heaven. 
Vain  are  the  hopes  that  haughty  mind  imparts. 
To  force  our  fleet  :  the  Greeks  have  hands  and  hearts. 
Long  ere  in  flames  our  lofty  navy  fall. 
Your  boasted  city,  and  your  god-built  wall, 
Shall  sink  beneath  us,  smoking  on  the  ground; 
And  spread  a  long  unmeasured  ruin  round. 
The  time  shall  come,  when,  chased  along  the  plain. 
Even  thou  shalt  call  on  Jove,  and  call  in  vain; 
Even  thou  shalt  wish,  to  aid  thy  desperate  course. 
The  wings  of  falcons  for  thy  flying  horse ; 
Shalt  run,  forgetful  of  a  warrior's  fame. 
While  clouds  of  friendly  dust  conceal  thy  shame." 

As  thus  he  spoke,  behold,  in  open  view, 
On  sounding  wings  a  dexter  eagle  flew. 
To  Jove's  glad  omen  all  the  (»recians  rise. 
And  bail,  with  shouts,  his  progress  throi;gh  the  skies : 


296  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIII. 

Far-echoing  clamors  bound  from  side  to  side ; 
They  ceased ;  and  thus  the  chief  of  Troy  replied  : 

"From  whence  this  menace,  this  insulting  strain? 
Enormous  boaster  !  doom'd  to  vaunt  in  vain. 
So  may  the  gods  on  Hector  life  bestow, 
(Not  that  short  life  which  mortals  lead  below 
But  such  as  those  of  Jove's  high  lineage  born, 
The  blue-eyed  maid,  or  he  that  gilds  the  morn), 
As  this  decisive  day  shall  end  the  fame 
Of  Greece,  and  Argos  be  no  more  a  name. 
And  thou,  imperious!  if  thy  madness  wait 
The  lance  of  Hector,  thou  shalt  meet  thy  fate : 
That  giant-corse,  extended  on  the  shore. 
Shall  largely  feast  the  fowls  with  fat  and  gore." 

He  said  ;  and  like  a  lion  stalk'd  along: 
With  shouts  incessant  earth  and  ocean  rung. 
Sent  from  his  following  host:  the  Grecian  train 
With  answering  thunders  fiU'd  the  echoing  plain; 
A  shout  that  tore  heaven's  concave,  and,  above, 
Shook  the  fix'd  splendors  of  the  throne  of  Jove. 


Book  XIV.J  THE  ILIAD.  297 


BOOK  XIV* 


ARGUMENT. 

yVNO   DHCKIVIS    JUPITER    BV    THE   GIRDLE   OP   VENUS. 

Nffiitor,  sitting  at  the  table  with  Machaon,  is  alarmed  with  the  increasing  clamor  of 
war,  and  hastens  to  Agamemnon  ;  on  his  wajr  he  meets  that  prince  with  Diomed 
and  Ulysses,  whom  he  informs  of  tlie  extremity  of  the  danger.  Agamemnon  pro- 
poses to  make  their  escape  by  night,  which  Ulysses  withstands;  to  which  Diomed 
adds  his  advice,  that,  wounded  as  they  were,  they  should  go  forth  and  encourage 
the  army  wilh  their  presence,  which  advice  is  pursued.  Juno,  seeing  the  partiality 
of  Jupiter  to  the  Troj.tus,  forms  a  design  to  over-reach  him  :  she  sets  off  Iter 
charms  with  the  utmost  care,  and  (tire  more  surely  to  enchant  him)  obtains  the 
magic  girdle  of  Venus.  She  then  applies  herself  to  the  ^od  of  sleep,  and,  with 
some  difficulty,  persuades  him  to  sea!  the  eyes  of  Jupiter  •  this  done,  she  goes  to 
Mount  Ida,  where  the  god,  at  first  sighl,  is  ravished  with  her  beauty,  sinks  in  her 
embraces,  and  is  laid  asleep.  Neptune  takes  advantage  of  his  slumber,  and  suc- 
cors the  Greeks  :  Hector  is  struck  to  the  ground  v.-ilh  a  prodigious  stone  by  Ajai, 
and  carried  off  from  the  battle  •  several  actions  succeed,  till  the  Trojans,  much 
distressed,  arc  obliged  to  give  way :  the  lesser  Ajax  signalizes  himself  ia  a  partic- 
ular 1 


But  not  the  genial  feast,  nor  flowing  bowl. 
Could  charm  the  cares  of  Nestor's  watchful  soul ; 
His  startled  ears  the  increasing  cries  attend; 
Then  thus,  impatient,  to  his  wounded  friend  : 

"  What  new  alarm,  divine  Machaon,  say, 
What  mix'd  events  attend  this  miglity  day? 
Hark  !  how  the  shouts  divide,  and  how  they  meet, 
And  now  come  full,  and  thicken  to  the  fleet ! 
Here  with  the  cordial  draught  dispel  thy  care, 
Let  Hecamede  the  strengthening  bath  prepare, 
Refresh  thy  wound,  and  cleanse  the  clotted  gore ; 
While  I  the  adventures  of  the  day  explore." 

He  said  ;  and,  seizing  Thrasvmedes'  shield 
(His  valiant  offspring),  hasten'd  to  the  field 
(That  day  the  son  his  father's  buckler  bore) ; 
Then  snatch'd  a  lance,  and  issued  from  the  door. 
Soon  as  the  prospect  open'd  to  his  view, 
His  wounded  eyes  the  scene  of  sorrow  knew ; 

•  This  book  forms  a  mn..t  acreeablc  interruption  to  the  continuous  round  of  battles, 
which  occupy  the  latter  p.iit  of  the  Iliad.  It  is  as  well  to  observe,  that  the  sameaeH 
oi  these  sceues  reader&  toauy  notes  uuBeoessor;. 


SqS  the  ILIAD.  [Bouk  XIV. 

Dire  disarray !  the  tumult  of  tlie  figlit, 
The  wall  in  ruins,  and  the  Greeks  in  flight. 
As  when  old  ocean's  silent  surface  sleeps, 
The  waves  just  heaving  on  tlie  purple  deeps  : 
While  yet  the  expected  tempest  hangs  on  liigh, 
Weighs  down  the  cloud,  and  blackens  in  the  sky. 
The  mass  of  waters  will  no  wind  obey ; 
Jove  sends  one  gust,  and  bids  them  roll  away. 
While  wavering  counsels  thus  his  mind  engage. 
Fluctuates  in  doubtful  thought  the  Pylian  sage; 
I'o  join  tlie  host,  or  to  the  general  haste  ; 
Debating  long,  he  fixes  on  the  last  : 
Yet,  as  he  moves,  the  sight  his  bosom  warms, 
The  field  rings  dreadful  with  the  clang  of  arms, 
The  gleaming  falcliions  flash,  the  javelins  fly  ; 
TjIows  echo  blows,  and  all  or  kill  or  die. 

Him,  in  his  march,  tlie  wounded  princes  meet, 
By  tardy  steps  ascending  from  the  fleet: 
The  king  of  men,  Ulysses  the  divine, 
And  wlio  to  Tydeus  owes  liis  noble  line  * 
(Their  ships  at  distance  from  the  battle  stand. 
In  lines  advanced  along  the  shelving  strand: 
Whose  bay,  the  fleet  unable  to  contain 
At  length  ;  beside  the  margin  of  the  main, 
Rank  above  rank,  tlie  crowded  ships  they  moor: 
Who  landed  first,  lay  highest  on  the  shore). 
Supported  on  the  spears,  they  took  their  way, 
Unfit  to  fight,  but  anxious  for  tlie  day. 
Nestor's  approach  alarm'd  each  Grecian  breast. 
Whom  thus  the  general  of  the  host  address'd  : 

"  O  gr.ice  and  glory  of  the  Achaian  name  ; 
What  drives  thee,  Nestor,  from  the  field  of  fame? 
Shall  then  proud  Hector  see  his  boast  fulfill'd, 
Our  fleets  in  ashes,  and  our  heroes  kiU'd  ? 
Such  was  liis  threat,  ah  !  now  too  soon  made  goc 
On  many  a  Grecian  bosom  writ  in  blood. 
Is  every  heart  inflamed  witli  equal  rage 
Against  your  king,  nor  will  one  cliief  engage  ? 
And  have  1  lived  to  see  with  mournful  eyes 
In  everv  Greek  a  new  Acliilles  rise  ?  " 

Gerenian  Nestor  then  :  '•  So  fate  has  will'd. 
And  all-confirming  time  has  fate  fulfill'd. 
Not  he  that  thunders  from  the  aerial  bower, 
Not  Jove  himself,  upon  tlie  past  has  power. 
The  wall,  our  late  inviolable  bound, 
And  best  defence,  lies  smoking  on  the  ground : 


Who  to  Tydius  cwti,  i.  t.  Oiomed. 


Book  XIV.]  THE  ILIAD  299 

Even  to  the  ships  their  conquering  arms  extend, 

And  groans  of  slaughter'd  Greeks  to  heaven  ascend. 

On  speedy  measures  then  employ  your  thought 

In  such  distress  !  if  counsel  profit  aught : 

Arms  cannot  much  :  though  Mars  our  souls  incite, 

These  gaping  wounds  withhold  us  from  the  fight." 
To  him  the  monarch  :   "  That  our  army  bends, 

That  Troy  triumphant  our  high  fleet  ascends, 

And  that  the  rampart,  late  our  surest  trust 

And  best  defence,  lies  smoking  in  the  dust ; 

All  this  from  Jove's  afflictive  hand  we  bear, 

Who,  far  from  Argos,  wills  our  ruin  here. 

Past  are  the  days  when  happier  Greece  was  blest. 

And  all  his  favor,  all  his  aid  confess'd ; 

Now  heaven  averse,  our  hands  from  battle  ties. 

And  lifts  the  Trojan  glory  to  the  skies. 

Cease  we  at  length  to  waste  our  blood  in  vain, 

And  launch  what  ships  lie  nearest  to  the  main* 

Leave  these  at  anchor,  till  the  coming  night : 

Then,  if  impetuous  Troy  forbear  the  fight, 

Bring  all  to  sea,  and  hoist  each  sail  tor  flight. 

Better  from  evils,  well  foreseen,  to  run, 

Than  perish  in  the  danger  we  may  shun." 
Thus  he.     The  sage  Ulysses  thus  replied, 

While  anger  flash'd  from  his  chsdainful  eyes  . 

"  What  shameful  words  (unkingly  a.s  thou  art) 

Fall  from  that  trembling  tongue  and  timorous  heart? 
Gil  were  thy  sway  the  curse  of  meaner  powers, 

And  thou  the  shame  of  any  host  but  ours  ! 

A  host,  by  Jove  endued  with  martial  might, 
And  taught  to  conquer,  or  to  fall  in  figlit: 
Adventurous  combats  and  bold  wars  to  wage, 
Employ'd  our  youth,  and  yet  employs  our  age. 
And  wilt  thou  thus  desert  the  Trojan  plain  ? 
And  have  whole  streams  of  blood  been  spilt  in  vain? 
In  such  base  sentence  if  thou  couch  thy  fear. 
Speak  it  in  Whispers,  lest  a  Greek  should  hear. 
Lives  there  a  man  so  dead  to  fame,  who  dares 
To  think  such  meanness,  or  the  thought  declares  ? 
And  comes  it  even  from  him  whose  sovereign  sway 
The  banded  legions  of  all  Greece  obey.' 
Is  this  a  general's  voice  that  calls  to  flight. 
While  waV  hangs  doubtful,  while  his  soldiers  fight? 
What  more  could  Troy  ?     What  yet  their  fate  denies 
Thou  givest  the  foe  :  all  Greece  becomes  their  prize. 
No  more  the  troops  (our  hoisted  sails  in  view. 
Themselves  abandon'd)  shall  the  fight  pursue  ; 


300  THE  ILIAD.  [Book   XIV 

But  thy  ships  flying,  with  despair  shall  see  ; 
And  owe  destruction  to  a  prince  like  thee." 
'•Thy  just  reproofs  (Atrides  cnlm  replies) 
Like  arrows  pierce  me,  for  thy  words  are  wise. 
Unwilling  as  I  am  to  lose  the  host, 
I  force  not  Greece  to  quit  this  hateful  coast ; 
G/ad  I  submit,  whoe'er,  or  young,  or  old. 
Aught,  more  conducive  to  our  weal,  unfold." 

Tydides  cut  him  short,  and  thus  began  : 
"  Sucli  counsel  if  you  seek,  behold  the  man 
Who  boldly  gives  it,  and  what  he  shall  say, 
Young  though  lie  be,  disdain  not  to  obey: 
A  youth,  who  from  the  mighty  Tydeus  springs, 
May  speak  to  councils  and  assembled  kings. 
Hear  then  in  me  the  great  Qlnides'  son. 
Whose  honor'd  dust  (iiis  mce  of  glory  run) 
Lies  whehn'd  in  ruins  of  the  Theban  wall ; 
Brave  in  his  life,  and  glorious  in  his  fall. 
With  three  bold  sons  was  generous  Prothous  bless'd, 
Who  Pleuron's  walls  and  Calydon  possess'd; 
Melas  and  Agrius,  but  (who  far  surpass'd 
The  rest  in  courage)  CEneus  was  the  last. 
From  him,  my  sire.     From  Calydon  e.xpell'd, 
He  pass'd  to  Argos,  and  in  e.\ile  dwell'd ; 
The  monarch's  daughter  there  (so  Jove  ordain'd) 
He  won,  and  flnurish'd  where  Adrastus  reign 'd  ; 
There,  rich  in  fortune's  gifts,  his  acres  till'd, 
Beheld  his  vines  their  liquid  harvest  yield. 
And  numerous  flocks  that  whiten'd  all  the  field. 
Such  Tydeus  was,  the  foremost  once  in  fame  ! 
Nor  lives  in  Greece  a  stranger  to  his  name. 
Then,  what  for  common  good  my  thoughts  inspire. 
Attend,  and  in  the  son  respect  the  sire. 
Though  sore  of  battle,  though  with  wounds  oppress'd, 
Let  each  go  forth,  and  animate  tlie  rest. 
Advance  the  glory  which  he  cannot  share. 
Though  not  partaker,  witness  of  the  war. 
But  lest  new  wounds  on  wounds  o'erpower  us  quite, 
Beyona  the  missile  javelin's  sounding  flight. 
Safe  let  us  stand  ;  and,  from  the  tumult  far, 
Inspire  the  ranks,  and  rule  the  distant  war." 

He  added  not  :  the  listening  kings  obey, 
Slow  moving  on  ;  Atrides  leads  the  way. 
The  god  of  ocean  (to  inflame  their  rage) 
Appears  a  warior  furrowe<l  o'er  with  age; 
Press'd  in  liis  own,  the  general's  hand  he  tocl-^ 
And  thus  the  venerable  hero  spoke  : 


EcoK   -CIV.!  THE  ILIAD.  301 

"  Atrides  !  lo  !  with  what  disdainful  eye 
Achilles  sees  his  country's  forces  fly; 
Blind,  impious  man  !  whose  anger  is  his  guide, 
Who  glories  in  unutterable  pride. 
So  may  he  perish,  so  may  Jove  disclaim 
The  wretch  relentless,  and  o'erwhelm  with  shame ! 
But  Heaven  forsakes  not  thee  :  o'er  yonder  rands 
Soon  shalt  thou  view  the  scattered  Trojan  bands 
Fly  diverse  ;  while  proud  kings,  and  chiefs  renown'd, 
Driven  heaps  on  heaps,  with  clouds  involved  around 
Of  rolling  dust,  their  winged  wheels  employ 
To  hide  their  ignominious  heads  in  Troy." 

He  spoke,  then  rush'd  amid  the  warrior  crew, 
And  sent  his  voice  before  him  as  he  flew, 
Loud,  as  the  shout  encountering  armies  yield 
When  twice  ten  thousand  shake  the  laboring  field  ; 
Such  was  the  voice,  and  such  the  thundering  sound 
Of  him  whose  trident  rends  the  solid  ground. 
Each  Argive  bosom  beats  to  meet  the  fight, 
And  grisly  war  appears  a  pleasing  sight. 

Meantime  Saturnia  from  Olympus'  brow, 
Higli-throned  in  gold,  beheld  the  fields  below; 
With  joy  the  glorious  conflict  she  survey'd. 
Where  her  great  brother  gave  tlie  Grecians  aid. 
But  placed  aloft,  on  Ida's  shady  height 
She  sees  her  Jove,  and  trembles  at  the  sight. 
Jove  to  deceive,  what  methods  shall  she  try. 
What  arts,  to  blind  his  all-beholding  eye  ? 
At  length  she  trusts  her  power ;  resolved  to  prove 
The  old,  yet  still  successful,  cheat  of  love; 
Against  his  wisdom  to  oppose  her  charms. 
And  lull  the  lord  of  thunders  in  her  arms. 

Swift  to  her  bright  apartment  she  repairs, 
Sacred  to  dress  and  beauty's  pleasing  cares  : 
With  skill  divine  had  Vulcan  form'd  the  bower, 
Safe  from  access  of  each  intruding  power. 
Touch'd  with  her  secret  key,  the  doors  unfold : 
Self-closed,  behind  her  shut  the  valves  of  gold. 
Here  first  she  bathes  ;  and  round  her  body  pours 
Soft  oils  of  fragrance,  and  ambrosial  showers  : 
The  winds,  perfumed,  the  balmy  gale  convey 
Through  heaven,  through  earth,  and  all  the  aerial  way; 
Spirit  divine  !  whose  exhalation  greets 
The  sense  of  gods  with  more  than  mortal  sweets. 
Thus  while  she  breathed  of  heaven,  with  decent  pride 
Her  artful  hands  the  radiant  tresses  tied ; 
Part  on  her  head  in  shining  rinjjlets  roU'd, 


302  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIV. 

Part  o'er  her  shoulders  waved  like  melted  gold. 
Around  her  next  a  heavenly  mantle  flow'd. 
That  rich  with  Pallas'  labor'd  colors  glow'd  : 
Large  clasps  of  gold  the  foldings  gather'd  round, 
A  golden  zone-  hei-  swelling  bosom  bound. 
FaV-beaming  pendants  tremble  in  her  ear, 
Each  gem  illumined  with  a  triple  star. 
Then  o'er  her  head  she  cast  a  veil  more  white 
Than  new-fallen  snow,  and  dazzling  as  the  light. 
Last  her  fair  feet  celestial  sandals  grace. 
Thus  issuing  radiant  with  majestic  pace, 
Forth  from  the  dome  the  imperial  goddess  moves, 
And  calls  the  mother  of  the  smiles  and  loves. 

"  How  long  (to  Venus  thus  apart  she  cried) 
Shall  human  strife  celestial  minds_ divide  ? 
Ah  yet,  will  Venus  aid  Saturnia's  joy. 
And  set  aside  the  cause  of  Greece  and  Troy  ?  " 

"Let  heaven's  dread  empress  (Cytheraea  said) 
Speak  her  request,  and  deem  her  will  obey'd." 

"  Then    grant    me   (said    the  queen)  those    conquering 
charms, 
That  power,  which  mortals  and  immortals  warms. 
That  love,  which  melts  mankind  in  fierce  desires, 
And  burns  the  .sons  of  heaven  with  sacred  fires ! 

"  For  lo  !   I  haste  to  those  remote  abodes, 
Where  the  great  parents  (sacred  source  of  gods !  ) 
Ocean  and  Tethys  their  old  empire  keep, 
On  the  last  limits  of  the  land  and  deep. 
In  their  kind  arms  my  tender  years  were  past; 
What  time  old  .Saturn,  from  Olympus  cast. 
Of  upper  heaven  to  Jove  resign'd  the  reign, 
Whelm'd  under  the  huge  mass  of  earth  and  main. 
For  strife,  1  hear,  has  made  the  union  cease. 
Which  held  so  long  that  ancient  pair  in  peace. 
What  honor,  and  what  love,  shall  I  obtain, 
If  I  compose  those  fatal  feuds  again  ; 
Once  more  their  minds  in  mutual  ties  engage, 
And,  what  my  vouth  has  owed,  repay  their  age  ! " 
She  said.     With  awe  divine,  the  queen  of  love 
Obey'd  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  Jove ; 
And' from  her  fragrant  breast  the  zone  embraced,* 
With  various  skill  and  liigh  embroidery  graced. 


:  Tasso : — 

Teiien  sdegni,  e  placide,  e  tranquille 
Repulse,  e  cari  vezzi,  e  liete  paci, 
Sorrisi,  parolcUe,  c  dolci  stille 
Pi  pianto,  e  sospir  truiichi,  u  niolli  bat 


Book  XIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  },°l 

In  this  was  every  art,  and  every  charm, 

To  win  the  wisest,  and  the  coldest  warm  : 

Fond  love,  the  gentle  vow,  the  gay  desire, 

The  Ivind  deceit,  the  still-reviving  fire, 

Persuasive  speech,  and  the  more  persuasive  sighs, 

Silence  that  spoke,  and  eloquence  of  eyes. 

This  on  her  hand  the  Cyprian  Goddess  laid  : 

"  Take  this,  and  with  it  all  thy  wish  ;  "  she  said. 

With  smiles  she  took  the  charm  ;  and  smiling  presS'd 

The  powerful  cestus  to  her  snowy  breast. 

Then  Venus  to  the  courts  of  Jove  withdrew ; 
Whilst  from  Olympus  pleased  Saturnia  flew. 
O'er  high  Pieria  thence  her  course  she  bore, 
O'er  fair  Ematliia's  ever-pleasing  shore, 
O'er  Hemus'  hills  with  snows  eternal  crown'd  ; 
Nor  once  her  flying  foot  approach'd  the  ground. 
Then  taking  wing  from  Athos'  lofty  steep. 
She  speeds  to  Lemnos  o'er  the  rolling  deep. 
And  seeks  the  cave  of  Death's  half-brother.  Sleep.* 

'•Sweet  pleasing  Sleep!  (Saturnia  thus  began) 
Who  spread'st  thy  empire  o'er  each  god  and  man? 
If  e'er  obsequious  to  thy  Juno's  will, 
O  power  of  slumbers  !  hear,  and  favor  still. 
Shed  thv  soft  dews  on  Jove's  immortal  eyes, 
While  sunk  in  love's  entrancing  joys  he  lies. 
A  splendid  footstool,  and  a  throne,  that  shine 
With  gold  unfading,  Soninus,  shall  be  thine  ; 
The  work  of  Vulcan  ;  to  indulge  thy  ease, 
When  wine  and  feasts  thy  golden  humors  please. 

"Imperial  dame  (the  balmy  power  replies), 
Great  Saturn's  heir,  and  empress  of  the  skies  ! 
O'er  other  gods  I  spread  my  easy  chain  ; 
The  sire  of  all,  old  Ocean,  owns  my  reign, 
And  his  hush'd  waves  lie  silent  on  the  main. 
But  how,  unbidden,  shall  I  dare  to  steep 
Jove's  awful  temples  in  the  dew  of  sleep  .'' 
Long  since  too  venturous  at  thy  bold  command 
On  those  eternal  lids  I  laid  my  hand  ; 
What  time,  deserting  Ilion's  wasted  plain, 
His  conquering  son,  Alcides,  plough'd  the  main. 
When  lo  !  the  deeps  arise,  the  tempests  roar, 
And  drive  the  hero  to  the  Coan  shore : 
Great  Jove,  awaking,  shook  tlie  blest  abodes 
With  rising  wrath,  and  tumbled  gods  on  gods  ; 
Me  chief  he  sought,  and  from  the  realms  on  high 
Had  hurl'd  indignant  to  the  nether  sky, 


*  Compare  tk<  docripnaa  uf  the  dweUlug  ui  Siecf  lu  Orluda  Fuitosu,  bk. 


304  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIV. 

But  gentle  Night,  to  whom  I  fled  for  aid 
(The  friend  of  earth  and  heaven),  her  wings  display'd; 
Impower'd  the  wrath  of  gods  and  men  to  tame, 
Even  love  revered  the  venerable  dame." 

"  V.-iin  are  thy  fears  (the  queen  of  heaven  replies, 
And,  speaking,  rolls  her  large  majestic  eyes); 
Think'st  thou  that  Troy  has  Jove's  high  favor  won. 
Like  great  Alcides,  his  all-conquering  son  ? 
Hear,"  and  obey  the  mistress  of  the  skies, 
Nor  for  the  deed  expect  a  vulgar  prize  ; 
For  know,  thy  loved-one  shall  be  ever  thine, 
The  youngest  Grace,  Pasithae  the  divine.* 

"  Swear  then  (he  said)  by  those  tremendous  floods 
That  roar  through  hell,  and  bind  the  invoking  gods: 
Let  the  great  parent  earth  one  hand  sustain, 
And  stretch  the  other  o'er  the  sacred  main  : 
Call  the  black  Titans,  that  with  Chronos  dwel!. 
To  hear  and  witness  from  the  depths  of  hell; 
That  she,  my  loved-one,  shall  be  ever  mine, 
The  youngest  Grace,  Pasithae  the  divine." 

The  queen  assents,  and  from  tlie  infernal  bowers 
Invokes  the  sable  subtartarean  powers. 
And  those  who  rule  the  inviolable  floods, 
Wliom  mortals  name  the  dread  Titanian  gods. 

Then  swift  as  wind,  o'er  Lenin(}s'  smoky  isle 
They  wing  their  way,  and  Imbrus'  sea-beat  soil; 
Through  air,  unseen,  involved  in  darkness  glide. 
And  light  on  Lectos,  on  the  point  of  Ide 
(Mother  of  savages,  whose  echoing  hills 
Are  heard  resounding  with  a  hundred  rills) : 
Fair  Ida  trembles  underneath  the  god : 
Hush'd  are  her  mountains,  and  her  forests  nod. 
There  on  a  fir,  whose  spiry  branches  rise 
To  join  its  summit  to  the  neighboring  skies; 
Dark  in  embowering  shade,  conceal'd  from  sight. 
Sat  Sleep,  in  likeness  of  the  bird  of  niglit 
(Chalcis  his  name  by  those  of  heavefily  birth. 
But  cail'd  Cymindis  by  the  race  of  earth). 

To  Ida's  top  successful  Juno  flies ; 
Great  Jove  surveys  her  with  desiring  eyes  ; 
The  god,  whose  lightning  sets  the  heavens  on  fire, 
Through  all  his  bosom  feels  the  fierce  desire  ; 


•  Twice  seven,  the  charming  daughters  nf  the  main — 
Around  my  person  wait,  and  bear  my  train  ; 
Succeed  my  wish,  and  second  my  design, 
The  fairest,  Deiopeia,  shall  be  thine." 

^       Dr^dea's  Virgil,  iE*i.  i. 


toooK  XIV.J  THE  ILIAD.  305 

Fierce  as  when  first  by  stealth  he  seized  her  charms. 

Mix'd  with  her  soul,  and  melted  in  her  arms  : 

Fix'd  on  her  eyes  h^-  fed  his  eager  look, 

Then  press'd  her  luind,  and  thus  with  transport  spoke: 

"Why  comes  my  goddess  from  the  ethereal  sijy, 
And  not  lier  steeds  and  flaming  chariot  nigh  ?  " 

Then  she — "  I  haste  to  those  remote  abodes 
Where  the  great  parents  of  the  deathless  gods. 
The  reverend  Ocean  and  gray  Tethys,  reign, 
On  the  last  limits  of  tlie  land  and  main. 
I  visit  these,  to  whose  indulgent  cares 
I  owe  the  nursing  of  my  tender  years  : 
For  strife,  I  hear,  has  made  that  union  cease 
Which  held  so  long  that  ancient  pair  in  peace. 
The  steeds,  prepared  my  chariot  to  convey 
O'er  earth  and  seas,  and  through  the  aerial  way. 
Wait  under  Ide  :  of  thy  superior  power 
To  ask  consent,  1  leave  the  Olympian  bower ; 
.Nor  seek,  unknown  to  thee,  the  sacred  cells 
Deep  under  seas,  where  hoary  Ocean  dwells." 

'•  For  that  (said  Jove)  suffice  another  day! 
But  eager  love  denies  the  least  delay. 
Let  softer  cares  the  present  hour  eniplov, 
And  be  these  moments  sacred  all  to  joy. 
Ne'er  did  my  soul  so  strong  a  passion  prove, 
Or  for  an  earthly,  or  a  heavenly  love  : 
Not  when  I  press'd  Ixion's  matchless  dame, 
Wlience  rose  Pirithous  like  the  gods  in  fame  : 
Not  when  fair  Danae  felt  the  shower  of  gold 
Stream  into  life,  whence  Perseus  brave  and  bold. 
Not  thus  I  burn'd  for  either  Theban  dame 
(Bacchus  from  this,  from  that  Alcides  came)  : 
Nor  Phoenix'  daughter,  beautiful  and  young. 
Whence  godlike  Rliadamanth  and  Minos  sprung.* 
Not  thus  I  burn'd  for  fair  Latona's  face. 
Nor  comelier  Ceres'  more  majestic  grace. 
Not  thus  even  for  thvself   I  felt  desire. 
As  now  my  veins  receive  the  pleasing  fire." 

He  spoke  ;  the  goddess  with  the  charming  eyes 


»  And  Minos.  "  By  Homer,  Minos  is  described  as  the  son  of  Jupiter,  and  of  the 
dausbter  of  Phoenix,  whom  all  succeeding  authors  name  Europa  ;  and  be  is  thus  car- 
ried b.ick  into  the  remotest  period  of  Cretan  antiquity  known  to  the  poet,  apparently 
a^  .1  native  hero,  illustrious  enough  for  a  divine  parentage,  and  too  ancient  to  allow 
his  descent  to  be  traced  to  any  other  source.  But  in  a  genealogy  recorded  by  later 
writers,  be  is  likewise  the  adopted  son  of  Asterius,  as  descendant  o'f  Dorus,  the  son  of 
Hulen,  and  is  tb«s  cnnneclert  with  a  colony  said  to  have  been  led  into  Creta  by  Tent- 
atnus,  or  Tectamus.  son  of  n..rus,  who  is  related  eilhi-r  to  have  crossed  over  from 
Thessaly.  or  to  have  eniba'ked  at  Malea  after  having  led  his  followers  by  land  into 
Locotiia."  -  Thirlwall,  o.  14&.  seq. 


306  THE  ILIAD.  IBooK  XIV- 

Glows  celestial  red,  and  thus  replies  : 

'•  Is  this  a  scene  of  love  ?     On  Ida's  hr.ight, 

Exposed  to  mortal  and  immortal  sight ! 

Our  joys  profaned  by  eacii  familiar  eye ; 

The  sport  of  lieaven,  and  f.ible  of  the  sky 

How  shall  I  e'er  review  the  blest  abodes, 

Or  mix  among  the  senate  of  the  gods  ? 

Shall  I  not  tlilnk,  that,  with  disorder'd  charms, 

All  heaven  beholds  me  recent  from  thy  arms  ? 

With  skill  divine  has  Vu'can  forni'd  thy  bower, 

Sacred  to  love  and  to  the  genial  hour ; 

If  such  thy  will,  to  that  recess  retire, 

In  secret  there  indulge  thy  soft  desire." 

She  ceased  ;  and,  smiling  with  superior  love, 
Thus  answer'd  mild  the  cloud-compelling  Jove: 
"Nor  god  nor  mortal  shall  our  joys  behold, 
Shaded  with  clouds,  and  circumfused  in  gold  ; 
Not  even  the  sun.  who  darts  through  heaven  his  rays. 
And  who.e  broad  eye  the  extended  earth  surveys." 

Gazing  he  spoke,  and,  kindling  at  the  view. 
His  eager  arms  around  the  goddess  threw. 
Glad  Earth  perceives,  and  from  her  bosom  pours 
Unbidden  herbs  and  voluntary  flowers  : 
Thick  new-born  violets  a  soft  carpet  spread. 
And  clustering  lotos  swell'd  tlie  rising  bed, 
And  sudden  hyacinths  the  turf  bestrow,  * 
And  flamy  crocus  made  the  mountain  glow. 
There  golden  clouds  conceal  the  heavenly  pair, 
Steep'd  in  soft  joys  and  circumfused  with  air; 
Celestial  dews,  descending  o'er  the  ground. 
Perfume  the  mount,  and  breathe  ambrosia  round  : 
At  length,  with  love  and  sleep's  soft  power  oppress'd. 
The  panting  thunderer  nods,  and  sinks  to  rest. 

Now  to  the  navy  borne  on  silent  wings, 
To  Neptune's  ear'soft  Sleep  his  message  brings  ; 
Beside  him  sudden,  unperceived,  he  stood, 
And  thus  with  gentle  words  address'd  the  god  : 

"  Now,  Neptune  !  now,  the  important  hour  employ, 
To  check  a  while  the  haughty  hopes  of  Troy  :_ 
Wliile  Jove  yet  rests,  while  yet  my  vapors  shed 
The  golden  vision  round  his  sacred  head  ; 
For  Juno's  love,  and  Somnus'  pleasing  ties, 
Hove  closed  those  awful  and  eternal  eyes  !  " 

•  Milton  has  eraulated  this  passage,  in  describing  the  couch  of  our  first  parents  :— 
"  Underncuh  tlie  violet, 
Crocus  anil  hyacinth  MUh  rich  iiilav, 
'Urodic-rM  the^rouiid."— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  700. 


Book  XIV]  THE  ILIAD.  30J 

Thus  having  said,  the  power  of  slumber  flew, 
On  liuman  lids  to  drop  the  balmy  dew. 
Neptune,  with  zeal  increased,  renews  his  care, 
And  towering  in  the  foremost  ranks  of  war, 

Indignant  thus "  Oh  once  of  martial  fame  ,' 

O  Greeks  !  If  yet  ye  can  deserve  the  name  ! 

This  half-recover'd  day  shall  Troy  obtain  ? 

Shall  Hector  thunder  at  your  ships  again? 

Lo  !  still  he  vaunts,  and  threats  the  Heet  with  firer 

While  stern  Achilles  in  his  wrath  retires. 

One  hero's  loss  too  tamely  you  deplore, 

Be  still  yourselves,  and  ye  shall  need  no  more. 

Oh  yet,  if  glory  any  bosom  warms, 

Brace  on  your  firmest  helms,  and  stand  to  arms : 

His  strongest  spear  each  valiant  Grecian  wield. 

Each  valiant  Grecian  seize  his  broadest  shield  ; 

Let  to  the  weak  the  lighter  arms  belong, 

The  ponderous  targe  be  wielded  by  the  strong. 

Thus  arm'd,  not  Hector  shall  our  ptesence  stay  ; 

Myself,  ye  Greeks  !  myself  will  lead  the  way." 

The  troops  assent ;  their  martial  arms  they  change  : 
The  busy  chiefs  their  banded  legions  range. 
The  kings,  though  wounded,  and  oppress'd  with  pain. 
With  helpful  hands  themselves  assist  the  train. 
The  strong  and  cumbrous  arms  the  valiant  wield, 
The  weaker  warrior  takes  a  lighter  shield. 
Thus  sheath'd  in  shining  brass,  in  bright  array 
The  legions  march,  and  Neptune  leads  the  way: 
His  brandish'd  falchion  flames  before  their  eyes. 
Like  lightning  flasliing  through  the  frighted  skies. 
Clad  in  his  might,  the  earth-shaking  power  appears; 
Pale  mortals  tremble,  and  confess  their  fears. 

Troy's  great  defender  stands  alone  unawed, 
Arms  his  proud  host,  and  dares  oppose  a  god  : 
And  lo  !  the  god,  and  wondrous  man,  appear: 
The  sea's  stern  ruler  there,  and  Hector  here. 
The  roaring  main,  at  her  great  master's  call, 
Rose  in  huge  ranks,  and  form'd  a  watery  wall 
Around  the  ships  :  seas  hanging  o'er  the  shores, 
Both  armies  join  ;  earth  thunders,  ocean  roars. 
Not  half  so  loud  the  bellowing  deeps  resound. 
When  stormy  winds  disclose  the  dark  profound; 
Less  loud  the  winds  that  from  the  .lEolian  hall 
Roar  through  the  woods,  and  make  whole  foiests  fall  \ 
Less  loud  the  woods,  when  flames  in  torrents  pour, 
Catch  the  dry  mountain,  and  its  shades  devour: 
With  •>uch  a  rage  the  meeting  hosts  are  driven, 


3oS  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIV. 

And  such  a  clamor  shakes  the  sounding  heaven. 

The  first  bold  javelm,  urged  by  Hector's  force 

Direct  at  Ajax'  bosom  winged  its  course  : 

Uut  there  no  pass  the  crossing  belts  afford 

(One  braced  liis  shield,  and  one  sustain'd  his  sword). 

Then  back  the  disappointed  Trojan  drew, 

And  cursed  the  lance  that  unavailing  flew : 

But  'scaped  not  Ajax  ;  his  tempestuous  hand 

A  ponderous  stone  upheaving  from  the  sand 

(When:  heaps  laid  loose  beneath  the  warrior's  feet, 

Or  served  to  ballast,  or  to  prop  the  fleet), 

Toss'd  round  and  round,  the  missive  marble  flings; 

On  the  razed  shield  the  fallen  ruin  rings, 

Full  on  his  breast  and  throat  with  force  descends; 

Nor  deaden'd  tliere  its  giddy  fury  spends, 

But  whirling  on,  with  many  a  fiery  round. 

Smokes  in  the  dust,  and  ploughs  into  the  grounj. 

As  when  the  bolt,  red-hissing  from  above, 

Darts  on  the  consecrated  plant  of  Jove, 

The  mountain-oak  in  flaming  ruin  lies. 

Black  from  the  blow,  and  smokes  of  suljihur  rise; 

Stiff  with  amaze  the  pale  beholders  stand. 

And  own  the  terrors  of  (he  almighty  hand  ! 

So  lies  great  Hector  piostrate  on  the  shore  ; 

His  slacken'd  hand  deserts  the  lance  it  bore ; 

His  following  shield  the  fallen  chief  o'erspread  ; 

Beneath  his  helmet  dropp'd  his  fainting  head  ; 

His  load  of  armor,  sinking  to  the  ground. 

Clanks  on  the  field,  a  dead  and  hollow  sound. 

Loud  shouts  of  triumph  fill  the  crowded  plain  ■ 

Greece  sees,  in  hope,  Troy's  great  defender  slain  : 

All  spring  to  seize  him  ;  storms  of  arrows  fly, 

And  thicker  javelins  intercept  the  sky. 

In  vain  an  iron  tempest  hisses  round  ; 

He  lies  protected,  and,  w^ithout  a  wound.* 

Polydamas,  Agenor  the  divine, 

The  pious  warrior  of  Anchises'  line. 

And  each  bold  leader  of  the  Lycian  band, 

With  covering  shields  (a  friendly  circle)  stand. 

His  mournful  followers,  with  ;.ssistant  care, 

•  He  lies  protected. 

"  Fortlnvilh  on  all  sides  to  his  aid  was  run 
By  angels  many  and  strong,  who  interpos'd 
Defence,  while  others  bore  him  on  their  shields 
Back  to  his  chariot,  where  it  stood  retir'd 
From  off  the  files  of  war  :  tiiere  they  him  laid, 
Gnashing  for  anguish,  and  despite,  and  shame." 

*'  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  335,  tea. 


Book  XIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  309 

The  groaning  liero  to  his  cliariot  bear ; 

His  foaming  coursers,  swifter  than  the  wind, 

Speed  to  the  town,  and  leave  the  war  behind. 

When  now  they  touch 'ti  the  mead's  enamell'd  side, 
Where  gentle  Xanthus  rolls  his  easy  tide, 
With  watery  drops  the  chief  they  sprinkle  round, 
Placed  on  the  margin  of  the  ilowery  ground. 
Raised  on  his  knees,  he  now  ejects  the  gore  ; 
Now  faints  anew,  low-sinking  on  the  shore: 
By  fits  he  breathes,  half  views  the  fleeting  skies, 
And  seals  again,  by  fits,  his  swimming  eyes. 

Soon  as  tlie  Greeks  the  chief's  retreat  beheld, 
With  double  fury  each  invades  the  field. 
Oilean  Ajax  first  his  javelin  sped, 
Pierced  by  whose  point  the  son  of  Enops  bled 
(Satnius  the  brave,  whom  beauteous  Nets  bore 
Amidst  her  flocks  on  Satnio's  silver  shore)  ; 
Struck  through  the  belly's  rim,  the  warrior  lies 
Supine,  and  shades  eternal  veil  his  eyes. 

An  arduous  battle  rose  around  the  dead : 
By  turns  the  Greeks,  by  turns  the  Trojans  bled. 
Fired  with  revenge,  Polydamas  drew  near, 

And  at  Prothcenor  shook  the  trembling  spear; 

The  driving  javelin  through  his  shoulder  thrust, 
He  sinks  to  earth,  and  grasps  the  bloody  dust. 

"  Lo  thus  (the  victor  cries)  we  rule  the  field, 

And  thus  their  arms  the  race  of  Panthus  wield  : 

From  this  unerring  hand  there  flies  no  dart 

But  bathes  its  point  within  a  Grecian  heart. 

Propp'd  on  tliat  spear  to  which  thou  owest  thy  fall, 

Go,  guide  thy  darksome  steps  to  Pluto's  dreary  hall.' 
He  said,  and  sorrow  touch'd  each  Argive  breast: 

The  soul  of  .A.jax  burn'd  above  the  rest. 

As  by  his  side  the  groaning  warrior  fell. 

At  the  fierce  foe  he  launch'd  his  piercing  steel  ; 

The  foe,  reclining,  shunn'd  the  flying  death  ; 

But  fate,  Archilochus,  demands  thy  breath  : 

Thy  lofty  birth  no  succor  could  impart, 

The  wings  of  death  o'ertook  thee  on  the  dart; 

Swift  to  perform  heaven's  fatal  will,  it  fled 

Full  on  the  juncture  of  the  neck  and  head. 

And  took  the  joint,  and  cut  the  nerves  in  twain; 

The  dropping  head  first  tumbled  on  the  plain. 

So  just  the  stroke,  that  yet  the  body  stood 

Erect,  then  roU'd  along  the  sands  in  blood. 
"  Here,  proud  Polydamas,  here  turn  thy  eyea! 

(The  towering  Ajax  loud-insulting  cries  :) 


316  THE  ILIAD.  [I".niv  XIV- 

Say,  is  tliis  chief  extended  on  tl.e  plain 

A  worthy  vengeance  for  Prothcenor  slain  ? 

Mark  well  his  port  !  liis  figure  and  his  face 

Nor  speak  him  vulgar,  nor  of  vulgar  race  ; 

Some  lines,  methinks,  may  make  his  lineage  known, 

Antenor's  brother,  or  perhaps  his  son." 

He  spake,  and  smiled  severe,  for  well  he  knew 
The  bleeding  youth  ;  Troy  sadden'd  at  the  view. 
But  furious  Acanias  avenged  his  cause  ; 
As  Promachus  his  slaughtered  brother  draws, 

He  pierced  his  heart "  Such  fate  attends  you  all, 

Proud  Argives  !  destined  by  our  arms  to  fall. 
Not  Troy  alone,  but  haughty  Greece,  shall  share 
The  toils,  the  sorrows,  and  the  wounds  of  war. 
Behold  your  Promachus  deprived  of  breath, 
A  victim  owed  to  my  brave  brother's  death. 
Not  unappeased  he  enters  Pluto's  gate, 
Who  leaves  a  brother  to  revenge  his  fate." 

Heart-piercing  anguish  struck  the  Grecian  host. 
But  touch'd  the  breast  of  boki  Peneleus  most; 
At  the  proud  boaster  he  directs  his  course  ; 
The  boaster  flies,  and  shuns  superior  force. 
But  young  llioneus  received  the  spear; 
Ilioneus,  his  father's  only  care 
(Phorbas  the  rich,  of  all  the  Trojan  train 
Whom  Hermes  loved,  and  taught  the  arts  of  gain) : 
Full  in  his  eye  the  weapon  chanced  to  fall. 
And  from  the  fibres  scoop'd  the  rooted  ball. 
Drove  through  the  neck,  and  hurl'd  him  to  the  plain  -, 
He  lifts  his  miserable  arms  in  vain  ! 
Swift  his  broad  falchion  fierce  Peneleus  spread. 
And  from  the  spouting  shoulders  struck  his  head  ; 
To  earth  at  once  tlic  head  and  helmet  fly  ; 
The  lance,  yet  slicking  through  the  bleeding  eye. 
The  victor  seized  ;  and,  as  aloft  he  shook 
The  gory  visage,  thus  insulting  spoke  . 

"  Trojans  !  your  great  Ilioneus  behold  ! 
Haste,  to  his  father  let  the  tale  be  told  : 
Let  his  high  roofs  resound  with  frantic  woe, 
Sucli  as  tlie  house  of  Promachus  must  know  ; 
Let  doleful  tidings  greet  his  mother's  ear. 
Such  as  to  Promachus'  sad  spouse  we  bear, 
When  we  victorious  shall  to  Greece  return. 
And  the  pale  matron  in  our  triumphs  mourn.  ' 

Dreadful  he  spoke,  then  toss'd  the  head  on  high; 
The  Trojans  hear,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly  : 
Aghast  they  gaze  around  th«  fleet  and  wall. 


Book  XI  v.]  THE  ILIAD.  3' I 

And  dread  the  ruin  that  impends  on  all. 

Daughters  of  Jove  !  that  on  Olympus  shine, 
Ye  all-beholding,  all-recording  nine: 
O  say,  when  Neptune  made  proud  Ilion  yield. 
What  chief,  what  hero  first  enibrued  the  field  ? 
Of  all  the  Grecians  what  immortal  name, 
And  whose  bless'd  trophies,  will  ye  raise  to  fame  ? 

Thou  first,  great  Ajax  !  on  the  ensanguined  plaia 
Laid  Hyrtius,  leader  of  the  Mysian  train, 
Phalces  and  Mermer,  Nestor's  son  o'erthrew 
Bold  Merion,  Morys  and  Hi])potion  slew. 
Strong  Periphastes  and  Prothoon  bled, 
By  Teucer's  arrows  mingled  witli  the  dead, 
Pierced  in  the  flank  by  Menelaiis'  steel, 
His  people's  pastor,  Hyperenor  fell; 
Eternal  darkness  wrapp'd  tlie  warrior  round. 
And  the  fierce  soul  came  rushing  through  the  wound. 
But  stretch'd  in  heaps  before  Oileus'  son. 
Fall  mighty  numbers,  mighty  numbers  run ; 
Ajax  the  less,  of  all  the  Grecian  race 
Skill'd  in  pursuit,  and  swiftest  in  the  cho&e. 


312 


THE  ILIAD.  IUuOkXV. 


BOOK   XV. 

ARGUMENT. 

.H«  FIFTH   BATTLB  AT   THE   SHIPS;   AND  THB  ACTS  Of    AJAX. 

Tnpiter,  awaking,  sees  the  Trojans  repulsed  from  the  trenches.  Hector  in  a  swoori, 
'  ind  Neptune  at  the  head  of  the  Greeks:  he  is  h.ghly  incensed  at  the  artifice  of 
Juno,  ivlio  appeases  him  by  her  submissions  ;  she  is  then  sent  to  Iris  and  Apollo. 
Juno  repairing  to  tlie  assembly  of  the  gods,  attempts,  with  extraordinary  address 
to  incense  them  against  Jupiter  ;  in  particular  she  touches  Mars  with  a  v.,.lent 
resentment  ;  he  is  ready  to  take  arms,  but  is  prevented  by  Minerva,  '"s  and 
Apollo  obey  the  orders  of  Jupiter  ;  Iris  commands  Neptune  to  leave  th.:  battle,  to 
which,  after  much  reluctance  and  passion,  he  consents.     Apollo  reinspires  Hec.or 


...th  vigor,  brings  him  back  to  the  battle,  marches  before  him  with  his  sgis,  .id 
turns  the  fortuul  of  the  fight.     He  breaks  down  great  part  of  the  Grecian  wall 
the  Trojans  rush  in  and  attempt  to  fire  the  first  line  of  the  fleet,  but  a>«,  as  yet, 
repelled  by  the  greater  Ajax  with  a  prodigious  slaughter. 

Now  in  swift  flight  they  pass  the  trench  profound, 
And  many  a  chief  lav  gasping  on  the  ground  : 
Then  stopp'd  and  panted,  wliere  the  cliariots  lie, 
Fear  on  their  cheek,  and  horror  in  their  eye. 
Meanwhile,  awaken'd  from  his  dream  of  love, 
On  Ida's  summit  sat  imperi.al  Jove  : 
Round  the  wide  fields  he  cast  a  careful  view. 
There  saw  the  Trojans  fly,  the  Greeks  pursue; 
These  proud  in  arms,  those  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain. 
And,  'midst  the  war,  the  monarch  of  the  main. 
Not  far,  great  Hector  on  the  dust  he.spies 
(His  sad  associates  round  with  weeping  eyes^ 
Ejecting  blood,  and  panting  yet  for  breath, 
His  senses  wandering  to  the  verge  of  death. 
The  god  beheld  him  with  a  pitying  look, 
And  thus,  incensed,  to  fraudful  Juno  spoke  : 
"O  thou,  still  adverse  to  the  eternal  will. 
Forever  studious  in  promoting  ill  ! 
Thy  arts  have  made  the  godlike  Hector  yield, 
And  driven  his  conquering  squadrons  from  the  field 
Canst  thou,  unhappy  in  thy  wiles,  withstand 
Our  power  immense,  and  brave  the  almighty  hand  ? 
Hast  thou  forgot,  when,  bound  and  fix'd  on  high, 
From  the  vast  concave  of  the  spangled  sky, 
I  hung  thee  trembling  in  a  golden  chain, 


rouKXV]  THE  ILIAD.  3'3 

And  all  the  raging  gods  opposed  in  vain  ? 
Headlong  I  hurl'd  them  from  the  Olympian  hall, 
Stunn'd  in  the  whirl,  and  breathless  with  the  fall. 
For  godlike  Hercules  these  deeds  were  done, 
Nor  seem'd  the  vengeance  worthy  such  a  son  : 
When,  by  thy  wiles  induced,  fierce  Boreas  toss'd 
The  chipwreck'd  hero  on  the  Coan  coast. 
Him  through  a  thousand  forms  of  death  I  bore, 
And  sent  to  Argos,  and  his  native  shore. 
Hear  this,  remember,  and  our  fury  dread, 
Nor  pull  the  unwilling  vengeance  on  thy  head ; 
Lest  arts  and  blandishments  successless  prove. 
Thy  soft  deceits,  and  well-dissembled  love." 

The  Thunderer  spoke  :  imperial  Juno  mourn'd, 
And,  trembling,  these  submissive  words  return 'd: 

"  By  every  oath  that  powers  immortal  ties. 
The  foodful  earth  and  all-infolding  skies  ; 
By  tliy  black  waves,  tremendous  Styx  !  that  flow 
Through  the  drear  realms  of  gliding  ghosts  below; 
By  the  dread  honors  of  thy  sacred  head, 
And  that  unbroken  vow,  our  virgin  bed ! 
Not  by  my  arts  the  ruler  of  the  main 
Steeps  Troy  in  blood,  and  ranges  round  the  plain: 
By  his  own  ardor,  his  own  pity  sway'd, 
To  help  his  Greeks,  he  fought  and  disobey'd  : 
Else  had  thy  Juno  better  counsels  given. 
And  taught  submission  to  the  sire  of  heaven." 

"Think'st  thou  with  me  ?  fair  empress  of  the  skies' 
(The  immortal  father  with  a  smile  replies  ;) 
Then  soon  the  haughty  sea-god  shall  obey, 
Nor  dare  to  act  but  when  we  point  the  way. 
If  truth  inspires  thy  tongue,  proclaim  our  will 
To  yon  bright  synod  on  the  Olympian  hill ; 
Our  liigh  decree  let  various  Iris  know. 
And  call  the  god  that  bears  the  silver  bow. 
Let  her  descend,  and  from  the  embattled  plain 
Command  the  sea-god  to  his  watery  reign  : 
While  Phoebus  hastes  great  Hector  to  prepare 
To  rise  afresh,  and  once  more  wake  the  wai": 
His  laboring  bosom  re-inspires  with  breath, 
And  calls  his  senses  from  the  verge  of  death. 
Greece  chased  by  Troy,  even  to  Achilles'  fleet, 
Shall  fall  by  thousands  at  the  hero's  feet. 
He,  not  untouch'd  with  pity,  to  the  plain 
Shall  send  Patroclus.  but  shall  send  in  vain. 
What  youths  he  slaughters  under  Dion's  walls! 
Even  my  loved  son,  divine  Sarpedon  falls  ! 


314  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV 


Vanquish'd  at  last  by  Hector's  lance  he  lies. 

Then,  nor  till  then,  shall  great  Achilles  rise  : 

And  lo  !  that  instant,  godlike  Hector  dies. 

From  that  great  hour  the  war's  whole  fortune  turni, 

Pallas  assists,  and  lofty  llion  burns. 

Not  till  that  day  shall  Jove  relax  his  rage, 

Nor  one  of  all  the  heavenly  host  engage 

In  aid  of  Greece.     The  promise  of  a  god 

I  gave,  and  seal'd  it  with  the  almighty  nod, 

Achilles'  glory  to  the  stars  to  raise  ; 

Such  wasour  word,  and  fate  the  word  obeys." 

The  trembling  queen  (the  almighty  order  given; 
Swift  from  the  Idsan  summit  shot  to  heaven. 
As  some  wayfaring  man,  who  wanders  o'er 
In  thought  a  length  of  lands  he  trod  before. 
Sends  forth  his  active  mind  from  place  to  plac9, 
)oins  hill  to  dale,  and  measures  space  with  space: 
So  .'■wift  flew  Juno  to  the  bless'd  abodes. 
If  thought  of  man  can  match  the  speed  of  gods. 
There  sat  the  powers  in  awful  synod  placed  ; 
They  bow'd,  and  made  obeisance  as  she  pass'd 
Through  all  the  brazen  dome  :*  with  goblets  crown 
They  hail  her  queen ;  the  nectar  streams  around. 
Fair  Themis  first  presents  the  golden  bowl. 
And  an.xious  asks  what  cares  disturb  her  soul  ? 

To  whom  the  white-arm'd  goddess  thus  replies 
"  Enough  thou  know'st  the  tyrant  of  the  skies, 
Severely  bent  his  purpose  to  fulfil. 
Unmoved  liis  mind,  and  unrestrain'd  his  will. 
Go  thou,  the  feasts  of  heaven  attend  thy  call  ; 
Bid  the  crown'd  nectar  circle  round  the  hall  : 
But  Jove  shall  thunder  through  the  ethereal  dome 
Such  stern  decrees,  such  tlireaten'd  woes  to  come. 
As  soon  shall  freeze  mankind  with  dire  surprise. 
And  damp  the  eternal  banquets  of  the  skies." 

The  goddess  said,  and  sullen  took  her  place ; 
Black  horror  sadden'd  eacli  celestial  face. 
To  see  the  gathering  grudge  in  every  breast. 
Smiles  on  her  lips  a  spleenful  joy  express'd; 
While  on  her  wrinkled  front,  and  eyebrow  bent, 
Sat  steadfast  care,  and  lowering  discontent. 
Thus  she  proceeds — "  Attend,  ye  powers  above! 
But  know,  'tis  madness  to  contest  with  Jove  : 
Supreme  he  sits  ;  and  sees,  in  pride  of  sway, 
Your  vassal  godheads  grudgingly  obey  : 

•     Thi  brazen  dome.    See  the  nou  ou  Bk.  viii.  p.  141. 


3K  XV  I  THE  ILIAD.  315 

Fierce  in  the  majesty  of  power  controls  ; 

Shakes  all  the  thrones  of  heaven,  and  bends  the  poles. 

Submiss,  immortals  !  all  he  wills,  obey  : 

And  thou,  great  Mars,  begin  and  show  the  way. 

Behold  Ascalaphus  !  behold  him  die, 

But  dare  not  murmur,  dare  not  vent  a  sigh ; 

Thy  own  loved  boasted  offspring  lies  o'erthrown,  ; 

If  that  loved  boasted  offspring  be  thy  own." 

Stern  Mars,  with  anguish  for  his  slaughter'd  son, 
Smote  his  rebelling  breast,  and  fierce  begun  : 
"  Thus  then,  immortals  !  thus  shall  Mars  obey  ; 
Forgive  me,  gods,  and  yield  my  vengeance  way; 
Descending  first  to  yon  forbidden  plain,' 
The  god  of  battles  dares  avenge  the  slain  ; 
Dares,  though  the  thunder  bursting  o'er  my  head 
Should  hurl  me  blazing  on  those  heaps  of  dead." 

With  that  he  gives  command  to  Fear  and  Flight 
To  join  his  rapid  coursers  for  the  fight : 
Then  grim  in  arms,  with  hasty  vengeance  flies  ; 
Arms  that  reflect  a  radiance  through  the  skies. 
And  now  had  Jove,  by  bold  rebellion  driven, 
Discharged  his  wrath  on  half  the  host  of  heaven  ; 
But  Pallas,  springing  through  the  bright  abode, 
Starts  from  her  azure  throne  to  calm  the  god. 
Struck  for  the  immortal  race  with  timely  fear. 
From  frantic  Mars  she  snatch 'd  the  shield  and  spear: 
Then  the  huge  helmet  lifting  from  his  head, 
Thus  to  the  impetuous  homicide  she  said  : 

"  By  what  wild  passion,  furious  !  art  thou  toss'd  ? 
Striv'st  thou  with  Jove  .''  thou  art  already  lost. 
Shall  not  the  Thunderer's  dread  command  restrain, 
And  was  imperial  Juno  heard  in  vain  ? 
Back  to  the  skies  wouldst  thou  with  shame  be  driven, 
And  in  thy  guilt  involve  the  host  of  heaven .'' 
I  lion  and  Greece  no  more  should  Jove  engage, 
Tlie  skies  would  yield  an  ampler  scene  of  rage; 
Guilty  and  guiltless  find  an  equal  fate 
And  one  vast  ruin  whelm  the  Olympian  state. 
Cease  then  thy  offspring's  death  unjust  to  call ; 
Heroes  as  great  have  died,  and  yet  shall  fall. 
Why  should  heaven's  law  with  foolish  man  comply, 
Exempted  from  the  race  ordain'd  to  die  ?  " 

This  menace  fi.x'd  the  warrior  to  his  throne ; 
Sullen  he  sat,  and  curb'd  the  rising  groan. 
Then  Juno  call'd  (Jove's  orders  to  obey) 
The  winged  Iris,  and  the  god  of  day. 
"  Go  wait  the  Thunderer's  will  (baturnia  cried) 


THE  ILJAIX  |BiiuK  : 

On  yon  tall  summit  of  the  fountful  kle  : 
There  in  the  father's  awful  presence  stand, 
Receive,  and  execute  his  dread  command." 

She  said,  and  sat ;  the  god  that  gilds  the  day, 
And  various  Iris,  wing  their  airy  way. 
Swift  as  the  wind,  to  Ida's  hills  they  came 
(Fair  nurse  of  fountains,  and  of  savage  game), 
Tliere  sat  the  eternal ;  he  whose  nod  controls 
The  trembling  world,  and  shakes  the  steady  poles. 
■Veil'd  in  a  mist  of  fragrance  him  they  found. 
With  clouds  of  gold  and  purple  circled  round. 

Well-pleased  the  Thunderer  saw  their  earnest  cars, 
And  prompt  obedience  to  the  queen  of  air ; 
Then  (while  a  smile  serenes  his  awful  brow) 

Commands  the  goddess  of  the  showery  bow : 
"  Iris  :  descend,  and  what  we  here  ordain, 

Report  to  yon  mad  tyrant  of  the  main. 

Bid  him  from  fight  to  his  own  deeps  repair, 

Or  breathe  from  slaughter  in  the  fields  of  air. 

If  he  refuse,  then  let  him  timely  weigh 

Our  elder  birthright,  and  superior  sway. 

How  shall  his  rashness  stand  the  dire  alarms, 

If  heaven's  omnipotence  descend  in  arms  .'' 

Strives  he  with  me,  by  whom  his  power  was  given, 

And  is  there  equal  to  the  lord  of  heaven .? " 

The  all-mighty  spoke;  the  goddess  wing'd  her  flight 

To  sacred  llion  from  the  Idsan  height. 

Swift  as  the  rattling  hail,  or  fleecy  snows, 

Drive  through  the  skies,  when  Boreas  fiercely  blows: 

So  from  the  clouds  descending  Iris  falls. 

And  to  blue  Neptune  thus  the  goddess  calls : 
"  Attend  tlie  mandate  of  the  sire  above  1 

In  me  behold  the  messenger  of  Jove  : 

He  bids  thee  from  forbidden  wars  repair 

To  thine  own  deeps,  or  to  tlie  fields  of  air. 

This  if  refused,  he  bids  thee  timely  weigh 

His  elder  birthright,  and  superior  sway. 

How  shall  thy  rashness  stand  the  dire  alarms 

If  heaven's  omnipotence  descend  in  arms  ? 

Striv'st  thou  with  him  by  whom  all  power  is  (jiven? 

And  art  thou  equal  to  the  lord  of  heaven?  " 

"  What  means  the  haughty  sovereign  of  tKe  skips.' 

(The  king  of  ocean  thus, "incensed,  replies) 
Rule  as  he  will  his  portion'd  realms  on  higlij 
No  vassal  god,  nor  of  his  train,  am  I. 
Three  brother  deities  from  Saturn  came. 
And  ancient  Rhea,  earth's  immortal  dame ; 


Ljuic  XV]  THE  J  LI  AD.  31; 

Assign'd  by  lot,  our  triple  rule  we  know , 
Infernal  I'liito  sways  the  shades  below; 
O'er  the  wide  clouds,  and  o'er  the  starry  plain, 
Ethereal  Jove  extends  his  higli  domain  ; 
My  court  beneath  the  hoary  waves  J  keep. 
And  hush  the  roarings  of  the  sacred  deep; 
Olympus,  and  tliis  earth,  in  common  lie  : 
What  claim  has  here  the  t)rant  of  the  sky  ? 
Y21X  in  the  distant  clouds  let  him  control, 
And  awe  the  younger  brothers  of  the  pole  ; 
There  to  his  children  his  commands  be  given, 
The  trembling,  servile,  second  race  of  heaven." 

"  And  must  I  then  (said  she),  O  sire  of  floods  ! 
Bear  this  fierce  answer  to  the  king  of  gods  ? 
Correct  it  yet,  and  change  thy  rash  intent; 
A  noble  mind  disdains  not  to  repent. 
To  elder  brothers  guardian  fiends  are  given. 
To  scourge  the  wretch  insulting  them  and  heaven." 

"Great  is  the  profit  (tlius  the  god  rejoin'd) 
When  ministers  are  blest  willi  (jrudent  mind  : 
Warn'd  by  thy  words,  to  powerful  Jove  I  yield, 
And  quit,  though  angry,  the  contended  field: 
^fot  but  his  threats  with  justice  1  disclaim, 
'i  he  same  our  Imnors,  and  our  birth  the  same. 
If  vet,  forgetful  of  his  promise  given 
To  Hermes,  Pallas,  ind  the  queen  of  heaven, 
To  favor  llion,  that  perfidious  place, 
He  breaks  his  faith  with  half  the  ethereal  race; 
Give  him  to  know,  unless  the  Grecian  train 
Lay  yon  proud  structures  level  with  the  plain, 
Howe'er  the  offence  by  other  gods  be  pass'd, 
The  wrath  of  Neptune  shall  forever  last." 

Thus  speaking,  furious  from  the  field  he  strode, 
And  plunged  into  the  bosom  of  the  flood. 
The  lord  of  thunders,  from  his  lofty  hoight 
Beheld,  and  thus  bespoke  tlie  source  of  light : 

"  Behold  I  the  god  wliose  liquid  <.rms  are  huri'd 
Around  the  globe,  whose  eartliquakes  rock  the  world, 
Desists  at  length  his  rebel-war  to  wage. 
Seeks  his  own  seas,  and  trembles  at  our  rage  ; 
Else  had  my  wrath,  heaven's  thrones  all  shaking  round, 
Burn'd  to  the  bottom  of  his  seas  profound  • 
And  all  the  gods  that  round  old  Saturn  dwell 
Had  heard  the  thunders  to  the  deeps  of  hell. 
Well  was  the  crime,  and  well  the  vengeance  spared; 
Even  power  immense  had  found  such  battle  hard. 
Go  thou,  my  son  !  the  trembling  Greeks  alarm, 


3i3  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV, 

Shake  my  broad  Jegis  on  thy  active  arm, 

Be  godlike  Hector  thy  peculiar  care, 

Swell  liis  bold  heart,  and  urge  his  strength  to  war ; 

Let  Ilion  conquer,  till  the  Achaian  train 

Fly  to  their  ships  and  Hellespont  again  : 

Then  Greece  shall  breathe  from  toils."  The  godhead  iaid,' 

His  will  divine  the  son  of  Jove  obey'd. 

Not  half  so  swift  the  sailing  falcon  flies. 

That  drives  a  turtle  through  the  liquid  skies, 

As  Phoebus,  shooting  from  the  Idn:an  brow, 

Glides  down  the  mountain  to  the  plain  below. 

There  Hector  seated  by  the  stream  he  sees, 

His  sense  returning  with  the  coming  breeze  ; 

Again  his  pulses  beat,  his  spirits  rise  ; 

Again  his  loved  companions  meet  his  eyes ; 

Jove  thinking  of  his  pains,  they  pass'd  away, 

To  whom  the  god  who  gives  the  golden  day  : 

"  Why  sits  great  Hector  from  the  field  so  far  ? 
What  grief,  what  wound,  withholds  thee  from  the  v»ar?" 

The  fainting  hero,  as  tlie  vision  bright 
Stood  shining  o'er  him,  half  unseal'd  his  sight : 

"  What  blest  immortal,  with  commanding  breath. 
Thus  wakens  Hector  from  tlie  sleep  of  death  ? 
Has  fame  not  told,  how,  while  my  trusty  sword 
Bathed  Greece  in  slaughter,  and  her  battle  gored, 
The  mighty  Ajax  with  a  deadly  blow 
Had  alinost  sunk  me  to  the  shades  below  ? 
Even  yet,  methinks,  the  gliding  ghosts  I  spy. 
And  hell's  black  horrors  swim  before  my  eye." 

To  him  Apollo  :  "  Be  no  more  dismay'd  ; 
See,  and  be  strong!  the  Thunderer  sends  thee  aid, 
Behold  !  thy  Phoebus  shall  his  arms  employ, 
Phoebus,  propitious  still  to  thee  and  Troy. 
Inspire  thy  warriors  then  with  manly  force, 
And  to  the  ships  impel  thy  rapid  horse  : 
Even  I  will  make  thy  fiery  coursers  way, 
And  drive  the  Grecians  headlong  to  the  sea." 

Thus  to  bold  Hector  spoke  the  son  of  Jove, 
And  breathed  immortal  ardor  from  above. 
As  when  the  pamper'd  steed,  with  reins  unbound. 
Breaks  from  his  stall,  and  pours  along  the  ground, 
With  ample  strokes  he  rushes  to  the  flood, 
To  bathe  his  sides,  and  cool  his  fiery  blood  ; 
His  head,  now  freed,  he  tosses  to  the  skies  ; 
His  mane  dishevell'd  o'er  his  shoulders  flies; 
He  snuffs  the  females  in  the  well-known  plain. 
And  springs,  exulting,  to  his  fields  again  ; 


\ 


Book  XV.]  THE  ILfAD.  319 

Urged  by  the  voice  divine,  thus  Hector  flew, 

Full  of  the  god  ;  and  all  his  hosts  pursue. 

As  when  the  force  of  men  and  dogs  combined 

Invade  the  mountain  goat,  or  branching  hind; 

Far  from  the  hunter's  range  secure  they  lie 

Close  in  the  rock  (not  fated  yet  to  die) 

When  lo  !  a  lion  shoots  across  the  way  ! 

They  fiy  :  at  once  the  chasers  and  the  prey. 

So  Greece,  that  late  in  conquering  troops  pursued, 

And  mark'd  their  progress  through  the  ranks  in  blood. 

Soon  as  they  see  the  furious  chief  appear, 

Forget  to  vanquish,  and  consent  to  fear. 

Thoas  with  grief  observed  his  dreadful  course,   ■ 
Thoas,  the  bravest  of  the  /Etolian  force  ; 
Skill'd  to  direct  the  javelin's  distant  flight, 
And  bold  to  combat  in  the  standing  fight, 
Not  more  in  councils  famed  for  solid  sense. 
Than  winning  words  and  heavenly  eloquence. 
'•Gods!  what  portent  (he  cried)  these  eyes  invades? 
Lo  !  Hector  rises  from  the  .Stygian  shades  ! 
We  saw  him,  late,  by  thundering  Ajax  kill'd  : 
What  god  restores  him  to  the  frighted  field ; 
And  not  content  that  half  of  Greece  lie  slain, 
Pours  new  destruction  on  her  sons  again  ? 
He  comes  not,  Jove  !  without  thy  powerful  will; 
Lo  !  still  he  lives,  pursues,  and  conquers  still ! 
Yet  hear  my  counsel,  and  his  worst  withstand: 
The  Greeks'  main  body  to  the  fleet  command; 
But  let  the  few  whom  brisker  spirits  warm. 
Stand  the  first  onset,  and  provoke  the  storm. 
Thus  point  your  arms  :  and  when  such  foes  appear. 
Fierce  as  he  is,  let  Hector  learn  to  fear." 

The  warrior  spoke  ;  the  listening  Greeks  obey, 
Thickening  their  ranks,  and  form  a  deep  array. 

Each  Ajax,  Teucer,  Merion  gave  command. 
The  valiant  leader  of  the  Cretan  band  ; 
And  Mars-like  Megcs  :  tliese  the  chiefs  excite, 
Approach  the  foe,  and  meet  the  coming  fight. 
Behind,  unnumber'd  multitudes  attend. 
To  flank  the  navy,  and  the  shores  defend. 
Full  on  the  front  the  pressing  Trojans  bear, 
And  Hector  first  came  towering  to  the  war. 
Phoebus  himself  the  rushing  battle  led  ; 
A  veil  of  clouds  involved  his  radiant  head  : 
High  held  before  him,  Jove's  enormous  shield 
Portentous  shone,  and  shaded  all  the  field; 
Vulcan  to  Jove  the  immortal  gift  consign'd. 


j-so  THE  TUAD.  |Book  XV. 

To  scatter  hosts  and  terrify  mankind. 

The  Creeks  exptct  the  shock,  the  clamors  i  ise 

K.'om  different  p.i.'ls,  and  mingle  in  the  skie ;. 

Dire  w.is  the  hiss  of  darts,  by  heroes  flung, 

And  arrows  leapinjj  from  the  bow-string  sun^; 

These  drink  tlie  lift  of  generous  warriors  slain: 

Those  guiltless  fall,  ;,nd  thirst  for  blood  in  vain. 

As  long  as  Phoebus  bore  unmoved  the  shield, 

Sat  doubtful  conquest  hovering  o'er  the  field  ; 

But  when  aloft  he  shakes  it  in  the  skies, 

Shouts  in  their  ears,  a.id  lightens  in  their  eye?, 

Deep  horror  seizes  evejy  Grecian  breast. 

Their  force  is  humbled,  and  their  fear  confess'.i. 

So  flies  a  herd  of  oxen,  >;catter'd  wide. 

No  swain  to  guard  them,  and  no  dav  to  guide, 

Wlien  two  fell  lions  from  the  mountain  come. 

And  spread  the  carnage  through  the  shady  gloo.n. 

Impending  Phoebus  pours  around  them  fear. 

And  Troy  and  Hector  thunder  in  the  rear. 

Heaps  fall  on  heaps  :  the  slaughter  Hector  leads. 

First  great  Arcesilas,  then  Stichius  bleeds  ; 

One  to  the  bold  Boeotians  ever  dear, 

And  one  Menestheus'  friend  and  famed  compeer. 

Medon  and  (asus,  /Eneas  sped; 

This  sprang  from  Phelus,  and  the  Athenians  led; 

Pint  hapless  Medon  from  Oile  is  came  ; 

Him  Ajax  honor'd  with  a  brother's  name, 

Tliough  born  of  lawless  love  :  from  home  expell'd, 

A  banish'd  man,  in  Phylace  he  ^well'd, 

Press'd  by  tlie  vengeance  of  an  angry  wife; 

Troy  ends  at  last  his  labors  and  his  life. 

Mecystes  next  Polydamas  o'erthrew; 

And  thee,  brave  Clonius,  great  Agenor  slew. 

By  Paris,  Deiochus  inglorious  dies, 

Pierced  through  the  shoulder  as  he  basely  flies. 

Polites'  arm  laid  Echius  on  the  plain  : 

Stretch'd  on  one  heap,  the  victors  spoil  tlw  slain. 

The  Greeks  dismay'd,  confused,  disperse  or  fall, 

Some  seek  the  trench,  some  skulk  behind  the  wall. 

While  these  fly  tremlijng,  others  pant  for  breath, 

And  o'er  the  slaughter  stalks  gigantic  death. 

On  rush'd  bold  Hector,  gloomy  as  the  night; 

Forbids  to  plunder,  animates  the  fight, 

Points  to  the  fleet :  "  For,  by  the  gods  !  who  flies,* 


»  Far,  by  Ihe  ;,-r>,/j  '  tc/;<>  lliei.     Observe  tlie  bnltl  ellipsis   of  "  lie   cries,"  and  tlu 
fir^sition  from  ihe  direct  to  the  ublique 


»OOK  XV I  THE  //.TAD.  32J 

Who  dares  but  linger,  by  this  hand  he  dies ; 

No  weeping  sister  his  cold  eye  shall  close, 

No  friendly  hand  his  funeral  pyre  compose. 

Who  stops  to  plunder  at  this  signal  Iiour, 

The  birds  shall  tear  him,  and  the  dogs  devour." 

Furious  he  said;  the  smarting  scourge  resounds  ; 

The  coursers  fly  ;  the  smoking  chariot  bounds  ; 

The  hosts  rush  on;  loud  clamors  shake  tlie  sliorc; 

The  horses  thunder,  earth  and  ocean  roar ! 
Apollo,  planted  at  the  trench's  bound, 

Tusli'd  at  the  bank:  down  sank  the  enormous  mound: 

Roll'd  in  the  ditch  t'.ie  heapy  ruin  lay ; 

A  sudden  road  !  a  long  and  ample  way. 

O'er  the  dread  fosse  (a  late  impervious  space) 

Now  steeds,  and  men,  and  cars  tumultuous  pass. 

Tlie  wondering  crowds  the  downward  level  trod  ; 

liefore  them  flamed  the  sliie!d,  and  march'd  the  god. 

Then  with  his  hand  he  shook  the  mighty  wall  ; 

And  lo  !  the  turrets  nod,  tlie  bulwarks  LC.\ : 

Easy  as  when  ashore  an  infant  stands, 

And  draws  imagined  houses  in  the  sands ; 

The  sportive  wanton,  pleased  with  some  new  play, 

Sweeps  tlie  slight  works  and  fashion'd  domes  away 

Thus  vanish'd  at  tliy  touch,  the  towers  and  walls; 

The  toil  of  tliousands  in  a  moment  falls. 

The  Grecians  gaze  around  witli  wild  despair. 
Confused,  and  weary  all  the  powers  with  prayer : 
lixliort  their  men,  with  praises,  threats,  commands 
And  urge  llie  gods,  with  voices,  eyes,  and  hands. 
Experienced  Nestor  cliief  obiests  the  skies. 
And  weeps  his  country  with  a  father's  eyes. 

"O  Jove  !  if  ever,  on  his  native  shore. 
One  Greek  enrich'd  thy  slirine  with  offer'd  gore 
If  e'er,  in  hope  our  country  to  behold,  ■ 

We  paid  the  fattest  firstlings  of  the  fold; 
If  e'er  thou  sign'st  our  wishes  with  thy  nod : 
I'erform  the  promise  of  a  gracious  god  ! 
Tills  day  preserve  our  navies  from  the  flame. 
And  save  the  relics  of  tlie  Grecian  name." 

TIius  prayed  the  sage :  the  eternal  gave  consent, 
And  peals  of  thunder  shook  the  firmament. 

