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Presented  to  the 

LIBRARY  of  the 
UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO 

by 
NORAH  DE  PENCISR 


of 


A  ftabatswollo 


PRINCE  OF  POETIC 

In  his  Iliads,  and 


THE    ILIADS     OF    HOMER, 

PKINCE   OF   POETS, 

NEVER  BEFORE  IN  ANY  LANGUAGE  TRULY  TRANSLATED, 

WITH  A  COMMENT  ON  SOME  OF  HIS 

CHIEF  PLACES. 

DONE  ACCORDING  TO  THE  GREEK 

BY    GEOEGE    CHAPMAN. 


WITH    INTRODUCTION    AND    NOTES, 
BY  THE 

REV.    RICHARD   HOOPER,   M.A. 

VICAE  OF  UPTON  AND  ASTON  UPTHORPE,   BERKS. 


VOLUME  I. 


THIRD    EDITION. 


M1CROFO!  ' 

PR!      p     •       "-N 

.  ERV! 


DATE 


SEP     7  1990 


LONDON : 

JOHN   KUSSELL    SMITH. 

1888. 


P4 


yj 


DEI 


141955 


10310 ';  0 


TO 


SAMUEL,    LORD    BISHOP    OF    OXFORD, 


CHANCELLOR   OF   THE   MOST   NOBLE   ORDER  OF   THE   GARTER, 


AND   LORD   HIGH   ALMONER   TO   THE   QUEEN, 


THESE   VOLUMES   ARE   DEDICATED 


WITH   EVERY   SENTIMENT   OF   RESPECT, 


BY   HIS   OBLIGED  SERVANT, 


THE  EDITOR. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

T  is  with  sincere  pleasure  that  the  Editor  has  heen  informed 
that  a  third  issue  of  his  Edition  of  Chapman's  Homer's 
Iliads  is  required.  The  steady  and  continued  demand 
for  this  fine  old  book  is  very  gratifying,  and  no  slight 
proof  of  the  hold  that  it  has  obtained  on  the  public  mind.  In  the 
present  edition  the  sheets  have  been  carefully  read  through,  but  as  some 
had  been  printed  off  before  they  came  under  the  editor's  eye,  he  has 
thrown  his  Additional  and  Corrected  Notes,  and  the  very  few  typo- 
graphical errors,  into  a  page  of  Addenda  et  Corrigenda,  which  the  reader 
is  requested  to  peruse.  The  Introduction,  corrected  in  a  few  places, 
remains  as  it  stood  in  the  last  edition  (1865),  and  the  editor  believes 
that,  with  that  prefixed  to  the  last  edition  of  the  Odyssey  (1874),  it 
contains  the  fullest  account  of  Chapman  and  his  works  extant. 

K.  H. 


UPTON,  BERKS,  March  7,  1888. 


ADVERTISEMENT  TO  SECOND  EDITION. 

AVING  been  informed  by  my  respected  publisher  that 
the  former  impression  of  these  volumes  has  been  entirely 
exhausted  and  long  out  of  print,  I  have  had  much 
pleasure  in  acceding  to  his  request  to  superintend  a  new 
edition.  The  text  has  been  thoroughly  revised  by  a  collation  with  a  fine 
copy  of  the  first  folio,  and  great  care  has  been  bestowed  upon  the 
punctuation.  The  Life  of  Chapman  has,  to  a  great  extent,  been  re- 
written, though  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  little  additional  information 
could  be  procured.  Since  the  former  publication  much  attention  has 
been  turned  to  the  study  of  Homer,  probably  through  the  influence  of 
the  writings  of  Mr.  Gladstone  ;  and  some  good  versions  of  the  Homeric 
Poems  have  been  added  to  our  literature.  Among  these  the  transla- 
tions of  the  Iliad  by  Lord  Derby  and  Mr.  I.  C.  "Wright,  and  one  of 
the  Odyssey,  in  the  Spenserian  stanza,  by  Mr.  Philip  Stanhope  Worsley, 
have  been  deservedly  commended.  The  noble  version  of  George  Chap- 
man, however,  has  an  independent  value  and  interest.  It  is  to  be 
prized  for  its  fine  old  language  and  the  sweetness  of  its  epithets, 
as  much  as  its  representation  (however  imperfect  all  such  repre- 
sentations may  be)  of  the  original.  The  contemporary  and  friend  of 
Shakespeare  has  left  us  a  work  worthy  of  the  great  age  in  which  he 
lived  ;  and  I  hope  I  may  not  be  accused  of  the  undue  partiality  of  an 
advocate,  if  I  express  my  conviction  that  Chapman's  Homer  is  (to  use 
Mr.  Godwin's  words)  "  one  of  the  greatest  treasures  the  English  lan- 
guage has  to  boast." 

R.  H. 

Aston  Upthorpe, 

March,  1865. 


INTRODUCTION. 

HE  increasing  interest  in  the  sterling  literature  of  the 
Elizabethan  age  is  too  obvious  to  need  remark.  The 
new  era  of  criticism  in  the  writings  of  Shakespeare  has 
caused  the  dust  which  had  accumulated  upon  the  works 
of  many  of  his  less-known  contemporaries  to  be  shaken  off,  and  the 
result  has  proved  by  no  means  disadvantageous  to  their  reputation. 
"  He,  indeed,  overlooks  and  commands  the  admiration  of  posterity,  but 
he  does  it  from  the  table-land  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived.  He  towered 
above  his  fellows  '  in  shape  and  gesture  proudly  eminent,'  but  he  was 
one  of  a  race  of  giants,  the  tallest,  the  strongest,  the  most  graceful  and 
beautiful  of  them  ;  but  it  was  a  common  and  a  noble  brood."  *  One 
branch,  however,  of  this  "  giant  family  "  has  not  hitherto  met  with  that 
attention  to  which  it  is  justly  entitled  ;  a  branch  which  contributed  in 
no  slight  degree  to  enrich  the  language,  and  enlighten  and  enlarge  the 
national  mind — I  mean  the  sturdy  race  of  our  old  Translators.  While 
Shakespeare  and  Spenser,  Bacon,  Sydney,  Hooker,  Ben  Jonson,  and  a 
host  of  others,  poets,  philosophers,  divines,  and  statesmen,  "  men  whom 
Fame  has  eternised  in  her  long  and  lasting  scroll,  and  who,  by  their 
words  and  acts,  were  benefactors  of  their  country  and  ornaments  of 
human  nature,"  were  giving  to  ^the  world  the  imperishable  monuments 

*  Hazlitt's  "  Lectures  on  the  Dramatic  Literature  of  the  Age  of  Elizabeth  " 
p.  12. 


x  INTRODUCTION. 

of  their  genius,  there  was  a  hardly-to-be-less  honoured  race  employed 
in  culling  from  the  rich  and  fascinating  stores  of  the  Greek  and  Latin 

O  O 

Classics,  in  exploring  the  romantic  poetry  of  Spain  and  Italy,  and 
throwing  open  their  treasures  in  noble  and  stately  Translations.  When 
James  ascended  the  throne,  himself  no  mean  scholar,  he  found  his 
people  in  possession  of  versions  in  their  own  language  of  most  of  the 
great  writers  of  Classical  Antiquity.  And  though  it  is  true  the  rage 
for  Translation  had  been  so  great  that  many  of  these  were  of  mushroom 
growth,  and  have  meritedly  sunk  into  oblivion,  yet  there  were  others 
which  were  of  too  genuine  worth  to  be  merely  ephemeral,  which  have 
stood  the  test  of  ages,  and  which,  having  done  good  service  in  their 
day,  are  now  undeservedly  laid  aside,  and  sought  after  only  by  the 
scholar  and  the  philologer,  or,  may  be,  the  curious,  yet  to  every  true 
lover  of  his  native  language  are  they  precious  heir-looms  of  the  genius 
and  learning  of  a  past  and  a  glorious  age. 

It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  in  the  following  remarks  on  some  of 
these  old  Translations  I  specify  all  that  could  be  enumerated,  but  I 
would  wish  to  mention  a  few,  which  obtained  no  slight  popularity  in 
their  time,  and  which  seem  to  me  still  worth  the  attention  of  the  lover 
of  old  literature.  Virgil,  as  might  be  imagined,  was  an  early  favourite. 
The  version  by  Thomas  Phaier,  first  published  in  Queen  Mary's  reign, 
is  no  mean  specimen  of  the  art  of  Translation,  and,  though  now  sup- 
planted by  the  great  work  of  the  "  glorious  John,"  contains  much  to 
admire.  A  late  critic  indeed  has  passed  a  very  high  eulogium  upon  it 
which  may  seem  a  little  too  laudatory,  though  I  can  add  my  sincere 
testimony  to  the  worth  of  "  Thomas  Phaier,  Doctour  of  Phisicke." 
Mr.  Godwin  describes  it  "  as  the  most  wonderful  depository  of  living 
description  and  fervent  feeling,  that  is  to  be  found  perhaps  in  all  the 
circle  of  literature."  * 

Ovid,  besides  numerous  translations  of  his  other  poems  by  various 
authors,  was  nobly  "  converted "  in  his  Metamorphoses  by  Arthur 
Golding,  a  name  of  no  faint  lustre  amongst  our  old  Translators.  In 
*  "Lives  of  Edward  and  John  Philips,"  p.  247.  (London,  4to.  1815.) 


INTRODUCTION.  ri 

1567  Golding  produced  his  charming  work  complete.  Warton  confesses 
that  "  his  style  is  poetical,  and  spirited,  and  his  versification  clear,  his 
manner  ornamental  and  diffuse,  yet  with  a  sufficient  observance  of  the 
original."  *  After  such  testimony  it  would  seem  hardly  necessary  to 
add  an  observation  ;  but  I  can  assure  the  reader  he  would  be  much 
pleased  by  the  smoothness  and  sweetness  of  diction  in  this  fine  version. 
Golding  gave  us  several  other  translations  ;  and  one  in  particular  may 
be  mentioned,  namely  Philip  Mornay's  Treatise  "  On  the  Truth  of  the 
Christian  Religion,"  executed  in  conjunction  with  Sir  Philip  Sydney. 

Sir  Thomas  North's  Translation  of  Plutarch's  Lives,  1579,  though 
avowedly  taken  from  the  French  of  Arnyot,  has  a  claim  to  our  venera- 
tion from  the  use  that  Shakespeare  made  of  it.  The  popularity  of  this 
work  may  be  estimated  from  the  fact  that  it  was  a  household  book 
during  the  whole  of  the  seventeenth  century,  and  we  have  no  less  than 
six  folio  editions  of  it,  viz.,  1579,  1595,  1602,  1631,  1657,  1676. 
The  edition  of  1657  was  published  at  the  instance  of  the  lately 
deceased  Selclen.  I  may  be  pardoned  for  giving  Mr.  Godwin's 
opinion  of  it.  "  I  must  confess  that  till  this  book  fell  into  my  hands,  I 
had  no  genuine  feeling  of  Plutarch's  merits,  or  knowledge  of  what  sort 
of  writer  he  was.  The  philosopher  of  Cheronsea  subjects  himself  in  his 
biographical  sketches  to  none  of  the  rules  of  fine  writing  ;  he  has  not 
digested  the  laws  and  orclonnance  of  composition,  and  the  dignified  and 
measured  step  of  an  historian  ;  but  rambles  just  as  his  fancy  suggests, 
and  always  tells  you  without  scruple  or  remorse  what  comes  next  in  his 
mind.  How  beautiful  does  all  this  show  in  the  simplicity  of  the  old 
English!  How  aptly  does  this  dress  correspond  to  the  tone  and 
manner  of  thinking  in  the  author  !  While  I  read  Plutarch  in  Sir 
Thomas  North,  methinks  I  see  the  grey-headed  philosopher,  full  of 
information  and  anecdote,  a  veteran  in  reflection  and  experience,  and 
smitten  with  the  love  of  all  that  is  most  exalted  in  our  nature,  pouring 
out  without  restraint  the  collections  of  his  wisdom,  as  he  reclines  in  his 
easy  chair  before  a  cheerful  winter's  blaze.  How  different  does  all  this 
*  Warton's  Hist.  Engl.  Poetry,  vol.  in.  p.  332,  ed.  1840. 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

appear  in  the  translation  of  the  Langhornes  !  All  that  \vas  beautiful 
and  graceful  before  becomes  deformity  in  the  finical  and  exact  spruce- 
ness  with  which  they  have  attired  it."  * 

And  ungrateful  should  I  be  if  I  passed  over  the  labours  of  old  Phile- 
mon Holland,  that  "  Translator  general,"  as  Fuller  styled  him.  His 
"  Plinie's  Natural  Historie  "  has  wiled  away  many  a  weary  hour,  and 
his  "  Livy  "  and  "  Plutarch's  Morals  "  were  noble  efforts  in  their  day. 
They  contain  a  mine  of  wealth  to  the  philologer.  Pope's  ill-natured 

sneer  that 

"  here  the  groaning  shelves  Philemon  bends  " 

would  be  vain  now,  his  works  have  become  so  scarce,  and  are  too  pre- 
cious to  "  bend  the  shelves  "  of  the  every-day  collector.  The  student 
would  do  well  to  avail  himself  of  every  opportunity  to  secure  them. 
Philemon  Holland  was  no  ordinary  scholar,  t 

But,  while  attention  was  thus  being  turned  to  Classical  lore,  Foreign 
literature  was  not  neglected.  Edward  Fairfax  had  given  us  his  splen- 
did version  of  Tasso.  Ariosto,  through  Sir  John  Harington,  had, 
upon  the  admission  of  Warton,  "  enriched  our  poetry  by  a  com- 

*  Godwin,  ut  supra,  p.  245. 

t  Fuller,  in  his  "  Worthies,"  styles  Philemon  Holland  "the  Translator 
General  of  his  age,  so  that  those  books  alone  of  his  turning  into  English  will 
make  a  country  gentleman  a  competent  library  for  Historians,  insomuch  that 
one  saith 

Holland  with  translations  doth  so  fill  us 
He  will  not  let  Suetonius  be  Tranquillus." 

Poor  Philemon  seerns  to  have  been  in  much  distress  in  his  old  age.  (See  a 
very  interesting  extract  from  various  MSS.  in  Sir  E.  Brydges'  "  Jiestituta," 
vol.  iii.  p.  41.)  The  dates  of  his  Translations  are  as  follows  :  Pliny,  fol.  1601, 
fol.  1634  ;  Plutarch's  Morals,  fol.  1603,  fol.  1657  ;  Livy,  fol.  1600,  fol.  1659,  fol. 
1686  ;  Suetonius,  fol.  1606  ;  Ammianus  Marcfllinus,  fol.  1609  ;  Xciwphoris  Cyro- 
pcedia,  fol.  1632  ;  Camden's  Britannia,  fol.  1610,  fol.  1637.  Sir  John  Harington's 
Ariosto  was  published  fol.  1591  ;  fol.  1607  ;  fol.  1634.  Paynter's  Palace  of 
Pleasure  was  reprinted  by  Haslewood,  3  vols.  4to.  1813.  Fenton's  Guicciardin 
was  published  fol.  1579,  fol.  1599,  and  fol.  1618.  The  two  first  editions,  I 
think,  are  identical,  the  title  being  merely  altered.  The  editions  of  Fairfax's 
Tasso  I  have  met  with  are  fol.  1600  ;  fol.  1624  ;  8vo.  16S7  ;  2  vols.  8vo.  Dublin, 
1726;  8vo.  London,  1749;  8vo.  1817,  2  vols.  by  Knight,  also  in  Knight's 
shilling  volumes  ;  and  a  most  beautiful  edition  in  the  original  orthography  by 
Mr.  Singer,  2  vols.  small  Svo.  1S17. 


INTRODUCTION.  xiii 

munication  of  new  stores  of  fiction  and  imagination,  both  of  the 
romantic  and  comic  species,  of  Gothic  machinery,  and  familiar 
manner."*  In  1566-7  William  Paynter  displayed  in  his  "Palace  of 
Pleasure"  the  wealthy  mine  of  Boccaccio,  fertilizing  the  imagination 
of  even  Shakespeare  himself.  Geffray  Fenton's  "  Historic  of  Guicci- 
ardin,  containing  the  Warres  of  Italie,"  is  a  fine  old  book.  Nor  can 
we  forget  that  Milton,  in  common  with  his  age,  is  said  to  have  been 
very  partial  to  the  translations  from  Du  Bartas  by  that  "  famous 
philomusus "  Joshua  Sylvester.  One  work  more,  reader,  and  I  have 
done — William  Shelton's  translation  of  "Don  Quixote,"  2  vols.  4to. 
1612-20.  Jarvis,  it  is  true,  thinks  Shelton  translated  through  the 
Italian,  but,  be  this  as  it  may,  the  version  is  most  spirited,  and,  in  my 
humble  opinion,  still  the  best  in  our  language. 

All,  and  each,  of  these  grand  old  authors  contain  much,  very  much, 
for  us  to  venerate  and  admire.  In  them  the  reader  will  find  a  vigour 
and  a  freshness,  a  grasp  of  the  spirit  of  the  originals,  a  stately  flow  of 
language,  which  we  in  vain  look  for  in  the  more  modern  and  finished 
Translations.  In  a  word,  it  was  essentially  the  age  of  Translation,  and 
we  might  point  triumphantly  to  the  BIBLE,  and  ask,  what  period  in  all 
our  literary  annals  could  have  produced  such  a  version  ?  A  writer  in 
the  Edinburgh  Keview  (vol.  LVII.  112)  observes:  "The  lovers  of  the 
English  language  owe  the  Church  of  England  an  obligation  which  they 
can  never  repay.  Only  let  them  think,  what  would  have  been  our  loss, 
if  the  translation  of  the  Bible  had  been  delayed  to  the  present  age  !  " 

I  will  conclude  by  citing  some  very  able  remarks,  which  fully  embody 
my  own  sentiments  on  this  subject,  and  which  contain  pleasing  testi- 
mony to  the  merits  of  GEORGE  CHAPMAN. 

"  Translation,"  says  Mr.  Godwin,  "  ought  to  be  considered  in  a  very 
different  light  by  scholars,  and  men  to  whom  literature  is  their  chosen 
occupation,  than  that  in  which  it  is  regarded  by  persons  to  whom  books 
are  an  amusement  only.  Translation  is  the  parent,  or  more  accurately 
speaking,  the  nurse  of  all  modern  languages,  from  whose  fostering 

*  Warton,  ut  supra,  p.  391. 


xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

breast  they  derive  their  soundness,  the  vigour,  and  the  health,  that 
Tenders  them  at  once  the  delight  and  accomplished  ministers  of  all  by 
•whom  they  are  spoken  and  written.  To  Translation  we  are  indebted 
for  much  of  what  is  most  excellent  and  important  in  our  vernacular 
speech  ;  and  Translation,  considered  in  this  point  of  view,  is  a  funda- 
mental branch  of  true  learning.  Chaucer,  Lydgate,  Skelton,  and 
Surrey,  the  fathers  of  our  literature,  were  all  eminent  Translators  ;  and 
it  is  to  our  version  of  the  Bible  that  we  are  above  all  things  indebted 
for  the  sober,  majestic,  and  copious,  flow  of  our  English  tongue. 
Translation,  merely  as  Translation,  would  form  no  branch  of  reading 
to  a  scholar,  merely  in  as  far  as  he  was  a  scholar  ;  but,  considered  as 
the  faithful  repository  of  the  history  of  a  language,  it  is  of  inexpressible 
importance.  Translation  in  itself  is  a  dim  and  obscure  medium, 
through  which  we  become  feebly  acquainted  with  the  merits  of  an 
original  work.  No  man  therefore  would  almost  deign  to  look  upon  a 
Translation,  except  so  far  as  he  had  no  other  way  in  which  to  obtain  a 
knowledge  of  the  original  it  pretends  to  represent. 

"  This  character  may  be  considered  as  applicable  to  all  Translations 
at  the  time  they  are  presented  to  the  world.  But  an  obsolete  Trans- 
lation is  a  very  different  thing.  It  is  an  object  avoided  by  the  fop  and 
the  fine  lady  ;  but  it  is  precious  to  the  man  of  taste,  the  man  of  feeling, 
and  the  philosopher.  In  the  old  English  Homer,  for  example,  I  have 
some  pleasure,  inasmuch  as  I  find  Homer  himself  there  ;  but  I  have 
also  an  inestimable  pleasure  added  to  this,  while  I  remark,  and  feel  in 
my  inmost  heart,  the  venerable  and  illustrious  garb  in  which  he  is  thus 
brought  before  me.  This  further  pleasure  I  have  which  I  could  not 
find  even  in  the  original  itself.  The  Translation  of  Homer,  published 
by  George  Chapman  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth  and  King  James, 
is  one  of  the  greatest  treasures  the  English  language  has  to  boast.  This 
man  had  a  deep  and  true  feeling  of  what  a  poet  is,  when  he  appears, 
as  Milton  styles  it,  '  soaring  in  the  high  region  of  his  fancies,  with  his 
garland  and  singing  robes  about  him.'  This  is  conspicuously  shown  in 
his  Preface,  Notes,  and  Dedication."  * 

*  Ut  supra,  p.  240. 


INTRODUCTION.  xv 

Mr.  Godwin  proceeds  to  illustrate  this  by  a  comparison  of  passages 
from  the  Odyssey  with  Pope's  version,  in  which  the  superiority  of  the 
elder  poet  is  obvious.  It  will  be  unnecessary  to  pursue  a  similar  course, 
for  it  is  generally  admitted  at  the  present  day,  that,  of  all  the  versions 
of  Homer  in  our  language,  that  of  Chapman  approaches  the  nearest  to 
the  original  in  spirit  and  grandeur,  and,  from  a  most  attentive  perusal, 
I  think  faithfulness.  Whether  Homer  has  ever  been  really  translated 
is  a  question  which  must  be  discussed  elsewhere,  but  of  the  existing 
representations  of  him,  there  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  which  the  palm 
must  be  given.  It  may  be  pleasing  to  give  a  few  testimonies  of  com- 
petent judges  to  the  worth  of  this  noble  work.  Dryden,  in  the  Dedi- 
cation to  the  third  volume  of  his  Miscellanies,  says,  "  The  Earl  of 
Mulgrave  and  Mr.  Waller,  two  of  the  best  judges  of  our  age,  have 
assured  me  that  they  never  could  read  over  the  translation  of  Chapman 
without  incredible  transport."  Dryden  himself  translated  the  First 
Book  of  the  Iliad,  and  Pope  declares  that,  had  he  completed  the  work, 
he  would  not  have  ventured  on  his  own  translation.  Pope,  in  a  subse- 
quent passage  of  his  Preface,  accuses  Dryden  of  having  "  had  too  much 
regard  to  Chapman,  whose  words  he  sometimes  copies,  and  has  unhap- 
pily followed  him  in  passages  where  he  wanders  from  the  original." 
This  comes  with  an  ill  grace  from  Pope,  for  Dr.  Johnson  asserts  that 
"  with  Chapman  Pope  had  frequent  consultations,  and  perhaps  never 
translated  any  passage  till  he  had  read  his  version ;  which  indeed  he 
has  been  sometimes  suspected  of  using  instead  of  the  Greek."  Pope  has 
however  done  Chapman  the  justice  to  say  that  "  he  covers  his  defects 
by  a  daring  fiery  spirit  that  animates  his  translation  •  which  is  some- 
thing like  what  one  might  imagine  Homer  himself  to  have  writ  before 
he  arrived  to  years  of  discretion."  "He  (Pope)  might  have  added," 
says  Mr.  Hallam,  "  that  Chapman's  Translation,  with  all  its  defects, 
is  often  exceedingly  Homeric  ;  a  praise  which  Pope  himself  seldom 
attained.  Chapman  deals  abundantly  in  compound  epithets,  some  of 
which  have  retained  their  place  ;  his  verse  is  rhymed,  of  fourteen 
syllables,  which  corresponds  to  the  hexameter  better  than  the  deca- 


xvi  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

syllable  couplet ;  lie  is  often  uncouth,  and  often  low,  but  the  spirited 
and  rapid  flow  of  his  metre  makes  him  respectable  to  lovers  of  poetry."  * 
In  the  Retrospective  Eeview,  vol.  in.  will  be  found  an  admirable  article 
on  the  merits  of  Chapman,  Pope  and  Cowper  ;  and  there  are  several 
interesting  critiques  on  Sotheby's  Homer  in  Blackwood's  Magazine  for 
1830,  1832,t  which  do  ample  justice  to  Chapman.  Coleridge,  in 
sending  a  copy  of  Chapman's  volume  to  Wordsworth  (1807)  says, 
"  Chapman  I  have  sent  in  order  that  you  might  read  the  Odyssey ; 
the  Iliad  is  fine,  but  less  equal  in  the  translation,  as  well  as  less  inte- 
resting in  itself.  What  is  stupidly  said  of  Shakespeare  is  really  true 
and  appropriate  of  Chapman  :  '  mighty  faults  counterpoised  by  mighty 
beauties.'  Excepting  his  quaint  epithets,  which  he  affects  to  render 
literally  from  the  Greek,  a  language  above  all  others  blest  in  the  happy 
marriage  of  sweet  words,  and  which  in  our  language  are  mere  printer's 
compound  epithets — such  as  divine  joy-in-the-heart-of-man-infusing 
wine  (the  undermarked  is  to  be  one  word,  because  one  sweet  melli- 
fluous word  expresses  it  in  Homer) ;  excepting  this  it  has  no  look,  no 
air,  of  a  translation.  It  is  as  truly  an  original  poem  as  the  Faery 
Queen  ; — it  will  give  you  small  idea  of  Homer,  though  a  far  truer  one 
than  Pope's  epigrams,  or  Cowper's  cumbersome  most  anti-Homeric 
Miltonism.  For  Chapman  writes  and  feels  as  a  poet, — as  Homer 
might  have  written  had  he  lived  in  England  in  the  reign  of  Queen 
Elizabeth.  In  short,  it  is  an  exquisite  poem,  in  spite  of  its  frequent 
and  perverse  quaintnesses  and  harshnesses,  which  are,  however,  amply 
repaid  by  almost  unexampled  sweetness  and  beauty  of  language,  all 
over  spirit  and  feeling."  £  It  is  not  improbable  that  Coleridge's  atten- 
tion had  been  called  to  Chapman  by  Charles  Lamb,  who  writes  to  him 
in  1802,  "  I  have  just  finished  Chapman's  Homer.  Did  you  ever 
read  it  ?— it  has  the  most  continuous  power  of  interesting  you  all 
along,  like  a  rapid  original,  of  any  ;  and  in  the  uncommon  excellence 

*  Literature  of  Europe,  n.  p.  130,  ed.  1843. 
t  By  Professor  Wilson. 

t  Coleridge's  Literary  Remains   by  Henry  Nelson    Coleridge,  4  vols.  8vo. 
1836,  vol.  i.  pp.  259-60-61. 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  xvii 

of  the  more  finished  parts  goes  beyond  Fairfax  or  any  of  'em.  The 
metre  is  fourteen  syllables,  and  capable  of  all  sweetness  and  grandeur. 
Cowper's  ponderous  blank  verse  detains  you  every  step  with  some  heavy 
Miltonism  ;  Chapman  gallops  off  with  you  his  own  free  pace,  &c."  * 

It  would  be  unpardonable  to  omit  Lamb's  well-known  criticism  on 
Chapman  in  his  "  Specimens  of  English  Dramatic  Poets,"  first  published 
in  1808.  "  The  selections  which  I  have  made  from  this  poet  are  suffi- 
cient to  give  an  idea,  of  '  that  full  and  heightened  style'  which  Webster 
makes  characteristic  of  Chapman.  Of  all  the  English  play-writers, 
Chapman  perhaps  approaches  nearest  to  Shakespeare  in  the  descriptive 
and  didactic,  in  passages  which  are  less  purely  dramatic.  Dramatic 
imitation  was  not  his  talent.  He  could  not  go  out  of  himself,  as 
Shakespeare  could  shift  at  pleasure,  to  inform  and  animate  other  exist- 
ences ;  but  in  himself  he  had  an  eye  to  perceive,  and  a  soul  to  embrace, 
all  forms.  He  would  have  made  a  great  epic  poet,  if  indeed  he  has  not 
abundantly  shown  himself  to  be  one  ;  for  his  Homer  is  not  so  properly 
a  translation  as  the  stories  of  Achilles  and  Ulysses  re-written.  The 
earnestness  and  passion  which  he  has  put  into  every  part  of  these 
poems  would  be  incredible  to  a  reader  of  mere  modern  translations. 
His  almost  Greek  zeal  for  the  honour  of  his  heroes  is  only  paralleled 
by  that  fierce  spirit  of  Hebrew  bigotry  with  which  Milton,  as  if  person- 
ating one  of  the  zealots  of  the  old  law,  clothed  himself  when  he  sat 
down  to  paint  the  acts  of  Samson  against  the  Uncircumcised.  The 
great  obstacle  to  Chapman's  translations  being  read  is  their  unconquer- 
able quaintness.  He  pours  out  in  the  same  breath  the  most  just  and 
natural,  and  the  most  violent  and  forced,  expressions.  He  seems' to 
grasp  whatever  words  come  first  to  hand  during  the  impetus  of  inspira- 
tion, as  if  all  other  must  be  inadequate  to  the  divine  meaning.  But 
passion  (the  all  in  all  in  poetry)  is  everywhere  present,  raising  the'low, 
dignifying  the  mean,  and  putting  sense  into  the  absurd.  He  makes  his 
readers  glow,  weep,  tremble,  take  any  affection  which  he  pleases,  be 

*  The  letters  of  Charles  Lamb,  by  T.  N.  Talfourd,  2  vols.  8vo.  1837,  vol.  i. 
p.  236. 

VOL.  I.  b 


xviii  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

moved  by  words,  or  in  spite  of  them  be  disgusted,  and  overcome  their 
disgust.  I  have  often  thought  that  the  vulgar  misconception  of  Shake- 
speare as  of  a  wild  irregular  genius,  '  in  whom  great  faults  are  compen- 
sated by  great  beauties,'  would  be  true  of  Chapman." 

In  an  article  entitled  "  Remarks  on  Translation "  in  the  Classical 
Museum  (vol.  i.  p.  400)  the  writer,  Mr.  R.  H.  Home,  observes — "The 
name  of  George  Chapman  I  mention  with  reverence  and  admiration  ; 
but  his  truly  grand  version  of  Homer  must  nevertheless  be  declared  no 
translation.  Chapman's  version  of  Homer  is  a  paraphrase  by  a  kindred 
spirit ;  that  of  Pope  is  a  paraphrase  in  his  own*  spirit.  The  works 
might  be  appropriately  contradistinguished  as  '  Homer's  Chapman,' 
and  '  Pope's  Homer.'  By  his  in-door  modern  life,  his  drawing-room 
associates,  his  mechanical  refinements  and  polished  grace,  his  tasteful 
timidities  and  general  misgivings,  Pope  was  the  natural  opposite  to 
Homer,  and  one  of  the  very  last  men  who  should  have  meddled  with 
his  works  ;  but  Chapman,  by  his  commanding  energies,  fulness  of  faith 
in  his  author's  genius,  and  in  his  own  inspired  sympathies,  his  primitive 
power,  and  rough  truthfulness  of  description,  was  the  very  man  for  the 
purpose,  had  he  not  been  misled  by  the  common  notions  of  translation. 
He  gives  Homer's  narrative  as  he  feels  it.  Pope  produced  his  own  idea 
of  Homer,  and  in  his  own  (Pope's)  peculiar  words,  with  little  reference 
to  the  words  of  the  original:  and  this  has  been  read  to  an  immense 
extent ;  destroying  the  ears  of  the  schoolboys  and  men,  of  at  least  two 
generations,  for  any  sense  of  the  varied  harmonies  of  rhythm  :  Chap- 
man produced  in  his  own  words,  and  often  in  his  own  images,  a 
glorious  adumbration  of  the  effect  of  Homer  upon  the  energies  of  his 
soul.  When  we  consider  the  subtle  influence  of  poetry  upon  the  rising 
spirits  of  the  age,  it  tempts  me  to  hazard  the  speculation,  that  if  Chap- 
man's noble  paraphrase  had  been  read  instead  of  Pope's  enervating 
monotony,  and  as  extensively,  the  present  class  of  general  readers 
would  not  only  have  been  a  more  poetical  class — as  the  fountain-head 

*  i.  e.  Pope's  own. 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

from  the  rock  is  above  the  artificial  cascade  in  a  pleasure  ground — but 
a  finer  order  of  human  beings  in  respect  of  energy,  love  of  nature 
at  first-hand,  and  faith  in  their  own  impulses  and  aspirations."  The 
reader,  perhaps,  will  pardon  one  more  extract,  in  which  is  an  interest- 
ing tribute  to  what  may  be  styled  the  practical  effect  of  Chapman's 
work.  Mr.  Monckton  Milnes,  in  his  "  Life  and  Letters  of  John  Keats," 
(vol.  i.  p.  18.  ed.  1848,)  says,  "Unable  as  he  was  to  read  the  original 
Greek,  Homer  had  as  yet  been  to  him  a  name  of  solemn  significance 
and  nothing  more.  His  friend  and  literary  counsellor,  Mr.  Clarke, 
happened  to  borrow  Chapman's  translation,  and  having  invited  Keats 
to  read  it  with  him  one  evening,  they  continued  their  study  till  day- 
light. He  describes  Keats'  delight  as  intense,  even  to  shouting  aloud, 
as  some  passages  of  especial  energy  struck  his  imagination.  It  was 
fortunate  that  he  was  introduced  to  that  heroic  company  through 
an  interpretation  which  preserves  so  much  of  the  ancient  simplicity, 
and  in  a  metre  that,  after  all  various  attempts,  including  that  of  the 
hexameter,  still  appears  the  best  adapted,  from  its  pauses  and  its 
length,  to  represent  in  English,  the  Greek  epic  verse  *  * 
The  Sonnet,  in  which  these  his  first  impressions  are  concentrated,  was 
left  the  following  clay  on  Mr.  Clarke's  table." 

"  ON  FIRST  LOOKING  INTO  CHAPMAN'S  HOMER. 

"  Much  have  I  travelled  in  the  realms  of  gold, 

And  many  goodly  states  and  kingdoms  seen  ; 

Round  many  western  islands  have  I  been, 
Which  bards  in  fealty  to  Apollo  hold. 
Oft  of  one  wide  expanse  had  I  been  told 

That  deep-brow'd  Homer  ruled  as  his  demesne  : 

Yet  did  I  never  breathe  its  pure  serene 
Till  I  heard  Chapman  speak  out  loud  and  bold  : 
Then  felt  I  like  some  watcher  of  the  skies 

When  a  new  planet  swims  into  his  ken  ; 
Or  like  stout  Cortez,  when  with  eagle  eyes 

He  stared  at  the  Pacific — and  all  his  men 
Look'd  at  each  other  with  a  wild  surmise — 

Silent,  upon  a  peak  in  Darien." 


xx  INTRODUCTION. 

The  opinions  of  Coleridge,  Lamb,  and  Mr.  B.  H.  Home,  might  lead 
the  reader  to  infer  that  Chapman's  noble  work,  of  which  they  speak  in 
such  raptures,  is  in  reality  only  a  paraphrase.  If  however  he  will  be  at 
the  pains  to  compare  it  with  the  original  Greek,  he  will  not  fail  to  be 
struck  with  its  closeness  on  the  whole.  He  should  remember  the  prin- 
ciples upon  which  Chapman  translated,  as  expressed  in  his  Preface  : — 
"  It  is  the  part  of  every  knowing  and  judicial  interpreter,  not  to  follow 
the  number  and  order  of  words,  but  the  material  things  themselves,  and 
sentences  to  weigh  diligently  ;  and  to  clothe  and  adorn  them  with  words 
and  such  a  style  and  form  of  oration,  as  are  most  apt  for  the  language 
into  which  they  are  converted."  He  tells  us,  in  the  noble  poem  "  To 
the  Header," 

"  Custom  hath  made  even  th'  ablest  agents  err 

In  these  translations  ;  all  so  much  apply 
Their  pains  and  cunnings  word  for  word  to  render 

Their  patient  authors,  when  they  may  as  well 
Make  fish  with  fowl,  camels  with  whales,  engender, 

Or  their  tongue's  speech  in  other  mouths  compell." 


And  again,  though  he  "  laughs  to  see  " 


-"the  brake 


That  those  translators  stick  in,  that  affect 
Their  word-for-word  traductions," 

yet  he  as  much  abbors 

"  More  license  from  the  words  than  may  express 
Their  full  compression,  and  make  clear  the  author  ;  " 

and  he  says  of  the  various  translators  of  Homer  in  other  language?, 

' '  They  failed  to  search  his  deep  and  treasurous  heart. 

The  cause  was,  since  they  wanted  the  fit  key 
Of  Nature,  in  their  down-right  strength  of  Art 

With  Poesy  to  open  Poesy." 

This  is  the  real  secret  of  the  success  and  beauty  of  Chapman's  work. 
He  has  perfectly  identified  himself  with  Homer,  and  from  his  search  of 
that  'treasurous  heart,'  from  his  thorough  knowledge  of  its  depths, 
with  the  '  fit  key  of  true  natural  poesy,  with  his  own  innative  Homeric 


INTRO  DUCT  10  N.  xxi 

genius,  he  has  opened  to  us  (to  use  his  jwn  words)  "the  mysteries 
revealed  in  Homer." 

Jt  may  not  be  too  much  to  say  that  perhaps  no  man  ever  felt  the 
Homeric  inspiration  to  the  same  extent  as  Chapman.  W e  pardon  him. 
even  for  his  digressions,  for  they  are  such  as  we  feel  Homer  him- 
self would  have  written.  Chapman  conceived  that  our  language  was 
adapted  to  rythmical  poetry  above  all  others,  on  account  of  its 
numerous  monosyllables  : 

• "  I  can  prove  it  clear 

That  no  tongue  hath  the  Muses'  utterance  heired 

For  verse,  and  that  sweet  music  to  the  ear 
Struck  out  of  rhyme,  so  naturally  as  this. 

Our  monosyllables  so  kindly  fall, 
And  meet  oppos'd  in  rhyme  as  they  did  kiss. 

French  and  Italian  most  immetrical ; 
Their  many  syllables  in  harsh  collision 

Fall  as  they  break  their  necks,  their  bastard  rhymes 
Saluting  as  they  justled  in  transition, 

And  set  our  teeth  on  edge ;  nor  tunes,  nor  times 
Kept  in  their  falls." 

Warton  accuses  him  of  "labouring  with  the  inconvenience  of  an  awk- 
ward, inharmonious,  and  unheroic  measure,  imposed  by  custom,  but 
disgustful  to  modern  ears."  The  judgment,  however,  of  the  present 
day  would  reverse  this  decision,  for  it  is  confessed  that  the  fourteen- 
syllable  verse  is  peculiarly  fitting  for  Homeric  translation.  Chapman 
had  met  with  a  similar  objection  in  his  own  time,  but  he  defends  him- 
self with  the  observation  that 

"this  long  poem  asks  this  length  of  verse." 


However  in  the  translation  of  the  Odyssey,  the  Hymns,  and  the  Georgics 
of  Hesiod,  at  a  subsequent  period,  he  has  adopted  the  ordinary  heroic 
(or  decasyllable)  measure,  in  which  he  displays  equal  vigour. 

"  One  of    the  peculiarities  of   Chapman's   versification,"   says   Mr. 
Singer,*  "is  the  interlacing  of  the  verses,  or  the  running  of  the  lines 

*  Preface  to  Chapman's  "  Hymns  of  Homer  "  (Chiswick,  1818)  p.  xxi. 


xxii  INTRODUCTION. 

one  into  the  other,  so  that  the  sense  does  not  close  with  the  couplet  ; 
this  is  what  the  French  critics  object  to  under  the  name  of  enjambement 
des  vers,  and  is  what  made  Ben  Jonson  say,  'that  the  translations 
of  Homer  and  Virgil  in  long  Alexandrines  were  but  prose.'  The  prac- 
tice, however,  when  not  injudiciously  excessive  in  its  use,  gives  freedom 
and  spirit  to  long  compositions,  while  the  strict  observance  of  confining 
the  sense  to  terminate  with  the  couplet  gives  a  stiff  and  formal  air,  and 
makes  ^one  rather  seem  to  be  reading  a  string  of  epigrams,  than 
a  poem.  The  following  judicious  reflections  of  an  excellent  old  poet 
and  critic,  in  which  our  author's  custom  is  defended,  will  place  this 
subject  in  a  just  point  of  view  : 

'  I  must  confess  that,  to  mine  own  ear,  those  continual  cadences  in 
couplets  used  in  long  continued  poems  are  very  tiresome  and  un- 
pleasiug,  by  reason  that  still  methinks  they  run  on  with  a  sound  of  one 
nature,  and  a  kind  of  certainty  which  stuffs  the  delight  rather  than 
entertains  it.  But  yet,  notwithstanding,  I  must  not  but  of  my  own 
daintiness  condemn  this  kind  of  writing,  which  peradventure  to  another 
may  seem  most  delightful ;  and  many  worthy  compositions  we  see  to 
have  passed  with  commendation  in  that  kind.  Besides  methinks  some- 
times to  beguile  the  ear  with  a  running  out  and  passing  over  the 
rhyme,  as  no  bound  to  stay  us  in  the  line  where  the  violence  of  the 
matter  will  break  through,  rather  graceful  than  otherwise.  Wherein  I 
find  my  Homer-Lucan,  as  if  he  gloried  to  seem  to  have  no  bounds 
albeit  he  were  confined  within  his  measures,  to  be  in  my  conceit  most 
happy  ;  for  so  thereby  they  who  care  not  for  verse  or  rhyme  may  pass 
over  it  without  taking  any  notice  thereof,  and  please  themselves  with  a 
well-measured  prose.' "  *  Lamb's  charge  of  "  unconquerable  quaint- 
ness"  in  Chapman  is  too  sweeping.  He  is  undoubtedly  quaint,  and 
too  fond  of  silly  quibbling  on  words.  He  is  often  low,  and  uses  forced 
expressions  ;  but  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  he  wrote  with  great 
rapidity,  and  paid  little  regard  to  correcting  and  polishing  his  work. 

*  Samuel  Daniel's  "  Defence  of  Rhyme,"  1602. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxiii 

The  reader  must  not  expect  to  be  pleased  at  once.  Chapman,  like 
most  of  the  writers  of  his  day,  requires  patience  and  study.  It  has 
been  well  said  of  him  that  he  is  "  a  rough  nut  externally,  but  contains 
a  most  sweet  kernel." 


ANTONY  WOOD  says  that  George  Chapman  was  born  in 
1557,  and  conjectures  that  he  might  have  been  of  a  family 
seated  at  Stone  Castle  in  Kent.  But  he  is  in  error  both 
as  to  the  date  and  place  of  the  poet's  birth.  That  Chapman  was  born 
at,  or  in  the  neighbourhood  of,  Hitchin  in  Hertfordshire,  and  that 
he  there  translated  at  least  the  earlier  portions  of  his  Homer,  we  have 
the  evidence  of  his  own  writings.  In  a  small  poem  entitled,  "  JEuthymice 
RaptuS)  or  the  Teares  of  Peace,"  4to.  1609,  he  introduces  himself  in  a 
reverie,  when  the  Shade  of  Homer  appears,  and  in  reply  to  the  Poet's 
enquiry — 

"  What  may  I  reckon  thee, 

Whose  beav'nly  look  showes  not,  nor  voice  sounds,  man  ? 
'  I  am,'  sayd  he,  '  that  spirit  Elysian 
That  in  thy  native  ayre,  and  on  the  Hill 
Next  Hitchin's  left  hand,  did  thy  bosome  fill 
With  such  a  floode  of  soule  that  thou  wert  faine 
(With  acclamations  of  her  rapture  then) 
To  vent  it  to  the  echoes  of  the  vale  ; 
When  meditating  of  me,  a  sweet  gale 
Brought  me  upon  thee  ;  and  thou  didst  inherit 
My  true  sense  (for  the  time  then)  in  my  spirit, 
And  I  invisible  went  prompting  thee 
To  those  fayre  greenes  where  thou  didst  English  me.'  " 

His  friend  and   contemporary,  William   Browne,  in   his   "Britannia's 
Pastorals"  (Book  i.  Song  5)  also  styles  him 

"  The  learned  shepherd  of  fair  Hitching  Hill." 


xxiv  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

The  date  of  Iris  birth  we  fix  by  inference  in  1559,  as  round  the  portrait 
affixed  to  the  title  of  the  Complete  Homer  in  the  legend,  "Georgius 
Chapmanus  Homeri  Metaphrastes  JEia,.  LVII.  M.DC.XVI."  The 
Hitchin  Registers  unfortunately  only  commence  with  the  year  1562, 
so  we  are  unable  to  arrive  at  any  facts  relative  to  his  parentage. 
There  are,  however,  several  entries  relating  to  the  families  of  John  and 
Thomas  Chapman,  who  were  possibly  the  poet's  brothers.  In  1593, 
Aug.  5,  was  baptized  George,  the  son  of  John  Chapman  ;  and  from 
Easter  1603  to  Easter  1605  the  same  John  Chapman  was  one  of  the 
Churchwardens,  and  has  signed  the  Parish  Registers  in  a  bold  and 

7  O  O 

scholarlike  hand.  Amongst  the  Additional  MSS.  in  the  British 
Museum  (No.  16,273)  is  a  "Survey  of  the  King's  timber  and  woods 
in  Hertfordshire  and  Essex  in  1608,"  and  under  the  "  Maner  de 
Hutchin "  (Hitchin)  is  "  Upon  the  Copyhold  of  Thomas  Chapman,  in 
Longe  Close  27  Saplings  £4.  In  Beerton  closes  260  Elmes  £18,  Fire 
ivood  £35.  This  Thomas  Chapman  was  probably  a  man  of  respect- 
ability and  substance,  for  in  the  Harleian  MSS.  No.  781,  p.  28,  is  a 
petition  to  Prince  Charles  from  Thomas  Chapman,  in  1619,  for  the 
bailiwick  of  Hitchin,  which  he  formerly  held  under  the  Exchequer  Seal, 
but  of  which  the  Earl  of  Salisbury  had  deprived  him.  On  November 
30  of  the  same  year  the  claim  was  referred  to  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Revenue  of  the  Prince  of  Wales.  The  relationship,  however,  to 
the  poet  is  mere  conjecture,  as  we  have  no  positive  proof  of  any  facts 
connected  with  his  family.  We  have  carefully  examined  the  various 
Heraldic  visitations  of  Hertfordshire,  and  the  County  Histories,  but 
have  been  unable  to  discover  any  traces  of  him.  Nothing  is  known  of 
his  youth,  or  where  he  was  educated. 

"  In  1574,  or  thereabouts,"  says  Antony  Wood,*  "  he,  being  well- 
grounded  in  school-learning,  was  sent  to  the  university,  but  whether 
first  to  this  of  Oxon,  or  that  of  Cambridge,  is.  to  me  unknown.  Sure  I 

*  The  account  of  Chapman  in  Bliss's  Edition  of  Antony  Wood  is  in  inverted 
commas,  which  would  lead  one  to  suppose  that  it  was  a  communication  ;  but  it 
seems  to  be  generally  quoted  as  Wood's. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxv 

am  that  he  spent  some  time  in  Oxon,  where  he  was  observed  to  be 
most  excellent  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  tongues,  but  not  in  logic  or  phi- 
losophy, and  therefore  I  presume  that  that  was  the  reason  why  he  took 
no  degree  here."  Warton  also  says  (from  the  information  of  Mr.  Wise, 
late  Radcliffe's  Librarian,  and  Keeper  of  the  Archives  at  Oxford) 
"that  he  passed  two  years  at  Trinity  College,  with  a  contempt  of 
philosophy,  but  in  a  close  attention  to  the  Greek  and  Roman  Classics." 
The  present  Keeper  of  the  Archives,*  however,  has  been  unable  to 
discover  Chapman's  name.  It  is  probable  from  the  date  of  his  birth 
(1559)  that  he  would  have  been  matriculated  before  the  year  1581, 
when  Subscription  to  the  Articles  began.  Before  that  date  (Mr.  Grif- 
fiths says)  the  Matriculation  Register  is  very  incomplete.  Mr.  Wise's 
communication  to  Warton  seems  merely  a  repetition  of  Wood's  infor- 
mation with  the  addition  of  the  name  of  the  College  (Trinity)  of  which 
Chapman  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  member.  But  this  point  cannot 
be  satisfactorily  ascertained.  The  present  learned  President  of  Trinity 
College  t  writes,  "  I  am  sorry  to  discover  that  the  records  of  our 
Admissions,  [at  the  period  when  Chapman  would  have  entered,  are 
either  lost  or  destroyed  ;  which  is  a  great  disappointment  to  me."  We 
must  be  content  then  with  Antony  Wood's  assurance  "  that  he  spent 
some  time  in  Oxon."  Researches  as  to  his  residence  or  admission  at 
Cambridge  would  probably  be  equally  fruitless,  as  he  is  not  mentioned 
in  that  admirable  and  accurate  work,  Cooper's  "  Atlience  Cantabrigienses." 
Quitting  the  University  without  a  degree,  he  afterwards  settled,  says 
Wood,  in  the  metropolis,  and  associated  with  Shakespeare,  Spenser, 
Marlowe,  Daniel,  and  other  celebrated  persons  of  the  day.  Though  he 
tindoubtedly  knew  Marlowe,  it  is  not  very  probable,  as  Mr.  Dyce  well 
observes,  that  they  were  very  intimate,  as  their  dispositions  and  cha- 
racters were  very  dissimilar.  He  early  acquired  the  patronage  and 
friendship  of  Sir  Thomas  Walsingham,  and  his  son,  "  whom  Chapman 
loved  from  his  birth."  The  date  of  Chapman's  first  acknowledged  pub 
lication  in  1594  is  such  a  long  interval  from  the  time  of  his  quitting 
*  Rev.  John  Griffiths;.  f  Rev.  John  Wilson,  D.D. 


xxvi  INTRODUCTION. 

Oxford  in  1576  (or  1578)  that  Mr.  Singer  conjectured  that  he  prob- 
ably appeared  as  a  writer  anonymously,*  although  we  have  no  clue  to  his 
earlier  performances.  But  though,  upon  the  authority  of  Wood,  we 
have  said  he  settled  immediately  in  London,  his  time  seems  to  have 
been  occasionally  spent  at  Hitchin,  from  his  informing  us  that  he  there 
translated  Homer.  In  1594,  however,  he  published  two  fine  poems 
"  The  Shadow  of  Night :  containing  two  poetical  Hymnes,  devised  by 
G.  C.  Gent"  and  dedicated  to  his  "  deare  and  most  worthy  friend  Master 
Mathew  Roydon."  They  have  been  reprinted  by  Mr.  Singer  in  his 
edition  of  "  Chapman's  Hymns  of  Homer,"  (Chiswick,  1818).  In 
the  following  year  (1595)  appeared  "  Ovid's  Banquet  of  Sence,  a 
Coronet  for  his  Mistresse  Philosophic,  and  his  amorous  Zodiacke  :  with 
a  translation  of  a  Latine  Copie  (sc.  of  verses)  written  by  a  fryer, 
Anno  Dom.  1400."  4to.  This  was  also  dedicated  to  Matthew  Roydon, 
with  Commendatory  Verses  by  Richard  Stapilton,  Thomas  Williams, 
and  I.  D.  of  the  Middle  Temple.  It  was  reprinted  in  1639,  12mo. 
without  the  dedication  and  verses.  John  Davis  of  Hereford  has  an 
epigram  "  To  the  right- well-deserving  Mr.  Matthew  Roydon." 

Chapman  was  now  in  London,  and  employed  in  writing  for  the 
stage.  From  an  entry  in  "Henslowe's  Diary,"  p.  64,  we  learn  that 
his  comedy  of  the  "  Blind  Beggar  of  Alexandria "  was  first]  brought 
out  and  acted  by  the  Lord  Admiral's  (the  Earl  of  Nottingham's) 
servants,  on  the  12th  of  February,  1595.  It  seems  to  have  been 
very  successful,  and  to  have  attracted  large  houses,  from  the  receipts 
being  always  considerable.  It  continued  to  be  acted  till  April  1597, 

*  In  a  small  4to.  tract  of  thirty-two  leaves,  published  in  1596,  entitled  "A  rela- 
tion of  the  Second  Voyage  to  Guiana,  pcrfourmed  and  ivrittcn  in  the  yeare  1596. 
By  Lawrence  Kcymis,  Gent."  is  an  English  poem  in  blank  verse,  " De  Guiand 
Carmen  Epicum,  by  G.  C."  George  Steevens,  writing  to  Bishop  Percy  (Nicholl's 
"  Literary  Illustrations,"  vol.  VII.  p.  121)  assigned  this  to  Chapman,  and  it 
bears  evidence  of  his  style.  It  is  interesting  as  an  early  specimen  of  blank  verse. 
In  the  same  volume  is  a  short  Latin  poem,  "  Ad  Thomam  Hariotum  Matheseos 
tt  universes  philosophic?:  pcritissimum,  by  L.  K."  This  was,  doubtless,  the  M. 
Harriots  to  whom  Chapman  addressed  a  poem  at  the  end  of  his  translation  of 
the  "Shield  of  Achilles,"  and  who  is  mentioned  in  the  Preface  to  the  Iliad. 
Keymis's  Tract  was  reprinted  by  Hakluyt. 


I  NTH  OD  UCTION.  xxvii 

when  it  was  withdrawn,  and  published  in  the  following  year,  1598.  It 
was  revived  in  1601.  "There  is  a  coincidence,"  says  Mr.  Payne 
Collier,  "  between  a  line  in  it  and  Marlowe's  Paraphrase  of  Hero  and 
Leander.  Marlowe's  line  is  correctly  cited,  with  acknowledgment  to 
the  'dead  Shepherd,3  by  Shakespeare  in  'As  you  like  it,'  Act.  III. 

Sc.  5. 

'  Who  ever  lov'd  that  lov'd  not  at  first  sight  ? ' 

Which  Chapman,  near  the  close  of  his  'Blind  Beggar  of  Alexandria,' 
gives  thus  : 

'  None  ever  lov'd  but  at  first  sight  they  lov'd.' 

The  circumstance  might  have  been  passed  over  without  notice,  if 
Chapman's  play  and  Marlowe's  poem  had  not  been  printed  in  the  same 
year,  and  if  Chapman,  at  a  subsequent  date,  had  not  finished  the  poem 
which  Marlowe  left  incomplete.  Marlowe's  portion  having  been  pub- 
lished in  1598,  Chapman  immediately  continued  the  subject,  and  the 
six  sestiads  appeared  together  in  1600."*  The  coincidence  of  the 
date  of  the  publications  is  all  that  is  remarkable.  Marlowe's  poem, 
though  only  printed  in  1598,  was  entered  in  the  Stationers'  Eegisters 
as  early  as  September  28,  1593,  and  again  in  1597.  It  had  probably 
been  handed  about  in  MS.  as  was  not  infrequently  the  case.  Chapman, 
perhaps,  had  seen  the  line,  and  adopted  the  idea.  It  is  equally  pos- 
sible that  Marlowe  might  have  been  present  at  the  representation  of 
Chapman's  play,  and  transferred  the  sentiment  to  his  own  poem, 
though  the  evidence  of  priority  would  seem  to  be  in  his  favour.  An 
allusion  in  Chapman's  subsequent  portion  of  the  poem  has  led  to  the 
inference  that  Marlowe  had  at  some  time  or  other  expressed  a  wish 
that  he  should  conclude  it.  The  reader  will  find  an  able  criticism  on 
Chapman's  plays  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  volume  of  the  "  Retrospective 
Review." 

The  rapidity  with  which  Chapman  now  issued  his  publications  is 
astonishing.     In  this  same  year  (1598)  appeared  his  "Seaven  Bookes 

*  Henslowe's  Diary,  p.  65  (Shakespeare  Society). 


xxviii  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

of  the  Iliades  of  Homere,  Prince  of  Poetes,  &c.,  and  the  "  Shield  of 
Achilles"  from  Homer,  both,  small  4tos.  "printed  by  John  Windet, 
and  are  to  be  sold  at  the  signe  of  the  Crosse-Keyes  neare  Paules 
Wharffe"  The  "  Seaven  Bookes  of  the  Iliades "  are  dedicated  to 
Lord  Essex,  who  is  described  as  "  the  most  honoured  now  living 
instance  of  the  Achilleian  virtues."  They  are  not  the  first  seven 
books  continuously,  but  the  first  and  second,  and  then  the  seventh  to 
the  eleventh  inclusive.  In  explaining  this  circumstance,  Chapman 
denies  that  Homer  set  the  books  together,  but  they  were  collected  into 
an  entire  poem  at  a  subsequent  period.  "  In  the  next  edition,"  he 
adds,  "  when  they  come  out  by  the  dozen,  I  will  reserve  the  ancient 
and  common  received  forme.  In  the  meane  time  do  me  the  encourage- 
ment to  confer  that  which  I  have  translated  with  the  same  in  Homer, 
and  according  to  the  worth  of  that,  let  this  edition  passe  :  so  shall  you 
do  me  but  lawfull  favor,  and  make  me  take  paines  to  give  you  this 
Emperor  of  all  wisdome  (for  so  Plato  will  allow  him)  in  your  owne 
language,  which  will  more  honor  it  (if  my  part  bee  worthily  dis- 
charged) than  anything  else  can  be  translated.  In  the  meane  time 
peruse  the  pamphlet  of  errors  in  the  impression,  and  helpe  to  pointe 
the  rest  with  your  judgement ;  wherein,  and  in  purchase  of  the  whole 
seaven,  if  you  be  quicke  and  acceptive,  you  shall  in  the  next  edition 
have  the  life  of  Homer,  a  table,  a  prettie  comment,  true  printing,  the 
due  praise  of  your  mother  tongue  above  all  others  for  Poesie,  and  such 
demonstrative  proofe  of  our  English  wits  above  beyond-sea  Muses  (if 
he  would  use  them)  that  a  proficient  wit  should  be  the  better  to 
heare  it." 

These  books  are  written  in  the  fourteen-syllable  measure.  The 
copy  of  them  in  the  British  Museum  has  the  autograph,  "Sum  Ben 
Jonsonii."  "  The  Shield  of  Achilles,"  taken  from  the  xvinth  Book 
of  the  Iliad,  was  published  later  in  the  year.  It  is  in  the  ordinary 
heroic  measure  of  ten  syllables,  and  is  also  dedicated  to  Lord  Essex, 
"  The  most  honored  Earle  Marshall."  In  the  "  Epistle  Dedicatorie  " 
is  the  following  amusing  invective  against  Scaliger,  who  seems  to  have 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  xxix 

been  the  object  of  Chapman's  special  aversion  :  "  But  thou  soul-blind 
Scaliger,  that  never  hadst  anything  but  place,  time,  and  terms,  to 
paint  thy  proficiency  in  learning,  nor  ever  writest  anything  of  thine 
own  impotent  brain,  but  thy  onlyrimpalsied  diminution  of  Homer 
(which  I  may  swear  -was  the  absolute  inspiration  of  thine  own  ridi- 
culous genius)  never  didst  thou  more  palpably  damn  thy  drossy  spirit 
in  all  thy  all-countries-exploded  filcheries,  which  are  so  grossly  illiterate 
that  no  man  will  vouchsafe  their  refutation,  than  in  thy  senseless  repre- 
hensions of  Homer,  whose  spirit  flew  as  much  above  thy  grovelling 
capacity  as  Heaven  moves  above  Barathrum."  The  Preface  is  "To 
the  Understand er,"  and  Chapman  commences,  "  You  are  not  every- 
body :  to  you  (as  to  one  of  my  very  few  friends)  I  may  be  bold  to 
utter  my  mind."  He  alludes  to  his  already  published  "  Seven 
Books."  "  My  Epistle  dedicatory  before  my  Seven  Books  is  accounted 
dark  and  too  much  laboured."  He  declares  that  it  could  only  be  dark 
"  to  ranke  riders  or  readers,  that  have  no  more  soules  than  burbolts." 
As  for  the  labour — "  I  protest  two  mornings  both  ended  it,  and  the 
Header's  Epistle."  I  regret  that  space  prevents  my  giving  more 
extracts  from  this  interesting  Preface,  in  which  would  be  shown  Chap- 
man's thorough  enthusiasm  for  Homer.  He  also  alludes  to  the  ne\v 
words  and  epithets  with  which  he  has  enriched  our  language  from 
Homer.  At  the  conclusion  is  a  poetical  address  "  To  my  admired  and 
soule-loved  friend,  mayster  of  all  essentiall  and  true  knowledge,  M. 
Harriots." 

The  publication  of  his  Homer  gained  him  great  reputation.  Meres, 
in  his  "  Wit's  Treasury"  p.  156  (edit.  Haslewood — Mere's  first  edit. 
was  in  1598),  speaks  of  Chapman's  "inchoate  Homer,"  for  which  he 
ranks  him  amongst  the  learned  translators.  As  a  proof  that  he  was 
now  in  high  fame,  the  same  writer  says  :  "  As  the  Greeke  tongue  is 
made  famous  and  eloquent  by  Homer,  Hesiod,  Euripides,  .ZEschylus, 
Sophocles,  Pindarus,  Phocylides,  and  Aristophanes  ;  and  the  Latine 
tongue  by  Virgill,  Quid,  Horace,  Silius  Italicus,  Lucanus,  Lucre- 
tius, Ausonius,  and  Claudianus ;  so  the  English  tongue  is  might- 


xxx  INTRODUCTION. 

ilie  enriched,  and  gorgeouslie  inuested  in  rare  ornaments,  and  resplen- 
dent abiliments  by  Sir  Philip  Sydney,  Spenser,  Daniel,  Drayton, 
Warner,  Shakespeare,  Marlowe,  and  Chapman"  (p.  150).  In  the 
next  page  he  mentions  Chapman  as  one  of  the  best  of  our  Tragedians, 
and,  in  the  following,  as  a  Comedian.  This  latter  assertion  is  remark- 
able, as  at  this  time  Chapman  had  published  but  one  drama.  He  had 
probably,  therefore,  written  others  which  had  been  acted,  though  never 
published,  and  the  authorship  of  which  cannot  now  be  determined.  At 
this  period  are  frequent  entries  in'Henslowe's  Diary  relating  to  advances 
of  money  made  to  him.  In  p.  123  we  have,  "  Lent  unto  Mr  Chap- 
mane,  the  16  of  Maye  1598,  in  earneste  of  a  boocke  for  the  com- 
panye  xxxx3  Wittnes,  Wm  BIRDE."  Again,  "Lent  unto  W™  Birde, 
the  23  of  Maye  1598,  which  he  lent  unto  Mr  Chappmann,  upon  his 
boocke,  which  he  promised  us  :  xxs."  "Lent  unto  the  companey,  the 
10  of  June  1598,  to  lend  unto  Mr  Chapman  xs."  And  again,  "  Lent 
unto  Robart  Shawe  and  Edward  Jube,  the  15  of  June  1598,  to  geve  M' 
Chapman,  in  earneste  of  his  boocke  called  the  Wylle  of  a  Woman  .  . 
xxs."  It  would  seem,  then,  that  this  is  the  name  of  the  "boocke"  for 
the  Company  so  often  alluded  to.  Mr.  Payne  Collier,  in  a  note  on 
this  passage,  thinks  that  it  was  only  the  same  play  mentioned  by  Hen- 
slowe,  in  pp.  119-122,  as  "A  Woman  mil  have  her  Wille"  and 
which  is  there  given  to  Harton  (William  Haughton),  and  that  Chap- 
man may  have  added  to  it,  or  assisted  him  in  it,  as  it  would  seem 
unlikely  that  two  plays,  so  resembling  in  title,  would  have  been  pro- 
duced at  the  same  time.  This  may  be  true  ;  but  it  is  equally  impro- 
bable that  Chapman  should  have  received  such  considerable  and  frequent 
sums  for  merely  assisting  in  writing  a  play,  which  is,  moreover,  con- 
stantly styled  his  book.  An  entry  is  made  on  the  31st  of  September, 
1598,  of  .£3  to  buy  a  "Boocke"  of  Mr.  Chapman  entitled  "The 
Fountain  of  Neiv  Fashions  j "  and  on  the  12th  of  October  he  received 
x.\.s.  in  full  payment  for  the  same  play.  On  the  23rd*  of  the  same 

*   Of  this  date  also  is  the  following  memorandum  in  Henslowe,  p.  191.    "Be 
it  knowen  unto  all  men  by  thes  presentes,  that  I  George  Chapman  of  London, 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxi 

month  is  an  advance  of  ,£3  to  Mr.  Chapman  on  "  his  playe  boocke  and 
ij  ectes  of  a  tragedie  of  bengemen's  plotte."  We  have  no  farther  infor- 
mation respecting  this  "tragedy  of  Benjamin's  Plot."  In  November, 
1598,  Henslowe  records  the  expenses  incurred  for  the  production  of 
"  Tlie  Fountain  of  Neio  Fashions"  and  in  December  an  advance  of  x3. 
to  Chapman.  On  the  4th  and  8th  of  January  159|,  Chapman 
received  the  respective  sums  of  £3  for  a  tragedy,  the  name  of  which  is 
not  given.  But  though  these  plays  were  not  printed,*  in  1599  was 
published  "An  Humorous  Day's  Mirth,"  a  comedy,  which  had  been 
frequently  acted  by  the  Lord  Admiral's  company.  We  are  inclined  to 
think  that  this  is  the  play  referred  to  by  Henslowe  under  the  entry  of 
May  11,  1597,  and  elsewhere,  where  he  says  "  Ed  at  the  Comodey  of 
Umers."  Malone  was  of  opinion  that  this  piece  was  Ben  Jonson's 
"  Every  Man  in  his  Humour ; "  but  this  is  absurd,  as  Ben  Jonson 
himself  tells  us  (folio  edit.  1616)  that  his  comedy  was  first  acted  by  the 
Lord  Chamberlain's  servants  in  1598.  See  Collier's  Life  of  Shake- 
speare, p.  CLXV.  Notwithstanding  his  labours  for  the  stage,  Chapman 
found  time  to  continue  and  publish,  in  1600,  Marlou-e's  Hero  and 
Leander,  a  poem  of  great  beauty.  We  have  seen  that  it  is  supposed 
Marlowe  had  at  some  time  or  other  expressed  a  wish  that  Chapman 
should  continue  this  work.  From,  this  fact  is  alleged  the  intimacy 
between  Chapman  and  Marlowe;  yet  it  proves  nothing,  whereas  the 
extreme  dissimilarity  of  their  lives  would  tend  to  negative  the  supposi- 
tion. Warton  and  others  are  in  error  in  supposing  it  to  be  a  transla- 

gentleman,  doe  owe  unto  MP  Phillip  Henslowe,  of  the  parishe  of  S'  Saviours, 
gentleman,  the  some  of  xu  xs  of  lawfull  money  of  England.  In  witnesse  whereof 
I  have  hereunto  sett  my  hand,  this  xxiiijth  of  Octobr.  1598.  GEO.  CHAPMAN." 
The  signature  only  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Chapman. 

*  "  The  Fountain  of  New  Fashions"  and  "  The  Will  of  a  Woman,"  were  in 
MS.  in  the  late  Mr.  Heber's  library.  Where  are  they  now  ?  If  the  "  Will  of 
a  Woman  "  could  be  discovered,  it  would  settle  the  question  as  to  Haughton's 
play,  which  was  printed,  in  1616,  under  the  title,  "  Englishmen  for  my  Money,  or 
a  Woman  will  have  her  Will,"  and  several  times  reprinted.  Mr.  Collier  says  it  is 
an  extremely  good  comedy.  In  the  last  old  edition,  4to.  1631,  the  printer 
dropped  the  first  part  of  the  title,  and  reverted  to  the  name  it  bears  in 
Henslowe's  Diary.  It  was  not  given  to  any  author  till  the  discovery  of 
Henslowe's  MS. 


xxxii  INTRODUCTION. 

tion  from  the  Greek.  It  is  a  story  founded  on  Musseus.  Chapman 
subsequently  translated  MUSODUS,  as  \ve  shall  see.  Chapman  divided 
the  work  into  its  present  form  of  Sestyads,  and  published  it  in  1600 
(4to.)  without  his  name,  which  was  first  attached  to  the  edition  of 
1606.* 

The  year  1605  was  marked  by  the  publication  of  "Eastward  Hoe" 
which  Chapman  had  written  conjointly  with  Ben  Jonson  and  Marston. 
This  play  had  been  acted  by  the  Children  of  the  Eevels.  "  The  play 
was  well  received,"  says  Mr.  Gifford,  "  as  indeed  it  deserved  to  be,  for 
it  is  exceedingly  pleasant ;  but  there  was  a  passage  in  it  reflecting  on 
the  Scotch,  which  gave  offence  to  Sir  James  Murray,  who  represented 
it  to  the  King  in  so  strong  a  light  that  orders  were  given  to  arrest  the 
authors."  They  do  not  seem  to  have  been  long  in  prison.  "  When 
they  were  first  committed,  a  report  had  been  propagated,  Jonson  says, 
that  they  should  have  their  ears  and  noses  cut,  i.  e.  slit.  This  had 
reached  his  mother,  and  at  an  entertainment  which  he  made  on  his 
deliverance,  she  drank  to  him,  and  showed  him  a  paper  which  she 
designed,  if  the  sentence  had  taken  effect,  to  have  mixed  with  his 
drink,  and  it  was  strong  and  lusty  poison.  To  show  that  she  was  no 
churl,  she  designed  to  have  first  drunk  it  herself."  Mr.  Gifford,  ever 
zealous  for  the  honour  of  Jonson,  says  that  he  disclaimed  to  Drummond 
having  anything  to  do  with  the  offensive  passage,  but  that  "  Chapman 
and  Marston  had  written  it  amongst  them  ; "  having,  however,  had  a 
share  in  the  play,  from  a  high  sense  of  honour,  he  voluntarily  accom- 
panied his  friends  to  prison.  The  rplay  has  an  additional  interest,  as  it 
is  supposed  to  have  suggested  to  Hogarth  the  plan  of  his  set  of  prints 
of  the  "  Idle  and  Industrious  Apprentices."  It  was  revived  at  Drury 
Lane  in  1751.  This  alteration  was  published  12mo.  n.  d.  with  the 
additional  title  of  l\The  Erentices,"  but  it  did  not  succeed.  Mrs. 
Charlotte  Lennox  altered  it ;  and  it  was  once  more  revived  at  Drury 

*  Reprinted,  4to.  1609,  4to.  1613,  4to.  1629,  4to.  1637  ;  in  Sir  Egerton 
Brydges'  "  Restituta,"  vol.  n.  ;  in  Mr.  Singer's  "Select  Early  English  Poets," 
Chiswick,  1821  ;  in  Mr.  Bell's  "Annotated  Poets,"  1856  ;  and  in  Mr.  Dyce's 
edition  of  Marlowe's  works. 


INTR  OD  UC  TION.  xxxiii 

Lane  in  1775,  with  the  title  of  "  Old  City  Manners"  when  it  met 
with  a  more  favourable  reception.  It  will  be  found  in  Dodsley's  Old 
Plays.  It  appears  that  Chapman  underwent  a  second  imprisonment 
with  Jonson,  shortly  after  their  release,  in  consequence  of  supposed 
reflections  upon  some  individual  in  a  play  of  their  joint  composition. 
A  letter  was  found  by  Dr.  Birch  amongst  the  Hatfield  State  Papers, 
inscribed  "  Ben  Jonson  to  the  Earl  of  Salisbury,  praying  his  lordship's 
protection  against  some  evil  reports."  It  is  dated  1605,  and  contains 
the  following  passage  :  "  I  am  here,  my  most  honoured  Lord,  unex- 
amined  and  unheard,  committed  to  a  vile  prison,  and  with  me  a  gentle- 
man (whose  name  may,  perhaps,  have  come  to  your  lordship)  one  Mr. 
George  Chapman,*  a  learned  and  honest  man."  The  whole  letter  is 
interesting,  and  will  be  found  in  the  "Memoirs  of  Ben  Jonson,"  pre- 
fixed to  the  one  volume  edition  of  Gifford's  Jonson,  1838.  It  is 
gratifying  to  know  that  it  met  with  instant  success.  In  this  year 
(1605)  also  was  published  "  All  Fools,"  a  comedy,  the  plot  of  which  is 
taken  from  Terence's  "  Heautontimorumenos."  It  does  not  appear 
when  this  play  was  acted,  but  there  are  several  curious  entries  in 
Henslowe's  Diary,  which  all  seem  to  refer  to  it.  "  Lent  unto  Thomas 
Downton,  the  22  of  Janewary  1598,  to  lend  unto  Mr  Chapman,  in  ear- 
neste  of  a  boocke  called  the  world  rones  a  whelles,  the  some  of  iij11." 
"  Lent  unto  Mr  Chapman  the  13  of  febreary  1598,  in  p'  of  payment  of 
his  boocke  called  the  world  ronnes  on  whelles,  xxs."  Similar  advances 
of  xx3  and  xxxxs  are  made  on  the  2nd  and  21st  of  June,  1599 ;  and 
on  the  2nd  of  July,U599,  is  "Lent  unto  Thomas  Downton  to  paye  Mr 
Chapman  in  full  paymente  for  his  boocke  called  the  world  rones  on 
whelles,  and  now  all  foolles,  but  the  foolle,  some  of  xxx3.  Mr.  Payne 
Collier,  in  a  note  on  this  passage,  thinks  we  have  a  notice  of  three  sepa- 
rate works  by  Chapman,  "The  World  runs  on  Wheels"  "All  Fools" 
and  "  The  Fool ; "  yet  he  doubts  "  whether  Henslowe  does  not  mean 
that  the  title  of  'All  Fools'  was  substituted  for  the  '  World  runs  on 

*  Chapman's  name  might  have  been  known  to  Lord  Salisbury  not  only  from 
his  literary  fame,  but  from  his  connection  with  Hertfordshire. 

VOL.  I.  C 


xxxiv  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

JFTieels.' "  There  seems  little  doubt  on  the  subject,  and  all  three  names 
meant  the  same  play.  We  may  observe  that  in  the  same  page  Hen- 
slowe  enters,  "Lent  unto  Thomas  Downton  the  17th of  Julye  1599  to 
lend  \\nto  Mr  Chapman  in  earneste  of  a  pastrall  tragedie,  the  some  of 
xxxxs."  What  this  Pastoral  Tragedy  was  it  is  impossible  to  say,  as 
we  have  no  further  notice  of  it.  "  All  Fools,"  though  not  published 
till  1605,  had  evidently  been  completed,  and  probably  acted  in  1599. 
It  is  an  excellent  play  ;  and  a  writer  in  the  Edinburgh  Eeview  (April, 
1841,  vol.  73.  p.  226)  considers  it  Chapman's  best — "a  piece  in  which 
the  situations  are  devised  with  an  infinity  of  comic  and  histrionic  effect." 
The  Retrospective  Review  *  says  :  "  The  characters  in  general  are  well 
sustained  ;  the  dialogue  is  spirited ;  and  the  incidents  interesting  and 
agreeable ;  added  to  which  the  versification  is  rich  and  musical,  and 
many  passages  of  considerable  merit  are  scattered  over  it.  The  talents 
of  Chapman  nowhere  appear  to  so  great  advantage."  To  one  or  two 
copies  only  was  prefixed  a  sonnet  to  Sir  Thomas  Walsingham,  in  which 
Chapman  says  that  "  he  was  marked  by  age  for  aims  of  greater  weight." 
As  this  sonnet,  from  its  rarity,  may  be  esteemed  a  literary  curiosity,  it 
is  here  inserted,  through  the  kindness  of  my  friend  Mr.  Payne  Collier. 
It  is  printed  verbatim. 

TO  MY  LONG  LOU'D  AND  HONOURABLE  FRIEND, 
SIR  THOMAS  WALSINGHAM,  KNIGHT. 

Should  I  expose  to  euery  common  eye, 

The  least  allow'd  birth  of  my  shaken  braine  ; 
And  not  entitle  it  perticulerly 

To  your  acceptance,  I  were  wurse  than  vaine. 
And  though  I  am  most  loth  to  passe  your  sight 

with  any  such  light  marke  of  vanitie, 
Being  markt  with  Age  for  Aimes  of  greater  weight, 

and  drownd  in  darke  Death-vshering  melancholy, 
Yet  least  by  others  stealth  it  be  imprest, 

without  my  pasport,  patcht  with  others  wit, 
Of  two  enforst  ills  I  elect  the  least  ; 

and  so  desire  your  loue  will  censure  it ; 

Though  my  old  fortune  keepe  me  still  obscure, 
The  light  shall  still  bewray  my  ould  loue  sure, 

*  Vol.  v.  p.  316. 


1XTE  OD  UCTION.  xxxv 

Mr.  Collier*  has  also  shewn  that  a  very  beautiful  passage  in  the  play 
is  taken  from  an  Italian  Madrigal  by  Andrea  Navagero,  Venice,  1546. 
"All  Fools"  was  reprinted  in  Dodsley's  Collection,  and  in  the"  Ancient 
British  Drama,"  Vol.  II.  1810.  In  1606,  Chapman  published  two 
comedies,  " Monsieur  D'Olive,"  and  "  The  Gentleman  Usher,"  the 
former  of  which  had  been  frequently  acted  with  great  success  at  the 
Blackfriars.  It  is  one  of  his  happier  efforts  ;  and  has  been  reprinted 
in  "Old  Plays"  vol.  in.  1816.  In  1607  appeared  the  first  tragedy  of 
" Bussy  d'Amlois."  It  had  been  frequently  represented  "at  Paules." 
Though  the  most  popular  of  Chapman's  tragedies,  it  is  on  the  whole 
but  a  poor  performance.  Dryden  tells  us,  in  the  dedication  to  his 
"  Spanish  Fryer,"  he  had  resolved  to  burn  a  copy  of  it  "  annually  to 
the  memory  of  Jonson,"  as  "a  famous  modern  poet  used  to  sacrifice 
every  year  a  Statius  to  the  manes  of  Virgil."  It  had  pleased  him  how- 
ever, at  its  representation,  for  he  says,  "I  have  sometimes  wondered 
in  the  reading  what  was  become  of  those  glaring  colours  which  amazed 
me  in  Bussy  d'Ambois  upon  the  theatre  ;  but  when  I  had  taken  up 
what  I  supposed  a  fallen  star,  I  found  I  had  been  cozened  with  a  jelly, 
&c."  "Bussy  d'Ambois"  was  reprinted  in  4to.  1608,  1616,  1641, 
1657  ;  and  was  altered  and  revived  by  T.  D'Urfey  in  1691.  It  was 
also  reprinted  in  "Old  Plays,"  1816.  The  following  year  (1608) 
produced  "  The  Conspiracie  and  Trarjedie  of  Charles  Duke  of  Byron, 
Marshall  of  France,"  acted  in  two  plays,  and  dedicated  to  Sir  Thomas 
Walsingham.  These  two  plays,  we  are  told,  have  not  come  down  to 
us  as  they  were  originally  written,  in  consequence  of  the  remonstrance 
of  the  French  Ambassador.  (Collier's  Shakespeare,  vol.  i.  p.  218.) 
They  are  fine,  and  are  styled  by  Mr.  Collier  "noble  poems,  full  of  fine 
thoughts,  and  rich  in  diversity  and  strength  of  expression."  The 
Edinburgh  Reviewer  (ut  supra)  calls  the  latter  play  "the  finest  tragic 
composition  Chapman  has  left."  "Euthymice  Raptus,  or  the  Teares  of 
Peace,  ivith  interlocutions,"  a  small  poem  dedicated  to  Prince  Henry, 
appeared  in  1609,  4to.  This  work  is  chiefly  interesting  from  the  allu- 
*  Hist,  of  Dramatic  Poetry,  m,  p.  257. 


xxxvi  1NTR  OD  UGTION. 

sion  to  Chapman's  birth-place,  and  the  spot  where  he  translated 
Homer.  In  1611  we  have  "May  Day,"  a  comedy,  reprinted  in  "Old 
Plays;"  and  the  "Widow's  Tears,"  another  comedy  in  1612.  This 
last  play  is  very  fine  in  parts,  but  the  plot,  taken  from  the  story  of  the 
Ephesian  matron  in  Petronius,  is  objectionable.  But,  while  enu- 
merating Chapman's  dramatic  efforts,  we  have  omitted  to  mention  that 
in  1609  appeared  the  long  promised  Twelve  Books  of  the  Iliad. 
Warton  is  in  error  in  saying  that  Fifteen  Books  were  printed  in  1600 
in  a  thin  folio.  Chapman  had  mentioned,  in  his  Preface  to  the  Seven 
Books  of  1598,  that  his  next  issue  should  be  of  Tu-elve  Books;  and 
consequently  appeared  in  this  year  (1609)  a  small  thin  folio,  the  title 
of  which  is  "  Homer,  Prince  of  Poets,  translated  according  to  the  Greeke 
in  Twelve  Books  of  his  Iliads,  by  George  Cliapman.  At  London, 
printed  for  Samuel  Matcham."  This  work  is  printed  in  Italic  type, 
and  has  (in  a  smaller  size)  the  engraved  title  by  William  Hole,  which 
was  used  in  an  enlarged  form  for  the  subsequent  editions  of  the  Com- 
plete Iliad,  and  the  Whole  Works,  and  a  facsimile  of  which  accompa- 
nies our  present  volumes.  It  contains  the  epistle  Dedicatory  to  Prince 
Henry,  the  Poem  to  the  Header,  and  the  Sonnet  to  Queen  Anne.  The 
version  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  edition  of  1598,  with  the  addition 
of  the  Third,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Sixth,  and  Twelfth  Books.  The  volume  is 
closed  with  fourteen  Sonnets.  The  date  may  be  inferred  from  the  fol- 
lowing facts.  In  the  Stationers'  Register  is  the  entry  of  the  "Seven 
Bookes  of  Homer's  Iliades,  translated  into  English  by  George  Chapman, 
to  Samuel  Matcham,  by  assignment  from  Mr  Windet,  November  14, 
1608."  Now  one  of  the  Sonnets  is  addressed  to  the  Earl  of  Salisbury, 
who  is  styled  Lord  Treasurer,  which  office  was  conferred  on  him  on 
May  4,  1609.  The  volume,  therefore,  was  published,  probably,  a  little 
later  in  that  year.  Mr.  Payne  Collier  possesses  an  interesting  copy 
with  Chapman's  autograph.  "  For  Lore  to  the  true  Love  of  Virtue  in 
y*  worthye  Knighte,  and  his  constant  fricnde,  S*  Henrye  Crofts:  Geo. 
Chapman  gives  this  as  testimonie  of  his  true  inclination,  wth  this  most 
affectionate  inscription."  The  complete  version  of  the  Iliad  appeared 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxvii 

in  1611,  and  will  be  noticed  hereafter.  In  1612,  Chapman  published 
"  Petrarch's  Seven  Penitentiall  Psalms,  paraphrastically  translated  : 
with  other  philosophical  poems,  and  a  Eymne  to  Christ  upon  the 
Crosse,"  a  small  12mo.  dedicated  to  Sir  Edward  Philips,  Master 
of  the  Eolls.  This  is  a  very  rare  volume,  and  the  only  copy  I  have 
seen  (or  even  heard  of)  is  in  the  Bodleian  Library.  From  an  examina- 
tion of  this  little  book,  I  find  that  I  was  misled  in  my  information  that 
Chapman  speaks  in  it  of  his  yet  unfinished  translation  of  Homer, 
which  the  Prince  of  Wales  had  commanded  him  to  conclude.  There 
is  no  mention  whatever  of  his  Homer. 

In  November  1612  died  Henry  Prince  of  Wales,  and  in  him,  to 
whom  he  had  dedicated  his  "Iliad,"  Chapman  lost  his  best  patron. 
He  deeply  lamented  the  young  prince,  and  published  on  the  occasion 
"An  Epicede,  or  Funerall  Song,"  4to.  1614,  dedicated  to  Mr.  Henry 
Jones.  It  is  a  beautiful  poem,  and  was  reprinted  at  the  Lee  Priory 
Press,  4to.  1818.  In  the  early  part  of  1613,  he  wrote  the  poetry 
for  the  masque  performed  at  Whitehall  by  the  Societies  of  Lincoln's 
Inn  and  the  Middle  Temple,  in  honour  of  the  nuptials  of  the  Princess 
Elizabeth  and  the  Palsgrave.  Inigo  Jones  designed  the  machinery. 
The  magnificence  displayed  by  these  learned  Societies  may  be  estima- 
ted from  the  fact  that,  according  to  Dugdale,  the  expenses  incurred 
amounted  to  the  then  enormous  sum  of  ,£1086  8s.  lid.  Ben  Jonson 
told  Drummond  that,  "  next  himself  (i.  e.  Jonson)  only  Fletcher  and 
Chapman  could  make  a  mask."  Chapman  published  this  mask  (4to. 
1614),  and  dedicated  it  to  Sir  Edward  Philips,  Master  of  the  Rolls, 
from  whose  house  the  masquers  proceeded  to  Whitehall.  At  the  close 
of  the  volume  is  an  Epithalamium.  Mr.  Payne  Collier  is  in  possession 
of  a  copy  corrected  by  Chapman  in  his  own  handwriting.  It  has  been 
reprinted  in  Nichols'  Progresses  of  K.  James  I.  In  this  year  (1613) 
he  printed  his  tragedy  of  " Bussy  d'Amlois  his  Revenge."  In  1614 
appeared  "Andromeda  Liberata,  or  the  Nuptials  of  Perseus  and 
Andromeda"  a  poem  with  a  long  dedicatory  epistle  to  Robert  Carr, 
Earl  of  Somerset,  and  Frances  his  Countess.  According  to  Wood, 


xxxviii  INTRODUCTION. 

"  this  being  not  rightly  understood,  and  carped  at  by  many,  came  out 
soon  after  a  pamphlet  written  in  prose  and  poetry,  entitled,  '  A  free  and 
offenceless  justification  of  a  late  published  and  most  maliciously  mis- 
interpreted Poem,  &c.  London  1614,'  4to.  in  two  sheets,  pen'd  I  pre- 
sume by  Chapman."  We  may  readily  suppose  that  a  dedication  to 
such  persons  would  be  cavilled  at,  but  Chapman  (as  is  generally  the 
case  in  his  Prefaces)  had  anticipated  objections,  and  had  therefore 
addressed  one  preface  of  this  work  to  "  the  prejudicate  and  peremptory 
reader,"  to  whom  he  says,  "'twill  be  most  ridiculous  and  pleasing, 
to  sit  in  a  corner,  and  spend  your  teeth  to  the  stumps  in  mumbling 
an  old  sparrow  till  your  lips  bleed  and  your  eyes  water  :  when  all  the 
faults  you  can  find  are  first  in  yourselves,  'tis  no  Herculean  labour  to 
cracke  what  you  breede."  According  to  Mr.  Payne  Collier,  Somerset 
himself  had  conceived  that  "Andromeda  Liber ata"  was  a  covert 
attack  upon  him,  and  from  this  notion  Chapman  was  anxious  to  relieve 
himself.  It  does  not  appear  when  Carr  became  Chapman's  patron,  but 
in  the  early  part  of  this  year  (1614)  appeared  the  first  Twelve  Books 
of  the  Odyssey  also  dedicated  to  him.  It  is  to  be  feared  Chap- 
man was  suffering  under  the  pressure  of  poverty  at  this  period,  for  in 
this  Dedication  he  says  : — 

' '  Twelve  labours  of  your  Thespian  Hercules 
I  now  present  your  Lordship  ;  do  but  please 
To  lend  life  means,  till  th'  other  twelve  receive 
Equal  achievement." 

Somerset's  patronage  of  Chapman,  whatever  it  may  have  been,  met 
with  no  unworthy  return  :  for  the  distressed  poet  of  1614,  when  the 
royal  favoiirite  was  still  basking  in  the  declining  sunshine  of  his  career, 
did  not  forget  him  when  that  sun  had  set.  On  November  2,  1614,  is 
an  entry  in  the  Stationers'  Register  to  Nathaniel  Butter  of  "Twenty- 
four  Bookes  of  Homer's  Odisses  by  George  Chapman,"  and  the 
complete  translation  appeared  with  the  old  dedication.  Besides  which, 
some  years  after,  when  the  Earl  was  living  in  obscurity,  the  Hymns 
and  Batrachomyomachia  are  inscribed  to  him  in  a  noble  strain,  which. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxix 

reflects  great  credit  on  Chapman's  goodness  of  heart,  however  we 
may  lament  the  unworthiness  of  the  subject  of  his  panegyric.  In  this 
same  year  (1614)  also  appeared  "Eugenia;  or  True  Nobilities  Trance, 
For  (he  memorable  death  of  the  thrice  noble  and  religious  William- 
Lord  Russel,  d-c.  Divided  into  foure  vigils  of  the  nighte."  4to. 
pp.  44,  not  numbered.  (See  Brydges'  "  Restituta,"  vol.  II.  p.  57.) 

In  1616  he  published  his  Translation  of  Husceus.  He  informs  us 
in  tht  Preface  that  it  is  a  different  work  to  the  continuation  of 
Marlove's  poem.  This  extremely  rare  volume,  not  two  inches  long 
and  scarcely  one  broad,  is  fully  described  by  Dr.  Bliss  in  vol.  ir.  col.  9, 
of  his  admirable  edition  of  "Wood's  "  Athense  Oxonienses."  The  only 
knovn  copy  is  in  the  Bodleian.  It  is  dedicated  to  his  "  Auncient  poore 
frier.de"  Inigo  Jones.  I  had  the  great  gratification  of  reprinting  it  in 
the  Ifth  volume  of  the  present  edition  of  Chapman's  Translations.  In 
1616  he  also  published  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  collected  into  one 
volune,  which  will  be  noticed  hereafter.  "  The  Georgics  of  Hesiod, 
transated  elaborately  out  of  the  Greek"  appeared  in  a  thin  4to. 
Londm,  1618.  This  volume  is  so  rare  that  Warton  was  not  aware  of 
its  eiisteuce.  It  is  amusing  to  see  how  pertinaciously  he  refused 
to  beleve  that  it  had  been  printed,  although  he  discovered  its  entry  in 
the  Stationers'  Registers  (Hist.  English  Poetry,  in.  360.  ed.  1840). 
Eltoi,  who,  from  his  own  noble  version  of  Hesiod,  was  a  competent 
judg(,  pronounces  it  "  close,  vigorous,  and  elegant."  (Habington's 
"Cas:ara,"  p.  155.  ed.  Elton,  Bristol,  1812.)  It  has  commendatory 
verse  by  Ben  Jonson  and  Drayton,  and  is  dedicated  to  Sir  Francis 
Baccn,  Lord  Chancellor,  who  had  been  a  student  of  Gray's  Inn,  which 
gave  Chapman  the  opportunity  of  punning  :  "  All  judgments  of  this 
seasm  (savouring  anything  the  truth)  preferring  to  the  wisdom  of  all 
other  nations  these  most  wise,  learned,  and  circularly-spoken  Grecians  ; 
according  to  that  of  the  poet 

GRATIS   INGEXIUM,   GRAIIS   DEDIT   ORE   ROTUNDO 
MUSA   LOQUI. 

Aid  why  may  not  this  Romane  elogie  of  the  Graians  extend  in  praise- 


xl  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

full  intention  (by  waie  of  prophetick  poesie)  to  Graies-Inne  wits  and 
orators  ? "  From  the  extreme  rarity  of  Chapman's  Hesiod,*  its  price 
is  usually  great.  It  has  been  reprinted,  however,  in  our  fifth  volume 
above  mentioned,  with  a  facsimile  of  the  original  title. 

In  1619  was  printed  "  Two  Wise  Men,  and  all  the  rest  Fooies,"  a 
comedy,  or  as  the  title  styles  it,  "A  Comical  Moral,  censuring  the 
Follies  of  this  Age."  There  is  a  peculiarity  about  this  play,  if  it  may 
be  so  called,  which  is  remarkable.  It  is  extended  to  seven  acts, 
instead  of  five.  "  It  is,  however,  on  tradition  only  that  this  piece  is 
ranked  among  Chapman's  writings  ;  it  being  published  withoat  any 
author's  name,  or  even  so  much  as  a  mention  of  the  place  where  it  was 
printed."  (Biograph.  Dramat.)  In  1622  we  have  a  small  poem, 
"Pro  Vere  Autumni  Lachrymce"  to  the  memory  of  Sir  Hoiatio 
Vere.  In  1629  appeared  "A  justification  of  a  strange  actioi  of 
Nero  in  burying  ivith  a  solemne  Funerall  one  of  the  cast  hay  res  q"  his 
Mistress  Poppiea;  also  a  just  reproof e  of  a  Roman  Smell/east,  )eing 
the  fifth  Satyre  of  Juvenall."  The  version  of  Juvenal  is  spirited,  and 
will  be  found  reprinted  in  our  above-mentioned  fifth  volume.  At  ivhat 
time  he  published  "  TJie  Crowne  of  all  Homers  IVorkes;  Batrackmy- 
omachia;  or  the  Battaile  of  Frogs  and  Mise.  Translated  acco-ding 
to  the  originall  by  George  Chapman.  London.  Printed  by  John 
Bill,  his  Maiesties  Printer"  cannot  now  be  precisely  determned. 
Mr.  Singer  (who  printed  an  elegant  edition  of  it  in  1818,  Chisrick) 
says  it  would  seem  to  have  been  after  1624,  by  comparing  it  with  »ther 
books  by  the  same  printer.  The  volume,  a  thin  folio,  very  rare,  con- 
taining also  the  Hymns  of  Homer,  will  be  noticed  hereafter.  In 
1631,  Chapman  printed  "  Casar  and  Pompey,  a  Roman  Tragdy, 
concerning  their  IParres.  Out  of  whose  events  is  evicted  this  Propsi- 

*  There  are  two  copies  in  the  Bodleian  Library  ;  that  in  the  Malone  Colec- 
tion  being  large,  though  somewhat  stained.  There  is  also  a  fair  one  in  the 
General  Library  of  the  British  Museum.  That  in  the  Grenville  has  bien 
much  injured  (as  has  my  own)  by  the  binder  cutting  into  the  notes,  which  ire 
in  the  margin. 