'*  TIius  at  their  shady  lodge  arriv'd,  both  stood, 
I'nth  tum'd,  and  under  open  sky  adorM 
Tlie  Cod  that  made  both  sky,  air,  earth,  and  henren, 
Winch  they  beheld,  the  moon's  resplendent  clooe, 
And  starry  po'e. — Thou  also  niad'st  tlie  niglit. 
Maker  omnipotent,  and  thou  the  day." 

Milton,  "  Paradise  Lost,"  Book  i» 


322  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV. 

Presumptuous  Troy  mistook  the  accepting  sign, 
And  catch'd  new  fury  at  the  voice  divine. 
As,  when  black  tempests  mix  the  seas  and  skies, 
The  roaring  deeps  in  watery  mountains  rise, 

Above  the  sides  of  some  tall  ship  ascend. 
Its  womi)  they  deluge,  and  its  ribs  they  rend: 

Thus  loudly  roaring,  and  o'erpowcring  all. 

Mount  the  '.hick  Trojans  up  the  Grecian  wall; 
■     Legions  on  legions  from  each  side  arise : 

Thick  sound  the  keels ;  the  storm  of  arrows  flies. 

Fierce  on  the  ships  above,  the  cars  below. 

These  wield  the  mace,  and  those  the  javelin  throw. 
While  thus  the  thunder  of  the  battle  raged. 

And  laboring  armies  round  the  works  engaged, 

Still  in  the  tent  Patroclus  sat  to  tend 

The  good  Eurypylus,  his  wounded  friend. 

He  sprinkles  healing  balms,  to  anguish  kind, 

And  adds  discourse,  the  medicine  of  the  mind. 

But  when  he  saw,  ascending  up  the  fleet. 

Victorious  Troy;  then,  starting  from  his  seat, 

With  bitter  groans  his  sorrows  he  express'd, 

He  wrings  his  hands,  lie  beats  his  manly  breast. 

"Though  yet  thy  state  require  redress  (he  cries) 

Depart  I  must :  Vi-hat  horrors  strike  my  eyes ! 

Charged  with  Achilles'  high  command  I  go, 

A  mournful  witness  of  this  .scene  of  woe ; 

I  haste  to  urge  him  by  his  country's  care 

To  rise  in  arms,  and  shine  again  in  war. 

Perhaps  some  favoring  god  his  soul  may  bend  ; 
The  voice  is  powerful  of  a  faithful  friend." 

He  spoke;  and,  speaking,  swifter  than  the  wind 
Spnmg  from  the  tent,  and  left  the  war  behind. 
The  embodied  Greeks  the  fierce  attack  sustain. 
But  strive,  though  numerous,  to  repulse  in  vain  : 
Nor  could  the  Trojans,  through  that  firm  arrav. 
Force  to  the  fleet  and  tents  the  impervious  way. 
As  when  a  shipwright,  with  Palladian  art, 
Smooths  the  rough  wood,  and  levels  every  part ; 
With  equal  hand  he  guides  his  whole  design, 
By  the  just  rule,  and  the  directing;  line  : 
The  martial  leader-s,  with  like  skill  and  care, 
Preserved  their  line,  and  equal  kept  the  w'ar. 
Brave  deeds  of  arms  through  all  the  ranks  were  tried. 
And  every  ship  sustained  an  equal  tide. 
At  one  proud  bark,  bi^h-towering  o'er  the  fleet, 
Ajax  the  ereat.  and  trodlike  Hector  meet  : 
For  one  bright  prize  the  matchless  chiefs  contend. 


8ooK  XV  ]  r///;  iL/AD.  323 

Nor  this  the  ships  c.-^  fire,  nor  that  defend: 

One  kept  the  shoie,  and  one  the  vessel  trod; 

Tliat  fix'd  as  fate,  this  acted  by  a  god. 

Tlie  son  of  CI)  tins  in  his  daring  hand, 

The  deck  approacliing,  shakes  a  flaming  brand  ; 

But,  pierced  by  Telamon's  huge  lance,  expires: 

Thundering  he  falls,  and  drops  the  extinguish'd  fires. 

Great  Hector  view'd  him  with  a  sad  survey, 

As  stretch'd  in  dust  before  the  stern  he  lay. 

"  Oh  !  all  of  Trojan,  all  of  Lycian  race  ! 

Stand  to  your  arms,  maintain  this  arduous  space: 

Lo  !  where  the  son  of  royal  Clytius  lies  ; 

Ah,  save  his  arms,  secure  his  obsequies  !  " 
This  said,  his  eager  javelin  .sought  the  foe  : 

But  Ajax  shunn'd  tlie  meditated  blow. 

Not  vainly  yet  the  fcjrceful  lance  was  thrown ; 

It  stretch'd  in  dust  unhappy  Lycophron  : 

An  exile  long,  sustained  at  Ajax'  board, 
A  faithful  servant  to  a  foreign  lord  ; 

I:i  peace,  and  war,  for  ever  at  Iiis  side, 
Near  his  loved  master,  as  he  lived,  he  died. 

From  the  high  poop  he  tumbles  on  the  sand. 
And  lies  a  lifeless  lo.ad  along  the  land. 
With  anguish  Ajax  views  the  piercing  sight, 
And  thus  inflames  his  brother  to  the  fight : 
"  Teucer,  behold  !  extended  on  the  shore 
Our  friend,  our  loved  companion  !  now  no  more  ! 
Dear  as  a  parent,  witli  a  parent's  care 
To  fight  our  wars  he  left  his  native  air. 
This  death  deplored,  to  Hector's  rage  we  owe  ; 
Revenge,  revenge  it  on  the  cruel  foe. 
Where  are  those  darts  on  which  the  fates  attend .' 
And  where  the  bow  which  Phoebus  taught  to  bend?" 

Impatient  Teucer,  hastening  to  his  aid. 
Before  the  chief  his  ample  bow  display'd  ; 
The  well-stored  quiver  on  his  shoulders  hung: 
Then  hiss'd  his  arrow,  and  the  bowstring  sung. 
Clytus,  Pisenor's  son,  renown'd  in  fame 
(To  thee,  Polydamas  !  an  lionor'd  name). 
Drove  through  the  thickest  of  the  embattled  plains 
The  startling  steeds,  and  shook  his  eager  reins. 
As  all  on  glorv  ran  his  ardent  mind, 
The  pointed  death  arrests  him  from  behind  : 
Through  his  fair  neck  the  thrilling  arrow  flies; 
In  youth's  first  bloom  reluctantly  he  dies. 
Hurl'd  from  the  lofty  seat,  at  distance  far, 
The  headlong  coursers  spurn  his  empty  car; 


324  THE  J  LI  AD.  [Book  XV. 

Till  sad  Polydamas  the  steeds  i^stiain'd, 
And  gave,  'Astynous,  to  thy  careful  hand; 
Then"^  fired  to  vengeance,  rush'd  amidst  the  foe  : 
Rage  edged  his  sword,  and  strengthen'il  every  blow. 

Cnce  more  bold  Teucer,  in  his  country's  cause, 
At  Hector's  breast  a  chosen  arrow  draws  : 
And  had  the  weapon  tound  the  destined  way, 
Thy  fall,  gn  at  Trojan  !   had  renown'd  that  day. 
But  Hector  was  not  doom'd  to  perish  then : 
The  all-wise  disposer  of  the  fates  of  men 
(Imperial  Jove)  his  present  death  withstands; 
Nor  was  such  glory  due  to  Teucer's  hands. 
At  its  full  stretch  as  the  tough  string  he  drew, 
Struck  by  an  arm  unseen,  it  burst  in  two; 
Down  dropp'd  the  bow  :  the  shaft  with  brazen  head 
Fell  innocent,  and  on  the  dust  lay  dead. 
The  astonish'd  archer  to  great  Ajax  cries  : 
'"Some  god  prevents  our  destined  enterprise: 
Some  god,  propitious  to  the  'I'rojan  foe, 
Has,  from  mv  arm  unfailing,  struck  the  bow, 
And  broke  the  nerve  my  hands  had  twined  with  art, 
Strong  to  impel  the  tliglit  of  many  a  dart." 

"  Since  heaven  commands  it  (Ajax  made  reply) 
Dismiss  the  bow,  and  lay  thy  arrows  by  : 
Thy  arms  no  less  suffice  the  lance  to  wield, 
And  quit  tlie  quiver  for  the  ponderous  shield. 
In  the  first  ranks  indulge  thy  thirst  of  fame, 
Thy  brave  example  shall  the  rest  inflame. 
Fierce  as  they  are,  bv  long  successes  vain  ; 
To  force  our  fleet,  or  even  a  ship  to  gain, 
Asks  toil,  and  sweat,  and  blood  :  their  utmost  might 
Shall  find  its  match — No  more  :  'tis  ours  to  fight." 

Then  Teucer  laid  his  faithless  bow  aside; 
The  fourfold  buckler  o'er  his  shoulder  tied  ; 
On  his  brave  head  a  crested  helm  he  placed. 
With  nodding  liorse-hair  formidably  graced; 
A  dart,  whose  point  with  brass  refulgent  shine's. 
The  warrior  wields  ;  and  his  great  brother  joins. 

This  Hector  saw,  and  thus  express'd  his  joy; 
"  Ye  troops  of  Lycia,  Dardanus,  and  Troy  ! 
Be  mindful  of  yourselves,  your  Tmcient  fame, 
And  spread  your  glory  with  the  navy;  flame. 
Jove  is  with  us  ;   I  saw  his  hand,  but  now, 
From  tlic  proud  archer  strike  his  vaunted  bow: 
Indulgent  Jove  !  how  plain  thy  favors  shine, 
When  happy  nations  bear  the  marks  ilivine  1 
How  easy  then,  to  see  the  sinking  state 


>0K  XV.  I  JHK  ILIAD.  141, 

Of  realms  accursed,  deserted,  repiobate! 

Such  is  the  fate  of  Greece,  and  such  is  ours : 

Behold,  ye  warriors,  and  exert  your  pcwers. 

Death  is  the  worst ;  a  fate  which  all  must  try; 

And  for  our  country,  'tis  a  bliss  to  die. 

The  gallant  man,  though  slain  in  fight  he  be, 

Yet  leaves  his  nation  safe,  hi;-,  children  free; 

Entails  a  debt  on  all  the  grateful  state ; 

His  own  brave  friends  shall  glory  in  his  fate; 

His  wife  live  honor'd,  all  his  race  succeed, 

And  late  posterity  enjoy  tlie  deed  !  " 

This  roused  the  soul  in  every  Trojan  breasi. 

The  godlike  Ajax  ne.vt  his  Greeks  address'd  : 
'•  How  long,  ye  warriors  of  the  Argive  race, 

(To  generous  Argos  what  a  tlire  disgrace  !) 

How  long  on  these  cursed  confines  will  ye  lie, 

Yet  undetermined,  or  to  live  or  die  ? 

What  hopes  remain,  what  methods  to  retire, 

]f  once  your  vessels  catch  the  Trojan  file? 

Make  how  the  flames  approach,  how  near  tliey  fall 

How  Hector  calls,  and  Troy  obeys  his  call! 

Not  to  the  dance  that  dreadful  voice  invites, 

It  ca'.ls  to  death,  and  all  the  rage  of  fights. 
'Tis  now  no  time  for  wisdom  or  debates; 
To  your  own  hands  are  trusted  nil  your  fates; 
And  better  far  in  one  decisive  strife, 
One  day  should  end  our  labor  or  our  life, 
Than  keep  this  hard-got  inch  of  barren  sands, 
Still  press'd,  and  press'd  by  such  inglorious  hanJin 
The  listening  Grecians  feel  their  leader's  flame. 
And  every  kindling  bosom  pants  for  fame. 
Then  mutual  slaughters  spread  on  eitlier  side  ; 
By  Hector  liere  tlie  Phocian  Schedius  died  ; 
There,  pierced  by  Aja.x,  sunk  Laodamas, 
Chief  of  the  foot,  of  old  Antenor's  race. 
Polydamas  laid  Otus  on  the  sand. 
The  fierce  commander  of  the  Epeian  band. 
His  lance  bold  Meges  at  the  victor  threw; 
The  victor,  stooping,  from  the  death  withdrew 
(That  valued  life,  O  Phoebus  !  was  thy  care) 
But  Croesmus'  bosom  took  the  flying  spear: 
His  corpse  fell  bleeding  on  the  slippery  shore  ; 
His  radiant  arms  triump!  ant  Meges  bore. 
Dolops,  the  son  of  Lampus,  rushes  on. 
Sprung  from  the  race  of  old  Laomedon, 
And  famed  for  prowess  in  a  well-fought  field, 
He  pierced  the  centre  of  his  sounding  shield  : 


]26  THE  ILIAD.  IliooK  XV. 

But  Meges,  Phyleus  ainp!e  breastplate  wore, 
(Well-known  in  fight  on  Selle'.s  winding  shore; 
For  king  Eiiphetes  gave  the  goklen  mail, 
Compact,  and  firm  with  many  a  jointed  scale) 
Which  oft,  in  cities  storm'd,  and  battles  won, 
Had  saved  the  father,  and  now  saves  the  son. 
Full  at  the  Trojan's  head  he  urged  his  lance, 
Where  the  high  pluines  above  the  helmet  dance, 
New  ting'd  with  Tyrian  dye  :  in  dust  below, 
Shorn  from  the  crest,  the  purple  lionors  glow. 
Meantime  their  fight  the  Spartan  king  survey'd. 
And  stood  by  Meges'  side  a  sudden  aid. 
Through  Dolops'  shoulder  urged  his  forceful  dart. 
Which  held  its  passage  tlirough  the  panting  heart. 
And  issued  at  his  breast.     With  thundering  sound 
The  warrior  falls,  extended  on  the  ground. 
In  rush  the  conquering  Greeks  to  spoil  the  slain  : 
But  Hector's  voice  excites  his  kindred  train  ; 
The  hero  most,  from  Hitetaon  sprung, 
Fierce  Melanippus,  gallant,  brave,  and  young. 
He  (ere  to  Troy  the  Grecians  cross'd  the  tiiain) 
Fed  his  large  oxen  on  Percote's  plain  ; 
But  when  oppress'd,  his  country  claim'd  his  care, 
Return'd  to  llion,  and  excell'd  in  war; 
For  this,  in  Priam's  court,  he  held  his  place, 
Beloved  no  less  than  Priam's  royal  race. 
Him  Hector  singled,  as  his  troops  he  led. 
And  thus  inflamed  him,  pointing  to  the  dead. 

"  Lo,  Melanippus  !  lo,  where  Dolops  lies; 
And  is  it  tlius  our  royal  kinsman  dies  .'' 
O'ermatch'd  he  f.dls ;  to  two  at  once  a  prey. 
And  lo  !  they  l)ear  the  bloody  arms  aw.ay  ! 
Come  on — a  distant  war  no  longer  wage. 
But  hand  to  hand  thy  country's  foes  engage: 
Till  Greece  at  once,  and  all  her  glory  end  ; 
Or  llion  from  her  towery  height  descend. 
Heaved  from  tlie  lowest  stone  ;  and  bury  all 
In  one  sad  sepulchre,  one  commor  fall.  ' 

Hector  (this  said)  rush'd  forward  on  the  foes: 
With  equal  ardor  Melanippus  glows: 
Then  Ajax  thus — "  O  Greeks  !  respect  your  fame. 
Respect  yourselves,  and  learn  an  honest  shame  : 
Let  mutual  reverence  mutu.al  warmth  inspire, 
And  catch  from  breast  to  breast  the  noble  fire. 
On  valor's  side  the  odds  of  combat  lie  ; 
The  brave  live  glorious,  or  lamented  die  ; 
The  wretch  that  trembles  in  the  field  of  fame, 


)OK  XV.  THE  ILIAD.  32; 

Meets  death,  and  worse  tlian  death,  eternal  shame." 

His  generous  sense  he  not  in  vain  imparts  ; 
It  sunk,  and  rooted  in  tlie  Grecian  hearts  : 
They  join,  tliey  throng,  they  thicken  at  his  call, 
And  flank  the  navy  with  a  brazen  wall  ; 
Shields  touching  shields,  in  order  blaze  above. 
And  stop  the  Trojans,  though  impell'd  by  Jove. 
The  fiery  Spartan  first,  with  loud  applause, 
Warms  the  bold  son  of  Nestor  in  his  cause. 
"  Is  there  (he  said)  in  arms  a  youth  like  you. 
So  strong  to  fight,  so  active  to  pursue  .'' 
Why  stand  you  distant,  nor  attempt  a  deed  ? 
Lift  the  bold  lance,  and  make  some  Trojan  bleed." 

He  said  ;  and  backward  to  the  lines  retired; 
Forth  rush'd  the  youth  with  martial  fury  fired, 
Beyond  the  foremost  ranks  ;  his  lance  he  threw. 
And  round  the  black  battalions  cast  his  view. 
The  troops  of  Troy  recede  with  sudden  fear. 
While  the  swift  javelin  hiss'd  along  in  air. 
Advancing  Melanippus  met  the  dart 
With  his  bold  breast,  and  felt  it  in  his  heart: 
Thundering  he  falls  ;  his  falling  arms  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  rings  against  the  ground. 
The  victor  leaps  upon  his  prostrate  prize : 
Thus  on  a  roe  the  well-br6ath'd  beagle  flies, 
And  rends  his  side,  fresh-bleeding  with  the  dart 
The  distant  hunter  sent  into  his  heart. 
Observing  Hector  to  the  rescue  flew  ; 
Bold  as  he  was,  Antilochus  withdrew. 
So  when  a  savage,  ranging  o'er  the  plain, 
Has  torn  the  shepherd's  dog,  or  shejjherd's  swain, 
While  conscious  of  the  deed,  he  glares  around 
And  hears  the  gathering  multitude  resound, 
Timely  he  flies  the  yet-untasted  food, 
And  gains  the  friendly  shelter  of  the  wood  : 
So  fears  the  youth  ;  all  Troy  with  shouts  pursue, 
While  stones  and  darts  in  mingled  tempest  flew; 
But  enter'd  in  the  Grecian  ranks,  he  turns 
His  manly  breast,  and  with  new  fury  burns. 

Now  on  the  fleet  the  tides  of  Trojans  drove, 
Fierce  to  fulfil  the  stern  decrees  of  Jove  : 
The  sire  of  gods,  confirming  Thetis'  prayer, 
The  Grecian  ardor  quench'd  in  deep  despair  ; 
But  lifts  to  glory  Troy's  prevailing  bands. 
Swells  all  their  hearts,  and  strengthens  all  their  hands. 
On  Ida's  top  tlie  waits  with  longing  eyes,' 
To  view  the  navy  blazing  to  the  skies  ; 


230  THE  ILIAD.  ll'.ouK  :. 

Then,  nor  till  then,  llie  scale  of  war  shall  turn. 
The  Trojans  fly,  and  conquer'd  Ilion  burn. 
These  fates  revolved  in  liis  almighty  mind, 
He  raises  flector  to  the  work  design'd. 
Bids  liim  with  more  than  mortal  fury  glow, 
And  drives  him,  like  a  lightning,  on  the  foe. 
So  Mars,  when  human  crimes  for  vengeance  call, 
Shakes  his  huge  javelin,  and  whole  armies  faU. 
Not  with  more  rage  a  conflagration  rolls. 
Wraps  the  vast  mountains,  and  involves  the  poles. 
He  foams  with  wrath  ;  beneath  his  gloomy  brow 
Like  fiery  meteors  his  red  eye-balls  glow  : 
The  r.adiant  helmet  on  his  temple  burns. 
Waves  when  he  nods,  and  lightens  as  he  turns  : 
For  Jove  his  splendor  round  the  chief  had  thrown, 
And  cast  tlie  blaze  of  both  the  hosts  on  one. 
Unhappy  glories  !  for  his  fate  was  near. 
Due  to  stern  Pallas,  and  Pelides'  spear  : 
Yet  Jove  deferr'd  the  death  he  was  to  pay, 
And  gave  what  fate  allow'd,  the  honors  of  a  day! 

Now  all  on  fire  for  fame,  his  breast,  his  eyes 
Burn  at  each  foe,  and  single  every  prize  ; 
Still  at  the  closest  ranks,  the  thickest  fight, 
He  points  his  ardor,  and  exerts  his  might. 
The  Grecian  phalanx,  moveless  as  a  tower, 
On  all  sides  batter'd,  yet  resists  his  power  : 
So  some  tall  rock  o'erhangs  the  hoary  main,* 
By  winds  assail'd,  by  billows  beat  in  vain, 
Unmoved  it  hears,  above,  the  tempest  blow. 
And  sees  the  watery  mountains  break  below. 
Girt  in  surrounding  flames,  he  seems  to  fall 
Like  fire  from  Jove,  and  bursts  upon  them  all  : 
Bursts  as  a  wave  that  from  the  cloud  impends, 
And,  swell'd  with  tempests,  on  the  ship  descends; 
White  are  the  decks  with  foam  ;  the  winds  aloud 
Howl  o'er  the  masts,  and  sing  through  every  shroud  : 
Pale,  trembling,  tired,  the  sailors  freeze  with  fears; 
And  instant  death  on  every  wave  appears. 
So  pale  the  Greeks  the  eyes  of  Hector  meet, 
The  chief  so  thunders,  and  so  shakes  the  fleet. 

As  when  a  lion,  rushing  from  his  den, 
Amidst  the  plain  of  some  wide-water'd  fen 

•  So  some  tall  rock. 

"  But  like  a  ruck  iinmovM,  .t  rock  that  brnves 
The  rai;ing  tenijiest,  and  the  rising  waves    - 
Propp'd  on  himself  he  stands  :  his  snhd  sides 
Wa;>h  u£E  the  :>ea-weeds,  and  the  suundini;  tides." 

Dryden's  Vil^il,  v!L  S09 


eouK  XV.]  THE  ILIAD.  '       329 

(Where  numerous  oxen,  as  at  ease  tliey  feed, 

At  large  expatiate  o'er  the  ranker  mead)  ; 

Leaps  on  the  herds  before  the  lierdsman's  eyes ; 

The  trembling  herdsman  far  to  distance  flies  ; 

Some  lordly  bull  (the  rest  dispersed  and  fled) 

He  singles  out  ;  arrests,  and  lays  him  dead. 

Thus  from  tlie  rage  of  Jove-like  Hector  flew 

All  Greece  in  heaps  ;  but  one  he  seized,  and  slew  : 

Mycenian  Periphes,  a  mighty  name. 

In  wisdom  great,  in  arms  well  known  to  fame  : 

The  minister  of  stern  Eurystlieus'  ire 

Against  Alcides,  Copreus  was  his  sire  : 

The  son  redeem'd  the  honors  of  the  race, 

A  son  as  generous  as  the  sire  was  base  ; 

O'er  all  his  country's  youth  conspicuous  far 

In  every  virtue,  or  of  peace  or  war  : 

But  doom'd  to  Hector's  stronger  force  to  yield  ! 

Against  the  margin  of  his  ample  shield 

He  struck  his  hasty  foot  :  his  heels  up-sprung  ; 

Supine  he  fell ;  his  brazen  helmet  rung. 

On  the  fallen  chief  the  invading  Trojan  press'd 

And  plunged  the  pointed  javelin  in  his  breast. 

His  circling  friends,  who  strove  to  guard  too  late 

The  unhappy  hero,  fled,  or  shared  his  fate. 

Chased  from  the  foremost  line,  the  Grecian  trair 
Now  man  the  next,  receding  toward  the  main  : 
Wedged  in  one  body  at  the  tents  they  stand, 
Wall'd  round  with  sterns,  a  gloomy,  desperate  band. 
Now  manly  shame  forbids  tlie  inglorious  flight  ; 
Now  fear  itself  confines  them  to  the  fight  : 
Man  courage  breathes  in  man  ;  but  Nestor  most 
(The  sage  preserver  of  the  Grecian  host) 
Exhorts,  adjures,  to  guard  these  utmost  shores  ; 
And  by  their  parents,  by  themselves  implores. 

"  Oh  friends  !  be  men  :  your  generous  breasts  mfl.\ijne 
With  mutual  honor,  and  with  mutual  shame  ! 
Think  of  your  hopes,  your  fortunes  ;  all  the  care 
Your  wives,  your  infants,  and  your  parents  share  '. 
Think  of  each  living  father's  reverend  head  ; 
Think  of  each  ancestor  with  glory  dead  ; 
Absent,  by  me  they  speak,  by  me  they  sue. 
They  ask  their  safety,  and  their  fame,  from  you  : 
The  gods  their  fates  on  this  one  action  lay. 
And  all  are  lost,  if  you  desert  the  day." 

He  sDoke,  and  round  him  breathed  heroic  tires; 
Minerva  seconds  what  the  sage  inspires. 
The  mist  of  darkness  Jove  around  them  threw 


J30        •  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV. 

She  clear'd,  restoring  all  the  war  to  view; 
A  sudden  ray  shot  beaming  o'er  the  plain 
And  show'd  the  sliores,  tlie  navy,  and  tlie  main 
Hector  they  saw,  and  all  who  fly,  or  fight, 
The  scene  wide-opening  to  the  blaze  o£  light, 
First  of  the  field  great  Ajax  strikes  their  eyes. 
His  port  majestic,  and  liis  ample  size  : 
A  ponderous  mace  with  studs  of  iron  crown'd, 
Full  twenty  cubits  long,  he  swings  around  ; 
Nor  fights,  like  others,  fix'd  to  certain  stands, 
But  looks  a  moving  tower  above  the  bands  ; 
High  on  the  decks  with  vast  gigantic  stride, 
The  godlike  hero  stalks  from  side  to  side. 
So  when  a  horseman  from  the  watery  mead 
(Skill'd  in  the  man.age  of  the  bounding  steed) 
Drives  four  fair  coursers,  practised  to  obey. 
To  some  great  city  through  the  public  way  ; 
Safe  in  his  art,  as  side  by  side  they  run. 
He  shifts  his  seat,  and  vaults  from  one  to  one  ; 
And  now  to  this,  and  now  to  that  he  flies  ; 
Admiring  numbers  follow  with  their  eyes. 

From  ship  to  sliip  thus  Ajax  swiftly  flew. 
No  less  the  wonder  of  the  warring  crew. 
As  furious.  Hector  thunder'd  threats  aloud, 
And  rush'd  enraged  before  the  Trojan  crowd  ; 
Tlien  swift  invades  the  ships,  whose  be.aky  prores 
Lay  rank'd  contiguous  on  the  bending  shores  ; 
So  the  strong  eagle  from  his  airy  heiglit. 
Who  marks  the  swans'  or  cranes'  embodied  flight. 
Stoops  down  impetuous,  while  they  light  for  food, 
And,  stooping,  darkens  with  his  wings  the  flood. 
Jove  leads  liim  on  with  his  almighty  hand, 
And  breathes  fierce  spirits  in  his  following  band. 
The  warring  nations  meet,  the  battle  roars. 
Thick  beats  the  combat  on  the  sounding  prores. 
Thou  wouldst  Iiave  thought,  so  furious  was  their  fire, 
No  force  could  tame  them,  and  no  toil  could  tire  ; 
As  if  new  vigor  from  new  fights  they  won, 
And  the  long  battle  was  but  then  begun. 
Greece,  yet  unconquer'd,  kept  alive  the  war. 
Secure  of  death,  confiding  in  despair  : 
Troy  in  proud  hopes  already  view'd  the  main 
Bright  with  the  blaze,  and  red  with  heroes  slain  : 
Like  strength  is  felt  from  liope,  and  from  despair, 
And  each  contends,  as  his  were  all  the  war. 

'Twas  thou,  liold  Hector !  whose  resistless  hand 
First  seized  a  ship  on  that  contested  strand  ; 


rooK  XV.  5  THE  IIJAD.  331 

The  same  which  dead  Protesilaiis  bore,* 
The  first  that  touch'd  the  unhappy  Trojan  shore  : 
For  this  in  arms  the  warring  nations  stood. 
And  bathed  their  generous  breasts  with  mutual  blood. 
No  room  to  poise  the  lance  or  bend  the  bow  ; 
But  hand  to  hand,  and  man  to  man,  they  grow  : 
Wounded,  they  wound  ;  and  seek  each  otiier's  hearts 
With  falchions,  axes,  swords,  and  shorten'd  dart 
The  falchions  ring,  shields  rattle,  axes  sound, 
Swords  flash  in  air,  or  glitter  on  the  ground  ; 
With  streaming  blood  the  slipj^ery  shores  are  dyed. 
And  slaughter'd  heroes  swell  the  dreadful  tide. 

Still  raging.  Hector  with  his  ample  hand 
Grasps  the  high  stern,  and  gives  tnis  loud  command  : 

"  Haste,  bring  the  flames  !   that  toil  of  ten  long  years 
Is  finished  ;  and  the  day  desired  appears  ! 
This  happy  day  with  acclamations  greet, 
Bright  with  destruction  of  yon  hostile  fleet. 
The  coward-counsels  of  a  timorous  throng 
Of  reverend  dotards  check'd  our  glory  long  : 
Too  long  Jove  luU'd  us  with  lethargic  charms. 
But  now  in  peals  of  thunder  calls  to  arms  : 
In  this  great  day  he  crowns  our  full  desires, 
Wakes  all  our  force,  and  seconds  all  our  fires." 

He  spoke — the  warriors  at  his  fierce  command 
Pour  a  new  deluge  on  the  Grecian  band. 
Even  Ajax  paused  fso  thick  the  javelins  fly) 
Stepp'd  back,  and  doubted  or  to  live  or  die. 
Yet,  where  the  oars  are  placed,  he  stands  to  wait 
What  chief  approaching  dares  attempt  his  fate.: 
f.lven  to  the  last  his  naval  charge  defends. 
Now  shakes  his  spear,  now  lifts,  and  now  protends 
Even  yet.  the  Greeks  witli  piercing  shouts  inspire 
Amidst  attack,  and  death,  and  darts,  and  fires. 

"  O  friends  !  O  heroes  !  names  forever  dear, 
Once  sons  of  IVIars,  and  thunderbolts  of  war! 
Ah  !  yet  be  mindful  of  your  old  renown. 
Your  great  forefathers'  virtues  and  your  own. 
What  aids  expect  you  in  this  utmost  strait  ? 
What  bulwarks  rising  between  you  and  fate  ? 
No  aids,  no  bulwarks  your  retreat  attend, 
No  friends  to  help,  no  city  to  defend. 
This  spot  is  all  you  have,  to  lose  or  keep; 

•  Pr,.i.    ;'  nl      A  .    il.     first  Greek  who  feU,  sl.iin  liv  Hector,  as  lie  leaped  from  the 
vessel  t.    I'       I  ■     '.     He  was  burii^d  nn  the  Ch.rsnnese,  rear  the   city  of   Pla- 

gusa.      II,     I     I  Tzftz.   on    Lycophr.  245,  52S.     There  is  a  most  eleeant 

tiibut*  Lo  \iv^  iiieiuuiy  iJi  the  Preface  to  the  Heioica  01  Philcjstratus. 


332  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XV, 

There  stand  the  Trojans,  and  here  rolls  the  deep. 
'Tis  hostile  ground  you  tread  ;  your  native  lands 
Far,  i\x  from  hence  :  your  fates  are  in  your  hands." 
Raging;  he  spoke  ;  nor  further  wastes  his  breath, 
But  turns  his  javelin  to  the  work  of  death. 
Whate'er  bold  Trojan  arm'd  his  daring  hands, 
Against  the  sable  .'■hips,  with  flaming  brands, 
So  well  the  chief  h'S  naval  weapon  sped. 
The  luckless  warrior  at  his  stern  lay  dead  : 
Full  twelve,  the  boldest,  in  a  moment  fell. 
Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell. 


BuoK  XVI.]  THE  TLlAD.  m 


BOOK    XVI. 

ARGUMKNT. 

THS   SIXTH    battle;    THE   ACTS    AND    DRATH    OF    PATROCLUS. 

Patroclus  (In  pursuance  of  the  request  of  Nestor  in  tlie  eleventh  book)  entreatn 
Achilles  to  suffer  him  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  the  Greeks  with  Achilles*  troops 
and  arrnor.  He  agrees  to  it,  buJ^  at  the  same  time  charges  him  to  content  himself 
with  rescuing  the  fleet,  without  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  The  armor,  horses, 
soldiers,  and  officers  are  described.  Achilles  offers  a  libation  for  the  success  of  his 
friend,  after  which  Patroclus  leads  the  Myrmiduns  to  battle.  The  Trojans,  at  the 
sight  of  Patroclus  in  Achilles'  armor,  t.iking  him  fur  that  hero,  are  cast  into  the 
uttermost  constemaiion  ;  he  beats  them  off  from  the  vessels,  Hector  himself 
flies,  Sarpedon  is  killed,  though  Jupiter  wns  averse  to  his  fate.  Several  other 
particulars  of  the  battle  are  described  :  in  the  heat  of  which,  Patroclus,  neglecting 
the  orders  of  Achilles,  pursues  the  foe  to  the  walls  of  Troy :  where  Apollo  repulses 
ard  disarms  I'i'u,  Euphorbus  wounds  him,  and  Hector  kills  hlni :  which  concludes 
the  book. 

So  warr*d  both  armies  on  the  ensan_i.;uined  shore, 
While  tlie  black  vessels  smoked  with  human  gore. 
IMeantime  Patroclus  to  Achilles  flics; 
The  streamincj  tears  fall  copious  from  his  eyes 
Not  faster,  trickling  to  the  plains  below, 
From  the  tall  rock  the  sable  waters  flow. 
Divine  Pelides,  with  compassion  moved, 
Tims  spoke,  indulgent,  to  his  best  beloved :  * 


•  Hh  best  bchz'ed.  The  following  elegant  remarks  of  Thirlwall  (Greece,  vol.  i.  p. 
176,  seq.)  well  illustrate  the  character  of  the  friendship  subsisting  between  the  two 
hemes  .— 

**  One  of  the  noblest  and  most  amiable  sides  of  the  Greek  character,  is  the  readi- 
ness with  which  it  lent  itself  to  ci  instruct  intimate  and  durable  friendships  ;  and  tins  is 
a  feature  no  less  prominent  \\\  the  earliest,  than  in  later  times.  It  was  indeed  con- 
nected with  the  comparatively  iuw  estimation  in  which  female  society  was  held  :  but 
liie  devotedness  and  constancy  with  which  these  attachments  were  maintained,  was 
not  the  less  admirable  and  engaging.  The  heroic  companions  whom  we  find  cel- 
ebrated, partly  by  Homer  and  partly  in  traditions,  which,  if  not  of  equal  antiquity, 
were  grounded  on  tlie  same  feeling,  seem  to  have  but  one  heart  and  soul,  with  Scarcely 
a  wish  or  object  apart,  and  only  to  livt;,  as  they  are  always  ready  to  die,  for  one  an- 
other. It  is  true  that  the  relation  between  tliem  is  not  always  one  of  perfect  equality: 
but  this  is  a  circumstance  which,  while  it  often  adds  a  peculiar  charm  to  the  poetical 
description,  detracts  little  from  the  dignity  of  the  idea  which  it  presents.  Such  were 
the  friendships  of  Hercules  and  lolaus,  of  Theseus  and  Pirithous,  of  Orestes  and 
Pylades:  and  thou:>h  these  may  owe  the  greater  part  of  their  fame  to  the  later  epic, 
or  even  dramatic  poetry,  the  moral  groundwork  undoubtedly  subsisted  in  the  period 
to  which  the  trarliiiuns  are  referred.  The  arnnm<-nt  of  the  Iliad  mainly  tur:is  on  the 
affection  ii  Achlles  for  Pairoc'us,  whoso  lov;  f  t  the  greater  hero  is  o:ily  ienr>ercd 
ty  reverence  for  his  hi.-.her  birth  and  liis  unequalled  ]  owers.  But  the  mutual  rc::3rd 
whitfi  MHJteu  Idomereus  and  Meriones,  Diomcdes  and  Sthenclus,  though,  as'^iht 


334  THE  ILIAD.  lBook  XVL 

"•Patroclus,  say,  what  grief  thy  bosom  bears, 
That  flows  so  fast  in  these  unmanly  tears  ? 
No  girl,  no  infant  whom  the  mother  keeps 
From  her  loved  breast,  with  fonder  passion  weeps; 
Not  more  the  mother's  soul,  that  infant  warms, 
Clung  to  her  knees,  and  reaching  at  her  arms, 
Thaii"  thou  hast  mine  !  Oh  tell  me,  to  what  end 
Thy  melting  sorrows  thus  pursue  thy  friend  ? 

"  Griev'st  thou  for  me,  or  for  my  martial  band  ? 
Or  come  sad  tidings  from  our  native  land  ? 
Our  fathers  live  (our  first,  most  tender  care). 
Thy  good  Menoetius  breathes  the  vital  air, 
And  hoary  I^eleus  yet  extends  his  days  ; 
Pleased  in  their  age  to  hear  their  children's  praise. 
Or  may  some  meaner  cause  thy  pity  claim  ? 
Perhaps  some  relics  of  the  Grecian  name, 
Doom'd  in  their  ships  to  sink  by  fire  and  sword, 
And  pay  the  forfeit  of  their  haughty  lord  ? 
Whate'er  their  cause,  reveal  thy  secret  care. 
And  speak  those  sorrows  which  a  friend  would  share." 
A  sigh  that  instant  from  his  bosom  broke, 
Another  foUow'd,  and  Patroclus  spoke  : 

"  Let  Greece  at  length  with  jjity  touch  thy  breast. 
Thyself  a  Greek  ;  and,  once,  of  Greeks  the  best ! 
Lo  !  every  chief  that  might  her  fate  prevent, 
Lies  pierced  with  wounds,  and  bleeding  in  his  tent : 
Eurypylus,  Tydides,  Atreus'  son. 
And  wise  Ulysses,  at  the  navy  groan, 
More  for  their  country's  wounds  than  for  their  own 
Their  pain  soft  arts  of  pharmacy  can  ease. 
Thy  breast  alone  no  lenitives  appease. 
May  never  rage  like  thine  my  soul  enslave, 
O  great  in  vain  !  unprofitably  brave  ! 
Thy  country  slighted  in  her  last  distress, 
What  friend,  what  man,  from  thee  shall  hope  redress  ? 
No — men  unborn,  and  ages  yet  behind, 
Shall  curse  that  fierce,  that  unforgiving  mind. 

"  O  man  unpitying  !  if  of  man  thy  race  ; 
But  sure  thou  spring's!  not  from  a  soft  embrace. 
Nor  ever  amorous  hero  caused  thy  birth. 
Nor  ever  tender  goddess  brought  thee  forth  : 
Some  rugged  rock's  hard  entrails  gave  thee  form. 
And  raging  seas  produced  thee  in  a  storm, 

person's  themselves  are  less  import.int,  it  isl;epl  mnre  in  tliekick-^roim.I.  is  nninfesll^ 
viewL-.i  bv  lIlL-  l.nel  in  tlie  snme  liL-lil.  The  idt.-i  uf  a  Creel;  hen,  s,-en.  .  e.^t  in  h.ve 
been  tjinu^ht  complete,  witllout  suctl  a  brother  in  arras  by  his  side. "— ThirUaJL 
Greece,  Tol.  i,  p.  170,  se^ 


Book  N  VI.]  THE  lUAD.  33S 

A  soul  well  suiting  tliat  tempestuous  kind, 
So  rougli  thy  manners,  so  untamed  thy  mind. 

"  If  some  dire  oracle  t!iy  breast  alarm. 
If  aught  from  Jove,  or  Tlietis,  stop  thy  arm, 
Some  beam  of  comfort  yet  on  Greece  may  shiue, 
If  I  but  lead  the  RIyrmidonian  line  : 
Clad  in  tliy  dreadful  arms  if  1  appear. 
Proud  Troy  shall  tremble,  and  desert  the  war; 
Without  thy  person  Greece  shall  win  the  day, 
And  thy  mere  image  chase  her  foes  away. 
Press'd  by  fresh  forces,  her  o'erlabor'd  train 
Shall  quit  the  ships,  and  Greece  respire  again." 
Thus,  blind  to  fate  !  with  supplicating  breath, 
Thou  begg'st  his  arms,  and  in  his  arms  thy  death 
Unfortunately  good  !  a  boding  sigh 
Thy  friend  returned ;  and  with  it,  this  reply 
"  Patroclus  !  thy  Achilles  knows  no  fears  ; 
Nor  words  from  Jove  nor  oracles  he  hears ; 
Nor  aught  a  mother's  caution  can  suggest ; 
The  tyrant's  pride  lies  rooted  in  my  breast. 
My  wrongs,  my  wrongs,  my  constant  thought  engage, 
Those,  my  sole  oracles,  inspire  my  rage  : 
I  made  him  tyrant  :  gave  him  power  to  wrong 
Even  my  :   I  felt  it ;  and  shall  feel  it  long. 
The  maid,  my  black-eyed  maid,  he  forced  away. 
Due  to  the  toils  of  many  a  well-fought  day ; 
Due  to  my  conquest  of  her  father's  reign  ; 
Due  to  the  votes  of  all  the  Grecian  train. 
From  me  he  forced  her;  me,  the  bold  and  brave, 
Disgraced,  dishonor'd,  like  the  meanest  slave. 
But  bear  we  thi.s — the  wrongs  I  grieve  are  past ; 
Tis  time  our  fury  should  relent  at  last : 
I  fi.x'd  its  date;  the  day  I  wish'd  appears: 
How  Hector  to  my  ships  his  battle  bears, 
The  flames  my  eyes,  the  shouts  invade  my  ears. 
Go  then,  Patroclus  !  court  fair  honor's  charms 
In  Troy's  famed  fields,  and  in  Achilles'  atTns: 
Lead  forth  my  martial  Myrmidons  to  fight, 
Go  save  the  fleets,  and  conquer  in  my  right. 
See  the  thin  relics  of  their  baffled  band 
At  the  last  edge  of  yon  deserted  land  ! 
I5ehold  all  Ilion  on  their  ships  descends  ; 
How  the  cloud  blackens,  how  the  storm  impends 
It  was  not  thus,  when,  at  my  sight  amazed, 
Troy  saw  and  trembled,  as  this  helmet  blazed: 
Had  not  tlie  injurious  king  our  friendship  lost. 
Yon  ample  trench  had  buried  half  her  host. 


33^  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVL 

No  camps,  no  bulwarks  now  the  Trojans  fear, 

Those  are  not  dreadful,  no  Achilles  there  ; 

No  lonjjer  fliimes  the  lance  of  Tydeus'  son  ; 

No  more  your  general  calls  his  heroes  on: 

Hector,  alone,  1  hear ;  his  dreadful   breath 

Commands  your  slaughter,  or  proclaims  your  death. 

Yet  now,  Patroclus,  issue  to  the  plain : 

Now  save  the  ships,  the  rising  fires  restrain, 

And  give  the  Greeks  to  visit  Greece  again. 

But  heed  my  words,  and  mark  a  friend's  command. 

Who  trusts  his  fame  and  honors  in  thy  hand. 

And  from  thy  deeds  expects  the  Achaian  host 

Shall  render  back  the  beauteous  maid  he  lost: 

Rage  uncontroll'd  through  all  the  hostile  crew, 

But  touch  not  Hector,  Hector  is  my  due. 

Though  Jove  in  thunder  should  command  the  war, 

Be  just,  consult  my  glory,  and  forbear. 

The  fleet  once  saved,  desist  from  further  chase, 

Nor  lead  to  Ilion's  walls  the  Grecian  race  ; 

Some  adverse  god  thy  rashness  may  destroy, 

Some  god,  like  Fhcebus,  ever  kind  to  Troy. 

Let  Greece,  rcdeem'd  from  this  destructive  strait. 

Do  her  own  work  ;   and  leave  the  rest  to  fate. 

O  !  would  to  all  the  immortal  powers  above, 

Apollo,  Pallas,  and  almighty  Jove, 

That  not  one  Trojan  might  be  left  alive, 

And  not  a  Greek  of  all  the  race  survive  : 

Might  only  we  the  vast  destruction  shun, 

And  only  we  destroy  the  accursed  town  !  " 

Such  conference  held  the  chiefs  ;   while  on  the  strand 

Great  Jove  with  conquest  crown'd  the  Trojan  band. 

Aja.x  no  more  the  sounding  storm  sustain'd, 

So  thick  the  darts  an  iron  tempest  rain'd  : 

On  his  tired  arm  the  weighty  Inickler  hung; 

His  hollow  helm  with  falling  javelins  rung; 

His  breath,  in  quick  short  pantings,  comes  and  goess 

And  painful  sweat  from  all  his  members  flows. 

Spent  and  o'erpower'd,  he  barely  breathes  at  most: 

Yet  scarce  an  army  stirs  him  from  his  post; 

Dangers  on  dangers  all  around  him  glow, 

And  toil  to  toil,  and  woe  succeeds  to  woe. 

Say,  Muses,  throned  above  the  starry  frame. 
How  first  the  navy  blazed  with  Trojan  flame? 

Stern  Hector  waved  his  sword,  and  standing  near, 
Where  furious  Ajax  plied  his  ashen  spear, 
Full  on  the  lance  a  stroke  so  justly  sped. 
That  the  broad  falchion  lopp'd  its  brazen  head; 


Book  XVI.]  THE  ILIAD.  337 

His  pointless  spear  the  warrior  shakes  in  vain  ; 

The  brazen  head  fails  sounding  on  the  plain. 

Great  Aja.x  saw,  and  own'd  the  hand  divine  ; 

Confessing  Jove,  and  trembling  at  the  sign, 

Warn'd  he  retreats.     Then  s-uift  from  all  sides  pour 

The  hissing  brands  ;  thick  streams  the  fiery  shower  ;  , 

O'er  tlie  high  stern  the  curling  volumes  rise, 

And  sheets  of  rolling  smoke  involve  the  skies. 

Divine  Achilles  view'd  the  rising  flames, 
And  smote  his  thigh,  and  thus  aloud  exclaims  : 
"  Arm,  arm,  Patroclus  !  Lo,  the  blaze  aspires  ! 
The  glowing  ocean  reddens  with  the  fires. 
Arm,  ere  our  vessels  catch  the  spreading  flame  ; 
Arm,  ere  the  Grecians  be  no  more  a  name; 
I  haste  to  bring  the  troops." — The  hero  said  ; 
The  friend  with  ardor  and  with  joy  obey'd. 

He  cased  his  limbs  in  brass  ;  and  first  around 
His  manly  legs,  with  silver  buckles  bound 
The  clasping  greaves  ;  then  to  his  breast  applies 
The  flaming  cuirass  of  a  thousand  dyes  , 
Emblazed  with  studs  of  gold  his  falchion  shone 
In  the  rich  belt,  as  in  a  starry  zone  . 
Achilks'  shield  his  ainple  shoulders  sprtad,  ' 
Achilles'  helmet  nodded  o'er  his  head  : 
Adorn'd  in  all  his  terrible  array. 
He  flash'd  around  intolerable  day. 
Alone  untouch'd,  Pelide3'  javelin  stands, 
Not  to  be  poised  but  by  Pelides'  hands  : 
From  Felion's  shady  brow  the  plant  entire 
Old  Chiron  rent,  and  shaped  it  for  his  sire  ; 
Whose  son's  great  arm  alone  the  weapon  wields, 
The  death  of  heroes,  and  the  dread  of  fields. 

The  brave  Automedon  (an  honor'd  name, 
The  second  to  his  lord  in  love  and  fame,  ■ 

In  peace  his  friend,  and  partner  of  the  war) 
The  winged  coursers  harness'd  to  the  car ;  ^ 

Xanthus  and  Balius,  of  immortal  breed, 
Sprung  from  the  wind,  and  like  the  wind  in  speed. 
Whom  the  wing'd  harpy,  swift  Podarge,  bore. 
By  Zephyr  pregnant  on  the  breezy  shore  : 
Swift  Pedasus  was  added  to  their  side, 
(Once  great  Action's,  now  Achilles'  pride) 
Who,  like  in  strength,  in  swiftness,  and  in  grace, 
A  mortal  courser  match'd  the  immortal  race. 

Achilles  speeds  from  tent  lo  tent,  and  warms 
His  hardy  IVIyrmidons  to  blood  and  arms 
Ail  breathing  death,  around  the  chief  they  stand. 


338  THE  ILIAD.  [Book 

A  Rrim,  terrific,  formidable  band  : 

Grim  .as  voracious  wolves,  that  seek  the  springs* 

When  scalding  thirst  their  burning  bowels  wrings. 

When  some  tall  stag,  fresh-slaughtered  in  the  wood, 

Has  drench'd  their  wide  insatiate  throats  with  blood, 

To  the  black  fount  they  rush,  a  hideous  throng, 

With  paunch  distended,  and  with  lolling  tongue, 

Fire  fills  their  eye,  their  black  jaws  belch  the  gore, 

And  gorged  with  slaughter  still  they  thirst  for  more. 

Like  furious,  rush'd  the  Myrmidonian  crew. 

Such  their  dread  strength,  and  such  their  deathful  view. 

High  in  the  midst  the  great  Achilles  stands. 
Directs  their  order,  and  the  war  commands. 
He,  loved  of  Jove,  had  launch'd  for  Illon's  shores 
Full  fifty  vessels,  mann'd  with  fifty  oars  : 
Five  chosen  leaders  the  fierce  bands  obey, 
Himself  supreme  in  valor,  as  in  sway. 

p'irst  march'd  Menestheus,  of  celestial  birth. 
Derived  from  thee,  whose  waters  wash  the  earth. 
Divine  Sperchius  !  Jove-descended  flood  ! 
A  mortal  mother  mixing  with  a  god. 
Such  was  Menestheus,  but  miscall'd  by  fame 
The  son  of  Borus,  that  espoused  the  dame. 

Eudorus  next ;  whom  Polymele  the  gay, 
Famed  in  the  graceful  dance,  produced  to-day. 
Her,  sly  Cellgnius  loved  :  on  hef  would  gaze, 
As  with  swift  step  she  form'd  the  running  maze: 
To  her  high  chamber  from  Diana's  quire, 
The  god  pursued  her,  urged,  and  crown'd  his  fire. 
The  son  confess'd  his  father's  heavenly  race. 
And  heir'd  his  mother's  swiftness  in  the  chase. 
Strong  Echecleiis,  bless'd  in  all  those  charms 
That  pleased  a  god,  succeeded  to  her  arms  ; 
Not  conscious  of  those  loves,  long  hid  from  fame. 
With  giftj  of  price  he  sought  and  won  the  dame ; 
Her  secret  offspring  to  her  sire  she  bare : 
Her  sire  caress'd  him  with  a  parent's  care. 

Pisander  follow'd  ;  matchless  in  his  art 
To  wing  the  spear,  or  aim  the  distant  dart ; 
No  hand  so  sure  of  all  the  Emathian  line, 
Or  if  a  surer,  great  Patroclus  !  thine. 

The  fourth  by  Phoenix'  grave  command  was  graced, 
Laerces'  valiant  offspring  led  the  last. 


'  As  huncrv  wolves  with  raging  appetite, 
Sc.ur  tliinu:.;h  the  fields,  ne'er  fear  the  slorm>-  night— 
Their  whelps  at  home  expect  the  promised  tood, 
And  long  to  temper  their  dry  chaps  i"  hlood — 
So  rush'd  we  iorth  at  once.' — Dryden'^  Virgil,  ii.  479. 


Book  XVI.)  THE  ILIAD.  339 

Soon  as  Achilles  with  superior  care 
Had  call'd  the  chiefs,  and  order'd  all  the  war, 
This  stern  remembrance  to  his  troops  he  gave  : 
"  Ye  far-famed  Myrmidons,  ye  fierce  and  brave  ! 
Think  widi  what  threats  you  dared  the  Trojan  throng, 
Think  what  reproach  these  ears  endured  so  long; 
■•  Stern  son  of  Peleus  (thus  ye  used  to  say. 
While  restless,  raging,  in  your  ships  you  lay) 
Oh  nursed  with  gall,  unknowing  how  to  yield  ; 
Whose  rage  defrauds  us  of  so  famed  a  field  : 
If  that  dire  fury  must  forever  burn, 
What  make  we  here.  ?     Return,  ye  chiefs,  return  ! ' 
Such  were  your  words — Now,  warriors  !  grieve  no  more. 
Lo  there  the  Trojans  ;  bathe  your  swords  in  gore  J 
This  day  shall  give  you  all  your  soul  demands, 
Glut  all  your  hearts,  and  weary  all  your  hands  !  " 

Thus  while  he  roused  the  fire  in  every  breast, 
Close  and  more  close  the  listening  cohorts  press'd  ; 
Ranks  wedged  in  ranks ;  of  arms  a  steely  ring 
Still  grows,  and  spreads,  and  thickens  round  the  king. 
As  when  a  circling  wall  the  builder  forms. 
Of  strength  defensive  against  wind  and  storms, 
Compacted  stones  the  thickening  work  compose, 
And  round  him  wide  the  rising  structure  grows: 
So  helm  to  helm,  and  crest  to  cre^st  they  throng. 
Shield  urged  on  shield,  and  man  drove  man  along; 
Thick,  undistinguish'd  plumes,  together  join'd, 
Float  in  one  sea,  and  wave  before  the  wind. 

Far  o'er  the  rest  in  glittering  pomp  appear, 
There  bold  Automedon,  I'atroclus  here; 
Brothers  in  arms,  with  equal  fury  fired ; 
Two  friends,  two  bodies  with  one  soul  inspired. 

But  mindful  of  the  gods,  Acliilles  went 
To  the  rich  coffer  in  his  shady  tent ; 
There  lay  on  heaps  his  various  garments  roU'd, 
And  costly  furs,  and  carpets  stiff  with  gold 
;The  presents  of  the  silver-footed  dame). 
From  thence  he  took  a  bowl,  of  antique  frame, 
Which  never  man  had  stained  with  ruddy  wine,  ' 

Nor  raised  in  offerings  to  the  power  divine, 
But  Peleus'  son  ;  and  Peleus'  son  to  none 
Had  raised  in  offermgs,  but  to  Jove  alone. 
This  tinged  with  sulphur,  sacred  first  to  flame, 
He  purged  :  and  wash'd  it  in  the  running  stream. 
Then  cleansed  his  hands ;  and  fixing  for  a  spacf 
His  eyes  on  heaven,  his  feet  upon  the  place 
01  sacrifice,  the  purple  draught  lie  puur'd 


34^  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI 

Forth  in  the  midst ;  and  thus  the  god  implored  : 

"  O  thou  supreme  !  high-throned  all  heiglit  above  ! 
O  gre.it  Pelasgic,  Dodona-an  Jove  ! 
Who  'midst  surrounding  frosts,  and  vapors  chill, 
Presid'st  on  bleak  Dodona's  vocal  hill 
(Whose  groves  the  Selli,  race  aus.ere!  surround, 
Their  feet  unwash'd,  their  slumbers  on  the  ground; 
Who  hear,  from  rustling  oaks,  thy  dark  decrees; 
And  catch  the  fates,  low-vvhispered  in  the  breeze); 
Hear,  as  of  old  !     Thou  gav'st  at  Thetis'  prayer, 
Glory  to  me,  and  to  the  Greeks  despair. 
Lo,  to  the  dangers  of  the  fighting. field 
The  best,  the  dearest  of  my  friends,  I  yield, 
Though  still  determined,  to  my  ships  confined; 
Patroclus  gone,  I  stay  but  half  behind. 
Oh  !  be  liis  guard  thy  providential  care, 
Confirm  his  heart,  and  siring  his  arm  to  war: 
I'ress'd  by  his  single  force  let  Hector  see 
His  fame  in  arms  not  owing  all  to  me. 
But  when  the  fleets  are  saved  from  foes  and  fire, 
Let  him  witli  conquest  and  renown  retire  ; 
Preserve  his  arms,  preserve  his  social  train, 
And  safe  return  liim  to  these  eyes  again  ! " 

Great  Jove  consents  to  half  the  chief's  request, 
But  heaven's  eternal  doom  denies  the  rest; 
To  free  the  fleet  was  granted  to  his  pr.ayer; 
His  safe  return,  the  winds  dis|)ersed  in  air. 
Back  to  his  tent  the  stern  Achilles  flies, 
And  waits  the  combat  with  impatient  eyes. 

Meanwhile  the  troops  beneath  Patroclus'  care, 
Invade  the  Trojans,  and  commence  the  war. 
As  wasps,  provoked  by  childieu  in  their  play, 
Pour  from  their  mansions  by  the  broad  highway, 
In  swarms  the  guiltless  traveller  engage, 
Whet  all  their  stings,  and  call  forth'all  their  rage: 
All  rise  in  arms,  and,  with  a  general  cry. 
Assert  their  waxen  domes,  and  buzzing  progeny. 
Thus  from  the  tents  the  fervent  legion  swarms, 
So  loud  their  clamors,  and  so  keen  their  arms: 
Their  rising  rage  Patroclus'  breath  inspires. 
Who  thus  inflames  them  with  heroic  fires : 

"  O  warriors,  partners  of  Achilles'  praise ! 
Be  mindful  of  your  deeds  in  ancient  days; 
Your  godlike  master  let  your  acts  proclaim, 
And  add  new  glories  to  his  mighty  name. 
Think  your  Achilles  sees  you  light  :  be  brave, 
And  humble  tlie  proud  monarch  whom  you  save." 


Book  XVI.]  THE  ILIAD.  341 

Joyful  they  heard,  and  kiiuHing  as  he  spoke, 
Flew  to  the  fleet,  involved  in  fire  and  smoke. 
From  shore  to  shore  the  doubling  shouts  resound. 
The  hollow  ships  return  a  deeper  sound. 
The  war  stood  still,  and  all  around  them  gazed, 
When  great  Achilles'  shining  armor  blazed  : 
Troy  saw,  and  thought  the  dread  Achilles  nigh. 
At  once  they  see,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly. 

Then  first  thy  spear,  divine  Patroclus  !  flew, 
Where  the  war  raged,  and  where  the  tumult  grew. 
Close  to  the  stern  of  that  famed  ship  which  bore. 
Unbless'd  Protesilaus  to  I  lion's  shore, 
The  great  Psonian,  bold  Pyrcchmes  stood 
(Who  led  his  bands  from  A.\ius'  winding  flood)  ; 
His  shoulder-blade  receives  the  fatal  wound  ; 
The  groaning  warrior  pants  U])on  the  ground. 
His  troops,  that  see  their  country's  glory  slain. 
Fly  diverse,  scatter'd  o'er  the  distant  plain. 
Patroclus'  arm  forbids  the  spreading  fires, 
And  from  the  half-burn'd  ship  proud  Troy  retires) 
Clear'd  from  the  smoke  the  joyful  navy  lies  ; 
In  heaps  on  heaps  the  foe  tumultuous  flies  ; 
Triimiphant  Greece  her  rescued  decks  ascends. 
And  loud  acclaim  the  starry  region  rends. 
So  when  thick  clouds  enwrap  the  mountain's  head. 
O'er  heaven's  expanse  like  one  black  ceiling  spread; 
Sudden  the  Thunderer,  with  a  flashing  ray. 
Bursts  through  the  darkness,  and  lets'down  the  day  : 
The  hills  shine  out,  the  rocks  in  prospect  ri.=e. 
And  streams,  ana  vales,  and  forests,  strike  the  eyes  ; 
The  smiling  scene  wide  opens  to  the  sight. 
And  all  the  unmeasured  ether  flames  with  li^lit. 

But  Troy  repulsed,  and  scatter'd  o'er  the  pl.iins. 
Forced  from  the  navy,  yet  the  figlit  maintains. 
Now  every  Greek  some  hostile  hero  slew, 
But  still  the  foremo.st,  bold  Patroclus  flew:  ' 

As  Areilycus  had  turn'd  him  round. 
Sharp  in  his  thigh  lie  felt  the  piercing  wound; 
The  brazen-pointed  spear,  with  vigor  thrown, 
The  thigh  transfix'd,  and  broke  the  brittle  bone: 
Headlong  he  fell.     Next,  Thoas  was  thy  chance; 
Thy  breast,  unarm'd,  received  the  Spartan  lance. 
Phylides'  dart  (as  Amphidus  drew  nigh) 
His  blow  prevented,  and  transpierced  his  thigh. 
Tore  all  the  brawn,  and  rent  the  nerves  away; 
In  darkness,  and  in  death,  the  warrior  lay. 

In  equal  arms  two  sons  of  Nestor  stand, 


{42  THE  ILIAD.  [Kuok  XVI 

And  two  bold  brothers  of  the  Lycian  band  : 
By  great  Antilochus,  Atymniiis  dies, 
Pierced  in  the  flank,  lamented  youth  !  he  lies, 
Kind  Maris,  bleeding  in  his  brother's  wound, 
Defends  the  breathless  carcase  on  the  ground; 
Furious  he  flies,  his  murderer  to  engage: 
But  godlike  Thrasimed  prevents  his  rage, 
Between  his  arm  and  shoulder  aims  a  blow ; 
His  arm  falls  spouting  on  the  dust  below: 
He  sinks,  with  endless  darkness  cover'd  o'er: 
And  vents  his  soul,  effused  with  gushing  gore. 

Slain  by  two  brothers,  thus  two  brothers  bleed, 
Sarpedon's  friends,  Amisodarus'  seed  ; 
Amisodarus,  who,  by  Furies  led. 
The  bane  of  men,  abhorr'd  Chimera  bred  : 
Skill'd  in  the  dart  in  vain,  his  sons  expire, 
And  pay  the  forfeit  of  their  guilty  sire. 

Stopp'd  in  the  tumult  Cleobulus  lies, 
Beneath  Oileus'  arm,  a  living  prize  ; 
A  living  prize  not  long  the  Trojan  stood  ; 
The  thirsty  falchion  drank  his  reeking  blood  . 
Plunged  in  his  throat  the  smoking  weapon  lies; 
Black  death,  and  fate  unpilying,  seal  his  eyes. 

Amid  the  ranks,  with  mutual  thirst  of  fame, 
Lycon  the  brave,  and  fierce  Peneleus  came  ; 
In  vain  their  javelins  at  each  other  flew, 
Now.  met  in  arms,  their  eager  swords  they  drew. 
On  the  plumed  crest  of  his  Boeotian  foe 
The  daring  Lycon  aim'd  a  noble  blow; 
The  sword  broke  short;  but  his,  Peneleus  sped 
Full  on  the  juncture  of  the  neck  and  head  : 
The  head,  divided  by  a  stroke  so  just. 
Hung  by  the  skin  ;  the  body  sunk  to  dust. 

O'ertaken  Neiinias  by  Merion  bleeds. 
Pierced  through  tlie  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  steeds 
Back  from  the  car  he  tumbles  to  the  ground  : 
His  swimming  eyes  eternal  shades  surround. 

Next  Erymas  was  doom'd  his  fate  to  feel. 
His  open'd  mouth  received  the  Cretan  steel  : 
Beneath  the  brain  the  point  a  passage  tore, 
Crash'd  the  thin  bones,  and  drown'd  the  teeth  in  gore: 
His  mouth,  his  eyes,  his  nostrils,  pour  a  flood; 
He  sobs  his  soul  out  in  the  gusli  of  blood. 

As  when  the  flocks  neglected  by  the  swain. 
Or  kids,  or  lambs,  lie  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain, 
A  troop  of  wolves  the  unguarded  charge  survey, 
And  rend  tht  trembling,  unresisting  prey  : 


SooK  XVI.]  THE  ILIAD.  343 

Thus  on  the  foe  the  Greeks  impetuous  came  ; 
Troy  fled,  unmindful  of  lier  former  fame. 

But  still  at  Hector  godlike  Aja.x  aim'd, 
Still,  pointed  at  his  breast,  his  javelin  flamed. 
The  Trojan  chief,  experienced  in  the  field. 
O'er  Iiis  broad  shoulders  spread  the  massy  shield, 
Observed  the  storm  of  darts  the  Grecians  pour, 
And  on  his  buckler  caught  tlie  ringing  shower: 
He  sees  for  Greece  the  scale  of  conquest  rise, 
Yet  stops,  and  turns,  and  saves  his  loved  allies. 

As  when  the  hand  of  Jove  a  tempest  forms,  ' 

And  rolls  the  cloud  to  blacken  heaven  with  storms, 
Dark  o'er  the  field  the  ascending  vapor  flies. 
And  shades  the  sun,  and  blots  the  golden  skies: 
So  from  the  ships,  along  the  dusky  plain, 
Dire  Flight  and  Terror'drove  tlie  Trojan  train. 
Even  Hector  fled  ;  through  heads  of  disarray 
The  fiery  coursers  forced  their  lord  away  ; 
While  far  behind  his  Trojans  fall  confused  ; 
Wedged  in  the  trench,  in  one  vast  carnage  bruised: 
Chariots  on  cliariots  roll  :  the  clashing  spokes 
Shock  ;  while  the  madding  steeds  break  short  their  yokes, 
In  vain  they  labor  up  the  steepy  mound  ; 
Their  charioteers  lie  foaming  on  the  ground. 
Fierce  on  the  rear,  with  shouts  Patroclus  flies ; 
Tumultuous  clamor  fills  the  fields  and  skies ; 
Thick  drifts  of  dust  involve  their  rapid  flight; 
Clouds  rise  on  clouds,  and  heaven  is  snatch'd  from  sight. 
The  affrighted  steeds  their  dying  lords  cast  down. 
Scour  o'er  the  fields,  and  stretch  to  reach  the  town. 
Loud  o'er  the  rout  was  heard  the  victor's  cry. 
Where  the  war  lileeds,  and  where  the  thicke'st  die, 
Where  horse  and  arms,  and  chariots  lie  o'erthrown, 
And  bleeding  h  roes  under  axles  ,;rown. 
Ne  stop,  no  check,  the  steeds  of  Peleus  knew: 
From  bank  to  bank  the  immortal  coursers  flew. 
High-bounding  o'er  the  fosse,  the  whirling  car 
Smokes  through  the  ranks,  o'ertakes  tlie  flying  war,      ' 
And  thunders  after  Hector  :  Hector  flies, 
Patroclus  shakes  his  lance;  but  fate  denies.  1 

Not  with  less  noise,  with  less  impetuous  force. 
The  tide  of  Trojans  urge  their  desperate  course. 
Than  when  in  autumn  jove  hi    fury  pours. 
And  earth  is  loaden  with  incessant  showers 
(When  guilty  mortals  break  the  eternal  laws. 
Or  judges,  bribed,  betray  the  righteous  cause); 
From  their  deep  beds  he  bids  the  rivers  rise, 


344  THE  ILIAD.  fliooK  XVl 

And  opens  all  the  flond-gates  of  tlie  skies  ■ 

The  impetuous  torrents  fmm  their  liills  oliey. 

Whole  fields  are  drown'd,  and  mountains  swept  away. 

Loud  roars  the  deluge  till  it  meets  tlie  main  ; 

And  trembling  man  sees  all  his  labors  vain  ! 

And  now  the  chief  (the  foremost  troops  repell'd) 
Back  to  the  ships  his  destined  progress  held, 
Bore  down  half  Troy  in  his  resistless  way, 
And  forced  the  routed  ranks  to  stand  the  day. 
Between  the  space  where  silver  Simois  flows. 
Where  lay  the  fleets,  and  where  the  rampires  rose, 
All  t^rim  in  dust  and  blood  Patroclus  stands, 
And'^turns  the  slaughter  on  the  conquering  bands. 
First  Pronous  died" beneath  his  fiery  dart, 
Which  pierced  below  the  shield  his  valiant  heart. 
Thestor  was  next,  who  saw  the  chief  appear, 
And  fell  the  victim  of  his  coward  fear  ; 
Shrunk  up  he  sat,  with  wild  and  haggard  eye, 
Nor  stood  to  combat,  nor  had  force  to  fly ; 
Patroclus  mark'd  him  as  he  shunn'd  the  war. 
And  with  unmanly  tremblings  shook  the  car, 
And  dropp'd  the  flowing  reins.     Him  'twi.xt  the  jaws, 
The  javelin  sticks,  and  from  the  chariot  draws. 
As  on  a  rock  that  overhangs  the  main. 
An  angler,  studious  of  the  line  and  cane, 
Some  mighty  fish  draws  panting  to  the  shore  : 
Not  with  less  ease  the  barbed  javelin  bore 
The  gaping  dastard ;  as  the  spear  was  shook, 
He  fell,  and  life  his  heartless  breast  forsook. 

Next  on.  Ervalus  he  flies  ;  a  stone. 
Large  as  a  rock,  was  by  his  fury  thrown  : 
Full  on  his  crown  the  ponderous  fragment  flew, 
And  burst  the  helm,  and  cleft  the  head  in  two : 
Prone  to  the  ground  the  breathless  warrior  fell. 
And  death  involved  him  with  the  shades  of  hell. 
Then  low  in  dust  Epaltcs,  Echius,  lie  ; 
Ipheas,  Evippus,  Polymelus,  die  ; 
Amphoterus  and  Erymas  succeed  ; 
And  last  Tlepolemus  and  Pyres  bleed. 
Where'er  he  moves,  the  glowing  slaughters  spread 
In  heaps  on  heaps  a  monument  of  dead. 

When  now  Sarpedon  his  brave  friends  beheld 
Grovelling  in  dust,  and  gasping  on  the  field. 
With  this  reproach  his  flying  host  he  warns : 
"Oh  stain  to  honor  !  oh  disgrace  to  arms  ! 
Forsake,  inglorious,  the  contented  plain  ; 
This  hand  unaided  shall  the  war  sustain : 


Book  X\[,"  THE  ILIAD.  345 

The  tisk  be  mine  this  hero's  strength  to  try, 
Who  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  an  army  fly." 

He  spake:  and,  speaking,  leaps  from  off  the  car 
Patroclus  lights,  and  sternly  waits  the  war. 
As  when  two  vultures  on  tlie  mountain's  height 
Stoop  with  resounding  pinions  to  the  fight; 
They  cuff,  they  tear,  they  raise  a  screaming  cry; 
The  desert  echoes,  and  the    rocks  reply  : 
The  warriors  thus  opposed  in  arms,  engage 
With  equal  clamors,  and  with  ocjual  rage. 

Jove  view'd  the  combat  :    whose  event  foreseen. 
He  tlius  bespoke  his  sister  and  his  queen  : 
"  The  hour  draws  on  ;  the  destinies  ordain,* 
My  godlike  son  shall  press  the  Phrygian  plain: 
Already  on  the  verge  of  death  he  stands, 
His  life  is  owed  to  fierce  Patroclus'  hands. 
What  passions  in  a  parent's  breast  debate  ! 
Say,  shall  I  snatch  him  from   impending  fate. 
And  send  him  safe  to  Lycia,   distant  far 
From  all  the  dangers  and  the  toils  of  war; 
Or  to  his  doom  my  bravest  offspring  yield, 
And  fatten,  witli  celestial  blood,  the  field." 
Then  thus  the  goddess  with  the  radiant  eyes  : 
"  What  words  are  these,  O  sovereign  of  the  skies ! 
Short  is  the  date  prescribed  to  mortal  man  ; 
Shall  Jove  for  one  extend  the  narrow  span, 
Whose  bounds  were  fi,xed  before  his  race  began  ? 
How  many  sons  of  gods,  foredoom'd  to  death. 
Before  proud  Ilion  must  resign  their  breath! 
Were  thine  exempt,  debate  would  rise  above. 
And  murmuring  powers  condemn  their  partial  Jove. 
Give  the  bold  chief  a  glorious  fate  in  fight ; 

•  The  destinies  orilrin.—"  In  the  mytlinlogy,  also,  nf  the  Iliad,  purely  Pagan  as 
It  is,  we  discover  one  important  truth  unconsciously  involved,  which  was  almost  en- 
tirely Inst  from  view  amidst  the  nearly  equal  skepticism  and  credulity  of  subsequent 
ages.  Zuus  or  Jupiter  is  popularly  to  be  taken  as  omnipotent.  No  distinct  empire  is 
assigned  to  fate  or  fortune  ;  the  will  of  the  father  of  gods  and  men  is  absolute  and 
uncontrollable.  This  seems  to  be  the  true  character  of  the  Homeric  deity,  and  it  i« 
very  necessary  that  the  student  of  Greek  literature  should  bear  itfonstantly  in  mind. 
A  stronj  instance  in  the  Iliad  itself  to  illustrate  this  position,  is  the  passage  where 
Jupiter  laments  to  Juno  the  approaching  death  of  Sarpedon.  'Alas  me!'  says  he, 
■  since  it  is  fated  (noipm)  that  Sarpedon,  dearest  to  me  of  men,  should  be  slain  by 
Patroclus,  the  son  of  Menoftius!  Indeed,  my  heart  is  divided  within  me  while  "I 
ruminate  it  in  my  mind,  whether  having  snatched  him  up  from  out  the  lamentable 
battle,  I  should  not  at  once  place  him  alive  in  the  fertile  land  of  his  own  Lycia.  or 
whither  I  should  now  destroy  him  by  the  hands  of  the  son  of  Mencetius!  '  To  which 
Juno  answers, — '  Dost  thou  mean  to  rescue  from  death  a  mortal  man,  long  since  des- 
tined by  fate  (irciAai  Tren^pujn«i-oi-)  ?  You  may  do  it— but  we,  the  rest  of  the  gods,  do 
not  sanction  it.*  Here  it  is  clear  from  both  speakers,  that,  although  Sarpedon  is  said 
to  be  fated  to  die,  Jupiter  might  still,  if  he  pleased,  save  him,  and  pl.ace  him  entirely 
out  of  the  reach  of  any  such  event,  and  further,  m  the  alternative,  that  Jupiter  hinf 
•elf  would  destroy  him  by  the  hands  of  another  "  —  Coleridge,  p.  156,  seq. 


546  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI, 

And  wlien  the  ascendins;  soul  lias  vving'd  her  tiight 

Let  oleep  and  Deatli  convey,  by  thy  command, 

The  breathless  body  to  his  native  land. 

His  friends  and  people,  to  his  future  praise, 

A  marble  tomb  and  pyramid  sliall  raise. 

And  lasting  honors  to  his  ashes  give ; 

His  fame  ('tis  all  tlie  dead  can  have)  shall  live." 

She  said  :  the  cloud-compeller,  overcome, 
Assents  to  fate,  and  ratifies  the  doom. 
Then  touch'd  with  grief,  the  weeping  heavens  distill't' 
A  shower  of  blood  o'er  all  the  fatal  field  : 
The  god,  his  Lyes  averting  from  the  plain. 
Laments  his  son,  predestined  to  be  slain, 
Par  from  the  Lycian  shores,  his  happy  native  reign. 
Now  met  in  arms,  the  combatants  appear ; 
Each  heaved  the  shield,  and  poised  the  lifted  spear; 
p'rom  strong  I'atroclus'  hand  the  javelin  fled, 
And  pass'd  the  groin  of  valiant  Thrasymed  ; 
The  nerves  unbraced  no  more  liis  bulk  sustain. 
He  falls,  and  falling  bites  the  bloody  plain. 
Two  sounding  darts  the  Lycian  leader  threw : 
The  first  aloof  with  erring  fury  flew, 
The  next  transpierced  Achilles'  mortal  steed, 
The  generous  Pedasus  of  Theban  breed  : 
Fix'd  in  the  shoulder's  joint,  he  reel'd  around, 
Roll'd  in  the  bloody  dust,  and  paw'd  the  slippery  ground. 
His  sudden  fall  the  entangled  harness  broke 
Kach  axle  crackled,  and  the  chariot  shook  : 
When  bold  Automedon,  to  disengage 
The  starting  coursers,  and  restrain  their  rage. 
Divides  the  traces  with  his  sword,  and  freed 
The  encumbered  chariot  from  the  dying  steed : 
The  rest  move  on,  obedient  to  the  rein : 
The  car  rolls  slowly  o'er  the  dusty  plain. 

The  towering  chiefs  to  fiercer  fight  advance: 
And  first  Sarpedon  whirl'd  his  weighty  lance, 
Which  o'er  the  warrior's  shoulder  took  its  course. 
And  spent  jn  empty  air  its  dying  force. 
Not  so  Patroclus'  never-erring  dart  ; 
Aim'd  at  his  breast  it  pierced  a  mortal  part. 
Where  the  strong  fibres  bind  the  solid  heart.^ 
Then  as  the  mountain  oak,  or  poplar  tall. 
Or  pine  (fit  mast  for  some  great  admiral) 
Nods  to  the  axe,  till  with  a  groaning  sound 
It  sinks,  and  spreads  its  honors  on  the  ground. 
Thus  fell  the  king  ;  and  laid  on  earth  supine, 
Before  his  chariot  stretch'd  his  form  divine; 


Book  XVI]  THE  ILIAD  347 

He  grasp'd  the  dust  distain  d  with  streaming  gore 

And,  pale  in  death,  lay  groaning  on  the  shore. 

So  lies  a  bull  beneath  the  lion's  paws, 

While  the  grim  savage  grinds  with  foamy  jaws 

The  trembling  limbs,  and  sucks  the  smoking  blood  ; 

Deep  groans,  and  hollow  roars,  rebellow  through  the  wood 

Then  to  the  leader  of  the  Lycian  band 
The  dying  chief  address'd  his  last  command  ; 
"  Glaucus,  be  bold  .  thy  task  be  first  to  dai  e 
The  glorious  dangers  of  destructive  war. 
To  lead  my  troops,  to  combat  at  their  head. 
Incite  the  living,  and   supply  the  dead. 
Tell  them,  I  charged    them  with  my  latest  breath 
Not  unrevenged  to  bear  Sarpedon's  death. 
What  grief,  what  shame,  must  Glaucus  undergo 
If  these  spoird  arms  adorn  a  Grecian  foe  ! 
Then  as  a  friend,  and  as  a  warrior  fight ; 
Defend  my  body,  conquer  in  my  right : 
That,  taught  by  great  examples,  all  may  try 
Like  thee  to  vanquish,  or  like  me  to  die." 
He  ceased  ;  the  Fates  suppress'd  his  laboring  breath. 
And  his  eyes  darken'd  with  the  shades  of  death. 
The  insulting  victor  with  disdain  bestrode 
The  prostrate  prince,  and  on  his  bosom  trod ; 
Then  drew  the  weapon  from  his  panting  heart, 
The  reeking  fibres  clinging  to  the  dart; 
From  the  wide  wound  guslvd  out  a  stream  of  blood, 
And  the  soul  issued  in  the  purple  Hood. 
His  flying  steeds  the  Myrmidons  detain, 
Unguided  now,  their  mighty  master  slain. 
All-impotent  of  aid,  transfix'd  with  grief, 
Unhappy  Glaucu;  heard  the  dying  chief  : 
His  painful  arm,  yet  useless  with  the  smart 
Inflicted  late  by  Teucer's  deadly  dart, 
Supported  on  his  better  hand  he  st.ay'd : 
To  Phcebus  then  ('twas  all  he  could)  he  pray'd : 

"  All-seeing  monarch  '  whether  Lycia's  coast. 
Or  sacred  Ilion,  thy  bright  presence  boast. 
Powerful  alike  to  ease  the  wretch's  smart; 

0  hear  me  !  god  of  every  healing  art ! 

Lo  !  stiff  with  clotted  blood,  and  pierced  with  pain. 
That  thrills  my  arm,  and  shoots  through  every  vein, 

1  stand  unable  to  sustain  the  spear. 

And  sigh,  at  distance  from  the  glorious  war. 
Low  in  the  dust  is  great  Sarpedon  laid. 
Nor  Jove  vouchsafed  his  hapless  offspring  aid; 
But  thou,  O  god  of  health  !  thy  succor  lend, 


34^  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI 

To  guard  the  relics  of  my  slaughter'd  friend  : 
For  thou,  though  distant,  canst  restore  my  might, 
To  head  my  Lycinns,  and  support  tlie  figlit." 

Apollo  heard  ;  and,  suppliant  as  he  stood, 
His  heavenly  hand  restrain'd  the  flux  of  blood ; 
He  drew  the  dolors  from  the  wounded  part, 
And  breathed  a  spirit  in  his  rising  heart. 
Renew'd  by  art  divine,  the  hero  stands. 
And  owns  the  assistance  of  immortal  hands. 
First  to  the  fight  his  native  troops  he  warms, 
Then  loudly  calls  on  Troy's  vincl'ctive  arms; 
Witli  ample  strides  he  stalks  from  place  to  place; 
Now  fires  Agenor,  now  Polydamas  : 
iEneas  next,  and  Hector  lie  accosts ; 
Inflaming  thus  tlie  rage  of  all  their  hosts. 

"  What  thoughts,  regardless  chief  !  thy  breast  employ? 
Oh  too  forgetful  of  the  friends  of  Troy  ! 
Those  generous  friends,  who,  from  their  country  far. 
Breathe  their  brave  souls  out  in  another's  war. 
See  !  where  in  dust  tlie  great  Sarpedon  lies, 
In  action  valiant,  and  in  council  wise, 
Who  guarded  right,  and  kept  his  people  free  ; 
To  all  his  Lycians  lost,  and  lost  to  thee  ! 
Stretch'd  by  Patroclus'  arm  on  yonder  plains, 
O  save  from  hostile  rage  his  loved  remains  ! 
Ah  let  not  Greece  his  conquer'd  trophies  boast, 
Nor  on  his  corse  revenge  her  heroes  lost  !  " 

He  spoke:  each  leader  in  his  grief  partook  : 
Troy,  at  the  loss,  through  all  her  legions  shook. 
Transfix'd  with  deep  regret,  tliev  view  o'erthrown 
At  once  his  country's  pillar,  and  their  own  ; 
A  chief,  who  led  to  Troy's  beleaguer'd  wall 
A  host  of  heroes,  and  outshined  them  all. 
Fired,  they  rush  on  ;  first  Hector  seeks  the  foes, 
And  with  superior  vengeance  greatly  glows. 

But  o'er  the  dead  the  fierce  Patroclus  stands, 
And  rousing  Ajax,  roused  tlie  listening  bands: 

"  Heroes,  be  men  ;  be  what  you  were  before ; 
Or  weigh  the  great  occasion,  and  be  more. 
The  chief  who  taught  our  lofty  walls  to  yield, 
Lies  pale  in  death,  extended  on  the  field. 
To  guard  his  body  Troy  in  numbers  flies  ; 
'Tis  half  the  glory  to  maintain  our  prize. 
Haste,  strip  his  arms,  the  slaughter  round  him  spread. 
And  send  the  living  Lycians  to  the  dead." 

Tl-.e  heroes  kindle  at  his  fierce  command  ; 
The  martial  squadrons  close  on  either  hand: 


Book  XVI]  THE  ILIaD.  349 

Here  Troy  and  Lycia  charge  with  loud  alarms, 
Thessalia  there,  and  Greece,  oppose  their  arms. 
With  horrid  shouts  they  circle  round  the  slain; 
The  clash  of  armor  rings  o'er  all  the  plain. 
Great  Jove,  to  swell  the  horrors  of  the  fight, 
0"er  the  fierce  armies  pours  pernicious  night, 
And  round  his  son  confounds  the  warring  hosts. 
His  fate  ennobling  with  a  crowd  of  ghosts. 

Now  Greece  gives  way,  and  great  Epigeus  falls; 
Agacleus'  son,  from  Budium's  lofty  walls; 
Who  chased  for  murder  thence  a  suppliant  came 
To  Peleus,  and  the  silver-footed  dame ; 
Now  sent  to  Troy,  Achilles'  arms  to  aid. 
He  pays  due  vengeance  to  his  kinsman's  shade. 
Soon  as  his  luckless  hand  had  touch'd  the  dead, 
A  rock's  large  fragment  thunder'd  on  his  head; 
Hurl'd  by  Hectorean  force  it  cleft  in  twain 
His  shatter'd  helm,  and  stretch'd  liim  o'er  the  slain. 

Fierce  to  the  van  of  fight  Patroclus  came. 
And,  like  an  eagle  darting  at  his  game. 
Sprung  on  the  'I'rojan  and  the  Lycian  band. 
What  grief  thy  heart,  what  fury  urged  thy  hand, 
O  generous  Greek!   when  with  full  vigor  thrown, 
i\\.  Sthenelaiis  flew  the  weighty  stone, 
Wliicli  sunk  him  to  the  dead  :  when  Troy,  too  near 
That  arm,  drew  back  ;  and  Hector  learn'd  to  fear, 
/ar  as  an  able  hand  a  lance  can  throw, 
Or  at  the  lists,  or  at  the  fighting  foe ; 
So  far  the  Trojans  from  their  lines  retired; 
Till  Glaucus,  turning,  all  the  rest  inspired. 
Then  Bathxclxus  fell  beneath  his  rage. 
The  only  hope  of  Chalcon's  trembling  age; 
Wide  o'er  the  land  was  stretch'd  his  large  domain, 
With  stately  seats,  and  riches  blest  in  vain : 
Him,  bold  with  youth,  and  eager  to  pursue 
The  flying  Lycians.  Glaucus  met  and  slew  ; 
Pierced  through  the  bosom  with  a  sudden  wound. 
He  fell,  and  falling  made  the  fields  resound. 
The  Achaians  sorrow  for  their  heroes  slain  ; 
With  conquering  shouts  the  Trojans  shake  the  plain. 
And  crowd  to  spoil  the  dead :  the  Greeks  oppose ; 
An  iron  circle  round  the  carcase  grows. 

Then  brave  Laogonus  resign'd  his  breath, 
Despatch'd  by  Meiion  to  the  shades  of  death : 
On  Ida's  holy  hili  he  made  abode. 
The  priest  of  Jove,  and  honor'd  like  his  god. 
Between  the  jaw  and  ear  the  javelin  went ; 


35= 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI 


The  soul,  exlialing,  issued  at  the  vent. 

His  spear  yEr.eas  at  the  victor  threw, 

Who  stooping  forward  from  the  death  witlidrew  ; 

The  lance  hiss'd  harmless  o'er  his  covering  shield, 

And  trembhng  struck,  and  rooted  in  the  field  ; 

There  yet  scarce  spent,  it  qv.ivers  on  the  plain, 

Sent  by  the  great  ^Eneas'  arm  in  vain. 

"  Swift  as  thou  art  (the  raging  hero  cries) 

And  skiird  in  dancing  to  dispute  the  prize, 

My  spear,  the  destined  passage  had  it  found. 

Had  fix'd  thy  active  vigor  to  the  ground." 

"  O  valiant  leader  of'the  Dardan  host ! 
(Insulted  Merion  thus  retorts  the  boast) 
Strong  as  you  are,  'tis  mortal  force  you  trust. 
An  arm  as  strong  may  stretch  thee  in  the  dust. 
And  if  to  this  my  lance  thy  fate  be  given. 
Vain  arc  thy  vaunts;  success  is  still  from  heaven: 
This,  instant,  sends  thte  down  to  Pluto's  coast ; 
Mine  is  the  glory,  his  thy  parting  ghost.'' 

"O  friend  (I\Ienoetius''son  this  answer  gave) 
With  words  to  combat,  ill  befits  the  brave  ; 
Not  empty  boasts  the  sons  of  Troy  repel. 
Your  swords  must  plunge  them  to  the  shades  of  hell 
To  speak,  beseems  the  council ;  but  to  dare 
In  glorious  action,  is  the  task  of  war." 

This  said,  Patroclus  to  the  battle  tlies; 
Great  Merion  follows,  and  new  shouts  arise: 
Shields,  helmets  rattle,  as  the  warriors  close  ; 
And  tlii'ck  and  heavy  sounds  the  storm  of  blows. 
As  throuo-h   the  shrilling  vale,  or  mountain  ground, 
The  labors  of  the  woodman's  axe  resound  ; 
Blows  following  blows  are  heard  re-echoing  wide. 
While  crackling  forests  fall  on  every  side  : 
Thus  echoed  all  the  fields  with  loud  alarms, 
So  fell  the  w.arriors,  and  so  rung  their  arms. 

Now  great  Sarpedon  on  the  sandy  shore, 
His  heavenly  form  defaced  with  dust  and  gore, 
And  stuck  with  darts  by  warring  heroes  shed, 
Lies  undistinguish'd  from  the  vulgar  dead. 
His  long-disputed  corse  the  chiefs  enclose, 
On  every  side  the  busy  combat  grows  ; 
Thick  as  beneath  some  shepherd's  thatch'd  abod« 
(The  pails  high  foam.ing  with  a  milky  flood) 
The  buzzing  flies,  a  persevering  train, 
Incessant  swarm,  and  chased  return  again. 

Jove  view'd  the  combat  witli  a  stern  survey, 
And  eyes  that  flash'd  intolerable  day. 


Book  XVI.]  THE  ILIAD. 

Fix'd  on  tlie  field  his  sight,  his  breast  debates 
The  vengeance  due,  and  meditates  the  fates  : 
Wliether  to  urge  their  prompt  effect,  and  call 
The  force  of  Hector  to  Patroclus'  fall, 
This  instant  see  his  short-lived  trophies  won, 
And  stretch  him  breathless  on  his  slaughter'd  son; 
Or  yet,  with  many  a  soul's  untimely  flight, 
Augment  the  fame,  and  horror  of  the  fight. 
To  crown  Achilles'  valiant  friend  with  praise 
At  length  he  dooms  ;  and,  that  liis  last  of  days 
Shall  set  in  glory,  bids  him  drive  the  foe  ; 
Nor  unattended  see  the  shades  below. 
Then  Hector's  mind  he  fills  with  dire  dismay; 
He  mounts  his  car,  and  calls  his  hosts  away ; 
Sunk  with  Troy's  heavy  fates,  he  sees  decline 
The  scales  of  Jove,  and  pants  with  awe  divine. 

Then,  nor  before,  the  hardy  Lycians  fled. 
And  left  their  monarch  with  the  common  dead; 
Around,  in  heaps  on  heaps,  a  dreadful  wall 
Of  carnage  rises,  as  the  heroes  fall. 
(So  Jove  decreed  ! )   At  length  the  Greeks  obtain 
The  prize  contested,  and  despoil  the  slain. 
The  radiant  arms  are  by  Patroclus  borne  ; 
Patroclus'  ships  the  glorious  spoils  adorn. 

Then  tlius  to  Phcebus,  in  the  realms  above, 
Spoke  from  his  throne  the  cloud-compelling  Jove  : 
'■  Descend,  my  Phcebus  !  on  the  Phrygian  plain, 
And  from  the  fight  convey  Sarpedon  slain; 
Tiien  bathe  his  body  in  the  crystal  flood. 
With  dust  dishonor'd,   and  deform'd  with  blood  ; 
O'er  all  his  limbs  ambrosial  odors  shed. 
And  with  celestial  robes  adorn  the  dead. 
Those  rites  discharged,  his  sacred  corse  bequeath 
To  the  soft  arms  of  silent  Sleep  and  Death. 
They  to  his  friends  the  immortal  charge  shall  bear; 
His  friends  a  tomb  and  pyramid  shall  rear; 
What  honor  mortals  after  death  receive. 
Those  unavailing  honors  we  may  give  !  " 

Apollo  bows,  and  from  mount  Ida's  height, 
Swift  to  the  field  precipitates  his  flight ; 
Thence  from  the  war  the  breathless  hero  bore, 
V'eil'd  in  a  cloud,  to  silver  Simois'  shore  ; 
There  bathed  his  honorable  wounds,  and  dress'd 
His  manly  members  in  the  immortal  vest; 
And  with  perfumes  of  sweet  ambrosial  dews 
Restores  his  fresliness  and  his  form  renews. 
Then  Sleep  and  Death,  two  twins  of  winged  race. 


-5 a  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI 

Of  matchless  swiftness,  but  of  silent  pace, 
Received  Sarpedon.  at  the  God's  command. 
And  in  a  moment  reacli'd  tlie  Lycian  land  ; 
The  corse  amidst  his  weeping  friends  they  laid. 
Where  endless  honors  wait  the  sacred  shade. 

Meanwhile  Patroclus  pours  along  the  plains, 
With  foaming  coursers,  and  with  loosen'd  reins. 
Fierce  on  the  Trojan  and  the  Lycian  crew. 
Ah  blind  to  fate  !  thy  headlong  fury  flew  : 
Against  what  fate  and  powerful  Jove  ordain, 
Vain  was  thy  friend's  command,  thy  courage  vain: 
For  he,  the  god,  whose  counsels  uncontroll'd 
Dismay  the  mighty,  and  confound  the  bold  ; 
The  god  who  give's,  resumes,  and  orders  all. 

He  urged  thee  on,  and  urged  thee  on  to  fall. 
Who  first,  brave  hero!  by  that  arm  was  slain,  _ 

Who  last  beneath  thy  vengeance  press'd  the  plain; 

When  heaven  itself  thy  fatal  fury  led, 

And  call'd  to  fill  the  number  of  the  dead  1 

Adrestus  first ;  Autonoiis  then  succeeds  ; 

Ecliechis  follows;  next  young  Megas  bleeds; 

Epistor.  Melanippus,  bite  the  ground  , 

The  slaughter,  Elasus  and  Mulius  crown'd : 

Then  sunk  Pylartes  to  eternal  night ; 

The  rest,  dispersing,  trust  their  fates  to  flight. 

Now  Troy  had  stoop'd  beneath  his  matchless  power, 

But  flaming  Phoebus  kept  the  sacred  tower. 

Thrice  at  the  battlements  Patroclus  strook;* 

His  blazing  Kgis  thrice  Apollo  shook; 

He  tried  the  fourth  ;  when,  bursting  from  the  cloud, 

A  more  tlian  mortal  voice  was  heard  aloud  : 
"  Patroclus  !  cease  ;  this  heaven-defended  wall 

Defies  thy  lance  ;  not  fated  yet  to  fall ; 

Thy  friend,  thy  greater  far,  it  shall  withstand, 

Troy  shall  not  stoop  even  to  Achilles'  hand." 
So  spoke  the  god  who  darts  celestial  fires; 

The  Greek  obeys  him,  and  with  awe  retires  : 

While  Hector,  checking  at  the  Seaman  gates 

His  panting  coursers,  in  his  breast  debates, 

•  Thrice  at  the  battlemrnts.  "  The  art  military  of  tlic  Homeric  age  is  upon  > 
level  with  the  stale  of  navigation  just  described  ;  personal  prowess  decided  every- 
thine  :  the  nieht  att.ack  and  the  ambuscade,  although  much  esteemed,  were  never 
upon  a  large  scale.  The  chiefs  fiqht  in  advance,  and  enact  almost  as  much  as  the 
knighls  of  romance.  The  siege  of  Troy  was  as  little  like  a  modern  siege  as  a  captain 
in  the  guards  is  like  Achilles.  There  is  no  mention  of  a  ditch  or  any  other  line  or 
work  r'ound  the  town,  and  the  wall  itself  was  accessible  without  a  ladder,  .t  was 
probably  a  vast  mound  of  earth  wuh  a  declivity  outwards.  Patroclus  thrice  mounts 
It  in  armor.  The  Trojans  arc  in  no  respects  blockaded,  and  receive  assistjnce  from 
their  allies  to  tlie  very  end."— Coleridge,  p.  212. 


'K  XVr.|  THE  ILIAD.  353 

Or  In  the  field  his  forces  to  employ, 
Or  draw  the  troops  within  the  walls  of  Troy. 
Thus  while  he  thought,  beside  him  Phcebus'  stood, 
In  Asius'  sliapc,  wlio  reigned  by  Snngar's  flood 
(Thy  brother,  Hecuba!  from  Dymas  sprung, 
A  valiant  warrior,  haughty,  bold,  and  young) ; 
Thus  he  accosts  him  :  "  What  a  shameful  sight! 
God!  is  it  Hector  that  forbears  the  fight? 
Were  thine  my  vigor  this  successful  spear 
Should  soon  convince  tliee  of  so  false  a  fear. 
Turn  thee,  ah  turn  thee  to  the  field  of  fame, 
And  in  Patroclus'  blood  efface  thy  shame. 
Perhaps  Apollo  shall  thy  arms  succeed. 
And  heaven  ordains  him  by  thy  lance  to  l.lccd." 

So  spoke  the  inspiring  god  ;'then  took  his  flight. 
And  plunged  amidst  the  tumult  of  the  fight. 
He  bids  Cebrion  drive  the  rapid  car ; 
The  lash  resounds,  the  coursers  rush  to  war. 
The  god  the  Grecians'  sinking  souls  deprcss'd, 
And  pour'd  swift  spirits  through  each  Trojan  breast. 
Patroclus  lights,  impatient  for  the  fight; 
A  spear  his  left,  a  stone  employs  his  right: 
With  all  his  nerves  he  drives  it  at  the  foe. 
Pointed  above,  and  r(uigli  and  gross  belov/: 
The  falling  ruin  crush'd  Cebrion's  head. 
The  lawless  offspring  of  king  Priam's  bed  ; 
His  front,  brows,  eyes,  one  undistinguish'd  wound; 
The  bursting  balls  drop  sightless  to  the  ground. 
The  charioteer,  while  yet  he  held  the  rein, 
Struck  from  the  car,  falls  headlong  on  the  plain. 
To  the  dark  shades  the  soul  unwilling  glides, 
While  the  proud  victor  thus  his  fall  derides. 

"Good  heaven  !  what  active  feats  yon  artist  shows! 
What  skilful  divers  are  our  Phrygian  foes  ! 
Mark  with  what  ease  they  sink  into  the  sand! 
Pity  that  all  their  practice  is  by  land  !" 

Then  rushing  sudden  on  his  prostrate  prize, 
To  spoil  the  carcase  fierce  Patroclus  flies : 
Swift  as  a  lion,  terrible  and  bold. 
That  sweeps  the  field,  depopulates  the  fold  ; 
Pierced  througli  tlie  dauntless  heart,  then  tumbles  slain, 
And  from  his  fatal  courage  finds  his  bane. 
At  once  bold  Hector  leaping  from  his  car. 
Defends  the  body,  and  provokes  the  war. 
Thus  for  some  slaughter'd  hind,  with  equal  rage, 
Two  lordly  rulers  of  the  wood  engage  ; 
Stung  with  fierce  hunger,  each  the  prey  invades, 


354  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVI. 

And  echoing  roars  rebellow  through  the  shades. 

Stern  Hector  fastens  on  the  warrior's  head, 

And  by  the  foot  Patroclus  drags  the  dead  : 

While  all  around,  confusion,  rage,  and  fright, 

Mix  the  contending  hosts  in  mortal  fight. 

So  pent  by  hills,  the  wild  winds  roar  aloud 

In  the  deep  bosom  of  some  gloomy  wood; 

Leaves,  arms,  and  treef,  aloft  in  air  are  blown, 

The  broad  oaks  crackle,  and  the  Sylvans  groan ;    . 

This  way  and  that,  the  rattling  thicket  bends. 

And  the  whole  forest  in  one  crash  descends. 

Not  with  less  noise,  with  less  tumultuous  rage, 

In  dreadful  shock  the  mingled  hosts  engage  ; 

Darts  shower'd  on  darts,  now  round  the  carcase  ring; 

Now  flights  of  arrows  bounding  from  the  string  : 

Stones  follow  stones  ;  some  clatter  on  the  fields. 

Some  hard,  and  heavy,  shake  the  sounding  shields. 

But  where  the  rising  whirlwind  clouds  the  plains, 

Sunk  in  soft  dust  the  mighty  chief  remains. 

And,  stretch'd  in  death,  forgets  the  guiding  reins! 

Now  flaming  from  tlie  zenith,  Sol  had  driven 
His  fervid  orb  through  half  the  vault  of  heaven  ; 
While  on  each  host  with  equal  tempests  fell 
The  showering  darts,  and  numbers  sank  to  hell. 
But  when  his  evening  wheels  o'erhung  the  main, 
Glad  conquest  rested  on  the  Grecian  train. 
Then  from  amidst  the  tumult  and  alarms, 
They  draw  the  conquer'd  corse  and  radiant  arms. 
Then  rash  Patroclus  with  new  fury  glows. 
And  breathing  slaughter,  pours  amid  the  foes. 
r  Thrice  on  the  press  like  Mars  himself  he  flew, 
And  thrice  three  heroes  at  each  onset  slew. 
Tliere  ends  thy  glory  !  there  the  Fates  untwine 
The  last,  black  remnant  of  so  bright  a  line  : 
Apollo  dreadful  stops  thy  middle  way  ; 
Death  calls,  and  heaven  allows  no  longer  day ! 

For  lo  !  the  god  in  dusky  clouds  enshrined. 
Approaching  dealt  a  staggering  blow  behind. 
The  weighty  shock  his  neck  and  shoulders  feel; 
His  eyes  f^ash  sparkles,  his  stunn'd  senses  reel 
In  giddy  darkness  :  far  to  distance  flung. 
His  bounding  helmet  on  the  champaign  rung. 
Achilles'  plume  is  stain'd  with  dust  and  gore ; 
That  plume  which  never  stoop'd  to  earth  before; 
Long  used,  untouch'd,  in  fighting  fields  to  shine, 
Anci  shade  the  temples  of  the  mad  divine. 
Jove  doom;:  it  now  on  Hector's  helm  to  nod ; 


Book  XVI.]  THE  lUAD.  355 

Not  lOng — for  fate  pursues  him,  and  the  god. 
His  spear  in  shivers  falls  ;  his  ample  shield 
Drops  from  his  arm  ;  his  baldric  strovvs  the  field  : 
The  corslet  his  astonish'd  breast  forsakes: 
Loose  is  each  joint ;  each  nerve  with  horror  shakes ; 
Stupid  he  stares,  and  all-assistless  stands  : 
Such  is  the  force  of  more  than  mortal  hands  ! 

A  Dardan  j-outh  there  was,  well  known  to  fame, 
From  Panthus  sprung.  Euphorbus  was  his  name  , 
Famed  for  the  manage  of  the  foaming  horse, 
Skill'd  in  the  dart,  and  matchless  in  the  course : 
Full  twenty  knights  lie  tumbled  from  the  car, 
While  yet  he  learn'd  his  rudiments  of  war. 
His  venturous  spear  first  drew  the  hero's  gore; 
He  struck,  he  wounded,  but  he  durst  no  more. 
Nor,  though  disarm'd,  Patroclus'  fury  stood: 
But  swilt  withdrew  the  long-protended  wood, 
And  turn'd  him  short,  and  herdea  in  the  crowd. 
Thus,  by  an  arm  divine,  and  mortal  spear. 
Wounded,  at  once,  Patroclus  yields  to  fear, 
Retires  for  succor  to  his  social  train, 
And  flies  the  fate,  which  heaven  decreed,  in  vain. 
Stern  Hector,  as  the  bleeding  chief  he  views, 
ISreaks  through  the  ranks,  and  his  retreat  pursues; 
The  lance  arrests  him  with  a  mortal  wound  ; 
He  falls,  earth  thunders,  and  his  arms  resound. 
With  him  all  Greece  was  sunk  .  that  moment  all 
Her  yet-surviving  heroes  seem'd  to  fall. 
So,  scorch'd  with  heat,  along  the  desert  score, 
The  roaming  lion  meets  a  bristly  boar. 
Fast  by  the  spring  ;  they  both  dispute  the  flood. 
With  flaming  eyes,  and  jaws  besmear'd  with  blood; 
At  lengtli  the  sovereign  savage  wins  the  strife  ; 
And  the  torn  boar  resigns  his  thirst  and  life. 
Patroclus  thus,  so  many  chiefs  o'virthrown, 
So  many  lives  effused,  expires  his  own. 
As  dying  now  at  Hector's  feet  he  lies, 
He  sternly  views  him,  and  triumphant  cries  : 

"  Lie  there,  Patroclus  !  and  with  thee,  the  joy 
Thy  pride  once  promised,  of  subverting  Troy ; 
The  fancied  scenes  of  Ilion  wrapt  in  flames. 
And  thy  soft  pleasures  served  with  captive  dames. 
Unthinking  man  !  I  fought  those  towers  to  free. 
And  guard  that  beauteous  race  from  lords  like  thee  ; 
But  Ihou  a  prey  to  vultures  shalt  be  made  ; 
Thy  own  Achilles  cannot  lend  thee  aid ; 
Though  much  at  parting  that  great  chief  might  say, 


35^  THE  ILIAD.  [Hook  XVI. 

And  much  enjoin  thee,  this  important  day. 

'  Return  not,  my  brave  friend  (perhaps  he  said), 
Without  the  bloody  arms  of  ilector  dead.' 
lie  spoke,  Patroclus  marcli'd,  and  thus  he  sped." 

Supine,  and  wildly  };azing  on  tlie  skies. 
With  faint,  expiring  breath,  the  chief  replies  : 

"  Vain  boaster  !  cease,  and  know  the  powers  divine  ! 
Jove's  and  Apollo  s  is  this  deed,  not  thine  ; 
To  heaven  is  owed  whate'er  your  own  you  call, 
And  heaven  itself  disarm'd  me  ere  my  fall. 
Had  twenty  n"^ortals,  each  thy  match  in  might. 
Opposed  me  fairly,  they  had  sunk  in  fight : 
By  fate  and  Phoebus  was  I  first  o'erthrown, 
Euphorbus  ne.xt  :  the  third  mean  part  thy  own. 
But  thou,  imperious  1  hear  my  latest  breath  ; 
The  gods  inspire  it,  and  it  sounds  thy  death ; 
Insulting  man,  thou  shalt  be  soon  as  I  ; 
Black  fate  o'erhangs  thee,  and  thy  hour  draws  nigh ; 
Even  now  on  life's  last  verge  1  sec  thee  stand, 
I  see  thee  fall,  and  by  Achilles'  hand." 

He  faints:  the  soul  unwilling  wings  her  way 
(The  beauteous  body  left  a  load  of  clay), 
Flits  to  the  lone,  uncomfortable  coast ; 
A  naked,  wandering,  melancholy  ghost ! 

Then  Hector  pausing,  as  his  eyes  he  fed 
On  the  pale  carcase,  thus  address'd  the  dead : 

"  From  whence  this  boding  speech,  the  stern  decree 
Of  death  denounced,  or  why  denounced  to  me  ? 
Why  not  as  well  Achilles'  fate  be  given 
To  Hector's  lance  ?     Who  knows  the  will  of  heaven  ?  " 

Pensive  he  said  ;  then  pressing  as  he  lay 
His  breathless  bosom,  tore  the  lance  away  ; 
And  upwards  cast  the  corse  :  the  reeking  spear 
He  shakes,  and  charges  the  bold  charioteer. 
But  swift  Aulomedon  with  loosen'd  reins 
Kapt  in  the  chariot  o'er  the  distant  plains, 
Far  ^"orw  his  rage  the  immortal  coursers  drove; 
The  inmortal  coursers  were  the  gift  of  Jove. 


;VII  ]  THE  //./AD.  35; 


BOOK   XVII. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE  SEVENTH  DATTLE,  FOR  THE  BODY  OF  fATKOCLUS. — THE  ACTS  OF  MBNni,AtTS. 

Menelaus,  upon  the  death  of  Patroclus,  defends  his  body  from  the  enemy  :  Eiiphor- 
bus,  who  attempts  it,  is  slain.  Hector  advancing,  Menelaus  retires  :  but  soon 
returns  with  Ajax  and  drives  him  off.  This,  Glaucus  obiects  to  Hector  as  a  rti-ht, 
who  thereupon  puts  on  the  armor  he  had  won  from  Patroclus,  and  renews  the 
battle.  The  Greeks  give  way,  till  Ajax  rallies  them  ;  jEneas  sustains  the  Trojans, 
itncas  and  Hector  attempt  the  chariot  of  Achilles,  which  is  borne  off  by  Autom- 
edon.  The  horses  of  Achilles  deplore  the  loss  of  Patroclus:  Jupiter  covers  his 
body  with  a  thick  darkness  :  the  noble  prayer  of  Ajax  on  that  occasion.  Menelaus 
sends  Autilochus  to  Achilles,  with  the  news  of  Patroclus'  death  :  then  returns  to 
the  tight,  where,  though  attacked  with  the  utmost  fury,  he  and  Merionrs,  assi»tcd 
by  the  Ajaces,  bear  off  the  body  to  the  ships. 

The  time  is  the  evening  of  the  eight-and-tweutieth  day.     The  scene  lies  U  .uie 
fields  before  Troy. 

On  the  cold  earth  (3ivine  Patroclu.s  spread. 
Lies  pierceil  with  wounds  among  the  vulgar  de.ad. 
Great  Menelaus,  toucli'd  with  generous  woe. 
Springs  to  the  front,  and  guards  him  from  llie  foe. 
Thus  round  her  new-f.illen  joung  the  heifer  moves, 
Fniit  of  her  throes,  and  first-lMrn  of  her  loves ; 
And  an.xious  (lieljjless  ,as  he  lies,  and  bare) 
Turns,  and  re-turns  her,  willi  a  mother's  care 
Opposed  to  each  that  near  the  carcase  came,  ' 
His  broad  shield  glimmers,  and  his  lances  Hame. 

The  son  of  Panthus,  skill'd  the  dart  to  send, 
Eyes  the  dead  hero,  and  insults  the  friend. 
"  Ihis  hand,  Atrides,  laid  Patroclus  low; 
Warrior!  desist,  nor  tempt  an  equal  blow: 
To  me  the  spoils  mv  jjrowess  won,  resin-n-' 
Depart  with  life,  and  leave  the  glory  mine." 
..J\'^  Trojan  thus  :  the  Spartan  monarch  burn'd 
With  generous  anguish,  and  in  scorn  return'd  : 
''  Laugh'st  thou  not,  Jove  !  from  thy  superior  Ihront 
When  mortals  boast  of  prowess  not  their  own.' 
Not  thus  the  lion  glories  in  his  might, 
Nor  panther  braves  his  spotted  foe  in  fi-rht 
Nor  thus  the  boar  (those  terrors  of  the  plain); 
Man  only  vaunts  his  force,  and  vaunts  in  vain. 


35^  THE  ILIAD.  (Book  XVII 

But  far  the  vainest  of  the  boastful  kind, 
These  sons  of  Panlhus  vent  their  haughty  min 
Yet  'twas  but  late,  beneath  my  conquering  steel 
This  boaster's  brotlier,  Hypercnor,  fell; 
Agafnst  our  arm  which  rashly  he  defied, 
Vain  was  his  vigor,  and  as  vain  his  pride. 
These  eyes  beheld  him  on  the  dust  expire, 
No  more  to  cheer  his  spouse,  or  glad  his  sire. 
Presumptuous  youth  !  like  his  shall  be  thy  doom. 
Go,  wait  thy  brother  to  the  Stygian  gloom  ; 
Or,  whilst  thou  may'st,  avoid  the  threaten'd  fate  ; 
Fools  stay  to  feel  it,  and  are  wise  too  late." 

Unmoved,  liuphorlnis  thus  :  "  That  action  kr.own. 
Come,  for  my  brother's  blood  repay  thy  own. 
His  weeping  fatlier  claims  thy  destined  head, 
And  spouse,  a  widow  in  her  bridal  bed. 
On  these  thy  conquer'd  spoils  1  shall  bestowr. 
To  soothe  a  consort's  and  a  parent's  woe. 
No  longer  then  defer  tlie  glorious  strife. 
Let  heaven  decide  our  fortune,  fame,  and  life." 

Swift  as  the  word  the  missile  lance  he  flings; 
The  well-aim'd  weapon  on  the  buckler  rings, 
But  blunted  by  tlie  brass,  inno.xious  falls. 
On  Jove  the  father  great  Atrides  calls. 
Nor  Hies  the  javelin  from  his  arm  in  vain. 
It  pierced  his  throat,  and  bent  him  to  the  plain ; 
Wide  through  the  neck  appears  the  grisly  woun 
Prone  sinks  the  warrior,  and  his  arms  resound. 
The  shining  circlets  of  his  golden  hair. 
Which  even  the  graces  might  be  proud  to  wear, 
Instarr'd  with  gems  and  gold,  bcstrow  the  shore. 
With  dust  dishonor'd,  and  deform'd  with  gore. 

As  the  young  olive,  in  some  sylvan  scene, 
Crown'd  by  fresh  fountains  with  eternal  green, 
Lifts  the  gay  head,  in  snowy  flowerets  fair, 
And  plays  and  dances  to  the  gentle  air; 
Whenlo!  a  whirlwind  from  high  heaven  invades 
The  tender  plant,  and  withers  all  its  shades ; 
It  lies  uprooted  from  its  genial  bed, 
A  lovely  ruin  now  defaced  and  dead  : 
Thus  young,  thus  beautiful,  Euphorbus  lay. 
While  the  fierce  Spartan  tore  his  arms  away. 
Proud  of  his  deed,  and  glorious  in  the  prize, 
Affrighted  Troy  the  towering  victor  flies: 
Flies,  as  before  some  mountain  lion's  ire 
The  village  curs  and  trembling  swains  retire. 
When  o'er  the  slaughter'd  bull  the,y  hear  him  roar, 


OOK  XVII.]  THE  ILIAD. 

And  see  his  jaws  distil  with  smoking  gore  : 
AH  pale  with  fear,  at  distance  scatter'd  round, 
They  shout  incessant,  and  tlie  vales  resound. 

Meanwhile  Apollo  viewed  with  envious  eyes, 
And  urged  great  Hector  to  dispute  the  prize 
(In  Mentes'  shape,  beneath  whose  martial  care 
The  rough  Ciconians  learn'd  the  trade  of  war);* 
"  Forbear  (he  cried)  with  fruitless  speed  to  chase 
Achilles'  cousrers,  of  ethereal  race; 
Tiiey  stoop  not,  these,  to  mortal  man's  command, 
Or  stoop  to  none  but  great  Achilles'  liand. 
Too  long  amused  with  a  \  uisuit  so  vain. 
Turn,  and  behold  tlie  brave  Euphorbus  slain  ; 
By  Sparta  slain  !  forever  now  suppress'd 
The  fire  which  burn'd  in  that  undaunted  breast!" 

Thus  having  spoke,  Apollo  wing'd  his  flight, 
And  nii.\'d  with  mortals  in  the  toils  of  fight : 
His  words  infi.x'd  unutterable  care 
Deep  m  great  Hector's  soul:  through  all  the  war 
He  darts  his  an.\ious  eye;  and.  instant,  view'd 
The  breathless  hero  in  his  blood  imbued 
(Forth  welling  from  the  wound,  as  prone  he  lav). 
And  in  the  victor's  hands  the  shining  prey. 
Sheath'd  in  bright  arms,  through  cleaving  ranks  he  flies, 
And  sends  his  voice  in  thunder  to  the  skies  : 
Fierce  as  a  flood  of  flame  Ijy  Vulcan  sent, 
It  flew,  and  fired  the  nations  as  it  went. 
Atrides  from  the  voice  the  storm  divined, 
And  thus  explored  his  own  unconquer'd  mind: 

"Then  shall  I  quit  Fatroclus  on  the  plain, 
Slain  in  my  cau.se,  and  for  my  honor  slain  ! 
Desert  the  arms,  the  relics,  of  my  friend.' 
Or  singly.  Hector  and  his  troops  attend .' 
Sure  where  such  partial  favor  heaven  bestow'd. 
To  brave  the  hero  were  to  brave  the  god  : 
Forgive  nie,  Greece,  if  once  1  quit  the  field; 
'Tis  not  to  Hector,  but  to  heaven  I  yield. 
Yet,  nor  the  god,  nor  heaven,  should  give  me  fear, 
Did  but  the  voice  of  Ajax  reach  my  ear  : 
Still  would  we  turn,  still  battle  on  the  plains, 
And  give  Achilles  all  that  yet  remains 
Of  his  and  our  Fatroclus — "     This,  no  more 
The  time  allow'd  :  Troy  thicken'd  on  the  shore, 
A  sable  scene  !     The  terrors  Hector  led. 
Slow  he  recedes,  and  sighing  quits  the  dead. 

•     Ci^rnmns.—K  people  ui  Thrace,  near  llic  Heljrus. 


359 


36o  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVll 

So  from  the  fold  the  unwilling  lion  parts, 
Forced  by  loud  clamors,  and  a  storm  of  darts ; 
He  Hies  intleed,  but  llireatens  as  he  flies, 
vVitli  heart  indignant  and  retorted  eyes. 
•Ao\s  enter'd  in  the  Spartan  ranks,  he  turn'd 
His  manly  breast,  and  with  new  fury  burn'd; 
O'er  all  the  black  battalions  sent  his  view. 
And  through  the  cloud  the  godlike  Ajax  knew; 
Where  laboring  on  the  left  the  warrior  stood. 
All  grim  in  arms,  and  cover'd  o'er  with  blood  ; 
There  breathing  courage,  where  the  god  of  day 
Had  sunk  each  heart  with  terror  and  dismay. 

To  him  the  king:    "Oh  Ajax,  oh  my  friend! 
Haste,  and  Patroclus'  loved  remains  defend  : 
The  body  to  Achilles  to  restore 
Demands  our  care  ;  alas,  we  can  no  more ! 
For  naked  now,  despoil'd  of  arms,  he  lies  ; 
And  Hector  glories  in  the  dazzling  prize." 
He  said,  and  touch'd  his  heart.     The  rag;ngpair 
Pierced  the  thick  battle,  and  pro  /oke  the  war. 
Already  had  stern  Hector  seized  liis  head. 
And  doom'd  to  Trojan  gods  the  unhappy  dead; 
liut  soon  as  Ajax  rear'd  his  tower-like  shield. 
Sprung  to  his  car,  and  measured  back  the  field, 
His  train  to  Troy  the  radiant  armor  bear. 
To  stand  a  trophy  of  his  fame  in  war. 

Meanwhile  great  Ajax  (his  broad  shield  display'd) 
Guards  the  dead  hero  with  the  dreadful  shade  ; 
And  now  before,  and  now  behind  he  stood  : 
Thus  in  the  centre  of  some  gloomy  wood. 
With  many  a  step,  the  lioness  surrounds 
Her  tawny  young,  beset  by  men  and  hounds  ; 
Elate  her  heart,  and  rousing  all  her  powers, 
Dark  o'er  the  fiery  balls  each  hanging  eyebrow  lours. 
Fast  by  his  side  the  generous  Spartan  glows 
With  great  revenge,  and  feeds  his  inward  woes. 

But  Glaucus,  leader  of  the  Lycian  aids, 
On  Hector  frowning,  thus  his  flight  upbraids: 

'■Where  now  in  Hector  shall  we  Hector  find? 
A  manly  form,  without  a  manly  mind. 
Is  this,  O  chief  !  a  hero's  boasted  fame  ? 
How  vain,  without  the  merit,  is  the  name  ! 
Since  battle  is  renounced,  thy  thoughts  employ 
What  other  methods  may  preserve  thy  Troy : 
'Tis  time  to  try  if  1  lion's  state  can  stand 
By  thee  alone,  nor  ask  a  foreign  hand  : 
Mean,  empty  boast !  but  shall  the  Lycians  stake 


Book  XVll.]  THE  ILTAD.  361 

Their  lives  for  you  ?  those  Lycians  you  forsake  ? 
What  from  thy  thankless  arms  can  we  expect  ? 
Thy  friend  Sarpedon  proves  thy  base  neglect; 
Say,  shall  our  slaughter'd  bodies  guard  your  walls, 
While  unreveng'd  the  great  Sarpedon  falls  ? 
Even  where  he  died  for  Troy,  you  lelt  him  there 
A  feast  for  dogs,  and  all  the  fowls  of  air. 
On  my  command  if  any  Lycinn  wait. 
Hence  let  him  march,  and  give  up  Troy  to  fate. 
Did  such  a  spirit  as  the  gods  impart 
Impel  one  Trojan  hand  or  Trojan  heart 
(Such  as  should  burn  in  every  soul  that  draws 
The  sword  for  glory,  and  his  country's  cause), 
Even  yet  our  mutual  arms  we  might  employ. 
And  drag  yon  carcase  to  the  walls  of  Troy. 
Oh  !  were  Patroclus  ours,  we  might  obtain 
Sarpedon's  arms  and  honor'd  corse  again  ! 
Greece  with  Achilles'  friend  should  be  repaid. 
And  thus  due  honors  purchased  to  his  shade. 
But  words  are  vain — Let  Ajax  once  appear, 
And  Hector  trembles  and  recedes  with  fear; 
Thou  dar'st  not  meet  the  terrors  of  his  eye ; 
And  lo  !  already  thou  prepar'st  to  fly." 

The  Trojan  chief  with  fix'd  resentment  eyed 
The  Lycian  leader,  and  sedate  replied  : 

"  Say,  is  it  just,  my  friend,  that  Hector's  ear 
From  such  a  warrior  such  a  speech  should  hear  ? 
I  deem'd  thee  once  the  wisest  of  thy  kind, 
But  ill  this  insult  suits  a  prudent  mind. 
I  shun  great  Ajax?     I  desert  my  train  ? 
'Tis  mine  to  prove  the  rash  assertion  vain; 
I  joy  to  mingle  where  the  battle  bleeds, 
And  he.ar  tlie  thunder  of  the  sounding  steeds. 
But  Jove's  high  will  is  ever  uncontroll'd. 
The  strong  he  withers,  and  confounds  the  bold; 
Now  crowns  with  fame  the  mighty  man.  and  now 
Strikes  the  fresh  garland  from  the  victor's  brow  ! 
Come,  through  yon  squadrons  let  MS  hew  the  way. 
And  thou  be  witness,  if  I  fear  to-d.ay  ; 
If  yet  a  Greek  the  sight  of  Hector  dread. 
Or  yet  their  hero  dare  defend  the  dead." 

Then  turning  to  the  martial  hosts,  he  cries: 
"Ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  Lycians,  and  allies! 
Be  men,  my  friends,  in  action  as  in  name, 
And  yet  be  mindful  of  your  ancient  fame. 
Hector  m  proud  .'\chilles'  arms  shall  shine, 
,  Torn  from  his  friend,  by  right  of  conquest  mine.* 


3^2  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVII 

He  strode  along  the  field,  as  thus  he  said 
(Tlie  sable  plumage  nodded  o'er  his  head)  : 
Swift  through  the  spacious  plain  he  sent  a  look; 
One  instant  saw,  one  instant  overtook 
The  distant  band,  that  on  the  sandy  shore 
The  radiant  spoils  to  sacred  II  ion  bore. 
There  his  own  mail  unbraced  the  field  bestrow'd; 
His  train  to  Troy  conveyed  the  massy  loail. 
Now  blazing  in  the  immortal  arms  he  stands 
The  work  and  present  of  celestial  hands ; 
By  aged  I'eleus  to  Achilles  given, 
As  first  to  Peleus  by  tlie  cou.t  of  heaven: 
His  father's  arms  not  long  Achilles  wears, 
Forbid  by  fate  to  reach  his  fatlier's  years. 

Him,  proud  in  triumph,  glittering  from  afar. 
The  god  whose  thunder  rends  the  troubled  ait 
Beheld  with  pity ;  as  apart  he  sat. 
And,  conscious,  look'd  through  all  the  scenes  of  fate. 
He  shook  the  sacred  honors  of  his  head  ; 
Olympus  trembled,  and  the  godhead  said  ; 
"  Ah,  wretched  man  !  unmindful  of  thy  end  ! 
A  moment's  glory  ;  and  what  fates  attend  ! 
In  heavenly  panoply  divinely  bright 
Thou  stand'st,  and  armies  tremble  at  thy  sight. 
As  at  Achilles'  self  !  beneath  thy  dart 
Lies  slain  the  great  Achilles  dearer  part. 
Thou  from  the  mighty  dead  those  arms  liast  torn, 
W'liich  once  the  greatest  of  mankind  had  worn. 
Yet  live  !   I  give  tliee  one  illustrious  day, 
A  blaze  of  glory  ere  tliou  fad'st  away. 
For  all  !  no  more  Andromache  shall  come 
VVitli  joyful  tears  to  welcome  Hector  home; 
No  more  officious,  with  endearing  charms, 
From  thy  tired  limbs  unbrace  Pelides'  arms  !  " 

llien  with  his  sable  brow  he  gave  the  nod 
That  seals  his  word ;  the  sanction  of  the  god. 
The  stubborn  arms  (by  Jove's  command  disposed) 
Conform'd  spontaneous,  and  around  him  closed: 
Fill'd  with  the  god,  enlarged  his  members  grew. 
Through  all  liis"  veins  a  sudden  vigor  flew, 
The  biood  in  brisker  tides  began  to  roll, 
And  Mars  himself  came  rushing  on  his  soul. 
Exhorting  loud  through  all  the  field  he  strode. 
And  look'd,  and  moved,  Achilles,  or  a  god. 
Now  Mesthles,  Glaucus,  Medon,  he  inspires, 
Now  Phorcys,  Chromius,  and  Hippothoiis  fires; 
The  great  Thersilochus  like  fury  found, 


Book  XVIl.]  THE  lUAD.  3^." 

Asteropaeus  kindled  at  the  sound, 
And  Ennomus,  in  augury  renown'd. 

"  Hear,  all  ye  hosts,  and  hear,  unnumber'd  bands 
Of  neighboring  nations,  or  of  distant  lands  ! 
'Tvvas  not  for  state  we  sumnion'd  you  so  far, 
To  boast  our  numbers,  ar.d  the  pomp  of  war: 
Ye  came  to  fight ;  a  valiant  foe  to  chase. 
To  save  our  present,  and  our  future  race. 
For  this,  our  wealth,  our  products,  )0U  enjoy, 
And  glean  the  relics  of  exhausted  Troy. 
Now  then,  to  conquer  or  to  die  preparo ; 
To  die  or  conquer  are  the  terms  of  war. 
Whatever  hard  shall  win  Patroclus  slain, 
Whoe'er  shall  dark  him  to  the  Trojan  train, 
With  Hector's  self  shall  equal  honors  claim; 
With  Hector  part  the  spoil,  and  share  the  fame. 

Fired  by  his  words,  the  troops  dismiss  their  fears, 
They  join,  they  thicken,  they  protend  their    spears  ; 
Full  on  the  Greeks  they  drive  in  firm  array. 
And  each  from  Ajax  hopes  the  glorious  prey; 
Vain  hope  !  what  numbers  shall  the  field  o'erspread, 
What  victims  perish  round  the  mighty  dead  .' 

Great  Ajax  mark'd  the  growing  storm  frcm  far, 
And  thus  bespoke  his  brother  of  the  war; 
"  Our  fatal  day,  alas  !  is  come,  my  friend  ; 
And  all  our  wars  and  glories  at  an  end  ! 
'Tis  not  this  corse  alone  we  guard  in  vain, 
Condemn'd  to  vultures  on  the  Trojan  plain ; 
We  too  must  yield .  the  same  sad  fate  must  fall 
On  thee,  on  me,  perhaps,  my  friend,  on  all. 
See  what  a  tempest  direful  Hector  soreads. 
And  lo  !  it  bursts,  it  tliunders  on  our  heads  ! 
Call  on  our  Greeks,  if  any  hear  the  call. 
The  bravest  Greeks  :  this  hour  demands  them  all." 

The  warrior  raised  his  voice,  and  wii'e  around 
The  field  re-echoed  the  distressful  sound. 
"  O  chiefs  !  O  princes,  to  whose  hand  is  given 
The  rule  of  men  ;  whose  glory  is  from  heaven ! 
Whom  with  due  honors  both  Atrides  grace : 
Yt  guides  and  guardians  of  our  Argive  race  ' 
All,  whom  this  well-known  voice  shall  reach  from  far, 
All,  whom  1  see  not  through  this  cloud  of  war; 
Come  all !  let  generous  rage  your  arms  employ, 
And  save  Patroclus  from  the  dogs  of  Troy." 

Oi'lean  Ajax  first  the  voice  obey'd, 
Swift  was  his  pace,  and  ready  was  his  aid : 
Next  him  Idomeneus.  more  slow  with  aae. 


364  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  XVII. 

And  Merion,  burning  with  a  hero's  rage. 
The  long  succeeding  numbers  who  can  name  ? 
But  all  were  Greeks,  and  eager  all  for  fame. 
Fierce  to  the  charge  great  Hector  led  the  throng ; 
Whole  Troy  enibo'died  rushd  with  shouts  along. 
Thus,  when  a  mountain  billow  foams  and  raves, 
Where  some  swoln  river  disembogues  his  waves, 
Full  in  the  mouth  is  stopp'd  the  rushing  tide, 
The  boiling  ocean  works  from  side  to  side, 
The  river  trembles  to  his  utmost  shore, 
And  distant  rocks  re-bellow  to  the  roar. 

Nor  less  resolved,  the  firm  Achaian  band 
With  brazen  shields  in  horrid  circle  stand. 
Jove,  pouring  darkness  o'er  the  mingled  fight. 
Conceals  the  warriors'  shining  helms  in  night: 
To  him,  the  chief  for  whom  the  hosts  contend 
Had  lived  not  hateful,  for  he  lived  a  friend: 

Dead  he  protects  him  with  superior  care. 

Nor  dooms  i;ib  carcase  to  the  birds  of  air. 
The  first  atu'tt  the  Grecians  scarce  sustain.  ' 

Repulsed,  tiiey  >  !eld  ;  the  Trojans  seize  the  slain; 
Then  fie.'ce  thej  rally,  to  revenge  led  on 
By  the  swift  rage  of  Ajax  Telamon. 

(Ajax  to  Peleus'  i^on  the  second  name. 

In  graceful  statUKt  next,  and  next  in  fame.; 

With  headlong  fn/v-e  the  foremost  ranks  he  tore; 

So  through  the  thi.ket  bursts  the  mountain  boar. 

And  rudely  scatteio,  for  a  distance  round. 

The  frighted  hunttv  and  the  baying  hound. 

The  son  of  Lethus,  brave  Pelasgus'  heir, 

Hippothoiis,  dragg'i'l  the  carcase  through  the  war; 

The  sinewy  ankles  bored,  the  feet  he  bound 

With  thongs  inserted  through  the  double  wound: 

Inevit.alile  fate  overtakes  the  deed  , 

Doom'd  bv  great  Ajax'  vengeful  lance  to  bleed ; 

It  cleft  the  helmet's  brazen  cheeks  in  twain  ; 

The  shatter'd  crest  and  horse-hair  strow  the  plain  : 

With  nerves  relax'd  he  tumbles  to  the  ground  : 

The  brain  comes  gushing  through  the  ghastly  wound: 

He  drops  Patroclus'  foot,  and  o'er  him  spread, 

Now  lies  a  sad  companion  of  the  dead  : 

Far  from  Larissa  lies,  his  native  air, 

And  ill  requites  his  parents'  tender  care. 

Lamented  youth  !  m  life's  first  bloom  he  felli 

Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell. 
Once  more  at  Ajax  Hector's  javelin  flies; 

The  Grecian  marking,  as  it  cut  the  skies, 


OOK  XVir.]  THE  ILIAD.  365 

Shunn'd  the  descending  death  ;  which  hissing  on, 

Stretch'd  in  tlie  dust  tlie  great  Iphytus'  son, 

Schedms  tlie  brave,  of  all  the  Pliocuin  kind 

Tlie  boldest  warrior  and  the  noblest  mind  : 

In  little  I'anope,  for  strength  renown'd. 

He  held  his  seat,  and  ruled  the  realms  around. 

Plunged  in  his  throat,  the  weapon  drank  his  blood, 

And  deep  transpiercing  through  the  shoulder  stood ; 

In  clanging  arms  the  hero  fell  and  all 

The  fields  resounded  with  his  weighty  fall. 

Phorcys,  as  slain  Hippothoiis  he  defends, 
The  Telamonian  lance  his  belly  rends  ; 
The  hollow  armor  burst  before  the  stroke. 
And  through  the  wound  the  rushing  entrails  broke: 
In  strong  convulsions  panting  on  the  sands 
He  lies,  and  grasps  the  dust'vvith  dying  hands. 

Struck  at  the  sight,  recede  the  Trojan  train  ; 
The  shouting  Argives  strip  the  heroes  slain. 
And  now  had  Troy,  by  Greece  conipell'd  to  yield, 
Fled  to  her  ramparts,  and  resign'd  the  field- 
Greece,  in  her  native  fortitude  elate. 
With  Jove  averse,  had  turn  d  the  scale  of  fate: 
But  Phctbus  urged  ,4ineas  to  the  fight  \ 
He  seem'd  like  aged  Periphas  to  sight 
(A  herald  in  Anchises'  love  grown  old, 
Revered  for  prudence,  and  with  prudence  bold). 

Thus  he — "  What  methods  yet,  O  chi-ef  I  remain, 
To  save  your  Troy,  though  heaven  its  fall  ordain  ? 
There  have  been  heroes,  who,  by  virtuous  care, 
By  valor,  numbers,  and  by  arts  of  war. 
Have  forced  the  powers  to  spare  a  sinking  state, 
And  gain'd  at  length  the  glorious  odds  of  fate : 
But  you,  when  fortune  smiles,  when  Jove  declares 
His  partial  favor,  and  assists  your  wars, 
Your  shameful  efforts  'gainst  yourselves  employ. 
And  force  the  unwilling  god  to  ruin  Troy." 

/Eneas  through  the  form  assumed  descries 
The  ]30wer  conceal'd,  and  thus  to  Hector  cries 
"  Oh  lasting  shame  !  to  our  own  fears  a  prey, 
We  seek  our  ramparts,  and  desert  the  day. 
A  god,  nor  is  he  less,  my  bosom  warms. 
And  tells  me,  Jove  asserts  the  Trojan  arms." 

He  spoke,  and  foremost  to  the  combat  flew: 
The  bold  e.\ample  all  his  hosts  pursue. 
Then,  first.  Leocritus  beneath  him  bled. 
In  vain  beloved  by  valiant  Lycomede  ; 
Who  view'd  his  fall,  and,  grieving  at  the  chance, 


3t>i>  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVIL 

Swift  to  revenge  it  sent  his  angry  lance ; 

The  whirling  lance,  with  vigorous  force  address'd, 

Descends,  and  pants  in  Apisaon's  breast; 

From  rich  Pxonia's  vales  the  warrior  came, 

Next  thee,  Asteropeus  !  in  place  and  fame. 

Asteropeus  with  grief  beheld  the  slain, 

And  rush'cl  to  combat,  but  he  rush'd  in  vain  •• 

Indissolubly  firm,  around  the  dead. 

Rank  within  rank,  on  buckler  buckler  spread, 

And  henimd  with  bristled  spears,  the  Grecians  stood, 

A  brazen  bulwark,  and  an  iron  wood. 

Great  Ajax  eyes  them  with  incessant  care, 

And  in  an  orb  contracts  the  crowded  war, 

Close  in  their  ranks  commands  to  fight  or  fall, 

And  stands  the  centre  and  the  soul  of  all : 

Fix'd  on  the  spot  they  war,  and  wounded,  wound ; 

A  sanguine  torrent  steeps  the  reeking  ground  : 

On  heaps  the  Greeks,  on  heaps  the  Trojans  bled, 

And,  thickening  round  them,  rise  the  hills  of  dead. 

Greece,  in  close  order,  and  collected  might. 
Yet  suffers  least,  and  sways  the  wavering  fight; 
Fierce  as  conflicting  fires  the  combat  burns, 
And  now  it  rises,  now  it  sinks  by  turns. 
In  one  thick  darkness  all  the  fight  was  lost ; 
The  sun,  the  moon,  and  all  the  ethereal  host 
Seem'd  as  extinct :  day  ravish'd  from  their  eyes. 
And  all  heaven's  splendors  blotted  from  the  skies. 
Such  o'er  I'atroclus'  body  hung  the  night. 
The  rest  in  sunshine  fought,  and  open  light ; 
Unclouded  there,  the  aerial  azure  spread, 
No  vapor  rested  on  the  mountain's  head. 
The  golden  sun  pour'd  forth  a  stronger  ray, 
And  all  the  broad  expansion  flamed  with  day. 
Dispersed  around  the  plain,  by  fits  they  fight. 
And  here  and  there  their  scatter'd  arrows  light: 
But  death  and  darkness  o'er  the  carcase  spread, 
There  burn'd  the  war,  and  there  the  mighty  bled. 

Meanwliile  the  sons  of  Nestor,  in  the  rear 
(Their  fellows  routed),  toss  the  distant  spear. 
And  skirmish  wide:  so  Nestor  gave  command, 
When  from  the  ships  he  sent  the  Pylian  band. 
The  youthful  brothers  thus  for  fame  contend, 
Nor  knew  the  fortune  of  Acliilles'  friend  ; 
In  thought  tliey  view'd  him  still,  with  martial  joy, 
Glorious  in  arms,  and  dealing  death  to  Troy. 

But  round  the  corse  tlie  heroes  pant  for  breath. 
And  thick  and  heavy  grows  the  work  of  death : 


Book  XVII.]  THE  ILIAD.  3^7 

O'erlabor'd  now,  with  dust,  and  sweat,  and  gore. 

Their  l<nt'es,  their  legs,  their  feet,  are  cover'd  o'er  ; 

Drops  follow  drops,  the  clouds  on  clouds  arise. 

And  carnage  clogs  their  hands,  and  darkness  fills  their  eyes. 

As  when  i  slaughter'd  bull's  yet  reeking  hide, 

Strain'd  with  full  force,  and  tugg'd  from  side  to  side, 

The  brawny  curriers  stretch  ;  and  labor  o'er 

The  extended  surface,  drunk  with  fat  and  gore : 

So  tugging  round  the  corse  both  armies  stood; 

The  mangled  body  bathed  in  sweat  and  blood  ; 

While  Gr'eeks  and  Illans  equal  strength  employ, 

Now  to  the  ships  to  force  it,  now  to  Troy. 

Not  Pallas'  self,  her  breast  when  fury  warms, 

Nor  he  whose  anger  sets  the  world  in  arms. 

Could  blame  this  scene  ;  such  rage,  such  horror  reign'd 

Such,  Jove  to  honor  the  great  dead  ordain'd. 

Achilles  in  his  ships  at  distance  lay, 
Nor  knew  the  fatal  fortune  of  the  day ; 
He,  yet  unconscious  of  Patroclus'  fall, 
In  dust  e-xtended  under  I  lion's  wall, 
Expects  linn  glorious  from  the  conquer'd  plain, 
And  for  his  wisli'd  return  prepares  in  vain  ; 
Though  well  he  knew,  to  make  proud  I  lion  bend 
Was  more  than  heaven  had  destined  to  his  friend. 
Perhaps  to  him  :  this  Tlietis  had  reveal'd  ; 
The  rest,  in  pity  to  her  son,  conce.al'd. 

6till  raged  the  conflict  round  the  hero  dead. 
And  heaps  on  heaps  by  mutual  wounds    '-ey  bled. 
"  Cursed  be  the  man  (even  private  Greeks  would  say) 
Who  dares  desert  this  well-disputed  day ! 
First  may  the  cleaving  earth  before  our  eyes 
Gape  wide,  and  drink  our  blood  for  sacrifice ; 
First  perish  all,  ere  haughty  Troy  shall  boast 
We  lost  Patroclus,  and  our  glory  lost  ! " 

Thus  they  :  while  with  one  voice  the  Trojans  said, 
"  Grant  this  day,  Jove  !  or  heap  us  on  the  dead  ! '' 

Then  clash  their  sounding  arms  ;  the  clangors  rise. 
And  shake  the  brazen  concave  of  the  skies. 

Meantime,  at  distance  from  the  scene  of  blood 
The  pensive  steeds  of  that  Achilles  stood  : 
Their  godlike  master  slain  before  their  eyes. 
They  wept,  ai.d  shared  in  human  miseries.* 
In  vain  Automedon  now  shakes  the  rein, 


■  Thty  wept. 

"  Fast  by  the  manger  stands  the  inactive  steed, 
And,  suDk  in  sorrow,  hangs  his  languid  head  ; 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVIL 

Now  plies  the  lasli,  and  soothe:;  and  threats  in  vain; 

Nor  to  tlie  fight  nor  Hellespont  they  go, 

Restive  they  stood,  and  obstinate  in  woe: 

Still  as  a  tombstone,  never  to  be  moved, 

On  some  good  man  or  woman  unreproved 

Lays  its  eternal  weight ;  or  fix'd,  as  stands 

A  marble  courser  by  the  sculptor's  hands, 

Placed  on  the  hero's  giuve.     Along  their  face 

The  big  round  drops  coursed  down  with  silent  pace, 

Conglobingon  the  dust.     Their  manes,  that  late 

Circled  their  arched  necks,  and  waved  in  state, 

Trail'd  on  the  dust  beneath  the  yoke  were  spread. 

And  prone  to  earth  was  hung  their  languid  head: 

Nor  Jove  disdain'd  to  cast  a  pitying  look, 

While  thus  relenting  to  the  steeds  he  spoke  : 

"  Unhappy  coursers  of  immortal  strain. 
Exempt  from  age,  and  deathless,  now  in  vain; 

Did  we  your  race  on  mortal  man  bestow, 
Only,  alas !  to  share  in  mortal  woe  ? 

For  ah  !  what  is  there  of  inferior  birth, 

That  breathes  or  creeps  upon  the  dust  of  earth ; 

What  wretched  creature  of  wliat  wretched  kind, 

Than  man  more  weak,  calamitous,  and  blind  l 

A  miserable  race  !  but  cease  to  mourn  : 

For  not  by  you  shall  Priam's  son  be  borne_ 

High  on  the  splendid  car:  one  glorious  prize 

He'rashly  boasts:  the  rest  our  will  denies. 

Ourself  will  swiftness  to  your  nerves  impart, 

Ourself  with  rising  spirits  swell  your  heart. 

Automedon  your  rapid  flight  shall  bear 

Safe  to  the  navy  through  the  slorn'  of  war. 

For  yet  'tis  given  to  Troy  to  ravage  o'er 

The  field,  and  spre.ad  her  slaughters  to  the  shore* 

The  sun  shall  see  her  conquer,  till  his  fall 

With  sacred  darkness  shades  the  face  of  all." 
He  said  ;  and  breathing  in  the  immortal  horse 


He  stands,  and  careless  nf  his  golden  grainj 
Weeps  his  associates  and  his  master  slain. 

Mernck  s  Tryphiodorus,  v.  i3-f4. 
•  Nothing  is  heard  upon  the  mountain  now. 
But  pensive  herds  that  for  their  master  low, 
Straggling  and  comfortless  about  they  rove. 
Unmindful  of  their  pasture  and  their  love.' 

Moschus,  Id.  3,  parodied,  li^ia. 
"  To  close  the  pomp,  jEthon,  the  steed  of  state, 
Is  led,  the  funeral  of  Lis  lord  to  wait. 
Stripp'd  of  his  trappings,  with  a  sullen  pace 
He  walks,  and  the  bifi  teajs  run  rolUug  down  his  face. 

Drydeu's  Vireil.  t>k.  u. 


Book  xvri]  TITE  ILIAD.  369 

Excessive  spirit,  urged  them  to  the  course  ; 
From  their  high  manes  tliey  shal<e  the  dust,  and  bear 
The  liindling  cliariot  through  the  parted  war: 
So  flies  a  vulture  through  the  clamorous  train 
Of  geese,  that  scream,  and  scatter  round  tlic  plain. 
From  danger  now  with  swiftest  speed  they  flew, 
And  now  tj  conquest  witli  Iil<e  speed  pursue; 
Sole  in  the  seat  the  charioteer  remains, 
Now  plies  the  javelin,  now  directs  the  reirs : 
Him  brave  Alcimedon  beheld  distress'd, 
Approach'd  the  chariot,  and  the  -hief  address'd : 
"  What  god  provokes  thee  rashiy  thus  to  dare, 
Alone,  unaided,  in  the  thickest  war? 
Alas  !  thy  friend  is  slain,  and  Hector  wields 
Achilles'  arms  triumphant  in  the  fields.'' 

"  In  happy  time  (the  charioteer  replies) 
The  bold  Alcimedon  now  greets  my  eyes  ; 
No  Greek  like  him  the  heavenly  steeds  restrains, 
Or  holds  their  fury  in  suspended  reins  : 
I'atroclus,  while  he  lived,  their  rage  could  tame, 
But  now  Patroclus  is  an  empty  name  ! 

To  thee  I  yield  the  seat,  to  thee  resign 

The  ruling  charge  :  the  task  of  fight  be  mine." 
He  said.     Alcimedon,  with  active  heat, 

Snatches  the  reins,  and  vaults  into  the  seat. 

His  friend  descends.     The  chief  of  'I'roy  descried. 

And  call'd  /Eneas  fighting  near  his  side. 

"  Lo,  to  my  sight,  beyond  our  hope  restored, 

Achilles'  car,  deserted  of  its  lord  ! 

The  glorious  steeds  our  ready  arms  invite, 

Scarce  their  weak  drivers  guide  them  through  the  fit'ht. 

Can  such  opponents  standWhen  we  assail .'  ^ 

Unite  thy  force,  my  friend,  and  we  prevail." 
Tlie  son  of  Venus  to  the  counsel  yields; 

Then  o'er  their  backs  they  spread  their  solid  shields: 

With  brasG  refulgent  the  broad  surface  shined. 

And  tliick  bull-hides  the  spacious  concave  lined. 

Them  Chromiu::  follows,  Aretus  succeeds  ; 

Eachhopes  the  conquest  of  the  lofty  steeds: 

In  vain,  brave  youths,  with  glorious  hopes  ye  bum, 

In  vain  advance  !  not  fated  to  return. 
Unmov'd,  Automedon  attends  the  fight. 

Implores  the  eternal,  and  collects  his  might. 

Then  turning  to  his  friend,  with  dauntless  mind: 

"  Oh  keep  the  foaming  coursers  close  behind  ! 

Full  on  my  shoulders  let  their  nostrils  blow. 

For  hard  the  fight,  determined  is  the  foe  ; 


37°  THE  TLTAD  t^'"^  XVII 


'Tis  Hector  comes  :  and  when  he  seeks  tlie  prize, 
War  knows  no  man  ;  lie  wins  it  or  he  dies.'' 

Then  through  the  field  he  sends  his  voice  alou(^ 
And  calls  the  Ajaces  from  the  warring  crowd, 
With  great  Atrides.     "  Hither  turn  (he  said), 
Turn  where  distress  demands  immediate  aidj 
The  dead,  encircled  by  his  friends,  forego, 
And  save  the  living  from  a  fiercer  foe. 
Unhelp'd  we  stand,  unequal  to  engage 
The  force  of  Hector,  and  /Eneas'  rage  : 
Yet  mighty  as  they  are,  my  force  to  prove 
Is  only  mine  :  the  event  belongs  to  Jove." 

He  spoke,  and  high  the  sounding  javelin  flung. 
Which  pass'd  the  shield  of  Aretus  the  young: 
It  pierced  his  belt,  emboss'd  with  curious  art, 
Then  in  the  lower  belly  struck  the  dart. 
As  when  a  ponderous  axe,  descending  full. 
Cleaves  the  broad  forehead  of  some  brawny  bull :  • 
Struck  'twi.xt  the  horns,  he  springs  with  many  a  bouni 
Then  tumbling  rolls  enormous  on  the  ground  : 
Thus  fell  the  youth  ;  the  air  his  soul  received, 
And  the  spear  trembled  as  his  entrails  heaved. 

Now  at  Automcdon  the  Trojan  foe 
Discharged  his  lance  ;  the  meditated  blow. 
Stooping,  he  shunn'd  ;  the  javelin  idly  fled. 
And  hiss'd  inno.\ious  o'er  the  hero's  head; 
Deep  rooted  in  the  ground,  the  forceful  spear 
In  long  vibrations  spent  its  fury  there. 
With  clashing  falchions  now  the  chiefs  had  closed. 
But  each  brave  Ajax  heard,  and  interposed; 
Nor  longer  Hector  with  his  Trojans  stood, 
But  left  their  slain  companion  in  his  blood: 
His  arms  .'\utomedon  divests,  and  cries, 
"  Accept,  Patroclus,  this  mean  sacrifice  : 
Thus  have  I  soothed  my  griefs,  and  thus  have  paid. 
Poor  as  it  is,  some  offering  to  thy  shade." 

So  looks  the  lion  o'er  a  mangled  boar, 
All  grim  with  rage,  and  horrible  with  gore ; 
High  on  the  chariot  at  one  bound  he  sprung, 
And  o'er  his  seat  the  bloody  trophies  hung. 

And  now  Minerva  from  the  realms  of  air 
Descends  impetuous,  and  renews  the  war; 


h  impetvmus  sprinc 
Dans,  .11  the  moment  when  the  f.ital  blow 
Hath  struck  him,  but  unable  to  proceed 
Plunges  on  eiUier  side." — Carey's  Dante  ;  Hell,  c.  xii. 


ttooK  XVII.l  THE  ILIAD.  371 

For.  pleased  at  length  the  Grecian  arms  to  aid 
The  lord  of  tlnmders  sent  the  blue-eyed  maid 
(\s  when  Iiigh  Jove  denouncing  future  woe, 
O'er  the  dark  clouds  extends  Iiis  purple  bow 
(In  sign  of  tempests  from  the  troubled  air, 
Dr  from  the  rage  of  man,  destructive  war). 
The  drooping  cattle  dread  the  impending  skies, 
And  from  his  half-till'd  field  the  laborer  flies: 
In  such  a  form  the  goddess  round  her  drew 
^  livid  cloud  and  to  the  oattle  flew. 
Assuming  Phoeni.x'  shape  on  earth  she  falls, 
And  in  his  well-known  voice  to  Sparta  calls: 
"  And  lies  Achilles'  friend,  beloved  by  all, 
A  prey  to  dogs  beneath  the  Trojan  wall  1 
Wliat  shame  to  Greece  for  future  times  to  tell, 
To  tliee  the  greatest  in  whose  cause  he  fell ! " 
"  O  chief,  O  father  !  (.Atreus'  M\r\  replies) 
O  full  of  days  !  by  long  experience  wi.se  ! 
What  more  desires  my  soul,  than  here  unmoved 
To  guard  the  body  of  the  man  I  loved  ? 
Ah,  would  Minerva  send  me  strength  tc  rear 
This  wearied  arm,  and  ward  the  storm  of  war! 
But  Hector,  like  the  rage  of  fire,  we  dread, 
And  Jove's  own  glories  blaze  around  hi::  head  !  " 
•  Pleased  to  be  first  of  all  the  powers  address'd. 

She  breathes  new  vigor  in  her  hero's  breast, 
And  fills  with  keen  revenge,  witli  fell  despite. 
Desire  of  blood,  and  rage,  and  lust  of  fight. 
So  burns  the  vengeful  hornet  (soul  all  o'er), 
Repulsed  in  vain,  and  thirsty  still  of  gore 
(Bold  son  of  air  and  heat)  on  angry  winds 
Untamed,  untired,  he  turns,  attacks,  and  stings. 
Fired  with  like  ardor  fierce  Atrides  flew, 
And  sent  his  soul  with  every  lance  he  threw. 

There  stood  a  Trojan,  not  unknown  to  fame, 
Aetion's  son,  and  Pedes  was  his  name : 
With  riches  honor'd,  and  with  courage  bless'd. 
By  Hector  loved,  his  comrade,  and  his  guest; 
Through  his  broad  belt  the  spear  a  passage  found. 
And,  ponderous  as  he  falls,  his  arms  resound. 
Sudden  at  Hector's  side  Apollo  stood, 
Like  Pha;nops,  Asius'  son,  appear'd  the  god 
(Asius  the  great,  who  held  his  wealthy  reign 
In  fair  .Abydos,  by  the  rolling  main). 

"Oil  prince!  (he  cried]  Oli  foremost  once  in  fame 
What  (irecian  now  sliall  tremble  at  tliy  name  ? 
Dost  thou  at  length  to  Menelaus  yield, 


372  THE  ILIAD.  [r.ooK  XVII. 

A  chief  once  thought  no  terror  of  the  field  ? 
Yet  singly,  now,  the  long-disputed  prize 
He  bears  victorious,  while  our  army  flies : 
By  the  same  arm  illustrious  Podes  bled ; 
The  friend  of  Hector,  unrevenged,  is  dead  !  " 
This  heard,  o'er  Hector  spreads  a  cloud  of  woe. 
Rage  lifts  his  lance,  and  drives  him  on  the  foe. 

But  now  the  Eternal  shook  his  sable  shield, 
That  shaded  Ide  and  all  the  subject  field 
Beneath  its  ample  verge.     A  rolling  cloud 
Involved  die  mount ;  the  thunder  roar'd  aloud  ; 
The  affrighted  hills  from  their  foundations  nod, 
And  blaze  beneath  the  lightnings  of  the  god : 
At  one  regard  of  his  all-seeing  eye 
The  vanquish'd  triumph,  and  the  victors  fly. 