INTRODUCTION.  xli 

tion  :  Only  a  just  Man  is  a  free  J/an."  This  play  is  dedicated  to  the 
Earl  of  Middlesex,  and  does  not  seem  to  have  been  intended  for  the 
stage.*  This  was  the  last  of  Chapman's  works  that  appeared  in  his 
lifetime. 

"At  length,''  says  old  Anthony  Wood,  "this  most  eminent  and 
reverend  poet,  having  lived  77  yearst  in  this  vain  and  transitory 
world,  made  his  last  exit  in  the  Parish  of  St.  Giles'  in  the  Fields,  near 
London,  on  the  twelfth  day  of  May,  in  sixteen  hundred  and  thirty 
four,  and  was  buried  in  the  yard  on  the  south  side  of  the  Church  of  St. 
Giles.  Soon  after  was  a  monument  erected  over  his  grave,  built  after 
the  way  of  the  old  Romans,  by  the  care  and  charge  of  his  most  beloved 
friend  Inigo  Jones  ;  whereon  is  engraven,  Georgius  Chapmanus,  poeta 
Homericus,  Philosophus  verus  (etsi  Christianus  poeta)  plusquam  Cele- 
bris, &c."  Le  Neve  also  gives  us  the  inscription  on  the  monument  : 
"D.O.M.  Here  lyes  George  Chapman,  a  Christian  Philosopher  and 
Homericall  Poett  ;  he  liv'd  77  yeeres,  and  died  ye  12  of  May  1634, 
for  whose  worth  and  memory  to  posterity,  Inigo  Jones  Architect  to 
the  King,  for  antient  friendshipp  made  this."  Le  Neve's  information 
was  from  Peter  Le  Neve's  (Norroy's)  MSS.  Mislead  by  a  letter  from 
"Myrtilla  Glovestring"  to  Sylvanus  Urban  in  1737  (Gentleman's 
Magazine  vol.  VIL),  and  by  the  assertion  of  Sir  Egerton  Brydges,  in 
the  first  edition  I  stated  that  this  monument  was  destroyed  with  the  old 
church.  It  is,  however,  still  standing  on  the  south  side  of  the  present 
church,  and  the  inscription,  which  had  been  effaced  by  time,  was  recut 
under  the  direction  of  the  rector  (the  Rev.  J.  Endell  Tyler,  6 


In  the  Biograph.  Dram.  "  Csesar  and  Pompey  "  is  said  to  have  been  pub- 
lished in  4to.  1607,  and  to  have  been  acted  at  the  Blackfriars.  This  is  probably 
a  mistake. 

t  Wood  erroneously  says  Chapman  was  born  in  1557.  If  the  date  of  his 
death  be  true,  he  was  only  75.  The  Rev.  A.  W.  Thorold,  the  present  Rector 
of  St.  Giles'  in  the  Fields,  informs  me  that  there  is  no  Register  of  the  Burials 
in  that  Parish  between  the  years  1610  and  1637,  so  here  again  we  are  baffled 
in  verifying  a  fact  by  the  loss  of  records,  a  fatality  which  has  attended  all  my 
enquiries  into  Chapman's  life. 


xlii  INTRODUCTION. 

and  churchwardens  some  years  since.  The  present  inscription  does  not 
tally  with  that  recorded  by  Wood  and  Le  Neve,  and  if  their  account 
be  true,  contains  a  strange  anachronism.* 

GEORGIVS   CHAPMAN 

POETA 

MDCXX   (sic) 

IGNATIVS   JONES 

ARCHITECTVS   REGIVS 

OB   HONOREM 
BONARVM   LITERARVM 

FAMILIARI 

SVO   HOC   MON. 

D.  S.  P.  F.  C. 

The  monument  is  a  small  upright  stone,  similar  to  many  Roman  monu- 
mental remains.  Habington,  who  published  his  "Castara"  in  the 
year  of  Chapman's  death,  has  the  following  lines  (p.  155.  ed.  Elton) : — 

"  Tis  true  that  Chapman's  reverend  ashes  must 
Lye  rudely  mingled  with  the  vulgar  dust, 
'Cause  carefull  heyers  the  wealthy  only  have, 
To  build  a  glorious  trouble  o're  the  grave. 
Yet  doe  I  not  despaire  some  one  may  be 
So  seriously  devout  to  poesie, 
As  to  translate  his  reliques,  and  find  roome 
In  the  warme  church  to  build  him  up  a  tombe, 
Since  Spenser  hath  a  stone,  &c." 

Habington's  pious  wish,  we  are  sure,  will  find  an  echo  in  many  a  breast. 
The  great  Translator  of  Homer  deserves  a  record  in  the  aisles  of  West- 
minster, as  his  respectable  character  forms  a  happy  contrast  to  many 
less-deserving  recipients  of  that  honour. 

After  Chapman's  death  appeared,  in  1639,  "  The  Tragedy  of 
Chalot,  Admiral  of  France,"  written  conjointly  with  Shirley.  The 
reviewer  of  Mr.  Dyce's  edition  of  Shirley's  works  (Quarterly  Review, 

f  In  a  late  examination  of  the  monument,  I  find  that  the  stone  slab,  upon 
which  the  inscription  is  cut,  is  a  late  insertion,  so  probably  the  above  is  not  a 
copy  of  the  original  inscription. 


INTRODUCTION.  xliii 

voL  XLIX.  p.  29)  says  :  "  In  the  fine  and  eloquent  tragedy  of  Chabot, 
the  obscurity  of  Chapman's  manner,  the  hardness  of  which  his  contem- 
poraries call  his  'full  and  heightened  style,'  is  greatly  increased  by 
the  incorrectness  of  the  press.*  This  play,  as  bearing  the  name  of 
Shirley  in  its  title-page  conjoined  with  that  of  Chapman,  ought  not  to 
have  been  omitted ;  yet  it  is  very  difficult  to  assign  any  part  of  it  to 
Shirley ;  even  the  comic  scenes  are  more  in  Chapman's  close  and 
pregnant  manner,  than  in  the  light  and  airy  style  of  Shirley."  In  the 
same  year  (1639)  was  published  " The  Ball"  a  comedy,  by  Chapman 
and  Shirley.  " Revenge  for  Honour"  a  tragedy,  by  Chapman  alone, 
was  published  in  1654,  1659,  4to.  ;  and  in  the  same  year  "  The 
Tragedy  of  Alphonsus,  Emperor  of  Germany."  Dr.  Bliss  mentions 
five  plays  in  MS.  which  were  in  the  library  of  the  late  Eichard  Heber, 
Esq.,  "The  Fountain  of  New  Fashions,"  1598;  "  The  Will  of  a 
Woman,"  1598  ;  « TJie  Fatal  Love,"  a  tragedy  ;  "  Tragedy  of  a 
Yorkshire  Gentleman ; "  and  "  TJie  Second  Maiden's  Tragedy." 
This  last  was  published  as  No.  I.  of  "  TJie  Old  English  Drama," 
London,  1825.  From  the  same  authority  (and  from  Sir  Egerton 
Brydges'  "  Restituta J>)  we  are  informed  that  there  are  poems  by 
Chapman  in  "  Poetical  Essays  on  the  Turtle  and  Phc&nix,"  published, 
with  others  on  the  same  subject,  by  Shakespeare,  Jonson,  and  Marston, 
at  the  end  of  "Love's  Martyr,  or  Rosalind's  Complaint,"  4to.  1601  ; 
a  volume  of  exquisite  rarity. 

Such  are  the  few  details  of  Chapman's  long  and  laborious  life,  con- 
sisting, after  all,  of  a  mere  catalogue  of  his  works — and  what  do  we 
know  more  of  many  of  his  great  contemporaries  ?  The  editions  of  his 
Homer  will  be  considered  by  themselves.  From  the  writings  of  his 
contemporaries,  and  from  the  gossip  of  Antony  Wood,  as  well  as  from 
incidental  allusions  in  his  own  works,  we  are  enabled  to  gather  a  few 
unconnected  circumstances,  which  only  make  us  desire  to  know  more 
of  him.^  As  a  dramatic  writer,  he  has  been  frequently  criticised,  and 

*  This  remark  applies  equally  to  the" original  editions  of  his  Homer,  Hesiod, 
and  all  his  works. 


xliv  INTRODUCTION. 

cannot  be  placed  in  the  foremost  rank.  But  we  should  not  forget  he 
was  one  of  the  earliest  purveyors  for  the  public  taste.  His  style,  in 
his  original  works,  is  intensely  crabbed  and  confused,  yet  "  as  a  poet- 
ical iinaginer  and  thinker,  far  too  little  attention  has  been  paid  to  him." 
(Edinb.  Rev.  vol.  LXXII.  p.  226.)  Even  as  a  writer  for  the  stage,  he 
attained  great  popularity  in  his  day.  The  writings  of  his  contempo- 
raries are  full  of  allusions  to  him.  He  is  much  quoted  in  "  England's 
Parnassus"  by  R.  Allott,  12mo.  1600.  In  Thomas  Freeman's  Epi- 
grams (4to.  1616,  Pt.  2nd,  Epig.  87)  is  the  following  :— 

"  TO  GEORGE  CHAPMAN. 

George,  it  is  thy  genius  innated, 

Thou  pick'st  not  flowers  from  another's  field, 

Stol'n  similes,  or  sentences  translated, 

Nor  seekest  but  what  thine  owne  soile  doth  yielde  : 

Let  barren  wits  go  borrow  what  to  write, 

'Tis  bred  and  born  with  thee  what  thou  inditest, 

And  our  Comedians  thou  outstrippest  quite, 

And  all  the  hearers  more  than  all  delightest, 

With  unaffected  style  and  sweetest  strain. 

Thy  inambitious  pen  keeps  on  her  pace, 

And  cometh  near'st  the  ancient  comic  vein. 

Thou  hast  beguil'd  us  all  of  that  sweet  grace ; 

And  were  Thalia  to  be  sold  and  bought, 

No  Chapman  but  thyself  were  to  be  sought." 

The  following  verses  too,  cited  by  Mr.  Singer  from  "  The  Scourge 
of  Folly,  by  John  Davies  of  Hereford"  supposed  to  be  printed  about 
the  year  1611,  contain  pleasing  testimony  to  the  estimation  in  which 
he  was  held,  and  also  evidence  of  his  straitened  circumstances ;  but, 
if  the  date  of  the  book  be  correct,  both  his  patrons  could  then  have 
assisted  him,  as  the  death  of  Prince  Henry  did  not  occur  till  the  close 
of  the  following  year,  and  Somerset  was  then  in  the  zenith  of  favour. 

"TO  MY  HIGHLY  VALUED  MR.  GEORGE  CHAPMAN,  FATHER 
OF  OUR  ENGLISH  POETS. 

"  I  know  thee  not,  good  George,  but  by  thy  pen, 
For  which  I  rank  thee  with  the  rarest  men. 
And  in  that  rank  I  put  thee  in  the  front, 

Especially  of  Poets  of  account, 


INTRODUCTION.  xlv 

Who  art  the  treasurer  of  that  company, 

But  in  thy  hand  too  little  coin  doth  lie. 

For  of  all  arts  that  now  in  London  are, 

Poets  get  least  in  uttering  their  ware. 

But  thou  hast  in  thy  head  and  heart  and  hand 

Treasures  of  art  that  treasures  can  command. 

Ah  !  would  they  could  !  then  should  thy  wealth  and  wit 

Be  equal ;  and  a  lofty  fortune  fit. 

But,  George,  thou  wert  accurst,  and  so  was  I, 

To  be  of  that  most  blessed  company. 

For  if  the  most  are  blest  that  most  are  crost, 

Then  Poets,  I  am  sure,  are  blessed  most. 

Yet  we  with  rhyme  and  reason  trim  the  times, 

Though  they  give  little  reason  for  our  rhymes. 

The  reason  is  (else  error  blinds  my  wits) 

They  reason  want  to  do  what  honour  fits. 

But  let  them  do  as  please  them,  we  must  do 

What  Phoebus,  sire  of  Art,  moves  Nature  to." 

It  is  to  his  Homer,  however,  we  must  look  for  his  greatest  reputation. 
Immediately  on  the  publication  of  his  "Seven  Books"  in  1598,  were 
his  praises  resounded.  In  Fitz- Geffrey's  "  Affanice,"  Oxon,  1601, 
p.  88,  are  two  Epigrams,  "  Ad  Homerum  e  Grcecia  in  Britanniam  a 
Georgia  Chapmanno  traductum j "  and  in  "  TJie  Passionate  Poet  ;  with 
a  description  of  the  Thradan  Ismarus."  By  T.  P.  (Thomas  Powell) 
we  read — 

"  Out  on  thee,  foole  !  blind  of  thy  impotence, 
Thou  dost  admire  but  in  a  popular  sense, 
Esteeming  more  a  Pasquil's  harsher  lines 
Than  Iliad's  worth,  which  Chapman's  hand  refines." 

(See  Brydges'  "  Restituta,"  vol.  iii.  p.  169).  Bolton,  in  his  " Hyper- 
critica"  (p.  246,  ed.  Haslewood),  mentions  Chapman's  "first  seaven 
bookes  of  Iliades "  amongst  good  writers  of  English  style ;  and  again 
(p.  250)  he  says,  "brave  language  are  Chapman's  Iliades,  those  I 
mean  which  are  translated  into  tessara-decasyllabons,  or  lines  of  four- 
teen syllables."  Ben  Jonson,  Dray  ton,  William  Browne,  and  others, 
contributed  their  testimonies ;  and  Samuel  Sheppard,  in  his  "  Six 
Bookes  of  Epigrams"  London,  1651,  12mo.,  has  one  which  we  will 
transcribe  : — 


xlvi  INTRODUCTION. 

"ON  MR.  CHAPMAN'S  INCOMPARABLE  TRANSLATION  OF 

HOMER'S  WORKES. 

What  none  before  durst  ever  venture  on 

Unto  our  wonder  is  by  Chapman  done, 

Who  by  his  skill  hath  made  Great  Homer's  song 

To  vaile  its  bonnet  to  our  English  tongue, 

So  that  the  learned  well  may  question  it 

Whether  in  Greek  or  English  Homer  writ  ? 

O  happy  Homer,  such  an  able  pen 

To  have  for  thy  translator,  happier  then 

Ovid  *  or  Virgil, t  who  beyond  their  strength 

Are  stretch'd,  each  sentence  neare  a  mile  in  length. 

But  our  renowned  Chapman,  worthy  praise, 

And  meriting  the  never-blasted  bayes, 

Hath  render'd  Homer  in  a  genuine  sence, 

Yea,  and  hath  added  to  his  eloquence  : 

And  in  his  comments  his  true  sence  doth  show. 

Telling  Spondanus  what  he  ought  to  know. 

Eustathius,  and  all  that  on  them  take 

Great  Homer's  misticke  meaning  plain  to  make, 

Yeeld  him  more  dark  with  farr-fetcht  allegories, 

Sometimes  mistaking  clean  his  learned  stories  : 

As  'bout  the  flie  Menelaus  did  inspire, 

Juno's  retreate,  Achilles'  strange  desire  ; 

But  he  to  his  own  sence  doth  him  restore, 

And  comments  on  him  better  than  before 

Any  could  do,  for  which  (with  Homer)  wee 

Will  yeeld  all  honour  to  his  memory." 

But  it  is  needless  to  multiply  quotations.  Chapman's  personal 
character  stood  very  high.  Antony  Wood  describes  him  as  "  a  person 
of  most  reverend  aspect,  religious  and  temperate,  qualities  rarely  meet- 
ing in  a  poet."  Oldys  in  his  MS.  notes  on  Langbaine's  Dramatic 
Poets  (British  Museum)  says,  "  Indeed  his  head  was  a  poetical  Trea- 
sury, Magazine,  or  Chronicle,  of  whatsoever  was  memorable  amongst 
the  poets  of  his  time,  which  made  him  latterly  much  resorted  to  by 
young  gentlemen  of  good  taste  and  education.  But  he  was  choice 
of  his  company,  shy  of  loose,  shallow,  and  sordid  associates,  and  pre- 
served in  his  own  conduct  the  true  dignity  of  Poetry,  which  he  com- 
pared to  the  Flower  of  the  Sun,  that  disdains  to  open  its  leaves  to  the 
eye  of  a  smoking  taper." 

*  By  Golding.  t  By  Phaier. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlvii 

Wood  thinks  he  had  some  small  appointment  in  the  household 
of  King  James,  or  his  consort  Queen  Anne  ;  but  researches  in  the 
State  Paper  Office  and  other  sources  have  failed  to  throw  any  light  on 
this  point.  With  all  the  respect  and  admiration  that  Chapman  enjoyed 
from  his  contemporaries,  it  is  clear,  from  many  passages  in  his  writings, 
that  he  could  not  escape  the  breath  of  envy.  In  the  Preface  to  Homer 
we  find  the  following :  "  But  there  is  a  certain  envious  windsucker, 
that  hovers  up  and  down,  laboriously  engrossing  all  the  air  with  his 
luxurious  ambition ;  and  buzzing  into  every  ear  my  detraction,  affirm- 
ing I  turn  Homer  out  of  the  Latin  only,  £c.  I  have  stricken,  single 
him  as  you  can."  It  is  generally  supposed  that  this  allusion  is  to  Ben 
Jonson.  Mr.  Gifford  of  course  zealously  defends  Jonson,  and  with 
great  show  of  reason.  It  is  certain  that  if  Jonson  and  Chapman  had 
quarrelled  at  this  period  (1611)  they  were  subsequently  on  terms 
again  in  1618,  for  Jonson  wrote  the  following  commendatory  verses 
in  the  translation  of  "  Hesiod,"  published  in  that  year  : — 

"  If  all  the  vulgar  tongues,  that  speak  this  day, 
Were  ask'd  of  thy  discoveries,  they  must  say 
To  the  Greek  coast  thine  only  knew  the  way. 

Such  passage  hast  thou  found,  such  returns  made, 
As  now  of  all  men  it  is  call'd  thy  trade, 
And  who  make  thither  else  rob,  or  invade." 

Jonson  in  his  conversations  with  Drummond  declared  that  "  he  loved 
Chapman  ! "  It  cannot  however  be  denied  that  Jonson  was  generally 
reputed  to  be  envious  of  his  successful  contemporaries,  and  there  is  a 
tradition  that  Chapman  was  one  of  those  marked  out  for  his  special 
envy.  That  there  had  been  a  quarrel  at  some  period  between  him  and 
Chapman  is  evident  from  some  lines  by  the  latter  cited  by  Mr.  Gifford 
from  a  MS.  in  the  Ashmole  Collection,  with  the  following  title,  "An 
Invective  against  Ben  Jonson  ly  Mr.  George  Chapman." 

"  Greate-learned  wittie  Ben,  be  pleased  to  light 
The  world  with  that  three-forked  fire  ;  nor  fright 
All  us,  the  sublearn'd,  with  Luciferus'  boast 
That  thou  art  most  great,  learn'd,  of  all  the  earth 


xlviii  INTRODUCTION. 

As  being  a  thing  betwixt  a  humane  birth 

And  an  infernal ;  no  humanitye 

Of  the  divine  soule  shewing  man  in  thee,  &c." 

"  Chapman,"  adds  Mr.  Gifford,  "  (whom  I  am  unwilling  to  believe 
guilty  of  this  malicious  trash)  died,  I  fear,  poor  and  neglected."  lu 
another  poem  among  the  Ashmole  Papers,  inscribed  "  The  Genius  of 
the  Stage  deploring  the  death  of  Ben  Jonson,"  after  noticing  the  general 
sorrow,  the  writer  says  : — 

"  Why  do  Apollo's  sons 


Meet  in  such  throngs,  and  whisper  as  they  go  ? 
There  are  no  more  by  sad  affliction  hurl'd, 
And  friends'  neglect,  from  this  inconstant  world  ! 
Chapman  alone  went  so  ;  he  that's  now  gone 
Commands  him  tomb  ;  he,  scarce  a  grave  or  stone." 

This  does  not,  however,  agree  with  the  fact  of  Inigo  Jones  placing  a 
monument  "  built  after  the  way  of  the  old  Romans "  over  his  friend. 
With  the  exception  of  the  "envious  windsucker"  (whoever  he  may 
have  been)  it  has  been  seen  that  Chapman  was  universally  esteemed 
by  his  contemporaries,  and  he  well  deserved  it,  not  only  for  the  fame 
of  his  talents,  but  from  the  admirable  character  Wood  and  Langbaine 
have  given  of  him,  a  character  which  seems  borne  out  by  Drayton,  who 
speaks  of  him 

"  As  reverend  Chapman,  who  hath  brought  to  us 
Musseus,  Homer,  and  Hesiodus." 

I  trust  that  this  fact  may  give  additional  pleasure  to  the  reader  as  he 
peruses  "  Old  George's  "  fine  Translations. 

But  I  cannot  conclude  without  citing  a  rather  unexpected  testimony 
to  the  fame  of  "  mine  ancient  friend,"  praise  which,  I  am  sure,  amply 
repays  him  for  the  envy  of  that  "  castrill,  with  too  hot  a  liver  and  lust 
after  his  own  glory,  who,  to  devour  all  himself,  discourageth  all  appe- 
tites to  the  fame  of  another."  Mr.  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  the  well- 
known  American  writer,  during  the  past  year*  (1856)  published  a  work 

*  This  Introduction  was  originally  written  in  1857. 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  xlix 

entitled  "  English  Traits,"  in  which  the  merits  and  failings  of  this  our 
native  country  are  freely  discussed. 

In  p.  26,  under  the  Chapter  on  "Race"  I  find  the  following — 
"  How  came  such  men  as  King  Alfred  and  Roger  Bacon,  William  of 
Wykeham,  "Walter  Raleigh,  Philip  Sydney,  Isaac  Newton,  William 
Shakespeare,  GEORGE  CHAPMAN,  Francis  Bacon,  George  Herbert, 
Henry  Vane,  to  exist  here  1 "  Reader,  little  did  I  think  to  introduce 
Master  Chapman  to  you  in  such  company,  but  there  he  is  walking  arm 
in  arm  with  Shakespeare  and  Bacon  !  Mr.  Emerson  asks  of  these 
great  men  "  what  food  they  ate,  what  nursing,  school,  and  exercises 
they  had,  which  resulted  in  this  mother-wit,  delicacy  of  thought,  and 
robust  wisdom  1 "  Alas  !  poor  George's  .  "  robust  wisdom,"  as  we 
have  seen,  was  not  produced  by  quantity  or  quality  of  food.  Again, 
in  p.  144,  we  have  a  criticism  on  English  Poetry — "Pope  and  his 
school  wrote  poetry  fit  to  put  round  frosted  cake.  What  did  Walter 
Scott  write  without  stint? — a  rhymed  traveller's  guide  to  Scotland. 
And  the  libraries  of  verses  they  print  have  this  Birmingham  character. 
How  many  volumes  of  well-bred  metre  we  must  jingle  through  before 
we  can  be  filled,  taught,  renewed  !  We  want  the  miraculous  ;  the 
beauty  which  we  can  manufacture  at  no  mill — can  give  no  account  of  ; 
the  beauty  of  which  Chaucer  and  CHAPMAN  had  the  secret  !"  0  ! 
reverend  Chapman,  full  well  did  thy  prophetic  spirit  foresee  this  two- 
fold tribute  of  "  brother  Jonathan  "  when  thou  didst  put  on  the  title  of 
"  Homer's  Odysseys," 

AT  mm  QUOD  vivo  DETRAXEIUT  INVIDA  TUKBA, 

POST   OBITUM   DUPLICI    FffiNORE  KEDDET  HONOS. 

It  only  remains  for  us  to  give  an  account  of  Chapman's  various 
Translations  of  Homer. 

Though  Chapman  claims  the  merit  of  being  the  first  who  gave  an 
original  and  complete  version  of  Homer,  he  had  been  anticipated  in 
the  honour  of  introducing  him  to  the  English  reader.  In  1581  Ten 

Books  of  the  Iliad  were  translated  from  the  French  metrical  version  of 
VOL.  i.  d 


1  INTRODUCTION. 

M.  Salel  (1555)  by  A.  II.  or  Arthur  Hall,  Esq.  of  Grantham,  and 
a  Member  of  Parliament,  and  printed  by  Ralph  Newberie  at  London. 
It  is  in  the  fourteen-syllable  metre  ;  and,  in  the  Dedication  to  Sir 
Thomas  Cecil,  Hall  compliments  the  distinguished  translators  of  the 
day,  Phaier,  Golding,  and  others.  He  mentions  that  he  began  the 
work  about  1563,  under  the  advice  of  Roger  Ascham.  It  is  a  small 
4to.  in  black  letter,  and  exceedingly  rare. 

Chapman's  first  essay  towards  his  version  was  in  1598,  when  he 
printed  " Seaven  Bookes  of  the  lliades  of  Homere,  &c."  4to.  "printed 
by  John  Windet,  and  are  to  be  sold  at  the  signe  of  the  Cross  Keyes 
neare  Paules  Wharffe"  This  volume  has  already  been  described  above 
(p.  xxviii).  It  rarely  occurs  for  sale.  Mr.  Joseph  Lilley,  of  New  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  in  his  interesting  catalogue  of  1863,  marks  a  copy, 
bound  in  olive  morocco  by  C.  Lewis,  at  £7  7s.  "  Achilles'  Shield, 
translated  as  the  other  Seven  Bookes  of  Homer,  out  of  his  Eighteenth 
looke  of  lliades.  By  George  Chapman,  Gent."  4to.  1598,  also  printed 
by  "Windet.  This  small  and  rare  volume  has  also  been  described 
above.  The  version  is  in  the  ordinary  ten-syllable  metre.  "Homer, 
Prince  of  Poets,  translated  according  to  the  Greeke  in  Twelve  Books  of 
his  Iliads,  by  George  Chapman.  At  London,  printed  for  Samuel 
Matcham,"  folio.  It  has  been  shewn  (p.  xxxvi)  that  this  small  folio 
must  have  been  published  in  1609,  as  Windet  transferred  to  Matcham 
the  copyright  of  the  Seven  Books  on  November  14,  1608,  and  one  of 
the  Sonnets  in  the  folio  is  addressed  to  Lord  Treasurer  Salisbury, 
which  office  was  conferred  on  him  May  4,  1609.  It  is  a  rare  volume. 
Mr.  Payne  Collier's  copy  with  Chapman's  autograph  has  already  been 
described. 

The  complete  version  of  the  Iliad  appeared  without  date,  "printed 
for  Nathaniell  Butter,"  but  from  an  entry  in  the  Stationers'  Books, 
and  internal  evidence,  it  must  have  been  published  in  1611,  or  early 
in  1612.  The  entry  in  the  Stationers'  Registers  is  "Nath1  'Butter, 
April  8,  1611.  A  booke  called  Homer's  lliades  in  Enr/lishc,  con- 
taining 24  Bookes."  Chapman  tells  us,  in  the  Commentary  on  the 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  li 

First  Book,  that  he  had  entirely  rewritten  the  two  first  Books,  but 
had  left  the  vuth,  vmth,  ixth,  and  xth  untouched.  I  do  not  find 
much  correction,  except  a  few  verbal  alterations,  in  the  others.  He 
mentions  that  he  had  translated  the  last  twelve  in  less  than  fifteen 
weeks,  and  considers  these  the  best  portion  of  his  work.  To  this 
edition  he  added  the  Prose  Preface  to  the  Reader,  and  the  Comment- 
aries on  various  Books,  to  obviate  the  accusation  that  had  been  made 
against  him  that  he  did  not  translate  direct  from  the  original  Greek, 
but  through  the  medium  of  the  Latin.  These  Commentaries  do  not 
tend  to  raise  the  estimate  of  his  scholarship  ;  yet  I  think  it  evident 
from  his  version  that  he  really  did  understand  and  thoroughly  feel  the 
Greek.  Three  of  the  Sonnets  (those  to  the  Lady  Arabella,  who  had 
fallen  into  disgrace  in  1609,  to  the  Lord  Wotton,  and  to  Lord 
Arundel)  were  withdrawn,  and  five  newly  added.  The  volume  (though 
not  mentioned  in  the  title)  was  printed  by  Kichard  Field,  and  is  upon 
a  fine  paper,  with  good  clear  type,  and  very  antiquated  orthography. 
This  is  the  first  folio  so  often  mentioned  in  the  following  pages.  The 
fine  engraved  title,  by  William  Hole,  was  the  same  as  that  of  the  folio 
of  1609,  on  an  enlarged  scale. 

The  Twelve  First  Books  of  the  Odyssey  appeared  in  1614,  with 
a  dedication  to  Carr,  Earl  of  Somerset.  It  is  a  thin  folio.  In 
the  Douce  Collection  is  a  copy  with  Chapman's  autograph  :  "  For 
my  righte  worthie  Knighte,  my  exceeding  nolle  friende,  Sir  Henry 
Fanshawe.  A  pore  Homericall  new  yeare's  gift."  At  the  end  of 
the  Twelfth  Book  is  "  Finis  duodecimi  libri  Horn.  Odyss.  Opus  novem 
dierum.  2y»  ©fou."  I  can  hardly  imagine  that  Chapman  meant 
by  this  that  he  had  translated  the  Twelve  Books  in  nine  days; 
which  would  be  incredible,  and  as  Coleridge  observes  (in  a  MS.  note 
to  his  copy  mentioned  below)  would  "  indeed  be  a  nine  days'  wonder," 
but  probably  the  poet  meant  that  the  last  book  was  the  work  of  nine 
days.  Chapman,  however,  in  the  Douce  copy  has  run  his  pen  through 
the  words.  The  remaining  Twelve  Books  were  finished  in  the  same 
year,  and  published  probably  in  1615,  as  the  entry  in  the  Stationers' 


lii  INTR  OD  UC  TION. 

Kegister  is  "November  2.  1614  Twenty -four  Bookes  of  Homer's 
Odisses  ly  George  Chapman  to  Nathaniell  Butter"  "When  the  last 
twelve  Books  were  printed  they  were  united  with,  the  previous  twelve, 
a  blank  page  being  inserted ,  between  them,  and  the  pagination  was 
continued  to  give  the  volume  the  appearance  of  being  printed  at  one 
and  the  same  time.  There  is  an  observable  difference,  however,  which 
we  have  preserved  in  our  edition  ;  the  conclusions  of  the  first  twelve 
books  are  in  Latin,  while  those  of  the  latter  part  of  the  volume  are  in 
English.  I  presume  the  complete  volume  of  the  Odyssey  appeared  in 
a  separate  form,  although  I  have  never  met  with  a  copy  which  was  not 
united  with  the  Iliad,  to  form  "  The  Whole  Works  of  Homer,  &c." 

The  engraved  title  to  the  Odyssey,  reproduced  in  our  edition,  is 
very  rare.  To  some  copies  a  printed  title  is  given.  Coleridge,  in  his 
letter  to  Wordsworth  (supra,  p.  xvi.)  thought  Chapman's  version  of  the 
Odyssey  finer  than  his  Iliad  ;  but  then  it  must  be  remembered  he  also 
generally  preferred  the  Odyssey  in  the  original.  "  He  told  us,"  says 
Mr.  Payne  Collier,  "  that  he  liked  the  Odyssey,  as  a  mere  story,  better 
than  the  Iliad  ;  the  Odyssey  was  the  oldest  and  the  finest  romance  that 
hag  ever  been  written."  The  same  authority  informs  us  that  he  pre- 
ferred the  ordinary  ten-syllable  heroic  measure  to  the  longer  fourteen- 
syllable  line,  employed  by  Chapman  in  his  translation  of  the  Iliad, 
and  wished  that  he  had  always  used  it,  as  "it  would  have  been 
more  readable,  and  might  have  saved  us  from  Pope."  "  Chapman 
had  failed,"  added  Coleridge,  "where  he  had  not  succeeded,  by  en- 
deavouring to  write  English  as  Homer  had  written  Greek  ;  Chap- 
man's was  Greekified  English, — it  did  not  want  vigour  or  variety,  but 
smoothness  and  facility.  Detached  passages  could  not  be  improved  ; 
they  were  Homer  writing  English."  The  late  Dr.  Maginn,  whose 
Homeric  Ballads  have  caught  the  true  spirit  of  the  old  bard,  says  :  "  I 
am,  sorry  that  Chapman,  zvhose  version  must  be  considered  the  most 
Homeric  ever  attempted  in  our  language,  did  not  apply  to  the  Odyssey 

*  Coleridge's  "  Seven  Lectures  on  Shakespeare  and  Milton,"  by  J.  Payne 
Collier,  Esq.  p.  xxxi. 


INTRODUCTION.  liii 

the  fourteen-syllable  verse,  which  had  succeeded  so  well  in  the  Iliad. 
There  appears  to  me  greater  opportunity  for  its  flowing  use  in  the  more 
discursive  poem ;  and  Chapman  had  by  no  means  the  same  command 
of  the  ten-syllable  distich."     There  is  some  truth  in  this  ;  and  perhaps 
many  readers  will  share  in  Dr.  Maginn's  disappointment.     Chapman, 
however,  probably  yielded  to  the  objections  made  against  the  length  of 
his  lines,  to  which  he  alludes  in  his  Introductory  Poem  to  the  Iliad. 
But  it  is  surely  a  mistake  to  say  he  had  not  command  over  the  ordinary 
heroic  couplet !     He  has  certainly  not  the  epigrammatic  smoothness  of 
Pope  and  his  school,  but  his  verse  has  great  vigour  and  terseness.     It 
should  be  borne  in  mind  that  his  Odyssey  is  the  first  and  only  con- 
siderable specimen  of  a  poem  of  this  measure  in  the  Elizabethan  age, 
and  as  such  claims  our  interest  and  attention.     "  It  is  like  the  heroic 
measure  only  in  its  rhyme  and  its  number  of  syllables.     In  all  other 
respects,  in  the  hands  of  Chapman,  it  has  the  freedom  of  blank  verse. 
And  in  reading  it,  as  well  as  the  Iliad,  the  reader  must  not  depend  for 
aid  too  much  on  the  melody  of  the  verse."  *    Again,  let  it  be  remem- 
bered that  "Chapman  did  not  perform  his  task,  as  Pope  was  in  the 
habit  of  doing,  by  small  portions  at  a  time,  which  were,  each  in  order, 
burnished  up  to  the  highest  polish  by  unremitting  care  and  labour  ;  but 
drinking  in  deep  draughts  of  his  author  at  a  time,  he  became  over- 
informed  with  his  subject,  and  then  breathed  his  spirit  forth  again  with 
the  enthusiasm  of  an  original  creator."  f     And  if  this  be  true  of  the 
liberties  he  takes  with  his  original  in  expanding  and  contracting  the 
text  as  suited  his  vein,  it  is  not  less  true  of  his  versification.     He  paid 
little  regard  to  the  polishing  of  his  work  ;  nay,  perhaps,  too  little.     He 
poured  forth  his  sentiments  as  the  poetic  phrenzy  seized  him,  and  con- 
sequently, if  we  be  disappointed  at  not  finding  the  rich  melody  of  a 
Dryden,  we  cannot  but  be  struck  with  his  unwonted  freshness  and  free- 
dom.    When  once  the  ear  has  become  habituated  to  the  rhythm,  there 
is  a  dramatic  power  about  Chapman's  Odyssey  that  has  never  been 
attained  by  any  subsequent  translator.     It  may  be  said  that  this  was 
*  Retrospective  Review,  vol.  iii.  p.  184.  t  Ibid.  p.  173. 


liv  INTRODUCTION. 

not  required  in  a  simple  ballad-poem  like  the  Odyssey;  but  it  is  surely 
far  preferable  to  the  diluted  weakness  passing  under  Pope's  name,  or 
Cowper's  abrupt  lines.  Gilbert  Wakefield  has  said  that  "the  bee  of 
Twickenham"  sipped  the  honey  from  the  flowers  of  Chapman's  garden  ; 
but  a  close  examination  will  show  that  this  was  merely  another  phrase 
for  simple  plagiarism.  Pope  was  indebted  to  Chapman  for  more  than 
he  was  willing  to  acknowledge.  It  must  not  be  disguised,  however, 
that  in  his  version  of  the  Odyssey,  Chapman  has  too  frequently  wan- 
dered from  his  original,  and  not  seldom  curtailed  passages. 

In  1616  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  were  united  in  one  volume.  The 
Title-page  by  Hole,  which  had  previously  served  for  the  edition  of  the 
Iliad,  was  altered  to  The  Whole  Works  of  Homer,  &c.  as  accompanies 
this  our  edition.  At  the  back  of  the  title  was  aflixed  the  fine  portrait 
of  Chapman,  and  another  engraved  plate  (which  was  not  worth  repro- 
ducing) was  added,  "  To  the  inimortall  inemorye  of  Henrye  Prince  of 
Wales,  &c."  In  some  copies  of  "The  Whole  Works,"  the  Iliad  is 
found  of  a  later  impression.  The  paper  is  thin  and  poor,  the  type 
bleared  and  inelegant,  and  the  orthography  somewhat  modernized  ;  it 
is,  moreover,  disfigured  by  many  misprints  ;  judging  from  the  general 
appearance  of  the  volume,  it  is  considerably  later  in  date  than  1616.* 
I  have  never  yet  met  with  a  copy  which  was  separate  from  the  Odyssey. 
This  Edition,  if  I  may  so  term  it,  differs  in  some  few  places  from  the  first 
complete  Iliad.  I  have  called  it  in  the  following  pages  the  second  folio. 
I  hazard  the  conjecture  that  it  may  have  been  printed  to  bind  up  with 
the  surplus  copies  of  the  Odyssey,  as  the  Iliad  had  been  in  circulation 
for  the  five  preceding  years.  Dr.  Cooke  Taylor  printed  from  this  copy, 
but  whether  he  was  aware  that  it  differed  from  the  first  folio  is  uncertain  ; 
he  simply  says  he  had  adopted  the  "  third  Edition,  in  which  were  many 
valuable  corrections."  The  two  folios  have  been  most  accurately  collated, 
and  the  chief  variations  noted  by  me,  and  the  reader  will  judge  of  the 

*  A  writer  in  the  "Gentleman's  Magazine,"  vol.  Ivii.  p.  300,  states,  I  know 
not  upon  what  authority,  that  "  Chapman's  translation  of  Homer  was  likewise 
published  1620."  He  does  not  mention  what  portion  of  Hotner;  probably  it 
was  the  folio  of  the  Hjmns. 


INTRODUCTION.  Iv 

value  of  this  third  impression.  I  must  apologize  for  using  the  terms 
first  and  second  folios,  but  could  not  well  apply  the  word  Edition,  as  I 
refer  solely  to  the  complete  version,  there  having  been  two  previous 
editions  of  portions  of  the  Iliad.  The  folios  may  be  easily  distinguished, 
from  their  general  appearance  ;  and  from  the  vignettes  or  headings  to 
the  books,  those  of  Richard  Field's  (or  the  best  copy)  being  cornucopia; 
of  flowers,  &c.  while  the  inferior  impression  has  a  sort  of  Gothic  orna- 
ment. The  Grenville  copy,  in  the  British  Museum,  is  the  second  folio, 
while  that  in  the  General  Library  is  of  the  first  impression.  The  portrait 
of  Chapman  is  usually  affixed  to  the  back  of  the  title  of  the  "  Whole 
Works  of  Homer,"  £c.  but  this  is  not  always  the  case.  At  first  I 
suspected  that  the  copies  of  Chapman's  Homer  were  corrected  as  the 
press  was  kept  standing  (as  is  well  known  to  have  been  the  case  with 
early-printed  books)  as  there  are  several  minute  differences,  and  that 
the  portrait  was  added  to  the  later  worked-off  copies  ;  on  second  con- 
sideration, however,  I  am  of  opinion  that  there  was  no  new  impression 
of  either  the  Iliad  or  Odyssey  in  1616  (the  date  of  the  portrait),  but  the 
editions  of  the  Iliad,  1611,  and  the  Odyssey,  1614-15,  were  bound  up 
in  one  volume  with  a  new  and  general  title.  The  titles  without  the 
portrait  are  far  rarer  than  those  with  it. 

In  the  Heber  Catalogue,  part  iv.  lot  1445,  was  a  copy  of  the  Iliad. 
It  had  belonged  to  George  Steevens,  and  was  bought  at  Heber's  sale 
by  the  late  Mr.  Rodd.  Park,  in  a  note  to  vol.  iii.  of  Warton's  History 
of  English  Poetry,  p.  358  (ed.  1840),  says  that  "  Chapman's  own 
copy  of  his  translation  of  Homer,  corrected  by  him  throughout  for  a 
future  edition,  was  purchased  for  five  shillings  from  the  shop  of  Ed- 
wards by  Mr.  Steevens,  and  at  the  sale  of  his  books  in  1800  was 
transferred  to  the  invaluable  library  of  Mr.  Heber."  This  is,  however, 
not  quite  correct ;  I  have  traced  the  volume,  and  it  is  now  in  the  mag- 
nificent library  of  Robert  Holford,  Esq.  M.P.  of  Dorchester  House  ; 
it  is  a  fine  volume  of  the  Iliad  of  1611,  in  red  morocco  of  the  period. 
At  the  back  of  the  title  is  in  Chapman's  autograph,  "  In  witness  of  his 
lest  love  so  borne  to  his  best  deserving  friende  Mr.  Henri/e  Jones: 


Ivi  INTRODUCTION. 

George  Chapman  gives  him  theise  fruites  of  his  best  labors,  and  desires 
love  betwixt  us  as  long-lived  as  Homer."  The  corrections  are  merely 
three  or  four  in  the  Preface,  which  may  be  here  specified.  In  page  Ixxxvi 
of  this  present  edition,  lines  6,  7,  the  words  "how  could  they  differ  far 
from,  and  be  combined  with  eternity  "  are  pasted  over,  and  "  how  could 
they  defiefire,  iron,  and  &c."  substituted  in  a  printed  slip.  In  p.  xc, 
line  13,  "  to  cast  any  rubs  or  plasters"  Chapman  has  run  his  pen  through 
this  word  and  substituted  plashes.  In  the  same  page,  in  the  last  line, 
"  and  therefore  may  my  poor  self  put  up  with  motion,"  is  corrected 
to  "without  motion."  In  book  VIII,  line  437, 

"  And  all  did  wilfully  expect  the  silver-throned  morn." 

George  Steevens  remarks  that  the  4to.  of  1598  reads  "wishfully?  a 
variation  which  we  have  adopted.  Thus  we  see  upon  what  slight  grounds 
Mr.  Park  asserted  that  it  was  "  Chapman's  own  copy,  corrected  by  him 
throughout  for  a  future  edition ! "  The  volume  has  three  additional 
Sonnets  (see  "  Sonnets  "  at  the  end  of  vol.  ii.  of  this  edition).  Though 
this  is  a  fine  volume,  it  is  not  unique  ;  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  pur- 
chase a  similar  copy  (though  not  in  morocco),  with  the  same  corrections 
in  the  Preface  and  the  additional  Sonnets,  but  without  Chapman's 
presentation  autograph.  Mr.  Aldis  Wright  informs  me  that  there  is  a 
copy  in  the  library  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  with  the  corrections 
in  the  Preface  entirely  in  MS.  (i.e.  without  the  printed  slip,  "defiefire, 
iron"  &c.)  and  with  the  three  Sonnets.  When  this  Introduction  was 
originally  written  Pope's  copy  of  the  Iliad  was  in  the  possession  of  my 
friend,  the  late  Rev.  John  Mitford  ;  it  was  a  most  interesting  volume, 
having  Pope's  autograph,  "Ex  libris  Alexandri  Popei,  Pret.  3s."  and 
marked  in  the  margins  by  him.  It  subsequently  belonged  to  Bishop 
Warburton,  who  gave  it  to  Thomas  Warton.  It  was  shown  to  me  lately 
by  Mr.  Joseph  Lilly,  who  marked  it  at  the  very  moderate  price  of 
£16  16s.  Mr.  Lilly  also  showed  me,  marked  at  .£15  15s.  the  identical 
copy  of  the  Whole  Works — Iliad,  Odyssey,  and  Hymns, — which  Cole- 
ridge sent  to  Wordsworth,  and  which  I  have  mentioned  in  this  Intro- 


INTRODUCTION.  Ivii 

duction ;  it  was  full  of  Coleridge's  MS.  Notes.  Surely  such  precious 
volumes  ought  to  be  deposited  in  the  British  Museum,  or  in  one  of  our 
University  Libraries. 

Having  completed  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey,  Chapman  seems  to  have 
been  determined  to  translate  every  possible  or  probable  portion  of  Homer. 
Hence  he  published,  "  TJie  Crowne  of  all  Homer's  Workes,  Batracho- 
myomachia ;  or,  the  Battaile  of  Frogs  and  Mise.  His  Hymnes  and 
Epigrams.  Translated  according  to  the  Original!,  by  George  Chapman. 
London:  Printed  by  John  Bill,  his  Maiestie's  Printer."*  Tbis  very 
rare  volume  is  a  thin  folio  ;  it  has  an  exquisitely  engraved  title,  by 
William  Pass,  which  is  very  spirited,  and  called  forth  Coleridge's 
admiration. t  Of  this  folio  a  singularly  large  copy  is  in  the  Archi- 
episcopal  Library  at  Lambeth  ;  the  finest  I  have  seen. 

Messrs.  Boone  of  Bond  Street,  whose  collection  of  fine  books  is  as 
well  known  as  the  liberality  with  which  they  communicate  information 
on  them,  have  permitted  me  to  transcribe  a  dedication,  in  Chapman's 
autograph,  from  a  beautiful  copy  in  their  possession  (since  sold).  It 
is  as  follows  : — "  In  love  &  honor  of  y*  Righte  virtuouse  and  worthie 
Gent:  M'  Henry  Reynolds,  and  to  crowne  all  his  deservings  with 
eternall  memorie,  Geo.  Chapman  formes  this  Crowne  conclusion  of 
all  the  Homericall  mentis  wih  his  accomplisht  Improvements;  advising 
that  if  at  first  sighte  he  seeme  darcke  or  too  fierie,  He  will  yet  holde 
him  fast  (like  Proteus)  till  he  appere  in  his  propper  similitude,  and 
he  will  then  shewe  himself e 

— vatem  egregium,  cui  non  sit  publica  vena, 
Qui  nihil  exposition  soleat  deduccre  ;  nee  qui 
Communi  feriat  carmen  triviale  monetd."  + 

Chapman  has  with  his  pen  made  an  alteration  in  his  portrait,  as  pos- 
sessing too  much  beard ;  and  in  the  Preface,  in  the  passage  "  all  for 

*  He  considers  it  his  destiny, — 

"  The  work  that  I  was  born  to  do  is  done." 
+  It  is  reproduced  in  our  fifth  volume. 
J  Juvenal,  Sat.  vn.  53. 


Iviii  INTRODUCTION. 

devouring  a  mouse,"  he  writes  drowning ;  and  in  the  final  Poem  (line 
17)  for 

All  is  extuberance  and  excretion  all, 

he  reads  "and  tumor  all." 

The  date  of  the  folio  is  probably  about  1624.  In  the  year  1818, 
my  friend  the  late  Mr.  Singer  published  an  elegant  edition  of  these 
Hymns,  &c.  at  Chiswick.  It  contained  two  fine  original  poems  by 
Chapman  (first  printed  1594)  entitled  "  Tlie  Shadowe  of  Night :  con- 
taining two  poetical  hymnes,  devised  ly  G.  C.  Gent."  It  formed  one 
of  Mr.  Singer's  series  of  ,"  Select  Early  English  Poets,"  and  has  long 
since  been  numbered  amongst  scarce  books,  as  but  a  limited  impres- 
sion was  given.  The  original  edition  of  "  The  Shadowe  of  Night "  is 
very  rare. 

After  the  lapse  of  more  than  two  centuries  appeared  an  edition  of 
Chapman's  Iliad  in  two  volumes,  8vo.  London,  1843.  It  was  elegantly 
printed,  adorned  with  the  beautiful  designs  of  Flaxman,  and  edited  by 
Dr.  William  Cooke  Taylor.  The  Preface,  Prefatory  Poems,  and  Sonnets 
were  omitted.  I  have  no  wish  to  criticise  this  book,  but  will  merely 
observe  that  the  editor  followed,  as  will  be  seen,  an  inferior  copy,  and 
has  paid  little  or  no  regard  to  the  punctuation,  which  is  almost  as  con- 
fused as  that  of  the  original  folios.  The  Life  of  Chapman  is  full  of 
the  most  patent  errors.  Nevertheless  Dr.  Taylor  deserves  our  sincere 
thanks  for  being  the  first  to  bring  this  noble  work  before  the  public 
since  the  days  of  the  Author. 

The  leading  features  of  the  present  edition  are  these.  The  text  of 
the  first  folio  of  1611  has  been  adopted,  and  the  variations  of  the 
second  folio,  and  Dr.  Taylor's  edition,  duly  noted.  The  lines  have 
been  numbered  for  facility  of  reference,  the  speeches  placed  between 
inverted  commas,  and  the  punctuation  throughout  the  whole  work  most 
carefully  amended.  The  original  folios  of  Chapman's  Homer  are  so 
falsely  printed  as  frequently  to  render  the  sense  absolutely  unintelli- 
gible. In  correcting  the  punctuation  the  Editor  carefully  read  the 


INTRODUCTION.  lix 

text  through  with  the  original  Greek,  and  chiefly  in  the  old  folio 
edition  of  Spondarms,  as  Chapman  used  that  copy.  The  orthography 
has  been  modernized,  but  great  care  has  been  taken  not  to  lose  sight 
of  the*  original  forms,  the  landmarks  as  it  were,  of  our  language. 
Wherever  a  word  appears  in  its  more  etymological  form  it  is  pre- 
served, e.g.  renowm,  nosthril ;  but  Chapman  does  not  adhere  to  one 
rule,  and  he  more  frequently  spells  the  words  renown,  nostril.  A  few 
explanatory  notes  have  been  given,  but  the  chief  aim  has  been  to  set 
before  the  reader  as  correct  a  text  as  possible.  The  Sonnets  at  the 
end  of  the  second  volume  have  been  illustrated  by  brief  biographical 
notices,  and  their  number  increased  by  the  restoration  of  three  from 
the  small  folio  of  1609,  and  the  insertion  of  three  others  from  choice 
copies  of  the  first  folio  of  1611. 

The  reader  is  requested  to  correct  with  a  pen  the  "  Addenda  et  Corri- 
genda," on  the  following  page. 


ADDENDA  ET  CORRIGENDA. 

Introduction,  page  xxiv,  line  2,  r.  is  the  legend  ;  page  xli,  line  19,  r.  Misled  ;  page 
Ixix,  Kne  5,  insert  comma  after  attending ;  page  Ixxxviii,  line  22,  sen;  page 
xciii,  last  line,  r,  apurrov.  Book  I.  146,  r.  Pelcus ;  261,  r.  Thcseiis ;  373,  r. 
Atreils  ;  411,  destroy  comma  after  thrall  ;  586,  r.  ev'ry  ;  Commentary,  page  23, 
line  6,  destroy  all  commas  after  opinion ;  page  24,  line  18,  r.  round-coming. 
n.  14,  r.  pow'rs;  43,  r.  begun;  422,  these  r.  those;  423,  r.  Peleiis ;  440,  r. 
ev'ry;  Commentary,  page  56,  last  line,  r.  d7r65o<m.  III.  Argument,  line  5, 
for  and  r.  with;  line  13,  r.  for  him  still;  81,  for  and  r.  the ;  page  64,  line 
60,  destroy  note  ;  page  67,  Spiny.  This  word  is  frequently  used  by  Sandys 
in  his  Ovid,  who  seems  to  have  read  Chapman  carefully;  127,  r.  ev'ry ;  224, 
r.  evry.  iv.  24,  r.  Heav'n's;  33,  r.  chariot-horse;  line  85,  add  to  note: 
Perhaps  we  should  read  exhall  in  a  neuter  sense,  i.e.,  a,  thousand  sparks  exhall 
from  his  brand  ;  528,  add  note — 

"  Like  to  a  stepdame  or  a  dowager, 
Long  withering  out  a  young  man's  revenue." 

— SHAKESPEARE,  Midsummer-Night's  Dream,  Act  i.  sc.  1. 

533,  r.  prease.  v.  307,  r.  prease ;  361,  r.  him;  612,  r.  liyTiterid  ;  793,  outray. 
Substitute  for  note  :  The  Old  Anglo-Norman  word  used  by  Chaucer  outraye, 
to  fly  out,  display  passion.  See  xxill.  413.  vi.  214,  destroy  this ;  420,  r. 
advertised,  vn.  247,  add  note — 

"  O  murd'rous  slumber  ! 
Lay'st  ilion  tliy  leaden  mace  upon  my  boy, 
That  plays  thee  music?" 

— SHAKESPEAKE,  Julius  Ccesar,  Act  iv.  sc.  3. 

vili.  136,  for  hast  r.  hadst;  319,  r.  Eurystheiis.  ix.  495,  r.  with.  x.  106, 
place  "  after  inur'd.  XL  64,  destroy  this  note,  and  substitute  :  Opposed — 
striving  with  one  another,  pitted  against  one  another.  The  original  is  evavriot. 
<iAA?7\(H<m',  which  the  Scholiast  explains  epi^ovres  ctAA^Aots.  xi.  55,  r.  pow'r  ; 
286,  r.  thicken'd;  299,  r.  even  debates ;  466,  r.  Disperpled  =  sprinkled.  Od.  x. 
473.  XIII.  5,  r.  unras'd.  xn.  98,  r.  Paris  and  Alcathous.  xm.  619,  destroy 
comma  after  Menestheus  ;  Commentary,  page  32,  line  17,  r.  etfcrrpo^os.  xxn. 
341,  note  :  Whitlcather,  i.e.,  white  leather;  leather  dressed  with  alum  to  give 
it  toughness.  xxm.  538,  note  :  George  Sandys  in  a  marginal  note  to  his 
Ovid's  Metamorphoses,  Bk.  v.  p.  174  (ed.  1632),  says  a  hurl-bat  is  "a  weapon 
with  plummets  of  lead  hung  at  the  end  of  a  staff."  Again  in  Bk.  vili.  p.  272, 
is  a  similar  note,  where  he  says  "whorl-bats,  plummets  of  lead  hung  at  the 
end  staves  :  weapons  used  in  their  solemn  games."  xxm.  581,  To  the  nail — 
exactly,  accurately.  Like  the  ad  unguem  of  Horace  (Sat.  I.  v.  32),  and  the  in 
unguem  of  Virgil  (Georg.  II.  277). 


HOMER'S    ILIADS. 


THE  following  versus  are  on  an  engraving  of  Two  Corinthian  Columns,  on  the 
dexter  of  which  is  ILIAS,  and  on  the  sinister  ODYSS.EA. 
the  columns  are  the  words 


On  a  scroll  connecting 


MUSAR  :  HERCUL  :  COLUM  : 
NE  USQUE. 

The  whole  surmounted  by  the  Prince  of  Wales's  Plume  and  Motto. 

This  plate  was  added  on  the  death  of  the  Prince,  and  is  found  in  most  copies 
of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  united.  The  design  being  inelegant,  it  was  not  thought 
worth  re-engraving  for  this  edition. 

TO  THE  IMMORTAL  MEMORY  OF  THE  INCOMPARABLE 
HEROE,  HENRY,  PRINCE  OF  WALES. 

)HY  tomb,  arms,  statue,  all  things  fit  to  fall 
At  foot  of  Death,  and  worship  funeral, 
Form  hath  bestow'd  ;  for  form  is  nought  too  dear 
Thy  solid  virtues  yet,  eterniz'd  here, 

My  blood  and  wasted  spirits  have  only  found 

Commanded  cost,  and  broke  so  rich  a  ground, 

Not  to  inter,  but  make  thee  ever  spring, 

As  arms,  tombs,  statues,  ev'ry  earthy  thing, 

Shall  fade  and  vanish  into  fume  before. 

What  lasts  thrives  least ;  yet  wealth  of  soul  is  poor, 

And  so  'tis  kept.     Not  thy  thrice-sacred  will, 

Sign'd  with  thy  death,  moves  any  to  fulfill 

Thy  just  bequests  to  me.     Thou  dead,  then  I 

Live  dead,  for  giving  thee  eternity. 

Ad  Famam. 

To  all  times  future  this  time's  mark  extend, 
Homer  no  patron  found,  nor  Chapman  friend. 
Ignotus  nimis  omnibus, 

Sat  notus  moritur  sibi. 
VOL.  I.  e 


TO  THE  HIGH  BORN  PRINCE  OF  MEN, 

HENRY,  THRICE  ROYAL  INHERITOR  TO  THE  UNITED 

KINGDOMS  OF  GREAT  BRITAIN,  ETC. 

INGE  perfect  happiness,  by  Princes  sought, 
Is  not  with  birth  born,  nor  exchequers  bought, 
Nor  follows  in  great  trains,  nor  is  possest 
With  any  outward  state,  but  makes  him  blest 
That  governs  inward,  and  behokleth  there 
All  his  affections  stand  about  him  bare, 
That  by  his  pow'r  can  send  to  Tower  and  death 
All  traitorous  passions,  marshalling  beneath 
His  justice  his  mere  will,  and  in  his  mind 
Holds  such  a  sceptre  as  can  keep  confm'd 
His  whole  life's  actions  in  the  royal  bounds 
Of  virtue  and  religion,  and  their  grounds 
Takes  in  to  sow  his  honours,  his  delights, 
And  complete  empire  ;  you  should  learn  these  rights, 
Great  Prince  of  men,  by  princely  precedents, 
Which  here,  in  all  kinds,  my  true  zeal  presents 
To  furnish  your  youth's  groundwork  and  first  state, 
And  let  you  see  one  godlike  man  create 


10 


15 


Ixviii  THE  EPISTLE  DEDICATORY. 

All  sorts  of  worthiest  men,  to  be  contriv'd 

In  your  worth  only,  giving  him  reviv'd  20 

For  whose  life  Alexander  would  have  given 

One  of  his  kingdoms  ;  who  (as  sent  from  heav'n, 

And  thinking  well  that  so  divine  a  creature 

Would  never  more  enrich  the  race  of  nature) 

Kept  as  his  crown  his  works,  and  thought  them  still  25 

His  arigels,  in  all  pow'r  to  rule  his  will ; 

And  would  affirm  that  Homer's  poesy 

Did  more  advance  his  Asian  victory, 

Than  all  his  armies.     0  !  'tis  wond'rous  much, 

Though  nothing  priz'd,  that  the  right  virtuous  touch.  so 

Of  a  well  written  soul  to  virtue  moves  ; 

Nor  have  we  souls  to  purpose,  if  their  loves 

if 

Of  fitting  objects  be  not  so  inflam'd. 
How  much  then  were  this  kingdom's  main  soul  rnaim'd, 
To  want  this  great  inflamer  of  all  pow'rs  35 

That  move  in  human  souls  !     All  realms  but  yours 
Are  honour'd  with  him,  and  hold  blest  that  state 
That  have  his  works  to  read  and  contemplate  : 
In  which  humanity  to  her  height  is  rais'd, 
Which  all  the  world,  yet  none  enough,  hath  prais'd  ;  40 

Seas,  earth,  and  heav'n,  he  did  in  verse  comprise, 
Out-sung  the  Muses,  and  did  equalize 
Their  king  Apollo  ;  being  so  far  from  cause 
Of  Princes'  light  thoughts,  that  their  gravest  laws 
May  find  stuff  to  be  fashion'd  by  his  lines.  45 

Through  all  the  pomp  of  kingdoms  still  he  shines, 
And  graceth  all  his  gracers.     Then  let  lie 
Your  lutes  and  viols,  and  more  loftily 
Make  the  heroics  of  your  Homer  sung, 

To  drums  and  trumpets  set  his  angel's  tongue,  so 

29  Coleridge  styles  the  lines  from  this  to  61  "  sublime." 


THE  EPISTLE  DEDICATORY.  Ixix 

And,  -with  the  princely  sport  of  hawks  you  use, 

Behold  the  kingly  flight  of  his  high  muse, 

And  see  how,  like  the  phcenix,  she  renews 

Her  age  and  starry  feathers  in  your  sun, 

Thousands  of  years  attending  ev'ry  one  55 

Blowing  the  holy  fire,  and  throwing  in 

Their  seasons,  kingdoms,  nations,  that  have  been 

Subverted  in  them  ;  laws,  religions,  all 

Offer'd  to  change  and  greedy  funeral ; 

Yet  still  your  Homer,  lasting,  living,  reigning,  eo 

And  proves  how  firm  truth  builds  in  poet's  feigning. 

A  prince's  statue,  or  in  marble  carVd, 
Or  steel,  or  gold,  and  shrin'd,  to  be  preserv'd, 
Aloft  on  pillars  or  pyramides, 

Time  into  lowest  ruins  may  depress  ;  >x 

But  drawn  with  all  his  virtues  in  learn'd  verse, 
Fame  shall  resound  them  on  oblivion's  hearse, 
Till  graves  gasp  with  her  blasts,  and  dead  men  rise. 
No  gold  can  follow  where  true  Poesy  flies. 

Then  let  not  this  divinity  in  earth,  70 

Dear  Prince,  be  slighted  as  she  were  the  birth 
Of  idle  fancy,  since  she  works  so  high  ; 
Nor  let  her  poor  disposer,  Learning,  lie 
Still  bed-rid.     Both  which  being  in  men  defac'd, 
In  men  with  them  is  God's  bright  image  ras'd  ;  rs 

For  as  the  Sun  and  Moon  are  figures  giv'n 
Of  his  refulgent  Deity  in  heav'n, 
So  Learning,  and,  her  light'ner,  Poesy, 
In  earth  present  His  fiery  Majesty. 

Nor  are  kings  like  Him,  since  their  diadems  so 

Thunder  and  lighten  and  project  brave  beams, 
But  since  they  His  clear  virtues  emulate, 
In  truth  and  justice  imaging  His  state, 


Ixx  THE  EPISTLE  DEDICATORY. 

In  bounty  and  humanity  since  they  shine, 

Than  which  is  nothing  like  Him  more  divine  ;  85 

Not  fire,  not  light,  the  sun's  admired  course, 

The  rise  nor  set  of  stars,  nor  all  their  force 

In  us  and  all  this  cope  beneath  the  sky, 

Nor  great  existence,  term'd  His  treasury  ; 

Since  not  for  being  greatest  He  is  blest,  90 

But  being  just,  and  in  all  virtues  best. 

What  sets  His  justice  and  His  truth  best  forth, 
Best  Prince,  then  use  best,  which  is  Poesy's  worth  ; 
For,  as  great  princes,  well  inforni'd  and  deck'd 
With  gracious  virtue,  give  more  sure  effect  95 

To  her  persuasions,  pleasures,  real  worth, 
Than  all  th'  inferior  subjects  she  sets  forth  ; 
Since  there  she  shines  at  full,  hath  birth,  wealth,  state, 
Pow'r,  fortune,  honour,  fit  to  elevate 

Her  heav'nly  merits,  and  so  fit  they  are,  100 

Since  she  was  made  for  them,  and  they  for  her ; 
So  Truth,  with  Poesy  grac'd,  is  fairer  far, 
More  proper,  moving,  chaste,  and  regular, 
Than  when  she  runs  away  with  untruss'd  Prose;; 
Proportion,  that  doth  orderly  dispose  105 

Her  virtuous  treasure,  and  is  queen  of  graces  ; 
In  Poesy  decking  her  with  choicest  phrases, 
Figures  and  numbers ;  when  loose  Prose  puts  on 
Plain  letter-habits,  makes  her  trot  upon 

Dull  earthly  business,  she  being  mere  divine  ;  no 

Holds  her  to  homely  cates  and  harsh  hedge- wine, 
That  should  drink  Poesy's  nectar  ;  ev'ry  way 
One  made  for  other,  as  the  sun  and  day, 
Princes  and  virtues.     And,  as  in  a  spring, 
The  pliant  water,  mov'd  with  anything  115 


THE  EPISTLE  DEDICATORY.  Ixxi 

Let  fall  into  it,  puts  her  motion  out 

In  perfect  circles,  that  move  round  about 

The  gentle  fountain,  one  another  raising  ; 

So  Truth  and  Poesy  work  ;  so  Poesy,  blazing 

All  subjects  fall'n  in  her  exhaustless  fount,  120 

Works  most  exactly,  makes  a  true  account 

Of  all  things  to  her  high  discharges  giv'n, 

Till  all  be  circular  and  round  as  heav'n. 

And  lastly,  great  Prince,  mark  and  pardon  me  : — 
As  in  a  flourishing  and  ripe  fruit-tree,  i-.r> 

Nature  hath  made  the  bark  to  save  the  bole, 
The  bole  the  sap,  the  sap  to  deck  the  whole 
With  leaves  and  branches,  they  to  bear  and  shield 
The  useful  fruit,  the  fruit  itself  to  yield 

Guard  to  the  kernel,  and  for  that  all  those,  i::> 

Since  out  of  that  again  the  whole  tree  grows  ; 
So  in  our  tree  of  man,  whose  nervy  root 
Springs  in  his  top,  from  thence  ev'n  to  his  foot 
There  runs  a  mutual  aid  through  all  his  parts, 
All  join'd  in  one  to  serve  his  queen  of  arts,  135 

In  which  doth  Poesy  like  the  kernel  lie 
Obscur'd,  though  her  Promethean  faculty 
Can  create  men,  and  make  ev'n  death  to  live, 
For  which  she  should  live  honour'd,  kings  should  give 
Comfort  and  help  to  her  that  she  might  still  140 

Hold  up  their  spirits  in  virtue,  make  the  will 
That  governs  in  them  to  the  pow'r  conform'd, 
The  pow'r  to  justice,  that  the  scandals,  storm'd 
Against  the  poor  darne,  clear'd  by  your  fair  grace, 
Your  grace  may  shine  the  clearer.     Her  low  place,  us 

Not  showing  her,  the  highest  leaves  obscure. 
Who  raise  her  raise  themselves,  and  he  sits  sure 
135  "  Queen  of  arts — the  soul." — CHAPMAN. 


Ixxii  THE  EPISTLE  DEDICATORY. 

Whom  her  wing'd  hand  advanceth,  since  on  it 
Eternity  doth,  crowning  virtue,  sit. 
All  whose  poor  seed,  like  violets  in  their  beds, 
Now  grow  with  bosom-hung  and  hidden  heads  ; 
For  whom  I  must  speak,  though  their  fate  convinces 
Me  worst  of  poets,  to  you  best  of  princes. 

By  the  most  humble  and  faithful  implorer  for  all 
the  graces  to  your  highness  eternized 
by  your  divine  Homer. 

GEO.  CHAPMAN. 


150 


Ixxiii 


AN  ANAGRAM  OF  THE  NAME  OF  OUR  DREAD  PRINCE, 
MY  MOST  GRACIOUS  AND  SACRED  M^CENAS, 

HENRYE  PRINCE  OF  WALES 
OVR  SVNN,  HEYR,  PEACE,  LIFE. 


E  to  us,  as  thy  great  name  doth  import, 


Prince  of  the  people,  nor  suppose  it  vain 
That  in  this  secret  and  prophetic  sort 

Thy  name  and  noblest  title  doth  contain 
So  much  right  to  us,  and  as  great  a  good. 

Nature  doth  nothing  vainly  ;  much  less  Art 
Perfecting  Nature.     No  spirit  in  our  blood 
But  in  our  soul's  discourses  bears  a  part ; 
What  nature  gives  at  random  in  the  one, 

In  th'  other  order'd  our  divine  part  serves. 
Thou  art  not  HEYR  then  to  our  State  alone, 

But  SVNN,  PEACE,  LIFE  ;  and,  what  thy  pow'r  deserves 
Of  us  and  our  good  in  thy  utmost  strife, 
Shall  make  thee  to  thyself  HEIR,  SVNN,  PEACE,  LIFE. 


TO  THE  SACRED  FOUNTAIN  OF  PRINCES, 
SOLE  EMPRESS  OF  BEAUTY  AND  VIRTUE,  ANNE,  QUEEN 

OF  ENGLAND,  ETC. 

ITH  whatsoever  honour  we  adorn 

Your  royal  issue,  we  must  gratulate  you, 
Imperial  Sovereign ;  who  of  you  is  born 

Is  you,  one  tree  make  both  the  bole  and  bow. 
It  it  be  honour  then  to  join  you  both 

To  such  a  pow'rful  work  as  shall  defend 
Both  from  foul  death  and  age's  ugly  moth, 

This  is  an  honour  that  shall  never  end. 
They  know  not  virtue  then,  that  know  not  what 

The  virtue  of  defending  virtue  is  ; 
It  comprehends  the  guard  of  all  your  State, 

And  joins  your  greatness  to  as  great  a  bliss. 
Shield  virtue  and  advance  her  then,  great  Queen, 
And  make  this  book  your  glass  to  make  it  seen. 

Your  Majesty's  in  all  subjection  most 
humbly  consecrate, 

GEO.  CHAPMAN'. 

ANNE,  daughter  of  FKEDERICK  II.  of  Denmark,  Married  King  James  1st  20 
Aug.  1590,  and  died  2  March,  1619. 


TO  THE  HEADER. 


LEST  with  foul  hands  you  touch  these  holy  rites, 

And  with  prejudicacies  too  profane, 
Pass  Homer  in  your  other  poets'  slights, 

Wash  here.     In  this  porch  to  his  num'rous  fane, 
Hear  ancient  oracles  speak,  and  tell  you  whom 

You  have  to  censure.     First  then  Silius  hear, 
Who  thrice  was  consul  in  renowned  Rome, 

Whose  verse,  saith  Martial,  nothing  shall  out-wear. 

SILIUS  ITALICUS,  LIB.  xin.  777. 

E,  in  Elysium  having  cast  his  eye 

Upon  the  figure  of  a  youth,  whose  hair, 
With  purple  ribands  braided  curiously, 

Hung  on  his  shoulders  wond'rous  bright  and  fair, 
Said  :  '  Virgin,  what  is  he  whose  heav'nly  face  5 

Shines  past  all  others,  as  the  morn  the  night ; 
Whom  many  marvelling  souls,  from  place  to  place, 

Pursue  and  haunt  with  sounds  of  such  delight ; 
Whose  count'nance  (were't  not  in  the  Stygian  shade) 

Would  make  me,  questionless,  believe  he  were  10 

A  very  God  ? '     The  learned  virgin  made 

This  answer  :  '•  If  thou  shouldst  believe  it  here, 
Thou  shouldst  not  err.     He  well  deserv'd  to  be 
Esteem' d  a  God  ;  nor  held  his  so-much  breast 


Ixxvi  TO   THE  READER. 

A  little  presence  of  the  Deity,  is 

His  verse  compris'd  earth,  seas,  stars,  souls  at  rest ; 
In  song  the  Muses  he  did  equalize, 

In  honour  Phoebus.     He  was  only  soul, 
Saw  all  things  spher'd  in  nature,  without  eyes, 

And  rais'd  your  Troy  up  to  the  starry  pole.'  20 

Glad  Scipio,  viewing  well  this  prince  of  ghosts, 

Said  :  '  O  if  Fates  would  give  this  poet  leave 
To  sing  the  acts  done  by  the  Roman  hosts, 

How  much  beyond  would  future  times  receive 
The  same  facts  made  by  any  other  known  !  25 

0  blest  .^Sacides,  to  have  the  grace 
That  out  of  such  a  mouth  thou  shouldst  be  shown 

To  wond'ring  nations,  as  enrich'd  the  race 
Of  all  times  future  with  what  he  did  know  ! 

Thy  virtue  with  his  verse  shall  ever  grow.'  so 

Now  hear  an  Angel  sing  our  poet's  fame, 
Whom  fate,  for  his  divine  song,  gave  that  name. 

ANGELUS  POLITIANUS,  IN  NUTRICIA.* 

More  living  than  in  old  Demodocus, 

Fame  glories  to  wax  young  in  Homer's  verse. 
And  as  when  bright  Hyperion,  holds  to  us 

His  golden  torch,  we  see  the  stars  disperse, 
And  ev'ry  way  fly  heav'n,  the  pallid  moon  35 

Ev-'n  almost  vanishing  before  his  sight ; 
So,  with  the  dazzling  beams  of  Homer's  sun, 

All  other  ancient  poets  lose  their  light. 
"Whom  when  Apollo  heard,  out  of  his  star, 

Singing  the  godlike  acts  of  honour'd  men,  40 

*  The  lines  begin, — 

"  nam  Demodoci  vivacior  aevo 

****** 

Obstrepuit,  prorsusque  parem  confessus  Apollo  est." 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxvii 

And  equalling  the  actual  rage  of  war, 

With  only  the  divine  strains  of  his  pen, 
He  stood  amaz'd  and  freely  did  confess 

Himself  was  equall'd  in  Mseonides. 

Next  hear  the  grave  and  learned  Pliny  use 
His  censure  of  our  sacred  poet's  muse. 

Plin.  Nat.  Hist.  lib.  7.  cap.  29. 
Turned  into  verse,  that  no  prose  may  come  near  Homer. 

Whom  shall  we  choose  the  glory  of  all  wits,  4:. 

Held  through  so  many  sorts  of  discipline 
And  such  variety  of  works  and  spirits, 

But  Grecian  Homer,  like  whom  none  did  shine 
For  form  of  work  and  matter  1    And  because 

Our  proud  doom  of  him  may  stand  justified  so 

By  noblest  judgments,  and  receive  applause 

In  spite  of  envy  and  illiterate  pride, 
Great  Macedon,  amongst  his  matchless  spoils 

Took  from  rich  Persia,  on  his  fortunes  cast, 
A  casket  finding,  full  of  precious  oils,  55 

Form'd  all  of  gold,  with  wealthy  stones  enchas'd, 
He  took  the  oils  out,  and  his  nearest  friends 

Ask'd  in  what  better  guard  it  might  be  us'd  1 
All  giving  their  conceits  to  sev'ral  ends, 

He  answer'd  :  '  His  affections  rather  choos'd  en 

An  use  quite  opposite  to  all  their  kinds, 

And  Homer's  books  should  with  that  guard  be  serv'd, 
That  the  most  precious  work  of  all  men's  minds 

In  the  most  precious  place  might  be  preserv'd. 
The  Fount  of  Wit  *  was  Homer,  Learning's  Sire,t  c; 

And  gave  antiquity  her  living  fire.' 

T  70LUMES  of  like  praise  I  could  heap  on  this, 
•        Of  men  more  ancient  and  more  learn'd  than  these, 
*  Plin.  Nat.  Hist.  xvn.  5.  t  Idem,  xxv.  3. 


Ixxviii  TO   THE  READER. 

But  since  true  virtue  enough  lovely  is 

With  her  own  beauties,  all  the  suffrages  70 

Of  others  I  omit,  and  would  more  fain 

That  Homer  for  himself  should  be  belov'd, 
"Who  eVry  sort  of  love-worth  did  contain. 

Which  how  I  have  in  my  conversion  prov'd 
I  must  confess  I  hardly  dare  refer  75 

To  reading  judgments,  since,  so  gen'rally, 
Custom  hath  made  ev'n  th'  ablest  agents  err 

In  these  translations  ;  all  so  much  apply 
Their  pains  and  cunnings  word  for  word  to  render 

Their  patient  authors,  when  they  may  as  well  so 

Make  fish  with  fowl,  camels  with  whales,  engender, 

Or  their  tongues'  speech  in  other  mouths  compell. 
For,  ev'n  as  diff'rent  a  production 

Ask  Greek  and  English,  since  as  they  in  sounds 
And  letters  shun  one  form  and  unison  ;  85 

So  have  their  sense  and  elegancy  bounds 
In  their  distinguish'd  natures,  and  require 

Only  a  judgment  to  make  both  consent 
In  sense  and  elocution  ;  and  aspire, 

As  well  to  reach  the  spirit  that  was  spent  90 

In  his  example,  as  with  art  to  pierce 

His  grammar,  and  etymology  of  words. 
But  as  great  clerks  can  write  no  English  verse, 

Because,  alas,  great  clerks  !  English  affords, 
Say  they,  no  height  nor  copy  ;  a  rude  tongue,  95 

Since  'tis  their  native  ;  but  in  Greek  or  Latin 
Their  writs  are  rare,  for  thence  true  Poesy  sprung  ; 

Though  them  (truth  knows)  they  have  but  skill  to  chat  in, 

77  «  Of  Translation,  and  the  natural  difference  of  Dialects  necessarily  to  be 
observed  in  it."— CHAPMAN. 
93  "Ironice." — CHAPMAN. 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxix 

Compar'd  with  that  they  might  say  in  their  own  ; 

Since  thither  th'  other's  full  soul  cannot  make  100 

The  ample  transmigration  to  be  shown 

In  nature-loving  Poesy  ;  so  the  brake 
That  those  translators  stick  in,  that  affect 

Their  word-for-word  traductions  (where  they  lose 
The  free  grace  of  their  natural  dialect,  105 

And  shame  their  authors  with  a  forced  gloss) 
I  laugh  to  see  ;  and  yet  as  much  abhor 

More  license  from  the  words  than  may  express 
Their  full  compression,  and  make  clear  the  author  ; 

From  whose  truth,  if  you  think  my  feet  digress,  no 

Because  I  use  needful  periphrases, 

Read  Valla,  Hessus,  that  in  Latin  prose, 
And  verse,  convert  him  ;  read  the  Messines 

That  into  Tuscan  turns  him  ;  and  the  gloss 
Grave  Salel  makes  in  French,  as  he  translates  ;  n$ 

AVhich,  for  th'  aforesaid  reasons,  all  must  do  ; 
And  see  that  my  conversion  much  abates 

The  license  they  take,  and  more  shows  him  too, 
Whose  right  not  all  those  great  learn'd  men  have  done, 

In  some  main  parts,  that  were  his  commentors.  120 

But,  as  the  illustration  of  the  sun 

Should  be  attempted  by  the  erring  stars, 
They  fail'd  to  search  his  deep  and  treasurous  heart ; 

The  cause  was,  since  they  wanted  the  fit  key 
Of  Nature,  in  their  downright  strength  of  Art,  125 

With  Poesy  to  open  Poesy  : 
Which,  in  my  poem  of  the  mysteries 

Reveal'd  in  Homer,  I  will  clearly  prove  ; 


107  "The  necessary  nearness  of  Translation  to  the  example." — CHAPMAN, 
mi  »xhe  power  of  Nature  above  Art  in  Poesy." — CHAPMAN. 


Ixxx  TO  THE  READER. 

Till  whose  near  birth,  suspend  your  calumnies, 

And  far-wide  imputations  of  self-love.  iso 

"Tis  further  from  me  than  the  worst  that  reads, 

Professing  me  the  worst  of  all  that  write ; 
Yet  what,  in  following  one  that  bravely  leads, 

The  worst  may  show,  let  this  proof  hold  the  light. 
But  grant  it  clear  ;  yet  hath  detraction  got  135 

My  blind  side  in  the  form  my  verse  puts  on  ; 
Much  like  a  dung-hill  mastiff,  that  dares  not 

Assault  the  man  he  barks  at,  but  the  stone 
He  throws  at  him  takes  in  his  eager  jaws, 

And  spoils  his  teeth  because  they  cannot  spoil.  140 

The  long  verse  hath  by  proof  receiv'd  applause 

Beyond  each  other  number ;  and  the  foil, 
That  squint-ey'd  Envy  takes,  is  censur'd  plain  ; 

For  this  long  poem  asks  this  length  of  verse, 
Which  I  myself  ingenuously  maintain  145 

Too  long  our  shorter  authors  to  rehearse. 
And,  for  our  tongue  that  still  is  so  impaired 

By  travelling  linguists,  I  can  prove  it  clear, 
That  no  tongue  hath  the  Muse's  utt'rance  heir'd 

For  verse,  and  that  sweet  music  to  the  ear  150 

Strook  out  of  rhyme,  so  naturally  as  this  ; 

Our  monosyllables  so  kindly  fall, 
And  meet  oppos'd  in  rhyme  as  they  did  kiss  ; 

French  and  Italian  most  iminetrical, 
Their  many  syllables  in  harsh  collision  155 

Fall  as  they  break  their  necks  ;  their  bastard  rhymes 
Saluting  as  they  justled  in  transition, 

And  set  our  teeth  on  edge  ;  nor  tunes,  nor  times 
Kept  in  their  falls  ;  and,  methinks,  their  long  words 

Shew  in  short  verse  as  in  a  narrow  place  100 

147  «  Our  English  language  above  all  others  for  Rhythmical  Poesy." — CHAPMAN. 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxxi 

Two  opposites  should  meet  with  two-hand  swords 

Unwieldily,  without  or  use  or  grace. 
Thus  having  rid  the  ruhs,  and  strow'd  these  flow'rs 

In  our  thrice-sacred  Homer's  English  way, 
What  rests  to  make  him  yet  more  worthy  yours  1  ies 

To  cite  more  praise  of  him  were  mere  delay 
To  your  glad  searches  for  what  those  men  found 

That  gave  his  praise,  past  all,  so  high  a  place  ; 
Whose  virtues  were  so  many,  and  so  crown'd 

By  all  consents  divine,  that,  not  to  grace  170 

Or  add  increase  to  them,  the  world  doth  need 

Another  Homer,  but  ev'n  to  rehearse 
And  number  them,  they  did  so  much  exceed. 

Men  thought  him  not  a  man  ;  but  that  his  verse 
Some  mere  celestial  nature  did  adorn  ;  175 

And  all  may  well  conclude  it  could  not  be, 
That  for  the  place  where  any  man  was  born, 

So  long  and  mortally  could  disagree 
So  many  nations  as  for  Homer  strivVl, 

Unless  his  spur  in  them  had  been  divine.  iso 

Then  end  their  strife  and  love  him,  thus  receiv'd, 

As  born  in  England  ;  see  him  over-shine 
All  other-country  poets  ;  and  trust  this, 

That  whosesoever  Muse  dares  use  her  wing 
When  his  Muse  flies,  she  will  be  truss'd  by  his,  m 

And  show  as  if  a  bernacle  should  spring 
Beneath  an  eagle.     In  none  since  was  seen 

A  soul  so  full  of  heav'n  as  earth's  in  him. 
0  !  if  our  modern  Poesy  had  been 

As  lovely  as  the  lady  he  did  limn,  190 

What  barbarous  worldling,  grovelling  after  gain, 

Could  use  her  lovely  parts  with  such  rude  hate, 
VOL.  I.  / 


Ixxxii  TO   THE  READER. 

As  now  she  suffers  under  ev'ry  swain  1 

Since  then  'tis  nought  but  her  abuse  and  Fate, 
That  thus  impairs  her,  what  is  this  to  her  195 

As  she  is  real,  or  in  natural  right  ? 
But  since  in  true  Eeligion  men  should  err 

As  much  as  Poesy,  should  the  abuse  excite 
The  like  contempt  of  her  divinity, 

And  that  her  truth,  and  right  saint-sacred  merits,  200 

In  most  lives  breed  bxit  rev'rence  formally, 

What  wonder  is't  if  Poesy  inherits 
Much  less  observance,  being  but  agent  for  her, 

And  singer  of  her  laws,  that  others  say  ? 
Forth  then,  ye  moles,  sons  of  the  earth,  abhor  her,  205 

Keep  still  on  in  the  dirty  vulgar  way, 
Till  dirt  receive  your  souls,  to  which  \e  vow, 

And  with  your  poison'd  spirits  bewitch  our  thrifts. 
Ye  cannot  so  despise  us  as  we  you  ; 

Not  one  of  you  above  his  mole-hill  lifts  210 

His  earthy  mind,  but,  as  a  sort  of  beasts, 

Kept  by  their  guardians,  never  care  to  hear 
Their  manly  voices,  but  when  in  their  fists 

They  breathe  wild  whistles,  and  the  beasts'  rude  ear 
Hears  their  curs  barking,  then  by  heaps  they  fly  215 

Headlong  together  ;  so  men,  beastly  giv'n, 
The  manly  soul's  voice,  sacred  Poesy, 

Whose  hymns  the  angels  ever  sing  in  heav'n, 
Contemn  and  hear  not  ;  but  when  brutish  noises, 

For  gain,  lust,  honour,  in  litigious  prose  220 

Are  bellow'd  out,  and  crack  the  barbarous  voices 

Of  Turkish  stentors,  O,  ye  lean  to  those, 
Like  itching  horse  to  blocks  or  high  may-poles  ; 
And  break  nought  but  the  wind  of  wealth,  wealth,  all 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxxiii 

In  all  your  documents  ;  your  asinine  souls,  225 

Proud  of  their  burthens,  feel  not  how  they  gall. 
But  as  an  ass,  that  in  a  field  of  weeds 

Affects  a  thistle,  and  falls  fiercely  to  it, 
That  pricks  and  galls  him,  yet  he  feeds,  and  bleeds, 

Forbears  a  while,  and  licks,  but  cannot  woo  it  230 

To  leave  the  sharpness  ;  when,  to  wreak  his  smart, 

He  beats  it  with  his  foot,  then  backward  kicks, 
Because  the  thistle  gall'd  his  forward  part ; 

Nor  leaves  till  all  be  eat,  for  all  the  pricks, 
Then  falls  to  others  with  as  hot  a  strife,  235 

And  in  that  honourable  war  doth  waste 
The  tall  heat  of  his  stomach,  and  his  life  ; 

So  in  this  world  of  weeds  you  worldlings  taste 
Your  most-lov'd  dainties,  with  such  war  buy  peace, 

Hunger  for  torment,  virtue  kick  for  vice,  240 

Cares  for  your  states  do  with  your  states  increase, 

And  though  ye  dream  ye  feast  in  Paradise, 
Yet  reason's  daylight  shews  ye  at  your  meat 

Asses  at  thistles,  bleeding  as  ye  eat. 


THE  PREFACE  TO  THE  READER. 


F  all  books  extant  in  all  kinds,  Homer  is  the  first  and  best. 
No  one  before  his,  Josephus  affirms  ;  nor  before  him, 
saith  Velleius  Paterculus,  was  there  any  whom  he  imi- 
tated, nor  after  him  any  that  could  imitate  him.  And 
that  Poesy  may  be  no  cause  of  detraction  from  all  the  eminence  we  give 
him,  Spondanus  (preferring  it  to  all  arts  and  sciences)  unanswerably 
argues  and  proves  ;  for  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  singing  of  His  glories, 
no  man  dares  deny,  man  was  chiefly  made.  And  what  art  performs 
this  chief  end  of  man  with  so  much  excitation  and  expression  as  Poesy  ; 
Moses,  David,  Solomon,  Job,  Esay,  Jeremy,  &c.  chiefly  using  that  to 
the  end  abovesaid  1  And  since  the  excellence  of  it  cannot  be  obtained 
by  the  labour  and  art  of  man,  as  all  easily  confess  it,  it  must  needs  be 
acknowledged  a  Divine  infusion.  To  prove  which  in  a  word,  this  distich, 
in  my  estimation,  serves  something  nearly  : 

Great  Poesy,  blind  Homer,  makes  all  see 
Thee  capable  of  all  arts,  none  of  thee. 

For  out  of  him,  according  to  our  most  grave  and  judicial  Plutarch,  are 
all  Arts  deduced,  confirmed,  or  illustrated.  It  is  not  therefore  the  world's 
vilifying  of  it  that  can  make  it  vile  ;  for  so  we  might  argue,  and  blas- 
pheme the  most  incomparably  sacred.  It  is  not  of  the  world  indeed, 
but,  like  truth,  hides  itself  from  it.  Nor  is  there  any  such  reality  of 


Ixxxvi  THE  PREFACE 

wisdom's  truth  in  all  human  excellence,  as  in  Poets'  fictions.  That 
most  vulgar  and  foolish  receipt  of  poetical  licence  being  of  all  knowing 
men  to  be  exploded,  accepting  it,  as  if  Poets  had  a  tale-telling  privilege 
above  others,  no  Artist  being  so  strictly  and  inextricably  confined  to  all 
the  laws  of  learning,  wisdom,  and  truth,  as  a  Poet.  For  were  not  his 
fictions  composed  of  the  sinews  and  souls  of  all  those,  how  could  they 
defy  fire,  iron,  and  be  combined  with  eternity  1  To  all  sciences  there- 
fore, I  must  still,  with  our  learned  and  ingenious  Spondanus,  prefer  it, 
as  having  a  perpetual  commerce  with  the  Divine  Majesty,  embracing 
and  illustrating  all  His  most  holy  precepts,  and  enjoying  continual  dis- 
course with  His  thrice  perfect  and  most  comfortable  Spirit.  And  as 
the  contemplative  life  is  most  worthily  and  divinely  preferred  by  Plato 
to  the  active,  as  much  as  the  head  to  the  foot,  the  eye  to  the  hand, 
reason  to  sense,  the  soul  to  the  body,  the  end  itself  to  all  things  directed 
to  the  end,  quiet  to  motion,  and  eternity  to  time  ;  so  much  prefer  I 
divine  Poesy  to  all  worldly  wisdom.  To  the  only  shadow  of  whose 
worth,  yet,  I  entitle  not  the  bold  rhymes  of  every  apish  and  impudent 
braggart,  though  he  dares  assume  anything ;  such  I  turn  over  to  the 
weaving  of  cobwebs,  and  shall  but  chatter  on  molehills  (far  under  the 
hill  of  the  Muses)  when  their  fortunatest  self-love  and  ambition  hath 
advanced  them  highest.  Poesy  is  the  flower  of  the  Sun,  and  disdains 
to  open  to  the  eye  of  a  candle.  So  kings  hide  their  treasures  and 
counsels  from  the  vulgar,  ne  evilescant  (saith  our  Spond.).  We  have  ex- 
ample sacred  enough,  that  true  Poesy's  humility,  poverty,  and  contempt, 
are  badges  of  divinity,  not  vanity.  Bray  then,  and  bark  against  it,  ye 
wolf-faced  worldlings,  that  nothing  but  honours,  riches,  and  magistracy, 
nescio  quos  turgide  spiratis  (that  I  may  use  the  words  of  our  friend 
still)  qui  solas  leges  Justinianas  crepatis ;  paragraphum  unum  aut 
alterum,  pluris  quam  vos  ipsos  facitis,  &c.  I  (for  my  part)  shall  ever 
esteem  it  much  more  manly  and  sacred,  in  this  harmless  and  pious  study, 
to  sit  till  I  sink  into  my  grave,  than  shine  in  your  vainglorious  bubbles 
and  impieties ;  all  your  poor  policies,  wisdoms,  and  their  trappings,  at 
no  more  valuing  than  a  musty  nut.  And  much  less  I  weigh  the  front- 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxxvii 

less  detractions  of  some  stupid  ignorants,  that,  no  more  knowing  me 
than  their  own  beastly  ends,  and  I  ever  (to  my  knowledge)  blest  from 
their  sight,  whisper  behind  me  vilifyings  of  my  translation,  out  of  the 
French  affirming  them,  when,  both  in  French,  and  all  other  languages 
but  his  own,  our  with-all-skill-enriched  Poet  is  so  poor  and  unpleasing 
that  no  man  can  discern  from  whence  flowed  his  so  generally  given 
eminence  and  admiration.  And  therefore  (by  any  reasonable  creature's 
conference  of  my  slight  comment  and  conversion)  it  will  easily  appear 
how  I  shun  them,  and  whether  the  original  be  my  rule  or  not.  In 
which  he  shall  easily  see,  I  understand  the  understandings  of  all  other 
interpreters  and  commentors  in  places  of  his  most  depth,  importance, 
and  rapture.  In  whose  exposition  and  illustration,  if  I  abhor  from  the 
sense  that  others  wrest  and  wrack  out  of  him,  let  my  best  detractor  ex- 
amine how  the  Greek  word  warrants  me.  For  my  other  fresh  fry,  let  them 
fry  in  their  foolish  galls,  nothing  so  much  weighed  as  the  barkings  of 
puppies,  or  foisting  hounds,  too  vile  to  think  of  our  sacred  Homer,  or  set 
their  profane  feet  within  their  lives'  length  of  his  thresholds.  If  I  fail 
in  something,  let  my  full  performance  in  other  some  restore  me  ;  haste 
spurring  me  on  with  other  necessities.  For  as  at  my  conclusion  I  pro- 
test, so  here  at  my  entrance,  less  than  fifteen  weeks  was  the  time  in 
which  all  the  last  twelve  books  were  entirely  new  translated.  No  con- 
ference had  with  any  one  living  in  all  the  novelties  I  presume  I  have 
found.  Only  some  one  or  two  places  I  have  showed  to  my  worthy  and 
most  learned  friend,  M.  Harriots,  for  his  censure  how  nmch  mine  own 
weighed ;  whose  judgment  and  knowledge  in  all  kinds,  I  know  to  be 
incomparable  and  bottomless,  yea,  to  be  admired  as  much,  as  his  most 
blameless  life,  and  the  right  sacred  expense  of  his  time,  is  to  be  honoured 
and  reverenced.  Which  affirmation  of  his  clear  unmatchedness  in  all 
manner  of  learning  I  make  in  contempt  of  that  nasty  objection  often 
thrust  upon  me, — that  he  that  will  judge  must  know  more  than  he  of 
whom  he  judgeth  ;  for  so  a  man  should  know  neither  God  nor  himself. 
Another  right  learned,  honest,  and  entirely  loved  friend  of  mine,  M. 
Eobert  Hews,  I  must  needs  put  into  my  confess'd  conference  touching 


Ixxxviii  THE  PREFACE 

Homer,  though  very  little  more  than  that  I  had  with  M.  Harriots. 
Which  two,  I  protest,  are  all,  and  preferred  to  all.  Nor  charge  I  their 
authorities  with  any  allowance  of  my  general  labour,  but  only  of  those 
one  or  two  places,  which  for  instances  of  my  innovation,  and  how  it 
showed  to  them,  I  imparted.  If  any  tax  me  for  too  much  periphrasis 
or  circumlocution  in  some  places,  let  them  read  Laurentius  Valla,  and 
Eobanus  Hessus,  who  either  use  such  shortness  as  cometh  nothing  home 
to  Homer,  or,  where  they  shun  that  fault,  are  ten  parts  more  para- 
phrastical  than  I.  As  for  example,  one  place  I  will  trouble  you  (if  you 
please)  to  confer  with  the  original,  and  one  interpreter  for  all.  It  is  in 
the  end  of  the  third  book,  and  is  Helen's  speech  to  Venus  fetching  her 
to  Paris  from  seeing  his  cowardly  combat  with  Menelaus  ;  part  of  which 
speech  I  will  here  cite  : 

O.  drj  vvv  dlov  '  AX^avdpov 
,  &c. 


For  avoiding  the  common  reader's  trouble  here,  I  must  refer  the  more 
Greekish  to  the  rest  of  the  speech  in  Homer,  whose  translation  ad  verbum 
by  Spondanus  I  will  here  cite,  and  then  pray  you  to  confer  it  with  that 
which  followeth  of  Valla. 