Then  trembled  Greece:  the  flight  I'enclcus  led; 
For  as  the  brave  Boeotian  turn'd  his  head 
To  face  the  foe,  Polydamas  drew  near, 
And  razed  his  shoulder  with  a  shorten'd  spear  : 
By  Hector  wounded,  Leitus  quits  the  plaui. 
Pierced  through  the  wrist;  and  raging  willi  the  pam, 
Grasps  his  once  formidable  lance  in  vain. 

As  Hector  foUow'd,  Idomenaddress'd 
The  flaming  javelin  to  his  manly  breast: 
The  brittle  point  Ijefore  his  corslet  yields; 
E.xulting  Troy  with  clamor  hlls  the  fields : 
High  on  his  chariots  the  Cretan  stood, 
The  son  of  Priam  whirl'd  the  massive  wood. 
But  erring  from  its  aim,  the  impetuous  spear 
Strucic  to  the  dust  the  squire  and  charioteer 
Of  marti.al  Merlon  :   Cceranus  his  name, 
Who  left  fair  Lyctus  for  the  fields  of  fame. 
On  foot  bold  Merion  fought ;  and  now  laid  low, 
Had  graced  the  triumphs  of  his  Trojan  foe. 
But  the  brave  squire  the  ready  coursers  brought, 
And  with  his  life  his  master's  safety  bought. 
Between  his  cheek  and  ear  the  weapon  went. 
The  teeth  it  shatter'd,  and  the  tongue  it  rent. 
Prone  from  the  seat  he  tumbles  to  the  plain; 
His  dying  hand  forgets  the  falling  rein  : 
This  Merion  reachc's,  bending  from  the  car, 
And  urges  to  desert  the  hopeless  war : 
Idomeneus  consents  ;  the  Lish  applies  ; 
And  the  swift  chariot  to  the  navy  flies. 

Not  Ajax  less  the  will  of  heaven  descried. 
And  conquest  shifting  to  the  Trojan  side, 
Turn'd  by  t'.ie  hand  of  Jove.     Then  thus  begun, 


Book  XVII.J  THE  iLIAD.  373 

To  Atreuo'  seed,  the  godlike  Telamon : 

"  Alas  !  who  sees  not  Jove's  almighty  hand 
Transfers  the  glorj'  to  the  Trojan  band  ? 
Whether  the  weak  or  strong  discharge  the  dart, 
He  guides  each  arrow  to  a  Grecian  heart : 
Not  so  our  spears ;  incessant  though  they  rain, 
He  suffers  every  lance  to  fall  in  vain. 
Deserted  of  the  god,  yet  let  us  try 
What  human  strength  and  prudence  can  supply 
If  yet  this  honor'd  corse,  in  triumph  borne. 
May  glad  the  fleets  that  hope  not  our  return, 
Who  tremble  yet,  scarce  rescued  from  their  fates. 
And  still  hear  Hector  thundering  at  their  gates. 
Some  hero  too  must  be  despatch'd  to  bear 
The  mournful  message  to  Pelides'  ear; 
For  sure  he  knows  not,  distant  on  the  shore, 
His  friend,  his  loved  Patroclus.  is  no  more. 
But  such  a  chief  I  spy  not  through  the  host: 
The  men,  the  steeds,  the  armies,  all  are  lost 

In  general  darkness Lord  of  earth  and  air! 

Oh  king  !  Oh  father  !  hear  my  humble  prayer: 
Dispel  this  cloud,  the  light  of  heaven  restore ; 
Give  me  to  see,  and  Ajax  asks  no  more  : 
If  Greece  must  perish,  we  thy  will  obey, 
But  let  us  perish  in  the  face  of  day !  " 

With  tears  the  hero  spoke,  and  at  his  prayer 
The  god  relenting  clear'd  the  clouded  air ; 
Forth  burst  the  sun  with  all-enliglitening  ray; 
The  blaze  of  armor  fiash'd  against  the.  day. 
"  Now,  now,  Atrides  !  cast  around  thy  sight ; 
If  yet  Antilochus  survives  the  fight. 
Let  him  to  great  Acliilles'  ear  convey 
The  fatal  news  " Atr.des  hastes  away. 

So  turns  the  lion  from  the  nightly  fold, 
Thougli  high  in  courage,  and  with  hunger  bold. 
Long  gaird  by  herdsmen,  and  long  vex'd  by  hounds, 
Stiff  with  fatigue,  and  fretted  sore  witli  wounds  ; 
The  darts  fly  round  him  from  a  hundred  hands, 
And  the  red  terrors  of  the  blazing  brands  : 
Til!  late,  reluctant,  at  the  dawn  of  day 
Sour  he  departs,  and  quits  the  untasted  prey, 
So  moved  ."Xtrides  from  his  dangerous  place 
With  weary  limbs,  but  with  unwilling  pace; 
The  foe,  he  fear'd,  might  yet  Patroclus  gain. 
And  mucli  admonish'd,  much  adjured  his  train: 

"  O  guard  these  relics  to  your  charge  consign'd, 
And  bear  the  merits  of  the  dead  in  mind ; 


574  yiM'  UJAV.  [EooK  XV. 

How  skill'd  he  was  in  each  obliging  art ; 

The  mildest  manners,  and  the  gentlest  heart : 

He  was,  alas !  but  fate  decreed  his  end, 

In  death  a  hero,  as  in  life  a  friend  !  " 

So  parts  the  chief ;  from  rank  to  rank  he  flew, 

And  round  on  all  sides  sent  his  piercing  view. 

As  the  bold  bird,  endued  with  sharpest  eye 

Of  all  that  wings  the  mid  aerial  sky, 

The  sacred  eagle,  from  his  walks  above 

Looks  down,  and  sees  the  distant  thicket  move ; 

Then  stoops,  and  sousing  on  llie  quivering  liare, 

Snatches  his  life  amid  the  clouds  of  air. 

Not  with  less  quickness,  his  exerted  sight 

Pass'd  this  and  that  way,  through  the  ranks  of  fight : 

Till  on  the  left  the  chief  he  souglit,  he  found. 

Cheering  his  men,  and  spreading  deaths  around  : 

To  him  tlie  king :  "  Beloved  of  Jove  !  draw  near, 
For  sadder  tidings  never  touch'd  thy  ear; 

Thy  eyes  liave  witness'd  what  a  fatal  turn  ! 
How  llion  triumphs,  and  the  Achaians  mourn. 
This  is  not  all :   Patroclus,  on  the  shore 
Now  pale  and  dead,  shall  succor  Greece  no  more. 
Fly  to  the  fleet,  this  instant  fly,  and  tell 
The  sad  Achilles,  how  his  loved-one  fell : 
He  too  may  haste  the  naked  corse  to  gain  : 
The  arms  are  Hector's,  who  despoil'd  the  slain." 

The  youtlitul  warrior  heard  witli  silent  woe, 
From  his  fair  eyes  the  tears  began  to  flow: 
Big  with  the  mighty  grief,  he  strove  to  say 
What  sorrow  dictates,  but  no  word  found  way. 
To  liiave  Laodocus  his  arms  he  flung, 
Who,  near  him  wheeling,  drove  his  steeds  along  ; 
Then  ran  the  mournful  message  to  impart. 
With  tearful  eyes,  and  with  dejected  heart. 

Swift  fled  the  youth  :  nor  Menelaiis  stands 
(Though  sore  distressed)  to  aid  the  I'ylian  bands; 
But  bids  bold  Tlirasymede  those  troops  sustain ; 
Himself  returns  to  his  Patroclus  slain. 
"  Gone  is  Antilo-^hus  (the  hero  said)  ; 
But  hope  not,  warriors,  for  Achilles'  aid  : 
Though  fierce  his  rage,  unbounded  be  his  woe, 
Unarm'd,  he  fights  not  witli  the  Trojan  foe. 
'Tis  in  our  hands  alone  our  hopes  remain, 
'Tis  our  own  vigor  must  the  dead  regain. 
And  save  ourselves,  while  with  impetuous  hate 
Troy  pours  along,  and  this  way  rolls  our  fate." 
"'Tis  well  (said  Ajax),  be  it  then  thy  care, 


Book  XVII. i  THE  ILIAD.  375 


With  Merr-111'5  till  the  weighty  corse  to  rear; 

Myself,  ana  my  bold  brotlier  will  sustain 

The  shock  of  Hector  and  his  charging  train; 

Nor  fear  we  a.'mlts,  fighting  side  by  side  ; 

What  Troy  can  dare,  we  have  already  tried, 

Have  tried  it,  and  have  stood."     The  hero  said. 

High  from  the  ground  the  warriors  heave  the  dead. 

A  general  clamor  rises  at  the  sight : 

Loud  shout  the  Trojans,  and  renew  the  fight. 

Not  fiercer  rush  along  the  gloomy  wood, 

With  rage  insatiate,  and  with  thirst  of  blood, 

Voracious  hounds,  that  many  a  length  before 

Their  furious  hunters,  drive  the  wounded  boar; 

But  if  the  savage  turns  his  glaring  eye, 

They  howl  aloof,  and  round  the  forest  fly. 

Thus  on  retreating  Greece  the  Trojans  pour, 

Wave  their  thick  falchions,  and  their  javelins  shower; 

But  Ajax  turning,  to  their  fears  they  yield, 

All  pale  they  tremble  and  forsake  the  field. 

\Vhile  thus  aloft  the  hero's  corse  they  bear, 
Behind  them  rages  all  the  storm  of  war: 
Confusion,  tumult,  horror,  o'er  the  throng 
Of  men,  steeds,  chariots,  urged  the  rout  along : 
Less  fierce  the  winds  with  rising  flames  con.spire 
To  whelm  some  city  under  waves  of  fire  ; 
Now  sink  in  gloomy  clouds  the  proud  abodes, 
Now  crack  the  blazing  temples  of  tlie  gods  ; 
The  rumbling  torrent  through  the  ruin  rolls. 
And  sheets  of  smoke  mount  heavy  to  the  poles. 
The  heroes  sweat  beneath  their  honor'd  load: 
As  when  two  mules,  along  the  rugged  road. 
From  tlie  steep  mountain  with  exerted  strength 
Drag  some  vast  beam,  or  mast's  unwieldy  length ; 
Inly  they  groan,  big  drops  of  sweat  distil, 
The  enormourt  timber  lumbering  down  the  hill: 
So  these — Behind,  the  bulk  of  Ajax  stands. 
And  breaks  the  torrent  of  the  rushing  bands. 
Thus  when  a  river  swell'd  with  sudden  rains 
Spreads  his  broad  waters  o'er  the  level  plains, 
Some  interposing  hill  the  stream  divides. 
And  breaks  its  force,  and  turns  the  winding  tides. 
Still  close  they  follow,  close  the  rear  engage  ; 
jEneas  storms,  and  Hector  foams  with  rage  : 
While  Greece  a  heavy,  thick  retreat  maintains. 
Wedged  in  one  body,  like  a  flight  of  cranes. 
That  shriek  incessant,  while  the  falcon,  hung 
High  on  poised  pinions,  threats  their  callow  young. 


376  Tim  ILIAD.  [Book  XVII 


So  from  the  Trojan  chiefs  the  Grecians  fly, 
Such  the  wild  terror,  and  the  mingled  cry. 
Within,  without  the  trench,  and  all  the  way, 
Slrow'd  in  brigiit  lieaps,  their  arms  and  armor  lay 
Such  horror  Jove  impress'd  !  yet  still  proceeds 
The  work  of  death,  aad  still  the  battle  bleeds. 


Book  XVIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  377 


BOOK    XVIII. 


AROUMKNT. 

THE   GRIEF   OF    ACHILLES,    AND    NEW  ARMOR    MADE    HIM    BY   VULCAN. 

he  news  of  the  death  of  Patrodus  is  brought  to  Achilles  by  Antilochiis.  Thetis, 
hearing  liis  lamentations,  comes  witll  all  her  sea-iiymphs  to  comfort  him.  'I'he 
speeches  of  the  mother  and  son  on  this  occasion.  Iris  appears  to  Achilles  by  the 
command  of  Juno,  and  orders  him  to  show  himself  at  the  head  of  the  inlreiich- 
ments.  The  sight  of  him  turns  the  fortunes  of  the  day,  and  the  body  of  Patroclus 
is  carried  off  by  the  Greeks.  The  Trojans  call  a  council,  where  Hector  and  Po- 
lydamas  disagree  in  their  opinions  :  but  the  advice  of  the  former  prevails,  to 
remain  encamped  in  the  field.     The  grief  of  Achilles  over  the  body  of  Patrocius. 

Thetis  goes  to  the  palace  of  Vulcan  to  obtain  new  arms  for  her  son.  The  de- 
scription of  the  wonderful  works  of  Vulcan  ;  and,  lastly,  that  noble  one  of  the 
shield  of  Achilles. 

The  latter  part  ct  the  nine-aiid-twentieth  day,  and  the  night  ensuing,  take  up 
this  book  ;  the  scene  is  at  Achilles'  tent  on  the  sea-shore,  from  whence  it  changes 
to  the  palace  of  Vulcan. 

Thus  like  the  rage  of  fire  the  comh.it  burns,* 
And  now  it  ri.ses,  now  it  sinks  by  turns. 
Meanwhile,  where  Hellespont's  broad  waters  flow, 
Stood  Nestor's  son,  the  messenger  of  woe  : 
There  sat  Achilles,  shaded  by  his  sails, 
On  hoisted  yards  e.\tended  to  the  gales  ; 
Pensive  he  sat  ;  for  all  that  fate  design'd 
■  Rose  in  sad  prospect  to  his  boding  mind. 
Thus  to  his  soul  he  said  :  "  Ah  !  what  constrains 
The  Greeks,  late  victors,  now  to  quit  the  plains  ? 
Is  this  the  day,  which  heaven  so  long  ago 
Ordain'd,  to  sink  me  with  the  weight  of  woe  ? 
(So  Thetis  warn'd  ;)  when  by  a  Trojan  hand 
The  bravest  of  the  Myrmidonian  band 
Should  lose  the  light  !     Fulfilled  is  lliat  decree  ; 
Fallen  is  the  warrior,  and  Patroclus  he  ! 
In  vain  I  charged  hini  soon  to  quit  the  plain. 
And  warn'd  to  shun  Hectorean  force  in  vain  ! " 

Thus  while  he  thinks,  Antilochus  appears, 
And  tells  the  melancholy  tale  with  tears. 


,^„  itili  JUAV.  [Book  XVIIt 

"  Sad  tidings,  son  of  Peleus  !  thou  must  hear ; 
And  wretched  I,  the  unwilling  messenger  ! 
Dead  is  Patroclus  !     For  his  corse  they  fight ; 
His  naked  corse  :  his  arms  are  Hector's  right." 

A  sudden  horror  shot  through  all  the  chief, 
And  wrapp'd  his  senses  in  the  cloud  of  grief  ; 
Cast  on  the  ground,  with  furious  hands  he  spread 
The  scorching  ashes  o'er  his  graceful  head  ; 
His  purple  garments,  and  his  golden  hairs, 
Those  he  deforms  with  dust,  and  these  he  tears  ; 
On  the  hard  soil  his  groaning  breast  he  threw, 
And  roll'd  and  grovell'd,  as  to  earth  he  grew. 
The  virgin  captives,  with  disorder'd  charms 
(Won  by  his  own,  or  by  Patroclus'  arms), 
Rush'd  from  their  tents  with  cries  ;  and  gathering  round. 
Beat  their  white  breasts,  and  fainted  on  the  ground  : 
While  Nestor's  son  sustains  a  manlier  part, 
And  mourns  the  warrior  with  a  warrior's  heart; 
Hangs  on  his  arms,  amidst  his  frantic  woe, 
And  oft  prevents  the  meditated  blow. 

Far  in  the  deep  abysses  of  the  main. 
With  hoary  Nereus,  and  the  watery  train,* 
The  mother-goddess  from  her  crystal  throne 
Heard  his  loud  cries,  and  answer'd  groan  for  grom. 
The  circling  Nereids  with  their  mistress  weep, 
And  all  the  sea-green  sisters  of  the  deep. 
Thalia,  Glauci  (every  watery  name), 
Nesaea  mild,  and  silver  Spio  came  : 
Cymothoe  and  Cymodocfe  were  nigh, 
And  the  blue  languish  of  soft  Alia's  eye. 
Their  locks  ActaTa  and  Lininoria  rear, 
Then  Proto,  Doris,  Panope  appear, 
Thoa,  Pherusa,  Doto,  Melita  ; 
Agav^  gentle,  and  Amphithoe  gay  : 
Ne.xt  Callianira,  Callianassa  show 
Their  sister  looks      Dexamcnfe  the  slow, 
And  swift  Dynameni^,  now  cut  the  tides  : 
Isra  now  the  verdant  wave  divides  : 
Nemertes  with  Apseudes  lifts  the  head. 
Bright  Galatea  quits  her  pearly  bed  ; 
The-;  Orythia,  riymen^,  attend, 
Masra,  Am])IiinomL',  the  train  extend  ; 
And  black  Janira,  and  Janassa  fair. 
And  Amathei'a  with  her  amber  hair. 
All  these,  and  all  that  dec;j  in  ocean  held 

•  Far  in  the  deep.     So  Oceanus  hears  the  lamentations  o(  Prometheus,  in  tl 
play  of  /Eichylus,  and  comes  from  the  depths  of  I'.e  sea  to  comfort  him. 


Book  XVIII.J  THE  ILIAD.  379 

Their  sacred  seats,  the  glimmering  grotto  fill'd; 
Each  beat  her  ivory  breast  with  silent  woe, 
Till  Thetis'  sorrows  thus  began  to  i^ow  : 

"  Hear  me,  and  judge,  ye  sisters  of  the  main  ! 
How  just  a  cause  has  Thetis  to  complain  ! 
How  wretched,  were  I  mortal,  were  my  fate  ! 
How  more  than  wretched  in  the  immortal  state  ! 
Sprung  from  my  bed  a  godlike  hero  came, 
The  bravest  far  that  ever  bore  the  name  ; 
Like  some  fair  olive,  by  my  careful  hand 
He  grew,  he  flourish'd  and  adorn'd  the  land ! 
To  Troy  I  sent  him  :  but  the  fates  ordain 
He  never,  never  must  return  again. 
So  short  a  space  the  light  of  heaven  to  view, 
So  short,  alas !  and  fill'd  with  anguish  too  ! 
Hear  how  his  sorrows  echo  through  the  shore! 
I  cannot  ease  them,  but  I  must  deplore  ; 
I  go  at  least  to  bear  a  tender  part. 
And  mourn  my  loved-one  with  a  mother's  heart." 

She  said,  and  left  the  caverns  of  the  main. 
All  bathed  in  tears  :  the  melancholy  train 
Attend  her  way.     Wide-opening  part  the  tides. 
While  the  long  pomp  the  silver  waves  divides. 
Approaching  now,  they  touch 'd  the  Trojan  land; 
Then,  two  by  two,  ascended  up  the  strand. 
The  immortal  mother,  standing  close  beside 
Her  mournful  offspring,  to  his  sighs  replied  ; 
Along  the  coast  their  mingled  clamors  ran, 
And  thus  the  silver-footed  dame  began  : 

"  Why  mourns  my  son  ?  thy  late  preferr'd  request 
The  god  has  granted,  and  the  Greeks  distress'd  ; 
Why  mourns  my  son  ?  thy  anguish  let  me  share, 
Reveal  the  cause,  and  trust  a  parent's  care." 

He,  deejjly  groaning — "  To  this  cureless  grief. 
Not  even  the  Thunderer's  favor  brings  relief. 
Potroclus — Ah  ! — say,  goddess,  can  1  boast 
A  pleasure  now  ?  revenge  itself  is  lost  ; 
Patroclus,  loved  of  all  my  martial  train. 
Beyond  mankind,  beyond  myself,  is  slain  ! 
Lost  are  those  arms  the  gods  themselves  bestow'd 
On  Peleus  ;  Hector  bears  the  glorious  load. 
Cursed  be  tfiat  day,  when  all  the  powers  above 
Thy  charms  submitted  to  a  mortal  love  : 
O  hadst  thou  still,  a  sister  of  the  main, 
Pursued  the  pleasures  of  the  watery  reign  : 
And  happier  Peleus,  less  ambitious,  led 
A  mortal  beauty  to  his  equal  bed ! 


3S0  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  wq 

Ere  the  sad  fruit  of  thy  unhappy  womb 
Had  caused  such  sorrows  past,  and  woes  to  come. 
For  soon,  alas  !  that  wretched  offspring  slain, 
New  woes,  new  sorrows,  shall  create  again. 
'Tis  not  in  fate  the  alternate  now  to  give  ; 

Patroclus  dead,  Achilles  hates  to  live. 

Let  me  revenge  it  on  proud  Hector's  heart, 

Let  his  last  spirit  smoke  upon  my  dart  : 

On  these  conditions  will  I  breathe  :  till  then, 

I  blush  to  walk  among  the  race  of  men." 
A  flood  of  tears,  at  this,  the  goddess  shed  : 

"  Ah  tlicn,  I  see  thee  dying,  see  thee  dead  ! 

When  Hector  falls,  thou  diest." — "  Let  Hector  die, 

And  let  me  fall  !  (Achilles  made  reply) 

Far  lies  Patroclus  from  his  native  plain  ! 

He  fell,  and  falling,  wish'd  my  aid  in  vain. 

Ah  then,  since  from  this  miserable  day 

I  cast  all  hope  of  my  return  away  ; 

Since,  unrevenged,  a  hundred  ghosts  de.nand 

The  fate  of  Hector  from  Achilles'  hand  ; 

Since  here,  for  brutal  courage  far  renown'd," 

I  live  an  idle  burden  to  the  ground 

(Others  in  council  famed  for  nobler  skill, 

More  useful  to  preserve,  than  I  to  kill), 

Let  me — But  oh  !  ye  gracious  powers  above  ! 

Wrath  and  revenge  from  men  and  gods  remove 

Far,  far  too  dear  to  every  mortal  breast. 

Sweet  to  the  soul,  as  honey  to  the  taste  : 
Gathering  like  vapors  of  a  noxious  kind 
From  fiery  blood,  and  darkening  all  the  mind. 

Me  Agamemnon  urged  to  deadly  hate  ; 

'Tis  past — I  quell  it  ;  I  resign  to  fate. 

Yes — I  will  meet  the  murderer  of  my  friend  ; 

Or  (if  the  gods  ordain  it)  meet  my  end. 

The  stroke  of  fate  the  strongest  cannot  shun  : 

The  great  Alcides,  Jove's  unequall'd  son. 

To  Juno's  hate,  at  length  resign'd  his  breath. 

And  sunk  the  victim  of  all-conquering  death. 

So  shall  Achilles  fall  !  stretch'd  pale  and  dead. 

No  more  the  Grecian  hope,  or  Trojan  dread  ! 

Let  me,  this  instant,  rush  into  the  fields. 

And  reap  what  glory  life's  short  harvest  yields. 

Shall  I  not  force  some  widow'd  dame  to  tear 

With  frantic  hands  her  long  dishevell'd  hair? 

Shall  I  not  force  her  breast  to  heave  with  sighs, 

And  the  soft  tears  to  trickle  from  her  eyes  .'' 

Yes,  I  shall  give  the  fair  those  mournful  charms— 


Book  XVIII.l  THE  TLIAD.  381 

In  vain  you  hold  me — Hence  !  my  arms !  my  arms  ! — 

Soon  shall  the  sanguine  torrent  spread  so  wide, 

That  all  shall  knovv  Achilles  swells  the  tide." 
"  My  son  (ccerulean  Thetis  made  reply, 

To  fate  submitting  with  a  secret  sigh), 

The  host  to  succor,  and  tliy  friends  to  savSj 

Is  worthy  thee  ;  the  duty  of  the  brave. 

But  canst  thou,  naked,  issue  to  the  plains  ? 

Thy  radiant  arms  the  Trojan  foe  detains. 

Insulting  Hector  bears  the  spoils  on  high. 

But  vainly  glories,  for  his  fate  is  nigh. 

Yet,  yet  awhile  thy  generous  ardor  stay ; 

Assured,  I  meet  thee  at  tlie  dawn  of  day. 

Charged  with  refulgent  arms  (a  glorious  loaft , 

Vulcanian  arms,  the  labor  of  a  god.'' 

Then  turning  to  the  daughters  of  the  main. 

The  goddess  thus  dismiss'd  her  azure  train  : 
"Ye  sister  Nereids  !  to  your  deeps  descend} 

Haste,  and  our  father's  sacred  seat  attend ; 

1  go  to  find  the  architect  divine. 

Where  vast  Olympus"  st.irry  summits  shine  : 

So  tell  our  hoary  sire  " This  charge  she  gare: 

The  sea-green  sisters  plunge  beneath  the  wave  : 
Thetis  once  more  ascends  the  bless'd  abodes, 

And  treads  the  brazen  threshold  of  the  gods. 

And  now  the  Greeks  from  furious  Hector's  force, 

Urge  to  broad  Hellespont  their  headlong  course  ; 
Nor  yet  their  chiefs  Patroclus'  body  bore 
Safe  through  tlie  tempest  to  the  tented  shore. 
The  horse,  the  foot,  with  equal  fury  join'd, 
Pour'd  on  tlie  rear,  and  thunder'd  close  behind  : 
And  like  a  flame  through  fields  of  ripen'd  corn, 
Tlie  rage  of  Hector  o'er  the  ranks  was  borne. 
Thrice  the  slain  hero  by  the  foot  he  drew ; 
Thrice  to  the  skies  the  Trojan  clamors  flew: 
As  oft  the  Ajaces  his  assault  sustain  ; 
But  check'd,  he  turns  ;  repuls'd,  attacks  again. 
With  fiercer  shouts  his  lingering  troops  he  fires, 
Nor  yields  a  step,  nor  from  his  post  retires  : 
So  watchful  shepherds  strive  to  force,  in  vain. 
The  hungry  lion  from  a  carcase  slain. 
Even  yet  I'atroclus  had  he  borne  away. 
And  all  tlie  glories  of  the  extended  day, 
Had  not  high  Juno  from  the  realms  of  air, 
Secret,  despatch'd  her  trusty  messenger. 
Tr.^  various  goddess  of  the  showery  bow, 
Sho   ill  a  whirlwind  to  the  shore  below: 


S82  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVIH 

To  great  Achilles  at  his  ships  she  came, 
And  thus  began  the  many-color'd  dame  : 

"  Rise,  son  of  Peleus!  rise,  divinely  brave! 
Assist  the  combat,  and  Patroclus  save: 
For  him  the  slaughter  to  the  fleet  they  spread. 
And  fall  by  mutual  wounds  around  the  dead. 
To  drag  him  back  to  Troy  the  foe  contends : 
Nor  with  his  death  the  rage  of  Hector  ends : 
A  prey  to  dogs  he  dooms  the  corse  to  lie, 
And  marks  the  place  to  fix  his  head  on  high. 
Rise,  and  prevent  (if  yet  you  think  of  fame) 
Thy  friend's  disgrace,  thy  own  eternal  shame  I  " 

"Who  sends  thee,  goddess,  from  the  ethereal  skies?' 

Achilles  thus.     And  Iris  thus  replies  : 

"  I  come,  Pelides  !  from  the  queen  of  Jove, 
The  immortal  empress  of  the  realms  above  ; 
Unknown  to  him  who  sits  remote  on  high, 
Unknown  to  all  the  nynod  of  the  sky." 
"  Tliou  comest  in  vain  (he  cries  with  fury  warm'd) ; 

Arms  I  have  none,  and  can  I  fight  unarm'd  ? 
Unwilling  as  I  am,  of  force  I  stay. 

Till  Thetis  bring  me  at  the  dawn  of  day 

Vulcanian  arms :  what  other  can  I  wield, 

Except  the  mighty  Telamonian  shield.' 

That,  in  mv  friend's  defence,  has  Ajax  spread, 

■While  his  strong  lance  around  him  heaps  tlie  dead: 
The  gallant  chief  defends  Mencetius'  son. 

And  does  what  his  Achilles  should  have  done." 
"  Thy  want  of  arms  (said  Iris)  well  we  know : 

But  tliough  unarm'd.  yet  clad  in  terrors,  go  I 

Let  but  Achilles  o'er  yon  trench  appear. 

Proud  Troy  shall  tremble,  and  consent  to  fear ; 

Greece  from  one  glance  of  that  tremendous  eye 

Shall  take  new  courage,  and  disdain  to  fly." 
She  spoke,  and  pass'd  in  air.     The  hero  rose : 

Her  jEgis  Pallas  o'er  his  shoulder  throws  ; 

Around  his  brows  a  golden  cloud  she  spread: 

A  stream  of  glory  flamed  above  his  head. 

As  when  from  some  beltfaguer'd  town  arise 

The  smokes,  high  curling  to  the  shaded  skies; 

(Seen  from  some  island,  o'er  the  main  afar, 

When  men  distress'd  hang  cut  the  sign  of  war;) 

Soon  as  the  sun  in  ocean  hides  his  rays. 

Thick  on  the  hills  the  flaming  beacons  blaze  ; 

With  long-projected  beams  the  seas  are  bright. 

And  heaven's  high  arch  reflects  the  ruddy  light 

So  from  Achilles'  head  the  splendors  rise, 


Book  XVIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  383 

Reflecting  blaze  on  blaze  against  the  skies. 

Forth  march'd  the  chief,  and  distant  from  the  crowd, 

High  on  the  rampart  raised  his  voice  aloud ; 

With  her  own  shout  Minerva  swells  the  sound  ; 

Troy  starts  astonish'd,  and  the  shores  rebound. 

As  the  loud  trumpet's  brazen  mouth  from  far 

vVith  shrilling  clangor  sounds  the  alarm  of  war, 

Struck  from  the  walls,  the  echoes  float  on  high. 

And  the  round  bulwarks  and  thick  towers  reply ; 

So  high  his  brazen  voice  the  hero  rear'd  : 

Hosts  dropped  their  arms,  and  trembled  as  they  heard : 

And  back  the  chariots  roll,  and  coursers  bound. 

And  steeds  and  men  lie  mingled  on  the  ground. 

Aghast  they  see  tlie  living  lightnings  play, 

And  turn  their  eyeballs  from  the  flashing  ray. 

Thrice  from  the  trench  his  dreadful  voice  he  raised, 

And  thrice  tliey  fled,  confounded  and  amazed. 

Twelve  in  the  tumult  wedged,  untimely  rush'd 

On  their  own  spears,  by  their  own  chariots  crush'd: 

While,  shielded  from  the  darts,  the  Greeks  obtain 

The  long-contended  carcase  of  tlie  slain, 

A  lofty  bier  the  breathless  warrior  bears : 
Around,  his  sad  companions  melt  in  tears. 
But  chief  Achilles,  bending  down  his  head, 
Pours  unavailing  sorrows  o'er  the  dead, 
Whom  late  triumphant,  with  his  steeds  and  car. 
He  -sent  refulgent  to  the  field  of  war; 
(Unhappy  change  !)  now  senseless,  pale,  he  found, 
Stretch'd  forth,  and  gash'd  with  many  a  gaping  wound. 

Meantime,  unwearied  with  his  heavenly  way. 
In  ocean's  waves  the  unwilling  light  of  day 
Quench'd  his  red  orb,  at  Juno's  high  command. 
And  from  their  labors  eased  the  Achaian  band. 
The  frighted  Trojans  (panting  from  the  war. 
Their  steeds  unharness'd  from  the  weary  car) 
A  sudden  council  call'd  :  each  chief  appear'd 
In  haste  and  standing;  for  to  sit  they  fear'd. 
'Twas  now  no  season  for  prolong'd  debate ; 
They  saw  Achilles,  and  in  him  their  fate. 
Silent  they  stood  :   Polydamas  at  last, 
Skill'd  to  discern  the  future  by  the  past. 
The  son  of  I'anthus,  thus  express'd  his  fears 
(The  friend  of  Hector,  and  of  equal  years  ; 
The  self-same  night  to  both  a  being  gave, 
One  wise  in  council,  one  in  action  brave)  : 

••  In  free  debate,  my  friends,  your  sentence  speak  j 
For  m",  1  move,  before  the  morning  break, 


384  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVJU 

To  raise  our  camp :  too  dangerous  here  our  post, 

Far  from  Troy  walls,  and  on  a  naked  coast. 

I  deem'd  not  Greece  so  dreadful,  while  engaged 

In  mutual  feuds  her  king  and  hero  raged ; 

Then,  while  we  hoped  our  armies  might  prevail, 

We  boldly  canip'd  beside  a  thousand  sail. 

I  dread  Pelides  now :  his  rage  of  mind 

Not  long  continues  to  the  shores  confined, 

Nor  to  the  fields,  where  long  in  equal  fray 

Contending  nations  won  and  lost  the  day ; 

For  Troy,  for  Troy,  shall  henceforth  be  the  strife; 

And  the  hard  contest  not  for  fame,  but  hfe. 

Haste  then  to  I  lion,  while  the  favoring  night 

Detains  these  terrors,  keeps  that  arm  from  fight. 

If  but  the  morrow's  sun  behold  us  here. 

That  arm,  those  terrors,  we  shall  feel,  not  fear ; 

And  hearts  that  now  disdain,  shall  leap  with  joy, 

If  heaven  permit  them  then  to  enter  Troy. 

Let  not  my  fatal  prophecy  be  true, 

Nor  what  I  tremljlc  but  to  think,  ensue. 

Whatever  be  our  fate,  yet  let  us  try 

What  force  of  thought  and  reason  can  supply ; 

Let  us  on  counsel  for  our  guard  depend  ; 

The  town  her  gates  and  bulwarks  shall  defend. 

When  morning  dawns,  our  well-appointed  powers. 

Array'd  in  arms,  sliall  line  the  lofty  towers, 

Let  the  fierce  hero,  then,  when  fury  calls, 

Vent  his  mad  vengeance  on  our  rocky  walls, 

Or  fetch  a  thousand  circles  round  the  plain, 

Till  his  spent  coursers  seek  the  fleet  again : 

So  may  his  r.ige  be  tired,  and  labored  down ! 

And  dogs  shall  .ear  him  ere  he  sack  the  town." 

"  Return  !  (said  Hector,  fired  with  stern  disdain) 
What  !  coop  whole  armies  in  our  walls  again.'' 
Was't  not  enough,  ye  valiant  warriors,  saifc 
Nine  years  imprison'd  in  those  towers  ye  lay.? 
Wide  o'er  the  world  was  llion  famed  of  old 
For  brass  exhaustless,  and  for  mines  of  gold  : 
But  while  inglorious  in  her  walls  we  stay'd. 
Sunk  were  her  treasures,  and  her  stores  decay'd; 
The  Phrygians  now  her  scatter'd  spoils  enjoy, 
And  proud  Miconia  wastes  the  fruits  of  Troy. 
Great  Jove  at  length  my  arms  to  conquest  calls, 
And  shuts  tlic  Grecians  in  their  wooden  walls: 
Barest  thou  dispirit  whom  the  gods  incite  ? 
Flies  any  Trojan  ?     I  sliall  stop  his  flight. 
To  better  counsel  then  attention  lend: 


Book  XVIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  jSj 

I'ake  due  refreshment,  and  tlie  watch  attend. 
If  there  be  one  whose  riches  cost  him  care, 
Forth  let  him  bring  them  for  tlie  Irt'ops  to  share; 
'Tis  better  generously  bestow'd  on  tliose. 
Than  left  the  plunder  ot  our  country's  foes. 
Soon  as  the  morn  the  purple  orient  warms, 
Fierce  on  yon  navy  will  we  pour  our  arms. 
If  great  .Achilles  rise  in  all  his  might. 
His  be  the  danger:   I  shall  stand  the  fight. 
Honor,  ye  gods  !  or  let  me  gain  or  give ; 
And  live  he  glorious,  whosoe'er  shall  live! 
Mars  is  our  conimoa  lord,  alike  to  all ; 
And  oft  the  victor  triumphs,  but  to  fall." 

The  shouting  host  in  loud  applauses  join'd ; 
So  Pallas  robb'd  the  many  of  their  mind  ; 
To  their  own  sense  condcmn'd,  and  left  to  choose 
The  worst  advice,  the  better  to  refuse. 

\\'h)le  the  long  night  extends  her  sable  reign, 
Around  I'atruclus  mourn'd  tlic  Grecian  train. 
Stern  in  superior  grief  Pelides  stood  ; 
Those  slaughtering  arms,  so  used  to  bathe  in  blood. 
Now  clasp  his  cLiy-cold  limbs  :  then  gushing  start 
The  tears,  and  sighs  burst  from  his  swelling  heart. 
The  lion  thus,  with  dreadful  anguish  stung. 
Roars  througli  the  desert,  and  demands  his  young; 
When  the  grim  savage,  to  his  rifled  den 
Too  late  returning,  snuffs  the  track  of  men. 
And  o'er  the  vales  and  o'er  the  forest  bounds  ; 
His  clamorous  grief  the  bellowing  wood  resounds. 
So  grieves  Achilles;  and,  impetuous,  vents 
To  all  his  Myrmidons  his  loud  laments. 

'■  In  what  vain  promise,  gods  !  did  I  engage. 
When  to  console  Menoetius'  feeble  age, 
I  vowed  his  much-loved  offspring  to  restore. 
Charged  with  rich  spoils,  to  fair  Opuntia's  shore  .''* 
But  mighty  Jove  cuts  short,  with  just  disdain, 
The  long,  long  views  of  poor  designing  man  ! 
One  fate  the  warrior  and  the  friend  shall  strike, 
And  Troy's  black  sands  must  drink  our  blood  alike s 
Me  too  a  wretched  mother  shall  deplore, 
An  aged  father  never  see  me  more ! 
'Vet,  my  Patroclus  !  yet  a  space  I  stay, 
Then  swift  pursue  thee  on  the  darksome  way. 
Ere  thy  dear  relics  in  the  grave  are  laid, 
Shall  Hector's  head  be  offer'd  to  thy  shade ; 

*  OpuQUAj  a  city  of  Locn& 


386  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVIIt. 

Tliat,  with  his  arms,  shall  hang  before  thy  shrine ; 
And  twelve,  the  noblest  of  the  Trojan  line, 
Sacred  to  vengeance,  by  this  hand  expire ; 
Their  lives  effused  around  thy  flaming  pyre. 
Tlius  let  me  lie  till  then  !  thus,  closely  press'd, 
Bathe  thy  cold  face,  and  sob  upon  thy  breast ! 
While  Trojan  captives  here  thy  mourners  stay, 
Weep  all  the  night  and  murmur  all  the  day : 
Spoils  of  my  arms,  and  thine  ;  when,  wasting  wide, 
Our  swords  kept  time,  and  conquer'd  side  by  side." 

He  spoke,  and  bade  the  sad  attendants  round 
Cleanse  the  pale  corse,  and  wash  each  honor'd  wound. 
A  massy  caldron  of  stupendous  frame 
They  brouglit,  and  placed  it  o'er  the  rising  flame  : 
Then  heap'd  the  lighted  wood  ;  the  flame  divides 
Beneath  the  vase,  and  climbs  around  the  sides : 
In  its  wide  womb  Ihey  pour  the  rushing  stream; 
The  boiling  water  bubbles  to  the  brim. 
The  body  then  they  bathe  with  pious  toil. 
Embalm  the  wounds,  anoint  the  limbs  with  oil, 
High  on  a  bed  of  state  extended  laid. 
And  decent  cover'd  with  a  linen  shade  ; 
Last,  o'er  the  dead  the  milk-white  veil  they  threvr : 
Th.at  done,  their  sorrows  and  their  sighs  renew. 

Meanwhile  to  Juno,  in  the  realms  above 
(His  wife  and  sister),  spoke  almighty  Jove. 
"  At  last  thy  will  prevails  :  great  Peleus'  son 
Rises  in  arms  :  such  grace  thy  Greeks  have  won. 
S.ay  (for  I  know  not),  is  their  race  divine, 
And  thou  the  mother  of  that  martial  line  .'  " 

"  What  words  are  these  ?  (the  imperial  dame  replieSj 
While  anger  flash'd  from  her  majestic  eyes) 
Succor  like  this  a  mortal  arm  might  lend. 
And  such  success  mere  hum.an  wit  attend  : 
And  shall  not  I,  the  second  power  above. 
Heaven's  queen,  and  consort  of  the  thundering  Jove, 
Say,  shall  not  I  one  nation's  fate  command. 
Not  wreak  my  vengeance  on  one  guilty  land  ?  " 

So  they.     Meanwhile  the  silver-footed  dame 
Reach'd  the  Vulcanian  dome,  eternal  frame  ! 
High-eminent  amid  the  works  divine, 
Where  heaven's  far-beaming  brazen  mansions  shine. 
There  the  lame  architect  the  goddess  found. 
Obscure  in  smoke,  his  forges  flaming  round. 
While  bathed  in  sweat  from  fire  to  fire  he  flew; 
And  pufling  loud,  tlie  roaring  billows  blew. 
That  day  no  common  task  his  labor  claira'd : 


^OOK  Will.]  THE  ILIAD. 

Full  twenty  tripods  for  his  hall  he  framed, 
That  placcti  on  living  wheels  of  massy  gold, 
(Wondrous  to  tell,}  instinct  with  spirit  roll'd 
From  place  to  place,  around  the  bless'd  abodes   . 
Self-moved,  obedient  to  the  beck  of  gods  : 
For  their  fair  handles  now,  o'erwrought  with  flowers 
In  moulds  prepared,  the  glowing  ore  he  pours. 
Just  as  responsive  to  his  thought  the  frame 
Stood  prompt  to  move,  the  azure  goddess  came : 
Charis,  his  spouse,  a  grace  divinely  fair 
(With  purple  fillets  round  her  braided  hair). 
Observed  her  enlering;  her  soft  hand  she  press'd, 
And,  smiling,  thus  the  watery  queen  address'd  : 
"What,  goddess  !  this  unusual  favor  draws.' 
All  hail,  and  welcome  !  whatsoe'er  the  cause; 
Till  now  a  stranger,  in  a  happy  hour 
Approach,  and  taste  the  dainties  of  the  bower. 

High  on  a  throne,  with  stars  of  silver  graced, 
A.id  various  artifice,  the  queen  slie  placed; 
A  footstool  at  her  feet  :  then  calling,  said, 
'■  Vulcan,  draw  near,  'tis  Thetis  asks  your  aid." 
"Thetis  (replied  the  god)  our  powers  may  claim, 
An  ever-dear,  an  ever-honor'd  name  ! 
When  my  proud  mother  hurl'd  me  from  the  sky 
(My  awkward  form,  it  seems,  displeased  her  eye), 
She,  and  Eurynomfe,  my  griefs  redress'd, 
And  soft  received  me  on  their  silver  breast. 
Even  then  these  arts  employ'd  my  infant  thought: 
Chains,  bracelets,  pendants,  all  their  toys,  I  wrought. 
Nine  years  kept  secret  in  the  dark  abode. 
Secure  I  lay,  conceai'd  from  man  and  god  : 
Deep  in  a  cavern'd  rock  my  days  were  led  ; 
The  rushing  ocean  murmur'd  o'er  my  head. 
Now,  since  her  presence  glads  our  mansion,  say. 
For  such  desert  what  service  can  1  pay .' 
Vouchsafe,  O  Thetis  !  at  our  board  to  share 
The  genial  rites,  and  hospitable  fare  ; 
While  1  the  labors  of  the  forge  forego, 
And  bid  the  roaring  belIov,'s  cease  to  blow." 
Then  from  his  anvil  the  lame  artist  rose ; 
Wide  with  distorted  legs  oblique  he  goes, 
And  stills  the  bellows,  and  (in  order  laid) 
Locks  in  their  chests  his  instruments  of  trade. 
Then  with  a  sponge  the  sooty  workman  dress'd 
His  brawny  arms  embrown'd,  and  hairy  breast. 
With  his  huge  sceptre  graced,  and  red  attire, 
Came  halting  forth  the  sovereign  of  the  fire : 


■S  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XVIIL 

The  monarch's  steps  two  female  forms  uphold, 

That  moved  and  breathed  in  animated  gold  ; 

To  whom  was  voice,  and  sense,  and  science  given 

Of  works  divine  (such  wonders  are  in  heaven  !) 

On  these  supported,  with  unequal  gait, 

He  reach'd  the  throne  where  pensive  Thetis  sate; 

There  placed  beside  her  on  the  shining  frame, 

lie  thus  address'd  the  silver-footed  dame  : 
"  Thee,  welcome,  goddess  !  what  occasion  calls 

(So  long  a  stranger)  to  these  honor'd  walls  ?  ■ 

'Tis  tliine,  fair  Thetis,  the  command  to  lay, 

And  Vulcan's  joy  and  duty  to  obey." 

To  whom  the  mournful  mother  thus  replies  : 

(The  crystal  drops  stood  trembling  in  her  eyes)  : 

"  O  Vulcan  !  say,  was  ever  breast  divine 

So  pierced  with  sorrows,  so  o'erwhelm'd  as  mine  ? 

Of  all  the  goddesses,  did  Jove  prepare 

For  Thetis  only  such  a  weight  of  care  ? 

I,  only  I,  of  all  the  watery  race. 

By  force  subjected  to  a  tiian's  embrace. 

Who,  sinking  now  with  age  and  sorrow,  pays 

The  mighty  fine  imposed  on  length  of  days. 
Sprung  from  my  bed,  a  godlike  hero  came, 
The  bravest  sure  that  ever  bore  the  name ; 
Like  some  fair  plant  beneatli  my  careful  hand 
He  grew,  he  flourisli'd,  and  he  graced  the  land  : 
To  Troy  I  sent  him  !  but  his  native  shore 
Never,  ah  never,  shall  receive  him  more 
(Even  while  he  lives,  he  wastes  with  secret  woe)  ; 
For  I,  a  goddess,  can  retard  the  blow  ! 
Robb'd  of  the  prize  the  Grecian  suffrage  gave, 
Tlie  king  of  nations  forced  his  royal  slave  : 
For  this  he  grieved  ;  and,  till  the  Greeks  oppress'd 
Required  his  arm,  he  sorrow "d  unredress'd. 
Large  gifts  they  promise,  and  their  elders  send; 
In  vain — he  arms  not,  but  permits  his  friend 
His  arms,  his  steeds,  his  forces  to  employ: 
He  marches,  combats,  almost  conquers  Troy : 
Then  slain  by  Phcebus  (Hector  had  the  name) 
At  once  resigns  his  armor,  life,  and  fame. 
But  thou,  in  pity,  by  my  prayer  be  won  : 
Grace  with  immortal  arms  this  short-lived  son, 
And  to  the  field  in  martial  pomp  restore. 
To  shine  with  glory,  till  he  shines  no  more !  " 
To  her  the  artist-god  :  "  Thy  griefs  resign. 
Secure,  what  Vulcan  can,  is  ever  thine. 
O  could  I  hide  him  from  the  Fates,  as  well. 


Book  XVIII.)  THE  ILIAD.  3<S9 

Or  with  these  hands  the  cruel  stroke  repel, 
As  I  shall  forge  most  envied  arms,  the  sjaze 
Of  wondering  ages,  and  the  world's  amaze  !" 

Thus  having  said,  the  father  of  the  fires 
To  the  black  labors  of  his  forge  retires. 
Soon  as  he  bade  them  blow,  the  bellows  turn'd 
Their  iron  mouths  ;  and  where  the  furnace  burn'd, 
Resounding  breathed  :  at  once  the  blast  e.xpires, 
And  twenty  forges  catch  at  once  the  fires ; 
Just  as  the  god  directs,  now  loud,  now  low, 
They  raise  a  tempest,  or  they  gently  blow  ; 
In  hissing  flames  huge  siU'er  bars  are  roll'd, 
And  stubborn  brass,  and  tin.  and  solid  gold  ; 
Before,  deep  fix'd,  the  eternal  anvils  stand  ; 
The  ponderous  hammer  loads  his  better  hand. 
His  left  with  tongs  turns  the  vex'd  metal  round, 
And  thick,  strong  strokes,  the  doubling  vaults  rebound. 

Then  first  he  form'd  the  immense  and  solid  shield ; 
Rich  various  artifice  eiublazed  the  field  ; 
Its  utmost  verge  a  threefold  circle  bound  ;  * 
A  silver  chain  suspends  the  massy  round  ; 
Five  ample  plates  the  broad  expanse  compose, 
And  godlike  labors  on  the  surface  rose. 
There  shone  the  image  of  the  master-mind  : 
There  earth,  there  heaven,  there  ocean  he  design'd; 
The  unwearied  sun,  the  moon  completely  round ; 
The  starry  lights  that  heaven's  high  convex  crown'd; 
The  Pleiads.  Hyads,  with  the  northern  team ; 
And  great  Orion's  more  refulgent  beam  : 
To  which,  around  the  axle  of  the  sky. 
The  Bear,  revolving,  points  his  golden  eye. 
Still  sliines  exalted  on  the  ethereal  plain. 
Nor  bathes  his  blazing  forehead  in  the  main. 

Two  cities  radiant  on  tlie  shield  appear, 

•  Qiiintus  Calaber,  lib.  v.,  has  attempted  to  rival  Homer  in  his  description  of  the 
•hield  i.f  the  same  hero.     A  few  extracts  from  Mr.  Dyce's  verses  (Select  TranalatioDS, 


p.  104,  seq.)  I 


In  the  wide  circle  of  the  shield  were  seen 

Refulgent  images  uf  various  forms, 

The  work  of  Vulcan,  who  had  there  described 

The  heaven,  the  ether,  and  the  earth  and  sea. 

The  winds,  the  clouds,  the  moon,  the  sun,  apart 

In  different  stations  ;  ind  you  tliere  might  view 

The  stars  that  gem  the  still-revolving  heaven, 

And,  under  them,  the  vast  expanse  of  air, 

In  which,  with  outstre.ch'd  wings,  the  long-beak'd  birds 

Winiiow'd  the  gale,  as  if  instinct  with  life. 

Ari.uiKl  the  shield  the  waves  of  ocean  flow'd, 

Th'-  le.ilins  of  Tethys,  which  uinmniber'd  streams. 

In  .uuie  r "■ •--■--     -    •'  ' 


590  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  XVIIL 

The  image  one  of  peace,  and  one  of  war. 
Here  sacred  pomp  and  genial  feast  delight, 
And  solemn  dance,  and  hymeneal  rite  ; 
Along  the  street  the  new-made  brides  are  led. 
With  torches  flaming,  to  the  nuptial  bed  : 
The  youthful  dancers  in  a  circle  bound, 
To  the  soft  flute,  and  cithern's  silver  sound: 
Through  the  fair  streets  the  matrons  in  a  row 
Stand  in  their  porches,  and  enjoy  the  show. 

There  in  the  forum  swarm  a  numerous  train  ; 
The  subject  of  debate,  a  townsman  slain  : 
One  pleads  the  fine  discharged,  which  one  denied, 
And  bade  the  public  and  the  laws  decide  : 
The  wilness  is  produced  on  either  hand  : 
Fo'  this,  or  that,  the  partial  people  stand: 
The  appointed  heralds  still  the  noisy  bands, 
And  form  a  ring,  with  sceptres  in  their  hands: 
On  seats  of  stone,  within  the  sacred  place,* 
The  reverend  elders  nodded  o'er  tlie  case  ; 
Alternate,  each  the  attesting  sceptre  took. 
And  rising  solemn,  each  his  sentence  spoke 
i"wo  golden  talents  lay  amidst,  in  sight. 
The  prize  of  him  who  best  adjudged  the  right. 

Another  part  (a  prospect  differing  far)t 
Glow'd  with  refulgent  arms,  and  horrid  war. 
Two  mighty  hosts  a  leaguer'd  town  embrace. 
And  one  '.rould  pillage,  one  would  burn  the  place. 
Meantime  the  townsmen,  arm'd  witli  silent  care, 
A  secrot  ambush  on  the  foe  prepare  ; 
Their  wives,  their  children,  and  the  watchful  band 
Of  trembling  parents,  on  the  turrets  stand. 
They  march ;  by  Pallas  and  by  Mars  made  bold 
Gold  were  the  gods,  their  radiant  garments  gold, 

*  On  seats  of  stone.     *'  Several  of  the  old  northern  SaK^s  represent  the  old  men 
assembled  for  the  purpose  of  judging  as  sitting  on  great  stones,  in  a  circle  called  the 
Urtlieilsring  or  gerichtsring.'  — Grote,  ii.  p.  loo,  note.     On  the  indepeudcDce  of  th« 
judicial  ofSce  in  the  heroic  times,  see  Thirlwall's  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  106. 
t  A  Hotlur  part^  &c. 

*'  And  here 
Were  horrid  wars  depicted  ;  grimly  pale 
Weie  iK-roes  lvi,,ii  with  their  slaugliter'd  steeds 

V| ill.-  -i-Mi   !  incirnadin'd  with  blood. 

Sii  Ii     :  L  I      I  1,   1  i.iM,  smear'd  with  reaking  gore, 
'fill         ,11     :i   nnks  ;  beside  her  Rout  was  sefl» 
An. I    I    ;,,.i,  II,  ...iii  to  the  fatal  Strife 
Iiiciuml;  iiiL-n.  and  J-'uries  breathing  flames: 
Nor  absent  were  the  Fates,  and  the  tall  shape 
Of  ghastly  Death,  round  whom  did  liattles  throng. 
Their  limbs  distilling  plenteous  blood  and  sweat  ; 
And  ("jorgons,  whose  long  locks  were  twisting  snakes. 
That  shot  their  forky  tongues  incessant  forth. 
I  Sucl.  were  the  honors  of  dire  war."— Dyce's  Calalxr. 


Rook  XVIIT]  TTfE  TUAD.  39« 

And  gold  their  armor  :   these  the  squadron  led, 
August,  divine,  superior  b)'  the  head  ! 
A  place  for  ambush  fit  they  found,  and  stood, 
Lover'd  with  shields,  beside  a  silver  fiood. 
Two  spies  at  distance  lurk,  and  watchful  seem 
ri  sheep  or  oxen  seek  the  winding  stream. 
Soon  the  white  flocks  proceeded  o'er  the  plains, 
And  steers  slow-moving,  and  two  shepherd  swains 
Behind  them  piping  on  their  reeds  they  go, 
Nor  fear  an  ambush,  nor  suspect  a  foe. 
In  arms  the  glittering  squadron  rising  round 
Rush  sudden  ;  hills  of  slaughter  heap  the  ground  ; 
Whole  flocks  and  herds  lie  bleeding  on  the  plains. 
And,  -.11  amidst  them,  dead,  the  sheplierd  swains  ! 
The  bellowing  oxen  the  besiegers  hear ; 
They  rise,  take  horse,  approach,  and  meet  the  war, 
They  fight,  they  fall,  beside  the  silver  flood  ; 
The  waving  silver  seem'd  to  blush  with  blood. 
There  Tumult,  there  Contention  stood  confess'd ; 
One  rear'd  a  dagger  at  a  captive's  breast ; 
One  held  a  living  foe,  that  freshly  bled 
With  new-made  wounds;  another  dragg'd  a  deaa; 
Now  here,  now  there,  the  carcases  they  tore : 
Fate  stalk'd  amidst  them,  grim  with  human  gore. 
And  the  whole  war  came  out,  and  met  the  eye  ; 
And  each  bold  figure  seem'd  to  live  or  die. 

A  field  deep  furrow'd  next  the  god  design'd,* 
The  third  time  labor'd  by  the  sweating  hind; 
The  shining  shares  full  many  ploughmen  guide. 
And  turn  their  crooked  yokes  on  every  side. 
Still  as  at  either  end  they  wheel  around. 
The  master  meets  them  with  his  goblet  crown'd ; 
The  hearty  draught  rewards,  renews  their  toil, 
Then  back  the  turning  ploughshares  cleave  the  soil 
Behind,  the  rising  earth  in  ridges  roll'd; 
And  sable  look'd,  though  form'd  of  molten  gold- 

Another  field  rose  high  with  waving  grain  ; 

•  A  field  deep  furrowed. 

*^  Here  was  a  corn  field  :  reapers  in  a  row, 
Each  with  a  sharp-t  oth'd  sickle  in  his  hand, 
Work'd  busily,  and,  as  the  hai«st  fell, 
Others  were  ready  still  ^o  bind  the  sheaves: 
Yoked  to  a  wain  that  bore  the  corn  away 
The  steers  were  moving  ;  sturdy  bullocks  here 
The  plough  were  drawing,  and  the  furrow'd  glebe 
Was  black  behind  them,  whiie  with  goading  wand 
The  .active  youths  impell'd  Inein.     Here  a  least 
Was  giaved  ■  to  the  shrill  p'pe  and  ringing  lyre 
A  band  of  blooming  virgins  led  the  dance, 
As  ii  endued  witb  Uie."— Liyce's  Calabu* 


392  THE  ILIAD.  [r.oo.c  XVUl 

With  bended  sickles  stand  the  reaper  train  : 

Here  stretched  in  ranks  the  levell'd  swarths  are  found, 

Sheaves  heap'd  on  sheaves  here  tliicken  14)  thr  ground 

With  sweeping  stroke  the  mowers  strow  the  lands  ; 

The  gatnerers  follow,  and  collect  in  bands  ; 

And  last  the  children,  in  whese  arms  are  borne 

(Too  short  to  gripe  them)  the  brown  sheaves  of  corn. 

The  rustic  monarch  of  the  field  descries, 

Witli  silent  glee,  the  heaps  around  him  rise. 

A  ready  banquet  on  the  turf  is  laid. 

Beneath  an  ample  oak's  expanded  shade. 

The  victim  ox  the  sturdy  youth  prepare; 

The  reaper's  due  repast,  the  woman's  care. 

Next,  ripe  in  yellow  gold,  a  vineyard  shines, 
Bent  with  the  ponderous  harvest  of  its  vines; 
A  deeper  dye  the  dangling  clusters  show, 
And  curl'd  on  silver  props,  in  order  glow: 
A  darker  metal  mix'd  intrench 'd  the  place; 
And  pales  of  glittering  tin  the  inclosure  grace. 
To  this,  one  pathway  gently  winding  leads. 
Where  march  a  train  with  baskets  on  their  heads 
(Fair  maids  and  blooming  youths),  that  smiling  bear 
The  purple  product  of  the  autumnal  year. 
To  these  a  youth  awaees  the  warbling  strings, 
Whose  tender  lay  the  fate  of  Linus  sings  ; 
In  measured  dance  behind  him  move  the  train. 
Tune  soft  the  voice,  and  answer  to  the  strain. 

Here  herds  of  oxen  march,  erect  and  liold. 
Rear  high  their  horns,  and  seem  to  low  in  gold, 
And  speed  to  meadows  on  whose  sounding  shores 
A  rapid  torrent  through  the  rushes  roars  : 
Four  golden  herdsmen  as  their  guardians  stand, 
And  nine  sour  dogs  comiilete  the  rustic  band. 
Two  lions  rushing  from  the  wood  appear'd  ; 
And  seized  a  bull,  the  master  of  the  herd  : 
He  roar'd:  in  vain  tlie  dogs,  the  men  withstood; 
They  tore  his  flesh,  and  drank  his  sable  blood. 
The  dogs  (oft  cheer'd  in  vain)  desert  the  prey. 
Dread  the  grim  terrors,  and  at  distance  bar. 

Next  this,  the  eye  the  art  of  Vulcan  leads 
Deep  through  fair  forests,  and  a  length  of  meads, 
Vnd  stalls,  and  folds,  and  scatter'd  cots  between; 
And  fleecy  flocks,  that  whiten  all  the  .scene. 

A  figured  dance  succeeds ;  such  once  was  seen 
In  lofty  Gnossus  for  the  Cretan  queen, 
Form'd  by  Da-dalean  art ;  a  comely  band 
Of  youths  and  maidens,  bounding  hand  in  hand. 


JSooK  XVIII.l  THE  ILIAD.  393 

The  maids  in  soft  simars  of  linen  dress'd ; 

Tlie  youtlis  all  graceful  in  the  glossy  vest: 

Of  those  the  locks  with  Howery  wreath  inroU'd; 

Of  these  the  sides  adorn 'd  with  swords  of  gold. 

That  glittering  gay,  from  silver  belts  depend. 

Now  all  at  once  they  rise,  at  once  descend, 

With  well-taiight  feet :  now  shape  in  oblique  ways, 

Confusedly  regular,  the  moving  maze  : 

Now  forth  at  once,  too  swift  for  sight,  they  spring, 

And  undistinguish'd  blend  the  flying  ring  • 

So  whirls  a  wheel,  in  giddy  circle  toss'd, 

And,  rapid  as  it  runs,  the  single  spokes  are  lost. 

The  gazing  multitudes  admire  around  : 

Two  active  tumblers  in  the  centre  bound; 

Now  high,  now  low,  their  pliant  limbs  tlie'-  bend  : 

And  general  songs  the  sprightly  revel  end. 

Thus  the  broad  shield  complete  the  artist  crown'd 
With  his  last  hand,  and  pour'd  the  ocean  round  : 
In  living  silver  seem'd  tlie  waves  to  roll, 
And  beat  the  buckler's  verge,  and  bound  the  whole. 

This  done,  whate'er  a  warrior's  use  requires 
He  forged  ;  the  cuirass  that  outshone  the  fires, 
The  greaves  of  ductile  tin,  the  helm  inipress'd 
With  various  sculpture,  and  the  golden  crest. 
At  Thetis'  feet  the  finished  labor  lay  : 
She,  as  a  falcon  cuts  tlie  aerial  way, 
Swift  from  Olympus'  snowy  summit  flies. 
And  bears  the  blazing  present  through  the  skies.* 

•  Cnleridge  (Greek  Cl.issic  Poel5,  p.  .S2.  >^eq.)  h:is  diligently  compared  -h;;  wtb 
the  description  of  the  shield  of  Hercules  l>v  Hesiod.  He"  rem.irks  that,  "  with  two 
or  Ihree  exceptions,  the  iin.lKery  differs  in  little  more  th.in  the  names  and  arrance- 
ments  ;  and  the  difference  of  arrangement  in  the  slii.  i.l  ,,f  Hercules  is  altogether  for 

the  worse.     The  natural  consecution  of  th     li mi  i-i-,  needs  no  exposition:  it 

constitutes  in  itself  one  of  the  beauties  >  I     :  1  ii     Hesiodic  images  are  hud- 

dled  together  without  connection  or  cm  1  ,       md   P.illas  are  awkwardly 

litroduced  among  the  Centaurs  and  Lapiih  <  ,  I  m  i,,  u.ip  is  wide  indeed  between 
hem  and  Apollo  with  the  Muses,  waking  the  echnes  of  Olvmpus  to  celestial  liar- 
nionies  ;  whence,  however,  w.:  -'''-  hurried  back  to  Perseus,  the  Gorgons,  and  other 
images  of  war,  over  an  arm  of  tr.c  =c.n,  in  which  the  sportitig  dolphins,  the  fugitive 
fishes,  and  the  fisherman  on  the  shore  with  his  casting  net,  are  minutely  represented. 
As  to  the  Hesiodic  images  themselves,  the  leading  remark  is,  that  they  catch  at 
beauty  by  ornament,  and  at  sublimity  by  exaggeration  ;  and  upon  the  untenab.e  sup- 
position of  the  genuineness  of  this  poem,  there  is  this  curious  iieculiaiity,  that,  in  the 
descriptiiin  of  scenes  of  rustic  peace,  the  superiority  of  Homer  is  decisive— while  in 
those  of  war  and  tiiimi!t  it  may  be  thought,  perhaps,  that  tlie  Hesiodic  poet  has  nioifl 
than  ouce  the  advauta^e." 


304  THE  TLIAD.  [Book  aIX 


BOOK  XIX. 

ARGUMENT. 


Rietis  brings  to  her  son  Ihe  armor  made  bv  Vulcan.     She  prest 
'         •  '  '  nds  him    to  assemble  the 


nd  Achilles  are  solemnlji  reconciled ;  thf 
speeches,  presents,  and  ceremonies  on  that  occasion.  Achilles  is  with  great  dif- 
ficulty persuaded  to  refrain  from  the  battle  till  the  troops  have  refreshed  them- 
selvesbythe  advice  of  Ulysses.  The  presents  are  conveyed  to  the  tent  of  Achilles, 
where  Briseis  laments  over  the  body  of  Patroclus.  The  hero  obstinately  refuses 
all  repast,  and  gives  himself  up  to  lamentations  for  his  friend.  Minerva  descends 
to  strengthen  him,  by  the  order  of  Jupiter.  He  arms  for  the  fight :  his  appearance 
described.  He  addresses  himself  to  his  horses,  and  reproaches  them  with  the 
death  of  Patroclus.  One  of  them  is  miraculously  endued  with  voire,  and  inspirea 
to  prophesy  his  fate  :  but  the  hero,  not  astonished  by  that  prodigy,  rushes  with 
lury  to  the  combat. 

The  thirtieth  day.    The  scene  is  on  the  sea-shore. 

Soon  as  mnrora  heaved  her  Orient  bead 
Above  the  waves,  that  liliish'd  with  early  red 
(With  new-l.iorn  day  to  gladden  mortal  sight, 
And  gild  the  courts  of  heaven  with  sacred  light). 
The  immortal  arms  the  goddess-mother  bears 
Swift  to  her  son :  her  son  she  finds  in  tears 
Stretch'd  o'er  Patroclus'  corse  ;  while  all  the  rest 
Their  sovereign's  sorrows  in  their  own  express'd. 
A  ray  divine  her  heavenly  presence  shed, 
And  thus,  his  hand  soft  toR..'-.;ng,  Thetis  said: 

'•Suppress,  my  son,  this  rage  of  grief,  and  know 
It  was  not  man,  but  heaven,  that  gave  the  blow 
Behold  what  arms  by  Vulcan  are  bestow'd, 
Arms  worthy  thee,  or  fit  to  grace  a  god." 

Then  drops  the  radiant  burden  on  the  ground  ; 
Clang  the  strong  arms,  and  ring  the  shores  around  ; 
Back  shrink  the  Myrmidons  with  dread  surprise, 
And  from  the  broad  effulgence  turn  their  eyes. 
Unmoved  the  hero  kindles  at  the  show. 
And  feels  with  rage  divine  his  bosom  glow ; 
From  his  fierce  eyeballs  living  flames  expire. 
And  flash  incessant  like  a  stream  of  fire  : 
He  turns  the  radiant  gift  :  and  feeds  Itis  mind 
On  all  the  immortal  artist  had  design'd. 


Book  XIX.]  THE  ILIAD.  395 

"  Goddess  !  (lie  cried),  these  glorious  rxrms,  that  shine 
With  matchless  art,  confess  the  hand  divine. 
Now  to  tlie  bloody  battle  let  me  bend  : 
But  ah  !  the  relics  of  my  slaughter'd  friend ! 
In  those  wide  wounds  through  which  his  spirit  fled, 
Shall  Hies,  and  worms  obscene,  pollute  the  dead  ?  " 

"That  unavailing  care  be  laid  aside 
(The  azure  goddess  to  her  son  replied), 
Whole  years  untouch'd,  uninjured  shall  remain, 
Fresh  as  in  life,  the  carcase  of  the  slain, 
liut  go,  Achilles,  as  affairs  require, 
Before  the  Grecian  peers  renounce  thine  ire : 
Then  uncontroll'd  in  boundless  war  engage, 
And  heaven  with  strength  supply  the  mighty  rage  !" 

Then  in  the  nostrils  of  the  slain  she  pour'd 
Nectareous  drops,  and  rich  ambrosia  shower'd 
O'er  all  the  corse.     The  flies  forl)id  their  prey, 
Untouch'd  it  rests,  and  sacred  from  decay. 
Achilles  to  the  strand  obedient  went : 
The  shores  resounded  with  the  voice  he  sent. 
The  heroes  lieard,  and  all  the  naval  train 
That  tend  the  ships,  or  guide  them  o'er  the  main, 
Alarm'd,  transported,  at  the  well-known  sound, 
Frequent  and  full,  the  great  assembly  crown'd ; 
Studious  to  see  the  terror  of  the  plain, 
Long  lost  to  battle,  shine  in  arms  again. 
Tydides  and  Ulysses  first  appear. 
Lame  with  their  wounds,  and  leaning  on  tlie  spear; 
These  on  the  sacred  seats  of  council  placed. 
The  king  of  men,  Atrides,  came  the  last: 
He  too  sore  wounded  by  Agenor's  son. 
Achilles  (rising  in  the  midst)  begun  : 

"  O  monarch  !  better  far  had  been  the  fate 
Of  thee,  of  me,  of  all  the  Grecian  state; 
If  /ere  the  day  when  by  mad  passion  sway'd, 
Kash  we  contended  for  the  black-eyed  maid) 
Preventing  Dian  had  despatch'd  her  dart, 
And  shot  the  shining  mischief  to  the  heart ! 
Then  many  a  hero  had  not  press'd  the  shore. 
Nor  Troy's  glad  fields  been  fatten'd  with  our  gore. 
Long,  long  shall  Greece  the  woes  we  caused  bewail, 
And  sad  posterity  repeat  the  tale. 
But  this,  no  more  the  subject  of  debate, 
Is  past,  forgotten,  and  resign'd  to  fate. 
Wliy  sliould,  alas,  a  mortal  man,  as  I, 
Burn  wilh  a  fury  that  can  never  die  r 
Here  then  my  anger  ends  :  let  war  succeed, 


396  THE  ILIAD.  [Book   XU 

And  even  as  Greece  has  bled,  let  I  lion  bleed. 
Now  call  the  hosts,  and  try  if  in  our  sight 
Troy  yet  sliall  dare  to  camp  a  second  night ! 
I  deem,  their  mightiest,  when  this  arm  he  knows, 
Shall  'scape  with  transport,  and  with  joy  repose." 

He  said  :  his  finish'd  wrath  with  loud  acclaim 
The  Greeks  accept,  and  shout  Pelides'  name. 
When  thus,  not  rising  from  his  lofty  throne, 
In  state  unmoved,  the  king  of  men  begun  : 

"  Hear  me,  you  sons  of  Greece !  with  silence  hear! 
And  grant  your  monarch  an  impartial  ear ; 
Awhile  your  loud,  untimely  joy  suspend, 
•  And  let  your  rash,  injurious  clamors  end : 
Unruly  murmurs,  or  ill-timed  applause. 
Wrong  the  best  speaker,  and  the  justest  ciuse. 
Nor  charge  on  me,  ye  Greeks,  the  dire  debate  : 
Know,  angry  Jove,  and  all-compelling  Fate, 
With  fell  Erinnys,  urged  my  wrath  that  day 
When  from  Achilles'  arms  I  forced  the  prey. 
What  then  could  I  against  the  will  of  heaven? 
Not  by  myself,  but  vengeful  hlh  driven; 
She,  Jove's  dread  daughter,  fated  to  infest 
The  race  of  mortals,  enter'd  in  my  breast. 
Not  on  the  ground  that  haughty  fury  treads, 
Rut  prints  her  lofty  footsteps  on  the  heads 
Of  mighty  men;  inflicting  as  she  goes 
Long-festering  wounds,  inextricable  woes! 
Of  old,  she  st'alk'd  amid  the  bright  abodes: 
And  Jove  himself,  the  sire  of  men  and  gods, 
The  world's  great  ruler,  felt  her  venom'd  dart; 
Deceived  by  Juno's  wiles,  and  female  art  : 
For  when  Alcmena's  nine  long  months  were  run, 
And  Jove  expected  his  immortal  son. 
To  gods  and  goddesses  the  unruly  joy 
He  show'd,  and  vaunted  of  his  matchless  boy : 
'  From  us  (lie  said)  this  day  an  infant  springs, 
Fated  to  rule,  and  born  a  king  of  kings.' 
Saturnia  ask'd  an  oath,  to  vouch  the  truth, 
And  fix  dominion  on  the  favor'd  youth. 
The  Thunderer,  unsuspicious  of  the  fraud. 
Pronounced  those  solemn  words  that  bind  a  gO(L 
The  joyful  goddess.  l-\  -;m  Olympus'  height. 
Swift  to  Achaian  Argos,  bent  her  flight : 
Scarce  seven  moons  gone,  lay  Stlienelus's  wife  ; 
She  push'd  her  lingering  infant  into  life  : 
Her  charms  Alcmena's  coming  labors  slay, 
And  stop  the  babe,  just  issuing  to  the  day. 


Book  XIX]  THE  ILIAD.  397 

Then  bids  Saturnius  bear  his  oatli  in  mind  ; 

'  A  yoiitli  (said  she)  of  Jove's  immortal  kind 

Is  this  day  born  ;  from  StlicneUis  he  springs, 

A'ld  claims  tliy  promise  to  be  king  of  kings.' 

Grief  seized  the  Thunderer,  by  his  oath  engaged; 

Stung  to  tlie  soul,  he  sorrow'd,  and  he  raged. 

From  his  amlirosial  liead,  where  perch 'd  she  sate, 

He  snatch'd  the  fury-goddess  of  debate. 

The  dread,  the  irrevocable  oath  he  swore. 

The  immortal  seats  should  ne'er  behold  her  more  ; 

And  whirl'd  her  headlong  down,  for  ever  driven 

P'rom  bright  Olympus  and  the  starry  heaven : 

Thence  on  tlie  nether  world  the  fury  fell ; 

Ordain'd  with  man's  contentious  race  to  dwell. 

P'ull  oft  the  god  his  son's  hard  toils  bemoan'd, 

Cursed  the  dire  fury,  and  in  secret  groan'd.  * 

Even  thus,  like  Jove  himself,  was  I  misled. 

While  raging  Hector  lieap'd  our  camps  with  dead.* 

What  can  the  errors  of  my  rage  atone  ? 

My  martial  troops,  my  treasures  are  thy  own  : 

This  instant  from  the  navy  shall  be  sent 

What'cr  Ulysses  promised  at  thy  tent: 

But  tliou !  appeased,  propitious  to  our  prayer, 

Resume  thy  arms,  and  shine  again  in  war." 

"  O  king  of  nations  !  whose  superior  sway 
(Returns  Achilles)  all  our  hosts  obey  ! 
To  keep  or  send  the  presents,  be  thy  care  ; 
To  us,  'tis  equal  :  ail  we  ask  i.s  war. 
While  yet  we  talk,  or  but  an  instant  shun 
The  fight,  our  glorious  work  remains  undone. 
Let  every  Greek,  who  sees  my  spear  confound 
The  Trojan  ranks,  and  deal  destruction  .ound, 
With  emulation,  what  I  act  survey, 
And  learn  from  thence  the  business  of  the  day." 

The  son  of  I^eleus  thus;  and  thus  leplies 
The  great  in  councils,  Ithacus  the  wise; 
"  Though,  godlike,  thou  art  by  no  toils  oppress'd. 
At  least  our  armies  claim  repast  and  rest : 
Long  and  laborious  must  the  combat  be. 
When  by  the  gods  inspired,  and  led  by  thee. 

*  "  This  legend  is  one  of  the  most  pregnant  and  characteristic  in  the  Grecian 
Mythology.  It  explains,  according  to  the  religious  ideas  familiar  to  the  old  epic  poets,  ' 
Doth  the  distinguishing  attributes  and  the  endless  toil  and  endurance  of  Heracles,  the 
most  renowned  subjugator  of  all  the  semi-divine  personages  worshipped  by  the  Hel- 
lenes,— a  being  of  irresistible  force,  and  especially  beloved  by  Zeus,  yet  condemned 
constantly  to  labor  for  others  and  to  obey  the  commands  of  a  woithless  and  cnwardiy 
persecutor.  His  rccoiiijieiise  is  reserved  to  the  close  of  his  career,  when  Ins  .afflicting 
trials  are  brought  to  a  close:  he  is  then  admitted  to  the  godhead,  and  leceivcs  iu 
ma;nage  H^be."— Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  128. 


%gS  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XIX, 

Strength  is  derived  from  spirits  and  from  blood, 

And  those  ailment  by  generous  wine  and  food  . 

What  Ijoastful  son  of  war,  without  that  stay, 

Can  last  a  hero  througli  a  single  day? 

Courage  may  prompt;  but,  ebbing  out  his  strength, 

Mere  unsupported  man  must  yield  at  length  ; 

Shrunk  witli  dry  famine,  and  with  toils  declined, 

The  drooping  body  will  desert  the  mind  : 

But  built  anew  with  strength-conferring  fare. 