Quoniam  ver6  mine  Alexandrum  Menelaus 
Postquam  vicit,  vult  odiosam  me  domum  abducere, 
Propterea  vero  mine  dolum  (ceu  dolos)  cogitans  advenisti  ? 
Sede  apud  ipsum  vadens,  deoruin  abnega  vias, 
Neque  unquam  tuis  pedibus  revertaris  in  ccelum, 
Sed  semper  circa  eum  serumnas  perfer,  et  ipsum  serva 
Donee  te  vel  uxorem  faciat,  vel  hie  servam,  &c. 

Valla  thus  : 

Quoniam  victo  Paride,  Menelaus  me  miseram  est  reportaturus  ad 
lares,  ideo  tu,  ideo  falsa  sub  imagine  venisti,  ut  me  deciperes  ob  tuam 
nimiam  in  Paridem  benevolentiam  :  eu  dum  illi  ades,  dum  illi  studes, 
dum  pro  illo  satagis,  dum  ilium  observas  atque  custodis,  deorum 
commercium  reliquisti,  nee  ad  eos  reversura  es  amplius  ;  adeo  (quantum 
suspicor)  aut  uxor  ejus  efficieris,  aut  ancilla,  &c. 

Wherein  note  if  there  be  any  such  thing  as  most  of  this  in  Homer  ;  yet 


TO   THE  READER.  Ixxxix 

only  to  express,  as  he  thinks,  Homer's  conceit,  for  the  more  pleasure  of 
the  reader,  he  useth  this  overplus,  dum  illi  ades,  dum  illi  studes,  dum 
pro  illo  satagis,  dum  ilium  observers,  atque  cuslodis,  '  deorum  commer- 
cium  reliquisti.  Which  (besides  his  superfluity)  is  utterly  false.  For 
where  he  saith  reliquisti  deorum  commercium,  Helen  saith,  Qiuv  d' 
xsXei&ovs,  deorum  autem  dbnega,  or  abnue,  vias,  uxsivuv  (vel 
as  it  is  used  poetically)  signifying  denegare,  or  abnuere;  and 
Helen  (in  contempt  of  her  too  much  observing  men)  bids  her  renounce 
heaven,  and  come  live  with  Paris  till  he  make  her  his  wife  or  servant ; 
sceptically  or  scornfully  speaking  it ;  which  both  Valla,  Eobanus,  and 
all  other  interpreters  (but  these  ad  verbum)  have  utterly  missed.  And 
this  one  example  I  thought  necessary  to  insert  here,  to  show  my 
detractors  that  they  have  no  reason  to  vilify  my  circumlocution  some- 
times, when  their  most  approved  Grecians,  Homer's  interpreters  gene- 
rally, hold  him  fit  to  be  so  converted.  Yet  how  much  I  differ,  and  with 
what  authority,  let  my  impartial  and  judicial  reader  judge.  Always 
conceiving  how  pedantical  and  absurd  an  affectation  it  is  in  the  interpre- 
tation of  any  author  (much  more  of  Homer)  to  turn  him  word  for  word, 
when  (according  to  Horace  and  other  best  lawgivers  to  translators)  it 
is  the  part  of  every  knowing  and  judicial  interpreter,  not  to  follow  the 
number  and  order  of  words,  but  the  material  things  themselves,  and 
sentences  to  weigh  diligently,  and  to  clothe  and  adorn  them  with 
words,  and  such  a  style  and  form  of  oration,  as  are  most  apt  for  the 
language  in  which  they  are  converted.  If  I  have  not  turned  him  in 
any  place  falsely  (as  all  other  his  interpreters  have  in  many,  and  most 
of  his^chief  places)  if  I  have  not  left  behind  me  any  of  his  sentences, 
elegancy,  height,  intention,  and  invention,  if  in  some  few  places  (espe- 
cially in  my  first  edition,  being  done  so  long  since,  and  following  the 
common  tract)  I  be  something  paraphrastical  and  faulty,  is  it  jus- 
tice in  that  poor  fault  (if  they  will  needs  have  it  so)  to  drown  all  the 
rest  of  my  labour  ?  But  there  is  a  certain  envious  windsucker,*  that 
hovers  up  and  down,  laboriously  engrossing  all  the  air  with  his  lux- 
*  Windsucker— the  kestrel,  or  kite,  hovering  hawk  ;  called  also  a  windhover. 


xc  THE  PREFACE 

urious  ambition,  and  buzzing  into  every  ear  my  detraction,  affirming 
I  turn  Homer  out  of  the  Latin  only,  &c.  that  sets  all  his  associates, 
and  the  whole  rabble  of  my  maligners  on  their  wings  with  him,  to 
bear  about  my  impair,  and  poison  my  reputation.  One  that,  as  he 
thinks,  whatsoever  he  gives  to  others,  he  takes  from  himself ;  so 
whatsoever  he  takes  from  others,  he  adds  to  himself.  One  that  in  this 
kind  of  robbery  doth  like  Mercury,  that  stole  good  and  supplied  it 
with  counterfeit  bad  still.  One  like  the  two  gluttons,  Philoxenus  and 
Gnatho,  that  would  still  empty  their  noses  in  the  dishes  they  loved,  that 
no  man  might  eat  but  themselves.  For  so  this  castrill,*  with  too  hot 
a  liver,  and  lust  after  his  own  glory,  and  to  devour  all  himself,  discou- 
rageth  all  appetites  to  the  fame  of  another.  I  have  stricken,  single 
him  as  you  can.  Nor  note  I  this,  to  cast  any  rubs  or  plashes  out  of 
the  particular  way  of  mine  own  estimation  with  the  world  ;  for  I 
resolve  this  with  the  wilfully  obscure  : 

Sine  honore  vivam,  nulloque  mimero  ero. 

Without  men's  honours  I  will  live,  and  make 
No  number  in  the  manless  course  they  take. 

But,  to  discourage  (if  it  might  be)  the  general  detraction  of  industrious 
and  well-meaning  virtue,  I  know  I  cannot  too  much  diminish  and 
deject  myself ;  yet  that  passing  little  that  I  am,  God  only  knows,  to 
Whose  ever-implored  respect  and  comfort  I  only  submit  me.  If  any 
further  edition  of  these  my  silly  endeavours  shall  chance,  I  will  mend 
what  is  amiss  (God  assisting  me)  and  amplify  my  harsh  Comment  to 
Homer's  far  more  right,  and  mine  own  earnest  and  ingenious  love  of 
him.  Notwithstanding,  I  know,  the  curious  and  envious  will  never  sit 
down  satisfied.  A  man  may  go  over  and  over,  till  he  come  over  and 
over,  and  his  pains  be  only  his  recompense,  every  man  is  so  loaded 
with  his  particular  head,  and  nothing  in  all  respects  perfect,  but  what 
is  perceived  by  few.  Homer  himself  hath  met  with  my  fortune,  in 
many  maligners  ;  and  therefore  may  my  poor  self  put  up  without  motion. 

*  Castrill — kestrel,  or  hovering  hawk. 


TO   THE  READER.  xci 

And  so  little  I  will  respect  malignity,  and  so  much  encourage  myself 
•with  mine  own  known  strength,  and  what  I  find  within  me  of  comfort 
and  confirmance  (examining  myself  throughout  with  a  far  more  jealous 
and  severe  eye  than  my  greatest  enemy,  imitating  this  : 

t  Judex  ipse  sui  totum  se  explorat  ad  unguein,  &c). 

that  after  these  Iliads,  I  will  (God  lending  me  life  and  any  meanest 
means)  with  more  labour  than  I  have  lost  here,  and  all  unchecked 
alacrity,  dive  through  his  Odysseys.  Nor  can  I  forget  here  (but  with 
all  hearty  gratitude  remember)  my  most  ancient,  learned,  and  right 
noble  friend,  M.  Richard  Stapilton,  first  most  desertful  mover  in  the 
frame  of  our  Homer.  For  which  (and  much  other  most  ingenious  and 
utterly  undeserved  desert)  God  make  me  amply  his  requiter ;  and  be 
his  honourable  family's  speedy  and  full  restorer.  In  the  mean  space, 
I  entreat  my  impartial  and  judicial  Reader,  that  all  things  to  the  quick 
he  will  not  pare,  but  humanely  and  nobly  pardon  defects,  and,  if  he 
find  anything  perfect,  receive  it  unenvied. 


xcii  THE  PREFACE 


OF  HOMER. 

jF  his  country  arid  time,  the  difference  is  so  infinite  amongst 
all  writers,  that  there  is  no  question,  in  my  conjecture,  of 
his  antiquity  beyond  all.  To  which  opinion,  the  nearest  I 
will  cite,  Adam  Cedrenus  placeth  him  under  David's  and 
Solomon's  rule  ;  and  the  Destruction  of  Troy  under  Saul's.  And  of 
one  age  with  Solomon,  Michael  Glycas  Siculus  affirmeth  him.  Aristotle 
(in  tertio  de  Poetica)  affirms  he  was  born  in  the  isle  of  lo,  begot  of  a 
Genius,  one  of  them  that  used  to  dance  with  the  Muses,  and  a  virgin  of 
that  isle  compressed  by  that  Genius,  who  being  quick  with  child  (for 
shame  of  the  deed)  came  into  a  place  called  ^Egina,  and  there  was 
taken  of  thieves,  and  brought  to  Smyrna,  to  Maeon  king  of  the 
Lydians,  who  for  her  beauty  married  her.  After  which,  she  walking 
near  the  flood  Meletes,  on  that  shore  being  overtaken  with  the  throes 
of  her  delivery,  she  brought  forth  Homer,  and  instantly  died.  The 
infant  was  received  by  Mseon,  and  brought  up  as  his  own  till  his  death, 
which  was  not  long  after.  And,  according  to  this,  when  the  Lydians 
in  Smyrna  were  afflicted  by  the  ^Eoliaus,  and  thought  fit  to  leave  the 
city,  the  captains  by  a  herald  willing  all  to  go  out  that  would,  and 
follow  them,  Homer,  being  a  little  child,  said  he  would  also  bpwiiv 
(that  is,  sequi)  ;  and  of  that,  for  Melesigenes,  which  was  his  first  name, 
he  was  called  Homer.  These  Plutarch. 

The  varieties  of  other  reports  touching  this  I  omit  for  length  ;  and 
in  place  thereof  think  it  not  i;nfit  to  insert  something  of  his  praise  and 
honour  amongst  the  greatest  of  all  ages  ;  not  that  our  most  absolute  of 
himself  needs  it,  but  that  such  authentical  testimonies  of  his  splendour 
and  excellence  may  the  better  convince  the  malice  of  his  maligners. 


TO   THE  READER.  xciii 

First,  what  kind  of  person  Homer  was,  saith  Spondanus,  his  statue 
teacheth,  which  Cedrenus  describeth.  The  whole  place  we  will  describe 
that  our  relation  may  hold  the  better  coherence,  as  Xylander  converts 
it.  "  Then  was  the  Octagonou  at  Constantinople  consumed  with  fire  ; 
and  the  bath  of  Severus,  that  bore  the  name  of  Zeuxippus,  in  which 
there  was  much  variety  of  spectacle,  and  splendour  of  arts  ;  the  works 
of  all  ages  being  conferred  and  preserved  there,  of  marble,  rocks, 
stones,  and  images  of  brass  ;  to  which  this  only  wanted,  that  the  souls 
of  the  persons  they  presented  were  not  in  them.  Amongst  these 
master-pieces  and  all-wit-exceeding  workmanships  stood  Homer,  as  he 
was  in  his  age,  thoughtful  and  musing,  his  hands  folded  beneath  his 
bosom,  his  beard  untrirnmed  and  hanging  down,  the  hair  of  his  head 
in  like  sort  thin  on  both  sides  before,  his  face  with  age  and  cares  of  the 
world,  as  these  imagine,  wrinkled  and  austere,  his  nose  proportioned  to 
his  other  parts,  his  eyes  fixed  or  turned  up  to  his  eyebrows,  like  one 
blind,  as  it  is  reported  he  was."  (Not  born  blind,  saith  Veil.  Pater- 
culus,  which  he  that  imagines,  saith  he,  is  blind  of  all  senses.)  "  Upon 
his  under-coat  he  was  attired  with  a  loose  robe,  and  at  the  base  beneath 
his  feet  a  brazen  chain  hung."*  This  was  the  statue  of  Homer,  which, 
in  that  conflagration  perished.  Another  renowned  statue  of  his,  saith 
Lucian  in  his  Encomion  of  Demosthenes,  stood  in  the  temple  of 
Ptolemy,  on  the  upper  hand  of  his  own  statue.  Cedrenus  likewise 
remembereth  a  library  in  the  palace  of  the  king,  at  Constantinople, 
that  contained  a  thousand  a  hundred  and  twenty  books,  amongst  which 
there  was  the  gut  of  a  dragon  of  an  hundred  and  twenty  foot  long,  in 
which,  in  letters  of  gold,  the  Iliads  and  Oclysseys  of  Homer  were 
inscribed  -t  which  miracle,  in  Basiliscus  the  Emperor's  time,  was  con- 
sumed with  fire. 

For  his  respect  amongst  the  most  learned,  Plato  in  lone  calleth  him 
xa)  Sh;o'rarov  ruv  KoiqrZiv,  Poeta  rum  omnium  d  prcestantissimwn 


*  Georgii  Cedreni  Historiarum  Compendium,  vol.  I.  p.  369  (ed.  Paris,  2  vols. 
fol.  1647). 

t  Cedrenus,  ut  supra,  p.  351. 


xciv  THE  PREFACE 


et  divinissimum  ;  in  Phcedone,  §iTov  vroiqr'/iv,  divinum  Poetam  ;  and  in 
Thecetetus,  Socrates  citing  divers  of  the  most  wise  and  learned  for  con- 
firmation of  his  there  held  opinion,  as  Protagoras,  Heraclitus,  Ernpe- 
docles,  Epicharmus,  and  Homer,  who,  saith  Socrates,  against  such  an 
army,  being  all  led  by  such  a  captain  as  Homer,  dares  fight  or  resist, 
but  he  will  be  held  ridiculous  ]  This  for  Scaliger  and  all  Homer's 
envious  and  ignorant  detractors.  Why  therefore  Plato  in  another 
place  banisheth  him  with  all  other  poets  out  of  his  Common-wealth, 
dealing  with  them  like  a  Politician  indeed,  use  men,  and  then  cast 
them  off,  though  Homer  he  thinks  fit  to  send  out  crowned  and  anointed, 
I  see  not,  since  he  maketh  still  such  honourable  mention  of  him,  and 
with  his  verses,  as  with  precious  gems,  everywhere  enchaceth  his 
writings.  So  Aristotle  continually  celebrateth  him.  Nay,  even 
amongst  the  barbarous,  not  only  Homer's  name,  but  his  poems  have 
been  recorded  and  reverenced.  The  Indians,  saith  ^Elianus  (Var. 
Hist.  lib.  xii.  cap.  48.)  in  their  own  tongue  had  Homer's  Poems 
translated  and  sung.  Nor  those  Indians  alone,  but  the  kings  of 
Persia.  And  amongst  the  Indians,  of  all  the  Greek  poets,  Homer 
being  ever  first  in  estimation  ;  whensoever  they  used  any  divine  duties 
according  to  the  custom  of  their  households  and  hospitalities,  they 
invited  ever  Apollo  and  Homer.  Lucian  in  his  Encomion  of  Demosth. 
affirmeth  all  Poets  celebrated  Homer's  birthday,  and  sacrificed  to  him 
the  first  fruits  of  their  verses.  So  Thersagoras  answereth  Lucian,  he 
used  to  do  himself.  Alex.  Paphius,  saith  Eustathius,  delivers  Homer 
as  born  of  Egyptian  parents,  Drnasagoras,  being  his  father,  and  ^Ethra 
his  mother,  his  nurse  being  a  certain  prophetess  and  the  daughter  of 
Oris,  Isis'  priest,  from  whose  breasts,  oftentimes,  honey  flowed  in  the 
mouth  of  the  infant.  After  which,  in  the  night,  he  uttered  nine 
several  notes  or  voices  of  fowls,  viz.  of  a  swallow,  a  peacock,  a  dove,  a 
crow,  a  partridge,  a  redshank,  a  stare,  a  blackbird,  and  a  nightingale  ; 
and,  being  a  little  boy,  was  found  playing  in  his  bed  with  nine  cloves. 
Sibylla  being  at  a  feast  of  his  parents  was  taken  with  sudden  fury,  and 
sung  verses  whose  beginning  was  A/*aff«yQga  ToXuv/xs  .•  polynice,  signi- 


TO   THE  READER. 


xcv 


fyiug  much,  victory,  in  which  song  also  she  called  him  [AeydxXia,  great 
in  glory,  and  erttpctvir^v,  signifying  garland-seller,  and  commanded 
him  to  build  a  temple  to  the  Pegridarij,  that  is,  to  the  Muses.  Hero- 
dotus affirms  that  Phaemius,  teaching  a  public  school  at  Smyrna,  was 
his  master ;  and  Dionysius  in  his  56th  Oration  saith,  Socrates  was 
Homer's  scholar.  In  short,  what  he  was,  his  works  show  most  truly  ; 
to  which,  if  you  please,  go  on  and  examine  him. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


ARGUMENT. 

APOLLO'S  priest  to  th'  Argive  fleet  doth  bring 
Gifts  for  his  daughter,  pris'ner  to  the  king  ; 
For  which  her  tender'd  freedom  he  entreats  ; 
But,  being  dismiss'd  with  contumelious  threats, 
At  Phcebus'  hands,  by  vengeful  pray'r,  he  seeks 
To  have  a  plague  inflicted  on  the  Greeks. 
Which  had  ;  Achilles  doth  a  council  cite, 
Embold'ning  Calchas,  in  the  king's  despite, 
To  tell  the  truth  why  they  were  punish'd  so. 
From  hence  their  fierce  and  deadly  strife  did  grow. 
For  wrong  in  which  ^Eacides*  s'o  raves, 
That  goddess  Thetis,  from  her  throne  of  waves 
Ascending  heav'n,  of  Jove  assistance  won, 
To  plague  the  Greeks  by  absence  of  her  son, 
And  make  the  general  himself  repent 
To  wrong  so  much  his  army's  ornament. 
This  found  by  Juno,  she  with  Jove  contends  ; 
Till  Vulcan,  vvith  heav'n's  cup,  the  quarrel  ends. 

ANOTHER  ARGUMENT. 

Alpha  the  prayer  of  Chryses  sings  : 
The  army's  plague  :  the  strife  of  kings. 

CHILLES'  baneful  wrath  resound,  0  Goddess,  that  impos'd 
Infinite  sorrows  on  the  Greeks,  and  many  brave  souls  los'd 
From  breasts  heroic  ;  sent  them  far  to  that  invisible  cave 
That  no  light  comforts;  and  their  limbs  to  dogs  and 


vultures  gave  : 

*  jEacides— Achilles,  grandson  of  ^Eacus. 
VOL.   I. 


3  Invisible  cave — Hades. 
A 


2  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

To  all  which  Jove's  will  gave  effect ;  from  whom  first  strife  begun        5 
Betwixt  Atrides,  king  of  men,  and  Thetis'  godlike  son. 

What  god  gave  Ens  their  command,  and  op'd  that  fighting  vein  1 
Jove's  and  Latona's  son  :  who  fir'd  against  the  king  of  men, 
For  contumely  shown  his  priest,  infectious  sickness  sent 
To  plague  the  army,  and  to  death  by  troops  the  soldiers  went.  10 

Occasion'd  thus  :  Chryses,  the  priest,  came  to  the  fleet  to  buy, 
For  presents  of  unvalu'd  price,  his  daughter's  liberty  ; 
The  golden  sceptre  and  the  crown  of  Phoebus  in  his  hands 
Proposing  ;  and  made  suit  to  all,  but  most  to  the  commands 
Of  both  th'  Atrides,  who  most  rul'd.     "  Great  Atreus'  sons,"  said  he, 
"  And  all  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks,  the  gods,  whose  habitations  be          ie 
In  heav'uly  houses,  grace  your  pow'rs  with  Priam's  razed  town, 
And  grant  ye  happy  conduct  home  !     To  win  which  wish'd  renown 
Of  Jove,  by  honouring  his  son,  far-shooting  Phoebus,  deign 
For  these  fit  presents  to  dissolve  the  ransomable  chain  20 

Of  my  lov'd  daughter's  servitude."     The  Greeks  entirely  gave 
Glad  acclamations,  for  sign  that  their  desires  would  have 
The  grave  priest  reverenc'd,  and  his  gifts  of  so  much  price  embrac'd. 
The  Gen'ral  yet  bore  no  such  mind,  but  viciously  disgrac'd 
With  violent  terms  the  priest,  and  said  : — "  Dotard  !  avoid  our  fleet, 
Where  ling'ring  be  not  found  by  me  ;  nor  thy  returning  feet  26 

Let  ever  visit  us  again  ;  lest  nor  thy  godhead's  crown, 
Nor  sceptre,  save  thee  !  Her  thou  seek'st  I  still  will  hold  mine  own, 
Till  age  deflow'r  her.     In  our  court  at  Argos,  far  transferr'd 
From  her  lov'd  country,  she  shall  ply  her  web,  and  see  prepar'd  30 

6  Atrides — patronymic  of  Agamemnon  and  Menelaus.    Thetis'  son — Achilles. 

7  Eris — the  goddess  of  strit'e,  personification  of  strife. 

8  Jove's  and  Latona's  son — Apollo. 

12  Unvalued — invaluable,  not  to  be  valued.     So  Shakespeare — 
"  Inestimable  stones,  unvalu'd  jewels." — Rich.  III.  I.  4. 

14  Proposing — holding  before  him. 

30  "Sec  my  bed  made,"  it  may  be  Englished.  The  word  is  avTibua'a.v,  which 
signifies  contra  stantem,  as  standing  of  one  side  opposite  to  another  on  the  other 
side;  which  yet  others  translate  capcsse.ntcm  et  adornantem ;  which,  since  it 
shows  best  to  a  reader,  I  follow.— CHAPMAN. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  3 

With  all  fit  ornaments  my  bed.     Incense  me  then  no  more, 

But,  if  thou  wilt  be  safe,  be  gone."     This  said,  the  sea-beat  shore, 

Obeying  his  high  will,  the  priest  trod  off  with  haste  and  fear  ; 

And,  walking  silent,  till  he  left  far  off  his  enemies'  ear, 

Phoebus,  fair  hair'd  Latona's  son,  he  stirr'd  up  with  a  vow,  35 

To  this  stern  purpose  :  "  Hear,  thou  God  that  bear'st  the  silver  bow, 

That  Chrysa  guard'st,  rul'st  Tenedos  with  strong  hand,  and  the  round 

Of  Cilia  most  divine  dost  walk  !     O  Smintheus  !  if  crown'd 

With  thankful  off'rings  thy  rich  fane  I  ever  saw,  or  fir'd 

Fat  thighs  of  oxen  and  of  goats  to  thee,  this  grace  desir'd  40 

Vouchsafe  to  me :  pains  for  my  tears  let  these  rude  Greeks  repay, 

Forc'd  with  thy  arrows."     Thus  he  pray'd,  and  Phoebus  heard  him  pray, 

And,  vex'd  at  heart,  down  from  the  tops  of  steep  heav'n  stoop'd  ;  his 

bow, 

And  quiver  cover'd  round,  his  hands  did  on  his  shoulders  throw  ; 
And  of  the  angry  Deity  the  arrows  as  he  mov'd  45 

Pvattled  about  him.     Like  the  night  he  rang'd  the  host,  and  rov'd 
(Apart  the  fleet  set)  terribly  ;  with  his  hard-loosing  hand 
His  silver  bow  twang"d  ;  and  his  shafts  did  first  the  mules  command, 
And  swift  hounds  ;  then  the  Greeks  themselves  his  deadly  arrows  shot. 
The  fires  of  death  went  never  out ;  nine  days  his  shafts  flew  hot          50 
About  the  army  ;  and  the  tenth,  Achilles  called  a  court 
Of  all  the  Greeks  ;  heav'n's  white-arm'd  Queen  (who,  ev'ryvvhere  cut 

short, 

Beholding  her  lov'd  Greeks,  by  death)  suggested  it  ;  and  he 
(All  met  in  one)  arose,  and  said  :  "  Atrides,  now  I  see 
"We  must  be  wandering  again,  flight  must  be  still  our  stay,  55 

If  flight  can  save  us  now,  at  once  sickness  and  battle  lay 
Such  strong  hand  on  us.     Let  us  ask  some  prophet,  priest,  or  prove 
Some  dream-interpreter  (for  dreams  are  often  sent  from  Jove) 
Why  Phcebus  is  so  much  incens'd  ;  if  unperformed  vows 
He  blames  in  us,  or  hecatombs  ;  and  if  these  knees  he  bows  eo 

50  Went — the  second  folio  omits  this  word.     5S  Whitc-arm'd  queen — Juno. 


4  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

To  death  may  yield  his  graves  no  more,  but  offring  all  supply 

Of  savours  burnt  from  lambs  and  goats,  avert  his  fervent  eye, 

And  turn  his  temp'rate,"     Thus,  he  sat ;  and  then  stood  up  to  them 

Calchas,  surnam'd  Thestorides,  of  augurs  the  supreme  ; 

He  knew  things  present,  past,  to  come,  and  rul'd  the  equipnge  65 

Of  th'  Argive  fleet  to  Ilion,  for  his  prophetic  rage 

Giv'n  by  Apollo  ;  who,  well- seen  in  th'  ill  they  felt,  propos'd 

This  to  Achilles  :  "  Jove's  belov'd,  would  thy  charge  see  disclos'd 

The  secret  of  Apollo's  wrath  ?  then  cov'nant  and  take  oath 

To  my  discov'ry,  that,  with  words  and  pow'rful  actions  both,  70 

Thy  strength  will  guard  the  truth  in  me  ;  because  I  well  conceive 

That  he  whose  empire  governs  all,  whom  all  the  Grecians  give 

Confirm'd  obedience,  will  be  mov'd  ;  and  then  you  know  the  state 

Of  him  that  moves  him.     When  a  king  hath  once  mark'd  for  his  hate 

A  man  inferior,  though  that  day  his  wrath  seems  to  digest  75 

Th1  offence  he  takes,  yet  evermore  he  rakes  up  in  his  breast 

Brands  of  quick  anger,  till  revenge  hath  quench'd  to  his  desire 

The  fire  reserved.     Tell  me,  then,  if,  whatsoever  ire 

Suggests  in  hurt  of  me  to  him,  thy  valour  will  prevent  1 " 

Achilles  answer'd  :  "  All  thou  know'st  speak,  and  be  confident ;        so 
For  by  Apollo,  Jove's  belov'd,  (to  whom  performing  vows, 

0  Calchas,  for  the  state  of  Greece,  thy  spirit  prophetic  shows 
Skills  that  direct  us)  not  a  man  of  all  these  Grecians  here, 

1  living,  and  enjoy'ng  the  light  shot  through  this  flow'ry  sphere, 
Shall  touch  thee  with  offensive  hands  ;  though  Agamemnon  be  s» 
The  man  in  question,  that  doth  boast  the  mightiest  empery 

Of  all  our  army."     Then  took  heart  the  prophet  unreprov'd, 

And  said  :  "  They  are  not  unpaid  vows,  nor  hecatombs,  that  mov'd 

66  Rage—i.  e.  power,  a  frequent  use  of  the  word, — the  poetic  inspiration. 
70  Discovery — declaration. 

86  Empery — sovereign  authority  ;— 

"  Ruling  in  large  and  ample  empery 

O'er  France,  and  all  her  almost  kingly  dukedoms." 

SHAKESPEARE.     Hen.  V.  i.  2. 

87  Unrcproved — irreproachable.     See  n.  785. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  5 

The  God  against  us  ;  his  offence  is  for  his  priest  impair'd 

By  Agamemnon,  that  refus'd  the  present  he  preferr'd,  90 

And  kept  his  daughter.     This  is  cause  why  heav'ii's  Far-darter  darts 

These  plagues  amongst  us  ;  and  this  still  will  empty  in  our  hearts 

His  deathful  quiver,  uncontain'd  till  to  her  loved  sire 

The  black-eyed  damsel  be  resign'd  ;  no  redemptory  hire 

Took  for  her  freedom, — not  a  gift,  but  all  the  ransom  quit,  a; 

And  she  convey'd,  with  sacrifice,  till  her  enfranchis'd  feet 

Tread  Chrysa  under ;  then  the  God,  so  pleas'd,  perhaps  we  may 

Move  to  remission."     Thus,  he  sate  ;  and  up,  the  great  in  sway, 

Heroic  Agamemnon  rose,  eagerly  bearing  all ; 

His  mind's  seat  overcast  with,  fumes  ;  an  anger  general  100 

Fill'd  all  his  faculties  ;  his  eyes  sparkled  like  kindling  fire, 

Which,  sternly  cast  upon  the  priest,  thus  vented  he  his  ire  : 

"  Prophet  of  ill  !  for  never  good  came  from  thee  towards  me 

Not  to  a  word's  worth  ;  evermore  thou  took'st  delight  to  be 

Offensive  in  thy  auguries,  which  thou  continu'st  still,  105 

Now  casting  thy  prophetic  gall,  and  vouching  all  our  ill, 

Shot  from  Apollo,  is  impos'd  since  I  refus'd  the  price 

Of  fair  Chryseis'  liberty  ;  which  would  in  no  worth  rise 

To  my  rate  of  herself,  which  moves  my  vows  to  have  her  home, 

Past  Clytemnestra  loving  her,  that  grac'd  my  nuptial  room  no 

With  her  virginity  and  flow'r.     Nor  ask  her  merits  less 

For  person,  disposition,  wit,  and  skill  in  housewif  ries. 

And  yet,  for  all  this,  she  shall  go,  if  more  conducible 

That  course  be  than  her  holding  here.     I  rather  wish  the  weal 

Of  my  lov'd  army  than  the  death.     Provide  yet  instantly  115 

Supply  for  her,  that  I  alone  of  all  our  royalty 

93   Uncontain'd — not  to  be  emptied,  unrestrainable. 

15  Quit — paid.     To  quite,  or  quit,  often  used  in  this  sense  by  Chapman. 
99  Eagerly  bearing  all — treating  all  angrily,  sourly  (from  the  French  aigre). 
"If  thou  think'st  so,  vex  him  with  eager  words." 

SHAKESPEARE.     3  Hen.  VI.  u.  6. 
116  Supply  for  her — compensation  for  her  loss. 


6  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Lose  not  my  winnings.     Tis  not  fit.     Ye  see  all  I  lose  mine 

Forc'd  by  another,  see  as  well  some  other  may  resign 

His  prise  to  me."    To  this  replied  the  swift-foot,  god-like,  son 

Of  Thetis,  thus  :  "  King  of  us  all,  in  all  ambition  120 

Most  covetous  of  all  that  breathe,  why  should  the  great-soul'd  Greeks 

Supply  thy  lost  prise  out  of  theirs  1     Nor  what  thy  av'rice  seeks 

Our  common  treasury  can  find  ;  so  little  it  doth  guard 

Of  what  our  ras'd  towns  yielded  us  ;  of  all  which  most  is  shar'd, 

And  giv'n  our  soldiers  ;  which  again  to  take  into  our  hands  125 

Were  ignominious  and  base.     Now  then,  since  God  commands, 

Part  with  thy  most-lov'd  prise  to  him  ;  not  any  one  of  us 

Exacts  it  of  thee,  yet  we  all,  all  loss  thou  suffer'st  thus, 

Will  treble,  quadruple,  in  gain,  when  Jupiter  bestows 

The  sack  of  well-wall'd  Troy  on  us  ;  which  by  his  word  he  owes."      iso 

"  Do  not  deceive  yourself  with  wit,"  he  answer'd,  "god-like  man, 
Though  your  good  name  may  colour  it ;  'tis  not  your  swift  foot  can 
Outrun  me  here  ;  nor  shall  the  gloss,  set  on  it  with  the  God, 
Persuade  me  to  my  wrong.     Wouldst  thou  maintain  in  sure  abode 
Thine  own  prise,  and  slight  me  of  mine  ]     Resolve  this  :  if  our  friends, 
As  fits  in  equity  my  worth,  will  right  me  with  amends,  135 

So  rest  it ;  otherwise,  myself  will  enter  personally 
On  thy  prise,  that  of  Ithacus,  or  Ajax,  for  supply  ; 
Let  him  on  whom  I  enter  rage.     But  come,  we'll  order  these 
Hereafter,  and  in  other  place.     Now  put  to  sacred  seas  HO 

Our  black  sail ;  in  it  rowers  put,  in  it  fit  sacrifice  ; 
And  to  these  I  will  make  ascend  my  so  much  envied  prise, 

119  prise — booty,  anything  seized.  I  shall  retain  this  orthography  throughout, 
as  more  expressive  of  the  original.  Chapman  uses  prize  elsewhere  when  mean- 
ing value,  price.  Thus,  in  the  continuation  of  Marlowe's  Musseus, — 

"And  five  they  hold  in  most  especial  prize, 

Since  'tis  the  first  odd  number  that  doth  rise 

From  the  two  foremost  numbers'  unity 

That  odd  and  even  are." — Scstyad  V, 

138  Ithacus — Ulysses. 

139  Let  him,  <bc. — i.  e.  though  he  may  rage. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  1 

Bright-cheek'd  Chryseis.     For  conduct  of  all  which,  we  must  choose 

A  chief  out  of  our  counsellors.     Thy  service  we  must  use, 

Idomeneus  ;  Ajax,  thine  ;  or  thine,  wise  Ithacus  ;  145 

Or  thine,  thou  terriblest  of  men,  thou  son  of  Peleus, 

Which  fittest  were,  that  thou  might'st  see  these  holy  acts  perform'd 

For  which  thy  cunning  zeal  so  pleads  ;  and  he,  whose  bow  thus  storm'd 

For  our  offences,  may  be  calm'd."     Achilles,  with  a  frown, 

Thus  answer'd  :  "  0  thou  impudent !  of  no  good  but  thine  own  iso 

Ever  respectful,  but  of  that  with  all  craft  covetous, 

With  what  heart  can  a  man  attempt  a  service  dangerous, 

Or  at  thy  voice  be  spirited  to  fly  upon  a  foe, 

Thy  mind  thus  wretched  ?     For  myself,  I  was  not  injur'd  so 

By  any  Trojan,  that  my  pow'rs  should  bid  them  any  blows  ;  \& 

In  nothing  bear  they  blame  of  me  ;  Phthia,  whose  bosom  flows 

With  corn  and  people,  never  felt  impair  of  her  increase 

By  their  invasion  ;  hills  enow,  and  far-resounding  seas, 

Pour  out  their  shades  and  deeps  between ;  but  thee,  thou  frontless  man, 

We  follow,  and  thy  triumphs  make  with  bonfires  of  our  bane  ;  leo 

Thine,  and  thy  brother's,  vengeance  sought,  thou  dog's  eyes,  of  this  Troy 

By  our  expos'd  lives  ;  whose  deserts  thou  neither  dost  employ 

With  honour  nor  with  care.     And  now,  thou  threat'st  to  force  from  me 

The  fruit  of  my  sweat,  which  the  Greeks  gave  all ;  and  though  it  be, 

Compar'd  with  thy  part,  then  snatch'd  up,  nothing  ;  nor  ever  is  165 

At  any  sack'd  town  ;  but  of  fight,  the  fetcher  in  of  this, 

My  hands  have  most  share  ;  in  whose  toils  when  I  have  emptied  me 

Of  all  my  forces,  my  amends  in  liberality, 

Though  it  be  little,  I  accept,  and  turn  pleas'd  to  my  tent ; 

And  yet  that  little  thou  esteem'st  too  great  va  continent  ITO 

In  thy  incontinent  avarice.     For  Phthia  therefore  now 

My  course  is  ;  since  'tis  better  far,  than  here  t'  endure  that  thou 

155  Bid — threaten,  challenge. 

162  The  second  folio  has  "  your  exposed  lives  ;  "  evidently  an  error  of  the  press. 

164  The  Greeks  gave  all — i.  e.  all  the  Greeks  gave.     See  388. 

i70  Continent — i.  e.  possession.    Continent  incontinent,  a  quibble  of  Chapman's. 


8  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Should'st  still  be  ravishing  my  right,  draw  my  whole  treasure  dry, 
And  add  dishonour."     He  replied  :  "  If  thy  heart  serve  thee,  fly  ; 
Stay  not  for  my  cause  ;  others  here  will  aid  and  honour  me  ;  ITS 

If  not,  yet  Jove  I  know  is  sure  ;  that  counsellor  is  he 
That  I  depend  on.     As  for  thee,  of  all  our  Jove-kept  kings 
Thou  still  art  most  my  enemy  ;  strifes,  battles,  bloody  things, 
Make  thy  blood-feasts  still.     But  if  strength,  that  these  moods  build 

upon, 

Flow  in  thy  nerves,  God  gave  thee  it  ;  and  so  'tis  not  thine  own,         iso 
But  in  his  hands  still.     What  then  lifts  thy  pride  in  this  so  high  1 
Home  with  thy  fleet,  and  Myrmidons  ;  use  there  their  empery  ; 
Command  not  here.     I  weigh  thee  not,  nor  mean  to  magnify 
Thy  rough-hewn  rages,  but,  instead,  I  thus  far  threaten  thee  : 
Since  Phoebus  needs  will  force  from  me  Chryseis,  she  shall  go  ;  iss 

My  ships  and  friends  shall  waft  her  home  ;  but  I  will  imitate  so 
His  pleasure,  that  mine  own  shall  take,  in  person,  from  thy  tent 
Bright-cheek'd  Briseis  ;  and  so  tell  thy  strength  how  eminent 
My  pow'r  is,  being  compar'd  with  thine  ;  all  other  making  fear 
To  vaunt  equality  with  me,  or  in  this  proud  kind  bear  wo 

Their  beards  against  me."     Thetis'  son  at  this  stood  vex'd,  his  heart 
Bristled  his  bosom,  and  two  ways  drew  his  discursive  part  ; 
If,  from  his  thigh  his  sharp  sword  drawn,  he  should  make  room  about 
Atrides'  person,  slaught'riug  him,  or  sit  his  anger  out,  1114 

And  curb  his  spirit.    While  these  thoughts  striv'd  in  his  blood  and  mind, 
And  he  his  sword  drew,  down  from  heav'n  Athenia  stoop'd,  and  shin'd 
About  his  temples,  being  sent  by  th'  ivory-wristed  Queen, 
Saturnia,  who  out  of  her  heart  had  ever  loving  been, 
And  careful  for  the  good  of  both.     She  stood  behind,  and  took 
Achilles  by  the  yellow  curls,  and  only  gave  her  look  200 


174  Fli/  —  the  second  folio  and  Dr.  Taylor,  flee. 

176  Others  —  the  second  folio,  other.         JM  Discursive  part  —  reasoning  power. 
196  Atkenia  —  Minerva.  198  Saturnia  —  Juno. 

200  Only  yave  her  look  to  him  appearance  —  i.  e.  only  made  her  likeness  seen 
by  him. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  9 

To  him  appearance  ;  not  a  man  of  all  the  rest  could  see. 

He  turning  back  his  eye,  amaze  strook  every  faculty  ; 

Yet  straight  he  knew  her  by  her  eyes,  so  terrible  they  were, 

Sparkling  with  ardour,  and  thus  spake  :  "  Thou  seed  of  Jupiter, 

Why  com'st  thou  1  To  behold  his  pride,  that  boasts  our  empery  ?         205 

Then  witness  with  it  my  revenge,  and  see  that  insolence  die 

That  lives  to  wrong  me."     She  replied  :  "  I  come  from  heav'n  to  see 

Thy  anger  settled,  if  thy  soul  will  use  her  sov'reigntyj 

In  fit  reflection.     I  am  sent  from  Juno,  whose  affects 

Stand  heartily  inclin'd  to  both.     Come,  give  us  both  respects,  210 

And  cease  contention  ;  draw  no  sword  ;  use  words,  and  such  as  may 

Be  bitter  to  his  pride,  but  just ;  for,  trust  in  what  I  say, 

A  time  shall  come,  when,  thrice  the  worth  of  that  he  forceth  now, 

He  shall  propose  for  recompense  of  these  wrongs  ;  therefore  throw 

Reins  on  thy  passions,  and  serve  us."    He  answer'd  :  "  Though  my  heart 

Burn  in  just  anger,  yet  my  soul  must  conquer  th'  angry  part,  2ie 

And  yield  you  conquest.     Who  subdues  his  earthly  part  for  heav'n, 

Heav'n  to  his  pray'rs  subdues  his  wish."    This  said,  her  charge  was  given 

Fit  honour ;  in  his  silver  hilt  he  held  his  able  hand,] 

And  forc'd  his  broad  sword  up  ;  and  up  to  heav'n  did  re-ascend          220 

Minerva,  who,  in  Jove's  high  roof  that  bears  the  rough  shield,  took 

Her  place  with  other  deities.     She  gone,  again  forsook 

Patience  his  passion,  and  no  more  his  silence  could  confine' 

His  wrath,  that  this  broad  language  gave  :  "  Thou  ever  steep'd  in  wine, 

Dog's  face,  with  heart  but  of  a  hart,  that  nor  in  th'  open  eye  225 

Of  fight  dar'st  thrust  into  a  prease,  nor  with  our  noblest  lie 

In  secret  ambush  !     These  works  seem  too  full  of  death  for  thee  ; 

'Tis  safer  far  in  th'  open  host  to  dare  an  injury 

To  any  crosser  of  thy  lust.     Thou  subject-eating  king  ! 

Base  spirits  thou  govern'st,  or  this  wrong  had  been  the  last  foul  thing  230 

Thou  ever  author'dst ;  yet  I  vow,  and  by  a  great  oath  swear, 

Ev'n  by  this  sceptre,  that,  as  this  never  again  shall  bear 

209  Affects — affections,  passions.  *26  Prease — press. 

saj  <>  This  simile  Virgil  directly  translates." — CHAPMAN. 


10  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Green  leaves  or  branches,  nor  increase  with  any  growth  his  size, 
Nor  did  since  first  it  left  the  hills,  and  had  his  faculties 
And  ornaments  bereft  with  iron  ;  which  now  to  other  end  235 

Judges  of  Greece  bear,  and  their  laws,  receiv'd  from  Jove,  defend  ; 
(For  which  my  oath  to  thee  is  great)  ;  so,  whensoever  need 
Shall  burn  with  thirst  of  me  thy  host,  no  pray'rs  shall  ever  breed 
Affection  in  me  to  their  aid,  though  well-deserved  woes 
Afflict  thee  for  them,  when  to  death  man-slaught'ring  Hector  throws  249 
Whole  troops  of  them,  and  thou  torment'st  thy  vex'd  mind  with  conceit 
Of  thy  rude  rage  now,  and  his  wrong  that  most  deserv'd  the  right 
Of  all  thy  army."     Thus,  he  threw  his  sceptre  'gainst  the  ground, 
With  golden  studs  stuck,  and  took  seat.     Atrides'  breast  was  drown'd 
In  rising  choler.     Up  to  both  sweet-spoken  Nestor  stood,  245 

The  cunning  Pylian  orator,  whose  tongue  pour'd  forth  a  flood 
Of  more-than-honey-sweet  discourse  ;  two  ages  were  increas'd 
Of  divers-languag'd  men,  all  born  in  his  time  and  deceas'd, 
In  sacred  Pylos,  where  he  reign'd  amongst  the  third-ag'd  men. 
He,  well-seen  in  the  world,  advis'd,  and  thus  express'd  it  then  :  250 

"  0  Gods  !  Our  Greek  earth  will  be  drown'd  in  just  tears  ;  rapeful  Troy, 
Her  king,  and  all  his  sons,  will  make  as  just  a  mock,  and  joy, 
Of  these  disjunctions  ;  if  of  you,  that  all  our  host  excel 
In  counsel  and  in  skill  of  fight,  they  hear  this.     Come,  repel 
These  young  men's  passions.    Y'  are  not  both,  put  both  your  years  in  one, 
So  old  as  I.     I  liv'd  long  since,  and  was  companion  256 

With  men  superior  to  you  both,  who  yet  would  ever  hear 
My  counsels  with  respect.     My  eyes  yet  never  witness  were, 
Nor  ever  will  be,  of  such  men  as  then  delighted  them  ; 
Pirithous,  Exadius,  and  god-like  Polypheme,  260 

Caeneus,  and  Dryas  prince  of  men,  J£gean  Theseus, 
A  man  like  heav'n's  immortals  form'd  ;  all,  all  most  vigorous, 

242  The  second  folio  has  "  this  wrong." 

255  The  second  folio  has  "put  both  you  years."     It  will  not  be  necessary  to 
note  all  the  manifest  errors  that  disfigure  this  second  edition. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  11 

Of  all  men  that  ev'n  those  days  bred  ;  most  vig'rous  men,  and  fought 
With  beasts  most  vig'rous,  mountain  beasts,  (for  men  in  strength  were 

nought 
Match'd  with  their  forces)  fought  with  them,  and  bravely  fought  them 

down  265 

Yet  ev'n  with  these  men  I  convers'd,  being  call'd  to  the  renown 

Of  their  societies,  by  their  suits,  from  Pylos  far,  to  fight 

In  th'  Apian  kingdom  ;  and  I  fought,  to  a  degree  of  might 

That  help'd  ev'n  their  mights,  against  such  as  no  man  now  would  dare 

To  meet  in  conflict  ;  yet  ev'n  these  my  counsels  still  would  hear,        270 

And  with  obedience  crown  my  words.     Give  you  such  palm  to  them  ; 

'Tis  better  than  to  wreath  your  wraths.     Abides,  give  not  stream 

To  all  thy  pow'r,  nor  force  his  prise,  but  yield  her  still  his  own, 

As  all  men  else  do.     Nor  do  thou  encounter  with  thy  crown, 

Great  son  of  Peleus,  since  no  king  that  ever  Jove  allow'd  275 

Grace  of  a  sceptre  equals  him.     Suppose  thy  nerves  endow'd 

With  strength  superior,  and  thy  birth  a  very  goddess  gave, 

Yet  he  of  force  is  mightier,  since  what  his  own  nerves  have 

Is  amplified  with  just  command  of  many  other.     King  of  men, 

Command  thou  then  thyself  ;  and  I  with  my  pray'rs  will  obtain         280 

Grace  of  Achilles  to  subdue  his  fury  ;  whose  parts  are 

Worth  our  intreaty,  being  chief  check  to  all  our  ill  in  war." 

"  All  this,  good  father,"  said  the  king,  "  is  comely  and  good  right  ; 
But  this  man  breaks  all  such  bounds  ;  he  affects,  past  all  men,  height  ; 


268  Apian  —  both  folios  have  Asian,  but  the  original  is  e£  'Airiys  yaiys,  i.  e. 
Peloponnesus.  Chapman  says  "  the  land  of  Apia,"  in  his  first  translation  of 
XII.  Books. 

272  To  wreath  your  wraths  —  to  allow  your  wrath  to  triumph  :  an  allusion  to 
the  wreaths  worn  by  victors.  —  DR.  COOKE  TAYLOR.  The  expression  is  not  in 
the  Greek.  Though  both  folios  read  wreath,  perhaps  wreak  revenge,  might  be 
the  true  word. 

274  Encounter  with  thy  crown  —  enter  into  dispute  with  thy  sovereign. 

279  Amplified.  —  The  second  folio  (which  Dr.  Taylor  follows)  has  "amplied." 
The  metre  would  require  that  the  word  "  many  "  should  be  omitted. 

283  G^od  right  —  right  good,  very  good. 

284  Afticts  heiijht  —  aims  at  superiority  above  all  men. 


12  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

All  would  in  his  pow'r  hold,  all  make  his  subjects,  give  to  all  235 

His  hot  will  for  their  temp'rate  law  ;  all  which  he  never  shall 
Persuade  at  my  hands.     If  the  gods  have  giv'n  him  the  great  style 
Of  ablest  soldier,  made  they  that  his  licence  to  revile 
Men  with  vile  language  ?  "     Thetis'  son  prevented  him,  and  said  : 

"  Fearful  and  vile  I  might  be  thought,  if  the  exactions  laid  200 

By  all  means  on  me  I  should  bear.     Others  command  to  this, 
Thou  shalt  not  me  ;  or  if  thou  dost,  far  my  free  spirit  is 
From  serving  thy  command.     Beside,  this  1  affirm  (afford 
Impression  of  it  in  thy  soul)  I  will  not  use  my  sword 
On  thee  or  any  for  a  wench,  unjustly  though  thou  tak'st  295 

The  thing  thou  gav'st ;  but  all  things  else,  that  in  my  ship  thou  mak'st 
Greedy  survey  of,  do  not  touch  without  my  leave  ;  or  do, — 
Add  that  act's  wrong  to  this,  that  these  may  see  that  outrage  too, — 
And  then  comes  my  part ;  then  be  sure,  thy  blood  upon  my  lance 
Shall  flow  in  vengeance."     These  high  terms  these  two  at  variance      soo 
Us'd  to  each  other  ;  left  their  seats  ;  and  after  them  arose 
The  whole  court.     To  his  tents  and  ships,  with  friends  and  soldiers, 

goes 

Angry  Achilles.     Atreus'  son  the  swift  ship  launch'd,  and  put 
Within  it  twenty  chosen  row'rs,  within  it  likewise  shut 
The  hecatomb  t'  appease  the  God  ;  then  caus'd  to  come  aboard  SM 

Fair-cheek'd  Chryseis  ;  for  the  chief,  he  in  whom  Pallas  pour'd 
Her  store  of  counsels,  Ithacus,  aboard  went  last ;  and  then 
The  moist  ways  of  the  sea  they  sail'd.    And  now  the  king  of  men 
Bade  all  the  host  to  sacrifice.     They  sacrific'd,  and  cast 
The  offal  of  all  to  the  deeps  ;  the  angry  God  they  grac'cl  sio 

With  perfect  hecatombs  ;  some  bulls,  some  goats,  along  the  shore 
Of  the  unfruitful  sea,  inflam'd.     To  heav'n  the  thick  fumes  bore 

586  Their  temp'rate — the  second  folio  and  Dr.  Taylor,  a  temp'rate. 

295  WencJi — originally  meant  a  young  woman  only,  without  the  contemptuous 
familiarity  now  annexed  to  it. — NARES.  See  2  Sam.  xvii.  17.  It  is  still  used 
in  a  good  sense  as  a  provincialism. 

312  Inflam'd — burnt,  set  in  flames. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  13 

Enwrapped  savours.     Tims,  though  all  the  politic  king  made  shew 

Respects  to  heav'n,  yet  he  himself  all  that  time  did  pursue 

His  own  affections  ;  the  late  jar,  in  which  he  thunder'd  threats  si.s 

Against  Achilles,  still  he  fed,  and  his  affections'  heats 

Thus  vented  to  Talthybius,  and  grave  Eurybates, 

Heralds,  and  ministers  of  trust,  to  all  his  messages. 

"  Haste  to  Achilles'  tent  ;  where  take  Briseis'  hand,  and  brin" 

*  '  O 

Her  beauties  to  us.     If  he  fail  to  yield  her,  say  your  king  320 

Will  come  himself,  with  multitudes  that  shall  the  horribler 
Make  both  his  presence,  and  your  charge,  that  so  he  dares  defer." 

This  said,  he  sent  them  with  a  charge  of  hard  condition. 
They  went  unwillingly,  and  trod  the  fruitless  sea's  shore  ;  soon 
They  reach'd  the  navy  and  the  tents,  in  which  the  quarter  lay  325 

Of  all  the  Myrmidons,  and  found  the  chief  Chief  in  their  sway 
Set  at  his  black  bark  in  his  tent.     Nor  was  Achilles  glad 
To  see  their  presence  ;  nor  themselves  in  any  glory  had 
Their  message,  but  with  rev'rence  stood,  and  fear'd  th'  offended  king, 
Ask'd  not  the  dame,  nor  spake  a  word.     He  yet,  well  knowing  the  thing 
That  caus'd  their  coming,  grac'd  them  thus  :  "  Heralds,  ye  men  that 

bear  33i 

The  messages  of  men  and  gods,  y'  are  welcome,  come  ye  near. 
I  nothing  blame  you,  but  your  king  ;  'tis  he  I  know  doth  send 
You  for  Briseis  ;  she  is  his.     Patroclus,  honour'd  friend, 
Bring  forth  the  damsel,  and  these  men  let  lead  her  to  their  lord.          33* 
But,  heralds,  be  you  witnesses,  before  the  most  ador'd, 
Before  us  mortals,  and  before  your  most  ungentle  king, 
Of  what  I  suffer,  that,  if  war  ever  hereafter  bring 
My  aid  in  question,  to  avert  any  severest  bane 

It  brings  on  others,  I  am  'scus'd  to  keep  mine  aid  in  wane,  340 

Since  they  mine  honour.     But  your  king,  in  tempting  mischief,  raves, 
Nor  sees  at  once  by  present  things  the  future  ;  how  like  waves 
Ills  follow  ills ;  injustices  being  never  so  secure 
In  present  times,  but  after-plagues  ev'n  then  are  seen  as  sure  ;  344 


14  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Which  yet  he  sees  not,  and  so  soothes  his  present  lust,  which,  check'd, 

"Would  check  plagues  future  ;  and  he  might,'in  succouring  right,  protect 

Such  as  fight  for  his  right  at  fleet.     They  still  in  safety  fight, 

That  fight  still  justly."    This  speech  us'd,  Patroclus  did  the  rite 

His  friend  commanded,  and  brought  forth  Briseis  from  her  tent, 

Gave  her  the  heralds,  and  away  to  th'  Achive  ships  they  went.  350 

She  sad,  and  scarce  for  grief  could  go.     Her  love  all  friends  forsook, 

And  wept  for  anger.     To  the  shore  of  th'  old  sea  he  betook 

Himself  alone,  and  casting  forth  upon  the  purple  sea 

His  wet  eyes,  and  his  hands  to  heav'n  advancing,  this  sad  plea 

Made  to  his  mother  ;  "  Mother  !  Since  you  brought  me  forth  to  breathe 

So  short  a  life,  Olympius  had  good  right  to  bequeath  sse 

My  short  life  honour  ;  yet  that  right  he  doth  in  no  degree, 

But  lets  Atrides  do  me  shame,  and  force  that  prise  from  me 

That  all  the  Greeks  gave."     This  with  tears  he  utter'd,  and  she  heard, 

Set  with  her  old  sire  in  his  deeps,  and  instantly  appear'd  seo 

Up  from  the  grey  sea  like  a  cloud,  sate  by  his  side,  and  said  : 

"  Why  weeps  my  son  ?  What  grieves  thee  ?  Speak,  conceal  not  what 

hath  laid 

Such  hard  hand  on  thee,  let  both  know."     He,  sighing  like  a  storm, 
Replied:  "  Thou  dost  know.    Why  should  I  thingsjknown  again  inform  ? 
We  march'd  to  Thebes,  the  sacred  town  of  king  Ee'tion,  305 

Sack'd  it,  and  brought  to  fleet  the  spoil,  which  every  valiant  son 
Of  Greece  indifferently  shar'd.     Atrides  had  for  share 
Fair  cheek'd  Chryseis.     After  which,  his  priest  that  shoots  so  far, 
Chryses,  the  fair  Chryseis'  sire,  arriv'd  at  th'  Achive  fleet, 
With  infinite  ransom,  to  redeem  the  dear  imprison'd  feet  sro 

Of  his  fair  daughter.     In  his  hands  he  held  Apollo's  crown, 
And  golden  sceptre  ;  making  suit  to  ev'ry  Grecian  sou, 
But  most  the  sons  of  Atreus,  the  others'  orderers, 
Yet  they  least  heard  him  ;  all  the  rest  receiv'd  with  rev'rend  ears 

351  Her  love — Achilles.  356  Olympius — Jupiter. 

368  His  priest  that  shoots  so  far — the  priest  of  far-darting  Apollo. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  15 

The  motion,  both  the  priest  and  gifts  gracing,  and  holding  -worth        375 
His  wish'd  acceptance.     Atreus'  son  yet  (vex'd)  commanded  forth 
With  rude  terms  Phoebus'  rev'rend  priest ;  who,  angry,  made  retreat, 
And  pray'd  to  Phoebus,  in  whose  grace  he  standing  passing  great 
Got  his  petition.     The  God  an  ill  shaft  sent  abroad 
That  tumbled  down  the  Greeks  in  heaps.     The  host  had  no  abode       sso 
That  was  not  visited.     "We  ask'd  a  prophet  that  well  knew 
The  cause  of  all ;  and  from  his  lips  Apollo's  prophecies  flew, 
Telling  his  anger.     First  myself  exhorted  to  appease 
The  anger'd  God  ;  which  Atreus'  son  did  at  the  heart  displease, 
And  up  he  stood,  us'd  threats,  perform'd.     The  black-eyed  Greeks  sent 
home  386 

Chryseis  to  her  sire,  and  gave  his  God  a  hecatomb. 
Then,  for  Briseis,  to  my  tents  Atrides'  heralds  came, 
And  took  her  that  the  Greeks  gave  all.     If  then  thy  pow'rs  can  frame 
Wreak  for  thy  son,  afford  it.     Scale  Olympus,  and  implore 
Jove  (if  by  either  word,  or  fact,  thou  ever  didst  restore  390 

Joy  to  his  griev'd  heart)  now  to  help.     I  oft  have  heard  thee  vaunt, 
In  court  of  Peleus,  that  alone  thy  hand  was  conversant. 
In  rescue  from  a  cruel  spoil  the  black-cloud-gath'ring  Jove, 
Whom  other  Godheads  would  have  bound  (the  Pow'r  whose  pace  doth  move 
The  round  earth,  heav'n's  great  Queen,  and  Pallas)  ;  to  whose  bands 
Thou  cam'st  with  rescue,  bringing  up  him  with  the  hundred  hands     SPG 
To  great  Olympus,  whom  the  Gods  call  Briareus,  men 
JEgseon,  who  his  sire  surpass'd,  and  was  as  strong  again, ' 
And  in  that  grace  sat  glad  by  Jove.     Th'  immortals  stood  dismay 'd 
At  his  ascension,  and  gave  free  passage  to  his  aid.  400 

Of  all  this  tell  Jove  ;  kneel  to  him,  embrace  his  knee,  and  pray, 
If  Troy's  aid  he  will  ever  deign,  that  now  their  forces  may 

6  His  wish'd  acceptance— that  which  he  wished  to  be  accepted. 

'   Wreak — revenge.     A  frequent  word  in  Elizabethan  writers. 
391  Spoil — injury. 
394  Neptune,  Juno,  Minerva. 


16  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Beat  home  the  Greeks  to  fleet  and  sea  ;  embruing  their  retreat 
In  slaughter;  their  pains  pay'ng  the  wreak  of  their  proud  sov'reign's  heaf ; 
And  that  far-ruling  king  may  know,  from  his  poor  soldier's  harms      405 
His  own  harm  falls  ;  his  own  and  all  in  mine,  his  best  in  arms." 

Her  answer  she  pour'd  out  in  tears  :  "  0  me,  my  son,"  said  she, 
"  Why  brought  I  up  thy  being  at  all,  that  brought  thee  forth  to  be 
Sad  subject  of  so  hard  a  fate  ?     0  would  to  heav'n,  that  since 
Thy  fate  is  little,  and  not  long,  thou  might'st  without  offence  410 

And  tears  perform  it !     But  to  live,  thrall  to  so  stern  a  fate 
As  grants  thee  least  life,  and  that  least  so  most  unfortunate, 
Grieves  me  t'  have  giv'u  thee  any  life.     But  what  thou  wishest  now, 
If  Jove  will  grant,  I'll  up  and  ask  ;  Olympus  crown'd  with  snow 
I'll  climb  ;  but  sit  thou  fast  at  fleet,  renounce  all  war,  and  feed  415 

Thy  heart  with  wrath,  and  hope  of  wreak;  till  which  come,  thou  shalt  need 
A  little  patience.     Jupiter  went  yesterday  to  feast 
Amongst  the  blameless  ^Ethiops,  in  th'  ocean's  deepen'd  breast, 
All  Gods  attending  him  ;  the  twelfth,  high  heav'n  again  he  sees, 
And  then  his  brass-pav'd  court  I'll  scale,  cling  to  his  pow'rful  knees,  420 
And  doubt  not  but  to  win  thy  wish."     Thus,  made  she  her  remove, 
And  left  wrath  tyring  on  her  son,  for  his  enforced  love. 

Ulysses,  with  the  hecatomb,  arriv'd  at  Chrysa's  shore  ; 
And  when  amidst  the  hav'n's  deep  mouth,  they  came  to  use  the  oar, 
They  straight  strook  sail,  then  roll'd  them  up,  and  on  the  hatches 

threw ;  425 

The  top-mast  to  the  kelsine  then,  with  halyards  down  they  drew  ; 
Then  brought  the  ship  to  port  with  oars  ;  then  forked  anchor  cast ; 
And,  'gainst  the  violence  of  storm,  for  drifting  made  her  fast. 

All  come  ashore,  they  all  expos'd  the  holy  hecatomb 
To  angry  Phojbus,  and,  with  it,  Chryseis  welcom'd  home  ;  430 

4J2  fyring — a  term  in  falconry ;  from  tirer  (French),  to  drag  or  pull.  The 
hawk  was  said  to  tire  on  her  prey,  when  it  was  thrown  at  her,  and  she  began  to 
pull  at  it  and  tear  it.  Hence,  metaphorically,  for  being  engaged  caycrlyon  any 
thinfj.  Shakespeare  thus  uses  it ;  Cymb.  in.  4,  Tim.  of  Athens,  in.  6. — NARES. 

422  por  fas  enforced  love — for  Briseis  forced  from  him. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  17 

Whom  to  her  sire,  wise  Ithacus,  that  did  at  th'  altar  stand, 

For  honour  led,  and,  spoken  thus,  resign'd  her  to  his  hand  : 

"  Chryses,  the  mighty  king  of  men ,  great  Agamemnon,  sends 

Thy  lov'd  seed  by  my  hands  to  thine  ;  and  to  thy  God  commends 

A  hecatomb,  which  my  charge  is  to  sacrifice,  and  seek  435 

Our  much-sigh-mix'd  woe  his  recure,  invok'd  by  ev'ry  Greek." 

Thus  he  resign'd  her,  and  her  sire  receiv'd  her  highly  joy'd. 
About  the  well-built  altar,  then,  they  orderly  employ'd 
The  sacred  ofFring,  wash'd  their  hands,  took  salt  cakes  ;  and  the  priest, 
"With  hands  held  up  toheav'n,  thuspray'd  :  "0  thou  that  all  things  seest, 
Fautour  of  Chrysa,  whose  fair  hand  doth  guardfully  dispose  441 

Celestial  Cilia,  governing  in  all  pow'r  Tenedos, 
O  hear  thy  priest,  and  as  thy  hand,  in  free  grace  to  my  pray'rs, 
Shot  fervent  plague-shafts  through  the  Greeks,  now  hearten  their  affairs 
With  health  renew'd,  and  quite  remove  th'  infection  from  their  blood."  445 

He  pray'd  ;  and  to  his  pray'rs  again  the  God  propitious  stood. 
All,  after  pray'r,  cast  on  salt  cakes,  drew  back,  kill'd,  flay'd  the  beeves, 
Cut  out  and  dubb'd  with  fat  their  thighs,  fair  dress'd  with  doubled  leaves, 
And  on  them  all  the  sweetbreads  prick'd.  The  priest,  with  small  sere  wood, 
Did  sacrifice,  pour'd  on  red  wine  ;  by  whom  the  young  men  stood,      450 
And  turu'd,  in  five  ranks,  spits  ;  on  which  (the  legs  enough)  they  eat 
The  inwards  ;  then  in  giggots  cut  the  other  fit  for  meat, 
And  put  to  fire  ;  which,  roasted  well  they  drew.     The  labour  done, 
They  serv'd  the  feast  in,  that  fed  all  to  satisfaction. 

Desire  of  meat  and  wine  thus  quench'd,  the  youths  crown'd  cups  of  wine 
Drunk  off,  and  fill'd  again  to  all.     That  day  was  held  divine,  456 

433  Spoken  thus. — The  second  folio  has  "  speaking  thus." 
436  Recure — cure.  His  refers  to  cure — our  woe's  recure. 
441  Fautoui — (Lat.)  aider,  favourer. 

448  Dubb'd. — From  the  French  dauber.  We  use  the  word  dabbed  on  now  in  the 
same  sense.   Halliwell,  in  his  Archaic  Diet.,  quotes  "  Morte  Arthure,  MS.  Line. 

foo  .       » 
•  oo  ; — 

"  His  dyademe  was  droppede  downe 

Dubbyde  with  stonys.  " 
1(52  Giggots — quarters  ;  from  French  yigot. 
VOL.  I.  B 


18  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

And  spent  in  paeans  to  the  Sun,  who  heard  with  pleased  ear  ; 
When  whose  bright  chariot  stoop'd  to  sea,  and  twilight  hid  the  clear, 
All  soundly  on  their  cables  slept,  ev'n  till  the  night  was  worn. 
And  when  the  lady  of  the  light,  the  rosy-finger 'd  Morn,  460 

Rose  from  the  hills,  all  fresh  arose,  and  to  the  camp  retir'd. 
Apollo  with  a  fore-right  wind  their  swelling  bark  inspir'd. 
The  top-mast  hoisted,  milk-white  sails  on  his  round  breast  they  put, 
The  mizens  strooted  with  the  gale,  the  ship  her  course  did  cut 
So  swiftly  that  the  parted  waves  against  her  ribs  did  roar ;  465 

Which,  coming  to  the  camp,  they  drew  aloft  the  sandy  shore, 
Where,  laid  on  stocks,  each  soldier  kept  his  quarter  as  before. 
But  Peleus'  son,  swift-foot  Achilles,  at  his  swift  ships  sate, 
Burning  in  wrath,  nor  ever  came  to  councils  of  estate 
That  make  men  honour'd,  never  trod  the  fierce  embattled  field,  470 

But  kept  close,  and  his  lov'd  heart  pin'd,  what  fight  and  cries  could  yield 
Thirsting  at  all  parts  to  the  host.     And  now,  since  first  he  told 
His  wrongs  to  Thetis,  twelve  fair  morns  their  ensigns  did  unfold, 
And  then  the  ever-living  gods  mounted  Olympus,  Jove 
First  in  ascension.     Thetis  then,  remember'd  well  to  move  475 

Achilles'  motion,  rose  from  sea,  and,  by  the  morn's  first  light, 
The  great  heav'n  and  Olympus  climb'd  ;  where,  in  supremest  height 
Of  all  that  many-headed  hill,  she  saw  the  far-seen  son 
Of  Saturn,  set  from  all  the  rest,  in  his  free  seat  alone. 
Before  whom,  on  her  own  knees  fall'n,  the  knees  of  Jupiter  450 

Her  left  hand  held,  her  right  his  chin,  and  thus  she  did  prefer 
Her  son's  petition  :  "  Father  Jove  !  If  ever  I  have  stood 
Aidful  to  thee  in  word  or  work,  with  this  implored  good 


464  Strooted — swelled  out.  Halliwell  spells  it  strout,  which  he  says  is  still  in  use. 
466  Aloft — high  up  on. 

471  <<  Eagerly  desirous  of  what  fight  and  cries  could  yield  at  all  parts  of  the 
host.     The  Greek  is  more  simple  :  '  He  ardently  desired  shout  and  war.' ' 

DE.  COOKE  TAYLOR. 
476  The  second  folio  reads  "  rose  from  the  sea." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  19 

Requite  my  aid,  renown  my  son,  since  in  so  short  a  race 

(Past  others)  thou  confin'st  his  life.     An  insolent  disgrace  485 

Is  done  him  by  the  king  of  men  ;  he  forc'd  from  him  a  prise 

"Won  with  his  sword.     But  thou,  0  Jove,  that  art  most  strong,  most  wise, 

Honour  my  son  for  my  sake  ;  add  strength  to  the  Trojans'  side 

By  his  side's  weakness  in  his  want ;  and  see  Troy  amplified 

In  conquest,  so  much,  and  so  long,  till  Greece  may  give  again  490 

The  glory  reft  him,  and  the  more  illustrate  the  free  reign 

Of  his  wrong'd  honour."     Jove  at  this  sate  silent ;  not  a  word 

In  long  space  pass'd  him.     Thetis  still  hung  on  his  knee,  implor'd 

The  second  time  his  help,  and  said  :  "  Grant,  or  deny  my  suit, 

Be  free  in  what  thou  dost ;  I  know,  thou  canst  not  sit  thus  mute        495 

For  fear  of  any  ;  speak,  deny,  that  so  I  may  be  sure, 

Of  all  heav'n's  Goddesses  'tis  I,  that  only  must  endure 

Dishonour  by  thee."     Jupiter,  the  great  cloud-gath'rer,  griev'd 

With  thought  of  what  a  world  of  griefs  this  suit  ask'd,  being  achiev'd, 

Swell'd,  sigh'd,  and  answer'd  :  "  Works  of  death  thou  urgest.     0,  at  this 

Juno  will  storm,  and  all  my  pow'rs  inflame  with  contumelies.  501 

Ever  she  wrangles,  charging  me  in  ear  of  all  the  Gods 

That  I  am  partial  still,  that  I  add  the  displeasing  odds 

Of  my  aid  to  the  Ilians.     Begone  then,  lest  she  see  ; 

Leave  thy  request  to  my  care  ;  yet,  that  trust  may  hearten  thee  505 

With  thy  desire's  grant,  and  my  pow'r  to  give  it  act  approve 

How  vain  her  strife  is,  to  thy  pray'r  my  eminent  head  shall  move ; 

Which  is  the  great  sign  of  my  will  with  all  th'  immortal  states  ; 

Irrevocable  ;  never  fails  ;  never  without  the  rates 

Of  all  pow'rs  else  ;  when  my  head  bows,  all  heads  bow  with  it  still     sio 

As  their  first  mover  ;  and  gives  pow'r  to  any  work  I  will." 

He  said  ;  and  his  black  eyebrows  bent ;  above  his  deathless  head 
Th'  ambrosian  curls  flow'd  ;  great  heav'n  shook  :  and  both  were  severed, 
Their  counsels  broken.     To  the  depth  of  Neptune's  kingdom  div'd 
Thetis  from  heav'n's  height ;  Jove  arose ;  and  all  the  Gods  receiv'd     515 

509  Rates — ratifications. 


20  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

(A    rising  from  their  thrones)  their  Sire,  attending  to  his  court. 

None  sate  when  he  rose,  none  delay'cl  the  furnishing  his  port 

Till  he  came  near ;  all  met  with  him,  and  brought  him  to  his  throne. 

Nor  sate  great  Juno  ignorant,  when  she  beheld  alone 
Old  Nereus'  silver-footed  seed  with  Jove,  that  she  had  brought  520 

Counsels  to  heav'n  ;    and  straight  her  tongue  had  teeth  in  it,  that 

wrought 

This  sharp  invective  :  "  Who  was  that  (thou  craftiest  counsellor 
Of  all  the  Gods)  that  so  apart  some  secret  did  implore  I 
Ever,  apart  from  me,  thou  loVst  to  counsel  and  decree 
Things  of  more  close  trust  than  thou  think'st  are  fit  t'  impart  to  me. 
Whatever  thou  determin'st,  I  must  ever  be  denied  520 

The  knowledge  of  it  by  thy  will."     To  her  speech  thus  replied 
The  Father  both  of  men  and  Gods  :  "  Have  never  hope  to  know 
My  whole  intentions,  though  my  wife  ;  it  fits  not,  nor  would  show 
Well  to  thine  own  thoughts  ;  but  what  fits  thy  woman's  ear  to  hear,   530 
Woman,  nor  man,  nor  God,  shall  know  before  it  grace  thine  ear. 
Yet  what,  apart  from  men  and  Gods,  I  please  to  know,  forbear 
T'  examine,  or  inquire  of  that."     She  with  the  cow's  fair  eyes, 
Respected  Juno,  this  return'd  :  "  Austere  king  of  the  skies, 
What  hast  thou  utter'd  ?     When  did  I  before  this  time  inquire,  535 

Or  sift  thy  counsels  1     Passing  close  you  are  still.     Your  desire 
Is  serv'd  with  such  care,  that  I  fear  you  can  scarce  vouch  the  deed 
That  makes  it  public,  being  seduc'cl  by  this  old  sea-god's  seed, 
That  could  so  early  use  her  knees,  embracing  thine.     I  doubt, 
The  late  act  of  thy  bowed  head  was  for  the  working  out  540 

Of  some  boon  she  ask'd  ;  that  her  son  thy  partial  hand  would  please 
With  plaguing  others."     "  Wretch  ! "  said  he,  "  thy  subtle  jealousies 


517  purnlshing  his  port — assuming  a  proper  deportment. 

5-°  Nereus'  silvcr-fooded  seed — Thetis. 

533  With  the  cow's  fair  eyes — Chapman  has  retained  the  original  meaning  of 
the  word  /3otD7m,  and,  I  think,  rightly.  Oxen  have  beautiful  eyes  irrespective 
of  their  magnitude.  In  Bk.  vn.  10,  he  translates  it  "that  had  her  eyes  so  clear." 


[OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  21 

Are  still  exploring  ;  my  designs  can  never  'scape  thine  eye, 

Which  yet  thou  never  canst  prevent.     Thy  curiosity 

Makes  thee  less  car'd  for  at  my  hands,  and  horrible  the  end  545 

Shall  make  thy  humour.     If  it  be  what  thy  suspects  intend, 

What  then  1    'Tis  my  free  will  it  should ;  to  which  let  way  be  giv'n 

With  silence.     Curb  your  tongue  in  time  ;  lest  all  the  Gods  in  heav'n 

Too  few  be  and  too  weak  to  help  thy  punish'd  insolence, 

When  my  inaccessible  hands  shall  fall  on  thee."     The  sense  550 

Of  this  high  threat'ning  made  her  fear,  and  silent  she  sate  clown, 

Humbling  her  great  heart.     All  the  Gods  in  court  of  Jove  did  frown 

At  this  offence  giv'n  ;  amongst  whom  heav'n's  famous  artizan, 

Ephaistus,  in  his  mother's  care,  this  comely  speech  began  : 

"  Believe  it,  these  words  will  breed  wounds,  beyond  our  pow'rs  to  bear, 
If  thus  for  mortals  ye  fall  out.     Ye  make  a  tumult  here  5:.e 

That  spoils  our  banquet.     Evermore  worst  matters  put  down  best. 
But,  mother,  though  yourself  be  wise,  yet  let  your  son  request 
His  wisdom  audience.     Give  good  terms  to  our  lov'd  father  Jove, 
For  fear  he  take  offence  again,  and  our  kiud  banquet  prove  soo 

A  wrathful  battle.     If  he  will,  the  heav'nly  Light'ner  can 
Take  you  and  toss  you  from  your  throne  ;  his  pow'r  Olympian 
Is  so  surpassing.     Soften  then  with  gentle  speech  his  spleen, 
And  drink  to  him  ;  I  know  his  heart  will  quickly  down  again." 

This  said,  arising  from  his  throne,  in  his  lov'd  mother's  hand  sos 

He  put  the  double-handed  cup,  and  said  :  "  Come,  do  not  stand ; 
On  these  cross  humours,  suffer,  bear,  though  your  great  bosom  grieve, 
And  lest  blows  force  you  ;  all  my  aid  not  able  to  relieve 
Your  hard  condition,  though  these  eyes  behold  it,  and  this  heart 
Sorrow  to  think  it.     'Tis  a  task  too  dang'rous  to  take  part  570 


543  Still  exploring — ever  prying.  534  Ephaistus — Vulcan. 

559   Wisdom  audience — i.  e.  a  hearing  for  his  wisdom. 

566  Double-handed — so  reads  the  second  folio ;  in  the  first  it  was  "  doiible- 
handled."  The  Seiras  afj.rf>iKVTT€\\ov,  however,  was  not  a  cup  with  two  handles, 
but  which  was  held  in  the  middle  with  a  cup  at  each  end. 


22  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

Against  Olympius.     I  myself  the  proof  of  this  still  feel. 

When  other  Gods  would  fain  have  help'd,  he  took  me  by  the  heel, 

And  hurl'd  me  out  of  heav'ii.     All  day  I  was  in  falling  down  ; 

At  length  in  Lemnos  I  strook  earth.     The  likewise-falling  sun 

And  I,  together,  set ;  my  life  almost  set  too  ;  yet  there  57* 

The  Sintii  cheer'd  and  took  me  up."     This  did  to  laughter  cheer 

White- wristed  Juno,  who  now  took  the  cup  of  him,  and  smil'd. 

The  sweet  peace-making  draught  went  round,  and  lame  Ephaistus  fill'd 

Nectar  to  all  the  other  Gods.     A  laughter  never  left 

Shook  all  the  blessed  deities,  to  see  the  lame  so  deft  530 

At  that  cup  service.     All  that  day,  ev'n  till  the  sun  went  down, 

They  banqueted,  and  had  such  cheer  as  did  their  wishes  crown. 

Nor  had  they  music  less  divine  ;  Apollo  there  did  touch 

His  most  sweet  harp,  to  which,  with  voice,  the  Muses  pleas'd  as  much. 

But  when  the  sun's  fair  light  was  set,  each  Godhead  to  his  house        535 

Address'd  for  sleep,  where  every  one,  with  art  most  curious, 

By  heav'n's  great  both-foot-halting  God  a  sev'ral  roof  had  built. 

Ev'n  he  to  sleep  went,  by  whose  hand  heav'n  is  with  lightning  gilt, 

High  Jove,  where  he  had  us'd  to  rest  when  sweet  sleep  seiz'd  his  eyes  ; 

By  him  the  golden-thron'd  Queen  slept,  the  Queen  of  deities.  sao 

580  Deft — dexterous,  neat. 

587  Great  botk-foot-kalting  God — Vulcan 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  23 


COMMENTAEIUS. 

'INGE  I  dissent  from  all  other  translators,  and  interpreters,  that 
ever  assayed  exposition  of  this  miraculouspoem,  especially  where 
the  divine  rapture  is  most  exempt  from  capacity  in  grammarians 
merely,  and  grammatical  critics,  and  where  the  inward  sense  or  soul  of  the 
sacred  muse  is  only  within  eye-shot  of  a  poetical  spirit's  inspection  (lest 
I  be  prejudiced  with  opinion,  to  dissent,  of  ignorance,  or  singularity)  I 
am  bound,  by  this  brief  comment,  to  show  I  understand  how  all  other 
extants  understand  ;  my  reasons  why  I  reject  them  ;  and  how  I  receive 
my  author.  In  which  labour,  if,  where  all  others  find  discords  and 
dissonances,  I  prove  him  entirely  harmonious  and  proportionate  ;  if, 
where  they  often  alter  and  fly  his  original,  I  at  all  parts  stand  fast,  and 
observe  it ;  if,  where  they  mix  their  most  pitiful  castigations  with  his 
praises,  I  render  him  without  touch,  and  beyond  admiration,  (though 
truth  in  her  very  nakedness  sits  in  so  deep  a  pit,  that  from  Gades  to 
Aurora,  and  Ganges,  few  eyes  can  sound  her)  I  hope  yet  those  few  here 
will  so  discover  and  confirm  her,  that,  the  date  being  out  of  her  darkness 
in  this  morning  of  our  Homer,  he  shall  now  gird  his  temples  with  the 
sun,  and  be  confessed  (against  his  good  friend)  nunquam  dormitare. 
But  how  all  translators,  censors,  or  interpreters,  have  slept,  and  been 
dead  to  his  true  understanding,  I  hope  it  will  neither  cast  shadow  of 
arrogance  in  me  to  affirm,  nor  of  difficulty  in  you  to  believe,  if  you  please 
to  suspend  censure,  and  diminution,  till  your  impartial  conference  of  their 
pains  and  mine  be  admitted.  For  induction  and  preparative  to  which 
patience,  and  persuasion,  trouble  yourselves  but  to  know  this.  This 
never-enough-glorified  poet  (to  vary  and  quicken  his  eternal  poem) 
hath  inspired  his  chief  persons  with  different  spirits,  most  ingenious  and 


24  THE  FIRST  BOOK 

inimitable  characters,  which  not  understood,  how  are  their  speeches, 
being  one  by  another  as  conveniently  and  necessarily  known  as  the 
instrument  by  the  sound  1  If  a  translator  or  interpreter  of  a  ridiculous 
and  cowardly-described  person  (being  deceived  in  his  character)  so 
violates,  and  vitiates,  the  original,  to  make  his  speech  grave,  and  him 
valiant ;  can  the  negligence  and  numbness  of  such  an  interpreter  or 
translator  be  less  than  the  sleep  and  death  I  am  bold  to  sprinkle  upon 
him  ?  Or  could  I  do  less  than  affirm  and  enforce  this,  being  so  happily 
discovered  ?  This,  therefore  (in  his  due  place)  approved  and  explained, 
let  me  hope  my  other  assumpts  will  prove  as  conspicuous. 

This  first  and  second  book  I  have  wholly  translated  again  ;  the 
seventh,  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth,  books  deferring  still  imperfect,  being 
all  Englished  so  long  since,  and  my  late  hand  (overcome  with  labour) 
not  yet  rested  enough  to  refine  them.  Nor  are  the  wealthy  veins  of 
this  holy  ground  so  amply  discovered  in  my  first  twelve  labours  as  my 
last ;  not  having  competent  time,  nor  my  profit  in  his  mysteries  being 
so  ample,  as  when  driving  through  his  thirteenth  and  last  books,  I  drew 
the  main  depth,  and  saw  the  round  coming  off  this  silver  bow  of  our 
Phoebus  ;  the  clear  scope  and  contexture  of  his  work ;  the  full  and  most 
beautiful  figures  of  his  persons.  To  those  last  twelve,  then,  I  must 
refer  you,  for  all  the  chief  worth  of  my  clear  discoveries  ;  and  in  the 
mean  space  I  entreat  your  acceptance  of  some  few  new  touches  in  the 
first.  Not  perplexing  you  in  first  or  last  with  anything  handled  in  any 
other  interpreter,  further  than  I  must  conscionably  make  congression 
with  such  as  have  diminished,  mangled,  and  maimed,  my  most  worthily 
most  tendered  author. 

3.  'Aidi  fpoia-^ev.  di'dq;  (being  compounded  ex  d  privativa,  and  s'/du, 
video)  signifies    locus   tenebricosus,   or,   according    to   Virgil,   sine   luce 
domusj  and  therefore  (different  from  others)  I  so  convert  it. 

4.  Kuv£<r<r/n,  otuvoTff!  re  'Trust  (A/6j,  &c.)  is  the  vulgar  reading,  which 
I  read  xvvsaaiv  wuvofifi  re  (vast  A/o;  fie  n\siiro  |8ouX,j)),  because  xaat 
referred  to  xvviaaiv,  &c.,  is  redundant  and  idle ;  to  the  miseries  of  the 
Greeks  by  Jove's  counsel,  grave,  and  sententious. 


OF   HOMER'S  ILIADS.  25 

5.  'E£  ou  bri  TO.  Kgura,  &c.,  ex  quo  quidem  primum  :  'E£  o5  <5^  ra 
veura}  &c.,  ex  2«o.  Here  our  common  readers  would  have  tempore 
understood,  because  /SouX?}  (to  which  they  think  the  poet  must  otherwise 
have  reference)  is  the  feminine  gender.  But  Homer  understands 
Jove  ;  as  in  Tau,  verse  273,  he  expounds  himself  in  these  words  : 
a'XXa  <sodi  Z=:)j,  &c.,  which  Pindarus  Thebanus,  in  his  epitome  of  these 
Iliad?,  rightly  observes  in  these  verses  :  — 

"  Conficiebat  enim  summi  sententia  Regis,' 
Ex  quo  contulerant  discordi  pectore  pugnas 
Sceptriger  Atrides,  et  bello  clarus  Achilles." 


21.  'EffsupJjjtMjtfai'  'A^a/oi,  comprobdrunt  Greed  all  others  turn  it  ; 
but  since  sirsvpqfLsu  signifies  properly,  fausta  acclamatione  do  significa- 
tionem  approbation™,  I  therefore  accordingly  convert  it,  because  the 
other  intimates  a  comprobation  of  all  the  Greeks  by  word,  which  was 
not  so,  but  only  by  inarticulate  acclamations  or  shouts. 

37.  'A,&(£//3£/3?3x,a£'  a,uj27/3£,3aw*  signifies  properly  circumambulo,  and 
only  nietaphorice  protego,  or  tueor,  as  it  is  always  in  this  place  trans- 
lated ;  which  suffers  alteration  with  me,  since  our  usual  phrase  of 
walking  the  round  in  towns  of  garrison,  for  the  defence  of  it,  fits  so 
well  the  property  of  the  original. 

19T.  Ilfo  yao  9j/cs  did  \e\neuX6vos  "H^.  Prcemiserat  enim  Dea  alba 
ulnis  Juno.  Why  Juno  should  send  Pallas  is  a  thing  not  noted  by 
any  ;  I  therefore  answer,  because  Juno  is  Goddess  of  state.  The  alle- 
gory, therefore,  in  the  prosopopoeia  both  of  Juno  and  Pallas,  is,  that 
Achilles,  for  respect  to  the  state  there  present,  the  rather  used  that 
discretion  and  restraint  of  his  anger.  So  in  divers  other  places,  when 
state  is  represented,  Juno  procures  it  ;  as  in  the  eighteenth  book,  for 
the  state  of  Patroclus's  fetching  off,  Juno  commands  the  sun  to  go 
down  before  his  time,  &c. 

sec.  n£ig  tpdro  dcx.-/iov^suv  :  sic  dixit  lachrymans,  &c.  These  tears 
are  called,  by  our  commentators,  unworthy,  and  fitter  for  children  or 
women  than  such  a  hero  as  Achilles  ;  and  therefore  Plato  is  cited  in  iii. 

*  Chapman  meant  dftfapdu,  the  obsolete,  or  radical,  form  of  a^ifiaivu.  ^ 


26  THE  FIRST  BOOK 


de  Rep-iib.  where  he  saith,  'O*Quj;  a^a,  &c.  Merita  igitur  clarorum 
virorum  ploratus  £  medio  tolleremus,  &c.  To  answer  which,  "  and 
justify  the  fitness  of  tears  generally  (as  they  may  be  occasioned)  in  the 
greatest  and  most  renowned  men  (omitting  examples  of  Virgil's  ^Eneas, 
Alexander  the  Great,  &c.,)  I  oppose  against  Plato,  only  one  precedent 
of  great  and  most  perfect  humanity  (to  Whom  infinitely  above  all  other 
we  must  prostrate  our  imitations)  that  shed  tears,  viz.,  our  All-perfect 
and  Almighty  Saviour,  Who  wept  for  Lazarus.  This  then,  leaving  the 
fitness  of  great  men's  tears,  generally,  utterly  unanswerable,  these  par- 
ticular tears  of  iinvented  anger  in  Achilles  are  in  him  most  natural  ; 
tears  being  the  highest  effects  of  greatest  and  most  fiery  spirits,  either 
when  their  abilities  cannot  perform  to  their  wills,  or  that  they  are  re- 
strained of  revenge,  being  injured  ;  out  of  other  considerations,  as  now 
the  consideration  of  the  state  and  gravity  of  the  counsel  and  public 
good  of  the  army-curbed  Achilles.  Who  can  deny  that  there  are  tears 
of  manliness  and  magnanimity,  as  well  as  womanish  and  pusillanimous  ? 
So  Diomed  wept  for  curst  heart,  when  Apollo  struck  his  scourge  from 
him,  and  hindered  his  horse-race,  having  been  warned  by  Pallas 
before  not  to  resist  the  deities  ;  and  so  his  great  spirits  being  curbed  of 
revenge  for  the  wrong  he  received  then.  So  when  not-enough-vented 
anger  was  not  to  be  expressed  enough  by  that  tear-starting  affection  in 
courageous  and  fierce  men,  our  most  accomplished  expressor  helps  the 
illustration  in  a  simile  of  his  fervour,  in  most  fervent-spirited  fowls, 
resembling  the  wrathful  fight  of  Sarpedon  and  Patroclus  to  two  vul- 
tures fighting,  and  crying  on  a  rock  ;  which  thus  I  have  afterwards 
Englished,  and  here  for  example  inserted  :  — 

"  Down  jump'd  he  from  his  chariot  ;  down  leap'd  his  foe  as  light  ; 
And  as,  on  some  far-seeing  rock,  a  cast  of  vultures  fight, 
Fly  on  each  other,  strike,  and  truss,  part,  meet,  and  then  btick  by, 
Tug  both  with  crooked  beaks  and  seres,  cry,  fight,  and  fight,  and  cry. 
So  fiercely  fought  these  angry  kings,  &c." 

Wherein  you  see  that  crying  in  these  eagerly-fought  fowls  (which  is 
like  tears  in  angry  men)  is  so  far  from  softness  or  faintness,  that  to  the 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  27 

superlative  of  hardiness  and  courage  it  expresseth  both.  Nor  must  we 
be  so  gross  to  imagine  that  Homer  made  Achilles  or  Diomed  blubber, 
or  sob,  &c.,  but,  in  the  very  point  and  sting  of  their  unvented  anger, 
shed  a  few  violent  and  seething-over  tears.  What  ass-like  impudence 
is  it  then  for  any  merely  vain-glorious  and  self-loving  puff,  that  every- 
where may  read  these  inimitable  touches  of  our  Homer's  mastery, 
anywhere  to  oppose  his  arrogant  and  ignorant  castigatious  when  he 
should  rather  (with  his  much  better  understander  Spondanus)  submit 
where  he  oversees  him  faulty,  and  say  thus ;  "  Quia  tu  tamen  hoc 
voluisti,  sacrosanctse  tua3  authoritati  per  me  nihil  detrahetur." 


THE   END   OF   THE   FIRST   BOOS 


THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

JOVE  calls  a  vision  up  from  Somnus'  den 

To  bid  Atrides  muster  up  his  men. 

The  King,  to  Greeks  dissembling  his  desire, 

Persuades  them  to  their  country  to  retire. 

By  Pallas'  will,  Ulysses  stays  their  flight ; 

And  wise  old  Nestor  heartens  them  to  fight. 

They  take  their  meat ;  which  done,  to  arms  they  go, 

And  march  in  good  array  against  the  foe. 

So  those  of  Troy  ;  when  Iris,  from  the  sky, 

Of  Saturn's  son  performs  the  embassy. 

ANOTHEE  AEGOMENT. 

Beta  the  dream  and  synod  cites  ; 
And  catalogues  the  naval  knights. 

HE  other  Gods,  and  knights  at  arms,  all  night  slept ; 

only  Jove 
Sweet  slumber  seiz'd  not ;  he  discours'd  how  best  he 

might  approve 

His  vow  made  for  Achilles'  grace,  and  make  the  Grecians  find 
His  miss  in  much  death.     All  ways  cast,  this  counsel  serv'd  his  mind 
With  most  allowance  ;  to  dispatch  a  harmful  Dream  to  greet  » 

The  king  of  men,  and  gave  this  charge  :  "  Go  to  the  Achive  fleet, 

4  Miss — absence,  or  loss. 
3  Allowance — approbation. 

"  A  stirring  dwarf  we  most  allowance  give 
Before  a  sleeping  giant." 