With  limbs  and  soul  untamed,  he  tires  a  war. 

Dismiss  the  people,  then,  and  give  command, 

With  strong  repast  to  hearten  every  band ; 

But  let  the  presents  to  Achilles  made, 

In  full  assembly  of  all  Greece  be  laid. 

The  king  of  men  shall  rise  in  public  sight, 

And  solemn  swear  (observant  of  the  rite) 

That,  spotless,  as  she  came,  the  maid  removes. 

Pure  from  his  arms,  and  guiltless  of  his  loves. 

That  done,  a  sumptuous  banquet  shall  be  made, 

And  the -full  price  of  injured  honor  paid. 

Stretch  not  henceforth,  O  prince !  thy  sovereign  might 

Beyond  the  bounds  of  reason  and  of  right ; 

'Tis  the  chief  praise  that  e'er  to  kings  belong'd. 

To  right  with  justice  whom  with  power  they  wrong'd." 

To  iiim  the  monarch  :  "Just  is  thy  decree. 
Thy  words  give  joy,  and  wisdom  breathes  in  thee. 
Each  due  atonement  gladly  I  prepare  ; 
And  heaven  regard  me  as  I  justly  swear  I 
Here  then  awhile  let  Greece  assembled  stay, 
Nor  great  Achilles  grudge  this  short  delay. 
Till  from  the  fleet  our  presents  be  convey'd. 
And  Jove  attesting,  the  firm  compact  made. 
A  train  of  noble  youths  the  charge  shall  bear  ; 
These  to  select,  Ulysses,  be  thy  care  : 
In  order  rank'd  let  all  our  gifts  appear. 
And  the  fair  train  of  captives  close  the  rear  : 
Talthybius  shall  the  victim  boar  convey. 
Sacred  to  Jove,  and  yon  bright  orb  of  day." 

"  For  this  (the  stern  /Eacides  replies  - 
Some  less  important  season  may  suffice. 
When  the  stern  fury  of  the  war  is  o'er, 
And  wrath,  cxtinguish'd,  burns  my  breast  no  more. 
By  Hector  slain,  their  faces  to  the  sky. 
All  grim  with  gaping  wounds,  our  heroes  lie  : 
Those  call  to  war!  and  might  my  voice  incite. 
Now,  now,  this  instant,  shall  commence  the  fight: 
Then,  when  the  day's  complete,  let  generous  bowls, 


Book  XIX.]  THE  ILIAD.  399 


And  copious  banquets,  glad  your  weary  souls. 
Let  not  my  palate  know  the  taste  of  food, 
Til!  my  insatiate  rage  be  cloy'd  with  blood : 
Pale  lies  my  friend,  with  wounds  disfigured  o'er, 
And  his  cold  feet  are  pointed  to  the  door. 
Revenge  is  all  my  soul !  no  meaner  care, 
Interest,  or  thought,  has  room  to  harbor  there; 
Destruction  be  my  feast,  and  mortal  wounds, 
And  scenes  of  blood,  and  agonizing  sounds." 
'•  O  first  of  Greeks  (Ulysses  thus  rejoin'd), 
The  best  and  bravest  of  the  warrior-kind  ! 
Thy  praise  it  is  in  dreadful  camps  to  shine, 
But  old  experience  and  calm  wisdom  mine. 
Then  hear  my  counsel,  and  to  reason  yield, 
The  bravest  soon,  are  satiate  of  the  field  ; 
Though  vast  the  heaps  that  strow  the  crimson  plain, 
The  bloody  harvest  brings  but  little  gain  : 
The  scale  of  conquest  ever  wavering  lies, 
Great  Jove  but  turns  it,  and  the  victor  dies! 
The  great,  the  bold,  by  thousands  daily  fall, 
And  endless  were  the  grief,  to  weep  for  all. 
Eternal  sorrows  what  avails  to  shed  ? 
Greece  hot>ors  not  with  solemn  fasts  the  dead: 
Enough,  when  death  demands  the  brave,  to  pay 
The  tribute  of  a  melancholy  day. 
One  chief  with  patience  to  the  grave  resign'd. 
Our  care  devolves  on  others  left  behind. 
Let  generous  food  supplies  of  strength  produce, 
Let  rising  spirits  flow  from  sprightly  juice. 
Let  their  warm  heads  with  scenes  of  battle  glow, 
And  pour  new  furies  on  the  feebler  foe. 
Yet  a  short  interval,  and  none  shall  dare 
Expect  a  summons  to  the  war  ; 
Who  waits  for  that,  the  dire  effects  shall  find. 
If  trembling  in  the  ships  he  lags  behind. 
Embodied,  to  the  battle  let  us  bend, 
And  all  at  once  on  haughty  Troy  descend." 

And  now  the  delegates  Ulysses  sent, 
To  bear  the  presents  from  the  royal  tent: 
The  sons  of  Nestor,  Phyleus'  valiant  heir, 
Thias  and  Merion.  thunderbolts  of  war, 
With  Lycomedes  of  Creiontian  strain, 
And  Melanippus.  form'd  the  chosen  train. 
Swift  as  the  word  was  given,  the  youths  obey'd: 
Twice  ten  bright  vases  in  the  mid'st  they  laid  ; 
A  row  of  six  fair  tripods  then  succeeds  ; 
And  twice  the  number  of  high-bounding  steeds: 


400  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  xIX. 

Seven  captives  next  a  lovely  line  compose  ; 

The  eiglith  Brisei's,  like  the  blooming  rose, 

Closed  the  bright  band:  great  Ithacus,  before, 

First  of  the  train,  the  golden  talents  bore  : 

The  rest  in  public  view  the  chiefs  dispose, 

A  splendid  scene  !  then  Agamemnon  rose  : 

The  boar  Talthybius  held  :  the  Grecian  lord 

Drew  the  broad  cutlass  sheath'd  beside  his  sword: 

The  stubborn  bristles  from  the  victim's  brow 

He  crops,  and  offering  meditates  his  vow. 

His  hands  uplifted  to  the  attesting  skies, 

On  heaven's  broad  marble  roof  were  fixed  his  eyes. 

The  solemn  words  a  deep  attention  draw, 

And  Greece  around  sat  thrill'd  with  sacred  awe. 

"Witness  thou  first !  thou  greatest  power  above, 
All-good,  all-wise,  and  all-surveying  Jove  ! 
And  mother-earth,  and  heaven's  revolving  light. 
And  ye,  fell  furies  of  the  realms  of  night, 
Who'rule  the  dead,  and  horrid  woes  prepare 
For  perjured  'Kings,  and  all  who  falsely  swear! 
The  black-eyed  maid  inviolate  removes, 
Pure  and  unconscious  of  my  manly  loves. 
If  this  be  false,  heaven  all  its  vengeance  shed, 
And  levell'd  thunder  strike  my  guilty  head  !  " 

With  tliat,  his  weapon  deep  inflicts  the  wound ; 
The  bleeding  savage  tumbles  to  the  ground ; 
The  sacred  herald  rolls  tlie  victim  slain 
(A  feast  for  fish)  into  the  foaming  main. 

Then  thus  Achi'.les  :  "  Hear,  ye  Greeks  !  and  know 
Whate'er  we  feel,  'tis  Jove  inflicts  the  woe  ; 
Not  else  Atrides  could  our  rage  inflame. 
Nor  from  my  arms,  unwilling,  force  the  dame. 
'Twas  Jove's  high  will  alone,  o'erruling  all. 
That  doom'd  »ur  strife,  and  doom'd  the  Greeks  to  fall. 
Go  then,  ye  chiefs  !  indulge  the  genial  rite  ; 
Achilles  waits  ye,  and  expects  the  fight." 

The  speedy  council  at  his  word  adjourn'd : 
To  their  black  vessels  all  the  Greeks  return'd. 
Achilles  sought  his  tent.      His  train  before 
March'd  onward,  bending  with  the  gifts  they  bore. 
Those  in  the  tents  the  squires  industrious  spread: 
The  foaming  coursers  to  the  stalls  tliey  led  ; 
To  their  new  seats  the  female  captives  move 
Brisei's,  radiant  as  the  queen  of  love. 
Slow  as  she  pass'd,  beheld  with  sad  survey 
Where,  gash"d  with  cruel  wounds,  Patroclus  lay. 
.Prone  on  the  bod>  'ell  the  heavenly  fair. 


Book  XIX.]  THE  ILIAD.  401 

Beat  her  sad  breast,  and  tore  her  golden  hair ; 

All  beautiful  in  grief,  her  humid  eyes 

Shining  with  tears  she  lifts,  and  thus  she  cries: 

"  Ah,  youth  forever  dear,  forever  kind. 
Once  tender  friend  of  my  distracted  mind  ! 
I  left  thee  fresh  in  life,  in  beauty  gay; 
Now  find  thee  cold,  inanimated  clay  ! 
What  woes  my  wretched  race  of  life  attend! 
Sorrows  on  sorrows,  never  doom'd  to  end ! 
The  first  loved  consort  of  my  virgin  bed 
Before  these  eyes  in  fatal  battle  bled  : 
My  three  brave  brothers  in  one  mournful  day 
All  trod  the  dark,  irremeable  way  : 
Thy  friendly  hand  uprear'd  me  from  the  plain. 
And  dried  my  sorrows  for  a  husband  slain  ; 
Achilles'  care  you  promised  I  should  prove, 
The  first,  the  dearest  partner  of  his  love  ; 
That  rites  divine  should  ratify  the  band, 
And  make  me  empress  in  his  native  land. 
Accept  these  grateful  tears  !  for  thee  they  flow, 
Por  thee,  that  ever  felt  another's  woe !  " 

Her  sister  captives  echoed  groan  for  groan, 
Nor  mourn'd  Patroclus'  fortunes,  but  their  own. 
The  leaders  press'd  the  chief  on  every  side ; 
Unmoved  he  heard  them,  and  with  sighs  denied. 

"  If  yet  Achilles  have  a  friend,  whose  care 
Is  bent  to  please  him,  this  request  forbear ; 
Till  vonder  sun  descend,  ah,  let  me  pay 
To  grief  and  anguish  one  abstemious  day." 

He  spoke,  and  from  the  warriors  turn'd  his  face  : 
Yet  still  the  brother-kings  of  Atreus'  race, 
Nestor,  Idomeneus,  Ulysses  sage. 
And  Phoenix,  strive  to  calm  his  grief  and  rage : 
His  rage  they  calm  not,  nor  his  grief  control ; 
He  groans,  he  raves,  he  sorrows  from  his  soul. 

"  Thou  too,  Patroclus  !  (thus  his  heart  he  venti) 
Once  spread  the  inviting  banquet  in  our  tents : 
Thy  sweet  society,  thy  winning  care, 
Once  stay'd  Achilles,  rushing  to  the  war. 
But  now,  alas  !  to  death's  cold  arms  resign'd. 
What  banquet  but  revenge  can  glad  my  mind? 
What  greater  sorrow  could  afflict  my  breast, 
What  more  if  hoary  Peleus  were  deceased  ? 
Who  now,  perhaps,  in  Phthia  dreads  to  hear 
His  son's  sad  fate,  and  drops  a  tender  tear. 
What  more,  should  Neoptolemus  the  brave. 
My  only  offspring,  sink  into  the  grave  ? 


40*  THE  ILtAD.  p5oc>»  VIX. 

If  yet  that  offspring  lives  (I  distant  far, 

Of  all  neglectful,  wage  a  hateful  war). 

I  could  not  this,  this  cruel  stroke  attend  ; 

Fate  claim'd  Achilles,  but  might  spare  hi?  f;'-end. 

I  hoped  Patroclus  might  survive,  to  rear 

My  tender  orphan  with  a  parent's  care. 

From  Scyros'  isle  conduct  him  o'er  the  main, 

And  glad  his  eyes  with  his  paternal  rei-n, 

The  lofty  palace,  and  the  large  domain. 

For  Peleus  breathes  no  more  the  vita!  air; 

Or  drags  a  wretched  life  of  age  and  care, 

But  till  the  news  of  my  sad  fate  invades 

His  hastening  soul,  and  sinks  him  to  the  shades." 

Sighing  he  said  :  his  grief  the  heroes  join'd, 
Each  stole  a  tear  for  what  he  left  behind. 
Their  mingled  grief  the  sire  of  heaven  survey'd. 
And  thus  with  pity  to  his  blue-eyed  maid  : 

"  Is  then  Achilles  now  no  more  thy  care. 
And  dost  thou  thus  desert  the  great  in  war? 
Lo,  where  yon  sails  their  canvas  wings  extend. 
All  comfortless  he  sits,  and  wails  his  friend  : 
lire  thirst  and  want  his  forces  have  oppress'd. 
Haste  and  infuse  ambrosia  in  his  breast." 

He  spoke  ;  and  sudden,  at  the  word  of  Jove, 
Shot  the  descending  goddess  from  above. 
So  swift  through  ether  the  shrill  harpy  springs. 
The  wide  air  floating  to  her  ample  wings, 
To  great  Achilles  she  her  flight  address'd. 
And  pour'd  divine  ambrosia  in  his  breast,* 
With  nectar  sweet,  (refection  of  the  gods  !) 
Then,  swift  ascending,  sought  the  bright  abodes. 

Now  issued  from  the  ships  the  warrior-train. 
And  like  a  deluge  pour'd  upon  the  plain. 
As  when  the  piercing  blasts  of  I3oreas  blow. 
And  scatter  o'er  the  fields  the  driving  snow  ; 
From  dusky  clouds  the  fleecy  winter  flies. 
Whose  dazzling  lustre  whitens  all  the  skies  : 
So  helms  succeeding  helms,  so  shields  from  shields, 
Catch  the  quick  beams,  and  brighten  all  the  fields  ; 
Broad  glittering  breastplates,  spears  with  pointed  rays. 
Mix  in  one  stream,  reflecting  blaze  on  blaze; 
Thick  beats  the  centre  as  the  coursers  bound  ; 
With  splendor  flame  the  skies,  and  laugh  the  fields  around. 

*  Ambrosia. 

"  Tlie  bkie-eyed  maid, 
In  ev'ry  breast  new  visor  to  infuse. 
Brines  uectar  temper'd  with  ambrosial  dews." 


Book  XIX. 1  THE  ILIAD.  403 

Full  in  the  midst,  high-towering  o'er  the  rest, 
His  limbs  in  arms  divine  Achilles  dress.'d  ; 
Arms  which  the  fatlier  of  the  fire  bestow'd, 
Forged  on  the  eternal  anvils  of  the  god. 
Grief  and  revenge  his  furious  heart  inspire, 
His  glowing  eyeballs  roll  with  living  fire  ; 
He  grinds  his  teeth,  and  furious  with  delay 
Overlooks  the  embattled  host,  and  hopes  the  b.oody  day. 

The  silver  cuishes  first  his  thighs  infold  ; 
Then  o'er  his  breast  was  braced  the  hollow  gold  ; 
The  brazen  sword  a  various  baldric  tied, 
That,  starr'd  with  gems,  hung  glittering  at  his  side ; 
And,  like  the  moon,  the  broad  refulgent  shield 
Blazed  with  long  rays,  and  gleam'd  athwart  the  field; 

So  to  night-wandering  sailors,  pale  with  fears, 
Wide  o'er  tlie  watery  waste,  a  light  appears, 
Which  on  the  far-seen  mountain  blazing  high. 
Streams  from  some  lonely  watch-tower  to  the  sky: 
With  mournful  eyes  they  gaze,  and  gaze  again  •, 
Loud  howls  the  storm,  and  drives  them  o'er  the  main. 

Next,  his  high  head  the  helmet  graced;  behind 
The  sweepy  cre^t  hung  floating  in  the  wind : 
Like  the  red  star,  that  from  his  flaming  hair 
Shakes  down  diseases,  pestilence,  and  war, 
So  stream'd  the  golden  honors  from  his  head, 
Trembled  the  sparkling  plumes,  and  the  loose  glories  shed 
The  chief  beholds  himself  with  wondering  eyes  ; 
His  arms  he  poises,  and  his  motions  tries ; 
Buoy'd  by  some  inward  force,  he  seoms  to  swim, 
And  feels  a  pinion  lifting  every  limb. 

And  now  he  shakes  his  great  paternal  spear. 
Ponderous  and  huge,  which  not  a  Greek  could  rear, 
From  Pelion's  cloudy  top  an  ash  entir:: 
Old  Chiron  fell'd,  and  shaped  it  for  his  sire; 
A  spear  which  stern  Achilles  only  wields. 
The  death  of  heroes,  and  the  dread  of  fields. 

Automedon  and  Alcimus  prepare 
The  immortal  coursers,  r,nd  the  radiant  car 
(The  silver  traces  sweeping  at  their  side)  ; 
Their  fiery  mouths  resplendent  bridles  tied  ; 
The  ivory-studded  reins,  return'd  behind, 
Waved  o'et  their  backs,  and  to  the  chariot  join'd- 
The  charioteer  then  whirl'd  tlie  lash  around, 
And  swift  ascended  at  one  active  bound. 
All  bright  in  heavenly  arms,  above  his  squire 
Achilles  mounts,  and  sets  the  field  on  fire  ; 
Not  brighter  Phoebus  in  the  ethereal  way 


404  THE  ILIAD.  [I'.ook  XIX. 

Flames  from  liis  chariot,  and  restores  the  day. 

High  o'er  the  host,  all  terrible  he  stands, 

And  thunders  to  his  steeds  these  dread  commands: 

"  XaNthus  and  Balius  !  of  Podarges'  stram 
(Unless  ye  boast  that  heavenly  race  in  vain), 
I?e  swift,  be  mindful  of  the  load  ye  bear, 
And  learn  to  make  your  master  more  your  care  : 
Through  falling  squadrons  bear  my  slaughtering  sword. 
Nor,  as  ye  left  Patroclus,  leave  your  lord." 

The  generous  Xanthus,  as  the  words  he  said, 
Seem'd  sensible  of  woe,  and  droop 'd  his  head : 
Trembling  he  stood  before  the  golden  wain, 
And  bow'd  to  dust  the  honors  of  his  mane. 
When,  strange  to  tell  !   (so  Juijo  will'd)  he  broke 
Eternal  silence,  and  portentous  spoke. 
"  Achilles!  ye^  !  this  day  at  least  we  bear 
Thy  rage  in  safety  through  the  files  of  war : 
But  come  it  will,  the  fatal  time  must  come. 
Not  ours  the  fault,  but  God  decrees  thy  doom. 
Not  through  our  crime,  or  slowness  in  the  course. 
Fell  thv  Patroclus,  but  by  heavenly  force; 
The  bright  far-shooting  god  who  gi*lds  the  day 
(Confess'd  we  saw  him)  tore  his  arms  away. 
No — could  our  swiftness  o'er  the  winds  prevail, 
Or  beat  the  pinions  of  the  western  gale. 
All  were  in  vain— the  Fates  thy  death  demand, 
Due  to  a  mortal  and  immortal  hand." 

Then  ceased  forever,  by  the  Furies  tied, 
His  fateful  voice.     The  intrepid  chief  replied 
With  unabated  rage — "  So  let  it  be  ! 
Portents  and  prodigies  are  lost  on  me. 
I  know  my  fate  :  to  die,  to  see  no  more 
My  much-loved  parents,  and  my  native  shore — 
Enough — when  heaven  ordains,  I  sink  in  night: 
Now  perish  Troy !  "     He  said,  and  rush'd  to  fight 


Book  XX.]  THE  ILIAD.  405 


BOOK    XX. 

ARr;UMENT. 

THE    BATTLF    OP    THn    GOIJ'^,    AND    THE    ACTS   OF    ACHTLLHS. 

Jupiter,  apon  Aclulles'  return  to  the  battle,  calls  a  cniincil  of  the  gods,  and  permits 
them  to  assist  either  party.  The  terrors  of  the  combat  described,  when  the  deities 
are  engaged.  Apollo  encourages  jBneas  to  meet  Achilles.  After  a  long  conversa- 
sation,  these  two  heroes  encounter  ;  but  ^neas  is  preserved  by  the  assistance  of 
Neptune.  Achilles  falls  upon  the  rest  of  the  Trojans,  and  is  upon  the  point  of 
killing  Hector,  but  Apollo  conveys  him  away  in  a  cloud.  Achilles  pursues  the 
Trojans  with  a  great  slaughter. 

The  same  day  continues.     The  scene  is  the  field  before  Troy. 

Thus  round  Pelides  breathing  war  and  blood, 

Greece,  sheathed  in  arms,  beside  her  vessels  stood; 

While  near  impending  from  a  neighboring  height, 

Troy's  black  battalions  wait  the  shock  of  tight. 

Then  Jove  to  Themis  gives  command,  to  call 

The  gods  to  council  in  the  st.irry  hall  : 

Swift  o'er  Olympus'  hundred  hills  she  flieSj 

And  summons  all  the  senate  of  the  skies. 

These  sliinmg  on,  in  long  procession  come 

To  Jove's  eternal  adamantine  dome. 

Not  one  was  absent,  not  a  rural  power 

That  haunts  the  verdant  gloom,  or  rosy  bower 

Each  fair-hair'd  dryad  of  the  shady  wood, 

Each  azure  sister  of  the  silver  flood  ; 

All  but  old  Ocean,  hoary  sire  !  who  keeps 

His  ancient  seat  bene.ath  the  sacred  deeps. 

On  marble  thrones,  with  lucid  columns  crown'd 

(The  work  of  Vulcan),  sat  the  powers  around. 

Even  he  whose  trident  sways  the  watery  reign 

Heard  the  loud  summons,  and  forsook  the  main, 

Assumed  his  throne  amid  the  bright  abodes, 

And  question'd  thus  the  sire  of  rnen  and  gods  : 

"  What  moves  the  god  who  heaven  and  earth  commands. 
And  grasps  the  thunder  in  his  awful  hands. 
Thus  to  convene  the  whole  ethereal  state  1 
Is  Greece  and  Troy  the  suljject  in  debate  ? 
Already  met,  the  louring  hosts  appear. 
And  death  stands  ardent  on  the  edge  of  war." 


4o6  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XX. 

" 'Tis  true  (the  cloud-compelling  power  replies)  , 
This  day  we  call  the  council  of  the  skies 
In  care  of  human  race  ;  even  Jove's  own  eye 
Sees  with  regret  unhappy  mortals  die. 
Far  on  Olympus'  top  in  secret  state 
Ourself  will  sit,  and  see  the  hand  of  fate 
Work  out  our  will.     Celestial  powers  !  descend. 
And  as  your  minds  direct,  your  succor  lend 
To  either  host.     Troy  soon  must  lie  o'erthrown, 
If  uncontroll'd  Achilles  fights  alone: 
Tlie'r  troops  but  lately  durst  not  meet  his  eyes ; 
What  can  they  now,  if  in  his  r.age  he  rise  ? 
Assist  them,  gods  !  or  Ilion's  sacred  wall 
May  fall  this  day,  though  fate  forbids  the  fall." 

He  said,  and  fired  their  heavenly  breasts  with  rage. 
On  adverse  parts  the  warring  gods  engage  ; 
Heaven's  awful  queen  ;  and  he  whose  azure  round 
Girds  the  vast  globe  ;  the  maid  in  arms  renown'd ; 
Hermes,  of  profitable  arts  the  sire; 
And  Vulcan,  the  black  sovereign  of  the  fire  : 
These  to  the  fleet  repair  with  instant  flight ; 
The  vessels  tremljle  as  the  gods  alight. 
In  aid  of  Troy,  Latona,  Phcebus  came. 
Mars  fiery-helm'd,  the  laughter-loving  dame, 
Xanthus,  whose  streams  in  golden  currents  flow. 
And  the  chaste  huntress  of  the  silver  bow. 
Ere  yet  the  gods  their  various  aid  employ, 
Each  Argive  bosom  swell'd  with  manly  joy. 
While  great  Achilles  (terror  of  the  plain), 
Long  lost  to  battle,  shone  in  arms  again. 
Dreadful  he  stood  in  f-ont  of  all  his  host ; 
Pale  Troy  beheld,  and  seem'd  already  lost ; 
Her  bravest  heroes  pant  with  inward  fear. 
And  trembling  see  another  god  of  war. 

But  when  the  powers  descending  swell'd  the  fight. 
Then  tumult  rose:  fierce  rage  and  pale  affright 
Varied  each  face  :  then  Discord  sounds  alarms. 
Earth  echoes,  and  the  nations  rush  to  arms. 
Now  through  the  trembling  shores  Minerva  calls, 
And  now  she  thunders  from  the  Grecian  walls. 
iWars  hovering  o'er  his  Troy,  his  terror  shrouds 
-n  gloomy  tempests,  and  a  night  of  clouds  : 
Now  through  each  Trojan  heart  he  fury  pours 
With  voice  divine,  from  Ilion's  topmost  towers: 
Now  shouts  to  Simois,  Irom  her  beauteous  hill  ; 
The  mountain  shook,  the  rapid  stream  stood  stilL 
Above,  the  sire  of  gods  his  thunder  rolls, 


UK  X>^,  THE  iLIAD.  407 

And  peals  on  peals  redouljled  rend  the  poles 
Beneath,  stern  Neptune  shakes  the  solid  ground; 
The  forests  wave,  the  mountains  nod  around ; 
Through  all  their  summits  tremble  Ida's  woods. 
And  from  their  sources  boil  her  hundred  floods. 
Troy's  turrets  totter  on  the  rocking  plain, 
And  the  toss'd  navies  beat  the  heavmg  main. 
Deep  in  the  dismal  regions  of  the  dead,* 
The  infernal  monarch  rear'd  his  horrid  head, 
Leap'd  from  his  throne,  lest  Neptune's  arm  should  lay 
His  dark  dominions  open  to  the  day, 
And  pour  in  light  on  Pluto's  drear  abodes, 
Abhorr'd  by  men,  and  dreadful  even  to  gods.f 

Such  war  the  immortals  wage  ;    such  horrors  rend 
The  world's  vast  concave,  when  the  gods  contend. 
First  silver-shafted  Phoebus  took  the  pkn'n 
Against  blue  Neptune,  monarch  of  the  main. 
The  god  of  arms  his  giant  bulk  display'd. 
Opposed  to  Pallas,  war's  triumjihant  maid. 
Against  Latona  march'd  the  son  of  May. 
The  quiver'd  Dian,  sister  of  the  day 
(Her  golden  arrows  sounding  at  her  side), 
Saturnia,  majesty  of  heaven,  defied. 
With  fiery  Vulcan  last  in  battle  stands 
T  he  sacred  flood  that  rolls  on  golden  sands  ; 
Xanthus  his  name  with  those  of  heavenly  birth. 
But  called  Scamander  by  the  sons  of  earth. 

While  thus  the  gods  in  various  league  engage, 
Achilles  glow'd  with  more  than  mortal  rage  : 
Hector  he  sought  ;  in  search  of  Hector  turn'd 
His  eyes  around,  for  Hector  only  burn'd  ; 
And  burst  like  lightning  through  the  ranks,  and  vow'd 
To  glut  the  god  of  battles  with  his  blood. 

yEneas  was  the  first  who  dared  to  stay  ; 
Apollo  wedged  him  in  the  wan  ior's  way, 
But  swell'd  his  bosom  with  undaunted  might. 
Half-forced  and  half-persuaded  to  the  fight. 
Like  young  Lycaon,  of  the  royal  line, 
In  voice  and  aspect,  seem'd  the  power  divine  ; 
And  bade  the  chief  reflect,  how  late  with  scorn 

'  -  Hell  is  naked  before  him,  and  destruction  hath  no  covering.  He  stretchcth 
the  north  over  the  empty  place,  and  hangeth  the  earth  upon  nothing.  Hebindeth 
:iie  waters  in  his  lliick  clouds  ;  and  the  cloud  is  not  rent  under  them." — Job 
.  o-S. 

"  Swift  from  his  throne  the  infernal  monarch  ran. 
All  pale  and  trembling,  lest  the  race  of  man, 
Slain  by  Jove's  wrath,  and  led  by  Hermes'  rod, 
Should  fill  (a  countless  throng!  i  his  dark  abode." 

Merrick's  Trvphiodorus,  vi,  769,  tqq. 


4o8  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XX. 

In  distant  threats  he  braved  the  goddess-born. 
Then  thus  the  hero  of  Anchises'  strain  : 

"  To  meet  Tehdes  you  persuade  in  vain  : 

Already  have  I  met,  nor  void  of  fear 

Observed  the  fury  of  his  flying  spear  ; 

From  Ida's  woods  he  chased  us  to  the  field, 

Our  force  he  scatter'd,  and  our  herds  he  kill'd; 

Lyrnessus,  Pedasus  in  ashes  lay ; 

But  (Jove  assisting)  I  survived  the  day  : 

Else  had  I  sunk  oppressed  in  fatal  fight 

By  fierce  Achilles  and  Minerva's  might. 

Where'er  he  moved,  the  goddess  shone  before, 

And  bathed  his  brazen  lance  in  hostile  gore. 

What  mortal  man  Achilles  can  sustain  t 

The  immortals  guard  him  through  the  dreadful  plain, 

And  suffer  not  his  dart  to  fall  in  vain. 

Were  God  my  aid,  this  arm  should  check  his  power. 

Though  strong  in  battle  as  a  brazen  tower." 
To  whom  the  son  of  Jove  :  "  Tliat  god  implore, 

And  be  what  great  Achilles  was  before. 

From  heavenly  Venus  thou  deriv'st  thy  strain, 

And  he  but  from  a  sister  of  the  main  ; 

An  aged  sea-god  father  of  his  line  ; 

But  Jove  himself  the  sacred  source  of  thine. 

Then  lift  thy  weapon  for  a  noble  blow. 
Nor  fear  the  vaunting  of  a  mortal  foe." 

This  said,  and  spirit  breathed  into  his  breast; 

Through  the  thick  troops  the  embolden'd  hero  press'd  : 
His  venturous  act  the  white-arm'd  queen  suryey'd, 
And  thus,  assembling  all  the  powers,  she  said  : 

"  Behold  an  action^  gods  !  that  claims  your  care, 
Lo  great  /Eneas  rushing  to  the  war  ! 
Against  Pelides  he  directs  his  course, 
I'iioebus  impels,  and  I^hojbus  gives  him  force. 
Restrain  his  bold  career;  at  least,  to  attend 
Our  favor'd  hero,  let  some  power  descend. 
To  guard  his  life,  and  add  to  his  renown, 
We,  the  great  armament  of  heaven,  came  down. 
Hereafter  let  him  fall,  as  Fates  design, 
That  spun  so  short  his  life's  illustrious  line:* 
But  lest  some  adverse  god  now  cross  his  way. 
Give  him  to  know  what  powers  assist  this  day  : 
For  how  shall  mortal  stand  the  dire  alarms, 
When  heaven's  refulgent  host  appear  in  arms  ?  "  f 

•  These  wordb  seem  to  imply  the  old  belief,  tliat  the  Fates  might  be  delayed,  l)Ut 

"*'t^H  was'  anciently  b.-lii-vert  that  it  was  dangerous,  if  not  fatal,  to  behold  a  deity. 
<„e  Kxod.  xxxi.u  io  -,  Judl.  ^u^■a■ 


I500K  XX.]  THE  JLIAD.  409 

Thus  she  ;  and  thus  the  god  wliose  force  can  make 
The  solid  globe's  eternal  basis  shake  : 
"  Against  the  might  of  man,  so  feeble  known, 
Why  should  celestial  powers  exert  their  own  ? 
Suiifice  from  yonder  mount  to  view  the  scene, 
And  leave  to  war  the  fates  of  mortal  men. 
But  if  the  armipotent,  or  god  of  light, 
Obstruct  Achilles,  or  commence  the  fight, 
Thence  on  the  gods  of  Troy  we  swift  descend  : 
Full  soon,  I  doubt  not,  shall  the  conflict  end  ; 
And  these,  in  ruin  and  confusion  hurl'd. 
Yield  to  our  conquering  arms  the  lower  world." 

Thus  having  said,  the  tyrant  of  the  sea, 
Ccerulean  Neptune,  rose,  and  led  the  way. 
Advanced  upon  the  field  there  stood  a  mound 
Of  earth  congested,  wall'd,  and  trench'd  around  ; 
In  elder  times  to  guard  Alcides  made 
(The  work  of  Trojans,  with  Minerva's  aid), 
What  time  a  vengeful  monster  of  the  main 
Swept  the  wide  shore,  and  drove  him  to  the  plain. 

Here  Neptune  and  the  gods  of  Greece  repair, 
V/ith  clouds  encompass'd,  and  a  veil  of  air  : 
The  adverse  powers,  around  Apollo  laid. 
Crown  the  fair  hills  that  silver  Siniois  shade. 
In  circle  close  each  heavenly  party  sat. 
Intent  to  fonn  the  future  scheme  of  fate  ; 
But  mix  not  yet  in  fight,  though  Jove  on  high 
Gives  the  loud  signal,  and  the  heavens  reply. 

Meanwhile  the  rushing  armies  hide  the  ground  ; 
The  trampled  centre  yields  a  hollow  sound  : 
Steeds  cased  in  mail,  and  chiefs  in  armor  bright, 
The  gleaming  champaign  glows  with  brazen  light. 
Amid  both  hosts  (a  dreadful  space)  appear, 
There  great  Achilles  ;  bold  /Eneas,  here. 
With  towering  strides  /Eneas  first  advanced  ; 
The  nodding  plumage  on  his  helmet  danced  : 
Spread  o'er  his  breast  the  fencing  shield  he  bore, 
And,  so  he  moved,  his  javelin  flamed  before. 
Not  so  Pelides  ;  furious  to  engage. 
He  rush'd  impetuous.     Such  the  lion's  rage, 
Who  viewing  first  his  foes  with  scornful  eyes, 
Though  all  in  arms  the  peopled  city  rise. 
Stalks  careless  on,  with  unregarding  pride  ; 
Till  at  the  length,  by  some  brave  youth  defied. 
To  his  bold  spear  the  savage  turns  alone, 
He  mumurs  fury  with  a  hollow  groan  : 
He  grins,  he  foams,  he  rolls  his  eyes  around, 


410  THE  ILIAD.  -  [Book  XX, 

Lash'd  by  his  t?.il  his  heaving  sides  resound  ; 
He  calls  up  all  his  rage  ;  he  grinds  his  teeth, 
Resolved  on  vengeance,  or  resolved  on  death. 
So  fierce  Achiiles  on  /Eneas  flies  ; 
So  stands  ^neas,  and  his  force  defies. 
Ere  yet  tlie  stern  encounter  join'd,  begun 
The  seed  of  Thetis  thus  to  Venus'  son  : 

'■  Why  comes  .^neas  through  the  ranks  so  far  ? 
Seeks  he  to  meet  Achilles'  arm  in  war, 
In  hope  the  realms  of  Priam  to  enjoy, 
And  prove  his  merits  to  the  throne  of  Troy  ? 
Grant  that  beneath  thy  lance  Achilles  dies, 
The  partial  monarch  may  refuse  the  prize  ; 
Sons  he  has  many  ;  those  thy  pride  may  quell  : 
And  'tis  his  fault  to  love  those  sons  too  well. 
Or,  in  reward  of  thy  victorious  hand, 
Has  Troy  proposed  some  spacious  tract  of  land, 
An  ample  forest,  or  a  fair  domain, 
Of  hills  for  vines,  and  arable  for  grain  ? 
Even  this,  perhaps,  will  hardly  prove  thy  lot. 
But  can  Achilles  be  so  soon  forgot  .'' 
Once  (as  I  think)  you  saw  this  brandish'd  spear, 
And  then  the  great  /Eneas  seem'd  to  fear  : 
With  hearty  haste  from  Ida's  mount  he  fled, 
Nor,  till  he'reach'd  Lyrnessus,  turn'd  his  head. 
Her  lofty  walls  not  long  our  progress  stay'd  ; 
Those,  Pallas,  Jove,  and  we,  in  ruins  laid  : 
In  Grecian  chains  her  captive  race  were  cast  • 
'Tis  true,  the  great  jCneas  fled  too  fast. 
Defrauded  of  my  conquest  once  before. 
What  then  I  lost,  the  gods  this  day  restore. 
Go  ;  while  thou  may'st,  avoid  the  thrcaten'd  fate  ; 
Fools  stay  to  feel  it,  and  are  wise  too  late." 

To  this  Anchises'  son  :  "  Such  words  employ 
To  one  that  fears  thee,  some  unwarlike  boy  ; 
Such  we  disdain  ;  the  best  may  be  defied 
With  mean  reproaches,  and  unmanly  pride  ; 
Unworthy  the  high  race  from  which  we  came 
ProciainVd  so  loudly  by' the  voice  of  fame  : 
Each  froin  illustrious  fathers  draws  his  line  ; 
Each  goddess-born  ;  half  human,  half  divine. 
Thetis"'  this  day,  or  Venus'  offspring  dies. 
And  tears  shall  trickle  from  celestial  eyes  : 
For  when  two  heroes,  thus  derived,  contend, 
*Tis  not  in  words  the  glorious  strife  can  end. 
If  yet  thou  further  seek  to  learn  my  birth 
(A  tale  resounded  through  the  spacious  earth) 


Book  XX]  THE  ILIAD.  4" 

Hear  how  the  glorious  origin  we  prove 

From  ancient  Dardanus,  the  first  from  Jove  : 

Dardaiiia's  walls  he  raised  ;  for  llion,  then 

(The  city  since  of  many  languaged  men), 

Was  not.     The  natives  were  content  to  till 

The  shady  foot  of  Ida's  fountful  liill.* 

From  Dardanus  great  Erichthonius  springs, 

The  richest,  once,  of  Asia's  wealthy  kings  : 

Three  thousand  mares  his  spacious  pastures  bred. 

Three  thousand  foals  beside  their  mothers  fed. 

Boreas,  enamour'd  of  the  sprightly  train, 

Conceal'd  his  godhead  in  a  flowing  mane, 

With  voice  dissembled  to  his  loves  he  neigh'd, 

And  coursed  the  dappled  beauties  o'er  the  mead  : 

Hence  sprung  twelve  others  of  unrivall'd  Icind, 

Swift  as  their  mother  mares,  and  fatlier  wind. 

These  lightly  skimming,  when  they  swept  the  plain. 

Nor  plied  the  grass,  nor  bent  the  tender  grain- 

And  when  along  the  level  seas  tliey  flew.f 

Scarce  on  the  surface  curl'd  the  briny  dew. 

Such  Erichthonius  was  :  from  him  there  came 

The  sacred  Tros,  of  whom  the  Trojan  name. 

Three  sons  renown'd  adorn'd  his  nuptial  bed, 

llus,  Assaracus,  and  Ganymed  : 

The  matchless  Ganymed,  divinely  fair. 

Whom  heaven,  enamour'd,  snatch'd  to  upper  air. 

To  bear  the  cup  of  Jove  (ethereal  guest, 

The  grace  and  glory  of  the  ambrosial  feast). 

The  two  remaining  sons  the  line  divide  : 

First  rose  Laomedon  from  llus'  side; 

From  him  Tithonus,  now  in  cares  grown  old, 

And  Priam,  bless'd  with  Hector,  brave  and  bold; 

Clytius  and  Lampus,  ever-honor'd  pair ; 

And  Hicetaon,  thunderbolt  of  war. 

From  great  Assaracus  sprang  Capys,  he 

Begat  Anchises,  and  Anchises  me. 

Such  is  our  race :  'tis  fortune  gives  us  birth. 

But  Jove  alone  endues  the  soul  with  worth  : 

He,  source  of  power  and  might !  with  boundless  sway, 

All  human  courage  gives,  or  takes  away. 

"  Ere  Ihum  and  the  Trojan  tow'rs  arose. 

In  humble  vales  they  built  their  soft  abodes." 

Dryden's  Virgil,  iii.  150. 
Along  the  level  seas.     Compare  Virgil's  description  of  Camilla,  wh^> 
"  Oulstripp'd  the  winds  in  speed  upon  the  plani, 
Flew  o  er  the  field,  nor  hurt  the  bearded  gram  ; 
She  swept  the  sens,  and,  as  she  skimm'd  along, 
Her  Hyiug  feet  iinbathed  ou  billows  hung." 

Dryden,  vii.  iiao. 


412  THE  ILIAD  [>Wok  XX. 

Long  in  the  field  of  words  we  may  contend, 

Reproach  is  infinite,  and  knows  no  end, 

Arm'd  or  with  truth  or  falsehood,  right  or  wrong, 

So  voluble  a  weapon  is  the  tongue ; 

Wounded,  we  wound  ;  and  neither  side  can  fail, 

For  every  man  has  equal  strength  to  rail : 

Women  alone,  when  in  the  streets  they  jar, 

Perhaps  excel  us  in  this  wordy  war ; 

Like  us  they  stand,  encompass'd  with  ih^  crowd. 

And  vent  their  anger  impotent  and  loud. 

Cease  then — Our  business  in  the  field  of  fight 

Is  not  to  question,  but  to  prove  our  might. 

To  all  those  insults  thou  hast  offer'd  here, 

Receive  this  answer  :  'tis  my  flying  spear." 

He  spoke.     With  all  his  force  the  javelin  flung-, 
Fix'd  deep,  and  loudly  in  the  buckler  rung. 
Far  on  his  outstretch'd  arm,  Pclides  held 
(To  meet  the  thundering  lance)  hi.s  dreadful  shield, 
That  trembled  as  it  stuck  ;  nor  void  of  fear 
Saw,  ere  it  fell,  the  immeasurable  spear. 
His  fears  were  vain  ;  impenetrable  charms 
Secured  the  temper  of  the  ethereal  arms. 
Through  two  strong  plates  the  point  its  passage  held. 
But  stopp'd,  and  rested,  by  the  third  repell'd. 
r'ive  plates  of  various  metal,  various  mould. 
Composed  the  shield  ;  of  brass  each  outwaul  fold, 
Of  tin  each  inward,  and  the  middle  gold  : 
There  stuck  the  lance.     Then  rising  ere  he  threw. 
The  forceful  spear  of  great  Achilles  flew. 
And  pierced  the  Dardan  shield's  extremest  bound, 
Where  the  shrill  brass  return'd  a  sharper  sound  : 
Through  the  thin  verge  the  Pelean  weapon  glides. 
And  the  slight  covering  of  expanded  hides. 
/Eneas  his  contracted  body  bends. 
And  o'er  him  high  the  riven  targe  extends, 
Sees,  through  its  jiarting  plates,  the  upper  air. 
And  at  his  back  ]3erceives  the  quivering  spear: 
A  fate  so  near  him,  chills  his  soul  with  fright ; 
And  swims  before  his  eyes  the  many-color'd  light 
Achilles,  rushing  in  with  dreadful  cries. 
Draws  his  broad  blade,  and  at  yEneas  flies: 
/Eneas  rousing  as  the  foe  came  on. 
With  force  collected,  heaves  a  mighty  stone ; 
A  mass  enormous  !  which  in  modern  days 
No  two  of  earth's  degenerate  sons  could  raise. 
But  ocean's  god,  whose  earthquakes  rock  the  ground 
Saw  the  distress,  and  moved  the  powers  around  : 


Book  XX.]  THE  ILIAP.  ^^l 

"  Lo !  on  the  brink  of  fate  /Enens  stands. 
An  instant  victim  to  Achilles'  hands  ; 
By  Phoebus  urged  ;  but  Phcebus  has  bestow'd 
His  aid  in  vain  :  the  man  o'erpowers  the  god. 
And  can  ye  see  this  righteous  chief  atone 
With  guiltless  blood  for  vices  not  his  own  ? 
To  all  the  gods  his  constant  vows  were  paid  ; 
Sure,  though  he  wars  for  Troy,  he  claims  our  aid. 
Fate  wills  not  this  ;  nor  thus  can  Jove  resign 
The  future  father  of  the  Dardan  line  :  * 
The  first  great  ancestor  obtain'd  his  grace. 
And  still  his  love  descends  on  all  the  race  : 
For  Priam  now,  and  Priam's  faithless  kind. 
At  length  are  odious  to  the  all-seeing  mind  ; 
On  great  ^neas  shall  devolve  the  reign. 
And  sons  succeeding,sons  the  lasting  line  sustain." 

The  great  earth-shaker  thus  :  to  whom  replies 
The  imperial  goddess  with  the  radiant  eyes: 
"Good  as  he  is,  to  immolate  or  sjjare 
The  Dardan  prince,  O  Neptune!  be  thy  care; 
Pallas  and  I,  by  all  that  gods  can  bind. 
Have  sworn  destruction  to  the  Trojan  kind  ; 
Not  even  an  instant  to  protract  their  fate. 
Or  save  one  member  of  the  sinking  state  ; 
Till  her  last  flame  be  quench'd  with  her  last  gore. 
And  even  her  crumbling  ruins  are  no  more." 

The  king  of  ocean  to  the  fight  descends. 
Through  all  the  whistling  darts  his  course  he  bends, 
Swift  interposed  between  the  warrior  flies. 
And  casts  thick  darkness  o'er  Achilles'  eyes.f 
From  great  .^Lueas'  shield  the  spear  he  drew, 
And  at  his  master's  feet  the  weapon  threw. 
That  done,  with  force  divine  he  snatch'd  on  high 
The  Dardan  prince,  and  bore  him  through  the  sky, 
Smooth-gliding  without  step,  above  the  heads 
Of  warring  heroes,  and  of  bounding  steeds  : 
Till  at  the  battle's  utmost  verge  they  light, 
Where  the  slow  Caucans  close  the  rear  of  fight. 

»   The  future  father.     "/Eneas  .intl  Antenor  stand  dislinKuished  from  the  other 

Trojans  by  a  dissatisfaction  with  Priam,  and  a  sympathj' with  the  Greeks,  which  is 

by  Sophocles  and  others  construed  as  treaclierous  collusinn,— a  suspicion  indirectly 

glanced  at,  though  emphatically  repelled,  in  the  ^neas  of  Virgil."— Grote,  i.  p.  427. 

t  Neptune  thus  recounts  his  services  to  /Kneas  : 

"  When  your  /'Eneas  fought,  but  fought  with  odds 
Of  force  unequal,  and  unequal  gods  :  _ 
I  spread  a  cloud  before  the  victor's  sight, 
SustaiiiM  the  vanquisliM,  and  secured  his  flight 
Even  then  secured  him,  when  I  sought  with  joy 
The  vow'd  desttuctiua  of  uogtatcfid  Trov." 

Krydeii's  Virgil,  v.  loji 


^  TtfE  ILIAD.  [Book  XX 

The  godhead  there  (his  heavenly  form  confess'd) 
With" words  like  these  the  panting  chief  address'd  : 

"  What  power,  O  prince  '  with  force  inferior  far. 
Urged  thee  to  meet  Achilles'  arm  m  war  ? 
Henceforth  beware,  nor  antedate  thy  doom, 
Defrauding  fate  of  all  thy  fame  to  come. 
But  when  the  day  decreed  (for  come  it  must) 
Shall  lay  this  dreadful  hero  in  the  dust. 
Let  then  the  furies  of  that  arm  be  known, 
Secure  no  Grecian  force  transcends  thy  own." 

With  that  he  left  him  wondering  as  he  lay, 
Then  from  Achilles  chased  the  mist  away: 
Sudden,  returning  with  a  stream  of  light, 
The  scene  of*  war  came  rushing  on  his  sight, 
Then  thus,  amazed  .  "  What  wonders.strike  my  mipdl 
My  spear,  that  parted  on  the  wings  of  wind, 
Laid  here  before  me  !  and  tlie  Dardan  lord. 
That  fell  this  instant,  vanish'd  from  my  sword.' 
I  thought  alone  with  mortals  to  contenu. 
But  powers  celestial  sure  this  foe  defend. 
Great  as  he  is,  our  arms  he  scarce  will  try, 
Content  for  once,  witli  all  his  gods,  to  fly. 
Now  then  let  others  bleed."     This  said,  aloud 
He  vents  his  fury,  and  inflames  the  crowc'  : 
"O  Greeks  '  (lie  cries,  and  every  rank  alarms) 
Join  battle,  man  to  man,  and  arms  to  arms  ! 
'Tis  not  in  me,  though  favor'd,by  the  sky, 
To  mow  whole  troops,  and  make  whole  armies  fly: 
No  god  can  singly  such  a  host  engage, 
Not  Mars  himself,  nor  great  Minerva's  rage. 
But  whatsoe'er  Achilles  can  inspire, 
Whate'er  of  active  force,  or  acting  fire  ; 
Whate'er  this  heart  can  prompt,  or  hand  obey ; 
All,  all  Achilles,  Greeks  '  is  yours  to-day. 
Through  yon  wide  host  this  arm  shall  scatter  fear. 
And  thin  the  squadrons  with  my  single  spear." 

He  said  .  nor  less  elate  with  martial  joy, 
The  godlike  Hector  warm'd  the  troops  of  Troy  : 
"  Trojans,  to  war  '     Think,  Hector  leads  you  on  ; 
Nor  dread  the  vaunts  of  Peleus'  liaughty  son 
Deeds  must  decide  our  fate.     E'en  these  with  words 
Insult  the  brave,  who  tremble  at  their  swords ; 
The  weakest  atheist-wretch  all  heaven  defies. 
But  shrinks  and  shudders  when  the  thunder  flies. 
Nor  from  yon  boaster  shall  your  chief  retire, 
Not  though  his  heart  were  steel,  his  hands  were  fire; 
That  tire,  tha*  steel,  jour  Hector  should  withstand, 


Book  XX.]  THE  ILIAD.  4iS 


And  brave  that  vengeful  heart,  tliat  dreadful  hand." 

Thus  (breathing  rage  through  all)  the  hero  said; 
A  wood  of  hinces  rises  round  his  liead. 
Clamors  on  clamors  tempest  all  the  air, 
They  join,  they  throng,  they  thicken  to  the  war. 
But  Phoebus  warns  hi'm  from  high  heaven  to  shun 
The  single  fight  with  Thetis'  godlike  son , 
More  safe  to  combat  in  the  mingled  band, 
Nor  tempt  too  near  the  terrors  of  his  hand. 
He  hears,  obedient  to  the  god  of  light, 
And,  plunged  within  the  fanks,  awaits  thei fight 

Then  fierce  Achilles,  shouting  to  the  skies. 
On  Troy's  whole  force  with  boundless  fury  flies. 
First  fails  Iphytion,  at  his  army  s  head  ; 
Brave  was  the'chief,  and  brave  the  host  he  led  ; 
From  great  Otrynteus  he  derived  his  blood, 
His  mother  was  a  Nais,  of  the  flood  ; 
Beneath  the  shades  of  Tmolus,  crown'd  with  snow,     • 
From  Hyde's  walls  he  ruled  the  lands  below. 
Fierce  as  he  springs,  the  sword  his  head  divides  : 
The  parted  visage  falls  on  equal  sides  : 
With  loud-resounding  arms  he  strikes  the  plain  ; 
While  thus  Achilles  glories  o'er  the  slain  : 

"  Lie  there,  Otryntides  '  the  Trojan  earth 
Receives  thee  dead,  though  Gyga;  boast  thy  birth  ; 
Those  beauteous  fields  where  Ilyllus'  waves  are  roU'd, 
And  plenteous  Hermus  swells  with  tides  of  gold, 
Are  thine  no  morst" — The  insulting  hero  said, 
And  left  him  sleeping  in  eternal  shade. 
The  rolling  wheels  of  Greece  the  body  tore, 
And  dash'd  their  axles  with  no  vulgar  gore. 

Demoleon  next,  Antenor's  offspring,  laid 
Breathless  in  dust,  the  price  of  rashness  paid. 
The  impatient  steel  with  full-descending  sway 
Forced  through  his  brazen  helm  its  furious  way, 
Resistless  drove  the  batter'd  skull  before. 
And  dash'd  and  mingled  all  the  brains  with  gore. 
This  sees  Hippodamas,  and  seized  with  fright, 
Deserts  his  chariot  for  a  swifter  flight : 
The  lance  arrests  him  :  an  ignoble  wound 
The  panting  Trojan  rivets  to  the  ground. 
He  groans  away  his  soul  :  not  louder  roars. 
At  Neptune's  shrine  on  Helicc's  high  shores, 
The  victim  bull  ;  the  rocks  re-bellow  round, 
And  ocean  listens  to  the  grateful  sound. 
Then  fell  on  Polydore  his  vengeful  rage,* 

'  On  Polydore.     Euripides,  Virgil,  and  others,  relate  that  Polydore  vtt«  seiil 


J  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XX 

The  youngest  hope  of  Priam's  stooping  age 

(Whose  feet  for  swiftness  in  the  race  surpass'd)  : 

Of  all  his  sons,  the  dearest,  and  the  last. 

To  tlie  forbidden  field  he  takes  his  flight, 

In  the  first  folly  of  a  youthful  knight, 

To  vaunt  his  swiftness  wheels  around  the  plain, 

But  vaunts  not  long,  with  all  his  swiftness  slain  ; 

Struck  where  the  crossing  belts  unite  behind, 

And  golden  rings  the  double  back-plate  join'd, 

Forth  through  the  navel  burst  the  thrilling  steel; 

And  on  his  knees  with  piercing  shrieks  he  fell ; 

The  rushing,  entrails  pour'd  upon  the  ground, 

His  hands  collect;  and  darkness  wraps  him  round. 

When  Hector  view'd,  all  ghastly  in  his  gore, 

Thus  sadly  slain  the  unhappy  Poiydore, 

A  cloud  of  sorrow  overcast  his  sight, 

His  soul  no  longer  brook'd  the  distant  fight: 

Full  in  Achilles'  dreadful  front  he  came, 

And  shook  his  javelin  like  a  waving  flame. 

The  son  of  Peleus  sees,  with  joy  possess'd. 

His  heart  high-bounding  in  his  rising  breast. 

"  And,  lo  !  the  man  on  whom  black  fates  attend; 

The  man,  that  slew  Achilles,  is  his  friend  ! 

No  more  shall  Hector's  and  Pelides'  spear 

Turn  from  each  other  in  the  walks  of  war" — 

Then  with  revengeful  eyes  he  scann'd  him  o'er: 

"  Come,  and  receive  thy  fate  !  "  He  spake  no  more. 

Hector,  undaunted,  thus :  "  Such  words  employ 
To  one  that  dreads  thee,  some  unwarlike  boy : 
Such  we  could  give,  defying  and  defied, 
Mean  intercourse  of  obloquy  and  pride  1 
I  know  thy  force  to  mine  superior  far ; 
But  heaven  alone  confers  success  in  war ; 
Mean  as  I  am,  the  gods  may  guide  my  dart, 
And  give  it  entrance  in  a  braver  heart." 

Then  parts  the  lance  ;  but  Pallas'  heavenly  breath 
Far  from  Achilles  wafts  the  winged  death : 
The  bidden  dart  again  to  Hector  flies, 
And  at  the  feet  of  its  great  master  lies. 
Achilles  closes  with  his  hated  foe. 
His  h«art  and  eyes  with  flaming  fury  glow: 
But  present  to  his  aid,  Apollo  shrouds 
The  favor'd  hero  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 
Thrice  struck  Pelides  with  indignant  heart, 


:e,  to  the  house  of  Pnlymestor,  for  protection,  b 
and  that  he  was  Ireaciierously  murdered  by  his  ho 
nth  hllti. 


Book  XX.I  THE  ILIAD.  41? 


Thrice  in  impassive  air  he  plunged  the  dart; 
The  spear  a  fourth  time  buried  in  tlie  cloud, 
He  foams  with  fury,  and  exclaims  aloud  : 

"  Wretch  !  thou  hast  'scaped  again  ;  once  more  thy  flight 
Has  saved  thee,  and  the  partial  god  of  light 
]5ut  long  thou  shalt  not  thy  just  fate  withstand, 
If  any  power  assist  Achilles'  hand. 
Fly  then  inglorious  !   but  thy  flight  this  day 
Whole  hecatombs  of  Trojan  ghosts  shall  pay." 

With  that,  he  gluts  his  rage  with  numbers  slain: 
Then  Dryops  tumbled  to  the  ensanguined  plain, 
Pierced  through  the  neck  :  he  left  him  panting  there, 
And  stopp'd  Cemuchus,  great  Philetor's  heir. 
Gigantic  chief  !  deep  gash'd  the  enormous  blade, 
And  for  the  soul  an  ample  passage  made. 
Laoganus  and  Dardanus  expu'e, 
The  valiant  sons  of  an  unhappy  sire  ; 
Both  in  one  instant  from  tlie  chariot  hurl'd, 
Sunk  in  one  instant  to  the  nether  world  ; 
This  difference  only  their  sad  fates  afford 
That  one  the  spear  destroy'd,  and  one  the  sword. 

Nor  less  unpitied,  young  Alastor  bleeds; 
In  vam  his  youth,  in  vain  his  beauty  pleads, 
In  vain  he  begs  tliee,  with  a  suppliant's  moiu, 
To  spare  a  form,  an  age  ao  like  thy  own  ! 
Unhappy  boy  I  no  prayer,  no  moving  art, 
E'er  bent  that  fierce,  inexorable  heart ! 
While  yet  he  trembled  at  his  knees,  and  cried, 
The  ruthless  falchion  oped  his  tender  side  ; 
The  panting  liver  pours  a  flood  of  gore 
That  drowns  his  bosom  till  he  pants  no  more. 

Through  Mulius'  head  then  drove  the  impetuous  spear; 
The  warrior  falls,  transfix'd  from  ear  to  ear. 
Thy  life,  Echeclus  !  next  the  sword  bereaves. 
Deep  though  the  front  the  ponderous  falchion  cleaves: 
Warm'd  in  the  brain  the  smoking  weapon  lies. 
The  purple  death  comes  floating  o'er  his  eyes. 
Then  brave  Deucalion  died  :  the  dart  was  flung 
Where  the  knit  nerves  the  pliant  elbow  strung; 
He  dropp'd  his  arm,  an  unassisting  weight, 
And  stood  all  impotent,  expecting  fate  : 
Full  on  his  neck  the  falling  falchion  sped, 
From  his  broad  shoulders  hew'd  his  crested  head : 
Forth  from  the  bone  the  spinal  marrow  flies. 
And,  sunk  in  dust,  the  corpse  extended  lies. 
Rhigmas,  whose  race  from  fruitful  'liiracia  came 
(The  son  of  Tierus,  an  illustrious  name). 


4i8  THl^  ILIAD.  IBooK  XX. 

Succeeds  to  fate  :  the  spear  his  belly  rends ; 

Prone  from  his  car  the  thundering  chief  descends. 

The  squire,  who  saw  expiring  on  the  ground 

His  prostrate  master,  rein'd  the  steeds  around  ; 

His  back,  scarce  turn'd,  the  Pelian  javelin  gored, 

And  stretch'd  the  servant  o'er  his  dying  lord. 

As  when  a  flame  the  winding  valley  fills, 

And  runs  on  crackling  shrubs  between  the  hills 

Then  o'er  the  stubble  up  the  mountain  flies, 

Fires  the  high  woods,  and  blazes  to  the  skies, 

This  way  and  that,  the  spreading  torrent  roars ; 

So  sweeps  the  hero  through  the  wasted  shores ; 

Around  him  wide,  immense  destruction  pours. 

And  earth  is  deluged  with  the  sanguine  showers 

As  with  autumnal  harvests  cover'd  o'er. 

And  thick  bestrown,  lies  Ceres'  sacred  floor  ; 

When  round  and  round,  with  never-wearied  pam. 

The  trampling  steers  beat  out  the  unnumber'd  grain : 

So  the  fierce  coursers,  as  the  chariot  rolls. 

Tread  down  whole  ranks,  and  crush  out  heroes'  souls. 

Dash'd  from  their  hoofs  while  o'er  the  dead  they  fly. 

Black,  bloody  drops  the  smoking  chariot  dye  . 

The  spiky  wheels  through  heaps  of  carnage  tore  ; 

And  thick  the  groaning  axles  dropp'd  with  gore. 

High  o'er  the  scene  of  death  Achilles  stood, 

All  grim  with  dust,  all  horrible  in  blood  . 

Yet  still  insatiate,  still  with  rage  on  flame; 

Such  is  the  lust  of  never-dying  fame  ! 


Book  XXI.]  T!!F.  /r./.ID 


419 


BOOK   XXI. 

ARGUMENT 

THE   BATTLE  IN   THE   RIVBR   SCAMANDER.* 

The  Trojans  fly  before  Achilles,  some  towards  the  town,  others  to  the  nver  Seaman- 
der  ;  he  falls  upon  llie  latter  with  great  slaughter  ;  takes  twelve  captives  alive,  to 
sacniice  to  the  shade  of  Patroclus  ;  and  kills  Lycaon  and  Asteropeus  Scamandei 
attacks  him  with  all  his  wavest  Neptune  and  Pallas  assist  the  hero  ■  Simois  joins 
Scamander:  at  length  Vulcan,  Vy  the  instigation  of  Juno,  almost  dries  up  the 
river.  This  combat  ended,  the  other  gods  engage  each  other.  Me?  '''hile 
Achilles  continues  the  slaughter,  dnves  the  rest  into  Troy  Agenor  only  miKes  a 
stand,  and  is  conveyed  away  in  a  cloud  by  Apollo  ;  who  (to  delude  Achilles)  takes 
upon  hiiii  Agenor's  shape,  and  while  he  pursues  hun  in  that  disguise,  gives  the 
Trojans  an  opportunity  of  retiring  into  their  city. 

The  same  day  continues      The  scene  is  on  the  banks  and  in  the  stream  oi 

And  now  to  Xantl.'us"  gliding;  .stre.im  they  drove, 
Xanthus.  immortal  progeny  of  Jove. 
Tlie  river  here  divides  the  flying  tram, 
Part  to  the  town  fly  diverse  o'er  tlie  plain, 
VVIicre  late  their  troops  triumphant  bore  the  fight, 
Now  chased,  and  trembling  in  ignoble  flight 
(These  with  a  gather'd  mist  Saturnia  shroud.s 
And  rolls  behind  the  rout  a  heap  of  clouds): 
Part  jjlunge  into  the  stream:  old  Xanthus  roars, 
The  flashing  billows  beat  the  whiten'd  shores  : 
With  cries  promiscuous  all  the  banks  resound, 
And  here,  and  there,  in  eddies  whirling  round. 
The  flouncing  steeds  and  shrieking  warriors  drown'd. 
As  the  scorch 'd  locusts  from  their  fields  retire, 
While  fast  behind  them  runs  the  blaze  of  fire ; 


*  "  Perhaps  the  boldest  excursion  of  Homer  into  this  region  of  poetical  fancy  is 
the  collision  into  which,  in  the  twenty-first  of  the  Iliad,  he  has  brought  the  river  god 
Scamander,  first  with  Achilles,  and  afterwards  with  Vulcan,  when  summoned  by  Juno 
to  the  hero's  aid.  The  overwhelming  fury  of  the  stream  finds  the  natural  interpreta- 
tion in  the  character  of  the  mountain  torrents  of  Greece  and  Asia  Minor.  Their  wide, 
shingly  beds  are  in  summer  comparatively  dry,  so  as  to  be  easily  forded  by  the  foot 
passenger.  But  a  thunder-shower  in  the  mountains,  unobserved  by  the  traveller  on 
the  plain,  may  suddenly  immerse  him  in  the  flood  of  a  mighty  river.  The  rescue  of 
Achilles  by  the  fiery  arms  of  Vulcan  scarcelv  admits  of  the  same  ready  explanation 
from  physical  causes.  Vet  the  subsiding  of  the  flood  al  the  critical  moment  when  the 
hero's  destruction  anpeared  imminent,  niighl,  by  a  slight  exteiisiim  of  the  figurative 
parallel,  be  ascribed  to  a  god  symliohc  of  the  iuflueuces  opposed  to  ill  atmospluric 
Qluisttue."— Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  480,  sq. 


)  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXI. 

l)riven  from  'he  land  before  the  smoky  cloud, 

The  clustering  legions  rush  into  the  flood  : 

So,  plunged  in  Xnnthus  by  Achilles'  force, 

Roars  the  resounding  surge  with  men  and  horse. 

His  bloody  lance  the  hero  casts  aside 

(Which  spreading  tamarisks  on  the  margin  hide), 

Then,  like  a  god,  the  rapid  billows  braves, 

Arm'd  with  his  sword,  high  brandish'd  o'er  the  waves  : 

Now  down  he  plunges,  now  he  whirls  it  round, 

Deep  groan'd  the  waters  with  the  dying  sound; 

Repeated  wounds  the  reddening  river  dyed, 

And  the  warm  purple  circled  on  the  tide. 

Swift  through  the  foamy  flood  the  Trojans  fly. 

And  close  in  rocks  or  winding  caverns  lie : 

So  the  huge  dolphin  tempesting  the  main, 

In  shoals  before  him  fly  the  scaly  train. 

Confusedly  heap'd  they  seek  their  inmost  caves. 

Or  pant  and  heave  beneath  the  floating  waves. 

Now,  tired  with  slaughter,  from  the  Trojan  band 

Twelve  chosen  youths  he  drags  alive  to  land  ; 

With  their  rich  lielts  their  cajStive  arms  restrains 

(Late  their  proud  ornaments,  but  now  their  chains). 

These  his  attendants  to  the  ships  convey'd. 

Sad  victims  destined  to  Tatroclus'  shade  ; 

Then,  as  once  more  he  plunged  amid  the  flood. 
The  young  Lycaon  in  his  passage  stood ; 
The  son  of  Priam ;  whom  the  hero's  hand 
But  late  made  captive  in  his  father's  land 
(As  from  a  sycamore,  his  sounding  steel 
Lopp'd  the  green  arms  to  spoke  a  chariot  wheel) 
To  Lemnos'  isle  he  sold  the  royal  slave, 
Where  Jason's  son  the  price  demanded  gave ; 
But  kind  Eiition,  touching  on  the  shore, 
The  ransom'd  prince  to  fair  Arisbe  bore. 
Ten  days  were  past,  since  in  his  f.ather's  reign 
He  felt  the  sweets  of  liberty  again; 
The  next,  that  god  whom  men  in  vain  withstand 
Gives  the  same  youth  to  the  same  conquering  hand: 
Now  never  to  return  !  and  doom'd  to  go 
A  sadder  journey  to  the  shades  below. 
His  well-known  face  when  great  Achilles  eyed 
(The  helm  and  visor  he  liad  cast  aside 
With  wild  affright,  and  dropp'd  upon  the  field 
His  useless  lance  and  unavailing  shield). 
As  trembling,  panting,  from  the  stream  he  fled. 
And  knock'd  his  faltering  knees,  the  hero  said  : 
"Ye  mighty  gods  !  what  wonders  strike  my  view! 


Book  XXr.J  THE  ILIAD.  421 

Is  it  in  vain  our  conquering  arms  subdue  ? 

Sure  I  shall  see  yon  heaps  of  Trojans  kill'd 

Rise  from  the  shades,  and  brave  me  on  tlie  field :    ' 

As  now  the  captive,  whom  so  late  1  bound 

And  sokl  to  Lemnos,  stalks  on  Trojan  ground  • 

Not  him  the  sea's  unmeasured  deeps  detain, 

That  bar  such  numbers  from  their  native  plain : 

Lo!  he  returns.     'I'ry,  then,  my  flvmg  spear.' 

Try,  if  the  grave  can  hold  the  wanderer ; 

If  earth.,  at  length,  this  active  prince  can  seize, 

Eartli,  whose  strong  grasp  has  held  down  Hercules." 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  the  Trojan  pale  with  fears 
Approach'd,  and  sought  his  knees  with  suppliant  tear^ 
Loth  as  he  was  to  yield  his  youthful  breath. 
And  his  sou!  shivering  at  the  approach  of  death. 
Achilles  raised  the  spear,  prepared  to  wound  ; 
He  kiss'd  his  feet,  extended  on  the  ground  : 
And  while,  above,  the  spear  suspended  stood, 
Longing  to  dip  its  thirsty  point  in  blood, 
One  hand  embraced  tliem  close,  one  stopp'd  the  dart, 
While  thus  these  melting  words  attempt  his  heart: 

"  Thy  well-known  captive,  great  Achilles  !  see, 
Once  more  Lycaon  tiembles  at  thy  knee. 
Some  pity  to  a  suppliant's  name  afford, 
Who  shared  the  gifts  of  Ceres  at  thy  board ; 
Whom  late  thy  conquering  arm  to  Lemnos  bore. 
Far  from  his  father,  friends,  and  native  shore; 
A  hundred  oxen  were  his  price  that  day. 
Now  sums  immense  thy  mercy  shall  repay. 
Scarce  respited  from  woes  I  yet  appear. 
And  scarce  twelve  morning  suns  have  seen  me  here; 
Lo  !  Jove  again  submits  me  to  thy  hands, 
Again,  her  victim  cruel  Fate  demands  ! 
I  sprang  from  Priam,  and  Laothoe  f?ir 
(Old  Altes'  daughter,  and  Lelegia's  heir; 
Who  held  in  Pedasus  his  famed  abode. 
And  ruled  the  fields  where  silver  Satnio  flow'd). 
Two  sons  (alas  !  unhappy  sons)  she  bore  ; 
For  ah  !  one  spear  shall  drink  each  brother's  gore, 
And  I  succeed  to  slaughter'd  Polydore. 
How  from  tliat  arm  of  terror  shall  I  fly  .? 
Some  demon  urges  !  'tis  my  doom  to  die ! 
If  ever  yet  soft  pity  touch'd  thy  mind, 
Ah  I  think  not  me  too  much  of  Hector's  kind ! 
Not  the  same  mother  gave  thy  suppliant  breath, 
With  his,  wlio  wrought  thy  loved  Patroclus'  death." 

These  words,  attended  with  a  shower  of  tears, 


422  THE  ILIAD  [Book  XXJ 


The  youth  address'd  to  unrelenting  ears: 
"  Talk  not  of  life,  or  ransom  (he  replies): 
Palroclus  dead,  whoever  meets  me,  dies  : 
In  vain  a  single  Trojan  sues  for  grace  ; 
But  least,  the  sons  of  Priam's  hateful  race. 
Die  then,  my  friend  !  what  Ijoots  it  to  deplore  ? 
The  great,  the  good  Patrockis  is  no  more  ! 
He,  far  thy  better,  was  foredoom'd  to  die. 
And  thou,  dost  thoa  bewail  mortality? 
Seest  thou  not  me,  whom  nature's  gifts  adorn, 
Sprung  from  a  hero,  from  a  goddess  born  ? 
The  day  shall  come  (which  nothing  can  avert) 
When  by  the  spear,  the  arrow,  or  the  dart, 
By  night,  or  day,  by  force,  or  by  design, 
Impending  death  and  certain  fate  are  mine  ! 
Die  tlien," — He  said  ;  and  as  the  word  he  spoke, 
The  fainting  stripling  sank  before  the  stroke  : 
His  hand  forgot  its  grasp,  and  left  the  spear, 
While  all  his  trembling  frame  confess'd  his  fear: 
Sudden,  Achilles  his  broad  sword  display 'd. 
And  buried  in  his  neck  the  reeking  blade. 
Prone  fell  the  youth  ;  and  panting  on  the  land, 
The  gushing  purple  dyed  the  thirsty  sand. 
The  victor  to  the  stream  the  carcase  gave, 
And  thus  insults  him,  floating  on  the  wave : 

"  Lie  there,  Lycaon  !  let  the  fish  surround 
Thy  bloated  corpse,  and  suck  thy  gory  wound  : 
There  no  sad  mother  shall  thy  funerals  weep, 
But  swift  Scamander  roll  thee  lo  the  deep. 
Whose  every  wave  some  watery  monster  brings. 
To  feast  unpunished  on  the  fat  of  kings. 
So  perish  Troy,  and  all  the  Trojan  line  ! 
Such  ruin  theirs,  and  such  compassion  mine. 
What  boots  ye  now  Scamander's  worsliipp'd  stream, 
His  earthly  honors,  and  immortal  name? 
In  vain  your  immolated  bulls  are  slain. 
Your  living  coursers  glut  his  gulfs  in  vain  ! 
Thus  he  rewards  you,  with  this  bitter  fate  ; 
Thus,  till  the  Grecian  vengeance  is  complete  : 
Thus  is  atoned  Patroclus'  honored  shade. 
And  the  short  absence  of  Achilles  paid." 

These  boastful  words  provoked  the  raging  god; 
With  fury  swells  the  violated  flood. 
What  means  divine  may  yet  the  power  employ 
To  check  Achilles,  and  to  rescue  Troy  ? 
Meanwhile  the  hero  springs  in  arms,  to  dare 
The  great  Asteropeus  to  mortaLl  war; 


Book  XXI]  THE  rUAD.  423 

The  son  of  Pelagon,  wliose  lofty  line 

Flows  from  the  source  of  A.xius,  stream  divine! 

(Fair  I'eribasa's  love  the  god  had  crown'd, 

With  all  his  reHuunt  waters  circled  round)  : 

On  him  Achilles  rush'd ;  he  fearless  stood, 

And  shook  two  spears,  advancing  from  the  tiood; 

The  tlood  impeird  him,  on  I^ehdes'  head 

To  avenge  his  waters  choked  with  heaps  of  dead. 

Near  as  they  drew,  Achilles  thus  began  ; 

"  What  art  thou,  boldest  of  the  race  of  man  ? 

Who,  or  from  whence  ?     Unhappy  is  the  sire 

Whose  son  encounters  our  resistless  ire." 

"  O  son  of  Peleus !  what  avails  to  trace 

(Replied  the  warrior)  our  illustrious  race  ? 

From  rich  Pi-eonia's  valleys  I  command, 
Arm'd  with  protended  spears,  my  native  band  ; 

Now  shines  the  tenth  bright  morning  since  I  came 

In  aid  of  Ilion  to  the  fields  of  fame  : 
Axius,  who  swells  with  all  the  neighboring  rills, 
And  wide  around  the  floated  region  fills, 
Begot  my  sire,  whose  spear  i.iuch  glory  won  : 
Now  lift  thy  arm,  and  try  that  hero's  son  !  " 

Threatening  he  said  :  the  hostile  chiefs  advance  ; 
At  once  Asteropeus  discharged  each  lance 
(For  both  his  dexterous  hands  the  lance  could  wield), 
One  struck,  but  pierced  not,  the  Vulcanian  shield  ; 
One  razed  Achilles'  hand  ;   the  spouting  blood 
Spun  forth  ;  in  earth  the  fasten'd  weapon  stood. 
Like  lightning  next  the  Pelean  javelin  Hies  : 
Its  erring  fury  hiss'd  along  the  skies  ; 
Deep  in  the  swelling  bank  was  driven  the  spear, 
Even  to  the  middle  earth  ;  and  quiver'd  there. 
Then  from  his  side  the  sword  Pelides  drew, 
And  on  his  foe  with  double  fury  flew. 
The  foe  thrice  tugg'd,  and  shook  the  rooted  wood; 
Repulsive  of  his  might  the  weapon  stood; 
The  fourth,  he  tries  to  break  the  spear  in  vain  j 
Bent  as  he  stands,  he  tumbles  to  the  plain  ; 
His  belly  open'd  with  a  ghastly  wound. 
The  reeking  entrails  pour  upon  the  ground. 
Beneath  the  hero's  feet  he  panting  lies. 
And  his  eye  darkens,  and  his  spirit  flies  ; 
While  the  proud  victor  thus  triumphing  said, 
His  radiant  armor  tearing  from  the  dead  : 

"  So  ends  thy  glory  !     Such  the  fate  they  prove, 
Who  strive  presumptuous  with  the  sons  of  Jove  ! 
Sprung  from  a  river,  didst  thou  boast  thy  line.? 


424  THE  ILJAD.  [UooK  XXI 

But  great  Satuniius  is  the  source  of  mine. 

How  durst  thou  vaunt  thy  watery  progeny? 

Ut  I'eleus,  /4iacus,  and  Jove,  am  1. 

'I'he  race  of  these  superior  far  to  those, 

As  he  that  thunders  to  the  stream  that  flows. 

What  rivers  can,  Scamander  might  have  shown; 

liut  Jove  he  dreads,  nor  wars  against  his  son. 

Kven  Achelous  might  contend  in  vain. 

And  all  the  roaring  billows  of  the  main. 

'Ihe  eternal  ocean,  from  whose  fountains  flow 

'Ihe  seas,  the  rivers,  and  the  springs  below, 

The  thundering  voice  of  Jove  abhors  to  hear, 

And  in  his  deep  abysses  shakes  with  fear." 

He  said  :  then  from  the  bank  his  javelin  tore. 
And  left  the  breathless  warrior  in  his  gore. 
The  floating  tides  the  bloody  carcase  lave, 
And  beat  .against  it,  wave  succeeding  wave  ; 
Till,  roU'd  between  the  banks,  if  lies  the  food 
Of  curling  eels,  and  fishes  of  the  flood. 
All  scattered  round  the  stream  (their  mightiest  slain) 
The  amazed  Pieonians  scour  along  the  plain  ; 
He  vents  his  fury  on  the  flying  crew, 
Thrasius,  Astyplus,  and  Mnesus  slew; 
Mydon,  Thersilochus,  with  /Enius,  fell  ; 
And  numbers  more  his  lance  had  plunged  to  heU, 
Ijut  from  the  bottom  of  his  gulfs  profound 
Scamander  spoke  ;  the  shores  return'd  the  sound. 

'■  O  first  of  mortals !  (for  the  gods  are  thine) 
In  valor  matchless,  and  in  force  divine  ! 
If  love  have  given  thee  every  Trojan  head, 
'Tis  not  on  me  thy  rage  should  heap  the  dead. 
See  !  my  choked  streams  no  more  their  course  can  keep; 
Nor  roll  their  wonted  tribute  to  the  deep. 
Turn  tlien,  impetuous  !  from  our  injured  flood  ; 
Content,  thy  slaughters  could  amaze  a  god." 

In  human  form,  confess'd  before  his  eyes, 
The  river  thus  ;  and  thus  the  chief  replies  : 
"O  sacred  stream  !  thy  word  we  shall  obey; 
But  not  till  Ti'oy  the  destined  vengeance  pay, 
Not  till  within  her  towers  the  perjured  train 
Shall  pant,  anil  tremble  at  our  arms  again  ; 
Not  till  proud  Hector,  guardian  of  her  wall. 
Or  stain  this  lance,  or  see  Achilles  fall." 

He  said  ;  and  drove  with  fury  on  the  foe. 
Then  to  the  godhead  of  the  silver  bow 
The  yellow  flood  Itegan  :     "  O  son  of  Jove  ! 
Was  not  the  mandate  of  the  sire  above 


Book  X.X1  ]  THE  ILIAH.  ^^ 

Full  and  express,  that  Phoebus  should  employ 
His  sacred  arrows  in  defence  of  Troy, 
And  make  her  conquer,  till  Hyperion's  fall 
In  awful  darkness  hide  the  face  of  all  ?  " 

He  spoke  in  vain — The  chief  without  dismay 
Ploughs  through  the  boiling  surge  his  desperate  way. 
Then  rising  in  his  rage  above  the  shores, 
From  all  his  deep  the  bellowing  river  roars. 
Huge  heaps  of  slain  disgorges  on  the  coast, 
And  round  the  banks  the  ghastly  dead  are  toss'd. 
While  all  before,  the  billows  ranged  on  high 
(A  watery  bulwark),  screen  the  bands  who  fly. 
Now  bursting  on  his  head  with  thundering  sound, 
The  falling  deluge  whelms  the  hero  round  : 
His  loaded  shield  bends  to  the  rushing  tide  ; 
His  feet,  upborne,  scarce  the  strong  flood  divide, 
Sliddering,  and  staggering.     On  the  border  stood 
A  spreading  elm,  that  overhung  the  flood; 
He  seized  a  bending  bough,  his  steps  to  stay; 
The  plant  uprooted  to  his  weight  gave  way.* 
Heaving  the  bank,  and  undermining  all; 
Loud  flash  the  waters  to  the  rushing  fall 
Of  the  thick  foliage.     The  large  trunk  display'd 
Bridged  the  rough  flood  across  :  the  hero  stay'd 
On  this  his  weight,  and  raised  upon  his  hand, 
Leap'd  from  the  channel,  and  regain'd  the  land. 
Then  blacken'd  the  wild  waves  :  the  murmur  rose: 
The  god  pursues,  a  huger  billow  throws. 
And  bursts  the  bank,  ambitious  to  destroy 
The  man  whose  fury  is  the  fate  of  Troy. 
He  like  the  warlike  eagle  speeds  his  pace 
(Swiftest  and  strongest  of  the  aerial  race); 
Far  as  a  spear  can  fly,  Achilles  springs; 
At  every  bound  his  clanging  armor  rings: 
Now  here,  now  there,  he  turns  on  every  side. 
And  winds  his  course  before  the  following  tide  ; 
The  waves  flow  after,  wheresoe'er  he  wheels. 
And  gather  fast,  and  murmur  at  his  heels. 
So  when  a  peasant  to  his  garden  brings 
Soft  rills  of  water  from  the  bubbling  springs. 
And  calls  the  floods  from  high,  to  bless  his  bowers, 
And  feed  with  pregnant  streams  the  plants  and  flowers: 
Soon  as  he  clears  whate'er  their  passage  stay'd, 
And  marks  the  future  current  with  his  spade, 


•  Wood  lias  observed,  that  "  the  circumsunce  of  .t  falling  tree,  which  is  desi 
as  reaching  from  one  uf  its  banks  to  the  other,  affords  a  very  just  idea  of  the  br 
of  the  Scauiaadcr." 


426  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXL 

Swift  o'er  the  rolling  pebbles,  down  the  hills, 
J  Louder  and  louder  purl  the  falling  rills  ; 

Before  him  scattering,  they  prevent  his  pains, 
And  shine  in  mazy  wanderings  o'er  the  plains. 

Still  flies  Achilles,  but  before  his  eyes 
Still  swift  Scamander  rolls  where'er  he  flies: 
Not  all  his  speed  escapes  the  rapid  floods ; 
The  first  of  men,  but  not  a  match  for  gods. 
Oft  as  he  turn'd  the  torrent  to  oppose, 
And  bravely  try  if  all  the  powers  were  foes; 
So  oft  the  surge,  in  watery  mountains  spread, 
Beats  on  his  back,  or  bursts  upon  his  head. 
Yet  dauntless  still  the  adverse  flood  he  braves. 
And  still  indignant  bounds  above  the  waves. 
Tired  by  the  tides,  his  knees  relax  with  toil ; 
Wash'd  from  beneath  him  slides  the  slimy  soil ; 
When  thus  (his  eyes  on  heaven's  expansion  thrown) 
Fort!)  bursts  the  hero  with  an  angry  groan: 

"  Is  there  no  god  Achilles  to  befriend, 
No  power  to  avert  his  miserable  end  ? 
Prevent,  O  Jove  !  this  ignominous  date,* 
And  make  my  future  life  the  sport  of  fate. 
Of  all  heaven's  oracles  believed  in  vain. 
The  most  of  Thetis  must  her  son  complain; 
By  Phojbus'  darts  she  prophesied  my  fall, 
In  glorious  arms  before  the  Trojan  wall. 
Oh  !  had  I  died  in  fields  of  battle  warm, 
Stretch'd  like  a  hero,  by  a  hero's  arm  ! 
Miglit  Hector's  spear  this  dauntless  bosom  rend. 
And  my  swift  soul  o'ertake  my  slaughter'd  friend. 
Ail  no  !  Achilles  meets  a  shameful  fate. 
Oh  liovv  unworthy  of  the  brave  and  great ! 
Like  some  vile  swain,  whom  on  a  rainy  day, 
Crossing  a  ford,  the  torrent  sweeps  away. 
An  unregarded  carcase  to  the  sea." 

Neptune  and   Fallas  haste  to  his  relief. 
And  tlius  in  human  form  addrcss'd  the  chief: 
The  power  of  ocean  first:  "  Forbear  thy  fear, 
O  son  of  Peleus  !  Lo,  thy  gods  appear  ! 
Behold !  from  Jove  descending  to  thy  aid, 
Propitious  Neptune,  and  the  blue-eyed  maid. 
Stay,  and  the  furious  flood  shall  cease  to  rave, 
'Tis  not  thy  fate  to  glut  his  angry  wave. 
But  thou,  the  counsel  heaven  suggests,  attend  1 
Nor  breathe  from  combat,  nor  thy  sword  suspend, 

jrapared  wilh  a  death  in  tlie  field  of  battle,  vtm 


Book  XXI. I  THE  TLTAD.  427 

Till  Troy  receive  her  flying  sons,  till  all 

Her  routed  squadrons  pant  behind  their  wall: 

Hector  alone  shall  stand  his  fatal  chance, 

And  Hector's  blood  shall  smoke  npoi.  thy  lance. 

Thine  is  the  glory  doom'd."     Thus  spake  the  gods: 

Then  swift  ascended  to  the  bright  abodes. 

Stung  with  new  ardor,  thus  by  heaven  impell'd, 
He  springs  impetuous,  and  inv.ades  th"  field  : 
O'er  all  the  e.xpanded  plain  the  waters  spread ; 
Heaved  on  the  bounding  billows  danced  the  dead, 
Floating  'midst  scatter'd  arms  ;  while  casques  of  gold 
And  turn'd-up  bucklers  glitter'd  as  they  roU'd. 
High  o'er  the  surging  tide,  by  leaps  and  bounds. 
He  wades,  and  mounts ;  the  parted  wave  resounds. 
Not  a  wlicle  river  stops  the  hero's  course, 
While  Pallas  fills  him  with  immortal  force. 
With  equal  rage,  indignant  Xanthus  roars. 
And  lifts  his  billows,  and  o'erwhelms  his  shores. 

Then  thus  to  SimoTs  :  "  Haste,  my  brother  flood; 
And  check  this  mortal  that  controls  a  god ; 
Our  bravest  heroes  else  shall  quit  the  fight, 
And  llion  tumble  from  her  towery  height. 
Call  then  thy  subject  streams,  and  bid  them  roar, 
From  all  thy  fountains  swell  thy  waterv  store, 
With  broken  rocks,  and  with  a  load  of  dead, 
Charge  fhe  black  surge,  and  pour  it  on  Iiis  head. 
Maik  how  resistless  through  the  floods  lie  goes, 
And  boldly  bids  the  warring  gods  be  foes  ! 
But  nor  that  force,  nor  form  divine  to  sight, 
Shall  aught  avail  him,  if  our  rage  unite: 
Whelm'd  under  our  dark  gulfs  those  arms  shall  lie, 
That  blaze  so  dreadful  in  each  Trojan  eye  ; 
And  deep  beneath  a  sandy  mountain  hurl'd, 
Immersed  remain  this  terror  of  tl  e  world. 
Such  ponderous  ruin  shall  confountl  the  place. 
No  Greeks  shall  e'er  his  perish'd  relics  grace, 
No  hand  his  bones  shall  gather,  or  inhume ; 
These  his  cold  rites,  and  this  his  watery  tomb." 

He  said;  and  on  the  chief  descends  amain. 
Increased  with  gore,  and  swelling  with  the  slain. 
Then,  murmuring  from  his  beds,  he  boils,  he  raves, 
And  a  foam  whitens  on  the  purple  waves : 
At  every  step,  before  Achilles  stood 
The  crimson  surge,  and  deluged  him  with  blood. 
Fear  touch'd  the  queen  of  heaven  :  she  saw  dismay'd. 
She  cali'd  aloud,  and  summon'd  Vulcan's  aid. 

"  Rise  to  the  war  !  the  insulting  Hood  requires 


428  THE  TLTAD  [Book  XXI. 

Tby  wasteful  arm  !  assemble  all  tli\  fires  ! 
While  to  their  aid,  by  our  command  enjoin'd. 
Rush  the  swift  eastern  and  the  western  wind: 
These  from  old  ocean  at  my  word  shall  blow, 
Pour  the  red  torrent  on  the  watery  foe, 
Corses  and  arms  to  one  brij^ht  ruin  turn, 
And  hissing  rivers  to  their  bottoms  burn. 
Go,  mighty  in  thy  rage  !  display  thy  power, 
Drink  the  whole  flood,  the  crackling  trees  devour. 
Scorch  all  tlie  banks  !  and  (till  our  voice  reclaim) 
E,yert  the  unwearied  furies  of  tlie  flame  !  " 

The  power  ignipotcnt  her  word  obeys  : 
Wide  o'er  the  plain  he  pours  the  boundless  blaze; 
At  once  consumes  the  dead,  and  dries  the  soil 
And  the  shrunk  waters  in  their  channel  boil. 
As  when  autumnal  Boreas  sweeps  the  sky. 
And  instant  blows  the  water'd  gardens  dry : 
So  look'd  the  field,  so  whiten'd  was  the  ground, 
While  Vulcan  breathed  the  fiery  blast  around. 
Swift  on  the  sedgy  reeds  the  ruin  preys ; 
Along  the  margin  winds  the  running  blaze  : 
The  trees  in  flaming  rows  to  ashes  turn. 
The  flowering  lotos  and  the  tamarisk  burn. 
Broad  elm,  and  cypress  rising  in  a  spire  ; 
Tlie  watery  willows  hiss  before  the  fire. 
NovV  glow  the  waves,  the  fishes  pant  for  breath. 
The  eels  lie  twisting  in  the  pangs  of  death  : 
Now  flounce  aloft,  now  dive  the  scaly  fry, 
Or,  gasping,  turn  their  bellies  to  the  sky. 
At  length  the  river  rear'd  his  languid  head, 
And  thus,  short-panling,  to  the  god  he  said: 

"  Oh  Vulcan  !   oh  !  what  power  resists  thy  might  ? 

I  faint,  I  sink,  unequal  to  the  fight 

I  yield Let  I  lion  fall  ;  if  fate  dercee 

Ah bend  no  more  thy  fiery  arms  on  me  ! " 

He  ceased  ;   wide  conflagration  blazing  round; 
The  bubbling  waters  yield  a  hissing  sound. 
As  when  the  flames  beneath  a  cauldron  rise,* 
To  melt  the  fat  of  some  rich  sacrifice, 
Amid  the  fierce  embrace  of  circling  fires 
The  waters  foam,  the  heavy  smoke  aspn-es  : 

•  Bintath  s  caldron. 

*'  So,  when  with  crackhng  flames  a  caldron  fries, 
The  bubblin,;  waters  fnnu  ihe  botlom  rise. 
Above  the  brims  they  force  their  fiery  way  : 
Black  vdpors  climb  aloft,  and  cloud  the  day.'* 

Uryden's  Virgil,  vii.  644. 


Took  XXL]  THE  ILIAD.  4^9 

So  boils  the  imprison'd  flood,  forliid  to  flow, 
A.nd  clioked  with  vapors  feels  his  l)ottom  glow. 
To  Juno  then,  imperial  queen  of  air. 
The  hurninjj  river  sends  his  earnest  pr.ayer: 
"Ah  wliy,  .Saturnia ;  must  thy  son  engage 
Me,  only  n.e,  with  all  his  wasteful  rage  .'' 
On  other  gods  his  dreadful  arm  employ. 
For  mightier  gods  assert  the  cause  of  Troy. 
Submissive  I  desist,  if  thou  command  ; 
But  ah  !  withdraw  this  all-destroving  hand. 
Hear  then  my  solemn  oath,  to  yield  to  fate 
Unaided  llion,  and  her  destined  state. 
Till  Greece  shall  gird  her  with  destructive  flame 
And  in  one  ruin  sink  the  Trojan  name." 

His  warm  entreaty  touch 'd  Saturnia's  ear: 
She  bade  the  ignipotent  his  rage  forbear, 
Recall  the  flame,  nor  in  a  mortal  cause 
Infest  a  god  :  the  obedient  flame  withdraws: 
Again  tlie  branching  streams  begin  to  spread, 
And  soft  remurmur  in  their  wonted  bed. 

While  these  by  Juno's  will  the  strife  resign. 
The  warring  gods  in  fierce  contention  join  : 
Rekindling  rage  each  heavenly  breast  alarms  : 
With  horrid  clangor  shock  the  ethereal  arms: 
Heaven  in  loud  thunder  bids  the  trumpet  sound; 

And  wide  beneath  them  groans  the  rending  ground. 

Jove,  as  his  sport,  the  dreadful  scene  descries, 

And  views  contending  gods  with  careless  eyes. 

The  power  of  battles  lifts  his  brazen  suear, 

And  first  assaults  the  radiant  queen  of  war: 
"What  moved  thy  madness,  thus  to  disunite 

Ethereal  minds,  and  mix  all  heaven  in  fight .'' 

What  wonder  this,  when  in  thy  frantic  mood 

Thou  drovest  a  mortal  to  insult  a  god.' 

Thy  impious  hand  Tydides'  javelin  bore, 

And  madly  bathed  it  in  celestial  gore." 

He  spoke,  and  smote  the  long-resounding  shield, 

Which  bears  Jove's  thunder  on  its  dreadful  field  : 

The  adamantine  asgis  of  her  sire, 

That  turns  the  glancing  bolt  and  forked  fire. 
Then  heaved  the  goddess  in  her  mighty  hand 

A  stone,  the  limit  of  the  neighboring  land, 

There  fix'd  from  eldest  times  ;  black,  craggy,  vast; 

This  at  the  heavenly  homicide  she  cast. 

Thundering  he  falls,  a  mass  of  monstrous  size  : 

And  seven  bro.ad  acres  covers  as  he  lies. 

The  stunuing  stroke  his  stubborn  nerves  unbound : 


430  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXL 

Loud  o'er  the  fields  his  ringing  arms  resound  : 
The  scornful  dame  her  conquest  views  with  smiles, 
And,  glorying,  thus  the  prostrate  god  reviles  : 

"  Hast  thou  not  yet,  insatiate  fury!  known 
How  far  Minerva's  force  transcends  thy  own? 
Juno,  whom  thou  rebellious  darest  withstand, 
Corrects  thy  folly  thus  by  Pallas'  hand ; 
Thus  meets  thy  broken  faith  with  just  disgrace. 
And  partial  aid  to  Troy's  perfidious  race." 

The  goddess  spoke,  and  turn'd  her  eyes  away, 
That,  beaming  round,  diffused  celestial  day. 
Jove's  Cyprian  daughter,  stooping  on  the  land, 
Lent  to  the  wounded  god  her  tender  hand : 
Slowly  he  rises,  scarcely  breathes  with  pain, 
And,  propp'd  on  her  fair  arm,  forsakes  the  plain. 
This  the  bright  empress  of  the  heavens  survey'd, 
And,  scoffing,  thus  to  war's  victorious  maid : 

"  Lo  !  what  an  aid  on  Mars's  side  is  seen  ! 
The  smiles'  and  loves'  unconquerable  queen  ! 
Mark  with  what  insolence,  in  open  view, 
She  moves:  let  Pallas,  if  she  dares,  pursue." 

Minerva  smiling  heard,  the  pair  o'ertook. 
And  slightly  on  her  breast  tlie  wanton  strook : 
She,  unresisting,  fell  (her  spirits  Hed) ; 
On  earth  together  lay  the  lovers  spread. 
"  And  like  these  heroes  be  the  fate  of  all 
(Minerva  cries)  who  guard  the  Trojan  wall ! 
To  Grecian  gods  such  let  the  Phrygian  be, 
So  dread,  so  fierce,  as  Venus  is  to  me  ; 
Then  from  the  lowest  stone  shall  Troy  be  moved. ' 
Thus  she,  and  Juno  with  a  smile  approved. 

Meantime,  to  mix  in  more  than  mortal  fight, 
The  god  of  ocean  dares  the  god  of  light. 
"  What  sloth  has  seized  u's,  when  the  fields  around 
Ring  with  conflicting  powers,  and  heaven  returns  the  sound  f 
Shall,  ignominious,  we  with  shame  retire. 
No  deed  perform'd,  to  our  Olympian  sire  .' 
Come,  prove  thy  arm  !  for  first  the  war  to  wage. 
Suits  not  my  greatness,  or  superior  age  : 
Rash  as  thou  art  to  prop  the  Trojan  throne 
(Forgetful  of  my  wrongs,  and  of  thy  own), 
And  guard  the  race  of  proud  Laomedon ! 
Hast  thou  forgot,  how,  at  the  monarch's  prayer. 
We  shared  the  lengthen'd  labors  of  a  year  .'' 
Troy  walls  I  raised  (for  such  were  Jove's  commands), 
And  von  proud  bulwarks  grew  beneath  my  hands  : 
Thy  task  it  was  to  feed  the  bellowing  droves 


Book  XXI.]  THE  ILTAD.  43* 

Along  fair  Ida's  vales  and  pendant  groves. 

But  when  the  circling  sea.sons  in  tlieir  train 

Brought  back  the  grateful  day  that  crown'd  our  pain. 

With  menace  stern  the  fraudful  king  defied 

Our  latent  godhead,  and  the  prize  denied  : 

Mad  as  he  was,  he  threaten'd  servile  bands. 

And  doom'd  us  exiles  far  in  barbarous  lands.* 

Incensed,  we  heavenward  fled  with  swiftest  wing, 

And  destined  vengeance  on  the  perjured  king. 

Dost  thou,  for  this,  afford  proud  I  lion  grace. 

And  not,  like  us,  infest  the  faithless  race  ; 

Like  us,  their  present,  future  sons  destroy, 

And  from  its  deep  foundations  heave  their  Troy?" 

Apollo  thus  :  "  To  combat  for  mankind 
III  suits  the  wisdom  of  celestial  mind; 
For  what  is  man  .''     Calamitous  by  birth, 
They  owe  their  life  and  nourishment  to  earth  ; 
Like  yearly  leaves,  that  now,  with  beauty  crown'd. 
Smile  on  the  sun  ;  now,  wither  on  the  ground. 
To  their  own  hands  commit  the  frantic  scene, 
Nor  mix  immortals  in  a  cause  so  mean." 

Then  turns  his  face,  far-beaming  heavenly  fires. 
And  from  the  senior  power  subniiss  retires : 
Him  thus  retreating,  Artemis  upbraids, 
The  quiver'd  huntress  of  the  sylvan  shades: 

"  And  is  it  thus  the  youthful  Phoebus  flies. 
And  yields  to  ocean's  hoary  sire  the  prize  ? 
How  vain  that  martial  pomp,  and  dreadful  show 
Of  pointed  arrows  and  the  silver  bow  ! 
Now  boast  no  more  in  yon  celesti.al  bower. 
Thy  force  can  match  the  great  earth-shaking  power." 

Silen'  he  heard  the  queen  of  woods  upbraid  : 
Not  so  baturnia  bore  the  vaunting  maid; 
But  furious  thus  :  "  What  insolence  has  driven 
Thy  pride  to  face  the  majesty  of  heaven  .'' 
What  though  by  Jove  the  female  plague  design'd. 
Fierce  to  the  feeble  race  of  womankind, 
The  wretched  matron  feels  thy  piercing  dart; 
Thy  sex's  tyrant,  with  a  tiger's  heart  ? 
What  though  tremendous  in  the  woodland  chase 
Thy  certain  arrows  pierce  the  savage  race  ? 
How  dares  thy  rashness  on  the  powers  divine 
Employ  those  arms,  or  match  thy  force  with  mine? 


•  "This  lale  of  the  temporary  servitude  of  panicular  gods,  by  order  of  Jove,  as  \ 
punishment  for  misbehavior,  recurs  not  uafrequently  among  the  incidents  of  tk« 
liythKal  world." — Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  156. 


432  THE  7UAD.  [Book  XXI 

Learn  hence,  no  more  unequal  war  to  wage — " 
She  said,  and  seized  her  wrists  with  eager  rage ; 
These  in  her  left  hand  lock'd,  her  right  untied 
The  bow,  the  quiver,  and  its  plumy  pride. 
About  her  temples  flies  the  busy  bow ; 
Now  here,  now  tliere,  slie  winds  her  from  the  blow; 
The  scattering  arrows,  rattling  from  the  case, 
Drop  round,  and  idly  m  rk  t'  e  dusty  place. 
Swift  from  the  field  the  baffled  huntress  flies. 
And  scarce  restrains  the  torrent  in  lier  eyes  : 
So,  when  the  falcon  wings  her  way  above. 
To  tlie  cleft  cavern  speeds  the  gentle  dove 
(Not  fated  yet  to  die)  ,    tliere  safe  retreats, 
Yet  still  her  heart  against  the  marble  beats. 

To  her  Latona  hastes  with  tender  care  ; 
Whom  Hermes  viewmg,  tlius  declines  the  war: 
"  How  shall  I  face  the  dame,  who  gives  delight 
To  him  whose  thunders  blacken  heaven  with  night? 
Go.  m.atchless  goddess  !  triumph  in  the  skies. 
And  boast  my  conquest,  while  I  yield  the  prize." 

He  spoke  ;  and  pass'd  :   Latona.  stooping  low, 
Collects  the  scatter'd  sliafts  and  fallen  bow, 
That,  glittering  on  the  dust,  lay  here  and  there 
Dishonor'd  relics  of  Diana's  war : 
Then  swift  pursued  her  to  her  blest  abode. 
Where,  all  confused,  slie  sought  the  sovereign  god  ; 
Weeping,  she  grasp'd  his  knees  :  the  ambrosial  vest 
Shook  with  her  sighs,  and  panted  on  her  breast. 

The  sire  superior  smiled,  and  bade  her  sliow 
What  heavenly  hand  had  caused  his  daughter's  woe? 
Abash'd,  she  names  his  own  imperial  spouse  ; 
And  the  pale  crescent  fades  upon  her  brows. 

Thus  they  .above  :  while,  swiftly  gliding  down, 
Apollo  enters  Ilion's  sacred  town  ; 
The  guardian-god  now  trembled  for  her  wall. 
And  fear'd  the  Greeks,  though  fate  forbade  her  falL 
Back  to  Olympus,  from  the  war's  alarms. 
Return  tlie  shining  bands  of  gods  in  arms  ; 
Some  proud  in  triumph,  some  with  rage  on  fire; 
And  take  their  thrones  around  the  ethereal  sire. 

Through  blood,  through  death,  Achilles  still  proceeds, 
•      O'er  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  o'er  rolling  steeds. 
As  when  avenging  flames  with  fury  driven 
On  guilty  towns  exert  the  wrath  of  heaven  ; 
Th.e  pale  inhabitants,  some  fall,  some  fly; 
And  the  red  vapors  pur|jle  all  the  sky: 
So  raged  Achilles  ;  death  and  dire  dismay. 


Book  XXI]  THE  ILIAD.  435 

And  toils,  and  terrors,  fill'd  the  dreadfuJ  day. 

High  on  a  turret  hoary  Priam  stands, 
And  marks  the  waste  of  his  destructive  hands  ; 
Views,  from  his  arm,  the  Trojan''  scaller'd  flight, 
And  the  near  hero  risintr  on  his  sight ! 
No  stop,  no  check,  no  aid  !     Witli' feeble  pace, 
And  settled  sorrow  on  his  aged  face. 
Fast  as  he  could,  he  sighing  quits  the  walls  ; 
And  thus  descending,  on  tlie  guards  he  calls: 

"  You  to  whose  care  our  city-gates  belong, 
Set  wide  your  portals  to  the  flying  throng : 
p"or  lo  !  he  comes,  with  unresisted  sway  ; 
He  comes,  and  desolation  marks  his  way! 
But  when  within  the  walls  oi'r  troops  take  breath, 
Lock  fast  the  brazen  bars,  and  shut  out  death." 
Thus  charged  the  reverend  monarch  :  wide  were  flung 
The  opening  folds  ;  the  sounding  hinges  rung. 
I'hoel)US  rush'd  forth,  the  flying  bands  to  meet; 
Struck  slaughter  back,  and  cover'd  the  retreat, 
On  heaps  the  Trojans  crowd  to  gain  the  gate, 
And  gladsome  see  their  last  escape  from  fate. 
Thither,  all  parch'd  with  thirst,  a  heartless  train, 
Hoary  with  dust,  they  beat  the  hollow  plain  : 
And  gasping,  panting,  fainting,  labor  on 
With  heavier  strides,  that  lengthen  toward  the  town. 
Enraged  Achilles  follows  with  his  spear; 
Wild  with  revenge,  insatiable  of  war. 

Then  had  the  Greeks  eternal  praise  acquired, 
And  Troy  inglorious  to  her  walls  retired; 
But  he,  the  god  who  darts  ethereal  flame. 
Shot  down  to  save  her,  and  redeem  her  fame  : 
To  young  Agenor  force  divine  he  gave 
(Antenor's  offspring,  haughty,  bold,  and  brave) ; 
In  aid  of  him,  beside  the  beech  he  sate. 
And  wrapt  in  clouds,  restrain'd  the  hand  of  fate. 
When  now  the  generous  youth  Achilles  spies. 
Thick  beats  his  heart,  the  troubled  motions  rise. 
(So,  ere  a  storm,  the  waters  heave  and  roll.) 
He  stops,  and  questions  thus  his  mighty  soul; 

'■  What,  shall  I  fly  this  terror  of  the  plain  ! 
Like  others  fly,  and  be  like  others  slain  ? 
Vain  hope  !  to  shun  him  bv  the  self-same  road 
Yon  line  of  slanghter'd  Trojans  lately  trod. 
No:  with  the  common  heap  I  scorn  to  fall — 
What  if  they  pass'd  me  to  the  Trojan  wall, 
Wliile  I  decline  to  yonder  path,  that  leads 
To  Ida's  forests  and  surrounding  shar'.es  ? 


434  TITE  ILTAD.  [Book  XXI. 

So  may  I  reach,  concealM,  the  coohn,?  flood, 
From  my  tired  body  wash  the  dirt  and  blood, 
As  soon  as  night  her  dusky  veil  extends, 
Return  in  safety  to  my  Trojan  friends. 
What  if  ?— — But  wherefore  all  this  vain  debate? 
Stand  I  to  doubt,  within  the  reach  of  fate? 
Even  now  perhaps,  ere  yet  I  turn  the  wall, 
The  fierce  Achilles  sees  me,  and  I  fall  : 
Such  is  his  swiftness,  'tis  in  vain  to  fly, 
And  such  his  valor,  that  who  stands  must  die. 
Howe'er  'tis  better,  fighting  for  the  state. 
Here,  and  in  public  view,  to  meet  my  fate. 
Yet  sure  he  too  is  mortal ;  he  may  feel 
(Like  all  the  sons  of  earth)  the  force  of  steel. 
One  only  soul  informs  that  dreadful  frame  : 
And  Jove's  sole  favor  gives  him  all  his  fame." 

He  said,  and  stood,  collected,  in  his  might; 
And  all  his  beating  bosom  claim'd  the  fight. 
So  from  some  deep-grown  wood  a  panther  starts, 
Roused  from  his  thicket  by  a  storm  of  darts  : 
Untaught  to  fear  or  fly,  he  hears  the  sounds 
Of  shouting  hunters,  and  of  clamorous  hounds  ; 
Though  struck,  though  wounded,  scarce  perceives  the  paihi 
And  the  barb'd  javelin  stings  his  breast  in  vain  : 
On  their  whole  war,  untamed,  the  savage  flies ; 
And  tears  his  hunter,  or  beneath  him  dies. 
Not  less  resolved,  Antenor's  valiant  heir 
Confronts  Achilles,  and  awaits  the  war, 
Disdainful  of  retreat  :  high  held  before. 
His  shield  (a  broad  circumference)  he  liore; 
Then  graceful  as  he  stood,  in  act  to  throw 
The  lifted  javelin,  thus  bespoke  the  foe  : 

"  How  proud  Achilles  glories  in  his  fame ! 
And  hopes  this  day  to  sink  the  Trojan  name 
Beneath  her  ruins  !     Know,  that  hope  is  vain ; 
A  thousand  woes,  a  thousand  toils  remain. 
Parents  and  children  our  just  arms  employ. 
And  strong  and  many  are  the  sons  of  Troy. 
Great  as  thou  art,  even  thou  may'st  stain  with  gora 
These  Phrygian  fields,  and  press  a  foreign  shore." 

He  said:  with  matchless  force  the  javelin  flung 
Smote  on  his  knee  ;  the  hollow  cuishes  rung 
Beneath  the  pointed  steel;  but  safe  from  harms 
He  stands  impassive  in  tlie  ethereal  arms. 
Then  fiercely  rushing  on  the  daring  foe, 
His  lifted  arm  prepares  the  fatal  blow: 
But.  jealous  of  his  fame,  Apollo  shrouds 


Book  XXI. ]  THE  ILIAD.  435 

The  god-like  Trojan  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 

Safe  from  pursuit,  and  sliu'  from  mortal  view, 

Dismiss'd  with  fame,  the  favor'd  youth  withdrew. 

Meanwhile  the  god,  to  cover  their  escape, 

Assumes  Agenor's  habit,  voice  and  shape, 

Flies  from  the  furious  chief  in  this  disguise ; 

The  furious  chief  still  follows  where  he  flies. 

Now  o'er  the  fields  they  stretch  with  lengthen'd  strides, 

Now  urge  the  course  where  swift  Scamander  glides  : 

The  god,  now  distant  scarce  a  stride  before. 

Tempts  his  pursuit,  and  wheels  about  the  shore ; 

While  all  tlie  flying  troops  their  speed  employ, 

And  pour  on  heaps  into  the  walls  of  Troy  : 

No  stop,  no  stay  ;  no  thought  to  ask,  or  tell. 

Who  'scaped  by  flight,  or  who  by  battle  fell. 

'Twas  tumult  all,  and  violence  of  flight ; 

And  sudden  joy  confused,  and  mix'd  affright. 

Pale  Troy  against  Achilles  shuts  her  gate  : 

Aid  nations  breathe,  dcliver'd  from  their  fate 


436  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XXII. 

ARrUMENT. 

THE    DEATH    OF    HECTOR. 

he  Trojans  being  safe  williin  the  walls  Hector  only  stays  to  oppose  m.Mlles. 
Priam  is  struck  at  his  approach,  and  tries  to  persuade  his  son  to  re-enter  the  town, 
Hecuba  joins  her  entreaties,  but  in  vain.  Hector  consults  within  himself  wliat 
measures  to  take  ;  but  at  tlie  advance  of  Achilles,  his  resolution  fails  liim,  and  he 
flies.  Acinlles  pursues  liim  thrice  round  the  walls  of  Troy.  The  gods  debate 
concerning  the  fate  of  Hector  ;  at  length  Minerva  descends  to  the  aid  of  Achilles. 
She  deludes  Hector  in  the  shape  of  Deiphobus  ;  he  stands  the  combat,  and  is  slain. 
Achilles  drags  the  dead  body  at  hi;  ch.iriot  in  the  sight  of  Priam  and  tfecufja. 
Their  lamentations,  tears  and  despair.  Their  cries  reach  the  ears  of  Andromache, 
who.  Ignorant  of  this,  was  retired  into  the  inner  part  of  the  palace  ;  she  mounts 
up  to  the  walls  and  beholds  her  dead  husband.  She  swoons  at  the  spectacle. 
Her  excess  of  grief  and  lamentation. 

The  thirtieth  day  still  continues.     The  scene  lies  under  the  walls,  and  oo  the 
Dattlcments  of  Troy. 

Thus  to  their  bulwarks,  smit  with  panic  fear, 
The  herded  IhaiLs  rush  hlce  driven  deer: 
There  safe  they  wipe  the  briny  drops  away, 
And  drown  in  bowls  the  labors  of  the  day. 
Close  to  the  walls,  advancing  o'er  the  fields 
Beneath  one  roof  of  well-compacted  shields, 
March,  bending  on,  the  Greeks'  embodied  powers, 
Far  stretching  in  the  shade  of  Trojan  towers. 
Great  Hector  singly  stay'd :  chain'd  down  by  fate 
There  fix'd  he  stood  before  the  Scasan  gate  ; 
Still  his  bold  arms  determined  to  employ. 
The  guardian  still  of  long-defended  Troy. 

Apollo  now  to  tired  Achilles  turns 
(The  power  confess'd  in  all  his  glory  burns): 
'•  And  what  (he  cries)  has  Peleus'  son  in  view. 
With  mortal  speed  a  godhead  to  pursue  ? 
For  not  to  thee  to  know  the  gods  is  given. 
Unskiird  to  trace  the  latent  marks  of  heaven. 
What  boots  thee  now,  that  Troy  forsook  the  plain? 
Vain  thy  past  labor,  and  thy  present  vain : 
Safe  in  their  walls  are  now  her  troops  bestow'd, 
While  here  thy  frantic  rage  attacks  a  god." 

The  chief  incensed — "  Too  partial  god  of  day! 
To  check  my  conquests  in  the  middle  way : 
How  few  in  Ilion  else  had  refuge  found ! 


)K  XXII. I  THE  ILIAD.  437 

What  gasping  numbers  now  had  bit  the  ground  1 
Thou  robb'.st  me  of  a  glory  justly  mine, 
Powerful  of  godhead,  and  of  fraud  divine  : 
Mean  fame,  alas  !  for  one  of  heavenly  strain. 
To  cheat  a  mortal  who  repines  in  vain." 

Then  to  the  city,  terrible  and  strong. 
With  high  and  haughty  steps  he  tower'd  along. 
So  the  proud  courser,  victor  of  the  prize, 
To  the  near  goal  with  double  ardor  flies. 
Him,  as  he  blazing  shot  across  the  field. 
The  careful  eyes  of  Priam  first  beheld. 
Not  half  so  dreadful  rises  to  the  sight,* 
Through  the  thick  gloom  of  some  tempestuous  night, 
Orion's  dog  (the  year  when  autumn  weighs), 
And  o'er  the  feebler  stars  exerts  his  rays  ; 
Terrific  glory !  for  his  burning  breath 
Taints  the  red  air  with  fevers,  plagues,  and  death. 
So  flamed  his  fiery  mail.      Then  wept  the  sage : 
He  strikes  his  reverend  head,  now  white  with  age; 
He  lifts  his  wither'd  arms  ;  obtests  the  skies  ; 
He  calls  his  much-loved  son  with  feeble  cries : 
The  son,  resolved  Achilles'  force  to  dare. 
Full  at  the  Sca;an  gates  expects  the  war; 
While  the  sad  father  on  the  rampart  stands, 
And  thus  adjures  him  with  extended  hands: 

"  Ah  stay  not,  stay  not !  guardless  and  alone  ; 
Hector  !  my  loved,  my  deirest.  bravest  son  ! 
Methinks  already  I  behol  1  thee  slain, 
And  stretch'd  beneath  that  fury  of  the  plain. 
Implacable  Achilles  !  might'st  thou  be 
To  all  the  gods  no  dearer  than  to  me  ! 
Thee,  vultures  wild  should  scatter  round  the  shore. 
And  bloody  dogs  grow  fiercer  from  thy  gore. 
How  many  valiant  sons  I  late  enjov'd. 
Valiant  in  vain  !  by  thy  cursed  arm  destroy "d  : 
Or,  worse  than  slaughter'd,  sold  in  distant  isles 
To  shameful  bondage,  and  unworthy  toils. 
Two,  while  I  speak,  my  eyes  in  vain  explore. 
Two  from  one  mother  sprung,  my  Polydore, 
And  loved  Lycaon  ;  now  perhaps  no  more ! 
Oh !  if  in  yonder  hcstile  camp  they  live, 

'  Not  kal/  30  dreadful. 

"  On  th5  other  side, 
Incensed  willi  indignalimi,  Satan  stooa 
Unterrified.  and  like  a  comet  bum'd, 
That  fires  the  lengtli  o'  0|ihiuchus  huge 
In  the  arctic  fky,  and  fiom  his  horrid  hair 
Shakes  pestileuce  and  »ji."— "  Paradise  Lost,"  ri.  jot. 


4j3  THE  ILIAD.  [I;ue.K  XXII. 

What  heaps  of  gold,  what  treasures  would  I  give  ! 

(Their  grandsire's  wealth,  by  right  of  birth  their  own, 

Consign'd  his  daughter  with  Lelegia's  throne)  • 

But  if  (which  Heaven  forbid)  already  lost, 

All  pale  they  wander  on  the  Stygian  coast  ; 

What  sorrows  then  must  their  sad  mother  know, 

What  anguish  I  ?  unutterable  woe  ! 

Yet  less  that  anguish,  less  to  her,  to  me, 

Less  to  all  Troy,  if  not  deprived  of  thee. 

Yet  shun  Achilles  !  enter  yet  the  wall  ; 

And  spare  thyself,  thy  father,  spare  us  all  ! 

Save  thy  dear  life ;  or,  if  a  soul  so  brave 

Neglect  that  thought,  thy  dearer  glory  save. 

Pity,  while  yet  I  live,  these  silver  hairs ; 

While  yet  thy  father  feels  the  woes  he  bears, 

Yet  cursed  with  sense  !  a  wretch,  whom  in  his  rage 

(All  trembling  on  the  verge  of  helpless  age) 

Great  Jove  has  placed,  sad  spectacle  of  pain  1 

The  bitter  dregs  of  fortune's  cup  to  drain  : 

To  fill  with  scenes  of  death  his  closing  eyes, 

And  number  all  his  days  by  miseries  1 

l\Iy  heroes  slain,  my  bridal  bed  o'erturn'd, 

My  daughters  ravisli'd,  and  my  city  burn'd, 

My  bleeding  infants  dash'd  against  the  floor; 

These  I  have  yet  to  see,  perhaps  yet  more  ! 

Perhaps  even  I,  reserved  by  angry  fate, 

The  last  sad  relic  of  my  ruin'd  state, 

(Dire  pomp  of  sovereign  wretchedness  !)  must  fall, 

And  stain  tlie  pavement  of  my  regal  hall ; 

Where  famish'd  dogs,  late  guardians  of  my  door, 

Shall  lick  their  mangled  master's  spatter'd  gore. 

Yet  for  my  sons  I  thank  ye,  gods  !  'tis  well ; 

Well  have  they  perish'd,  for  in  fight  they  fell. 

Who  dies  in  youth  and  vigor,  dies  the  best. 

Struck  through  witli  wounds,  all  honest  on  the  breast. 

l!ut  when  the  fates,  in  fulness  of  their  rage, 

Spurn  the  hoar  head  of  unresisting  age, 

In  dust  the  reverend  lineaments  deform. 

And  pour  to  dogs  the  life-blood  scarcely  warm : 

This,  this  is  misery  !  the  last,  the  worse, 

That  man  can  feel !  man,  fated  to  be  cursed  ! " 

He  said,  and  acting  what  no  words  could  say. 
Rent  from  his  head  the  silver  locks  away. 
With  him  the  mournful  mother  bears  a  dart ; 
Yet  all  her  sorrows  turn  not  Hector's  heart. 
The  zone  unbraced,  her  bosom  she  display'd  ; 
And  thus,  fast-falling  the  salt  tears,  she  said: 


'iOOKXXII.]  THE  ILIAD.  439 

"  Have  mercy  on  me,  O  my  son  !  revere 
The  words  oi  age  ;  attend  a  parent's  prayer! 
If  ever  thee  in  these  fond  arms  1  press'd, 
Or  still'd  thy  infant  clamors  at  this  breast ; 
Ah  do  not  thus  our  helpless  years  forego, 
But,  by  our  walls  secured,  repel  the  foe. 
Against  his  rage  if  singly  thou  proceed, 
Should'st  thou  (but  Heaven  avert  it  1)  should'st  thou  bleed. 
Nor  must  thy  corse  lie  honored  on  the  bier. 
Nor  spouse,  nor  mother,  grace  thee  with  a  tear  ! 
Far  from  our  pious  rites  those  dear  remains 
Must  feast  the  vultures  on  the  naked  plains." 

So  they,  while  down  their  cheeks  the  torrents  roll-, 
l?ut  fix'd  remains  the  purpose  of  his  soul  ; 
Resolved  he  stands,  and  witli  a  fiery  glance 
Expects  the  hero's  terrible  advance. 
So,  roll'd  up  in  his  den,  tlie  swelling  snake 
Beholds  the  traveller  approach  the  brake  ; 
When  fed  with  noxious  herbs  his  turgid  veins 
Have  gather'd  half  the  poisons  of  the  plains; 
He  burns,  he  stiffens  with  collected  ire. 
And  his  red  eyeballs  glare  with  living  fire. 
Beneath  a  turret,  on  his  shield  reclined, 
He  stood,  and  question'd  thus  his  mighty  mind  :  • 

"  Where  lies  my  way  ?  to  enter  in  the  wall  ? 
Honor  and  shame  the  ungenerous  thought  recall 
Shall  proud  Polydamas  before  the  gate 
Proclaim,  his  counsels  are  obeyed  too  late, 
Which  timely  follovv'd  but  the  former  night. 
What  numbers  had  been  saved  by  Hector's  flight? 
That  wise  advice  rejected  with  disdain, 
I  feel  my  folly  in  my  people  slain. 
Methinks  my  suffering  country's  voice  I  hear, 
But  most  her  worthless  sons  insult  my  ear, 
On  my  rash  courage  charge  the  chance  of  war. 
And  blame  those  virtues  which  they  cannot  share. 

No if  I  e'er  return,  return  I  must 

Glorious,  my  country's  terror  laid  in  dust: 

Or  if  I  perish,  let  her  see  me  fall 

In  field  at  least,  and  fighting  for  her  wall. 

And  yet  suppose  these  measures  I  forego. 

Approach  unarm'd,  and  parley  with  the  foe, 

The  warrior-shield,  the  helm,  and  lance,  lay  down. 

And  treat  on  terms  of  peace  to  save  the  town  : 

The  wife  withheld,  the  treasure  ill-detain'd 

(Cause  of  the  war,  and  grievance  of  the  land) 

•  "  And  thu»  his  own  andaimted  mind  explores."—"  Paradise  Lost,"  ti.  iij. 


44°  THE  ILIAD.  ^   [Book  XXII. 

With  honorable  justice  to  restore  : 

And  add  half  Ilion's  yet  remaining  store, 

Which  Troy  shall,  sworn,  produce  ;  tliat  injured  Greece 

May  share  our  wealth,  and  leave  our  walls  in  peace. 

But  why  this  thought.''     Unarm'd  if  I  should  go, 

What  hope  of  mercy  from  this  vengeful  foe. 

But  woman-like  to  fall,  and  fall  without  a  blow  ? 

We  greet  not  here,  as  man  conversing  man, 

Met  at  an  oak,  or  journeying  o'er  a  plain ; 

No  season  now  for  calm  familiar  talk, 

Like  youths  and  maidens  in  an  evening  walk: 

War  is  our  business,  but  to  whom  is  given 

To  die,  or  triumph,  that,  determine  tleaven  !  " 

Thus  pondering,  like  a  god  the  Greek  drew  nigh; 
His  dreadful  plumage  nodded  from  on  high  ; 
The  Pelian  javelin,  in  his  Ijetter  hand, 
Shot  trembling  rays  that  glitter'd  o'er  the  land ; 
And  on  his  breast  the  beamy  splendor  shone, 
Like  Jove's  own  lightning,  o'er  the  rismg  sun. 
As  Hector  sees,  unusual  terrors  rise 
Struck  by  some  god,  he  fears,  recedes,  and  flies. 
He  leaves  the  gates,  he  leaves  tlie  wall  behind  : 
Achilles  follows  like  the  winged  wind. 
Thus  at  the  panting  dove  a  falcon  flies 
(The  swiftest  racer  of  the  liquid  skies), 
just  when  he  holds,  or  thinks  he  holds  his  prey, 
Obliquely  wheeling  through  the  aerial  way, 
With  open  beak  and  shrilling  cries  he  springs. 
And  aims  his  claws,  and  shoots  upon  his  wings  : 
No  less  fore-right  the  rapid  chase  they  held. 
One  urged  by  fury,  one  by  fear  inipeli'd  : 
Now  circling  round  the  walls  their  course  maintain, 
Where  the  liigli  watch-tower  overlooks  tlie  plain  ; 
Now  where  the  fig-trees  spread  their  umbrage  broad, 
(A  wider  compass),  smoke  along  the  road. 
Next  by  Scamander's  double  source  they  bound. 
Where  two  famed  fountains  burst  the  parted  ground; 
This  hot  through  scorching  clefts  is  seen  to  rise, 
With  exhalations  streaming  to  the  skies  ; 
That  the  greeji  banks  in  summer's  heat  o'erflows, 
Like  crystal  clear,  and  cold  as  winter  snows  : 
Each  gushing  fount  a  marble  cistern  fills, 
Whose  polish'd  bed  receives  the  falling  rills; 
Where  Trojan  dames  (ere  yet  alarm'd  by  Greece) 
Wash'd  their  fair  garments  in  the  days  of  peace.* 

•  The  eianiple  of  Nausl-».i^,  in  the  Odyssey,  proves  that  the  duties  of  the  laundry 
were  not  thought  derogator      \en  Irom  the  digiuty  ai  a  princess,  lu  the  heroic  timet. 


Book  XXII.]  THE  ILTAD.  44" 

By  these  they  pass'd,  one  cliasing,  one  in  flight 
(Tile  mighty  fled,  pursued  by  stronger  might) :     • 
Swift  was  tl)e  course  ;  no  vulgar  prize  they  play, 
No  vulgar  victim  must  reward  the  day  : 
(Sucli  as  in  races  crown  the  speedy  strife)  : 
The  prize  contended  was  great  Hector's  hfe. 

As  when  some  hero's  funerals  are  decreed 
In  grateful  honor  of  the  miglitv  dead  ; 
Where  high  rewards  the  vigorous  vouth  inflame 
(Some  golden  tripod,  or  some  lovely  dame) 
The  panting  coursers  swiftly  turn  the  goal. 
And  with  them  turns  the  raised  spectator's  soul  : 
Thus  three  times  round  the  Trojan  wall  they  fly. 
The  gazing^gods  lean  forward  from  the  sky; 
To  whom,  while  eager  on  the  chase  they  look, 
The  sire  of  mortals  and  immortals  spoke  : 

"  Unworthy  sight !  the  man  beloved  of  heaven. 
Behold,  inglorious  round  yon  city  driven  ! 
My  heart  partakes  the  generous  Hector's  pain; 
Hector,  whose  zeal  whole  hecatombs  has  slain. 
Whose  grateful  fumes  the  gods  received  with  joy 
From  Ida's  summits,  and  the  towers  of  Troy: 
Now  see  him  flying;  to  his  fears  resign'd. 
And  fate,  and  fierce  Achilles,  close  behind. 
Consult,  ye  powers  !  ('tis  worthy  your  debate) 
Whether  to  snatch  him  from  impending  fate, 
Or  let  him  bear,  by  stern  Pelides  slain 
(Good  as  he  is),  the  lot  imposed  on  man." 

Then  Pallas  thus  :  "  Shall  he  whose  vengeance  Wifa;. 
The  forky  bolt,  and  blackens  heaven  with  storms, 
Shall  lie  prolong  one  Trojan's  forfeit  breath  ? 
A  man,  a  mortal,  pre-ordain'd  to  death  ! 
And  will  no  murmurs  till  the  courts  above  .' 
No  gods  indignant  blame  their  partial  Jove  .' " 

"Co  then  (return'd  the  sire)  without  delay, 
E.xert  thy  will  :  I  give  the  Fates  their  way. 
Swift  at  the  mandate  pleased  Tritonia  flies, 
And  stoops  impetuous  from  the  cleaving  skies. 

As  through  the  forest,  o'er  the  vale  and  lawn, 
The  well-breath'd  beagle  drives  the  flying  fawn, 
In  vain  he  tries  the  covert  of  the  brakes. 
Or  deep  beneath  the  trembling  thicket  shakes  ; 
Sure  of  the  vapor  in  the  tainted  dews. 
The  certain  hound  his  various  maze  pursues. 
Thus  step  by  step,  where'er  the  Trojan  wheel'd, 
There  swift  .Achilles  compass'd  round  the  field. 
Oft  as  to  reach  the  Dardan  gates  he  bends, 


442  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIt 

And  hopes  the  assist.ince  of  his  pitying  friends, 

(Whose  showering  arrows,  as  he  coursed  below, 

From  the  high  turrets  might  oppress  the  foe), 

So  oft  Achilles  turns  him  to  the  plain  : 

He  eyes  the  city,  but  he  eyes  in  vain. 

As  men  in  slumbers  seem  with  speedy  pace. 

One  to  pursue,  and  one  to  lead  the  chase, 

Their  sinking  limbs  the  fancied  course  forsake, 

Nor  this  can  fly,  nor  tliat  can  overtake  ; 

No  less  the  laboring  heroes  pant  and  strain  : 

While  that  but  flies,  and  this  pursues  in  vain. 

What  god,  O  muse,  assisted  Hector's  force 
With  fate  itself  so  long  to  hold  the  course  ? 
Phcebus  it  was  ;  who,  in  his  latest  hour. 
Endued  his  knees  willi  strength,  his  nerves  with  power, 
And  great  Achilles,  lest  some  Greek's  advance 
Should  snatch  the  glory  from  his  lifted  lance, 
Sign'd  to  the  troops  to  yield  his  foe  the  way. 
And  leave  untouch 'd  tlie  honors  of  the  day. 

Jove  lifts  the  golden  balances,  that  show 
The  fates  of  mortal  men,  and  things  below : 
Here  each  contending  hero's  lot  he  tries. 
And  weighs,  with  equal  hand,  their  destinies. 
Low  sinks  the  scale  surcharged  with  Hector's  fate; 
Heavy  with  death  it  sinks,  and  hell  receives  the  weight 

Then  Phoebus  left  him.     Fierce  Minerva  .lies 
To  stern  Pelides,  and  triumphing,  cries  : 
"  O  loved  of  Jove  !  this  day  our  labors  cease. 
And  conquest  blazes  with  full  be.ims  on  Greece. 
Great  Hector  falls;  that  Hector  famed  so  far. 
Drunk  with  renow-n,  insatiable  of  war. 
Falls  by  thy  hand,  and  mine  !  nor  force,  nor  flight, 
Shall  more  avail  him,  nor  his  god  of  light. 
See,  where  in  vain  he  supplicates  above, 
RoU'd  at  the  feet  of  unrelenting  Jove  ; 
Rest  here  :  myself  will  lead  the  Trojan  on. 
And  urge  to  meet  the  fate  he  cannot  shun." 

Her  voice  divine  the  chief  with  joyful  mind 
Obey'd  ;  and  rested,  on  his  lance  reclined. 
While  like  Dei'phobus  the  martial  dame 
(Her  face,  her  gesture,  and  her  arms  the  same), 
In  show  and  aid,  by  hapless  Hector's  side 
Approach'd,  and  greets  him  thus  with  voice  belied- 

"Too  long,  O  Hector  !  have  I  borne  the  sight 
Of  this  distress,  and  sorrow'd  in  thy  flight: 
It  fits  us  now  a  noble  stand  to  make. 
And  here,  as  brothers,  equal  fates  partake." 


Book  XXII.]  THE  ILIAD  443 

Then  he  :  "  O  prince  !  allied  in  blood  and  fame, 
Dearer  than  all  that  own  a  brother's  name  ; 
Of  all  that  Hecuba  to  Priam  bore, 

Long  tried,  long  loved  ;  much  loved,  but  honor'd  more  I 
Since  you,  of  all  our  numerous  race  alone 
Defend  my  life,  regardless  of  your  own." 

Again  the  goddess:  "  Much  my  father's  prayer, 
And  much  my  mother's,  press'd  me  to  forbear  : 
My  friends  embraced  my  knees,  adjured  my  stay. 
But  stronger  love  impell'd,  and  I  obey. 
Come  then,  the  glorious  conflict  let  us  try. 
Let  tlie  steel  sparkle,  and  tlie  javelin  fly; 
Or  let  us  stretch  Achilles  on  the  field. 
Or  to  his  arm  our  bloody  trophies  yield." 

Fraudful  she  said  ;  then  swiftly  march'd  before: 
The  Dardan  hero  shuns  his  foe  no  more. 
Sternly  they  met.     The  silence  Hector  broke  : 
His  dreadful  plumage  nodded  as  he  spoke  ; 

"  Enough,  O  son  of  Peleus  !  Troy  has  view'd 
Her  walls  thrice  circled,  and  her  chief  pursued. 
But  now  some  god  within  me  bids  me  try 
Thine,  or  my  fate :   I  kill  thee,  or  I  die. 
Yet  on  the  verge  of  battle  let  us  stay, 
And  for  a  moment's  space  suspend  the  day ; 
Let  Heaven's  high  powers  be  call'd  to  arbitrate 
The  just  conditions  of  this  stern  debate 
(Eternal  witnesses  of  all  below. 
And  faitliful  guardians  of  the  treasured  vow)  ! 
To  them  I  swear  ;  if,  victor  in  the  strife, 
Jove  by  these  hands  shall  shed  thy  noble  life, 
No  vile  dishonor  shall  thy  corse  pursue  ; 
Stripp'd  of  its  arms  alone  (the  concpieror's  due) 
The  rest  to  Greece  uninjured  I'll  restore: 
Now  Jilight  thy  mutual  oath,  I  ask  no  more." 

'•  Talk  not  of  oaths  (the  dre.adful  chief  replies. 
While  anger  flash'd  from  his  disdainful  eyes). 
Detested  as  thou  art,  and  ought  to  be, 
Nor  oath  nor  pact  Achilles  plights  with  thee  : 
Such  pacts  as  lambs  and  rabid  wolves  combine. 
Such  leagues  as  men  and  furious  lions  join, 
To  such  1  call  tlie  gods  !  one  constant  state 
Of  lasting  rancor  and  eternal  hate  ; 
No  thought  but  rage,  and  never-ceasing  strife 
Till  death  extinguish  rage,  and  thought,  and  life. 
Rouse  then  mv  forces  this  important  hour, 
Colltct  thy  soiil.  and  call  forlli  all  thy  power. 
No  ftirther  subterfuge,  no  further  chance; 


444  THE  ILIAD.  [Book   XaII. 

'Tis  Pallas,  Pallas  gives  thee  to  my  lance. 
Each  Grecian  ghost,  by  thee  deprived  of  breath. 
Now  hovers  round,  and  calls  thee  to  thy  death." 

He  spoke,  and  launch 'd  his  javelin  at  the  foe; 
But  Hector  shunn'd  the  meditated  blow  : 
He  stoop'd,  while  o'er  his  head  the  flying  spear 
Sang  innocent,  and  spent  its  force  in  air. 
Minerva  watch'd  it  falling  on  the  land. 
Then  drew,  and  gave  to  great  Achilles'  ha 
Unseen  of  Hector,  who,  elate  with  joy, 
Now  shakes  his  lance,  and  braves  the  dread  of  Troy. 

"  The  life  you  boasted  to  that  javelin  given, 
Prince  !  you  have  miss'd.      My  fate  depends  on  Heavea 
To  thee,  presumptuous  as  thou  art,  unknown, 
Or  what  must  prove  my  fortune,  or  thy  own. 
Boasting  is  but  an  art,  our  fears  to  lilind. 
And  with  false  terrors  sink  another's  mind. 
But  know,  whatever  fate  I  am  to  try. 
By  no  dishonest  wound  shall  Hector  die. 
I  shall  not  fall  a  fugitive  at  least. 
My  soul  shall  bravely  issue  from  my  breast. 
But  first,  try  thou  my  arm  ;  and  may  this  dart 
End  all  my  country's  woes,  deep  buried  in  thy  heart." 

The  weapon  flew,  its  course  unerring  held, 
Unerring,  but  the  Iveavenly  shield  repell'd 
The  mortal  dart;  resulting  with  a  bound 
From  off  the  ringing  orb  it  struck  the  ground. 
Hector  beheld  his  javelin  fall  in  vain. 
Nor  other  lance,  nor  other  hope  remain  ; 
He  calls  Deiphobus,  demands  a  spear — 
In  vain,  for  no  Deiphobus  was  there. 
All  comfortless  he  stands  :  then,  with  a  sigh  : 
"'Tis  so — Heaven  wills  it,  and  rny  hour  is  nigh  ! 
I  deem'd  Deiphobus  had  heard  my  call, 
But  he  secure  lies  guarded  in  the  wall. 
A  god  deceived  me  ;  Pallas,  'twas  thy  deed, 
Deatli  and  black  fate  approach  !  'tis  I  must  bleed. 
No  refuge  now,  no  succor  from  above, 
Great  Jove  deserts  me,  and  the  son  of  Jove, 
Propitious  once,  and  kind  !     Then  welcome  fate  I 
'Tis  true  I  perish,  yet  I  perish  great : 
Yet  in  a  mighty  deed  I  shall  expire. 
Let  future  ages  hear  it,  and  admire  ! " 

Fierce,  at  the  word,  his  weighty  sword  he  drew, 
And,  all  collected,  on  Achilles  flew. 
So  Jove's  bold  bud,  high  balanced  in  the  air. 
Stoops  from  the  clouds  to  truss  the  quivering  hare. 


Boc  '.  X  XII.]  THE  lUAD.  44£ 

Mor  less  Achilles  his  fierce  soul  prepares ; 
I'.cfore  his  breast  the  flaming  shield  he  bears 
Refulgent  orlj !  above  his  fourfold  cone 
The  gilded  horse-hair  sparkled  in  llie  sun, 
Nodding  at  every  step  (Vulcanian  frame!): 
And  as  he  moved,  his  figure  seeni'd  on  flame. 
As  radiant  Hesper  shines  with  keener  light,* 
Far-beaming  o'er  the  silver  host  of  night, 
When  all  the  starry  train  emblaze  the  sphere: 
So  shone  the  point  of  great  Achilles'  spear. 
In  his  right  hand  he  waves  the  weapon  round, 
Eyes  the  whole  man,  and  meditates  the  wound; 
But  the  rich  mail  Patroclus  lately  wore 
Securely  cased  the  warrior's  body  o'er. 
One  space  at  length  he  spies,  to  let  in  fate. 
Where  'twi.\t  the  neck  and  throat  the  jointed  pkite 
Gave  entrance  :  through  that  penetrable  part 
Furious  he  drove  the  well-directed  dart : 
Nor  pierced  the  windpipe  yet,  nor  took  tlie  power 
Of  speech,  unhappy  !  from  thy  dying  hour. 
Prone  on  the  field  the  bleeding  warrior  lies. 
While,  thus  triu.nphing,  stern  Acliilles  cries  : 

'  At  last  is  Hector  stret^h'd  upon  the  plain, 
vVho  fear'd  no  vengeance  for  Patroclus  slain  : 
Then,  prince  !  you  should  have  fear'd  what  now  you  leel ; 
Achilles  absent  was  Achille.s  still  : 
Yet  a  short  space  the  great  avenger  stayed. 
Then  low  in  dust  thy  strength  and  glory  laid. 
Peaceful  he  sleeps,  with  all  our  rites  adorn'd. 
Forever  honor'd,  and  forever  mo arn'd  : 
While  cast  to  all  the  rage  of  hostile  power. 
Thee  birds  shall  mangle,  and  the  gods  devour." 

Then  Hector,  fainting  at  the  approach  of  death  : 
"  By  ihy  own  soul  !   by  those  wlio  gave  thee  breath  ! 
By  all  the  sacred  prevalence  of  prayer ; 
Ah,  leave  me  not  for  Grecian  dogs  to  tear! 
The  common  rites  of  sepulture  bestow. 
To  soothe  a  father's  and  a  mother's  woe  : 
Let  their  large  gifts  procure  an  urn  at  least, 
And  Hector's  ashes  in  his  country  rest." 

"No,  wretch  accursed  !  relentless  he  replies 
(Flames,  as  he  spoke,  shot  flashing  from  his  eyes); 
Not  tliose  who  gave  me  breath  sliould  bid  me  spare, 

*  Htlper  shhin  with  keener  ll^ht. 

*'  Fairest  of  sta--^,  last  iti  the  tr.iin  nf  miiht, 
If  better  tlum  belong  nut  tu  tlie  dawn." 

*'  Paradise  Lost,"  t.  166. 


44*''  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXII 

Nor  all  the  sacred  prevalence  of  prayer. 
Could  I  myself  the  bloody  banquet  join ! 
No — to  the  dogs  that  carcase  I  resign. 
Should  Troy,  to  bribe  me,  bring  forth  all  her  store, 
And  giving  thousands,  offer  tliousands  more; 
Should  Dardan  Priam,  and  his  weeping  dame, 
Drain  their  whole  realm  to  buy  one  funeral  flame  : 
Their  Hector  on  the  pile  they  should  not  see, 
Nor  rob  the  vultures  of  one  limb  of  thee." 

Then  thus  the  chief  his  dying  accents  drew: 
"Thy  rage,  implacable  !  too  well  I  knew: 
The  Furies  that  relentless  breast  have  steel'd, 
And  cursed  thee  with  a  heart  that  cannot  yield. 
Yet  think,  a  day  will  come,  when  fate's  decree 
And  angry  gods  shall  wreak  this  wrong  on  thee ; 
Phcebus  and  Paris  shall  avenge  my  fate, 
And  stretch  thee  here  before  the  Scoean  gate."  * 

He  ceased.     The  Fates  suppress'd  his  laboring  breath. 
And  his  eyes  sliffcn'd  at  the  Iiand  of  death  ; 
To  the  dark  realm  the  spirit  wings  its  way 
(The  manly  body  left  a  load  of  clay), 
And  plaintive  glides  along  the  dreary  coast, 
A  naked,  wandering,  melancholy  ghost ! 

Achilles,  musing  as  he  roll'd  his  eyes 
O'er  the  dead  hero,  thus  unheard,  replies  . 
"  Die  thou  the  first !     When  Jove  and  heaven 
I  follow  thee." — He  said,  and  stripp'd  the  slain. 
Then  forcing  backward  from  the  gaping  wound 
The  reeking  javelin,  cast  it  on  the  ground. 
The  thronging  Greeks  behold  with  wondering  ey-is 
His  manly  beauty  and  superior  size  ; 
While  some,  ignobler,  the  great  dead  deface 
With  wounds  ungenerous,  or  with  taunts  disgrace. 

"  How  changed  that  Hector,  who  like  Jove  of  late 
Sent  lightning  on  our  fleets,  and  scatter'd  fate  !" 

High  o'er  the  slain  the  great  Achilles  stands. 
Begirt  with  heroes  and  surrounding  bands  ; 
And  thus  aloud,  wliile  all  the  host  attends: 
"  Princes  and  leaders  !  countrymen  and  friends  ! 
Since  now  at  length  the  powerful  will  of  heaven 
The  dire  destroyer  to  our  arm  has  given, 

»  Such  was  his  fate.  After  chasing  the  Trojans  into  the  town,  he  was  slain  by  an 
■,rrnw  from  the  quiver  of  P.iris,  directed  under  the  unerrins  auspices  of  Apollo.  The 
(reatcst  efforts  were  m.ide  bv  the  Trojans  to  possess  themselves  of  the  body,  which  was 
inwever  rescued  and  Imri.e  off  to  the  Grecian  camp  bv  the  valor  of  Ajax  and  Ulysses, 
rhetis  stole  a\v.iy  the  body,  just  .is  the  Greeks  were  .ibout  to  burn  it  with  funeral 
lonors,  and  conveyed  it  away  to  a  renewed  life  of  jiumortality  in  the  islw  of  Leiik^  in 


Book  XXII.]  THE  ILIAD.  447 

Is  not  Troy  fallen  already  ?     Haste,  ye  powers  ! 

See,  if  already  their  deserted  towers 

Are  left  uiimann'd  ;  or  if  they  yet  retain 

The  souls  of  heroes,  their  great  Hector  slain. 

But  what  is  Troy,  or  glory  what  to  me  ? 

Or  why  reflects  my  mind  on  aught  but  thee, 

Divine  Patroclus  !     Death  hath  seal'd  liis  eyes; 

Unwept,  unhonor'd,  uninterr'd  he  lies! 

Can  his  dear  image  from  my  soul  depart, 

J-ong  as  the  vital  spirit  moves  my  heart  ? 

If  in  the  melancholy  shades  below. 

The  flames  of  friends  and  lovers  cease  to  glow. 

Yet  mine  shall  sacred  last ;  mine,  undecay'd. 

Burn  on  through  death,  and  animate  my  shade. 

Meanwhile,  ye  sons  of  Greece,  in  triumph  bring, 

The  corpse  of  Hector,  and  your  pxans  sing. 

Be  this  the  song,  slow-moving  toward  the  shore, 

"  Hector  is  dead,  and  Ilion  is  no  more." 

Then  his  fell  soul  a  thought  of  vengeance  bred 

(Unworthy  of  himself,  and  of  the  dead); 

The  nervous  ancles  bored,  his  feet  he  bound 

With  thongs  inserted  through  the  double  wound; 

These  fi.\'d  up  higli  behind  the  rolling  wain, 

His  graceful  head  was  trail'd  along  the  plain. 

Proud  on  his  car  the  insulting  victor  stood, 

And  bore  aloft  his  arms,  distilling  blood. 

He  sm.ites  the  steeds  ;  the  rapid  chariot  flies; 

The  sudden  clouds  of  circling  dust  arise. 

Now  lost  is  all  that  formidable  air ; 

The  face  divine,  and  long-descending  hair. 

Purple  the  ground,  and  streak  the  sable  sand; 

Deform'd,  dishonor'd,  in  his  native  land. 

Given  to  the  rage  of  an  insulting  throng. 

And,  in  his  parents'  sight,  now  dragg'd  along! 
The  mother  first  beheld  with  sad  survey  ; 

She  rent  her  tresses,  venerable  gray. 

And  cast,  far  off,  the  regal  veils  away. 

With  piercing  shrieks  his  bitter  fate  she  moans, 

While  the  sad  father  answers  groans  with  groans. 

Tears  after  tears  his  mournful  cheeks  o'erflow, 

And  the  whole  city  wears  one  face  of  woe : 

No  less  than  if  the  rage  of  hostile  fires, 
.     From  her  foundations  curling  to  her  spires, 
/     O'er  the  proud  citadel  at  length  should  rise, 
J     And  the  last  blaze  send  Ilion  to  the  skies. 
j     The  wretched  monarch  of  the  falling  state, 
I     Distracted,  presses  fo  the  Dardan  gate. 


^45  THE  ILIAD. 


Scarce  the  whole  people  stop  his  desperate  course, 

While  strong  affliction  gives  the  feeble  force  : 

Grief  lears  his  heart,  and  drives  him  to  and  fro. 

In  all  the  raging  impotence  of  woe. 

At  lengtli  he"  roll'd  in  dust,  and  thus  begun, 

Imploring  all,  and  naming  one  by  one  : 

"Ah  !  let  me,  let  me  go  where  sorrow  calls: 

I,  only  I,  will  issue  from  your  walls 

(Guide  or  companion,  friends  !   I  ask  ye  none), 

And  bow  before  the  murderer  of  my  son. 

My  grief  perhaps  his  pity  may  engage  ; 

I'erhaps  at  least  he  may  respect  my  age. 

He  has  a  father  too  ;  a  man  like  me  ; 

One,  not  exempt  from  age  and  misery 

(Vigorous  no  more,  as  when  his  young  embrace 

Begot  this  pest  of  me,  and  all  my  race). 

How  many  valiant  sons,  in  early  bloom. 

Has  that  cursed  hand  sent  headlong  to  the  tomb! 

Thee.  Hector!  last:  thy  loss  (divinely  brave) 

Sinks  my  sad  soul  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

O  had  thy  gentle  spirit  pass'd  in  peace, 

The  son  expiring  in  the  sire's  embrace. 

While  both  thy  parents  wept  the  fatal  hour. 

And,  bending  o'er  thee,  nii.x'd  the  tender  shower! 

Some  comfort  that  had  been,  some  sad  relief, 

To  melt  in  full  satiety  of  grief  !  " 

Thus  wail'd  the  father,  grovelling  on  the  ground. 
And  all  the  eyes  of  llion  stream'd  around. 

Amidst  her  matrons  Hecuba  appears 
(A  mourning  princess,  and  a  train  in  tears); 
"  Ah  why  has  Heaven  prolong'd  this  hated  breath. 
Patient  of  horrors,  to  behold  thy  death  ? 
O  Hector  !  late  thy  parents'  pride  and  joy. 
The  boast  of  nations  !  the  defence  of  Troy! 
To  whom  her  safety  and  her  fame  she  owed; 
Her  chief,  her  hero,  and  almost  her  god  ! 
O  fatal  change  !  become  in  one  sad  day 
A  senseless  corse  !  inanimated  clay  !  '' 

But  not  as  vet  the  fatal  news  had  spread 
To  fair  Andromache,  of  Hector  dead  ; 
As  yet  no  messenger  had  told  liis  fate. 
Not  e'en  his  stay  without  the  Scxan  g.ate. 
Far  in  the  close  recesses  of  the  dome, 
Pensive  she  plied  the  melancholy  loom  ; 
A  growing  work  employ'd  her  secret  hours, 
Confusedly  gay  with  intermingled  flowers. 
Her  fair-h.iir'(l  handmaids  heat  the  brazen  urn, 
The  bath  ureuariuir  for  her  lord's  return 


Book  XX II.]  THE  JLfAr>  449 

In  vain  ,  alas  !  her  lord  returns  no  mc-s  : 
Unliathed  he  lies,  and  bleeds  alonjr  tiie  shoie  ! 
Now  fnim  the  walls  the  cUmcrs  reach  her  car, 
And  all  her  members  shake  with  r.adden  fear: 
Korth  from  her  ivory  hand  the  shuttle  falls, 
And  thus,  astonish'd,  to  her  maids  she  calls  : 

"Ah  follow  me!  (she  cried)  what  plaintive  noise 
Invades  my  ear?     'Tis  sure  my  mother's  voice. 
My  faltering  knees  their  trembling  frame  desert, 
A  pulse  unusual  flutters  at  my  heart ; 
Some  strange  disaster,  some  reverse  of  fate 
(Ye  gods  avert  it !)  threats  the  Trojan  state. 
Far  be  the  omen  wliich  my  thoughts  suggest  ! 
But  much  I  fear  my  Hector's  dauntless  breast 
Confronts  Achilles  ;  chased  along  the  plain, 
Shut  from  our  walls  !   I  fear,  1  fear  him  slain  ! 
Safe  in  the  crowd  he  ever  scorn'd  to  wait, 
And  sought  for  glory  in  the  jaws  of  fate  : 
Perhaps  that  noble  heat  has  cost  his  breath. 
Now  quench'd  forever  in  the  arms  of  death." 

She  spoke  :  and  furious,  vvitli  distracted  pace, 
Fears  in  her  heart,  and  anguish  in  her  face, 
p'lies  through  the  dome  (the  maids  her  steps  pursue), 
And  mounts  the  walls,  and  sends  around  her  view. 
Too  soon  her  eyes  tlie  killing  object  found. 
The  godlike  Hector  dragg'd  along  the  ground. 
A  sudden  darkness  shades  her  swimming  eyes  : 
She  faints,  she  falls  ;  her  breath,  her  color  flies. 
Her  hair's  fair  ornaments,  the  braids  that  bound, 
The  net  that  held  them,  and  the  wreath  that  crown'd. 
The  veil  and  diadem  flew  far  aw.ay 
(The  gift  of  Venus  on  her  bridal  day). 
Around  a  train  of  weeping  sisters  stands. 
To  raise  her  sinking  witli  assistant  hands. 
Scarce  from  tlie  verge  of  death  recall'd,  again 
She  faints,  or  but  recovers  to  complain. 

"  O  wretched  husband  of  a  wretched  wife ! 
Corn  with  one  fate,  to  one  unhappy  life  ! 
For  sure  one  star  its  baneful  beam  display'd 
On  Priam's  roof,  and  Hippoplacia's  shade. 
From  ditferent  parents,  different  climes  we  cannCj 
At  different  periods,  yet  our  fate  the  same  ! 
Why  was  my  birth  to  great  Action  owed. 
And  why  was  all  that  tender  care  bestow'd  ? 
Would  I  had  never  been  ! — O  thou,  the  ghost 
Of  my  dead  husband  !  miserably  lost  ! 
Thou  to  the  dismal  realms  forever  gone ! 
And  I  abandon'd,  desolate,  alone  J 


45°  THE  ILIAD.  fBoOK  XXli 

An  only  child,  once  comfort  of  my  pains, 

Sad  product  now  of  hapless  love,  remains  ! 

No  more  to  smile  upon  his  sire  ;  no  friend 

To  help  him  now  !  no  fatlier  to  defend  ! 

For  should  he  'scape,  the  sword,  the  common  doora. 

What  wrongs  attend  him,  and  what  griefs  to  cornel 

Even  from  his  own  paternal  roof  expell'd. 

Some  stranger  ploughs  his  patrimonial  field. 