SHAKESPEAEE.     Troil.  and  Ores.  n.  3. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  29 

Pernicious  Dream,  and,  being  arriv'd  in  Agamemnon's  tent, 

Deliver  truly  all  this  charge.     Command  him  to  convent 

His  whole  host  arm'd  before  these  tow'rs  ;  for  now  Troy's  broad- way Yl 

town 

He  shall  take  in  ;  the  heav'n-hous'd  Gods  are  now  indifF rent  grown  : 
Juno's  request  hath  won  them  ;  Troy  now  under  imminent  ills  n 

At  all  parts  labours."     This  charge  heard,  the  Vision  straight  fulfils  ; 
The  ships  reach'd,  and  Atrides'  tent,  in  which  he  found  him  laid, 
Divine  sleep  pour'd  about  his  powers.     He  stood  above  his  head 
Like  Nestor,  grac'd  of  old  men  most,  and  this  did  intimate  :  15 

"  Sleeps  the  wise  Atreus'  tame-horse  son  ?  A  councillor  of  state 
Must  not  the  whole  night  spend  in  sleep,  to  whom  the  people  are 
For  guard  committed,  and  whose  life  stands  bound  to  so  much  care. 
Now  hear  me,  then,  Jove's  messenger,  who,  though  far  off  from  thee, 
Is  near  thee  yet  in  ruth  and  care,  and  gives  command  by  me  29 

To  arm  thy  whole  host.     Thy  strong  hand  the  broad-way'd  town  of 

Troy 

Shall  now  take  in  ;  no  more  the  Gods  dissentiously  employ 
Their  high-hous'd  powers  ;  Juno's  suit  hath  won  them  all  to  her ; 
And  ill  fates  overhang  these  tow'rs,  address'd  by  Jupiter. 
Fix  in  thy  mind  this,  nor  forget  to  give  it  action,  when  25 

Sweet  sleep  shall  leave  thee."     Thus,  he  fled  ;  and  left  the  king  of  men 
Repeating  in  discourse  his  dream,  and  dreaming  still,  awake, 
Of  pow'r,  not  ready  yet  for  act.     O  fool,  he  thought  to  take 
In  that  next  day  old  Priam's  town  ;  not  knowing  what  affairs 
Jove  bad  in  purpose,  who  prepar'd,  by  strong  fight,  sighs  and  cares       so 
For  Greeks  and  Trojans.     The  Dream  gone,  his  voice  still  murmured 
About  the  king's  ears  ;  who  sate  up,  put  on  him  in  his  bed 

8  Convent — convene.  10  Take,  in — conquer.     Shakespeare. 

"Is  it  not  strange,  Canidius, 
He  could  so  quickly  cut  th'  Ionian  sea, 
And  take,  in  Toryne  ? " — Anton,  and  Cleop.  in.  7. 

16  Tame-horse — tamer  of  horses. 

-°  Ruth — pity,  tender  care.     A  word  in  use  even  in  Milton's  time. 

24  Address'd — prepared.     A  frequent  word. 


30  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

His  silken  inner  weed,  fair,  new ;  and  then  in  haste  arose, 
Cast  on  his  ample  mantle,  tied  to  his  soft  feet  fair  shoes, 
His  silver-hilted  sword  he  hung  about  his  shoulders,  took  35 

His  father's  sceptre  never  stain'd,  which  then  abroad  he  shook, 
And  went  to  fleet.     And  now  great  heav'n  Goddess  Aurora  scal'd, 
To  Jove,  and  all  Gods,  bringing  light ;  when  Agamemnon  call'd 
His  heralds,  charging  them  aloud  to  call  to  instant  court 
The  thick-hair'd  Greeks.     The  heralds  call'd  ;  the  Greeks  made  quick 
resort.  40 

The  Council  chiefly  he  compos'd  of  old  great-minded  men, 
At  Nestor's  ships,  the  Pylian  king.     All  there  assembled  then, 
Thus  Atreus'  son  began  the  court  :  "  Hear,  friends  :  A  Dream  divine, 
Amidst  the  calm  night  in  my  sleep,  did  through  my  shut  eyes  shine, 
Within  niy  fantasy.     His  form  did  passing  naturally  45 

Resemble  Nestor ;  such  attire,  a  stature  just  as  high. 
He  stood  above  my  head,  and  words  thus  fashion'd  did  relate  : 

'  Sleeps  the  wise  Atreus'  tame-horse  son  ]    A  councillor  of  state 
Must  not  the  whole  night  spend  in  sleep,  to  whom  the  people  are 
For  guard  committed,  and  whose  life  stands  bound  to  so  much  care,     so 
Now  hear  me  then,  Jove's  messenger,  who,  though  far  off  from  thee, 
Is  near  thee  yet  in  love  and  care,  and  gives  command  by  me 
To  arm  thy  whole  host.    Thy  strong  hand  the  broad- way'd  town  of  Troy 
Shall  now  take  in  ;  no  more  the  God's  dissentiously  employ 
Their  high-hous'd  pow'rs  ;  Saturnia's  suit  hath  won  them  all  to  her  ;  55 
And  ill  fates  over-hang  these  tow'rs,  address'd  by  Jupiter. 
Fix  in  thy  mind  this.'     This  express'd,  he  took  wing  and  away, 
And  sweet  sleep  left  me.     Let  us  then  by  all  our  means  assay 
To  arm  our  army  ;  I  will  first  (as  far  as  fits  our  right) 
Try  their  addictions,  and  command  with  full-sail'd  ships  our  flight ;    GO 

33  Weed — dress.     Now  generally  used  for  mourning,  but  formerly  for  any 
dress.     Thus  Spenser, 

"A  goodlie  ladie,  clad  in  hunter's  weed." — F.Q.  n.  iii.  21. 
00  Addictions — will,  inclinations. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  31 

Which  if  they  yield  to,  oppose  you."    He  sate,  and  up  arose 
Nestor,  of  sandy  Pylos  king,  who,  willing  to  dispose 
Their  counsel  to  the  public  good,  propos'd  this  to  the  state  : 
"  Princes  and  Councillors  of  Greece,  if  any  should  relate 
This  vision  but  the  king  himself,  it  might  be  held  a  tale,  65 

And  move  the  rather  our  retreat ;  but  since  our  General 
Affirms  he  saw  it,  hold  it  true,  and  all  our  best  means  make 
To  arm  our  army."     This  speech  us'd,  he  first  the  Council  brake  ; 
The  other  sceptre-bearing  States  arose  too,  and  obey'd 
The  people's  Rector.    Being  abroad,  the  earth  was  overlaid  ro 

"With  fleckers  to  them,  that  came  forth,  as  when  of  frequent  bees 
Swarms  rise  out  of  a  hollow  rock,  repairing  the  degrees 
Of  their  egression  endlessly,  with  ever  rising  new 
From  forth  their  sweet  nest ;  as  their  store,  still  as  it  faded,  grew, 
And  never  would  cease  sending  forth  her  clusters  to  the  spring,  75 

They  still  crowd  out  so  ;  this  flock  here,  that  there,  belabouring 
The  loaded  flow'rs  ;  so  from  the  ships  and  tents  the  army's  store 
Troop'd  to  these  princes  and  the  court,  along  th'  unmeasur'd  shore  ; 
Amongst  whom,  Jove's  ambassadress,  Fame,  in  her  virtue  shin'd, 
Exciting  greediness  to  hear.     The  rabble,  thus  inclin'd,  so 

Hurried  together  ;  uproar  seiz'd  the  high  court ;  earth  did  groan 
Beneath  the  settling  multitude  ;  tumult  was  there  alone. 
Thrice-three  vocif'rous  heralds  rose,  to  check  the  rout,  and  get 
Ear  to  their  Jove-kept  governors  ;  and  instantly  was  set 
That  huge  confusion  ;  ev'ry  man  set  fast,  the  clamour  ceas'd.  85 

Then  stood  divine  Atrides  up,  and  in  his  hand  compress'd 
His  sceptre,  th'  elaborate  work  of  fi'ry  Mulciber, 
Who  gave  it  to  Saturnian  Jove  ;  Jove  to  his  messenger  ; 

69  States — rulers,  persons  of  authority.     . 
1  Frequent — numerous. 

73  Repairing  the  degrees — filling  up  the  ranks. 

18  Unmeasured — immeasurable.    Chapman  commonly  uses  the  past  participle 
thus. 

85  TJtat  huye  confusion — the  second  folio  has  "the  huge  confusion." 


32  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

His  messenger,  Argicides,  to  Pelops,  skill'cl  in  horse  ; 

Pelops  to  Atreus,  chief  of  men  ;  he,  dying,  gave  it  course  90 

To  prince  Thyestes,  rich  in  herds  ;  Thyestes  to  the  hand 

Of  Agamemnon  render'd  it,  and  with  it  the  command 

Of  many  isles,  and  Argos  all.     On  this  he  leaning,  said  : 

"  0  friends,  great  sons  of  Danaus,  servants  of  Mars,  Jove  laid 
A  heavy  curse  on  me,  to  vow,  and  bind  it  with  the  bent  95 

Of  his  high  forehead  ;  that,  this  Troy  of  all  her  people  spent, 
I  should  return  ;  yet  now  to  mock  our  hopes  built  on  his  vow, 
And  charge  ingloriously  my  flight,  when  such  an  overthrow 
Of  brave  friends  I  have  authored.     But  to  his  mightiest  will 
We  must  submit  us,  that  hath  raz'd,  and  will  be  razing  still,  100 

Men's  footsteps  from  so  many  towns  ;  because  his  pow'r  is  most, 
He  will  destroy  most.     But  how  vile  such  and  so  great  an  host 
Will  show  to  future  times,  that,  match'd  with  lesser  numbers  far, 
We  fly,  not  putting  on  the  crown  of  our  so  long-held  war, 
Of  which  there  yet  appears  no  end  !    Yet  should  our  foes  and  we       105 
Strike  truce,  and  number  both  our  pow'rs ;  Troy  taking  all  that  be 
Her  arni'd  inhabitants,  and  we,  in  tens,  should  all  sit  down 
At  our  truce  banquet,  ev'ry  ten  allow'd  one  of  the  town 
To  fill  his  feast-cup  ;  many  tens  would  their  attendant  want ; 
So  much  I  must  affirm  our  pow'r  exceeds  th'  inhabitant.  no 

But  their  auxiliary  bands,  those  brandishers  of  spears, 
From  many  cities  drawn,  are  they  that  are  our  hinderers, 
Not  suffring  well-rais'd  Troy  to  fall.     Nine  years  are  ended  now, 
Since  Jove  our  conquest  vow'd  ;  and  now,  our  vessels  rotten  grow, 
Our  tackling  fails  ;  our  wives,  young  sons,  sit  in  their  doors  and  long 
For  our  arrival ;  yet  the  work,  that  should  have  wreak'd  our  wrong,  us 

89  Argicides — the  slayer  of  Argus,  Mercury. 

90  Gave  it  course — gave  it  in  turn. 

95  Bent— bend,  nod.     See  Bk.  i.  575-6. 
104  Putting  on  the  crown — concluding. 

110  Inhabitant — inhabiters,  viz.  of  Troy  ;  the  Trojans  as  distinguished  from 
their  allies. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  33 

And  made  us  welcome,  lies  unwrought.     Come  then,  as  I  bid,  all 

Obey,  and  fly  to  our  lov'd  home  ;  for  now,  nor  ever,  shall 

Our  utmost  take-in  broad-way'd  Troy."     This  said,  the  multitude 

Was  all  for  home  ;  and  all  men  else  that  what  this  would  conclude     120 

Had  not  discover'd.     All  the  crowd  was  shov'd  about  the  shore, 

In  sway,  like  rude  and  raging  waves,  rous'd  with  the  fervent  blore 

Of  th'  east  and  south  winds,  when  they  break  from  Jove's  clouds,  and 

are  borne 

On  rough  backs  of  th'  Icarian  seas  :  or  like  a  field  of  corn 
High  grown,  that  Zephyr's  vehement  gusts  bring  eas'ly  underneath,    125 
And  make  the  stiff  up-bristled  ears  do  homage  to  his  breath  ; 
For  ev'ii  so  eas'ly,  with  the  breath  Atrides  us'd,  was  sway'd 
The  violent  multitude.     To  fleet  with  shouts,  and  disarray'd, 
All  rush'd  ;  and,  with  a  fog  of  dust,  their  rude  feet  dimm'd  the  day ;  129 
Each  cried  to  other,  '  Cleanse  our  ships,  come,  launch,  aboard,  away.' 
The  clamour  of  the  runners  home  reach'd  heav'n  ;  and  then,  past  fate, 
The  Greeks  had  left  Troy,  had  not  then  the  Goddess  of  estate 
Thus  spoke  to  Pallas  :  "  0  foul  shame,  thou  untam'd  seed  of  Jove, 
Shall  thus  the  sea's  broad  back  be  charg'd  with  these  our  friends'  remove, 
Thus  leaving  Argive  Helen  here,  thus  Priam  grac'd,  thus  Troy,  135 

In  whose  fields,  far  from  their  lov'd  own,  for  Helen's  sake,  the  joy 
And  life  of  so  much  Grecian  birth  is  vanish'd  ?     Take  thy  way 
T'  our  brass-arm'd  people,  speak  them  fair,  let  not  a  man  obey 
The  charge  now  giv'n,  nor  launch  one  ship."     She  said,  and  Pallas  did 
As  she  commanded  ;  from  the  tops  of  heav'n's  steep  hill  she  slid,         140 
And  straight  the  Greeks'  swift  ships  she  reach'd  ;  Ulysses  (like  to  Jove 
In  gifts  of  counsel)  she  found  out ;  who  to  that  base  remove 
Stirr'd  not  a  foot,  nor  touch'd  a  ship,  but  griev'd  at  heart  to  see 
That  fault  in  others.     To  him  close  the  blue-eyed  Deity 
Made  way,  and  said  :  "  Thou  wisest  Greek,  divine  Laertes'  son,  145 

Thus  fly  ye  homewards  to  your  ships  ?     Shall  all  thus  headlong  run  ? 

12-j  pervenf  Hore — raging  gale,  blast. 
132  Goddess  of  estate — chief  Goddess,  Juno. 
VOL.   I.  C 


34  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

Glory  to  Priam  tlius  ye  leave,  glory  to  all  his  friends, 

If  thus  ye  leave  her  here,  for  whom  so  many  violent  ends 

Have  clos'd  your  Greek  eyes,  and  so  far  from  their  so  loved  home. 

Go  to  these  people,  iise  no  stay,  with  fair  terms  overcome  iso 

Their  foul  endeavour,  not  a  man  a  flying  sajl  let  hoice." 

Thus  spake  she  ;  and  Ulysses  knew  'twas  Pallas  by  her  voice, 
Ran  to  the  runners,  cast  from  him  his  mantle,  which  his  man 
And  herald,  grave  Eurybates,  the  Ithacensian 

That  follow'd  him,  took  up.     Himself  to  Agamemnon  went,  155 

His  incorrupted  sceptre  took,  his  sceptre  of  descent, 
And  with  it  went  about  the  fleet.     What  prince,  or  man  of  name, 
He  found  flight-giv'n,  he  would  restrain  with  words  of  gentlest  blame  : 

"  Good  sir,  it  fits  not  you  to  fly,  or  fare  as  one  afraid, 
You  should  not  only  stay  yourself,  but  see  the  people  staid.  ico 

You  know  not  clearly,  though  you  heard  the  king's  words,  yet  his  mind  ; 
He  only  tries  men's  spirits  now,  and,  whom  his  trials  find 
Apt  to  this  course,  he  will  chastise.     Nor  you,  nor  I,  heard  all 
He  spake  in  council ;  nor  durst  press  too  near  oxir  General, 
Lest  we  incens'd  him  to  our  hurt.     The  anger  of  a  king  105 

Is  mighty  ;  he  is  kept  of  Jove,  and  from  Jove  likewise  spring 
His  honours,  which,  out  of  the  love  of  wise  Jove,  he  enjoys." 
Thus  he  the  best  sort  us'd  ;  the  worst,  whose  spirits  brake  out  in  noise, 
He  cudgell'd  with  his  sceptre,  chid,  and  said  :  "  Stay,  wretch,  be  still, 
And  hear  thy  betters  ;  thou  art  base,  and  both  in  pow'r  and  skill         no 
Poor  and  unworthy,  without  name  in  council  or  in  war. 
We  must  not  all  be  kings.     The  rule  is  most  irregular, 
Where  many  rule.     One  lord,  one  king,  propose  to  thee  ;  and  he, 
To  whom  wise  Saturn's  son  hath  giv'n  both  law  and  empery 
To  rule  the  public,  is  that  king."     Thus  ruling,  he  restrain'd  ITJ 

The  host  from  flight ;  and  then  again  the  Council  was  maintain'd 
With  such  a  concourse,  that  the  shore  rung  with  the  tumult  made  ; 

151  Hoice — hoise,  hoist ;  thus  printed  for  rhyme's  sake. 

16S  Sceptre  of  descent — which  had  descended  to  him  from  his  father,  see  v.  36. 


OF   HOMER'S  ILIADS.  35 

As  when  the  far-resounding  sea  doth  in  its  rage  invade 

His  sandy  confines,  whose  sides  groan  with  his  involved  wave, 

And  make  his  own  breast  echo  sighs.     All  sate,  and  audience  gave,     iso 

Thersites  only  would  speak  all.     A  most  disorder'd  store 

Of  words  he  foolishly  pour'd  out,  of  which  his  mind  held  more 

Than  it  could  manage  ;  any  thing,  with  which  he  could  procure 

Laughter,  he  never  could  contain.     He  should  have  yet  been  sure 

To  touch  no  kings  ;  t'oppose  their  states  becomes  not  jesters'  parts.       iss 

But  he  the  filthiest  fellow  was  of  all  that  had  deserts 

In  Troy's  brave  siege  ;  he  was  squint-ey'd,  and  lame  of  either  foot ; 

So  crook-back'd,  that  he  had  no  breast ;  sharp-headed,  where  did  shoot 

(Here  and  there  spers'd)  thin  mossy  hair.     He  most  of  all  envied 

Ulysses  and  ^Eacides,  whom  still  his  spleen  would  chide.  uw 

Nor  could  the  sacred  King  himself  avoid  his  saucy  vein  ; 

Against  whom  since  he  knew  the  Greeks  did  vehement  hates  sustain, 

Being  angry  for  Achilles'  wrong,  he  cried  out,  railing  thus  : 

"  Atrides,  why  complain'st  thou  now  ?     What  would'st  thou  more 

of  us? 

Thy  tents  are  full  of  brass  ;  and  dames,  the  choice  of  all,  are  thine,     195 
With  whom  we  must  present  thee  first,  when  any  towns  resign 
To  our  invasion.     Want'st  thou  then,  besides  all  this,  more  gold 
From  Troy's  knights  to  redeem  their  sons,  whom  to  be  dearly  sold 
I  or  some  other  Greek  must  take  ?     Or  would'st  thou  yet  again 
Force  from  some  other  lord  his  prise,  to  soothe  the  lusts  that  reign      200 
In  thy  encroaching  appetite  ?     It  fits  no  prince  to  be 
A  prince  of  ill,  and  govern  us,  or  lead  our  progeny 
By  rape  to  ruin.     0  base  Greeks,  deserving  infamy, 
And  ills  eternal  !     Greekish  girls,  not  Greeks,  ye  are  !     Come,  fly 
Home  with  our  ships  ;  leave  this  man  here  to  perish  with  his  preys,  205 
And  try  if  we  help'd  him  or  not ;  he  wrong'd  a  man  that  weighs 
Far  more  than  he  himself  in  worth  ;  he  forc'd  from  Thetis'  son, 
And  keeps  his  prise  still.     Nor  think  I  that  mighty  man  hath  won 
sos  prCys— booty.     See  Judges,  ch.  v.  ver.  30. 


36  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

The  style  of  wrathful  •worthily';  he's  soft,  he's  too  remiss  ; 

Or  else,  Atrides,  liis  had  been  thy  last  of  injuries."  210 

Thus  he  the  people's  Pastor  chid  ;  but  straight  stood  up  to  him 
Divine  Ulysses,  who,  with  looks  exceeding  grave  and  grim, 
This  bitter  check  gave  :  "  Cease,  vain  fool,  to  vent  thy  railing  vein 
On  kings  thus,  though  it  serve  thee  well;  nor  think thou  canst  restrain, 
With  that  thy  railing  faculty,  their  wills  in  least  degree  ;  215 

For  not  a  worse,  of  all  this  host,  came  with  our  King  than  thee, 
To  Troy's  great  siege  ;  then  do  not  take  into  that  mouth  of  thine 
The  names  of  kings,  much  less  revile  the  dignities  that  shine 
In  their  supreme  states,  wresting  thus  this  motion  for  our  home, 
To  soothe  thy  cowardice  ;  since  ourselves  yet  know  not  what  will  come 
Of  these  designments,  if  it  be  our  good  to  stay,  or  go.  221 

Nor  is  it  that  thou  stand'st  on  ;  thou  revil'st  our  Gen'ral  so, 
Only  because  he  hath  so  much,  not  giv'n  by  such  as  thou 
But  our  heroes.     Therefore  this  thy  rude  vein  makes  me  vow 
Which  shall  be  curiously  observ'd)  if  ever  I  shall  hear  225 

This  madness  from  thy  mouth  again,  let  not  Ulysses  bear 
This  head,  nor  be  the  father  call'd  of  young  Telemachus, 
If  to  thy  nakedness  I  take  and  strip  thee  not,  and  thus 
Whip  thee  to  fleet  from  council ;  send,  with  sharp  stripes,  weeping 

hence 

This  glory  thou  affect'st  to  rail."     This  said,  his  insolence  230 

He  settled  with  his  sceptre  ;  strook  his  back  and  shoulders  so 
That  bloody  wales  rose.     He  shrunk  round;  and  from  his  eyes  did  flow 
Moist  tears,  and,  looking  filthily,  he  sate,  fear'd,  smarted,  dried 
His  blubber'd  cheeks  ;  and  all  the  prease,  though  griev'd  to  be  denied 
Their  wish'd  retreat  for  home,  yet  laugh'd  delightsomely,  and  spake 
Either  to  other  :  "  0  ye  Gods,  how  infinitely  take  236 

225  Curiously — scrupulously,  carefully. 

230  This  glory  thou  affect'st  to  rail — the  sense  (somewhat  complicated)  seems  : 
"  This  glory  to  rail  thou  a/cctest,"  this  vaunted  railing  power  you  make  preten- 
sions to. 

234  prcasc — press,  crowd. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  37 

Ulysses'  virtues  in  our  good  !     Author  of  counsels,  great 

In  ord'ring  armies,  how  most  well  this  act  became  his  heat, 

To  beat  from  council  this  rude  fool !     I  think  his  saucy  spirit, 

Hereafter,  will  not  let  his  tongue  abuse  the  sov'reign  merit,  240 

Exempt  from  such  base  tongues  as  his."     Thus  spake  the  people  ;  then 

The  city-razer  Ithacus  stood  up  to  speak  again, 

Holding  his  sceptre.     Close  to  him  gray-eyed  Minerva  stood, 

And,  like  a  herald,  silence  caus'd,  that  all  the  Achive  brood 

(From  first  to  last)  might  hear  and  know  the  counsel ;  when,  inclin'd 

To  all  their  good,  Ulysses  said  :  "  Atrides,  now  I  find  -245 

These  men  would  render  thee  the  shame  of  all  men  ;  nor  would  pay 

Their  own  vows  to  thee,  when  they  took  their  free  and  honour'd  way 

From  Argos  hither,  that,  till  Troy  were  by  their  brave  hands  rac'd, 

They  would  not  turn  home.     Yet,  like  babes,  and  widows,  now  they 

haste  -j-pii 

To  that  base  refuge.     'Tis  a  spite  to  see  men  melted  so 
In  womanish  changes  ;  though  'tis  true,  that  if  a  man  do  go 
Only  a  month  to  sea,  and  leave  his  wife  far  off,  and  he, 
Tortur'd  with  winter's  storms,  and  toss'd  with  a  tumultuous  sea, 
Grows  heavy,  and  would  home.    Us  then,  to  whom  the  thrice-three  year 
Hath  fill'd  his  revoluble  orb  since  our  arrival  here,  250 

I  blame  not  to  wish  home  much  more  ;  yet  all  this  time  to  stay, 
Out  of  our  judgments,  for  our  end  ;  and  now  to  take  our  way 
Without  it,  were  absurd  and  vile.     Sustain  then,  friends  ;  abide 
The  time  set  to  our  object ;  try  if  Calchas  prophesied  -•"> 

True  of  the  time  or  not.     We  know,  ye  all  can  witness  well, 
(Whom  these  late  death-conferring  fates  have  f'ail'd  to  send  to  hell) 
That  when  in  Aulis,  all  our  fleet  assembled  with  a  freight 
Of  ills  to  Ilion  and  her  friends,  beneath  the  fair  grown  height 
A  platane  bore,  about  a  fount,  whence  crystal  water  flow'd,  -••> 

And  near  our  holy  altar,  we  upon  the  Gods  bestow'd 

249  Rac'd— razed. 

258  Out  of  our  judgments — against  our  inclinations. 


38  THE  SECOND   BOOK 

Accomplish'd  hecatombs  ;  and  there  appear'd  a  Luge  portent, 

A  dragon  with  a  bloody  scale,  horrid  to  sight,  and  sent 

To  light  by  great  Olympius  ;  which,  crawling  from,  beneath 

The  altar,  to  the  plataue  clinib'd,  and  ruthless  crash'd  to  death  270 

A  sparrow's  young,  in  number  eight,  that  in  a  top-bough  lay 

Hid  under  leaves  ;  the  dam  the  ninth,  that  hover'd  every  way, 

Mourning  her  lov'd  birth,  till  at  length,  the  serpent,  watching  her, 

Her  wing  caught,  and  devour' d  her  too.     This  dragon,  Jupiter, 

That  brought  him  forth,  turn'd  to  a  stone,  and  made  a  pow'rful  mean 

To  stir  our  zeals  up,  that  admir'd,  when  of  a  fact  so  clean,  zi& 

Of  all  ill  as  our  sacrifice,  so  fearful  an  cstent 

Should  be  the  issue.     Calchas,  then,  thus  prophesied  th'  event 

'  Why  are  ye  dumb-strook,  fair-hair'd  Greeks  ?     Wise  Jove  is  he  hath 

shown 

This  strange  ostent  to  us.    'Twas  late,  and  passing  lately  done,  2so 

But  that  grace  it  foregoes  to  us,  for  suffring  all  the  state 
Of  his  appearance  (being  so  slow)  nor  time  shall  end,  nor  fate. 
As  these  eight  sparrows,  and  the  dam  (that  made  the  ninth)  were  eat 
By  this  stern  serpent ;  so  nine  years  we  are  t'  endure  the  heat 
Of  rav'nous  war,  and,  in  the  tenth,  take-in  this  broad- way'd  town.'      2ss 
Thus  he  interpreted  this  sign  ;  and  all  things  have  their  crown 
As  he  interpreted,  till  now.     The  rest,  then,  to  succeed 
Believe  as  certain.     Stay  we  all,  till,  that  most  glorious  deed 
Of  taking  this  rich  town,  our  hands  are  honour'd  with."     This  said, 
The  Greeks  gave  an  unmeasur'd  shout  ;  which  back  the  ships  repaid 
With  terrible  echoes,  in  applause  of  that  persuasion  201 

Divine  Ulysses  us'd  ;  which  yet  held  no  comparison 
With  Nestor's  next  speech,  which  was  this  :  "  0  shameful  thingt!  Ye  talk 
Like  children  all,  that  know  not  war.     In  what  air's  region  walk 
Our  oaths,  and  cov'naiits  ?     Now,  I  see  the  fit  respects  of  men  295 

Are  vaiiish'd  quite  ;  our  right  hands  giv'n,  our  faiths,  our  counsels  vain, 

281  That  grace  it  foregoes  to  us — the  favour  it  foretells  to  us. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  39 

Our  sacrifice  with,  wine,  all  fled  in  that  profaned  flame 

\Ve  made  to  bind  all ;  for  thus  still  we  vain  persuasions  frame, 

And  strive  to  work  our  end  with  words,  not  joining  stratagemes 

And  hands  together,  though,  thus  long,  the  pow'r  of  our  extremes       300 

Hath  urg'd  us  to  them.     Atreus'  son,  firm  as  at  first  hour  stand ! 

Make  good  thy  purpose  ;  talk  no  more  in  councils,  but  command 

In  active  field.     Let  two  or  three,  that  by  themselves  advise, 

Faint  in  their  crowning  ;  they  are  such  as  are  not  truly  wise  ; 

They  will  for  Argos,  ere  they  know  if  that  which  Jove  hath  said         sos 

Be  false  or  true.     I  tell  them  all,  that  high  Jove  bow'd  his  head, 

As  first  we  went  aboard  our  fleet,  for  sign  we  should  confer 

These  Trojans  their  due  fate  and  death  ;  almighty  Jupiter 

All  that  day  darting  forth  his  flames,  in  an  unmeasur'd  light, 

On  our  right  hand.     Let  therefore  none  once  dream  of  coward  flight, 

Till  (for  his  own)  some  wife  of  Troy  he  sleeps  withal,  the  rape  311 

Of  Helen  wreaking,  and  our  sighs  enforc'd  for  her  escape. 

If  any  yet  dare  dote  on  home,  let  his  dishonour'd  haste 

His  black  and  well-built  bark  but  touch,  that  (as  he  first  disgrac'd 

His  country's  spirit)  fate,  and  death,  may  first  his  spirit  let  go.  315 

But  be  thou  wise,  king,  do  not  trust  thyself,  but  others.     Know 

I  will  not  use  an  abject  word.     See  all  thy  men  array 'd 

In  tribes  and  nations,  that  tribes  tribes,  nations  may  nations,  aid. 

Which  doing,  thou  shalt  know  what  chiefs,  what  soldiers,  play  the 

men, 

And  what  the  cowards  ;  for  they  all  will  fight  in  sev'ral  then,  320 

Easy  for  note.     And  then  shalt  thou,  if  thou  destroy'st  not  Troy, 
Know  if  the  prophecy's  defect,  or  men  thou  dost  employ 

300  Extremes — necessities. 

301  Croivninrj — fulfilment  of  purpose. 
307  Confer  these  Trojans — confer  on. 

313  Escape — frequently  used  for  transgression  of  female  virtue,  thus  Shake- 
speare,— 

"Rome  will  despise  her  for  this  foul  escape." — Titus  And.  iv.  2. 
10  In  several — severally,  separately. 


40  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

In  their  approv'd  arts  want  in  war,  or  lack  of  that  brave  heat 
Fit  for  the  vent'rous  spirits  of  Greece,  was  cause  to  thy  defeat." 

To  this  the  king  of  men  replied  :  "  0  father,  all  the  sons  325 

Of  Greece  thou  conquer'st  in  the  strife  of  consultations. 
I  would  to  Jove,  Athenia,  and  Phoebus,  I  could  make, 
Of  all,  but  ten  such  counsellors  ;  then  instantly  would  shake 
King  Priam's  city,  by  our  hands  laid  hold  on  and  laid  waste. 
But  Jove  hath  order'd  I  should  grieve,  and  to  that  end  hath  cast         sso 
My  life  into  debates  past  end.     Myself,  and  Thetis'  son, 
Like  girls,  in  words  fought  for  a  girl,  and  I  th'  offence  begun. 
But  if  we  ever  talk  as  friends,  Troy's  thus  deferred  fall 
Shall  never  vex  us  more  one  hour.     Come  then,  to  victuals  all, 
That  strong  Mars  all  may  bring  to  field.     Each  man  his  lance's  steel 
See  sharpen'd  well,  his  shield  well  lin'd,  his  horses  meated  well,          sac 
His  chariot  carefully  made  strong,  that  these  affairs  of  death 
We  all  day  may  hold  fiercely  out.     No  man  must  rest,  or  breath  ; 
The  bosoms  of  our  targeteers  must  all  be  steep'd  in  sweat ; 
The  lancer's  arm  must  fall  dissolv'd  ;  our  chariot-horse  with  heat        ^o 
Must  seem  to  melt.     But  if  I  find  one  soldier  take  the  chace, 
Or  stir  from  fight,  or  fight  not  still  fix'd  in  his  enemy's  face, 
Or  hid  a-ship-board,  all  the  world,  for  force,  nor  price,  shall  save 
His  hated  life,  but  fowls  and  dogs  be  his  abhorred  grave." 

He  said  ;  and  such  a  murmur  rose,  as  on  a  lofty  shore  s-r> 

The  waves  make,  when  the  south  wind  comes,  and  tumbles  them  before 
Against  a  rock,  grown  near  the  strand  which  diversely  beset 
Is  never  free,  but,  here  and  there,  with  varied  uproars  beat. 

All  rose  then,  rushing  to  the  fleet,  perfum'd  their  tents,  and  eat ; 
Each  off'ring  to  th'  immortal  gods,  and  praying  to  'scape  the  heat        a;o 
Of  war  and  death.     The  king  of  men  an  ox  of  five  years'  spring 
T'  almighty  Jove  slew,  call'd  the  peers  ;  first  Nestor ;  then  the  king 
Idomeneus  ;  after  them  th'  Ajaces  ;  and  the  son 
Of  Tydeus  ;  Ithacus  the  sixth,  in  counsel  paragon 
341  Take  the  chace— take  to  flight. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  41 

To  Jove  himself.     All  these  he  bade  ;  but  at-a-martial-cry  355 

Good  Menelaus,  since  he  saw  his  brother  busily 

Employ'd  at  that  time,  would  not  stand  on  invitation, 

But  of  himself  came.     All  about  the  off' ring  overthrown 

Stood  round,  took  salt-cakes,  and  the  king  himself  thus  pray'd  for  all : 

"  O  Jove,  most  great,  most  glorious,  that,  in  that  starry  hall,  soo 

Sitt'st  drawing  dark  clouds  up  to  air,  let  not  the  sun  go  down, 
Darkness  supplying  it,  till  my  hands  the  palace  and  the  town 
Of  Priam  overthrow  and  burn  ;  the  arms  on  Hector's  breast 
Dividing,  spoiling  with  my  sword  thousands,  in  interest 
Of  his  bad  quarrel,  laid  by  him  in  dust,  and  eating  earth."  sos 

He  pray'd  ;  Jove  heard  him  not,  but  made  more  plentiful  the  birth 
Of  his  sad  toils,  yet  took  his  gifts.     Pray'rs  past,  cakes  on  they  threw  ; 
The  ox  then,  to  the  altar  drawn,  they  kill'd,  and  from  him  drew 
His  hide,  then  cut  him  up,  his  thighs,  in  two  hewn,  dubb'd  with  fat, 
Prick'd  on  the  sweetbreads,  and  with  wood,  leaveless,  and  kindled  at  sro 
Apposed  fire,  they  burn  the  thighs  ;  which  done,  the  inwards,  slit, 
They  broil'd  on  coals  and  eat ;  the  rest,  in  giggots  cut,  they  spit, 
Pioast  cunningly,  draw,  sit,  and  feast ;  nought  lack'd  to  leave  allay'd 
Each  temp'rate  appetite  ;  which  serv'd,  Nestor  began  and  said  : 

"  Atrides,  most  grac'd  king  of  men,  now  no  more  words  allow,         375 
Nor  more  defer  the  deed  Jove  vows.     Let  heralds  summon  now 
The  brazen-coated  Greeks,  and  us  range  ev'rywhere  the  host, 
To  stir  a  strong  war  quickly  up."     This  speech  no  syllable  lost  ; 
The  high-voic'd  heralds  instantly  he  charg'd  to  call  to  arms 
The  curl'd-head  Greeks  j  they  call'd  ;  the  Greeks  straight  answer'd 

their  alarms.  330 

The  Jove-kept  kings,  about  the  king  all  gather'd,  with  their  aid 
Eang'd  all  in  tribes  and  nations.     With  them  the  gray-eyed  Maid 

355  At-a-martial-cry  good — Menelaus  good  at  a  shout  ;  BOTJJ'  fryaObs  is  the 
epithet  of  Menelaus. 

364  In  interest  of — on  account  of,  &c. 

378  This  speech  no  si/liable  lost — i.  e.  Agamemnon  attended  to  every  syllable  of 
the  speech. 

3-2  Gray-eyed  Maid — Minerva. 


42  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

Great  jEgis  (Jove's  bright  shield)  sustain'd,  that  can  be  never  old, 

Never  corrupted,  fring'd  about  with  serpents  forg'd  of  gold, 

As  many  as  suffic'd  to  make  an  hundred  fringes,  worth  385 

An  hundred  oxen,  ev'ry  snake  all  sprawling,  all  set  forth 

With  wondrous  spirit.     Through  the  host  with  this  the  Goddess  ran, 

In  fury  casting  round  her  eyes,  and  furnish'd  ev'ry  man 

With  strength,  exciting  all  to  arms,  and  fight  incessant.     None 

Now  liked  their  lov'cl  homes  like  the  wars.     And  as  a  fire  upon          390 

A  huge  wood,  on  the  heights  of  hills,  that  far  off  hurls  his  light ; 

So  the  divine  brass  shin'd  on  these,  thus  thrusting  on  for  fight, 

Their  splendour  through  the  air  reach'd  heav'n.    And  as  about  the  flood 

Caister,  in  an  Asian  mead,  flocks  of  the  airy  brood, 

Cranes,  geese,  or  long-neck'd  swans,  here,  there,  proud  of  their  pinions  fly, 

And  in  their  falls  lay  out  such  throats,  that  with  their  spirit ful  cry    ssts 

The  meadow  shrieks  again  ;  so  here,  these  many-nation'd  men 

Flow'd  over  the  Scaniandrian  field,  from  tents  and  ships  ;  the  din 

Was  dreadful  that  the  feet  of  men  and  horse  beat  out  of  earth. 

And  in  the  flourishing  mead  they  stood,  thick  as  the  odorous  birth     400 

Of  flow'rs,  or  leaves  bred  in  the  spring  ;  or  thick  as  swarms  of  flies 

Throng  then  to  sheep-cotes,  when  each  swarm  his  erring  wing  applies 

To  milk  dew'd  on  the  milk-maid's  pails  ;  all  eagerly  dispos'd 

To  give  to  ruin  th'  Ilians.     And  as  in  rude  heaps  clos'd, 

Though  huge  goatherds  are  at  their  food,  the  goatherds  eas'ly  yet        405 

Sort  into  sundry  herds  ;  so  here  the  chiefs  in  battle  set 

Here  tribes,  here  nations,  ord'ring  all.    Amongst  whom  shin'd  the  king, 

With  eyes  like  lightning-loving  Jove,  his  forehead  answering, 

In  breast  like  Neptune,  Mars  in  waist.     And  as  a  goodly  bull 

Most  eminent  of  all  a  herd,  most  wrong,  most  masterful,  410 

So  Agamemnon,  Jove  that  day  made  overheighten  clear 

That  heav'n-bright  army,  and  preferr'd  to  all  th'  heroes  there. 

Now  tell  me,  Muses,  you  that  dwell  in  heav'uly  roofs,  (for  you 
Are  Goddesses,  are  present  here,  are  wise,  and  all  things  know, 
396  In  their  falls — when  they  alight. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  43 

We  only  trust  the  voice  of  fame,  know  nothing,)  who  they  were  415 

That  here  were  captains  of  the  Greeks,  commanding  princes  here. 
The  multitude  exceed  my  song,  though  fitted  to  my  choice 
Ten  tongues  were,  hardeu'd  palates  ten,  a  breast  of  brass,  a  voice 
Infract  and  trump-like  ;  that  great  work,  unless  the  seed  of  Jove, 
The  deathless  Muses,  undertake,  maintains  a  pitch  above  4:10 

All  mortal  pow'rs.     The  princes  then,  and  navy  that  did  bring 
These  so  inenarrable  troops,  and  all  their  soils,  I  sing. 


THE  CATALOGUE  OF  THE  GRECIAN  SHIPS  AND  CAPTAINS. 

Peneluus,  and  Leitus,  all  that  Bceotia  bred, 
Arcesilaus,  Clonius,  and  Prothoenor,  led  ; 

Th'  inhabitants  of  Hyria,  and  stony  Aulida,  -us 

Schsene,  Scole,  the  hilly  Eteon,  and  holy  Thespia, 
Of  Groea,  and  great  Mycalesse,  that  hath  the  ample  plain, 
Of  Harma,  and  Ilesius,  and  all  that  did  remain 
In  Eryth,  and  in  Eleon,  in  Hylen,  Peteona, 

In  fair  Ocalea,  and,  the  town  well-builded,  Medeona,  «» 

Copas,  Eutresis,  Thisbe,  that  for  pigeons  doth  surpass, 
Of  Coroneia,  Haliart,  that  hath  such  store  of  grass, 
All  those  that  in  Platsea  dwelt,  that  Glissa  did  possess, 
And  Hypothebs,  whose  well-built  walls  are  rare  and  fellowless, 
In  rich  Onchestus'  famous  wood,  to  wat'ry  Neptune  vow'd,  4:;-, 

And  Arne,  where  the  vine-trees  are  with  vigorous  bunches  bow'd, 
With  them  that  dwelt  in  Midea,  and  Nissa  most  divine, 
All  those  whom  utmost  Anthedon  did  wealthily  confine. 
From  all  these  coasts,  in  general,  full  fifty  sail  were  sent ; 
And  six  score  strong  Boeotian  youths  in  every  burthen  went.  440 

But  those  who  in  Aspledon  dwelt,  and  Minian  Orchomen, 
God  Mars's  sons  did  lead  (Ascalaphus  and  lalmen) 
Who  in  Azidon  Actor's  house  did  of  Astyoche  come  ; 
The  bashful  maid,  as  she  went  up  into  the  higher  room, 


44  THE  SECOND   BOOK 

The  "War-god  secretly  compress'd.     In  safe  conduct  of  these,  44i 

Did  thirty  hollow-bottom'd  barks  divide  the  wavy  seas. 

Brave  Schedius  and  Epistrophus,  the  Phocian  captains  were, 
(Naubolida-Iphitus'  sons)  all  proof  'gainst  any  fear  ; 
With  them  the  Cyparissiaus  went,  and  bold  Pythonians, 
Men  of  religious  Chrysa's  soil,  and  fat  Daulidians,  450 

Panopseans,  Anemores,  and  fierce  Hyampolists  ; 
And  those  that  dwell  where  Cephisus  casts  up  his  silken  mists  ; 
The  men  that  fair  Lilsea  held,  near  the  Cephisian  spring  ; 
All  which  did  forty  sable  barks  to  that  designment  bring. 
About  th'  entoil'd  Phocensian  fleet  had  these  their  sail  assign'd  ;  455 

And  near  to  the  sinister  wing  the  arm'd  Boeotians  shin'd. 

Ajax  the  less,  Oileus'  son,  the  Locrians  led  to  war  ; 
Not  like  to  Ajax  Telamon,  but  lesser  man  by  far, 
Little  he  was,  and  ever  wore  a  breastplate  made  of  linne, 
But  for  the  manage  of  his  lance  he  gen'ral  praise  did  win.  400 

The  dwellers  of  Caliarus,  of  Bessa,  Opoe'n, 
The  youths  of  Cynus,  Scarphis,  and  Augias,  lovely  men, 
Of  Tarphis,  and  of  Thronius,  near  flood  Boagrius'  fall  ; 
Twice-twenty  martial  barks  of  these,  less  Ajax  sail'd  withal. 

Who  near  Eubcca's  blessed  soil  their  habitations  had,  405 

Strength-breathing  Abants,  who  their  seats  in  sweet  Euboca  made, 
The  Histia?ans  rich  in  grapes,  the  men  of  Chalcida, 
The  Cerinths  bord'ring  on  the  sea,  of  rich  Eretria, 
Of  Dion's  highly-seated  town,  Charistus,  and  of  Styre, 
All  these  the  duke  Alphenor  led,  a  flame  of  Mars's  fire,  470 

Surnam'd  Chalcodontiades,  the  mighty  Abants'  guide, 
Swift  men  of  foot,  whose  broad-set  backs  their  trailing  hair  did  hide, 
Well-seen  in  fight,  and  soon  could  pierce  with  far  extended  darts 
The  breastplates  of  their  enemies,  and  reach  their  dearest  hearts. 


459  Breastplate  made  of  linne  —  made  of  flax  ; 
470  .Duke—  leader.   The  translators  of  the  Bible  retained  this  word  in  mention- 
ing Esau's  descendants,  Gen.  xxxvi. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  45 

Forty  black  men  of  war  did  sail  in  this  Alphenor's  charge.  475 

The  soldiers  that  in  Athens  dwelt,  a  city  builded  large, 
The  people  of  Eristhius,  whom  Jove-sprung  Pallas  fed, 
And  plenteous-feeding  Tellus  brought  out  of  her  flow'ry  bed  ; 
Him  Pallas  placed  in  her  rich  fane,  and,  ev'ry  ended  year, 
Of  bulls  and  lambs  tli'  Athenian  youths  please  him  with  off'rings  there  ; 
Mighty  Menestheus,  Peteus'  son,  had  their  divided  care  ;  4si 

For  horsemen  and  for  targeteers  none  could  with  him  compare, 
Nor  put  them  into  better  place,  to  hurt  or  to  defend  ; 
But  Nestor  (for  he  elder  was)  with  him  did  sole  contend  ; 
With  him  came  fifty  sable  sail.     And  out  of  Salamine  4sr, 

Great  Ajax  brought  twelve  sail,  that  with  th'  Athenians  did  combine. 

"Who  did  in  fruitful  Argos  dwell,  or  strong  Tiryntha  keep, 
Hermion,  or  in  Asinen  whose  bosom  is  so,deep, 
Troezena,  Eion,  Epidaure  where  Bacchus  crowns  his  head, 
.fEgina,  and  Maseta's  soil,  did  follow  Diomed,  490 

And  Sthenelus,  the  dear-lov'd  son  of  famous  Capaneus, 
Together  with  Euryalus,  heir  of  Mecisteus, 
The  king  of  Talseonides  ;  past  whom  in  deeds  of  war, 
The  famous  soldier  Diomed  of  all  was  held  by  far. 
Four  score  black  ships  did  follow  these.     The  men  fair  Mycene  held, 
The  wealthy  Corinth,  Cleon  that  for  beauteous  site  excell'd,  4us 

Arathyrea's  lovely  seat,  and  in  Ornia's  plain, 
And  Sicyona,  where  at  first  did  king  Adrastus  reign, 
High-seated  Gonoessa's  towers,  and  Hyperisius, 

That  dwelt  in  fruitful  Pellenen,  and  in  divine  ^Egius,  soo 

With  all  the  sea-side  borderers,  and  wide  Helice's  friends, 
To  Agamemnon  ev'ry  town  her  native  birth  commends, 
In  double-fifty  sable  barks.     With  him  a  world  of  men 
Most  strong  and  full  of  valour  went,  and  he  in  triumph  then 

477  Eristhius — Erectheus  in  the  original. 

496  j)r  Taylor  has  printed  "siyht,"  whereas  if  he  had  consulted  the  original 
he  would  have  seen  that  Chapman  meant  "site."     ('Eu  KTI/J.&OLS  re  KXewws. ) 


46  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

Put  on  his  most  resplendent  arms,  since  lie  did  overshine  505 

The  whole  heroic  host  of  Greece,  in  pow'r  of  that  design. 

Who  did  in  Lacedasmon's  rule  th'  unmeasur'd  concave  hold, 
High  Pharis,  Sparta,  Messe's  tow'rs,  for  doves  so  much  extoll'd, 
Bryseia's  and  Augia's  grounds,  strong  Laa,  Oetylon, 
Amyclas,  Helos'  harbour-town,  that  Neptune  beats  upon,  510 

All  these  did  Menelaus  lead  (his  brother,  that  in  cries 
Of  war  was  famous).     Sixty  ships  convey'd  these  enemies 
To  Troy  in  chief,  because  their  king  was  chiefly  injur'd  there, 
In  Helen's  rape,  and  did  his  best  to  make  them  buy  it  dear. 