The  day,  that  to  the  shades  the  father  sends, 

Robs  the  sad  orphan  of  his  father's  friends : 

He,  wretched  outcast  of  mankind  !  appears 

Forever  sad,  forever  bathed  in  tears  ; 

Amongst  the  happy,  unregarded,  he 

Hangs  on  the  robe,  or  trembles  at  the  knee. 

While  those  his  father's  former  bounty  fed 

Nor  reach  the  goblet,  nor  divide  the  bread  : 

The  kindest  but  his  present  wants  allay, 

To  leave  him  wretched  the  succeeding  day. 

Frugal  compassion  !     Heedless,  they  who  boast 

Both  parents  still,  nor  feel  what  he  has  lost. 

Shall  cry,  '  Begone  !  thy  father  feasts  not  here: 

The  wretch  obeys,  retiring  with  a  tear. 

Thus  wretched,  thus  retiring  all  in  tears, 

o  my  sad  soul  Astyanax  appears  ! 
Forced  by  repeated  insults  to  return. 
And  to  his  widow'd  mother  vaiidy  mourn  : 
He,  who,  with  tender  delicacy  bred, 
Witli  princes  sported,  and  on  dainties  fed, 
And  when  still  evening  gave  him  up  to  rest, 
Sunk  soft  in  down  upon  the  nurse's  breast. 
Must — ah  what  must  he  not  ?     Whom  llion  calla 
Astyanax,  from  her  well-guarded  walls,* 
Is  now  that  name  no  more,  unhappy  boy  ! 
Since  now  no  more  tliy  father  guards  his  Troy 
But  thou,  my  Hector,  liest  exposed  in  air. 
Far  from  thy  parents'  and  thy  consort's  care ; 
Whose  hand  in  vain,  directed  by  her  love, 
The  martial  scarf  and  robe  of  triumph  wove. 
Now  to  devouring  flames  be  these  a  prey. 
Useless  to  thee,  from  this  accursed  day! 
Yet  let  the  sacrifice  at  least  be  paid. 
An  honor  to  the  living,  not  the  dead  !  " 

So  spake  the  mournful  dame  :  her  matrons  hear, 
Sigh  back  her  sighs,  and  answer  tear  with  tear. 

•  A  styanax,  i.  e.  the  city-kin^  or  guardian.  It  is  amusing  that  Plato,  who  otten 
tnds  fault  with  Homer  without  reason,  should  have  copied  this  twaddling  etymologj 
BW  his  (.ralylus. 


Book  XXIII.|  THE  /L/AD.  451 


BOOK  XXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 
FUNERAL  GAMES  IN   HONOR   OF  PATROCLUS.* 

Achilles  and  the  Myrmidons  do  honors  to  the  body  of  Patroclus.  After  the  funeral 
feaat  he  retires  to  the  sea-shore,  where,  falling  asleep,  the  ghost  of  his  friend  .-?►- 
pears  to  hun,  and  demands  the  rites  of  burial  ;  the  next  morniig  the  soldiers  are 
sent  with  mules  and  wagons  to  fetch  wood  for  the  pyre.  The  funeral  procession, 
and  the  oSering  their  hair  to  the  dead.  Achilles  sacrifices  several  animals,  and 
lastly  twelve  'Irojan  captives,  at  the  pile  ;  then  sets  fire  to  it.  He  pays  libations 
to  the  Winds,  which  (at  the  instance  of  ins)  rise,  and  raise  the  flames.  When 
the  pile  has  burned  all  night,  they  gather  the  bones,  place  them  in  an  urn  of  gold 
and  raise  the  tomb.  Achilles  institutes  the  funeral  games  ;  the  chariot-race,  the 
fight  of  the  ca;stus,  the  wrestling,  the  foot-race,  the  single  combat,  the  discus,  the 
shooting  with  arrows,  the  darting  the  pvelin  :  the  various  desciiptions  of  which, 
and  the  various  success  of  the  several  antagonists,  make  the  greatest  part  of 
the  book. 

In  this  book  ends  the  thirtieth  day.  The  night  following,  the  ghost  of  Patro- 
clus appears  to  Achilles  :  the  one-.ind-thirtieth  day  is  employed  in  felling  the 
timber  for  the  pile  :  the  two-and-thirtieth  in  burning  it  ;  and  the  three-and- 
thirlieth  i:-.  the  games.     The  scene  is  generally  on  the  sea-shore. 

Thus  humbled  in  the  dust,  the  pensive  train 
Through  the  sad  city  mourn'd  her  hero  slain. 
The  body  soild  with  dust,  and  black  with  gore, 
Lies  on  broad  Hellespont's  resounding  shore. 
The  Grecians  seek  their  ships,  and  clear  the  strand, 
All,  but  the  martial  Myrmidonian  band  : 
These  yet  assembled  great  Achilles  holds, 
And  the  stern  purpose  of  his  mind  unfolds  : 

"  Not  yet,  my  brave  companions  of  the  war. 
Release  your  smoking  coursers  from  the  car  ; 
But,  with  his  chariot  each  in  order  led, 
Perform  due  honors  to  Patroclus  dead. 
Ere  yet  from  rest  or  food  we  seek  relief, 
Some  rites  rem.ain,  to  glut  our  I'age  of  grief." 

The  troops  obey'd  ;  and  thrice  in  order  led  f 
(.Achilles  first)  their  coursers  round  the  dead  ; 
And  thrice  their  sorrows  and  laments  renew  ; 
Tears  bathe  their  arms,  and  tears  the  sands  bedew. 
For  such  a  warrior  Thetis  aids  their  woe, 

*  This  book  has  been  closely  imitated  by  Virgil  in  Ins  fifth  book,  but  it  is  almost 
Dft^'e-is  to  attempt  a  selection  of  passages  for  comparison. 

*  rhricr  in  ordtr  lid.  This  was  a  frequent  rite  at  funerals.  The  Romans  had 
the  same  custom,  which  ihey  called  decursio.  Plutarch  states  that  Alexander,  la 
aiter  tinies,  renewed  tliesc  same  honors  to  the  memory  of  Achilles  himself. 


452  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIIl 

Melts  their  strong  hearts,  and  bids  their  eyes  to  flow. 
But  chief,  Pelides  :  thick-succeeding  sighs 
Burst  from  his  heart,  and  torrents  from  his  eyes  : 
His  slaughtering  hands,  yet  red  with  blood,  he  laid 
On  his  dead  friend's  cold  breast,  and  thus  he  said  •, 

"  All  hail,  Patroclus  !   let  thy  honor'd  ghost 
Hear,  and  rejoice  on  Pluto's  dreary  coast  ; 
Behold  !  Achilles'  promise  is  complete  ; 
The  bloody  Hector  strctch'd  before  thy  feet. 
Lo  !  to  the  dogs  liis  carcase  I  resign  ; 
And  twelve  sad  victims,  of  the  Trojan  line, 
Sacred  to  vengeance,  instant  shall  expire  ; 
Their  lives  effused  around  thy  funeral  pyre." 

Gloomy  he  said,  and  (horrible  to  view) 
Before  the  bier  the  bleeding  Hector  threw, 
Prone  on  the  dust.     The  Myrmidons  around 
Unbraced  their  armor,  and  the  steeds  unbound. 
All  to  Achilles'  sable  ship  repair, 
Frequent  and  full,  the  genial  feast  to  share. 
Now  from  the  well-fed  swine  black  smokes  aspire, 
The  bristly  victims  hissing  o'er  the  fire: 
The  huge  ox  bellowing  falls  ;  with  feebler  cries 
Expires  the  goat  ;  the  sheep  in  silence  dies. 
AroBind  the  hero's  prostrate  body  tlow'd. 
In  one  promiscuous  stream,  the  reeking  blood. 
And  now  a  band  of  Argive  monarchs  brings 
The  glorious  victor  to  the  king  of  kings. 
From  his  dead  friend  the  pensive  warrior  went, 
With  steps  unwilling,  to  the  regal  tent. 
The  attending  heralds,  as  by  office  bound, 
With  kindled  flames  the  tripod-tase  surround  : 
To  cleanse  his  conquering  bands  from  hostile  gore. 
They  urged  in  vain  ;  the  chief  refused,  and  swore  :  * 

"  No  drop  shall  touch  me,  by  almighty  Jove  ! 
The  first  and  greatest  of  the  gods  above  ' 
Till  on  the  pyre  I  place  tliee  ;  till  I  rear 
The  grassy  mound,  and  clip  thy  sacred  hair. 
Some  ease  at  least  those  pious  rites  may  give. 
And  soothe  my  sorrows,  while  I  bear  to  live. 
Howe'er,  reluctant  as  I  am,  I  stay 
And  share  your  feast  :  but  with  the  dawn  of  day, 
(O  king  of  men  !)  it  claims  thy  royal  care. 
That  Greece  the  warrior's    funeral  pile  prepare, 
And  bid  the  forests  fall  (such  rites  are  paid 
To  heroes  slumbering  in  eternal  shade  ) : 

^  And  sivorf.    Literally,  and  called  Orcu&,  the  god  of  oatlw,  to  witosM.     S«« 
ksctmann,  Lexilog,  p.  436. 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  lUAD.  453 


Then,  v/hen  his  earthly  part  sliall  mount  in  fire. 
Let  tlie  leagued  squadrons  to  their  posts  retire." 

He  spoke  :  they  hear  him,  and  the  word  obey  ; 
The  r.ige  of  hunger  and  of  thirst  alia]-, 
Then  ease  in  sleep  the  labors  of  the  day. 
But  great  Pelides,  stretch'd  along  the  shore, 
Where  dash'd  on  rocks,  the  broken  billows  roar, 
Lies  inly  groaning  ;   while  on  either  hand 
The  martial  Myrmidons  confusedly  stand. 
Along  the  grass  his  languid  members  fall. 
Tired  with  his  chase  around  the  Trojan  wall  ; 
Hush'd  by  the  murmurs  of  the  rolling  deep, 
At  length  he  sinks  in  the  soft  arms  of  sleep, 
When  lo  !  the  shade,  before  his  closing  eyes, 
Of  sad  Patroclus  rose,  or  seem'd  to  rise  : 
In  the  same  robe  he  living  wore,  he  came  : 
In  stature,  voice,  and  pleasing  look,  the  same. 
The  form  familiar  hover'd  o'er  his  head, 
"  And  sleeps  Achilles  ?  (thus  the  phantom  said): 
Sleeps  my  Achilles,  his  Patroclus  dead  .'' 
Living,  I  seem'd  his  dearest,  tenderest  care, 
But  now  forgot,  I  wander  in  the  air. 
Let  my  pale  corse  the  rites  of  burial  knowf, 
And  give  me  entrance  in  the  realms  below  : 
Till  then  the  spirit  finds  no  resting-place, 
But  here  and  there  the  unbodied  spectres  chase 
The  vagrant  dead  around  the  dark  abode, 
Forbid  to  cross  the  irremeable  flood. 
Now  give  thy  hand  ;  for  to  the  farther  shore 
When  once  we  pass,  the  soul  returns  no  more  ; 
When  once  the  last  funereal  flames  ascend. 
No  more  shall  meet  Achilles  and  his  friend  ; 
No  more  our  thoughts  to  those  we  loved  make  kno» 
Or  quit  the  dearest,  to  converse  alone. 
Me  fate  has  sever'd  from  tlie  .sons  of  earth, 
The  fate  fore-doom'd  that  waited  from  my  birth  : 
Thee  too  it  waits  ;  before  the  Trojan  wall 
Even  great  and  godlike  thou  art  doom'd  to  fall. 
Hear  then  ;  and  as  in  fate  and  love  we  join. 
Ah  suffer  that  my  bones  may  rest  with  thine  ! 
Together  have  we  lived  ;   together  bred. 
One  house  received  us,  and  one  table  fed  ; 
That  golden  urn,  tliy  goddess -mother  gave, 
May  mi.\  our  ashes  in  one  common  grave." 
"  And  is  it  thou  .'  (he  answers)  To  my  sight  * 


-154  THE  ILTAD.  [Book  XXIII. 

Once  more  retuin'st  tliou  from  the  realms  of  night  ' 
O  more  than  brother  !     Think  each  office  paid, 
Whate'er  can  rest  a  discontented  shade  : 
But  grant  one  last  embrace,  unhnppy  boy! 
Afford  at  least  that  melancholy  joy." 

He  said,  and  with  his  longing  arms  essay'd 
In  vain  to  grasp  the  visionary  shade  ! 
Like  a  thin  smoke  he  sees  the  spirit  fly,* 
And  hears  a  feeble,  lamentable  cry. 
Confused  he  wakes  ;  amazement  breaks  the  bands 
Of  golden  sleep,  and  starting  from  the  sands, 
Pensive  he  muses  with  uplifted  hands  : 

"  'Tis  true,  'tis  certain  ;  man,  though  dead,  retains 
Part  of  himself  ;  the  immortal  mind  remains  : 
The  form  subsists  without  the  body's  aid, 
Aerial  semblance,  and  an  empty  shade  ! 
This  night  my  friend,  so  late  in  battle  lost. 
Stood  at  my  side,  a  pensive,  plaintive  ghost  : 
Even  now  familiar,  as  in  life,  he  came  : 
Alas  !  how  different  !  yet  how  like  the  same  !  " 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  each  eye  grew  big  with  tears  : 
And  now  the  rosy-finger'd  morn  appears, 
Shows  every  mournful  face  with  tears  o'erspread, 
And  glares  on  the  pale  visage  of  the  dead, 
liut  Agamemnon,  as  the  rites  demand, 
With  mules  and  wagons  sends  a  chosen  band 
To  load  the  timber,  and  the  pile  to  rear  ; 
A  charge  consign'd  to  Merion's  faithful  care. 
With  proper  instruments  they  take  the  road. 
Axes  to  cut,  and  ropes  to  sling  the  load. 
First  march  the  heavy  mules,  securelv  slow. 
O'er  hills,  o'er  dales,  o'er  crags,  o'er  rocks  tiiey  go :  f 

Po  we  betiold  ttiee,  wearied  as  we  are 

Willi  lenKth  of  i.ibors,  and  witli  mils  of  war? 

After  so  many  funerals  of  thy  own. 

Art  thou  restored  to  thy  declining  town  ? 

IJul  say,  what  wounds  are  these  ?  what  new  disgrace 

Deforms  the  manly  features  of  thy  face  ?  " 

Dryden,  xi.  \f^ 
*    '.I'-tf  a  thin  smoke.      Virgil,  Genrg.  iv.  72. 

"  J 11  vain  I  rtach  my  feeble  hands  to  join 
In  sweet  embraces — ah  !  no  longer  thine  ! 
She  said,  and  from  his  eyes  the  fleeting  fair 
Retired,  like  subtle  smoke  dissolved  in  air." 
!  Bryden. 

Milton  .— 

"  So  engerly  the  fiend 
O'er  bog,  o*er  steep,  through  strait,  rough,  dense,  or  rare, 
With  he.id,  hands,  wings,  or  feet  pursues  his  way. 
And  swinis,  or  sinks,  ur  wades,  ur  creeps,  or  flies." 

"  Paradise  Lofet,"  ii.  94S. 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  455 

Jumping,  high  o'er  the  shrubs  of  the  rough  ground, 

Rattle  the  clattering  cars,  and  the  shocl<'d  axles  bound. 

But  when  arrived  at  Ida's  spreading  woods,* 

(Fair  Ida,  water'd  with  descending  floods), 

Loi'd  sounds  the  axe,  redoubling  strokes  on  strokes; 

On  all  sides  round  the  forest  hurls  her  oaks 

Headlong.     Deep-echoing  groan  the  thickets  brown; 

Then  rustling,  crackling,  crashing,  tliunder  down. 

The  wood  the  Grecians  cleave,  prepared  to  burn  ; 

And  the  slow  mules  the  same  rough  road  return. 

The  sturdy  woodmen  equal  burdens  bore 

(Such  charge  was  given  them)  to  the  sandy  shore  ; 

There  on  the  spot  which  great  Acliilles  show'd. 

They  eased  their  shoulders,  and  disposed  the  load; 

Circling  around  the  place,  where  times  to  come 

Shall  view  Patroclus'  and  Achilles'  tomb. 

The  hero  bids  his  martial  troops  appear 

High  on  their  cars  in  all  the  pomp  of  war; 

Each  in  refulgent  arms  his  limbs  attires. 

All  mount  their  chariots,  combatants  and  squires. 

The  chariots  first  proceed,  a  shining  train  ; 

Then  clouds  of  foot  that  smoke  along  the  plain ; 

Next  these  the  melancholy  band  appear; 

Amidst,  lay  dead  Patroclus  on  the  bier  ; 

O'er  all  the  corse  their  scatter'd  locks  they  throw; 

Achilles  next,  oppress'd  with  mighty  woe. 

Supporting  with  his  hands  the  hero's  head, 

Bends  o'er  the  extended  body  of  the  dead. 

Patroclus  decent  on  the  appointed  ground 

They  place,  and  heap  the  sylvan  pile  around. 

But  great  Achilles  stands  apart  in  prayer, 

And  from  his  head  divides  the  yellow  hair; 

Those  curling  locks  whiclt  from  his  youth  he  vow'd,f 

And  sacred  grew,  to  Sperchius'  honor'd  flood  : 

Then  sighing,  to  the  deep  his  locks  he  cast, 

And  roll'd  his  eyes  around  tlie  watery  waste  : 

"  Sperchius  !  whose  waves  in  mazy  errors  lost 
Delightful  roll  along  my  native  coast  ! 
To  whom  we  vainly  vow'd,  at  our  return, 


t  forest,  for  the  work  desifrn'd 
(The  shady  covert  of  tlie  sav-npe  kind), 
The  Trojans  found  :  the  sounding  axe  is  placed: 
Firs,  pines,  and  pitch-trees,  and  the  tow'ring  pride 
Of  forest  ashes,  feel  the  fatal  stroke, 
And  piercing  wedges  cleave  the  stubborn  oak. 
High  trunks  of  trees,  fell'd  from  the  steepy  crown 
Of  the  bare  mountains,  roll  »ith  ruin  down." 

Dryden's  Virgil, 
Tliis  was  a  very  asacut  custom. 


456  THE  ILIAD.  [li'-uK 

These  locks  to  fall,  and  liectatombs  to  burn : 
Full  fifty  rams  to  bleed  in  sacrifice, 
Where  to  the  day  thy  silver  fountains  rise, 
And  where  in  shade  of  consecrated  bowers 
Thy  altars  stand,  perfumed  with  native  flowers! 
So''vow'd  my  father,  but  he  vow'd  in  vain; 
No  more  Achilles  sees  his  native  plain; 
In  that  vain  hope  these  hairs  no  longer  grow, 
Patroclus  bears  them  to  the  shades  below." 

Thus  o'er  Patroclus  while  the  hero  pray'd, 
On  his  cold  hand  the  sacred  lock  he  laid. 
Once  more  afresh  the  Grecian  sorrows  flow : 
And  now  the  sun  had  set  upon  their  woe  ; 
But  to  the  king  of  men  thus  spoke  the  chief: 
"Enougli,  Atrides  !  give  the  troops  rehef: 
Permit  the  mourning  legions  to  retire, 
And  let  the  chiefs  alone  attend  the  pyre  ; 

The  pious  care  be  ours,  the  dead  to  burn '" 

He  said:  the  people  to  their  ships  return: 
While  those  deputed  to  inter  the  slain 
Heap  with  a  rising  pyramid  the  plain.* 
A  hundred  foot  in  length,  a  hundred  wide. 
The  growing  structure  spreads  on  every  side; 
High  on  the  top  the  manly  corse  they  lay, 
And  well-fed  sheep  and  sable  oxen  slay : 
Achilles  cover'd  with  their  fat  the  dead, 
And  the  piled  victims  round  the  body  spread; 
Then  jars  of  h.oney,  and  of  fragrant  oil. 
Suspends  around,  low-bending  o'er  the  pile. 
Four  sprightly  coursers,  with  a  deadly  groan 
Pour  forth  their  lives,  and  on  the  pyre  are  thrown. 
Of  nine  large  dogs,  domestic  at  his  board. 
Fall  two,  selected  to  attend  their  lord. 
Then  last  of  all,  and  horrible  to  tell. 
Sad  sacrifice  !  twelve  Trojan  captives  fell.f 
On  these  the  rage  of  fire  victorious  preys. 
Involves  and  joins  them  in  one  common  blaze. 
Smear'd  with  the  bloody  rites,  he  stands  on  high, 
And  calls  the  spirit  with  a  dreadful  cry:  % 


•  The  height  of  tlie  tomb  or  pile  was  a  great  proof  of  the  dignity  of  the  deceased, 
jmd  tlie  honor  in  which  he  was  held. 

t  On   the   prevalence  of  this   cruel  custom   amongst  the  northern 
Mallei,  p.  213-  .       ,  ., 

t  And  calls  thi  spirit.     Such  was  the  custom  anciently,  even  at  the 
itinerals. 

"  Hail,  O  ye  holy  names  !  hail  again, 
Paternal  ashes, 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  4?;" 

"  All  hail,  Patroclus  !  let  thy  vengeful  ghost 
Hear,  and  exult,  en  Pluto's  dreary  coast. 
Behold  Acliilles'  promise  fully  paid, 
Twelve  Trojan  heroes  offer'd  to  thy  shade; 
But  iieavier  fates  on  Hector's  corse  attend, 
Saved  from  the  flames,  for  hungry  dogs  to  rend." 

.So  spake  he,  threatening :  but  the  gods  made  vain 
His  threat,  and  guard  inviolate  the  slain: 
Celestiaf  Venus  hover'd  o'er  his  head. 
And  roseate  unguents,  heavenly  fragrance  !  shed  ; 
She  watch'd  him  all  the  night  and  all  the  day. 
And  drove  the  bloodhounds  from  their  destined  prey. 
Nor  sacred  Phoebus  less  em])loy'd  his  care  ; 
He  pour'd  around  a  veil  of  gather'd  air, 
And  kept  the  nerves  undried,  the  flesh  entire, 
Against  the  solar  beam  and  Sirian  fire. 

Nor  yet  the  pile,  where  dead  Patroclus  lies, 
Smokes,  nor  as  ye>t  the  sullen  flames  arise  ; 
But,  fast  beside,  Achilles  stood  in  prayer, 
Invoked  the  gods  whose  spirit  moves  the  air, 
And  victims  promised,  and  libations  cast. 
To  gentle  Zephyr  and  the  Boreal  blast  : 
He  call'd  the  aerial  powers,  along  the  skies 
To  breathe,  and  whisper  to  the  fires  to  rise. 
The  winged  Iris  heard  the  hero's  call, 
And  instant  hasten'd  to  their  airy  hall. 
Where  in  old  Zephyr's  open  courts  on  high, 
Sat  all  the  blustering  brethren  of  the  sky. 
She  shone  amia^st  them,  on  her  painted  bow ; 
The  rocky  pavement  glitter'd  with  the  show. 
All  from  the  banquet  rise,  and  each  invites 
The  various  goddess  to  partake  the  rite.s. 
"  Not  so  (the  dame  replied),  I  haste  to  go 
To  sacred  Ocean,  and  the  floods  below  : 
Even  now  our  solemn  hecatombs  attend. 
And  heaven  is  feasting  on  the  world's  green  end. 
With  righteous  Ethiops  (uncorrupted  train)  ! 
Far  on  the  extremest  limits  of  the  main. 
But  Peleus'  son  entreats,  with  sacrifice. 
The  western  spirit,  and  the  north,  to  rise  ! 
Let  on  Patroclus'  pile  your  blast  be  driven, 
And  bear  the  blazing  honors  high  to  heaven." 

Swift  as  the  word  she  vanish'd  from  their  view; 
Swift  as  the  word  the  winds  tumultuous  flew  ; 
Forth  burst  the  stormy  band  with  thundering  roar. 
And  heaps  on  heajjs  the  clouds  are  toss'd  before. 
To  the  wide  main  then  stooping  from  the  skies, 


4S»  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIII- 

The  heaving  deeps  in  watery  mountains  rise : 
Troy  feels  the  blast  along  her  shaking  walls, 
Till  on  the  pile  the  gather'd  tempest  lalls. 
The  structure  crackles  in  the  roaring  fires, 
And  all  the  night  the  plenteous  flame  aspires. 
All  night  AchUles  hails  Patroclus'  soul,  ^ 

With  large  libations  from  the  golden  bowl. 
As  a  poor  fatlier,  helpless  and  undone, 
Mourns  o'er  the  ashes  of  an  only  son. 
Takes  a  sad  pleasure  the  last  bones  to  burn, 
And  pours  in  tears,  ere  yet  they  close  the  urn  : 
So  stay'd  Achilles,  circling  round  tlie  shore, 
So  watch'd  the  flames,  till  now  they  flame  no  more. 
'Twas  when,  emerging  through  the  shades  of  night, 
The  morning  planet  told  the  approach  of  light: 
And,  fast  behind,  Aurora's  warmer  ray 
O'er  the  broad  ocean  pour'd  the  golden  day  : 
Then  sank  tlie  blaze,  the  pile  no  lortger  burn'd. 
And  to  their  caves  the  whistling  winds  return'd : 
Across  the  Thracian  seas  their  course  they  bore ; 
The  ruffled  seas  beneath  their  passage  roar. 
Then  parting  from  the  pile  he  ceased  to  weep, 

And  sank  to  quiet  in  the  embrace  of  sleep. 
Exhausted  with  his  grief:  meanwhile  the  crowd 
Of  thronging  Grecians  round  Achilles  stood; 
The  tumult  waked  him  :  from  his  eyes  he  shook 

Unwilling  slumber,  and  the  chiefs  bespoke  : 
"  Ye  kings  and  princes  of  the  Achaian  name  \ 

First  let  us  quench  the  yet  remaining  flame 

With  sable  wine ;  then,  as  the  rites  direct, 

The  hero's  bones  with  careful  view  select 

(Ap.art,  and  easy  to  be  known  they  lie 

Amidst  the  heap,  and  obvious  to  the  eye : 

The  rest  around  the  margin  will  be  seen 

Promiscuous,  steeds  and  immolated  men) : 

These  wrapp'd  in  double  cauls  of  fat,  prepare; 

And  in  the  golden  vase  dispose  with  care  : 

There  let  them  rest  with  decent  honor  laid. 

Till  I  shall  follow  to  the  infernal  shade. 

Meantime  erect  the  tomb  with  pious  hands, 

A  common  structure  on  the  humble  sands  : 

Hereafter  Greece  some  nobler  work  may  raise. 

And  late  posterity  record  our  praise  !  " 

The  Greeks  obey;  where  yet  the  embers  glow. 

Wide  o'er  the  pile  the  sable  wine  they  throw, 

And  deep  subsides  tlie  ashy  heap  below. 

Ne.-tt  the  white  bones  his  sad  companions  place, 


Book  .VXIII.J  THE  ILIAD.  459 

With  tears  collected,  in  the  golden  vase. 
Tlie  s.icreil  relics  to  the  tent  they  bore  ; 
The  urn  a  veil  of  linen  cover'd  o'er. 
That  done,  they  bid  the  sepulclire  aspire. 
And  cast  the  deep  foundations  round  the  pyre ; 
High  in  the  midst  they  heap  the  swelling  bed 
Of  rising  earth,  memorial  of  tlie  dead. 

The  swarming  populace  the  chief  detains, 
And  leads  amidst  a  wide  extent  of  plains  ; 
There  placed  tliem  round  :  then  from  the  ships  proceeds 
A  train  of  oxen,  mules,  and  stately  steeds. 
Vases  and  tripods  (for  the  funeral  games). 
Resplendent  brass,  and  more  resplendent  dames. 
First  stood  the  prizes  to  reward  the  force 
Of  rapid  racers  in  the  dusty  course  : 
A  woman  for  the  first,  in  beauty's  bloom, 
Skill'd  in  the  needle,  and  the  laboring  loom; 
And  a  large  vase,  where  two  bright  handles  rise, 
Of  twenty  measures  its  capacious  size. 
The  second  victor  claims  a  mare  unbrolce, 
Big  with  a  mule,  unknowing  of  the  yoke  : 
The  tliird,  a  charger  yet  untouch'd  by  flame: 
Four  ample  measures  held  the  shining  frame  : 
Two  golden  talents  for  the  fourth  were  placed : 
An  ample  double  bowl  contents  the  last. 
These  in  fair  order  ranged  upon  the  plain, 
The  hero,  rising,  thus  address'd  the  train  : 

'•  Behold  tlie  prizes,  valiant  Greeks  !  decreed 
To  the  brave  rulers  of  the  racing  steed  : 
Prizes  which  none  beside  ourself  could  gain, 
Should  our  immortal  coursers  take  the  plain 
(A  race  unrivall'd,  which  from  ocean's  god 
Peleus  received,  and  on  his  son  bestow'd). 
But  this  no  time  our  vigor  to  display ; 
Nor  suit,  with  them,  the  games  of  this  sad  day . 
Lost  is  Patroclus  now,  that  wont  to  deck 
Their  flowing  manes,  and  sleek  their  glossy  neck. 
Sad,  as  they  shared  in  human  grief,  they  stand, 
And  trail  those  graceful  honors  on  the  sand  ! 
Let  others  for  the  noble  task  prepare, 
Who  trust  the  courser  and  the  flying  car." 

Fired  at  his  word  the  rival  racers  rise ; 
But  far  the  first  Eumelus  hopes  the  prize, 
Famed  though  Pieria  for  the  fleetest  breed. 
And  skill'd  to  manage  tlie  hic;h-bounding  steed. 
Witli  equal  ardor  bold  Tydies  swoli'd, 
The  steeds  of  Tros  beneath  his  yoke  compell'd 


460  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIH 

(Which  late  obey'd  tlie  Dardan  chief's  command. 
When  scarce  a  god  redeeni'd  him  from  his  hand). 
Then  Menelaiis  his  Podargus  brings, 
And  the  famed  courser  of  the  king  of  kings  : 
Whom  rich  Echepohis  (more  rich  than  brave), 
To  'scape  the  wars,  to  Agamemnon  gave, 
(ytthe  her  name)  at  home  to  end  liis  days  ; 
Base  wealth  preferring  to  eternal  praise. 
Ne,\t  him  Antilochus  demands  the  course 
With  beating  heart,  and  cheers  his  l^ylian  horse. 
E.\perienced  Nestor  gives  his  son  the  reins, 
Directs  his  judgment,  and  his  heat  restrains ; 
Nor  idly  warns  the  hoary  sire,  nor  hears 
The  prudent  son  with  unattending  ears. 

"  My  son  !  though  youthful  ardor  fire  thy  breast, 
The  gods  have  loved  thee,  and  with  arts  have  bless'd, 
Neptune  and  Jove  on  thee  conferr'd  the  skill 
Swift  round  the  goal  to  turn  the  flying  wheel. 
To  guide  thy  conduct  little  precept  needs  ; 
But  slow,  and  past  their  vigor,  are  my  steeds. 
Fear  not  thy  rivals,  though  for  swiftness  known ; 
Compare  those  rivals'  judgment  and  thy  own  : 
It  is  not  strength,  but  art,  obtains  the  prize. 
And  to  be  swift  is  less  than  to  be  wise. 
'Tis  more  by  art  than  force  of  numerous  strokes 
The  de.\terous  woodman  shapes  the  stubborn  oaks ; 
By  art  the  pilot,  through  the  boiling  deep 
And  howling  tempest,  steers  the  fearless  ship; 
And  'tis  theartist  wins  the  glorious  course  ; 
Not  those  who  trust  in  chariots  and  in  horse. 
In  vain,  unskilful  to  the  goal  they  strive, 
And  short,  or  wide,  the  ungovern'd  courser  drive: 
While  with  sure  skill,  though  with  inferior  steeds. 
The  knowing  racer  to  his  end  proceeds ; 
Fix'd  on  the  goal  his  eye  foreruns  the  course. 
His  hand  unerring  steers  the  steady  horse. 
And  now  contract.^,  or  now  e-xtends  the  rein, 
Observing  still  the  foremost  on  the  plain. 
Mark  then  tlie  goal,  'tis  easy  to  be  found  ; 
Yon  aged  trunk,  a  cubit  from  the  ground ; 
Of  some  once  stately  oak  the  last  remains. 
Or  hardy  fir,  unperish'd  with  the  rains  : 
Inclosed  with  stones,  conspicuous  from  afar; 
And  round,  a  circle  for  the  wheeling  car. 
(Some  tomb  perhaps  of  old,  the  dead  to  grace; 
Or  tlien,  as  now,  the  limit  of  a  race.) 
Bear  close  to  this,  and  warily  proceed, 


Book  XXIII.J  THE  ILIAD.  461 

A  little  bending  to  the  left  hand  steed  ; 

But  urge  the  right,  and  give  him  all  the  reins; 

While  tliy  strict  hand  his  fellow's  head  restrains, 

And  turns  him  short ;  till,  doubling  as  they  roll, 

The  wheel's  round  naves  appear  to  brush  the  goal. 

Yet  (not  to  break  the  car,  or  lame  the  horse) 

Clear  of  the  stony  heap  direct  the  course  ; 

Lest  through  incaution  failing,  thou  mayest  be 

A  joy  to  others,  a  reproach  to  me. 

So  shalt  thou  pass  the  goal,  secure  of  mind, 

And  leave  unskilful  swiftness  far  beliind  : 

Though  thy  fierce  rival  drove  the  matchless  steed 

Which  bore  Adrastus,  of  celestial  breed  ; 

Or  the  famed  race,  through  all  the  regions  known, 

That  whirl'd  the  car  of  proud  Laomedon." 

Thus  (nought  unsaid)  the  much-advising  sage 
Concludes  ;  then  sat,  stiff  with  unwieldy  age. 
Next  bold  Meriones  was  seen  to  rise, 
The  last,  but  not  least  ardent  for  the  prize. 
They  mount  their  seats  ;  the  lots  their  place  dispose 
(RoU'd  in  his  helmet,  these  Achilles  throws). 
Young  Nestor  leads  the  race  :  Kumclus  then; 
And  ne.xt  the  brother  of  the  king  of  men: 
Ihy  lot,  Meriones,  the  fourth  was  cast ; 
And,  far  the  bravest,  Diomed,  was  last. 
They  stand  in  order,  an  impatient  train: 
Pelides  points  the  barrier  on  the  plain, 
And  sends  before  old  Phoenix  to  the  place, 
To  mark  the  racers,  and  to  judge  the  race. 
At  once  the  coursers  from  the  barrier  bound  ; 
The  lifted  scourges  all  at  once  resound  ; 
Their  heart,  their  eyes,  their  voice,  they  send  before 
And  up  tlie  champaign  thunder  from  the  shore  : 
Thick,  where  tliey  drive,  the  dusty  clouds  arise, 
And  the  lost  courser  in  the  whirlwind  flies  ; 
Loose  on  their  slioulders  the  long  manes  reclined, 
Float  in  their  speed,  and  dance  upon  the  wind : 
The  smoking  chariots,  rapid  as  tliey  bound. 
Now  seem  to  touch  the  sky,  and  now  tlie  ground. 
While  hot  for  fame,  and  conquest  all  their  care 
(Each  o'er  liis  flying  courser  hung  in  air), 
Erect  with  ardor,  poised  upon  the  rein, 
They  pant,  they  stretch,  they  shout  along  the  plain. 
Now  (the  last  compass  fetch' J  around  the  goal) 
At  tlie  near  prize  eacli  gathers  all  his  soul. 
Each  burns  with  double  hope,  witli  double  pain 
Tears  up  the  shore,  and  thunders  toward  the  main. 


40;  THE  JLrAD.  [Book  XXIIL 

First  flew  Eumelus  on  Pheretian  steeds  ; 

With  tliose  of  Tros  bold  Diomed  succeeds  : 

Close  on  Eumelus'  back  they  puff  the  wind, 

And  seem  just  mounting  on  his  car  behind; 

Full  on  his  neck  he  feels  the  sultry  breeze, 

And,  hovering  o'er,  their  stretching  shadows  sees. 

Then  liad  he  lost,  or  left  a  doubtful  prize;- 

But  angry  Phcebus  to  Tydides  flies, 

Strikes  from  his  hand  the  scourge,  and  renders  vain 

His  matchless  horses'  labor  on  tlie  plain. 

Rage  tills  his  eye  with  anguish,  to  survey 

Snatch'd  from  his  liope  the  glories  of  the  day. 

The  fraud  celestial  Pallas  sees  with  pain. 

Springs  to  her  knight,  and  gives  the  scourge  again, 

And  fills  his  steeds  with  vigor.     At  a  stroke 

She  breaks  his  rival's  chariot  from  the  yoke : 

No  more  their  way  the  startled  horses  held ; 

The  car  reversed  came  rattling  on  the  field ; 

Shot  headlong  from  his  seat,  beside  the  wheel, 

I'rone  on  the  dust  tlie  unliappy  master  fell : 

His  batter'd  face  and  elbows  strike  the  ground  ; 

Nose,  mouth,  and  front,  one  undistinguish'd  wound: 

Grief  stops  his  voice,  a  torrent  drowns  his  eyes: 

Before  him  far  the  glad  Tydides  flies  : 

Minerva's  spirit  drives  his  matchless  pace, 

And  crowns  him  victor  of  the  labor'd  race. 

The  next,  though  distant,  IVIenelaiis  succeeds; 
While  thus  young  Nestor  animates  his  steeds  • 
"  Now,  now,  my  generous  pair,  exert  your  force  : 
Not  that  we  hope  to  match  Tydides'  horse, 
Since  great  Minerva  wings  their  rapid  w.ay, 
And  gives  their  lord  the  honors  of  the  day : 
But  reach  Atrides  !   shall  his  mare  outgo 
Your  swiftness  ?  vanquish'd  by  a  female  foe  ? 
Through  your  neglect,  if  lagging  on  the  plain 
The  last  ignoble  gift  be  all  we  gain. 
No  more  shall  Nestor's  hand  your  food  supply, 
The  old  man's  fury  rises,  and  ye  die. 
Haste  then  :  yon  narrow  road,  before  our  sight, 
Presents  the  occasion,  could  we  use  it  right." 

Thus  he.     The  coursers  at  their  master's  threat 
With  quicker  steps  the  sounding  champaign  beat. 
And  now  Antilochus  with  nice  survey 
Observes  the  compass  of  the  hollow  way. 
'Tvvas  where,  by  force  of  wintry  torrents  torn, 
Fast  by  the  road  a  precipice  was  worn  : 
Here,  where  but  one  could  pass,  to  shun  the  throng 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  4^3 

The  Spartan  hero's  chariot  smoked  along. 

Close  up  the  venturous  youth  resolves  to  keep, 

Still  etiging  near,  and  bears  him  toward  the  steep. 

Atrides  trembling,  casts  his  eye  below, 

And  wonders  at  the  rashness  of  his  foe. 

"  Hold,  stay  your  steeds — What  madness  thus  to  ride 

This  narrow  way!  take  larger  field  (he  cried), 

Or  both  must  fall." — Atrides  cried  in  vain  ; 

He  flies  more  fast,  and  throws  up  all  the  rein. 

Far  as  an  able  arm  tlic  disk  can  send. 

When  youthful  rivals  their  full  force  extend, 

So  far,  Antilochus  !  thy  chariot  flew 

Before  the  king:  he,  cautious,  backwards  drew 

His  horse  compell'd  ;  foreboding  in  his  fears 

The  rattling  ruin  of  the  clashing  cars. 

The  floundering  coursers  rolling  on  the  plain. 

And  conquest  lost  through  frantic  haste  to  gain. 

But  thus  upbraids  his  rival  as  he  flies  : 

"  Go,  furious  youth  !  ungenerous  and  unwise  ! 

Go,  but  expect  not  I'll  the  prize  resign  ; 

Add  pe'jury  to  fraud,  and  make  it  thine — " 

Then  to  his  steeds  with  all  his  force  he  cries, 

"  Be  swift,  be  vigorous,  and  regain  the  prize  ! 

Your  rivals,  destitute  of  youthful  force. 

With  fainting  knees  shall  labor  in  the  course, 

And  yield  the  glory  yours." — The  steeds  obey; 

Already  at  their  heels  they  wing  their  way, 

And  seem  already  to  retrieve  the  day. 

Meantime  the  Grecians  in  a  ring  beheld 
The  coursers  bounding  o'er  the  dusty  field. 
The  first  who  mark'd  them  was  the  Cretan  king; 
High  on  a  rising  ground,  above  the  ring. 
The  monarch  sat  :  from  whence  with  sure  survey 
He  well  observed  the  chief  who  led  the  way. 
And  heard  from  far  his  animating  cries. 
And  saw  the  foremost  steed  with  sharpen'd  eyesj 
On  whose  broad  front  a  blaze  of  shining  white, 
Like  the  full  moon,  stood  obvious  to  the  sight. 
He  saw  ;  and  rising,  to  the  Greeks  begun  : 
"  Are  yonder  horse  discern'd  by  me  alone.' 
Or  can  ye,  all,  another  chief  survey. 
And  other  steeds  than  lately  led  the  way? 
Those,  though  the  swiftest,  by  some  god  withheld. 
Lie  sure  disabled  in  the  middle  field  : 
For.  since  the  goal  they  doubled,  round  the  plain 
I  search  to  find  tlicm.  l)ut  I  search  in  vain. 
Perchance  the  reins  forsook  the  driver's  hand, 


4.64  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIIl- 

And,  turn'd  too  short,  he  tumbled  on  the  strand, 

Shot  from  the  chariot  :  while  his  coursers  stray 

With  frantic  fury  from  the  destined  way. 

Rise  then  some  other,  and  inform  my  sight. 

For  these  dim  eyes,  perhaps,  discern  not  right; 

Yet  sure  he  seems,  to  judge  by  shape  and  air, 

The  great  ^tolian  chief,  renown'd  in  war." 
'•  Old  man  !  (Oileus  rashly  thus  replies) 

Thy  tongue  too  hastily  confers  the  prize  ; 

Of  those  who  view  the  course,  nor  sharpest  eyed. 

Nor  youngest,  yet  the  readiest  to  decide. 

Eumelus'  steeds,  high  bounding  in  the  chase. 

Still,  as  at  first,  unrivall'd  lead  the  race  : 

I  well  discern  him,  as  he  shakes  the  rein, 

And  hear  his  shouts  victorious  o'er  the  plain." 
Tlius  he.     Idomencus,  incensed,  rejoin'd  : 

"  Barbarous  of  words  !  and  arrogant  of  mind ! 

Contentious  prince,  of  all  the  Greeks  beside 

The  last  in  merit,  as  the  first  in  pride  ! 

To  vile  reproach  what  answer  can  we  make  'i 

A  goblet  or  a  tripod  let  us  stake. 

And  be  tlie  king  tlie  judge.     The  most  unwise 

Will  learn  their  rashness,  when  they  pay  the  price." 
He  -said :  and  Aja.x,  by  mad  passion  borne,  ■ 

Stern  had  replied  ;  fierce  scorn  enhancing  scorn 

To  fell  extremes.     But  Tlietis'  godlike  son 

Awful  amidst  them  rose,  and  thus  begun  : 

"  Forbear,  ye  chiefs  !  reproacliful  to  contend  ; 

Much  would  ye  blame,  should  others  thus  offend : 

And  lo  !  the  approaching  steeds  your  contest  end." 
No  sooner  had  he  spoke,  but  thundering  i  ear. 
Drives,  through  a  stream  of  dust,  tlie  charioteer. 
High  o'er  his  head  the  circling  lash  he  wields: 
His  bounding  liorses  scarcely  touch  the  fields  : 
His  car  amidst  the  dusty  whirlwind  roll'd. 
Bright  with  the  mingled  blaze  of  tin  and  gold, 
Refulgent  through  the  cloud  :  no  eye  could  find 
Tlie  track  his  flying  wheels  had  left  behind  : 
And  the  fierce  coursers  urged  their  rapid  pace 
So  swift,  it  seem'd  a  flight,  and  not  a  race. 
Now  victor  at  the  goal  Tydides  stands. 
Quits  his  bright  car,  and  springs  upon  the  sands; 
From  the  hot  steeds  the  sweaty  torrents  stream ; 
The  well-plied  whip  is  hung  athwart  the  beam: 
With  joy  brave  Sthenelus  receives  the  prize. 
The  tripod-vase,  and  dame  witli  radiant  eyes  : 
These  to  the  ships  liis  train  Iriurauhant  leads. 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  465 

The  chief  himself  unyokes  the  panting  steeds. 

Young  Nestor  follows  (who  by  art,  not  force, 
O'erpass'd  Atrides)  second  in  the  course. 
Behind,  Atrides  urged  the  race,  more  near 
Than  to  the  courser  in  his  swift  career 
The  following  car,  just  touching  with  his  heel 
And  brushing  with  his  tail  the  whirling  wheel: 
Such,  and  so  narrow  now  the  space  between 
The  rivals,  late  so  distant  on  the  green  ; 
So  soon  swift  Aithe  her  lost  ground  regain'd, 
One  length,  one  moment,  had  the  race  obtain'd. 

Merion  pursued,  at  greater  distance  still, 
With  tardier  coursers,  and  inferior  skill. 
Last  came,  Admetus  !  thy  unhappy  son  ; 
Slow  dragg'd  the  steeds  his  batter'd  chariot  on ; 
Achilles  saw,  and  pitying  thus  begun  : 

"  Behold  !  the  man  whose  matchless  art  surpass'd 
The  sons  of  Greece  !  the  ablest,  yet  the  last! 
Fortune  denies,  but  justice  bids  us  pay 
(Since  great  Tydides  bears  the  fir;:t  away) 
To  him  the  second  honors  of  the  day." 

The  Greeks  consent  with  loud-applauding  cries. 
And  then  Eumelus  Iiad  receivetl  the  prize, 
But  youthful  Nestor,  jealous  of  his  fame, 
The  award  opposes,  and  asserts  his  claim. 
"  Think  not  (he  cries)  I  tamely  will  resign, 
O  Peleus'  son  !  the  mare  so  justly  mine. 
What  if  the  gods,  the  skilful  to  confound. 
Have  thrown  the  horse  and  horseman  to  the  ground  ? 
Perhaps  he  sought  not  heaven  by  sacrifice. 
And  vows  omitted  forfeited  the  prize. 
If  yet  (distinction  to  thy  friend  to  show, 
And  please  a  soul  desirous  to  bestow) 
Some  gift  must  grace  Eumelus,  view  thy  store 
Of  beauteous  handmaids,  steeds,  and  shining  ore ; 
An  ample  present  let  him  thence  receive. 
And  Greece  shall  praise  thy  generous  thirst  to  give. 
But  this  my  prize  I  never  shall  forego  ; 
This,  who  but  touches,  warriors  !  is  my  foe." 

Thus  spake  the  youth  ;  nor  did  his  words  offend; 
Pleased  with  the  well-turn'd  flattery  of  a  friend, 
.Achilles  smiled  :  "  The  gift  proposed  (he  cried), 
Antilochus  !  we  shall  ourselves  provide. 
With  plates  of  brass  the  corslet  cover'd  o'er, 
(Tlie  same  renown'd  Asteropsus  wore). 
Whose  glittering  margins  raised  with  silver  shins. 
(No  vuljjar  gift),  Eumelus  !  shall  be  thine." 


4f>b  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIII 

He  said  :  Automedon  at  his  command 
Tlie  corslet  Ijrouglit,  and  gave  it  to  his  hand. 
DistingLiisli'd  by  his  friend,  his  bosom  glows 
With  generous  joy:  then  Menelaus  rose  ; 
The  herald  placed  the  sceptre  in  liis  hands, 
And  still'd  the  clamor  of  the  shouting  bands. 
Not  without  cause  incensed  at  Nestor's  son, 
And  only  grieving,  thus  the  king  begun : 

"  The  praise  of  wisdom,  in  thy  youth  obtain'd. 
An  act  so  rash,  Antilochus  !  has  stain'd. 
Robb'd  of  my  glory  and  my  just  reward. 
To  you,  O  Grecians  !  be  my  wrong  declared  : 
So  not  a  leader  shall  our  conduct  blame, 
Or  judge  me  envious  of  a  rival's  fame. 
But  shall  not  we,  ourselves,  the  truth  maintain  ? 
What  needs  appealing  in  a  fact  so  plain  ? 
What  Greek  shall  blame  me,  if  I  bid  thee  rise. 
And  vindicate  by  oath  th'  ill-gotten  prize  ? 
Rise  if  thou  darest,  before  thy  chariot  stand. 
The  driving  scourge  high  lifted  in  thy  hand  ; 
And  touch  thy  steeds,  and  swear  thy  whole  intent 
Was  but  to  conquer,  not  to  circumvent. 
Swear  by  that  god  whose  liquid  arms  surround 
The  globe,  and  whose  dread  earthquakes  heave  the  ground  !*■ 

The  prudent  chief  with  calm  attention  heard  ; 
Then  mildly  thus  ;  "  Excuse,  if  youth  have  err'd  ; 
Superior  as  thou  art,  forgive  the  offence, 
Nor  I  thy  equal,  or  in  years,  or  sense. 
Thou  know'st  the  errors  of  unripen'd  age. 
Weak  are  its  counsels,  headlong  is  its  rage. 
The  prize  I  quit,  if  thou  thy  wrath  resign  ; 
The  mare,  or  aught  thou  ask'st,  be  freely  thine 
Ere  I  become  (from  thy  dear  friendship  torn) 
Hateful  to  thee,  and  to  the  gods  forsworn." 

So  spoke  Antilochus  ;  and  at  the  word 
The  mare  contested  to  the  king  restored. 
Joy  swells  his  soul  :  as  when  the  vernal  grain 
Lifts  the  green  ear  above  the  springing  plain, 
The  fields  their  vegetable  life  renew. 
And  laugh  and  glitter  with  the  morning  dew; 
Such  joy  the  Spartan's  shining  face  o'erspread, 
And  lifted  his  gay  heart,  while  thus  he  said: 

"  Still  may  our  souls,  O  generous  youth  !  agree, 
'Tis  now  Atrides'  turn  to  yield  to  thee. 
Rash  heat  perhaps  a  moment  might  control, 
Not  break,  the  settled  temper  of  thy  soul. 
Not  but  (my  fr^'ud)  'tis  still  the  wiser  way 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  167 

To  waive  contention  with  superior  sway  ; 
For  ah!  how  few,  who  should  hke  thee  offend, 
Like  thee,  have  talents  to  regain  the  friend! 
To  plead  indulgence,  and  thy  fault  atone, 
Suffice  thy  father's  merit  and  thy  own  : 
Generous  alike,  for  me,  the  sire  and  son 
Have  greatly  suffer'd,  and  have  greatly  done. 
I  yield  ;  that  all  may  know,  my  soul  can  bend. 
Nor  is  my  pride  pre'ferr'd  before  my  friend." 

He  said  ;  and  pleased  his  passion  to  command, 
Resign'd  the  courser  to  Noemon's  hand. 
Friend  of  the  youthful  chief:  himself  content, 
The  shining  charger  to  his  vessel  sent. 
The  golden  talents  Merion  ne.xt  obtain'd ; 
The  fifth  reward,  the  double  bowl,  remain'd. 
Achilles  this  to  reverend  Nestor  bears. 
And  thus  the  purijose  of  his  gift  declares  : 
"  Accept  thou  this,  O  sacred  sire  !  (he  said) 
In  dear  memorial  of  Patroclus  dead; 
Dead  and  for  ever  lost  Patroclus  lies, 
For  ever  snatch'd  from  our  desiring  eyes! 
Take  thou  this  token  of  a  grateful  heart. 
Though  'tis  not  thine  to  hurf  the  distant  dart. 
The  quoit  to  toss,  the  ponderous  mace  to  wield. 
Or  urge  the  race,  or  wrestle  on  the  field  : 
Thy  pristine  vigor  age  has  overthrown, 
But  left  the  glory  of  the  past  thy  own." 

He  said,  and  placed  the  goblet  at  his  side  ; 
With  joy  the  venerable  king  replied  : 

"  Wisely  and  well,  my  son,  thy  words  have  proved 
A  senior  honor'd,  and  a  friend  beloved  ! 
Too  true  it  is,  deserted  of  my  strength, 
These  wither'd  arms  and  limbs  have  fail'd  at  length- 
Oh  !  had  I  now  that  force  I  felt  of  yore, 
Known  through  Pjuprasium  and  tlie  Pylj.,!i  s'lore  ! 
Victorious  then  in  every  solemn  game, 
Ordain'd  to  Amarynces'  mighty  name  ; 
The  brave  Epeians  gave  my  glory  way, 
ittolians,  Pylians,  all  resign'd  the  day. 
I  quell'd  Clytomedes  in  fights  of  Land, 
And  blackward  hurl'd  Anca?us  on  the  san(^ 
Surpass'd  Iphyclus  in  tlie  swift  career, 
Phyleus  and  Polydorus  with  the  spear. 
The  sons  of  Actor  won  the  prize  of  horse. 
But  won  by  numbers,  not  by  art  or  force  : 
For  the  famed  twins,  impatient  to  survey 
Prize  after  prize  by  Nestor  borne  away. 


4CS  THE  IIJAD.  [BookXXIU. 

Sprung  to  their  car  ;  and  with  united  pains 
One  lash'd  tlie  coursers,  while  one  ruled  the  reins. 
Such  once  I  was  !     Now  to  these  tasks  succeeds 
A  younger  race,  that  emulate  our  deeds  : 
1  yield,  alas  I  (to  age  who  must  not  yield  ?) 
Though  once  the  foremost  hero  of  the  field. 
Go  thou,  my  son !  by  generous  friendship  led, 
With  martial  honors  decorate  the  dead  : 
While  pleased  I  take  the  gift  thy  hands  present 
'Pledge  of  benevolence,  and  kind  intent), 
Rejoiced,  of  all  the  numerous  Greeks,  to  see 
Not  one  but  honors  sacred  age  and  me  : 
Those  due  distinctions  thou  so  well  canst  pay, 
May  the  just  gods  return  another  day  !  " 

Proud  of  the  gift,  thus  spake  the  full  of  day.s 
Achilles  heard  him,  prouder  of  the  praise. 

The  prizes  next  are  order'd  to  the  field. 
For  the  bold  champions  who  the  castus  wield. 
A  stately  mule,  as  yet  by  toils  unl)roke, 
Of  six  years'  age,  unconscious  of  the  yoke, 
Is  to  the  circus  led,  and  firmly  bound  ; 
Next  stands  a  goblet,  massy,  large,  and  round. 
Achilles  rising,  thus  :  "  Let  Greece  excise 
Two  heroes  equal  to  this  hardy  fight ; 
Who  dare  the  foe  with  lifted  arms  provoke, 
And  rush  beneath  the  long-descending  stroke. 
On  whom  Apollo  shall  the  palm  bestow, 
And  whom  the  Greeks  supreme  by  conquest  know, 
This  mule  his  dauntless  labors  shall  repay. 
The  vanquish'd  bear  the  massy  bowl  away." 

This  dreadful  combat  great  Epeus  chose  ;  * 
High  o'er  the  crowd,  enormous  bulk  !  he  rose, 

*  Virgil,  by  making  the  boaster  vanquished,  lias  drawn  a  better  mora^  iiom  this 
episoie  than  Hornet.     The  following  lines  deserve  comparison  :— 
*'  The  haughty  Dares  ni  the  lists  appears  : 
Walking  he  strides,  his  head  erected  bears  : 
His  nervous  arms  the  weighty  gauntlet  wield, 
And  loud  applauses  echo  through  the  field. 

Such  Dares  was,  and  such  he  strode  along, 

And  drew  the  wonder  of  the  gazing  throng. 

His  brawny  breast  and  ample  chest  he  shows  ; 

His  lifted  arms  around  his  head  he  throws, 

And  deals  in  whistling  air  his  empty  blows. 

His  match  is  sought  ;  but,  through  the  trembling  band, 

No  one  dares  answer  to  the  proud  demand. 

Presuming  of  his  force,  with  sparkling  eyes, 

Already  he  devours  the  promised  prize. 

If  none  my  matchless  valor  dares  oppose. 
How  lung  shaK  Dares  watt  his  dastard  foes  ?  " 

Dryden's  Virgil,  v.  486,  seq. 


Book  XXIII.j  THE  ILTAD.  469 

And  seized  the  beast,  and  thus  began  to  say  : 
'■  Stand  forth  some  man,  to  bear  the  bowl  away  ! 
(Price  of  his  ruin) :  for  who  dares  deny 
This  mule  my  right  ;  the  undoubted  victor  I  ? 
Others,  'tis  own'd,  in  fields  of  battle  shine, 
But  the  first  honors  of  this  fight  are  mine  ; 
For  who  excels  in  all  ?     Then  let  my  foe 
Draw  near,  but  tirst  his  certain  fortune  know; 
Secure  this  hand  shall  his  whole  frame  confound, 
Mash  all  his  bones,  and  all  his  body  pound  : 
So  let  his  friends  be  nigh,  a  needful  train, 
To  heave  the  batter'd  carcase  off  the  plain." 

The  giant  spoke  ;  and  in  a  stupid  gaze 
The  host  beheld  him,  silent  with  amaze  ! 
'Twas  thou,  Euryalus  !  who  durst  aspire 
To  meet  his  might,  and  emulate  thy  sire, 
The  great  Mecistheus  ;  who  in  days  of  yore 
In  Theban  games  the  noblest  trophy  bore 
(The  games  ordain'd  dead  Oidipus  to  grace), 
And  singly  vanquish  the  Cadmean  race. 
Him  great  Tydides  urges  to  contend, 
Warm  with  the  hopes  of  conquest  for  his  friend ; 
Officious  with  the  cincture  girds  him  round ; 
And  to  his  wrist  the  gloves  of  death  are  bound. 
\mid  the  circle  now  each  champion  stands, 
.  ind  poises  high  in  air  his  iron  hands  ; 
With  clashing  gauntlets  now  they  fiercely  close, 
Their  crackling  jaws  re-echo  to  the  blows. 
And  painful  sweat  from  all  their  members  Hows. 
At  length  Epeus  dealt  a  weighty  blow 
Full  on  the  cheek  of  his  unwary  foe  ; 
ISeneath  that  ponderous  arm's  resistless  swa.y 
Down  dropp'd  he,  nerveless,  and  extended  lay. 
As  a  large  fish,  when  winds  and  waters  roar. 
By  some  huge  billow  dash'd  against  the  shore. 
Lies  panting  ;  not  less  batter'd  with  his  wound. 
The  bleeding  hero  pants  upon  the  ground. 
To  rear  his  fallen  foe,  the  victor  lends, 
;^cornful,  his  hand  ;  and  gives  him  to  his  friends  ; 
Whose  arms  support  him,  reeling  through  the  throng, 
And  dragging  his  disabled  legs  along  ; 
Nodding,  his  head  hangs  down  his  shoulder  o'er  ; 
His  mouth  and  nostrils  pour  the  clotted  gore  ;* 

•  "  The  Eauntlel-fiKht  thus  ended,  from  the  shore 

His  faithful  friends  unhappy  Pares  bore  ■ 
His  mouth  and  nostrils  pour'd  a  purple  flood, 
And  pounded  teeth  came  rushing  with  his  blood." 

Dryden's  Virgil,  t.  6^j. 


47<3  THE  ILIAD.  [Book.  XXIII. 

Wrapp'd  round  in  mists  he  lies,  and  lost  to  thought ; 
His  friends  receive  the  bowl,  too  dearly  bought. 
I'he  third. bold  game  Achilles  ne.xt  demands 
And  calls  tlie  wrestlers  to  the  level  sands  : 
A  massy  tripod  for  the  victor  lies, 
Of  twice  si.x  o.xen  its  reputed  price  ; 
And  next,  the  loser's  spirits  to  restore, 
A  female  captive,  valued  but  at  four. 
Scarce  did  the  chief  the  vigorous  strife  propose 
When  tower-like  Ajax  and  Ulysses  rose. 
Amid  the  ring  each  nervous  rival  stands, 
Embracing  rigid  with  implicit  hands. 
Close  lock'd  above,  their  heads  and  arms  are  mix'd ; 
Below,  their  planted  feet  at  distance  fix'd  ; 
Like  two  strong  rafters  which  the  builder  forms, 
Proof  to  the  wintry  winds  and  howling  storms, 
Their  tops  connected,  hut  at  wider  space 
Fix'd  on  the  centre  stands  their  solid  base. 
Now  to  the  grasp  each  manly  body  bends  ; 
The  humid  sweat  from  every  pore  descends  ; 
Their  bones  resound  with  blows  :  sides,  shoulders,  thighs, 
Swell  to  each  gripe,  and  bloody  tumors  rise. 
Nor  could  Ulysses,  for  his  art  renown'd, 
O'erturn  the  strength  of  Ajax  on  the  ground  ; 
Nor  could  the  strength  of  Ajax  overthrow 
The  watchful  caution  of  his  artful  foe. 
While  the  long  strife  even  tired  the  lookers  on, 
Thus  to  Ulysses  spoke  great  Telamon  : 
"  Or  let  me  lift  thee,  chief,  or  lift  thou  me  : 
Prove  we  our  force,  and  Jove  the  rest  decree." 

He  said  ;  and,  straining,  heaved  him  off  the  ground 
With  matchless  strength  ;  that  time  Ulysses  found 
The  strength  to  evade,  and  where  the  nerves  combine 
His  ankle  struck  :  the  giant  fell  supine  ; 
Ulysses,  following,  on  his  bosom  lies  ; 
Shouts  of  applause  run  ratthng  through  the  skies. 
Ajax  to  lift  Ulysses  next  essays  ; 
He  barely  stirr'd  him,  but  he  could  not  raise  : 
His  knee  lock'd  fast,  the  foe's  attempt  denied  ; 
And  grappling  close,  they  tumbled  side  by  side. 
Defiled  with  honorable  dust  they  roll. 
Still  breathing  strife,  and  unsubdued  of  soul  : 
Again  they  rage,  again  to  combat  rise  ; 
When  great  Achilles  thus  divides  the  prize  : 

"  Your  noble  vigor,  O  my  friends,  restrain  ; 
Nor  weary  out  your  generous  strength  in  vain. 
Ye  both  have  won  :  let  others  who  excel. 


Book  XXIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  47  ^ 

Now  prove  tliat  prowess  you  have  proved  so  well." 
Tlie  hero's  words  the  willing  chiefs  obey, 

From  tlieir  tired  bodies  wipe  the  dust  away, 

And  clothed  anew,  the  following  games  survey. 
And  now  succeed  the  gifts  ordain'd  to  grace 

The  youths  contending  in  the  rapid  race  : 

A  silver  urn  that  full  six  measures  held. 

By  none  in  weight  or  workmanship  excell'd  : 

Sidonian  artists  taught  the  frame  to  shine. 

Elaborate,  with  artifice  divine  ; 

Whence  Tyrian  sailors  did  the  prize  transport, 

And  gave  to  Thoas  at  the  Lemnian  port  : 

From  him  descended,  good  Eunanis  heir'd 

The  glorious  gift  ;  and,  for  Lycaon  spared. 

To  brave  Patroclus  gave  the  rich  reward  : 

Now,  the  same  here's  funeral  rites  to  grace. 

It  stands  the  prize  of  swiftness  in  the  race. 

A  well-fed  ox  was  for  the  second  placed  ; 

And  half  a  talent  must  content  the  last. 

Achilles  rising  then  bespoke  the  train  : 

"  Who  hope  the  palm  of  swiftness  to  obtain. 

Stand  forth,  and  bear  these  prizes  from  the  plain.'' 
The  hero  said,  and  starting  from  his  place, 

Oilean  Ajax  rises  to  the  race  ; 

Ulysses  next  ;  and  he  whose  speed  surpass'd 

His  youthful  equals,  Nestor's  son,  the  last. 

Ranged  in  a  line  the  ready  racers  stand  ; 

Pelides  points  the  barrier  with  his  hand  ; 

All  start  at  once  ;  Oileus  led  the  race  ; 

The  next  Ulysses,  measuring  pace  with  pace  \ 

Behind  him,  diligently  close,  he  sped. 

As  closely  following  as  tlie  running  thread 

The  spindle  follows,  and  displays  the  charms 

Of  the  fair  spinster's  breast  and  moving  arms  : 

Graceful  in  motion  thus,  his  foe  he  plies, 

And  treads  each  footstep  ere  the  dust  can  rise; 

His  glowing  breath  upon  his  shoulders  plays  : 

The  admiring  Greeks  loud  acclamations  raise: 

To  him  they  give  their  wishes,  hearts,  and  eyes, 

And  send  their  souls  before  him  as  he  flies. 

Now  three  tim.es  turn'd  in  prospect  of  the  goal 

The  panting  chief  to  Pallas  lifts  his  soul : 

"  Assist,  O  goddess  !  "  thus  in  thought  he  pray'd! 

And  present  at  his  thought  descends  the  maid. 

Buoy'd  by  her  heavenly  force,  he  seems  to  swim. 

And  feels  a  pinion  lifting  every  limb. 

All  fierce,  and  ready  now  the  prize  to  gain, 


472  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIII 


Unhappp  Ajax  stumbles  on  the  plain 
(O'erturn'd  by  Pallas),  where  the  slippery  shore 
Was  clos;g'd  with  slimy  dung  and  mingled  gore. 
(The  self-same  place  beside  Patroclus'  pyre, 
Where  late  the  slaughter'd  victims  fed  the  fire). 
Besmear'd  with  tilth,  and  blotted  o'er  with  clay, 
Obscene  to  sight,  the  rueful  racer  lay; 
The  well-fed  bull  (the  second  prize)  he  shared, 
And  left  the  urn  Ulysses'  ricli  reward. 
Then,  grasping  by  the  horn  the  mighty  beast. 
The  baffled  hero  thus  the  Greeks  address'd : 

'•  Accursed  fate  !  the  conquest  I  forego  ; 
A  mortal  I,  a  goddess  was  my  foe  ; 
She  urged  her  favorite  on  the  rapid  way, 
And  Pallas,  not  Ulysses,  won  the  day." 

Thus  sourly  wail'd  he,  sputtering  dirt  and  gore; 
A  burst  of  laughter  echoed  through  the  shore. 
Antilochus,  more  humorous  than  the  rest. 
Takes  the  last  prize,  and  takes  it  with  a  jest : 

'■  Why  with  our  wiser  elders  should  we  strive  ? 
The  gods  still  love  them,  and  they  always  thrive. 
Ye  see,  to  Ajax  I  must  yield  the  prize  : 
He  to  Ulysses,  still  more  aged  and  wise  ; 
(A  green  old  age  unconscious  of  decays, 
That  proves  the  hero  born  in  lietter  days)  ! 
Behold  his  vigor  in  this  active  race  ! 
Achilles  only  boasts  a  swifter  pace  : 
For  who  can  match  Achilles?     He  who  can. 
Must  yet  be  more  than  hero,  more  than  man." 

The  effect  succeeds  the  speech.     Pelides  cries, 
"  Thy  artful  praise  deserves  a  better  prize. 
Nor  Greece  in  vain  shall  hear  thy  friend  extoH'd 
Receive  a  talent  of  the  purest  gold." 
The  youth  departs  content.     The  host  admire 
The  son  of  Nestor,  worthy  of  his  sire. 

Next  tliese  a  buckler,  spear,  and  helm,  he  lirings; 
Cast  on  tlie  plain,  the  brazen  burden  rings  : 
Arms  which  of  late  divine  Sarpedon  wore. 
And  great  Patroclus  in  short  triumph  bore. 
"  Stand  forth  the  bravest  of  our  host !  (he  cries) 
Whoever  dares  deserve  so  rich  a  prize. 
Now  grace  the  lists  before  our  army's  sight, 
And  sheathed  in  steel,  provoke  his  foe  to  fight 
Who  first  the  jointed  armor  shall  explore. 
And  stain  his  rival's  mail  with  issuing  gore, 
The  sword  Asteropsus  possess'd  of  old 
(A  Thracian  blade,  distinct  with  studs  of  gold), 


Book  XXIII]  THE  JI.iAD.  473 

Shall  pay  the  stroke,  and  grace  the  striker's  side  : 
These  arms  in  common  let  the  chiefs  divide  •. 
For  each  brave  champion,  when  the  combat  ends, 
A  sumptuous  banquet  at  our  tents  attends." 

Fierce  at  the  word  uprose  great  Tydeus'  son, 
And  the  huge  bulk  of  Ajax  Telamon. 
Clad  in  refulgent  steel,  on  either  hand, 
The  dreadful  chiefs  amid  the  circle  stand ; 
Louring  they  meet,  tremendous  to  the  sight  ; 
Each  Argive  bosom  beats  with  fierce  delight. 
Opposed  in  arms  not  long  they  idly  stood. 
But  thrice  they  closed,  and  thrice  the  charge  renew'd, 
A  furious  pass  the  spear  of  Ajax  made 
Through  the  broad  shield,  but  at  the  corslet  stay'd. 
Not  thus  the  foe  :  his  javelin  aim'd  above 
The  buckler's  margin,  at  the  neck  he  drove. 
But  Greece,  now  trembling  for  her  hero's  life, 
Bade  share  the  honors,  and  surcease  the  strife. 
Yet  still  tlie  victor's  due  Tydides  gains, 
With  him  the  sword  and  studded  belt  remains. 

Then  hurl'd  the  hero,  thundering  on  the  ground, 
A  mass  of  iron  (an  enormous  round). 
Whose  weight  and  size  the  circling  Greeks  admire. 
Rude  from  "the  furnace,  and  but  sliaped  by  fire. 
This  mighty  quoit  Aetion  wont  to  rear, 
And  from  his  whirling  arm  dismiss  in  air : 
The  giant  by  Achilles  slain,  he  stow'd 
Among  his  spoils  this  memorable  load. 
For  tlus.  he  bids  those  nervous  artists  vie, 
That  teach  the  disk  to  sound  along  the  sky. 
"  Let  him,  whose  might  can  hurl  this  bowl,  arise; 
WIio  fartliest  hurls  it,  take  it  as  his  prize  ; 
If  he  be  one  enrich'd  with  large  domain 
Of  downs  for  flocks,  and  arable  for  grain. 
Small  stock  of  iron  needs  tliat  man  provide; 
His  hinds  and  swains  whole  years  shall  be  supplied 
From  hence  :  nor  ask  the  neighboring  city's  aid 
For  ploughshares,  wheels,  and  all  the  rural  trade." 

Stern  Polypoetes  stepp'd  before  the  throng, 
ArKl  great  Leonteus,  more  than  mortal  strong; 
Wlwse  force  with  rival  forces  to  oppose, 
Uprose  great  Ajax  ;  up  Epeus  rose. 
Ea(Si  stood  in  order:  first  Epeus  threw; 
Hi^h  o'er  the  wondering  crowds  the  whirling  circle  flew. 
Leonteus  next  a  little  space  surpass'd ; 
And  tliird,  the  strength  of  godlike  Ajax  cast. 
O'er  both  thsir  marks  it  flew  ;  till  fiercely  flung 


\  THE  JLIAD.  [Look  \X.III. 

From  PolypcEtes'  arm  the  discus  sung  : 

Far  as  a  swain  his  whirling  sheephook  throws, 

That  distant  falls  among;  the  grazing  cows, 

So  past  them  all  the  rapid  circle  flies  : 

His  friends,  wliile  loud  applauses  shake  the  skies, 

With  force  conjoin'd  heave  off  the  weighty  prize. 

Those,  who  in  skilful  archery  contend, 
He  next  invites  the  twanging  bow  to  bend; 
And  twice  ten  axes  casts  amidst  the  round. 
Ten  double-edged,  and  ten  that  singly  wound 
The  mast,  which  late  a  first-rate  galley  bore, 
Tlie  hero  fixes  in  the  sandy  shore ; 
To  the  tall  top  a  milk-white  dove  they  tie, 
The  trembling  mark  at  which  their  arrows  fly. 

"  Whose  weapon  strikes  yon  fluttering  bird,  shall  bear 
These  two-edged  axes,  terrible  in  war ; 
The  single,  he  whose  shaft  divides  the  cord." 
He  said  :  experienced  Merion  took  the  word; 
And  skilful  Teucer:  in  the  helm  they  threw 
Their  lots  inscribed,  and  forth  the  latter  flew. 
Swift  from  the  string  the  sounding  arrow  flies ; 
But  flies  unbless'd  !     No  grateful  sacrifice, 
No  firstling  lambs,  unheedful  !  didst  thou  vow 
To  Phcebus,  patron  of  the  shaft  and  bow. 
For  this,  thy  well-aim'd  arrow  turn'd  aside, 
Err'd  from  the  dove,  yet  cut  the  cord  that  tied  : 
Adown  the  mainmast  fell  the  parted  string. 
And  the  free  bird  to  heaven  displays  her  wing : 
Sea,  shores,  and  skies,  with  loud  applause  resound, 
And  Merion  eager  meditates  the  wound  : 
He  takes  the  bow,  directs  the  shaft  above. 
And  following  with  his  eye  the  soaring  dove, 
Implores  the  god  to  speed  it  through  the  skies. 
With  vows  of  firstling  lambs,  and  grateful  sacrifice. 
The  dove,  in  airy  circles  as  she  wheels, 
Amid  the  clouds  the  piercing  arrow  feels ; 
Quite  through  and  through  the  point  its  passage  found, 
And  at  his  feet  fell  bloody  to  the  ground. 
Tlie  wounded  bird,  ere  yet  she  breathed  her  last, 
With  flagging  wings  alighted  on  the  mast, 
A  moment  hung,  and  spread  her  pinions  there. 
Then  sudden  dVopp'd,  and  left  her  life  in  air. 
From  the  pleased  crowd  new  peals  of  thunder  rise> 
And  to  the  ships  brave  Merion  bears  the  prize. 

To  close  the  funeral  games,  Achilles  last 
A  massy  spear  amid  the  circle  placed. 
And  ample  charger  of  unsullied  frame, 


bo"K  XVIII.]  THE  ILIAD.  47S 

With  flowers  high-wrought,  not  blacke.i'd  yet  by  flame. 

For  these  lie  bids  the  heroes  prove  tlieir  art, 

Whose  dexterous  skill  directs  the  flying  dart. 

Here  too  great  Merion  hopes  the  noble  prize; 

Nor  here  disdain'd  the  king  of  men  to  rise. 

With  joy  Pelides  saw  the  honor  paid. 

Rose  to  the  monarch,  and  respectful  said : 

"  Thee  first  in  virtue,  as  in  power  supreme, 
O  king  of  nations  !  all  thy  Greeks  proclaim  ; 
In  every  martial  game  thy  worth  attest, 
And  know  thee  both  their  greatest  and  their  best. 
Take  then  the  prize,  but  let  brave  Merion  bear 
This  beamy  javelin  in  thy  brother's  war." 

Pleased  from  the  hero's  lips  his  praise  to  hear, 
The  king  to  Merion  gives  the  brazen  spear : 
But,  set  apart  for  sacred  use,  commands 
The  glitiering  charger  to  Talthybius'  haads. 


476  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXI xT. 


BOOK    XXIV. 


ARGUMENT. 
TMB   ITHnOMPTlON   OF   THB   BODY   OP  HBCTOH» 

The  gods  deliberate  about  the  redemption  of  Hector's  body.  Jupiter  sends  Thetis  to 
Achilles,  to  dispose  him  for  the  restoring  it,  and  Iris  to  Priam,  to  encour.age  him 
to  go  III  person  and  treat  for  it.  The  old  king,  notwithstanding  the  remonstrances 
of  his  queen,  makes  ready  for  the  journey,  to  which  he  is  encouraged  by  an  omen 
from  Jupiter.  He  sets  forth  in  his  charii't,  with  a  wagon  loaded  with  presents, 
under  the  charge  of  lda?us  the  herald.  Mercury  descends  in  the  shape  of  a  young 
man,  and  conducts  him  to  the  parilion  of  Achilles.  Their  conversation  on  the 
way.  Priam  finds  Achilles  at  his  table,  casts  himself  at  his  feet,  and  begs  for  the 
body  of  his  son  :  Achilles,  moved  with  compassion,  grants  his  request,  detains 
him  one  night  in  his  tent,  and  the  neit  morning  sends  him  home  with  the  body  : 
the  Trojans  run  out  to  meet  him.  The  lamentations  of  Andromache,  Hecuba, 
and  Helen,  with  the  solemnites  of  the  funeral.  ,     ,     ,      ,   „ 

The  time  of  twelve  days  is  employed  in  this  book,  while  the  body  of  Hector 
lies  in  the  tent  of  Achilles  ;  and  as  many  more  are  spent  in  the  truce  allowed  for 
his  interment.    Th  escene  is  partly  in  Achilles'  camp,  and  partly  m  Xroy. 

Now  from  the  finish'd  game.s  the  Grecian  band 

Seek  their  black  ships,  and  clear  the  crowded  strand, 

All  stretch'd  at  ease  the  geni.il  banquet  share, 

And  pleasing  slumbers  quiet  all  their  care. 

Not  so  Achilles  :  he,  to  grief  resign'd, 

His  friend's  dear  image  present  to  his  mind, 

Takes  his  sad  couch,  more  unobserved  to  weep ; 

Nor  tastes  the  gifts  of  all-composing  sleep. 

Restless  he  roll'd  around  his  weary  bed. 

And  all  his  soul  on  his  Patroclus  fed  : 

The  form  so  pleasing,  and  the  heart  so  kind. 

That  youthful  vigor,"and  that  manly  mind. 

What  toils  they  shared,  what  martial  works  they  wrought, 

Wli.at  seas  they  measured,  and  what  fields  they  fought ; 

All  pass'd  before  liim  in  remembrance  dear. 

Thought  follows  thought,  and  tear  succeeds  to  tear. 

And  now  supine,  now  prone,  the  hero  lay. 

Now  shifts  his  side,  impatient  for  the  day ! 

Then  starting  up,  disconsolate  he  goes 

Wide  on  the'lonely  beach  to  vent  his  woes. 

There  as  the  solitary  mourner  raves, 

The  ruddy  morning  rises  o'er  the  waves  : 


Book  XXIV]  THE  ILIAD.  477 

Soon  as  it  rose,  his  furious  steeds  lie  join'd  ! 
The  cliariot  flies,  and  Hector  trails  behind. 
And  thrice,  Patroclus  !  round  thy  monument 
Was  Hector  dragg'd,  then  hurried  to  the  tent. 
There  sleep  at  last  o'ercomes  the  hero's  eyes  ; 
While  foul  in  dust  the  unhonor'd  carcase  lies, 
But  not  deserted  by  the  pitying  skies  : 
For  Phoebus  watch'd  it  with  superior  care. 
Preserved  from  gaping  wounds  and  tainting  air 
And,  ignominious  as  it  swept  the  field. 
Spread  o'er  the  sacred  corse  his  golden  shield. 
All  heaven  was  moved,  and  Hermes  will'd  to  go 
By  stealth  to  snatch  him  from  the  insulting  foe  : 
But  Neptune  this,  and  Pallas  this  denies, 
And  th'  unrelenting  empress  of  the  skies, 
E'er  since  that  day  implacable  to  Troy, 
What  time  young  Paris,  simple  shepherd  boy, 
Won  by  destructive  lust  (reward  obscene), 
Their  charms  rejected  for  the  Cyprian  queen. 
But  when  the  tenth  celestial  morning  broke. 
To  heaven  assembled,  thus  Apollo  spoke  : 

"  Unpitying  powers  !  how  oft  each  holy  fane 
Has  Hector  tinged  with  blood  of  victims  slain? 
And  can  ye  still  his  cold  remains  pursue  ? 
Still  grudge  his  body  to  the  Trojan's  view  ? 
Deny  to  consort,  mother,  son,  and  sire. 
The  last  sad  lionors  of  a  funeral  fire  ? 
Is  then  the  dire  Achilles  all  your  care  ? 
That  iron  heart,  inflexibly  severe; 
A  lion,  not  a  man,  who  slaughters  wide, 
In  strength  of  rage,  and  impotence  of  pride ; 
Who  hastes  to  murder  with  a  savage  joy. 
Invades  around,  and  breathes  but  to  destroy  ! 
Shame  is  not  of  his  soul;  nor  understood, 
The  greatest  evil  and  the  greatest  good. 
Still  for  one  loss  he  rages  unresign'd. 
Repugnant  to  the  lot  of  all  mankind ; 
To  lose  a  friend,  a  brother,  or  a  son. 
Heaven  dooms  each  mortal,  and  its  will  is  done: 
Awhile  they  sorrow,  then  dismiss  their  care  ; 
Fate  gives  the  wound,  and  man  is  born  to  bear. 
But  tills  insatiate,  the  commission  given 
By  fate  exceeds,  and  tempts  the  wrath  of  heaven: 
Lo,  how  his  rage  dishonest  drags  along 
Hector's  dead  earth,  insensible  of  wrong 
Brave  though  he  be,  y&t  by  no  reason  awed. 
He  violates  the  laws  of  man  and  god." 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV. 


"  If  eqvial  honors  by  the  partial  skies 
Are  donm'd  both  heroes  (Juno  thus  replies), 
If  Thetis'  son  must  no  distinction  know, 
Then  hear,  ye  gods  !  the  patron  of  the  bow. 
But  Hector  only  boasts  a  mortal  claim. 
His  birth  deriving  from  a  mortal  dame: 
Achilles,  of  your  own  ethereal  race, 
Springs  from  a  goddess  by  a  man's  embrace 
(A  goddess  by  ourself  to  Peleus  given, 
A  man  divine,  and  chosen  friend  of  heaven) 
To  grace  those  nuptials,  from  the  bright  abode 
Yourselves  were  present  ;  where  this  minstrel-god, 
Well  pleased  to  share  the  feast,  amid  the  quire 
Stood  proud  to  hymn,  and  tune  his  youthful  lyre." 

Then  thus  tlie  Thunderer  checks  the  imperial  dame  ; 
"  Let  not  thy  wrath  the  court  of  heaven  inflame  ; 
Their  merits,  nor  their  honors,  are  the  same. 
But  mine,  and  every  god's  peculiar  grace 
Hector  deserves,  of  all  the  Trojan  race  : 
Still  on  our  shrines  his  grateful  offerings  lay 
(The  only  honors  men  to  gods  can  pay), 
Nor  ever  from  our  smoking  altar  ceased 
The  pure  libation,  and  the  holy  feast : 
Howe'er  by  stealth  to  snatch  the  corse  away. 
We  will  not  :  Thetis  guards  it  night  and  day. 
But  haste,  and  summon  to  our  courts  above 
The  azure  queen  ;  let  her  persuasion  move 
Her  furious  son  from  Priam  to  receive 
The  proffered  rausom,  and  the  corse  to  leave. 

He  added  not:  and  Iris  from  the  skies. 
Swift  as  a  whirlwind,  on  the  message  Hies, 
Meteorous  the  face  of  ocean  sweeps. 
Refulgent  gliding  o'er  the  sable  deeps. 
Between  where  Samos  wide  his  forests  spreads, 
And  rocky  Imbrus  lifts  its  pointed  heads, 
Down  plunged  the  maid  (the  parted  waves  resound): 
She  plunged  and  instant  shot  the  dark  profound. 
As  bearing  death  in  the  fallacious  bait. 
From  the  bent  angle  sinks  the  leaden  weight; 
So  pass'd  the  goddess  through  the  closing  wave. 
Where  Thetis  sorrow'd  in  her  secret  cave : 
There  placed  amidst  her  melancholy  train 
(The  blue-haired  sisters  of  the  sacred  main) 
Pensive  she  sat,  revolving  fates  to  come. 
And  wept  her  godlike  son's  approaching  doom. 
Then  thus  the  goddess  of  the  painted  bow : 
"Arise,  O  Thetis  !  from  thy  seats  below. 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  479 

'Tis   Jove  that  calls." — "  And  why  (the  dame  replies) 
Calls  Jove  his  Thetis  to  the  hated  skies  ? 
Sad  object  as  I  am  for  heavenly  siglit! 
Ah  may  my  sorrows  ever  shun  the  light ! 
Howe'er,  be  heaven's  almighty  sire  obey'd — " 
She  spake,  and  veil'd  her  head  in  sable  shade. 
Which,  flowing  long,  her  graceful  person  clad ; 
And  forth  she  paced,  majestically  sad. 

Then  through  the  world  of  waters  they  repair 
(The  way  fair  Iris  led)  to  upper  air. 
The  deeps  dividing,  o'er  the  coast  they  rise, 
And  touch  with  momentary  fli};lit  the  skies. 
There  in  the  lightning's  blaze  the  sire  they  found. 
And  all  the  gods  in  sliining  synod  round. 
Thetis  approach'd  with  anguish  in  her  face 
(Minerva  rising,  gave  the  mourner  place), 
Even  Juno  sought  her  sorrows  to  console, 
And  offer'd  from  her  hand  the  nectar-bowl  : 
She  tasted,  and  resign'd  it  :  then  began 
The  sacred  sire  of  gods  and  mortal  man  : 

"Thou  comest,  fair  Thetis,  but  with  grief  o'ercast; 
Maternal  sorrows  ;  long,  ah,  long  to  last  ! 
Suffice,  we  know  and  we  partake  thy  cares ; 
But  yiekl  to  fate,  and  hear  what  Jove  declares 
Nine  days  are  past  since  all  the  courts  above 
In  Hector's  cause  have  moved  the  ear  to  Jove; 
'Twas  voted,  Hermes  from  his  godlike  foe 
By  stealth  should  bear  him,  but  we  will'd  not  so : 
We  will,  thy  son  himself  the  corse  restore. 
And  to  his  conquest  add  this  glory  more. 
Then  hie  thee  to  him,  and  our  mandate  bear; 
Tell  him  he  tempts  the  wrath  of  heaven  too  far; 
Nor  let  him  more  (our  anger  if  he  dread) 
Vent  his  mad  vengeance  on  the  sacred  dead  ; 
But  yield  to  ransom  and  the  father's  prayer; 
The  mournful  father.  Iris  shall  prepare 
With  gifts  to  sue  ;  and  offer  to  his  hands 
Whate'er  his  honor  asks,  or  heart  demands." 

His  word  the  silver-footed  queen  attends, 
And  from  Olympus'  snowy  tops  descends. 
Arrived,  she  heard  the  voice  of  loud  lament, 
And  echoing  groans  that  shook  the  lofty  tent: 
His  friends  prepare  the  victim,  and  dispose 
Repast  unheeded,  while  he  vents  his  woes; 
The  goddess  seats  her  by  her  jiensive  son. 
She  press'd  his  hand,  ard  tender  thus  begun  : 

"How  long,  unhappy  !  shall  thy  sorrows  flow. 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV 

And  thy  heart  waste  with  life-consuming  woe: 
Mindless  of  food,  or  love,  whose  pleasing  reign 
Soothes  weary  life,  and  softens  human  pain  ? 
O  snatch  the  moments  yet  within  thy  power; 
Not  lon<T  to  live,  indulge  the  amorous  hour  ! 
Lo !  Jove  himself  (for  Jove's  command  I  bear) 
Forbids  to  tempt  the  wrath  of  heaven  too  far. 
No  longer  then  (his  fury  if  thou  dread) 
Detain  the  relics  of  great  Hector  dead  ; 
Nor  vent  on  senseless  earth  thy  vengeance  vain. 
But  yield  to  ransom,  and  restore  the  slain." 

To  whom  Achilles  :  "Be  the  ransom  given,  ^ 
And  we  submit,  since  such  the  will  of  heaven." 

While  thus  they  communed,  from  the  Olympian  bowers 
Jove  orders  Iris  to  the  Trojan  towers  : 
"  Haste,  winged  goddess!  to  the  s;u:red  town, 
And  urge  Iier  monarch  to  redeem  his  son. 
Alone  the  Ilian  ramparts  let  him  leave. 
And  bear  what  stern  .A.chilles  may  receiver 
Alone,  for  so  we  will ;  no  Trojan  near 
Except,  to  place  the  dead  with  decent  care. 
Some  aged  her.ild  who  witli  gentle  hand 
May  the  slow  mules  and  funeral  car  command. 
Nor  let  him  death,  nor  let  him  danger  dread. 
Safe  througli  the  foe  by  our  protection  led  : 
Him  Hermes  to  Achilles  shall  convey, 
Guard  of  his  life,  and  partner  of  his  way. 
Fierce  as  he  is,  Acliilles'  self  shall  spare 
His  age,  nor  touch  one  venerable  hair: 
Some  thought  there  must  be  in  a  soul  so  brave, 
Some  sense  of  duty,  some  desire  to  save." 

Then  down  her  bow  the  winged  Iris  drives. 
And  swift  at  Priam's  mournful  court  arrives: 
Where  the  sad  sons  beside  their  father's  throne 
Sat  bathed  in  tears,  and  answer'd  groan  with  groan. 
And  all  amidst  them  lay  the  hoary  sire,      • 
(Sad  scene  of  woe  !)  his  face  his  wrapp'd  attire 
Conceal'd  from  sight ;  with  frantic  hands  he  spread 
A  shower  of  ashes  o'er  his  neck  and  head. 
From  room  to  room  his  pensive  daughters  roam  ; 
Whose  slirieks  and  clamors  fill  the  vaulted  dome; 
Mindful  of  those,  who  late  their  pride  and  joy. 
Lie  pale  and  breatliless  round  the  fields  of  Troy! 
Before  the  king  Jove's  messenger  appears, 
And  thus  in  wliispers  greets  his  trembling  ears: 

"  Fear  not,  O  lather  !  no  ill  news  1  bear; 
From  Jove  1  come,  Jove  makes  thee  still  his  care ; 


Book  XXIV.  THE  ILIAD.  48 1 

For  Hector's  sake  these  walls  he  bids  thee  leave, 

And  l)i_ar  what  stern  Achilles  may  receive  ; 

Alone,  for  so  he  wills  ;  no  Trojan  near, 

Except,  to  place  the  dead  with  decent  care, 

Some  aged  herald,  who  with  gentle  hand 

May  the  slow  mules  and  funeral  car  command. 

Nor  shnlt  thou  death,  nor  shalt  thou  danger  dread: 

Safe  through  the  foe  by  his  protection  led  : 

Thee  Hermet  to  Pelides  shall  conve)-, 

Guard  of  thy  life,  and  partner  of  thy  way. 

Fierce  as  he  is,  .Achilles'  self  shall  spare 

Thy  age,  nor  touch  one  venerable  hair  ; 

Some  thought  there  must  be  in  a  soul  so  brave, 

Some  sense  of  duty,  some  desire  to  save." 

She  spofte,  and  vanish'd.     Priam  bids  prepare 
His  gentle  mules  and  harness  to  the  car  ; 
There,  for  the  gifts,  a  polish'd  casket  lay  : 
His  pious  sons  the  king's  command  obey. 
Then  pass'd  the  monarch  to  his  bridal-room. 
Where  cedar-beams  the  lofty  roofs  perfume. 
And  where  the  treasures  of  his  empire  lay; 
Then  call'd  his  queen,  and  thus  began  to  say: 

"  Unhappy  consort  of  a  king  disfress'd! 
Partake  the  troubles  of  thy  husband's  breast: 
I  saw  descend  the  messenger  of  Jove, 
Who  bids  me  try  Achilles'  mind  to  move  ; 
Forsake  these  ramparts,  and  with  gifts  obtain 
The  corse  of  Hector,  at  yon  navy  slain. 
Tell  me  thy  thought ;  my  heart  impels  to  go 
Through  hostile  camps,  and  bears  me  to  the  foe.' 

The  hoarv  monarch  thus.     Her  piercing  cries 
Sad  Hecuba  renews,  and  then  replies: 
"  Ah  !  whither  wanders  thy  distemper'd  mind? 
And  where  the  prudence  now  that  awed  mankind  ? 
Through  Phrygia  once  and  foreign  regions  known; 
Now  all  confused,  distracted,  overthrown  ! 
Singly  to  pass  through  hosts  of  foes  !  to  face 
(O  heart  of  steel  !)   the  murderer  of  thy  race  ! 
To  view  that  deathful  eye,  and  wander  o'er 
Those  hands  yet  red  with  Hector's  noble  gore! 
Alas  !  my  lord  !  he  knows  not  how  to  spare. 
And  what  his  mercy,  thy  slain  son.s  decl.are  ; 
So  brave  !  so  many  fallen  !     To  claim  his  rage 
Vain  were  thy  dignity,  and  vain  thy  age. 

No pent  in  this  sad  palace,  let  us  give 

To  grief  the  wretched  days  we  have  to  live. 
Still,  still  for  Hector  let  our  sorrows  flow. 


j52  THF  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV. 

Born  to  his  own,  and  to  his  parents'  woe  ! 
Doom'd  from  the  hour  his  luckless  life  begun, 
To  dogs,  to  vultures,  and  to  Peleus'  son  I 
Oh  !  in  his  dearest  blood  might  I  allay 
My  rage,  and  these  barbarities  repay  I 
For  ah  !  could  Hector  merit  thus,  whose  breath 
Expired  not  meanly,  in  unactive  death  ? 
He  poured  his  latest  blood  in  manly  fight, 
And  fell  a  hen)  in  his  country's  right." 

"  Seek  not  to  stay  me,  nor  my  soul  affright 
With  words  of  omen,  like  a  bird  of  night 
(Replied  unmoved  the  venerable  man); 
'Tis  heaven  commands  me,  and  you  urge  in  vain. 
Had  any  mortal  voice  the  injunction  laid, 
Nor  augur,  priest,  nor  seer,  had  been  obey'd. 
A  present  goddess  brought  the  high  command, 
I  saw,  I  heard  her,  and  the  word  shall  stand. 
I  go,  ye  gods  !  obedient  to  your  call : 
If  in  yon  camp  your  powers  have  doom'd  my  fall, 
Content— By  the  same  hand  let  me  expire  ! 
Add  to  the  slaughter'd  son  tlie  wretched  sire! 
One  cold  embrace  at  least  may  be  allow'd, 
And  my  last  tears  flow  mingled  with  his  blood  !  " 

From  forth  his  open'd  stores,  this  said,  he  drew 
Twelve  costly  carpets  of  refulgent  hue, 
As  many  vests,  as  many  mantles  told. 
And  twelve  fair  veils,  and  garments  stiff  with  gold, 
Two  tripods  next,  and  twice  two  chargers  shine, 
With  ten  pure  talents  from  the  richest  mine  ; 
And  last  a  large  well-labor'd  bowl  had  place 
(The  pledge  of  treaties  once  with  friendly  Thrace): 
Seem'd  all  too  mean  the  stores  he  could  employ. 
For  one  last  look  to  buy  him  back  to  Troy  ! 

Lo  !  the  sad  father,  frantic  with  his  pain. 
Around  him  furious  drives  his  menial  train: 
In  vain  each  slave  with  duteous  care  attends. 
Each  office  hurts  him,  and  each  face  offends. 
"  What  make  ye  here,  orficious  crowd  !  (he  cries): 
Hence  !  nor  obtrude  vour  anguish  on  my  eyes. 
Have  ye  no  griefs  at  home,  to  fix  ye  there : 
Am  I  the  only  object  of  despair  ? 
Am  I  become  my  people's  common  show, 
Set  up  bv  Jove  your  spectacle  of  woe  ? 
No,  you  must  feel  him  too  ;  yourselves  must  fall; 
The  same  stern  god  to  ruin  gives  you  all  : 
Nor  is  great  Hector  lost  by  me  alone  ; 
Your  sole  defence,  your  guardian  power  is  eope  i 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  J  I.I  AD.  483 

T  see  your  blood  the  fields  of  Plirygia  drown, 
I  see  the  ruins  of  your  smoking  town  ! 
O  send  me,  gods  !  ere  that  sad  day  shall  come. 
A  willing  ghost  to  Pluto's  dreary  dome  !  " 

He  said,  and  feebly  drives  his  friends  away: 
The  sorrowing  friends  his  frantic  rage  obey. 
Next  on  his  sons  his  erring  fury  falls, 
Polites,  Paris,  Agathon,  he  calls  ; 
His  threats  Deiphobus  and  Dius  hear, 
Hippothoiis,  Pammon,  Helenes  the  seer, 
And  generous  Antiphon  :  for  yet  these  nine 
Survived,  sad  relics  of  his  numerous  line. 

"  Inglorious  sons  of  an  unhappy  sire  ! 
Why  did  not  all  in  Hector's  cause  expire  ? 
Wretch  that  I  am  !   my  bravest  offspring  slain, 
You,  the  disgrace  of  Priam's  house,  remain  I 
Mestor  the  brave,  renown'd  in  ranks  of  war, 
With  Troilus,  dreadful  on  his  rushing  car,* 
And  last  gre.it  Hector,  more  than  man  divine, 
For  sure  he  seem'd  not  of  terrestrial  line  ! 
All  those  relentless  Mars  untimely  slew, 
And  left  me  these,  a  soft  and  servile  crew, 
Whose  days  the  feast  and  wanton  dance  emploj, 
Gluttons  and  flatterers,  the  contempt  of  Troy ! 
Why  teach  ye  not  my  rapid  wheels  to  run. 
And  speed  my  journey  to  redeem  my  son  ?  " 

The  sons  their  father's  wretched  age  revere, 
Forgive  his  anger,  and  produce  the  car. 
High  on  the  seat  the  caljinet  they  bind  : 
The  new-made  car  with  solid  beauty  shined  ; 
Lux  was  the  yoke,  emboss'd  witli  costly  pains, 
And  huag  with  ringlets  to  receive  the  reins  ; 
Nine  cubits  long,  the  traces  swept  the  ground: 
These  to  the  chariot's  polish "d  pole  they  bound. 
Then  fix'd  a  ring  the  running  reins  to  guide. 
And  close  beneath  the  gather'd  ends  were  tied. 
Next  with  the  gifts  (the  jirice  of  Hector  slain) 
The  sad  attendants  load  the  groaning  wain  : 
Last  to  the  yoke  the  well-matched  mules  they  bring 
(The  gift  of  Mysia  to  the  Trojan  king), 
liut  the  fair  horses,  long  his  darling  care. 
Himself  received,  and  harness'd  to  his  car: 
Grieved  as  he  was.  he  not  this  task  denied  ; 
The  hoary  her.ald  help'd  him,  at  his  side. 

•  "  Troilus  IS  only  nnce  ranieit  in  the  Iliad  :  he 
but  his  youth,  beaut"  and  uutitr.ely  end  made  him  i 
•ubsequent  loets,"— Grote,  i.  p.  299. 


484  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV 

While  careful  these  tlie  gentle  coursers  join'd, 
Sad  Hecuba  approach'd  with  anxious  mind  ; 
A  golden  bowl  that  foam'd  with  fragrant  wine 
(Libation  destined  to  the  power  divine), 
Held  in  her  right,  before  the  steed  she  stands, 
And  thus  consigns  it  to  tlie  monarch's  hands : 

"Take  this,  and  pour  to  Jove  ;  that  safe  from  harms 
His  grace  restore  thee  to  our  roof  and  arms. 
Since  victor  of  thy  fears,  and  slighting  mine, 
Heaven,  or  thy  soul,  inspires  this  bold  design; 
Pray  to  that  god,  who  high  on  Ida's  brow 
Surveys  thy  desolated  realms  below, 
His  winged  messenger  to  send  from  high, 
And  lead  thy  way  with  heavenly  augury : 
Let  the  strong  sovereign  of  the  plumy  race 
Tower  on  the  right  of  yon  ethereal  space. 
That  sign  beheld,  and  strengthen'd  from  above, 
Boldly  pursue  the  journey  mark'd  by  Jove  : 
But  if  the  god  his  augury  denies, 
Suppress  thy  impulse,  nor  reject  advice." 

"'Tis  just  (said  Priam)  to  the  sire  above 
To  raise  our  hands  ;  for  who  so  good  as  Jove  ?  " 
He  spoke,  and  bade  the  attendant  handmaid  bring 
The  purest  water  of  the  living  spring 
(Her  ready  hands  the  ewer  and  bason  held) : 
Then  took  the  golden  cup  his  queen  had  fill'd  ; 
On  the  mid  pavement  pours  the  rosy  wine. 
Uplifts  his  eyes,  and  calls  the  power  divine  : 

"  O  first  and  greatest !  heaven's  imperial  lord  ! 
On  lofty  Ida's  holy  hill  adored  ! 
To  stern  Achilles  now  direct  my  ways. 
And  teach  him  mercy  when  a  father  prays. 
If  such  thy  will,  despatch  from  yonder  sky 
Thy  sacred  bird,  celestial  augury  ! 
Let  the  strong  sovereign  of  the  plumy  race 
Tower  on  the" right  of  yon  ethereal  space  ; 
So  shall  thy  suppliant,  strengthen'd  from  above, 
Fearless  pursue  the  journey  mark'd  by  Jove." 

Jove  heard  his  prayer,  and  from  the  throne  on  high, 
Despatch'd  his  bird,  celestial  augury 
The  swift-wing'd  chaser  of  the  feather'd  game. 
And  known  to  gods  by  Percnos'  loftv  name. 
Wide  as  appears  some  palace-gate  display'd. 
So  broad,  his  pinions  stretch'd  their  ample  shade, 
As  stooping  dexter  with  resounding  wings 
The  imperial  bird  descends  in  airy  rings. 
A  dawn  of  joy  in  every  face  appears  : 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  4^5 

The  mourning  matron  dries  her  timorous  tears  : 

Swift  on  his  car  the  impatient  monarch  sprung; 

The  brazen  portal  in  'i\\s  passage  rung ; 

The  mules  preceding  draw  tlie  loaded  wain, 

Charged  with  the  gifts  :   Idaus  holds  the  rein  : 

The  king  himself  his  gentle  steeds  controls, 

And  through  surrour.ding  friends  the  chariot  rolls. 

On  his  slow  wheels  the  following  people  wait, 

Mourn  at  each  step,  and  give  him  up  to  fate; 

With  hands  uplifted  eye  him  as  he  pass'd, 

And  gaze  upon  him  as  they  gazed  their  last. 

Now  forward  fares  the  father  on  his  way, 

Through  the  lone  fields,  and  back  to  llion  they. 

Great  Jove  beheld  him  as  he  cross'd  the  plain. 

And  felt  the  woes  of  miserable  man. 

Then  thus  to  Hermes  :  "Thou  whose  constant  cares 

Still  succor  mortals,  and  attend  their  prayers  ; 

Behold  an  object  to  thy  charge  consign'd  : 

If  ever  pity  touch'd  thee  for  mankind. 

Go,  guard  the  sire  :  the  observing  foe  [xevent. 

And  safe  conduct  him  to  Achilles'  tent." 

The  god  obeys,  his  golden  pinions  binds,* 
And  mounts  incumbent  on  the  wings  of  winds. 
That  high,  through  fields  of  air,  his  flight  sustain. 
O'er  the  wide  earth,  and  o'er  the  boundless  main; 
Then  grasps  the  wand  that  causes  sleep  to  fly, 
Or  in  soft  slumbers  seals  the  wakeful  eye  : 


•  Milton  has  riv«11ed  thi»  passage  describing  the  descent  of  GabrielL  "  -  ^'x''' 
Lost,"  bk.  V.  a66,  seq. 

"  Down  thither  prone  in  flight 
He  speeds,  a..d  through  the  v.ist  ethereal  sky 
Sails  between  worlds  and  worlds,  witli  steady  wingj 
Now  on  the  polar  winds,  then  with  quick  fan 
Winnows  the  buiom  air.        •        *        *        *       . 

At  once  on  th'  eastern  cliff  of  Paradise 
He  lights,  and  to  his  proper  shape  returns 
A  seraph  wing'd.  •        •        •        • 

Like  Maia's  son  he  stood, 
And  shook  his  plumes,  that  hearenly  fragrance  fill'* 
The  circuit  wide." 
Vllgil,  ^n.  iv.  350  :— 

"  Hermes  obevs  ;  with  golden  pinions  binds 
His  flying  feet  and  mounts  the  western  winds. 
And  whether  o'er  the  seas  or  earth  he  flies. 
With  rapid  force  they  bear  him  down  th:  skies. 
But  first  he  grasps  within  his  awful  hand 
The  mark  of  sovereign  power,  his  magic  wand  ; 
With  this  he  draws  the  ghost  from  hollow  graves  ; 
With  this  he  drives  them  from  the  Stygian  waves: 

Thus  arm'd,  the  ;od  begins  his  airy  race, 

And  drives  <ho  tacking  clouds  along  the  liquid  space." 


THE  ILIAD.  [Book  KXIV. 


Thus  arm'd,  swift  Hermes  steers  his  airy  way, 
And  stoops  on  Hellespont's  resounding  sea. 
A  beauteous  youth,  majestic  and  divine, 
He  seem'd  ;  fair  offspring  of  some  princely  line! 
Now  twilight  veil'd  the  glaring  face  of  day, 
And  clad  the  dusky  fields  in  sober  gray ; 
What  time  the  herald  and  the  hoary  king 
(Their  chariots  stopping  at  the  silver  spring. 
That  circling  Ilus'  ancient  marble  flov.'s) 
ABow'd  their  mules  and  steeds  a  sliort  repose, 
Through  the  dim  shade  the  herald  first  espies 
A  man's  approach,  and  thus  to  Priam  cries : 
"  i  mark  some  foe's  advance  :  O  king  !  beware  ; 
This  hard  adventure  claims  thy  utmost  care  ' 
For  much  I  fear  destruction  hovers  nigh  : 
Our  state  asks  counsel ;  is  it  best  to  fly  ? 
Or  old  and  helpless,  at  his  feet  to  fall. 
Two  wretched  suppliants,  and  for  mercy  call?" 

The  afflicted  monarch  shiver'd  with  despair; 
Pale  grew  his  face,  and  upright  stood  his  hair; 
Sunk  was  his  heart ;  his  color  went  and  came; 
A  sudden  trembling  shook  his  aged  frame : 
When  Hermes,  greeting,  touch'd  his  royal  hand, 
And,  gentle,  thus  accosts  witli  kind  demand  : 

"  Say  whither,  father  !  when  each  mortal  sight 
Is  seal'd  in  sleep,  thou  wanderest  through  the  night? 
Why  roam  thy  mules  and  steeds  the  plains  along, 
Through  Grecian  foes,  so  numerous  and  so  strong  ? 
What  "couldst  though   hope,    should   these   thy  trewurea 

view ; 
These,  wlio  with  endless  hate  thy  race  pursue  ? 
For  what  defence,  al.as  !  could'st  thou  provide  ; 
Thyself  not  young,  a  weak  old  man  thy  guide  ? 
Yet  suffer  not  thy  soul  to  sink  with  dread  ; 
From  me  no  harm  shall  touch  thy  reverend  head; 
From  Greece  I'll  guard  thee  too  ;  for  in  those  lines 
The  living  image  of  my  father  shines." 

"Thy  words,  that  speak  benevolence  of  mind. 
Are  true,  my  son  '  (the  godlike  sire  rejoin'd) : 
Great  are  my  hazards ;  but  the  gods  survey 
My  steps,  and  send  thee,  guardian  of  my  way. 
Hail,  and  be  bless'd  !     For  scarce  o(  mortal  kind 
Appear  thy  form,  Ihy  feature,  and  thy  mind." 

"  Nor  true  are  all  Ihy  words,  nor  erring  wide 
(The  sacred  messenger  ot  heaven  replied)  ; 
But  say,  convey'st  chou  through  the  lonely  plains 
What  jet  most  precious  ot  thy  itore  remains, 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  A^1 

To  lodge  in  safety  with  some  friendly  hand : 
Prepared,  percliance,  to  leave  tliy  native  land  ? 
Or  tliest  tliou  now  ?— What  hopes  can  Troy  retain, 
Thy  matchless  son,  her  guard  and  glory,  slain  ?  " 

The  king,  alarm'd  :  "  Say  what,  and  whence  thou  3 
Who  search  the  sorrows  of  a  parent's  heart, 
And  know  so  well  how  godlike  Hector  died  ?  " 
Thus  Priam  spoke,  and  Hermes  thus  replied  : 

"  You  tempt  me,  father,  and  witli  pity  touch: 
On  this  sad  subject  you  inquire  too  much. 
Oft  have  these  eyes  that  godlike  Hector  view'd 
In  glorious  fight,  with  Grecian  i^lood  embrued  : 
I  saw  him  when,  like  Jove,  his  flames  he  toss'd 
On  thousand  ships,  and  wither'd  half  a  host: 
I  saw,  but  help'd  not :  sterr.  Achilles'  ire 
Forbade  assistance,  and  enjoy'd  tlie  fire. 
For  him  I  serve,  of  Myrmidonian  race; 
One  ship  convey'd  us  from  our  native  place 
Polyctor  is  my  sire,  an  honor'd  name. 
Old  like  thyself,  and  not  unknown  to  fame; 
Of  seven  his  sons,  by  whom  the  lot  was  cast 
To  serve  our  prince,  it  fell  on  me,  the  last. 
To  watch  this  quarter,  my  adventure  falls  : 
For  with  the  morn  the  Greeks  attack  your  walls ; 
Sleepless  they  sit,  impatient  to  engage. 
And  scarce  their  rulers  check  tlieir  martial  rage." 

"  If  then  thou  art  of  stern  Pelides'  train 
(The  mournful  monarch  thus  rejoin'd  again), 
Ah  tell  me  truly,  where,  oh !  where  are  laid 
My  son's  dear  relics  ?  what  befalls  him  dead? 
Have  dogs  dismember'd  (on  the  naked  plains), 
Or  yet  unmangled  rest,  his  cold  remains  ?  " 

"'O  favor'd  of  the  skies!  (thus  answer'd  then 
The  power  that  meditates  between  god  and  men) 
Nor  dogs  nor  vultures  have  thy  Hector  rent, 
But  whole  he  lies,  neglected  in  the  tent : 
This  the  twelfth  evening  since  he  rested  there, 
Untouch'd  by  worms,  untainted  by  the  air. 
Still  as  Aurora's  ruddy  beam  is  spread. 
Round  his  friend's  tomb  Achilles  drags  the  dead 
Yet  undisfigured,  or  in  limb  or  face, 
All  fresh  he  lies,  with  every  living  grace, 
Majestical  in  death  !     No  stains  are  found 
O'er  all  the  corse,  and  closed  is  every  wound, 
Though  manv  a  wound  they  gave.     Some  heavenly  carei 
Some  hand  divine,  preserves  him  ever  fair: 
Or  all  the  host  of  heaven,  to  whom  he  led 


♦88  THE  lUAD.  [Book  XXIV 

A  life  so  grateful,  still  regard  him  dead." 
Ihus  spuke  to  Piiani  tlie  celestial  guide. 

And  joyful  ihu;:  tlie  royal  sire  replied  : 

"  Blest  is  tlie  m.ui  who  pays  the  gods  above 

The  constant  Iril  "le  of  respect  and  love  ! 

Those  who  inhabi    ihe  Olympian  bower 

My  son  forgot  not,  in  ex;.ltecl  power; 

And  heaven,  that  every  virtue  bears  in  mind. 

Even  to  the  ashes  of  the  just  is  kinil. 

But  thou,  O  generous  youth  !  this  goblet  take, 

A  pledge  of   gratitude  for  Hector's  sake  ; 

And  while  the  favoring  gods  our  steps  survey. 

Safe  to  Pelides'  tent  conduct  niy  way." 

To  whom  the  latent  god  :   "  O  king,  forbear 

To  temiJt  my  youth,  for  apt  is  youth  to  err : 

But  can  1,  absent  from  my  prince's  sight. 

Take  gifts  in  secret,  that  must  shun  the  light  ? 

'Vhat  from  our  master's  interest  thus  we  draw. 

Is  but  a  licensed  theft  that  'scapes  the  law. 
Respecting  him,  my  soul  abjures  the  (ffence; 

And  as  the  crime,  I  dread  the  consequence. 

Thee,  far  as  Argos,  pleased  I  could  convey; 
Guard  of  thy  life,  and  partner  of  thy  way : 
On  thee  attend,  thy  safety  to  maintain, 
O'er  pathless  forests,  or  the  roaring  main." 

He  said,  then  took  the  chariot  at  a  bound. 
And  snatch'd  the  reins,  and  whirl'd  the  lash  arouno. 
Before  the  inspiring  god  that  urged  them  on. 
The  coursers  fly  with  spirit  not  their  own. 
And  now  they  reach 'd  the  naval  walls,  and  found 
The  guards  repasting,  while  the  bowls  go  round; 
On  these  the  virtue  of  his  wand  he  tries, 
And  pours  deep  slumber  on  their  watchful  eyes: 
Then  heaved  the  massy  gates,  removed  the  bars. 
And  o'er  the  trenches  led  the  rolling  cars. 
Unseen,  through  all  the  hostile  camp  they  went, 
And  now  approach'd  Pelides'  lofty  tent. 
On  firs  the  roof  was  raised,  and  cover'd  o'er 
With  reeds  collected  from  the  marshy  shore; 
And,  fenced  with  palisades,  a  hall  of  state 
(The  work  of  soldiers),  where  the  heroes  sat. 
Large  was  the  door,  whose  well-compacted  strength 
A  solid  pine-tree  barr'd  of  wondrous  length  : 
Scarce  three  strong  Greeks  could  lift  its  mighty  weight, 
But  great  Achilles  singly  closed  the  gaie. 
This  Hermes  (such  the  power  ot  gods)  set  wide  ; 
Then  swift  alighted  the  celestial  guide, 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD. ^SQ 

And  tluis  reveal'd— "Hear,  prince  !  and  understand 
Thou  ow'st  tliy  guidance  to  no  mortal  hand  : 
Hermes  1  am,  descended  from  above. 
The  king  cf  arts,  the  messenger  of  Jove. 
Farewell :  to  shun  Achilles'  sight  I  fly; 
Uncommon  are  such  favors  of  the  sky, 
Nor  stand  confess'd  to  frail  mortality. 
Now  fearless  enter,  and  prefer  thy  prayers ; 
Adjure  him  by  his  father's  silver  hairs. 
His  son,  his  mother  !  urge  him  to  bestow 
Whatever  pity  that  stern  heart  can  know." 

Thus  having  said,  he  vanish'd  from  his  eyes, 
And  in  a  moment  shot  into  the  skies : 
The  king,  confirm'd  from  heaven,  alighted  there, 
And  left  his  aged  herald  on  tlie  car, 
With  solemn  pace  through  various  rooms  he  went, 
And  found  Achilles  in  his  inner  tent : 
There  sat  the  hero  :  Alcimus  the  brave, 
And  great  Automedon,  attendance  gave  : 
These  served  his  person  at  the  royal  feast; 
Around,  at  awful  distance,  stood  the  rest. 

Unseen  by  these,  the  king  his  entry  made: 
And,  prostrate  now  before  Achilles  laid, 
Sudden  (a  venerable  sight  !)  appears  ; 
Embr.aced  his  knees,  and  bathed  his  hands  in  tears  -, 
Those  direful  hands  his  kisses  press'd,  emhrued 
Even  witli  the  best,  the  dearest  of  his  blood  ! 

As  when  a  wretch  (who,  conscious  of  his  crime. 
Pursued  for  murder,  flies  his  native  clime) 
Just  gains  some  frontier,  breathless,  pale,  amazed, 
.'\11  ga7X',  all  wonder  :  thus  Achilles  gazed  ; 
Thus  stood  the  attendants  stupid  with  surprise : 
All  mute,  yet  seem'd  to  question  with  their  eyes : 
Each  look'd  on  other,  none  the  silence  broke, 
Till  thus  at  last  the  kingly  suppliant  spoke: 

"  Ah  think,  thou  favor'd  of  the  powers  divine  !  * 

*  In  reference  to  the  whole  scene  that  follows,  the  remarks  cf  Coleridge  are  well 
worth  reading ; — 

"  By  a  close  study  of  life,  and  by  a  true  and  natural  mode  of  expressing  everything. 
Homer  was  enabled  to  venture  upon  the  most  peculiar  and  difficult  situations,  and  lo 
extricate  himself  from  them  with  the  completcst  success.  Tlie  whole  scene  between 
Achilles  and  Priam,  when  the  latter  comes  to  the  Greek  ramp  tor  the  purpose  of  re- 
deeming the  body  of  Hector,  is  at  once  the  most  profoundly  skilful,  and  yet  the  sim- 
plest and  most  affecting  passage  in  the  Iliad.  Quinctiliar.  has  taken  notice  of  the 
following  speech  of  Priam,  the  rhetorical  artifice  of  which  is  so  transcendant,  that  if 
genius  did  not  often,  especially  in  oratory,  unconsciously  fultil  the  most  subtle  pre- 
cepts of  cnlin^m,  we  might  be  induced,  on  this  account  alone,  to  consider  the  last 
book  of  the  Iliad  as  what  is  called  spurious,  in  other  words,  of  later  dale  than  the  rest 
of  the  poem.  IJhservelhe  exquisite  taste  of  Priam  in  occupying  the  mmd  of  Achilles, 
from  the  outset,  with  the  image  of  his  father  ,  in  gradually  introducing  the  parallel  of 


490  THE  IL/AD.  [Book  XXIV. 

Think  of  thy  father's  age,  and  pity  mine  ! 
In  me  that  father's  reverend  image  trace, 
Those  silver  I'airs,  tliat  venerable  face  ; 
His  trembling  limbs,  his  helpless  person,  see  ! 
Is  all  my  equal,  but  in  misery  ! 
Yet  now,  perhaps,  some  turn  of  human  fate 
Expels  him  helpless  from  his  peaceful  state  ; 
Think,  from  some  powerful  foe  thou  seest  him  fly, 
And  beg  p'otection  with  a  feeble  jry. 
Yet  still  one  comfort  in  his  soul  may  rise  ; 
He  hears  his  son  still  lives  to  glad  his  eyes, 
And,  hearing,  still  may  hope  a  better  day 
May  send  him  thee,  to  chase  that  foe  away. 
No  comfort  to  my  griefs,  no  hopes  remain, 
The  best,  the  bravest,  of  my  sons  are  slain  ! 
Yet  what  a  race  !  ere  Greece  to  Iliop  came. 
The  pledge  of  many  a  loved  and  loving  dame  : 
Nineteen  one  mother  bore — Dead,  all  are  dead  I 
How  oft,  alas  !  has  wretched  Priam  bled  ! 
Still  one  was  left  their  loss  to  recompense  ; 
His  father's  hope,  his  country's  last  defence. 
Him  too  thy  rage  has  slain  !  beneath  thy  steel, 
Unhappy  in  his  country's  cause  he  fell ! 

"  For  him  through  hostile  camps  I  bent  my  way, 
For  him  thus  prostrate  at  thy  feet  I  lay; 
Large  gifts  proportion'd  to  thy  wrath  I  bear ; 
O  hear  the  wretched,  and  the  gods  revere  ! 

"  Think  of  thy  father,  and  this  face  behold  ! 
See  him  in  me,  as  helpless  and  as  old ! 
Though  not  so  wretched  :  there  he  yields  to  me. 
The  first  of  men  in  sovereign  misery  ! 
T  hus  forced  to  kneel,  thus  grovelling  to  embrace 
The  scourge  and  ruin  of  my  realm  and  race  ; 
Suppliant  my  children's  murderer  to  implore. 
And  kiss  those  hands  yet  reeking  with  their  gore !  " 

These  words  soft  pity  in  the  chief  inspire, 
Touch'd  with  the  dear  remembrance  of  his  sire. 
Then  with  his  hand  (as  prostrate  still  he  lay) 
The  old  man's  cheek  he  gently  turn'd  away. 
Now  each  by  turns  indulged  the  gush  of  woe  ; 

hu  n».i>  tltiiatliin  ;  and,  lastly,  mentioning  Hector's  name  when  lie  perceives  th.it  the 
and  then  only  in  such  a  manner  as  to  flatter  the  pride  of  l.ie  con- 
Evu,  5"  tAteLi-oTepoi  irep,  and  the  ani-atno  ^xa  -yepot-Ta,  are  not 
tone  of  the  earlier  parts  of  the  Iliad.  They  are  almost  loo  fine  and 
who'.e  passace  defies  translation,  for  there  is  that  about  the  Greek 
me,  but  which  is  of  so  fine  and  ethereal  a  subtlety  that  it  can  only  be 
lai,  and  is  lust  in  an  atteiDpt  to  traosiust  't  into  another  language.''— 
95- 


;  suftened 

queror 

.      The   . 

cxactt' 

/  like  the 

pat he t 

ic.     The 

which 

lus  no  nn 

Eelt  in 

the  oviEir 

Coleridge,  p.  19 

Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  491 

And  now  the  mingled  tides  together  flow: 
This  low  on  earth,  that  gently  bending  o'er; 
A  father  one,  and  one  a  son  deplore  : 
But  great  Achilles  different  passions  rend, 
And  now  his  sire  he  mourns,  and  now  his  friend. 
The  infectious  softness  through  the  heroes  ran 
One  universal  solemn  shower  began; 
They  bore  as  heroes,  but  they  felt  as  man. 

Satiate  at  length  with  unavailing  woes, 
From  the  high  throne  divine  Achilles  rose; 
The  reverend  monarch  by  the  hand  he  raised; 
On  his  white  beard  and  form  majestic  gazed, 
Not  unrelenting  ;  then  serene  began 
With  words  to  soothe  the  miserable  man  : 

"  Alas,  what  weiglit  of  anguish  hast  thou  known. 
Unhappy  prince  !  thus  guardless  and  alone 
To  pass  tlirough  foes,  and  thus  undaunted  face 
The  man  whose  fuiy  has  destroy'd  thy  race  ! 
Heaven  sure  has  arm'd  thee  with  a  heart  of  steel, 
A  strength  proportion'd  to  the  woes  you  feel. 
Rise,  then  :  let  reason  mitigate  your  care: 
To  mourn  avails  not ;  man  is  born  to  bear. 
Such  is,  alas  !  the  gods'  severe  decree  : 
They,  only  they  are  blest,  and  only  free. 
Two  urns  by  Jove's  high  throne  have  ever  stood. 
The  source  of  evil  one,  and  one  of  good  ; 
From  thence  the  cup  of  mortal  man  he  fdls, 
Blessings  to  these,  to  those  distributes  ill ; 
To  mos't  he  mingles  both  :  the  wretch  decreed 
To  taste  the  bad  unmix'd,  is  cursed  indeed  ; 
Pursued  by  wrongs,  by  meagre  famine  driven. 
He  wanders,  outcast  both  of  earth  and  heaven. 
The  happiest  taste  not  happiness  sincere  ; 
But  find  the  cordial  draught  is  dash'd  with  care. 
Who  more  than  I^eleus  shone  in  wealth  and  power 
What  stars  concurring  bless'd  his  natal  hour ! 
A  realm,  a  goddess,  to  his  wishes  given  ; 
Graced  by  the  gods  with  all  the  gifts  of  heaven. 
One  evil  yet  o'ertakes  his  latest  day : 
No  race  succeeding  to  imperial  sway ; 
An  only  son ;  and  he,  alas  !  ordain'd 
To  fall  untimely  in  a  foreign  land. 
See  him,  in  Troy,  the  pious  care  decline 
Of  his  weak  age,  to  live  the  curse  of  thine  ! 
Thou  too,  old  man,  hast  happier  days  beheld; 
In  riches  once,  in  children  once  excell'd  ; 
Extended  Phrygia  own'd  thy  ample  reign, 


492  THE  ILTAD.  IBook  XX«V 

And  all  fair  Lesbos'  blissful  seats  contain, 
And  all  wide  Hellespont's  unmeasured  main. 
But  since  the  god  his  hand  has  pleased  to  turn, 
And  fill  thy  measure  from  his  bitter  urn, 
What  sees  the  sun,  but  hapless  heroes'  falls  ? 
War,  and  the  blood  of  men,  surround  thy  walls ! 
What  must  be,  must  be.     Bear  thy  lot,  nor  shed 
These  unavailing  sorrows  o'er  the  dead  ; 
Thou  canst  not  call  him  from  the  Stygian  shore. 
But  thou,  alas  !  may'st  live  to  suffer  more  !  " 

To  whom  the  king:  "  O  favor'd  of  the  skies 
Here  let  me  grow  to  earth  !  since  Hector  lies 
On  the  bare  beach  deprived  of  obsequies. 

0  give  me  Hector !  to  my  eyes  restore 

His  corse,  and  take  the  gifts  :  I  ask  no  more. 
Thou,  as  thou  may'st,  these  boundless  stores  enjoy; 
Safe  may'st  thou  sail,  and  turn  thy  wrath  from  Troy: 
So  shall  thy  pity  and  forbearance  give 
A  weak  old  man  to  see  the  light  and  live  !  " 

'•  Move  me  no  more  (Achilles  thus  replies, 
While  kindling  anger  sijarkled  in  his  eyes), 
Nor  seek  by  tears  my  steady  soul  to  bend : 
To  yield  thy  Hector' I  myself  intend  : 
For  know,  from  Jove  my  goddess-mother  came 
(Old  Ocean's  daughter,  silver-footed  dame). 
Nor  comest  thou  but  by  heaven  ;  nor  comest  alone. 
Some  god  impels  with  courage  not  thy  own  : 
No  human  hand  tlie  weighty  gates  unbarr'd. 
Nor  could  the  boldest  of  our  youth  have  dared 
To  pass  our  outworks,  or  elude  the  guard. 
Cease  ;  lest,  neglectful  of  high  Jove's  command, 

1  show  thee,  king !    thou  tread'st  on  hostile  land ; 
Release  my  knees,  thy  suppliant  arts  give  o'er, 
And  shake  the  purpose  of  my  soul  no  more." 

The  sire  obey'd  him,  trembling  and  o'eraw'd. 
Achilles,  like  a  lion,  rush'd  abroad- 
Automedon  and  Alcimus  attend 
(Whom  most  he  honor'd,  since  he  lost  his  friend). 
These  to  unyoke  the  mules  and  horses  went. 
And  led  the  hoary  herald  to  the  tent; 
Next,  heap'd  on  high,  the  numerous  presents  beiT 
(Great  Hector's  ransom),  from  the  polish'd  car. 
Two  splendid  mantles,  and  a  carpet  spread. 
They  leave  ;   to  cover  and  enwrap  the  dead. 
Then  call  tlie  handmaids,  with  assistant  toil 
To  wash  the  body  and  anoint  with  oil. 
Apart  from  Priam  :  lest  the  unhappy  sire, 


Book  XXIV.)  THE  ILIAD.  493 

Provoked  to  passion,  once  more  rouse  to  ire 

The  stern  I'elides ;  and  nor  sacred  age, 

Nor  Jove's  command,  should  check  the  rising  rage. 

This  done,  the  garments  o'er  the  corse  they  spread ; 

Achilles  lifts  it  to  the  funeral  bed: 

Then,  while  the  body  on  the  car  they  laid, 

He  groans,  and  calls  on  loved  Patroclus'  shade : 
"If,  in  that  gloom  which  never  light  must  know, 

The  deeds  of  mortals  touch  the  ghosts  below, 

O  friend  !  forgive  me,  that  I  thus  fulfil 

(Restoring  Hector)  heaven's  unquestion'd  will. 

The  "ifts'the  father  gave,  be  ever  thine. 

To  grace  thy  manes,  and  adorn  thy  shrine."  • 
He  said,  and,  entering,  took  his  seat  of  state  ; 

Where  full  before  him  reverend  Priam  sate; 

To  whom,  composed,  the  godlike  cbie!!  begun  : 

"Lo  !  to  thy  prayer  restored,  tliy  breathless  son; 

Extended  on  the  funeral  couch  he  lies ; 

And  soon  as  morning  paints  the  eastern  skies. 

The  sight  is  granted  to  thy  longing  eyes; 

Bui  now  tlie  peaceful  hours  of  sacred  night 

Demand  reflection,  and  to  rest  invite : 

Nor  thou,  O  father  !  thus  consumed  with  woe, 

The  common  cares  that  nourish  life  forego. 

Not  thus  did  Niobe,  of  form  divine, 

A  parent  once,  whose  sorrows  equall'd  thine: 

Six  youthful  sons,  as  many  blooming  maids. 

In  one  sad  day  beheld  tlie  Stygiin  shades; 

Those  by  Apollo's  silver  bow  were  slain. 

These,  Cynthia's  arrows  stretch'd  upon  the  plain: 

So  was  her  pride  chastised  by  wrath  divine. 

Who  match'd  her  own  with  bright  LatonVs  line; 

But  two  the  goddess,  twelve  the  queen  enjoy 'd; 

Those  boasted  twelve,  the  avenging  two  destroy'd. 

Steep'd  in  their  blood,  and  ;.i  the  dust  outspread, 

•  "  Acliilles'  ferocious  Ireatment  of  the  corpse  of  Hector  cannot  but  offend  ai 
referred  to  the  modern  standard  of  humanity.  The  heroic  age,  however,  must  be 
judged  by  its  own  moral  laws.  Retributive  vengeance  on  the  dead,  as  well  as  the 
living,  was  a  duty  inculcated  by  the  religion  of  those  barbarous  times,  which  not  only 
taught  that  evil  inflicted  on  the  author  of  evil  was  a  solace  to  the  injured  man  ;  but 
made  the  welfare  of  the  soul  after  death  dependent  on  the  fate  of  the  body  from 
which  It  had  separated.  Hence  a  denial  ot  the  ntes  essential  to  the  soul's  admission 
into  the  more  favored  regions  of  the  lower  world  was  a  cruel  punishment  to  the  wan- 
derer on  the  dreary  shores  of  the  infernal  river.  The  complaint  of  the  ghost  of 
Patroclus  to  Achilles,  of  but  a  brief  postponement  of  his  own  obsequies,  shows  how 
efficacious  their  refusal  to  the  remains  of  his  destroyer  must  have  been  in  siliatmg 
the  thirst  of  revenge,  which,  even  after  death,  was  supposed  lo  torment  ihe  rwellers 
in  Hades.  Hence  before  yielding  up  the  body  of  Hector  lo  Priam,  Achilles  aski 
pardon  of  Patroclus  for  eyco  this  partial  cession  of  his  just  riKlils  of  reuibuuau."— 
Mure,  vol.  i,  189. 


494  THE  ILIAD.  |BooK  XXIV. 

Nine  days,  neglected,  lay  exposed  the  dead ; 

None  by  to  weep  them,  to  inhume  them  none 

(For  Jove  had  turn'd  the  nation  all  to  stone). 

The  gods  tliemselves,  at  length  relenting  gave 

The  unhappy  race  the  honors  of  a  grave. 

Herself  a  rock  (for  such  was  heaven's  high  will) 

Through  deserts  wild  now  pours  a  weeping  rill; 

Where"  round  the  bed  whence  Acheloiis  springs, 

The  watery  fairies  dance  in  mazy  rings  ; 

There  high  on  Sipylus's  shaggy  brow, 

She  stands,  her  own  sad  monument  of  woe  ; 

The  rock  forever  lasts,  the  tears  forever  flow. 

"  Such  griefs,  O  king  !  have  other  parents  known; 

Remember  theirs,  and  mitigate  thy  own. 

The  care  of  heaven  thy  Hector  has  appear'd, 

Nor  shall  he  lie  unwept,  and  uninterr"d  ; 

Soon  may  thy  aged  cheeks  in  tears  be  drown'd. 

And  all  the  eyes  of  I  lion  stream  around." 
He  said,  and,  rising,  chose  the  victim  ewe 

With  silver  fleece,  which  his  attendants  slew. 

The  limbs  they  sever  from  the  reeking  hide, 

With  skill  prepare  tliem,  and  in  parts  divide: 

Each  on  the  coals  the  separate  morsels  lays, 

And,  hasty,  snatches  from  the  rising  blaze. 

With  bread  the  glittering  canisters  they  load, 

Which  round  tlie  board  Automedon  bestow'd. 

The  chief  himself  to  each  his  portion  placed, 

And  each  indulging  shared  in  sweet  repast. 

When  now  tlie  rage  of  hunger  was  repress'd, 

The  wondering  hero  eyes  his  royal  guest- 
No  less  the  royal  guest  the  hero  eyes, 
His  godlike  aspect  and  majestic  size; 
Here,  youthful  grace  ?nd  noble  fire  engage; 
And  there,  the  mild  benevolence  of  age. 
Thus  gazing  long,  the  silence  neither  broke 
(A  solemn  scene  !)  at  length  the  father  spoke : 
"  Permit  me  now,  beloved  of  Jove  !  to  steep 
My  careful  temples  in  the  dew  of  sleep  : 
For,  since  the  day  that  number'd  with  the  dead 
Mv  hapless  son,  the  dust  has  been  my  bed  ; 
So'ft  sleep  a  stranger  to  my  weeping  eyes  ; 
ivly  only  food,  my" sorrows  and  my  sighs  ! 
Till  now,  encouraged  by  the  grace  you  give, 
I  share  thy  banquet,  and  consent  to  live." 

With  that,  Achilles  bade  prepare  the  bed. 
With  purple  soft  and  shaggy  carpets  spread  ; 
Forth,  by  the  flaming  lights,  they  bend  their  way, 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  49S 

And  place  the  couches  and  the  coverings  lay. 
Then  he:  "Now,  father,  sleep,  but  sleep  not  here; 
Consult  thy  safety,  and  forgive  my  fear, 
Lest  any  Argive  at  this  hour  awake, 
To  ask  our  counsel,  or  our  orders  take, 
Approaching  sudden  to  our  open'd  tent, 
I'erchance  behold  thee,  and  our  grace  prevent. 
Should  such  report  thy  honor'd  person  here, 
The  king  of  men  the  ransom  might  defer  : 
But  say  with  speed,  if  augiit  of  thy  desire 
Remains  unask'd  ;  what  time  the  rites  require 
To  inter  thy  Hector  ?     For,  so  long  we  stay 
Our  slaughtering  arm,  and  bid  the  hosts  obey." 

"  If  then  thy  will  permit  (the  monarch  said) 
To  finish  all  due  honors  to  the  dead. 
This  of  thy  grace  accord  :  to  thee  are  known 
The  fears  of  llion,  closed  witliin  her  town  ; 
And  at  wliat  distance  from  our  walls  aspire 
The  hills  of  Ide,  and  forests  for  the  fire. 
Nine  days  to  vent  our  sorrows  I  request. 
The  tenth  sliall  see  tlie  funeral  and  the  feast ; 
The  next,  to  raise  his  monument  be  given  ; 
The  twelfth  we  war,  if  war  be  doom'd  by  heaven  I  " 

"  This  thy  request  (replied  the  chief)  enjoy  : 
Till  then  our  arms  suspend  the  fall  of  Troy." 

Then  gave  his  hand  at  parting,  to  prevent 
The  old  man's  fears,  and  turn'd  within  the  tent; 
Where  fair  Briseis,  bright  in  blooming  charms, 
Expects  her  hero  with  desiring  arms. 
But  in  the  porch  the  king  and  herald  rest ; 
Sad  dreams  of  care  yet  wandering  in  their  breast. 
Now  gods  and  men  the  gifts  of  sleep  partake  ; 
Industrious  Hermes  only  was  awake. 
The  king's  return  revolving  in  his  mind. 
To  pass  the  ramparts,  and  the  watch  to  blind. 
The  power  descending  hover'd  o'er  his  head  : 
"  And  sleep'st  thou,  father  !  (thus  the  vision  said)] 
Now  dost  thou  sleep,  when  Hector  is  restor'd  ? 
Nor  fear  the  Grecian  foes,  or  Grecian  lord.'' 
Thy  presence  here  should  stern  Atrides  see, 
Thy  still  surviving  sons  may  sue  for  thee ; 
May  offer  all  thy  treasures  yet  contain. 
To  spare  thy  age  ;  and  offer  all  in  vain." 

Waked  with  the  word  the  trembling  sire  arose. 
And  raised  his  friend  :  the  god  before  him  goes : 
He  joins  the  mules,  directs  them  with  Ins  hand, 
And  moves  in  silence  through  the  hostile  land. 


496  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV. 

When  now  to  Xanthus'  yellow  stream  they  drove 

(Xanthus,  immortal  progeny  of  Jove), 

The  winged  deity  forsook  their  view, 

And  in  a  moment  to  Olympus  flew. 

Now  shed  Aurora  round  her  saffron  ray, 

Sprang  through  the  gates  of  light,  and  gave  tlie  day: 

Charged  with  the  mournful  load,  to  llion  go 

The  sage  and  king,  majestically  slow. 

Cassandra  first  beholds,  from  1  lion's  spire, 

The  sad  procession  of  a  hoary  sire ; 

Then  as  the  pensive  pomp  advanced  more  near 

(Her  breathless  brother  stretched  upon  the  bier), 

A  shower  of  tears  o'erflows  her  beauteous  eyes, 

Alarming  thus  all  llion  with  her  cries  : 

"  Turn  here  your  steps,  and  here  your  eyes  employ, 
Ye  wretched  daughters,  and  ye  sons  of  Troy ! 
If  e'er  ye  rush'd  in  crowds,  with  vast  delight, 
To  hail  your  hero,  glorious  from  the  fight. 
Now  meet  him  dead,  and  let  your  sorrows  flow; 
Your  common  triumph,  and  your  common  woe." 

In  thronging  crowds  they  issue  to  the  plains; 
Nor  man  nor  woman  in  the  walls  remains; 
In  every  face  the  self-same  grief  is  shown  ; 
And  Troy  sends  forth  one  universal  groan. 
At  Sca;a"s  gates  tliey  meet  tlie  mourning  wain, 
Hang  on  the  wlieels,  and  grovel  round  the  slain. 
The  wife  and  mother,  frantic  with  despair, 
Kiss  his  pale  cheek,  and  rend  their  scatter'd  hair: 
Thus  wildly  wailing,  at  the  gates  they  lay ; 
And  there  had  sigh'd  and  sorrow'd  out  the  day; 
But  godlike  Priam  from  the  chariot  rose  : 
"  Forbear  (he  cried)  this  violence  of  woes  ; 
First  to  the  palace  let  the  car  proceed, 
Then  pour  your  boundless  sorrows  o'er  the  dead." 

The  waves  of  people  at  his  word  divide, 
Slow  rolls  the  chariot  through  the  following  tide  ; 
Even  to  the  palace  the  sad  pomp  they  wait  : 
They  weep,  and  place  him  on  the  bed  of  state. 
A  melancholy  choir  attend  around, 
With  plaintive  siglis,  and  music's  solemn  sound : 
Alternately  they  sing,  alternate  flow 
The  obedient  tears,  melodious  in  their  woe. 
While  deeper  sorrows  groan  from  each  full  heart, 
And  nature  speaks  at  every  pause  of  art. 

First  to  the  corse  the  weeping  consort  flew ; 
Around  his  neck  her  milk-white  arms  she  threw, 
•'And  oh,  my  Hector !     Oh,  my  lord!  (she  cries) 


[BouK  XXIV.  THE  ILIAD.  497 

Snatch'd  in  tliy  bloom  from  these  desiring  eyes  I 

Tliou  to  the  distant  realms  forever  gone  ! 

And  I  abandon'd,  desolate,  alone  ! 

An  only  son,  once  comfort  of  our  pains, 

Sad  product  now  of  hapless  love,  remains ! 

Never  to  manly  age  that  son  shall  rise, 

Or  with  increasing  graces  glad  my  eyes  : 

For  Ilion  now  (her  great  defender  slain) 

Shall  sink  a  smoking  ruin  on  the  plain. 

Who  now  protects  her  wives  with  guardian  care  ? 

Who  saves  her  infants  from  the  rage  of  war  ? 

Now  hostile  fleets  must  waft  those  infants  o'er 

(Those  wives  must  wait  them)  to  a  foreign  si.'ore : 

Thou  too,  my  son,  to  barbarous  climes  shall  go. 

The  sad  companion  of  thy  mother's  woe  ; 

Driven  hence  a  slave  before  the  victor's  sword 

Condemn'd  to  toil  for  some  inhuman  lord  : 

Or  else  some  Greek  whose  father  press'd  the  plain. 

Or  son,  or  brother,  by  great  Hector  slain. 

In  Hector's  blood  his  vengeance  shall  enjoy. 

And  hurl  theo  headlong  from  the  towers  of  Troy* 

For  thy  stern  father  never  spared  a  foe  : 

Thence  all  these  tears,  and  all  this  scene  of  woe ! 

Thence  many  evils  his  sad  parents  bore, 

His  parents  many,  but  his  consort  more. 

Why  gav'st  thou  not  to  me  thy  dying  hand  ? 

And  why  received  not  I  thy  last  command  ? 

Some  word  thou  wouldst  have  spoke,  which,  sadly  dear. 

My  soul  might  keep,  or  utter  with  a  tear  ; 

Which  never,  never  could  be  lost  in  air, 

Fi.x'd  in  mv  heart,  and  oft  repeated  there  !  " 

Thus  to 'her  weeping  maids  she  makes  her  moan, 

Her  weeping  handmaids  echo  groan  for  groan. 
The  mournful  mother  next  sustains  her  part: 

"  O  thou,  the  best,  the  dearest  to  my  heart ! 

Of  all  my  race  thou  most  by  heaven  approved. 

And  by  the  immortals  even  in  death  beloved ! 

While  all  my  other  sons  in  barbarous  bands 

Achilles  bound,  and  sold  to  foreign  lands, 

This  felt  no  chains,  but  went  a  glorious  ghost. 

Free,  and  a  hero,  to  the  Stygian  coast. 

Sentenced,  'tis  true,  by  his  inhuman  doom. 

Thy  noble  corse  was  dragg'd  around  the  tomb : 

•  Such  was  the  fate  of  Asty.inai,  when  Troy  was  taken. 

"  Here,  from  the  tow'r  by  btern  Ulysses  thrown, 
Andromache  bewatl'd  her  infant  son." 


49^  THE  ILIAD.  [Book  XXIV. 

(The  tomb  of  him  thy  wadike  arm  had  slain) ; 

Ungenerous  insult,  impotent  and  vain! 

Yet  glow'st  thou  fresh  with  every  living  grace; 

No  mark  of  pain,  or  violence  of  face  : 

Rosy  and  fair  I  as  I'hotbus'  silver  bow 

Dismiss'd  thee  gently  to  the  shades  below." 

Thus  spoke  the  dame,  and  melted  into  tears. 
Sad  Helen  next  in  pomp  of  grief  appears  ; 
Fast  from  the  shining  sluices  of  lier  eyes 
Fall  the  round  crystal  drops,  while  thus  she  cries: 

"  Ah,  dearest  friend  !   in  whom  the  gods  had  join'd  * 
The  mildest  manners  with  the  bravest  mind  ; 
Now  twice  ten  years  (unliappy  years)  are  o'er 
Since  Paris  brought  me  to  the  Trojan  shore ; 
(O  had  I  perish'd,  ere  that  form  divine 
Seduced  this  soft,  this  easy  heart  of  mine  ! ) 
Yet  was  it  ne'er  my  fate,  from  thee  to  find 
A  deed  ungentle,  or  a  word  unkind  : 
When  others  cursed  the  authoress  of  their  woCf 
Thy  pity  check'd  my  sorrows  in  their  flow: 
If  some  proud  brother  eyed  me  with  disdain, 
Or  scornful  sister  with  her  sweeping  train. 
Thy  gentle  accents  softened  all  my  pain. 
For  thee  I  mourn;  and  mourn  myself  in  thee. 
The  wretched  source  of  all  this  misery: 
The  fate  I  caused,  forever  I  bemoan ; 
Sad  Helen  has  no  friend,  now  thou  art  gone! 
Through  Troy's  wide  streets  abandou'd  shall  I  rcainl 
In  Troy  deserted,  as  abhorr'd  at  home!" 

So  spoke  the  fair,  with  sorrow-streaming  eye: 
Distressful  beauty  melts  each  stander-by : 
On  all  around  the  infectious  sorrow  grows; 
But  Priam  check'd  the  torrent  as  it  rose  : 
•'  Perform,  ye  Trojans !  what  the  rights  require. 
And  fell  the  forests  for  the  funeral  pyre; 
Twelve  days,  nor  foes  nor  secret  ambuish  dread; 
Achilles  grants  these  honors  to  the  dead."  f 

*  The  following  observations  of  Coleridg*  furnish  a  most  gallant  and  interesting 
triew  of  Helen's  character.^ 

**  Kew  things  are  more  interesting  than  to  observe  how  the  same  hand  that  has 
given  us  tlie  fury  and  inconsistency  of  Achilles,  gives  us  also  the  consummate  elegance 
?nd  tenderness  of  Helen.  She  is  through  the  Iliad  a  genuine  lady,graccfulin  motion 
and  speech,  noble  in  her  associations,  full  of  remorse  for  a  fault  for  which  higher 
powers  seem  responsible,  yet  graceful  and  affectionate  towards  those  with  whom  that 
tault  had  committed  her.  I  'have  always  thought  the  following  speech,  in  which 
Helen  laments  Hector,  and  hints  at  her  own  invidious  and  unprotected  situation  in 
Troy,  as  almost  the  sweetest  passage  in  the  poem.  It  is  another  striking  instance  of 
that  refinement  of  feeling  and  softness  of  tone  which  so  generally  distinguish  the  last 
Oook  of  the  Ili.id  from  the  rest."— Classic  Poets,  p.  i<)8,  seq. 

t  "  And  here  we  part  with  Achilles,  at  the  moment  best  calculatetl  to  exalt  tMk- 


Book  XXIV.]  THE  ILIAD.  499 

He  spoke;  and,  at  his  word,  the  Trojan  train 
Their  mules  and  oxen  harness  to  the  wain. 
Tour  through  the  gates,  and  feli'd  from  Ida's  crown. 
Roll  back  the  gatjier'd  forests  to  the  town. 
These  toils  continue  nine  succeeding  days, 
And  high  in  air  a  sylvan  structure  raise. 
But  when  the  tentli  fair  morn  began  to  shine. 
Forth  to  the  pile  was  borne  the  man  divine, 
And  placed  aloft;  while  all,  with  streaming  eyeS, 
Beheld  the  flames  and  rolling  smokes  arise. 
Soon  as  Aurora,  daughter  of  the  dawn, 
With  rosy  lustre  streak'd  the  dewy  lawn. 
Again  the  mournful  crowds  surround  the  pyre. 
And  quench  with  wine  the  yet  remaining  fire. 
The  snowy  bones  his  friends  and  brothers  place 
(With  tears  collected)  in  a  golden  vase  ; 
The  golden  vase  in  purple  palls  they  roU'd, 
Of  softest  texture,  and  inwrought  with  gold. 
Last  o'er  the  urn  the  sacred  earth  they  spread, 
And  raised  the  tomb,  memorial  ot  the  dead. 
(Strong  guards  and  spies,  till  all  the  rites  were  done, 
Watch'd  from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun). 
All  Troy  then  moves  to  Priam '.s  court  again, 
A  solemn,  silent,  melancholy  train  : 
Assembled  there,  from  pious  toil  they  rest, 
And  sadly  shared  the  last  sepulchral  feast. 
Such  honors  Ilion  to  her  hero  paid. 
And  peaceful  slept  the  mighty  Hector's  shade.* 


purify  our  impression  of  his  character.  We  had  accompanied  him  throush  the  effer- 
rescence,  undulations,  and  final  subsidence  of  his  stormy  passions.  We  now  leave 
him  in  repose,  and  under  the  full  influence  of  the  more  amiable  affections  ;  while  our 
admiration  of  his  great  qualities  is  chastened  by  the  reflection  that,  within  a  tew  short 
days,  the  mighty  being  in  whom  they  were  united  was  himself  to  be  cut  off  suddenly  in 
the  full  vigor  of  their  exercise.  .  .  The  frequent  and  touching  allusions,  interspersed 
throughout  the  Iliad,  to  the  speedy  termination  of  its  hero  s  course  and  the  moral  on 
the  vanity  of  human  life  which  they  indicate,  are  among  the  finest  evidences  ol  the 
spirit  of  ethic  unity  by  which  the  whole  framework  of  the  poem  is  united.    —Mure, 

"''•''Cower  says,-"  I  cannot  take  my  leave  of  this  noble  poem  without  expressing 
how  much  I  am  struck  with  the  plam  conclusion  of  it.  It  is  like  the  exit  of  a  great 
man  out  of  company,  whom  he  has  entertained  magnificently  :  neither  pompous  nor 
familiar-  not  contemptuous,  yet  without  much  ceremony."'  Colendge,  p.  227,  co» 
•idars  the  termination  of  "  Paradise  Lost"  somewhat  siroilir. 


S°°  THE  ILrAD.  [BuOK   XXIV. 


CONCLUDING   NOTE. 


We  ha»e  now  passed  through  the  Iliad,  and  seen  the  anger  of  Achilles,  and  tht 
terrible  effects  of  it,  at  an  end  :  as  that  only  was  the  siilijecl  of  tlie  poem,  and  the 
natuie  of  epic  poetry  would  not  permit  our  author  to  proceed  to  the  event  of  the  war, 
it  perhaps  may  be  acceptable  to  the  common  reader  to  give  a  short  account  of  what 
happened  to  Troy  and  the  chief  actors  in  this  poem  after  the  conclusion  of  it. 

1  need  not  mention  that  Tioy  was  taken  soon  after  the  deatii  of  Hector  by  the 
stratagem  of  the  wooden  horse,  the  particulars  of  which  are  described  bv  Vireil  in 
the  second  book  of  the  ,«iieid.  '        ^ 

Achdies  fell  before  Iroy  by  the  hand  of  Paris,  by  the  shot  of  an  arrow  in  his  heel 
as  Hecl.li  li.id  pio|.lK-si,/,l  M  lii,  <l.-.ill.,  lib.  XX11. 

Tl.r  niii ;..!'     I'liini  u,..l.iil..l  K    \- ,  .  II,,,. I  A.lnlles. 

fi't:-'".    'I' I I    I'-" "'"'I   l'"'  i|'l'-l'"i    'li"'lH-HM"i.'';md'a7ll,e  taking 

of  Ti.,y  bet.nyid  linn,  in  vi.ltr  lo  leoiicile  hci^elf  to  Meneldut,  her  Ikst  husband, 
who  received  her  ag.iiii  into  favor. 

Agamemnon  at  lii.  return  was  barbarously  murdered  by  ^gyslhns.  at  the  instiga- 
tion of  Clyteiniieatia  his  wife,  who  in  his  absence  had  dishonored  his  bed  with 
^gvsthus. 

Diomed,  after  the  fall  of  Troy,  was  expelled  his  own  country,  and  scarce  escaped 
with  Ins  life  from  his  adulterous'wife  jCgiale  :  but  at  last  was  received  by  Dauiius  in 
Apulia,  and  shared  his  kingdom  :  it  is  uncertain  how  he  died. 

Nestor  lived  in  peace  with  Ins  children,  in  Pylos,  his  native  country. 

Ulysses  also,  after  innumerable  troubles  by  sea  and  land,  at  last  returned  in  safety 
Jo  Ithaca,  which  is  the  subject  of  Homer's  Odyssey. 

For  what  remains,  I  beg  to  be  excused  from  the  ceremonies  of  taking  leave  at  the 
end  of  my  work  ;  and  from  embarrassing  myself,  or  others,  with  any  defences  or 
apologies  about  it.  Rut  instead  of  endeavoring  to  raise  a  vam  monument  to  myself, 
of  the  merits  or  difficulties  of  it  (which  must  be  left  to  the  world,  to  truth,  and  to  pos- 
terity!, let  me  leave  behind  me  a  memorial  of  my  friendship  with  one  of  the  most 
valuable  of  men,  as  well  as  finest  writers,  of  my  age  and  country  ;  one  who  has  tried, 
and  knows  by  his  own  experience,  how  hard  an  undertaking  it  is  to  do  justice  to 
Homer:  and  one  whom  (I  am  sure)  sincerely  rejoices  with  me  at  the  period  of  my 
labors.  To  him,  therefore,  having  brought  this  long  work  to  a  conclusion,  I  desire  ta 
dedicate  it :  and  to  have  the  honor  and  satisfaction  of  placing  together,  in  this  manner, 
the  names  of  Mr.  Congi?hvh,  and  of 

M.irch  25,  1720.  A.  POPE. 

Toll'  0*an'  6e  ciiroita— to  ju^)  k-n't.  uKiov  fit  npOKOipai  iy  rTotTjTiKT/  (cat  aAAvt) 
fiT'TT)5eu^ac7t,  iy  ols  law?  ay  KaTttT^fOrjy,  ec  ^cr^ci^iTji'  cfiavjoy  EvoStu?  rrpoicicTa. 

M.  AuRHL.  Anton,  dt  Sei/so,  lib.  i.  §  17* 


END   OF   THE   ILIAD. 


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