Who  dwelt  in  Pylos'  sandy  soil,  and  Arene  the  fair,  MS 

In  Thryon,  near  Alpheus'  flood,  and  Aepy  full  of  air, 
In  Cyparisseus,  Amphigen,  and  little  Pteleon, 
The  town  where  all  the  Iliots  dwelt,  and  famous  Doreon, 
Where  all  the  Muses,  opposite,  in  strife  of  poesy, 

To  ancient  Thamyris  of  Thrace,  did  use  him  cruelly,  520 

(He  coming  from  Eurytus'  court,  the  wise  CEchalian  king,) 
Because  he  proudly  durst  affirm  he  could  more  sweetly  sing 
Than  that  Pierian  race  of  Jove  ;  who,  angry  with  his  vaunt, 
Bereft  his  eyesight,  and  his  song,  that  did  the  ear  enchant, 
And  of  his  skill  to  touch  his  harp  disfurnisbed  his  hand.  KS 

All  these  in  ninety  hollow  keels  grave  Nestor  did  command. 

The  richly-blest  inhabitants  of  the  Arcadian  land 
Below  Cyllene's  mount  (that  by  Epytus'  tomb  did  stand) 
Where  dwelt  the  bold  near-fighting  men,  who  did  in  Phrcneus  live, 
And  Orchomen,  where  flocks  of  sheep  the  shepherds  clust'ring  drive, 
In  Ripe,  and  in  Stratie,  the  fair  Mantinean  town,  531 

And  strong  Enispe,  that  for  height  is  ever  weather-blown, 
Tegea,  and  in  Styniphalus,  Parrhasia  strongly  wall'd, 
All  these  Alcseus'  son  to  field  (king  Agapenor)  call'd  ; 
In  sixty  barks  he  brought  them  on,  and  ev'ry  bark  well-mann'd          £:» 
With  fierce  Arcadians,  skill'd  to  use  the  utmost  of  a  band. 
511  His  brother — Agamemnon's. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  47 

* 

King  Agamemnon,  on  these  men,  did  well-built  ships  bestow 
To  pass  the  gulfy  purple  sea,  that  did  no  sea  rites  know. 

They  who  in  Hermin,  Buphrasis,  and  Elis,  did  remain, 
What  Olen's  cliffs,  Alisius,  and  Myrsin  did  contain,  540 

Were  led  to  war  by  twice-two  dukes  (and  each  ten  ships  did  bring, 
Which  many  vent'rous  Epians  did  serve  for  burthening,) 
Beneath  Amphimachus's  charge,  and  valiant  Thalpius, 
(Son  of  Eurytus-Actor  one,  the  other  Cteatus,) 

Diores  Amaryncides  the  other  did  employ,  MS 

The  fourth  divine  Polixenus  (Agasthenes's  joy). 

The  king  of  fair  Angeiades,  who  from  Dulichius  came, 
And  from  Echicaus'  sweet  isles,  which  hold  their  holy  frame 
By  ample  Elis  region,  Meges  Phylides  led  ; 

Whom  duke  Phyleus,  Jove's  belov'd,  begat,  and  whilome  fled  550 

To  large  Dulichius,  for  the  wrath  that  fir'd  his  father's  breast. 
Twice-twenty  ships  with  ebon  sails  were  in  his  charge  address'd. 

The  warlike  men  of  Cephale,  and  those  of  Ithaca, 
Woody  Neritus,  and  the  men  of  wet  Crocylia, 

Sharp  jEgilipa,  Samos'  isle,  Zacynthus  sea  inclos'd,  sss 

Epirus,  and  the  men  that  hold  the  continent  oppos'd, 
All  these  did  wise  Ulysses  lead,  in  counsel  peer  to  Jove  ; 
Twelve  ships  he  brought,  which  in  their  course  vermilion  sterns  did  move. 

538  Agamemnon  furnished  ships  for  the  Arcadians,  as  they  were  an  inland 
people,  and  "  did  no  sea  rites  Icnow." 

544  Dr.  Taylor  has  printed  this  and  the  following  line,  thus  : — 

(Son  of  Eurytus-Actor  one,  the  next  of  Cteatus) 

Diores  Amaryncides  the  third  ships  did  employ. 
This  is  not  authorized  by  either  of  the  folios.     The  first  has — 

Son  of  Eurytus-Actor  one  ;  the  other  Cteatus  ; 

Diores  Amarincides  the  other  did  employ. 

The  second  folio  inline  544,  with  its  usual  typographical  inaccuracy,  omits  "the 
other."  The  first  folio  is  correct — one,  son  of  Eurytus-Actor ;  the  other,  son 
of  Cteatus-Actor.  Cteatus  and  Eurytus  were  sons  of  Actor,  and  are  mentioned 
in  bk.  XI.  622,  661.  The  Scholiast  says  Amphimachus  was  son  of  Cteatus, 
and  Thalpius  son  of  Eurytus.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  remark  that  Chapman 
is  wrong  in  the  quantity  of  Eurytus,  as  in  many  proper  names  ;  but,5perhaps, 
he  thought  this  a  poetical  license. 


48  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

Thoas,  Andremon's  well-spoke  son,  did  guide  th'  j3£tolians  well, 
Those  that  in  Pleuron,  Olenon,  and  strong  Pylene  dwell,  seo 

Great  Chalcis,  that  by  sea-side  stands,  and  stony  Calydon.  ; 
(For  now  no  more  of  (Eneas'  sons  surviv'd  ;  they  all  were  gone  ; 
No  more  his  royal  self  did  live,  no  more  his  noble  son 
The  golden  Meleager  now,  their  glasses  all  were  run) 
All  things  were  left  to  him  in  charge,  th'  ^Itolians'  chief  he  was,         505 
And  forty  ships  to  Trojan  wars  the  seas  with  him  did  pass. 

The  royal  soldier  Idomen  did  lead  the  Cretans  stout, 
The  men  of  Gnossus,  and  the  town  Gortyna  wall'd  about, 
Of  Lictus,  and  Miletus'  tow'rs,  of  white  Lycastus'  state, 
Of  Phaestus,  and  of  Rhytius,  the  cities  fortunate,  sro 

And  all  the  rest  inhabiting  the  hundred  towns  of  Crete  ; 
Whom  warlike  Idomen  did  lead,  co-partner  in  the  fleet 
With  kill-man  Merion.     Eighty  ships  with  them  did  Troy  invade. 

Tlepolemus  Heraclides,  right  strong  and  bigly  made, 
Brought  nine  tall  ships  of  war  from  Rhodes,  which  haughty  Rhodians 

manii'd,  ;>~a 

Who  dwelt  in  three  dissever'd  parts  of  that  most  pleasant  land, 
Which  Lyndus  and  Jalissus  were,  and  bright  Camirus,  cali'd. 
Tlepolemus  commanded  these,  in  battle  unappall'd  ; 
Whom  fair  Astyoche  brought  forth,  by  force  of  Hercules, 
Led  out  of  Ephyr  with  his  hand,  from  river  Sellees,  530 

When  many  towns  of  princely  youths  he  levell'd  with  the  ground. 
Tlepolem,  in  his  father's  house  (for  building  much  renown'd) 
Brought  up  to  headstrong  state  of  youth,  his  mother's  brother  slew, 
The  flow'r  of  arms,  Licymnius,  that  somewhat  aged  grew  ; 
Then  straight  he  gather'd  him  a  fleet,  assembling  bands  of  men,          585 
And  fled  by  sea,  to  shun  the  threats  that  were  denounced  then 
By  other  sons  and  nephews  of  th'  Alciden  fortitude. 
He  in  his  exile  came  to  Rhodes,  driv'n  in  with  tempests  rude. 

587  The  Alciden  fortitude — a  pleonasm  for  Hercules  himself. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  49 

The  Khodians  were  distinct  in  tribes,  and  great  with  Jove  did  stand, 
The  King  of  men  and  Gods,  who  gave  much  treasure  to  their  land,     eao 

Nireus  out  of  Syrna's  hav'n  three  well-built  barks  did  bring ; 
Nireus,  fair  Aglaia's  son,  and  Charopes'  the  king  ; 
Nireus  was  the  fairest  man  that  to  fair  Ilion  came 
Of  all  the  Greeks,  save  Peleus'  son,  who  pass'd  for  gen'ral  frame  ; 
But  weak  this  was,  not  fit  for  war,  and  therefore  few  did  guide.  595 

Who  did  in  Cassus,  Nisyrus,  and  Crapathus,  abide, 
In  Co,  Eurypylus's  town,  and  in  Calydna's  soils, 
Phidippus  and  bold  Antiphus  did  guide  to  Trojan  toils, 
(The  sons  of  crowned  Thessalus,  deriv'd  from  Hercules) 
Who  went  with  thirty  hollow  ships  well-order'd  to  the  seas.  eoo 

Now  will  I  sing  the  sackful  troops  Pelasgian  Argos  held, 
That  in  deep  Alus,  Alope,  and  soft  Trechina  dwell'd, 
In  Phthia,  and  in  Hellade  where  live  the  lovely  dames, 
The  Myrmidons,  Hellenians,  and  Achives,  rob'd  of  fames  ; 
All  which  the  great  J^acides  in  fifty  ships  did  lead.  eos 

For  these  forgat  war's  horrid  voice,  because  they  lack'd  their  head 
That  would  have  brought  them  bravely  forth  ;  but  now  at  fleet  did  lie 
That  wind-like  user  of  his  feet,  fair  Thetis'  progeny, 
Wroth  for  bright- cheek'd  Briseis'  loss,  whom  from  Lyrnessus'  spoils 
(His  own  exploit)  he  brought  away  as  trophy  of  his  toils,  eio 

When  that  town  was  depopulate  ;  he  sunk  the  Theban  tow'rs ; 
Myneta,  and  Epistrophus,  he  sent  to  Pluto's  bow'rs, 
Who  came  of  king  Evenus'  race,  great  Helepiades  • 
Yet  now  he  idly  lives  enrag'd,  but  soon  must  leave  his  ease. 

Of  those  that  dwelt  in  Phylace,  and  flow'ry  Pyrason  ei -, 

The  wood  of  Ceres,  and  the  soil  that  sheep  are  fed  upon 
Iton,  and  Antron  built  by  sea,  and  Pteleus  full  of  grass, 
Protesilaus,  while  he  liv'd,  the  worthy  captain  was, 
Whom  now  the  sable  earth  detains  ;  his  tear-torn-faced  spouse 
He  woful  left  in  Phylace,  and  his  half-finish'd  house  ;  620 

594  Pass' d— surpassed.  695  This— Nireus. 

VOL.  I.  D 


50  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

A  fatal  Dardan  first  his  life,  of  all  the  Greeks,  bereft, 

As  lie  was  leaping  from  his  ship  ;  yet  were  his  men  unleft 

Without  a  chief,  for  though  they  wish'd  to  have  no  other  man 

But  good  Protesilay  their  guide,  Podarces  yet  began 

To  govern  them,  (Iphitis'  son,  the  son  of  Phylacus)  625 

Most  rich  in  sheep,  and  brother  to  short-liv'd  Protesilaus, 

Of  younger  birth,  less,  and  less  strong,  yet  serv'd  he  to  direct 

The  companies,  that  still  did  more  their  ancient  duke  affect. 

Twice-twenty  jetty  sails  with  him  the  swelling  stream  did  take. 

But  those  that  did  in  Pheres  dwell,  at  the  Brebeian  lake,  eso 

In  Bcebe,  and  in  Glaphyra,  laolcus  builded  fair, 
In  thrice-six  ships  to  Pergamus  did  through  the  seas  repair, 
With  old  Admetus'  tender  son,  Eumelus,  whom  he  bred 
Of  Alcest,  Pelius'  fairest  child  of  all  his  female  seed. 

The  soldiers  that  before  the  siege  Methone's  vales  did  hold,  035 

Thaumacie,  flow'ry  Melibce,  and  Olison  the  cold, 
Duke  Philoctetes' governed,  in  darts  of  finest  sleight ; 
Sev'n  vessels  in  his  charge  convey 'd  their  honourable  freight, 
By  fifty  rowers  in  a  bark,  most  expert  in  the  bow  ; 
But  he  in  sacred  Lemnos  lay,  brought  miserably  low  ew 

By  torment  of  an  ulcer  grown  with  Hydra's  poison'd  blood, 
Whose  sting  was  such,  Greece  left  him  there  in  most  impatient  mood ; 
Yet  thought  they  on  him  at  his  ship,  and  choos'd,  to  lead  his  men, 
Meclon,  Oileus'  bastard  son,  brought  forth  to  him  by  Rhen. 

From  Tricce,  bleak  Ithomen's  cliffs,  and  hapless  Oechaly,  MS 

(Eurytus1  city,  rul'd  by  him  in  wilful  tyranny,) 
In  charge  of  jEsculapius'  sons,  physician  highly  prais'd, 
Machaon,  Podalirius,  were  thirty  vessels  rais'd. 

Who  near  Hyperia's  fountain  dwelt,  and  in  Ormenius, 
The  snowy  tops  of  Titanus,  and  in  Asterius,  050 

Evemon's  son,  Eurypylus,  did  lead  into  the  field  ; 
Whose  towns  did  forty  black-sail'd  ships  to  that  encounter  yield. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  51 

Who  Gyrton,  and  Argissa,  held,  Orthen,  and  Elon's  seat, 
And  chalky  Oloossone,  were  led  by  Polypcete, 

The  issue  of  Pirithous,  the  son  of  Jupiter.  ess 

Him  the  Athenian  Theseus'  friend  Hippodamy  did  bear, 
When  he  the  bristled  savages  did  give  Eamnusia, 
And  drove  them  out  of  Pelius,  as  far  as  ^Ithica. 
He  came  not  single,  but  with  him  Leonteus,  Coron's  son, 
An  arm  of  Mars,  and  Coron's  life  Gene' us'  seed  begun.  eco 

Twice-twenty  ships  attended  these.     Guneus  next  did  bring 
From  Cyphus  twenty  sail  and  two  ;  the  Enians  following  ; 
And  fierce  Pereebi,  that  about  Dodone's  frozen  mould 
Did  plant  their  houses  ;  and  the  men  that  did  the  meadows  hold, 
Which  Titaresius  decks  with  flow'rs,  and  his  sweet  current  leads          605 
Into  the  bright  Peneius,  that  hath  the  silver  heads, 
Yet  with  his  admirable  stream  doth  not  his  waves  commix, 
But  glides  aloft  on  it  like  oil ;  for  'tis  the  flood  of  Styx, 
By  which  th'  immortal  Gods  do  swear.     Teuthredon's  honour'd  birth, 
Prothous,  led  the  Magnets  forth,  who  near  the  shady  earth  ero 

Of  Pelius,  and  Pene'ion,  dwelt ;  forty  revengeful  sail 
Did  follow  him.     These  were  the  dukes  and  princes  of  avail 
That  came  from  Greece.     But  now  the  man,  that  overshin'd  them  all, 
Sing,  Muse  ;  and  their  most  famous  steeds  to  my  recital  call, 
That  both  th'  Atrides  followed.    Fair  Pheretiades  075 

The  bravest  mares  did  bring  by  much  ;  Eumelius  manag'd  these, 
Swift  of  their  feet  as  birds  of  wings,  both  of  one  hair  did  shine, 
Both  of  an  age,  both  of  a  height,  as  measur'd  by  a  line, 
Whom  silver-bow'd  Apollo  bred  in  the  Pierian  mead, 
Both  slick  and  dainty,  yet  were  both  in  war  of  wondrous  dread.  eso 

Great  Ajax  Telamon  for  strength  pass'd  all  the  peers  of  war, 
While  vex'd  Achilles  was  away  ;  but  he  surpass'd  him  far. 

680  Slide — sleek,  smooth. 


52  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

The  horse  that  bore  that  faultless  man  were  likewise  past  compare  ; 

Yet  lay  he  at  the  crook'd-stern'd  ships,  and  fury  was  his  fare, 

For  Atreus'  son's  ungracious  deed  ;  his  men  yet  pleas'd  their  hearts     ess 

With  throwing  of  the  holed  stone,  with  hurling  of  their  darts, 

And  shooting  fairly  on  the  shore  ;  their  horse  at  chariots  fed 

On  greatest  parsley,  and  on  sedge  that  in  the  fens  is  bred. 

His  princes'  tents  their  chariots  held,  that  richly  cover'd  were. 

His  princes,  amorous  of  their  chief,  walk'd  storming  here  and  there     ego 

About  the  host,  and  scorn'd  to  fight ;  their  breaths  as  they  did  pass 

Before  them  flew,  as  if  a  fire  fed  on  the  trembling  grass  ; 

Earth  under-groan'd  their  high-rais'd  feet,  as  when  offended  Jove, 

In  Ariine,  Typhceius  with  rattling  thunder  drove 

Beneath  the  earth  ;  in  Arime,  men  say,  the  grave  is  still,  eos 

Where  thunder  tomb'd  Typhoeius,  and  is  a  monstrous  hill ; 

And  as  that  thunder  made  earth  groan,  so  groan'd  it  as  they  past, 

They  trod  with  such  hard-set-down  steps,  and  so  exceeding  fast. 

To  Troy  the  rainbow-girded  Dame  right  heavy  news  relates 
From  Jove,  as  all  to  council  drew  in  Priam's  palace-gates,  700 

Eesembling  Priam's  son  in  voice,  Polites,  swift  of  feet ; 
In  trust  whereof,  as  sentinel,  to  see  when  from  the  fleet 
The  Grecians  sallied,  he  was  set  upon  the  lofty  brow 
Of  aged  jEsyetes'  tomb  ;  and  this  did  Iris  show  : 

"  O  Priam,  thou  art  always  pleas'd  with  indiscreet  advice,  rou 

And  fram'st  thy  life  to  times  of  peace,  when  such  a  war  doth  rise 
As  threats  inevitable  spoil.     I  never  did  behold 
Such  and  so  mighty  troops  of  men,  who  trample  on  the  mould 
In  number  like  Autumnus'  leaves,  or  like  the  marine  sand, 
All  ready  round  about  the  walls  to  use  a  ruining  hand.  no 


683  Faultless  man — Achilles. 

686  Throwing  Of  the  holed  stone — in  the  Greek,  playing  at  quoits. 
690  Amorous  of  their  chief—  ardently  desiring  their  chief,' viz.,  to  lead  them  to 
battle. 
699  Iris< 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  53 

Hector,  I  therefore  charge  thee  most,  this  charge  to  undertake. 
A  multitude  remain  in  Troy,  will  fight  for  Priam's  sake, 
Of  other  lands  and  languages  ;  let  ev'ry  leader  then 
Bring  forth  well-arin'd  into  the  field  his  sev'ral  bands  of  men." 

Strong  Hector  knew  a  Deity  gave  charge  to  this  assay,  ri5 

Dismiss'd  the  council  straight ;  like  waves,  clusters  to  arms  do  sway  ; 
The  ports  are  all  wide  open  set ;  out  rush'd  the  troops  in  swarms, 
Both  horse  and  foot ;  the  city  rung  with  sudden-cried  alarms. 

A  column  stands  without  the  town,  that  high  his  head  doth  raise, 
A  little  distant,  in  a  plain  trod  down  with  divers  ways,  720 

Which  men  do  Batieia  call,  but  the  Immortals  name 
Myrine's  famous  sepulchre,  the  wondrous  active  dame. 
Here  were  th'  auxiliary  bands,  that  came  in  Troy's  defence, 
Distiuguish'd  under  sev'ral  guides  of  special  excellence. 

The  duke  of  all  the  Trojan  pow'r  great  helm-deck'd  Hector  was,      725 
Which  stood  of  many  mighty  men  well-skill'd  in  darts  of  brass. 
JEneas  of  commixed  seed  (a  Goddess  with  a  man, 
Anchises  with  the  Queen  of  love)  the  troops  Dardanian 
Led  to  the  field  ;  his  lovely  sire  in  Ida's  lower  shade 
Begat  him  of  sweet  Cyprides  ;  he  solely  was  not  made  730 

Chief  leader  of  the  Dardan  pow'rs,  Antenor's  valiant  sons, 
Archilochus  and  Acarnas,  were  join'd  companions. 

Who  in  Zelia  dwelt  beneath  the  sacred  foot  of  Ide, 
That  drank  of  black  .ZEsepus'  stream,  and  wealth  made  full  of  pride, 
The  Aphnii,  Lycaon's  son,  whom  Phrebus  gave  his  bow,  735 

Prince  Pandarus  did  lead  to  field.     Who  Adrestinus  owe, 
Apesus'  city,  Pityse,  and  mount  Tereies, 

Adrestus  and  stout  Amphius  led  ;  who  did  their  sire  displease, 
(Merops  Percosius,  that  excell'd  all  Troy  in  heaVnly  skill 
Of  futures-searching  prophecy)  for,  much  against  his  will,  740 

His  sons  were  agents  in  those  arms  ;  whom  since  they  disobey'd, 
The  fates,  in  letting  slip  their  threads,  their  hasty  valours  stay'd. 

736  Owe — own. 


54  THE  SECOND  BOOK 

Who  in  Percotes,  Practius,  Arisba,  did  abide, 
Who  Sestus  and  Abydus  bred,  Hyrtacides  did  guide  ; 
Prince  Asius  Hyrtacides,  that,  through  great  Selees'  force,  745 

Brought  from  Arisba  to  that  fight  the  great  and  fiery  horse. 

Pylaeus,  and  Hippothous,  the  stout  Pelasgians  led, 
Of  them  Larissa's  fruitful  soil  before  had  nourished  ; 
These  were  Pelasgian  Pithus'  sons,  son  of  Teutamidas. 

The  Thracian  guides  were  Pirous,  and  valiant  Acamas,  rso 

Of  all  that  the  impetuous  flood  of  Hellespont  enclos'd. 

Euphemus,  the  Ciconian  troops,  in  his  command  dispos'd, 
Who  from  Trcezenius-Ceades  right  nobly  did  descend. 

Pyrsechmes  did  the  Peeons  rule,  that  crooked  bows  do  bend  ; 
.From  Axius,  out  of  Arnydon,  he  had  them  in  command,  -:,:, 

From  Axius,  whose  most  beauteous  stream  still  overflows  the  land. 

Pytamen  with  the  well-arm'd  heart,  the  Paphlagonians  led, 
From  Enes,  where  the  race  of  mules  fit  for  the  plough  is  bred. 
The  men  that  broad  Cytorus'  bounds,  and  Sesamus,  enfold, 
About  Parthenius'  lofty  flood,  in  houses  much  extoll'd,  700 

From  Cromna  and  ^Egialus,  the  men  that  arms  did  bear, 
And  Erythinus  situate  high,  Pylamen's  soldiers  were. 

Epistrophus  and  Dius  did  the  Halizonians  guide, 
Far-fetch'd  from  Alybe,  where  first  the  silver  mines  were  tried. 

Chromis,  and  augur  Ennomus,  the  Mysians  did  command,  705 

Who  could  not  with  his  auguries  the  strength  of  death  withstand, 
But  suffer'd  it  beneath  the  stroke  of  great  ^Eacides, 
In  Xanthus  ;  where  he  made  more  souls  dive  to  the  Stygian  seas. 

Phorcys,  and  fair  Ascanius,  the  Phrygians  brought  to  war, 
Well  train'd  for  battle,  and  were  come  out  of  Ascania  far.  770 

With  Methles,  and  with  Antiphus,  (Pylsemen's  sons)  did  fight 
The  men  of  Meion,  whom  the  fen  Gygrea  brought  to  light, 
And  those  Meionians  that  beneath  the  mountain  Tmolus  sprung. 

The  rude  unletter'd  Caribte,  that  barbarous  were  of  tongue, 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  55 

Did  under  Nastes'  colours  inarch,  and  young  Amphiniachus,  775 

(Nomion's  famous  sons)  to  whom,  the  mountain  Phthirorus 

That  with  the/amous  wood  is  crown'd,  Miletus,  Mycales 

That  hath  so  many  lofty  marks  for  men  that  love  the  seas, 

The  crooked  arms  Meeander  bow'd  with  his  so  snaky  flood, 

Eesign'd  for  conduct  the  choice  youth  of  all  their  martial  brood.          rso 

The  fool  Amphiniachus,  to  field,  brought  gold  to  be  his  wrack, 

Proud-girl-like  that  doth  ever  bear  her  dow'r  upon  her  back  ; 

Which  wise  Achilles  mark'd,  slew  him,  and  took  his  gold  in  strife, 

At  Xanthus'  flood  ;  so  little  Death  did  fear  his  golden  life. 

Sarpedon  led  the  Lycians,  and  Glaucus  unreprov'd,  735 

From  Lycia,  and  the  gulfy  flood  of  Xanthus  far  remoVd. 


785 


v'd  —  irreproachable. 


56  THE  SECOND  BOOK 


COMMENTAKIUS. 

72. 

'y  Ture  s6vta,  &c.  Sicut  examina  prodeunt  apuin  frequentium,  &c. 
JL  A  In  this  simile  Virgil  (using  the  like  in  imitation)  is  preferred 
to  Homer ;  with  what  reason  I  pray  you  see.  Their  ends  are  different ; 
Homer  intending  to  express  the  infinite  multitude  of  soldiers  every  where 
dispersing ;  Virgil,  the  diligence  of  builders.  Virgil's  simile  is  this  : 
I.  ^Eneid,  430. 

f 

"  Qualis  apes  sestate  nova  per  florea  rura 
Exercet  sub  sole  labor ;  cum  gentis  adultos 
Educunt  foetus  ;  aut  cum  liquentia  mella 
Stipant ;  efc  dulci  distendunt  nectare  cellas  ; 
Aut  onera  accipiunt  venientum  ;  aut,  agmine  facto, 
Ignavum  fucos  pecus  a  prsesepibus  arcent : 
!Fervet  opus,  redolentque  thymo  fragrantia  mella." 

Now  compare  this  with  Homer's,  but  in  my  translation  ;  and  judge  if, 
to  both  their  ends,  there  be  any  such  betterness  in  Virgil's  but  that  the 
reverence  of  the  scholar,  due  to  the  master  (even  in  these  his  rnaligners), 
might  well  have  contained  their  lame  censures  of  the  poetical  fury  from 
these  unmannerly  and  hateful  comparisons.  Especially,  since  Virgil  hath 
nothing  of  his  own,  but  only  elocution  ;  his  invention,  matter,  and  form, 
being  all  Homer's  ;  which  laid  by  a  man,  that  which  he  addeth  is  only 
the  work  of  a  woman,  to  netify  and  polish.  Nor  do  I,  alas,  but  the 
foremost  rank  of  the  most  ancient  and  best  learned  that  ever  were,  come 
to  the  field  for  Homer,  hiding  all  other  poets  under  his  ensign.  Hate 
not  me  then,  but  them,  to  whom,  before  my  book,  I  refer  you.  But 
much  the  rather  I  insist  on  the  former  simile  ;  for  the  word  jXadov,  ca- 
tervatim,  or  confertim,  which  is  noted  by  Spondanus  to  contain  all  the 
c,  reddition,  or  application  of  the  comparison,  and  is  nothing  so. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  57 

For  though  it  be  all  the  reddition  Homer  expresseth,  yet  he  intends  two 
special  parts  in  the  application  more,  which  he  leaves  to  his  judicial 
reader's  understanding,  as  he  doth  in  all  his  other  similes  ;  since  a  man 
may  pervially  (or,  as  he  passeth)  discern  all  that  is  to  be  understood. 
And  here,  besides  their  throngs  of  soldiers  expressed  in  the  swarms  of 
bees,  he  intimates  the  infinite  number  in  those  throngs  or  companies, 
issuing  from  fleet  so  ceaselessly  that  there  appeared  almost  no  end  of 
their  issue  ;  and  thirdly,  the  every  where  dispersing  themselves.  But 
Spondanus  would  excuse  Homer  for  expressing  no  more  of  his  application, 
Avith  affirming  it  impossible  that  the  thing  compared,  and  the  comparison, 
should  answer  in  all  parts ;  and  therefore  alleges  the  vulgar  understanding 
of  a  simile,  which  is  as  gross  as  it  is  vulgar,  that  a  similitude  must  uno 
pede  semper  claudicare.  His  reason  for  it  is  as  absurd  as  the  rest ; 
which  is  this,  Si  ea  inter  se  omnino  responderent,  falleret  illud  axioma, 
nulhtm  simile  est  idem ;  as  though  the  general  application  of  the  com- 
pared and  the  comparison  would  make  them  any  thing  more  the  same, 
or  all  one  ;  more  than  the  swarms  of  bees  and  the  throng  of  soldiers  are 
all  one  or  the  same  ;  for  answering  most  aptly.  But  that  a  simile  must 
needs  halt  of  one  foot  still  showeth  how  lame  vulgar  tradition  is,  especially 
in  her  censure  of  poesy.  For  who  at  first  sight  will  not  conceive  it 
absurd  to  make  a  simile,  which  serves  to  the  illustration  and  ornament 
of  a  poem,  lame  of  a  foot,  and  idle  1  The  incredible  violence  suffered  by 
Homer  in  all  the  rest  of  his  most  inimitable  similes,  being  expressed  in 
his  place,  will  abundantly  prove  the  stupidity  of  this  tradition,  and  how 
injuriously  short  his  interpreters  must  needs  come  of  him  in  his  strait 
and  deep  places,  when  in  his  open  and  fair  passages  they  halt  and  hang 
back  so. 

275.  Tov  fjLiv  aolfyXov  6rixiv  Qsog,  &c.,  hunc  quidem  clarum  (or  illus- 
trem)  fecit  Deus,  as  it  is  by  all  translated  ;  wherein  I  note  the  strange 
abuse  (as  I  apprehend  it)  of  the  word  ao/^jjXoc,  beginning  here,  and 
continuing  wheresoever  it  is  found  in  these  Iliads.  It  is  by  the  transi- 
tion of  £  into  (3  in  derivation,  according  to  the  Doric  ;  for  which  cause 
our  interpreters  will  needs  have  Homer  intend  dg/driXog,  which  is  clarus 


58  THE  SECOND  BOOK 


or  illustris,  when  he  himself  saith  do'itykos,  which  is  a  compound  of  det, 
which  is  valde,  and  £fao:,  and  signifies,  quern  valde  cemulamur,  or  valde 
wmulandus,  according  to  Scapula.  But  because  £?jXo£  is  most  authen- 
tically expounded,  impetus  mentis  ad  cultum  diviimm,  that  exposition  I 
follow  in  this  place,  and  expound  rlv  fjLsv  dgifyXov  &YIKIV  &tbg}  hunc 
qindem  magnum  impulsum  ad  cultum  divinum  fecit  Deus  ;  because  he 
turned  so  suddenly  and  miraculously  the  dragon  to  a  stone.  To  make  it 
detor)\ov.  and  say  clarum  or  illustrem  fecit  Deus  qui  ostendit,  or  osten- 
derat,  which  follows  in  the  verse,  and  saith  thus  much  in  our  tongue, 
God  that  showed  this,  made  it  clear,  is  very  little  more  than,  God  that 
shoived  this,  showed  it.  One  way  it  observes  the  word  (betwixt  which, 
and  the  other,  you  see  what  great  difference)  and  is  fair,  full,  grave  ; 
the  other  alters  the  original,  and  is  ugly,  empty,  idle. 

355.  Avro/^aro;  &  o'l  qXSi  /3o^x  dyadbs  Mets\aos,  &c.  Spontaneus 
autem  ei  venit  voce  bonus  Menelausj  and  some  say  lello  strenuus 
Menelaus,  which  is  far  estranged  from  the  mind  of  our  Homer,  /3o»j 
signifying  vociferatio,  or  clamor,  though  some  will  have  it  pugna,  ex 
consequent},  because  fights  are  often  made  loith  clamour.  But  in  bello 
strenuus  (unless  it  be  ironically  taken)  is  here  strained  beyond  sufferance, 
and  is  to  be  expounded  vociferatione  bonus  Menelaus  j  which  agreeth 
with  that  part  of  his  character  in  the  next  book,  that  telleth  his  manner 
of  utterance  or  voice,  which  is  fj,aXd  Ar/euc,  valde  stridule,  or  arguto  cum 
stridore,  \iytuc,  being  commonly  and  most  properly  taken  in  the  worse 
part,  and  signifieth  shrilly,  or  noiscfully,  squeaking;  howsoever  in  the 
vulgar  conversion  it  is  in  that  place  most  grossly  abused.  To  the  con- 
sideration whereof,  being  of  much  importance,  I  refer  you  in  his  place, 
and  in  the  mean  time  show  you,  that,  in  this  first  and  next  verse,  Homer 
(speaking  sceptically)  breaks  open  the  fountain  of  his  ridiculous  humour 
following,  never  by  any  interpreter  understood,  or  touched  at,  being  yet 
the  most  ingenious  conceited  person  that  any  man  can  show  in  any 
heroical  poem,  or  in  any  comic  poet.  And  that  you  may  something 
perceive  him  before  you  read  to  him  in  his  several  places,  I  will,  as  I 
can  in  haste,  give  you  him  here  together  as  Homer  at  all  parts  presents 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  59 

him  ;  viz.  simple,  well-meaning,  standing  still  affectedly  on  telling  truth, 
small,  and  shrill  voice,  (not  sweet,  or  eloquent,  as  some  most  against  the 
hair  would  have  him)  short  spoken,  after  his  country  the  Laconical 
manner,  yet  speaking  thick  and  fast,  industrious  in  the  field,  and  willing 
to  be  employed,  and  (being  mollis  lellator  himself)  set  still  to  call  to 
every  hard  service  the  hardiest ;  even  by  the  wit  of  Ajax  played  upon, 
about  whom  he  would  still  be  diligent,  and  what  he  wanted  of  the  martial 
fury  and  faculty  himself,  that  he  would  be  bold  to  supply  out  of  Ajax, 
Ajax  and  he,  to  any  for  blows  ;  Antilochus  and  he  for  wit ;  (Antilochus 
old  Nestor's  son,  a  most  ingenious,  valiant,  and  excellently  formed  person) ; 
sometimes  valiant,  or  daring  (as  what  coward  is  not  ?)  sometimes  falling 
upon  sentence  and  good  matter  in  his  speeches  (as  what  meanest  capacity 
doth  not '?).  Nor  useth  our  most  inimitable  imitator  of  nature  this  cross 
and  deformed  mixture  of  his  parts,  more  to  colour  and  avoid  too  broad 
a  taxation  of  so  eminent  a  person,  than  to  follow  the  true  life  of  nature, 
being  often,  or  always,  expressed  so  disparent  in  her  creatures.  And 
therefore  the  decorum  that  some  poor  critics  have  stood  upon,  to  make 
fools  always  foolish,  cowards  at  all  times  cowardly,  &c.,  is  far  from  the 
variant  order  of  nature,  whose  principle  being  contrary,  her  productions 
must  needs  contain  the  like  opposition. 

But  now  to  the  first ;  auropaTos  ds  01  fafc,  &c.,  spontaneus  autem  ei 
venit,  &c.,  about  which  a  passing  great  piece  of  work  is  picked  out  by 
our  greatest  philosophers,  touching  the  unbidden  coming  of  Menelaus  to 
supper  or  council,  which  some  commend,  others  condemn  in  him  ;  but 
the  reason  why  he  staid  not  the  invitement,  rendered  immediately  by 
Homer,  none  of  them  will  understand,  \iz.,"Hdt*  yao  xard  duftov,  &c., 
sciebat  enim  in  animo  quantum  f rater  labor abatj  of  which  verse  his  in- 
terpreters cry  out  for  the  expunction,  only  because  it  was  never  entered 
in  their  apprehension,  which  I  more  than  admire  (for  the  easiness  of  it) 
so  freely  offering  itself  to  their  entertainment,  and  yet  using  the  hoof 
of  Pegasus,  only  with  a  touch  breaking  open  (as  above  said)  the  fountain 
of  his  humour.  For  thus  I  expound  it  (laying  all  again  together,  to 
make  it  plain  enough  for  you)  ;  Agamemnon,  inviting  all  the  chief 


60      THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 

commanders  to  supper,  left  out  Ins  brother  ;  but  he,  seeing  how  much 
his  brother  was  troubled  about  the  dream,  and  busied,  would  not  stand 
upon  invitement,  but  came  of  himself.  And  this  being  spoken  scoptice, 
or  by  way  of  irrision,  argueth  what  manner  of  man  he  made  of  him. 
Ineptus  enim  (as  it  is  affirmed  in  Plutarch,  1.  Symp.  and  second  question) 
fuit  Menelaus,  et  locum  declit  proverbio,  qui  ad  consilium  dandum 
accessisset  non  vocatus.  And  to  this  place  he  had  reference,  because  a 
council  of  war  was  to  be  held  at  this  supper.  And  here,  I  say,  Homer 
opened  the  vein  of  his  simplicity,  not  so  much  in  his  going  unbidden 
to  supper,  and  council,  as  in  the  reason  for  it  ironically  rendered,  that 
he  knew  his  brother  was  busy,  &c.  And  yet  that  addition,  without 
which  the  very  sense  of  our  poet  is  not  safe,  our  interpreters  would  have 
rased. 


THE  END  OF  THE  SECOND  BOOK. 


THE  THIRD  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

PARIS,  betwixt  the  hosts,  to  single  fight, 

Of  all  the  Greeks,  dares  the  most  hardy  knight. 

King  Menelaus  doth  accept  his  brave,* 

Conditioning  that  he  again  should  have 

Fair  Helena,  and  all  she  brought  to  Troy, 

If  he  subdu'd  ;  else  Paris  should  enjoy 

Her,  and  her  wealth,  in  peace.     Conquest  doth  grant 

Her  dear  wreath  to  the  Grecian  combatant ;  t 

But  Venus  to  her  champion's  life  doth  yield 

Safe  rescue,  and  conveys  him  from  the  field 

Into  his  chamber,  and  for  Helen  sends, 

Whom  much  her  lover's  foul  disgrace  offends  ; 

Yet  Venus  still  for  him  makes  good  her  charms, 

And  ends  the  second  combat  in  his  arms. 


ANOTHER  ARGUMENT. 

Gamma  the  single  fight  doth  sing 
'Twixt  Paris  and  the  Spartan  king. 

HEN  ev'ry  least  commander's  will  best  soldiers  had  obey'd, 
And  both  the  hosts  were  rang'd  for  fight,  the  Trojans 

would  have  fray'd 

The  Greeks  with  noises,  crying  out,  in  coming  rudely  on  ; 
At  all  parts  like  the  cranes  that  fill,  with  harsh  confusion, 

*  His  brave — bravado,  boasting  speech,  or  challenge.    A  very  frequent  word, 
t  Her  dear  wreath— the  wreath,  or  victor's  crown,  the  sign  of  conquest.    Here 
put  for  Helen  herself. 


62  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

Of  brutish  clanges  all  the  air,  and  in  ridiculous  war  5 

(Eschewing  the  unsuffer'd  storms,  shot  from  the  winter's  star) 

Visit  the  ocean,  and  confer  the  Pygmei  soldiers'  death. 

The  Greeks  charg'd  silent,  and  like  men,  bestow'd  their  thrifty  breath 

In  strength  of  far-resounding  blows,  still  entertaining  care 

Of  cither's  rescue,  when  their  strength  did  their  engagements  dare.       10 

And  as,  upon  a  hill's  steep  tops,  the  south  wind  pours  a  cloud, 

To  shepherds  thankless,  but  by  thieves,  that  love  the  night,  allow'd, 

A  darkness  letting  down,  that  blinds  a  stone's  cast  off  men's  eyes  ; 

Such  darkness  from  the  Greeks'  swift  feet  (made  all  of  dust)  did  rise. 

But,  ere  stern  conflict  mix'd  both  strengths,  fair  Paris  stept  before        is 

The  Trojan  host ;  athwart  his  back  a  panther's  hide  he  wore, 

A  crooked  bow,  and  sword,  and  shook  two  brazen-headed  darts  ; 

"With  which  well-arm'd,  his  tongue  provok'd  the  best  of  Grecian  hearts 

To  stand  with  him  in  single  fight.    Whom  when  the  man,  wrong'd  most 

Of  all  the  Greeks,  so  gloriously  saw  stalk  before  the  host  ;  20 

As  when  a  lion  is  rejoic'd,  (with  hunger  half  forlorn,) 

That  finds  some  sweet  prey,  as  a  hart,  whose  grace  lies  in  his  horn, 

Or  sylvan  goat,  which  he  devours,  though  never  so  pursu'd 

With  dogs  and  men  ;  so  Sparta's  king  exulted,  when  he  view'd 

The  fair-fac'tl  Paris  so  expos'd  to  his  so  thirsted  wreak,  •>:•> 

Whereof  his  good  cause  made  him  sure.     The  Grecian  front  did  break, 

And  forth  he  rush'd,  at  all  parts  arm'd,  leapt  from  his  chariot, 

And  royally  prepar'd  for  charge.     Which  seen,  cold  terror  shot 

5  Clanges — so  both  the  folios.     Dr.  Taylor  has  printed  clangour.     I  have  re- 
tained the  old  reading,  as  Chapman  probably  meant  it  for  the  plural  of  danye 
or  clang. 

6  Unsuffer'd — insufferable.  7  Confer — see  Bk.  n.  307. 

7  Pygmei — Pygmy,  the  battle  of  the  Cranes  and  Pygmies. 
12  Thankless — not  liked  by,  not  grateful  to. 

12  Attow'd — liked  by,  approved  of. 

"  0  heavens 

If  you  do  love  old  men,  if  your  sweet  sway 
Allow  obedience." — SHAKESPEARE.     Lear,u.  4. 

13  That  Hinds  a  stone's  cast  off  men's  eyes — that  prevents  one  seeing  beyond  a 
stone's  throw. 

^  Gloriously — loastinyly.  -5  So  thirsted  wreak — so  desired  revenge. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  63 

The  heart  of  Paris,  who  retir'd  as  headlong  from  the  king 

As  in  him  he  had  shunn'd  his  death.     And  as  a  hilly  spring  so 

Presents  a  serpent  to  a  man,  full  underneath  his  feet, 

Her  blue  neck,  swoln  with  poison,  rais'd,  and  her  sting  out,  to  greet 

His  heedless  entry,  suddenly  his  walk  he  altereth, 

Starts  back  amaz'd,  is  shook  with  fear,  and  looks  as  pale  as  death  ; 

So  Menelaus  Paris  scar'd  ;  so  that  divine-fac'd  foe  35 

Shrunk  in  his  beauties.     Which  beheld  by  Hector,  he  let  go 

This  bitter  check  at  him  :  "  Accurs'd,  made  but  in  beauty's  scorn, 

Impostor,  woman's  man  !     0  heav'n,  that  thou  hadst  ne'er  been  born, 

Or,  being  so  manless,  never  liv'd  to  bear  man's  noblest  state, 

The  nuptial  honour  !     Which  I  wish,  because  it  were  a  fate  40 

Much  better  for  thee  than  this  shame.     This  spectacle  doth  make 

A  man  a  monster.     Hark  !  how  loud  the  Greeks  laugh,  who  did  take 

Thy  fair  form  for  a  continent  of  parts  as  fair.     A  rape 

Thou  mad'st  of  nature,  like  their  queen.     No  soul,  an  empty  shape, 

Takes  up  thy  being ;  yet  how  spite  to  ev'ry  shade  of  good  45 

Tills  it  with  ill  !  for  as  thou  art,  thou  couldst  collect  a  brood 

Of  others  like  thee,  and  far  hence  fetch  ill  enough  to  us, 

Ev'n  to  thy  father ;  all  these  friends  make  those  foes  mock  them  thus 

In  thee,  for  whose  ridiculous  sake  so  seriously  they  lay 

All  Greece,  and  fate,  upon  their  necks.     O  wretch  !  Not  dare  to  stay 

Weak  Menelaus  1    But  'twas  well ;  for  in  him  thou  hadst  tried  51 

What  strength  lost  beauty  can  infuse,  and  with  the  more  grief  died 

To  feel  thou  robb'dst  a  worthier  man,  to  wrong  a  soldier's  right. 

Your  harp's  sweet  touch,  curl'd  locks,  fine  shape,  and  gifts  so  exquisite, 

Giv'n  thee  by  Venus,  would  have  done  your  fine  dames  little  good,      55 

When  blood  and  dust  had  ruffled  them,  and  had  as  little  stood 

Thyself  in  stead  ;  but  what  thy  care  of  all  these  in  thee  flies 

We  should  inflict  on  thee  ourselves.     Infectious  cowardice 

30  As  in  him — as  if  in  him.       39  Manless — unmanly,  cowardly.     Bk.  ix.  64. 
42  Monster — strange  sight,  prodigy  ;  as  we  say,  a  show. 
47  Dr.  Taylor,  following  the  second  folio,  has  incorrectly  printed  "fetched." 
53  Robb'dst— hadst  robbed. 


64  THE  THIRD    BOOK 

In  thee  hath  terrified  our  host ;  for  which  thou  well  deserv'st 

A  coat  of  tombstone,  not  of  steel  in  which,  for  form,  thou  serv'st."        69 

To  this  thus  Paris  spake,  (for  form,  that  might  inhabit  heav'ii) 
"  Hector,  because  thy  sharp  reproof  is  out  of  justice  giv'n, 
I  take  it  well ;  but  though  thy  heart,  inur'd  to  these  affrights, 
Cuts  through  them  as  an  axe  through  oak,  that  more  us'd  more  excites 
The  workman's  faculty,  whose  art  can  make  the  edge  go  far,  cs 

Yet  I,  less  practis'd  than  thyself  in  these  extremes  of  war, 
May  well  be  pardon'd,  though  less  bold  ;  in  these  your  worth  exceeds, 
In  others  mine.     Nor  is  my  mind  of  less  force  to  the  deeds 
Requir'd  in  war,  because  my  form  more  flows  in  gifts  of  peace. 
Reproach  not,  therefore,  the  kind  gifts  of  golden  Cy prides.  70 

All  heav'n's  gifts  have  their  worthy  price  ;  as  little  to  be  scorn'd 
As  to  be  won  with  strength,  wealth,  state  ;  with  which  to  be  adorn'd, 
Some  men  would  change  state,  wealth,  or  strength.     But,  if  your  martial 

heart 

Wish  me  to  make  my  challenge  good,  and  hold  it  such  a  part 
Of  shame  to  give  it  over  thus,  cause  all  the  rest  to  rest,  75 

And,  'twixt  both  hosts,  let  Sparta's  king  and  me  perform  our  best 
For  Helen  and  the  wealth  she  brought ;  and  he  that  overcomes, 
Or  proves  superior  any  way,  in  all  your  equal  dooms, 
Let  him  enjoy  her  utmost  wealth,  keep  her,  or  take  her  home  ; 
The  rest  strike  leagues  of  endless  date,  and  hearty  friends  become  ;       so 
You  dwelling  safe  in  gleby  Troy,  and  Greeks  retire  their  force 
T'  Achaia,  that  breeds  fairest  dames,  and  Argos,  fairest  horse." 

He  said,  and  his  amendsful  words  did  Hector  highly  please, 
Who  rush'd  betwixt  the  fighting  hosts,  and  made  the  Trojans  cease, 
By  holding  up  in  midst  his  lance.     The  Grecians  noted  not  85 

The  signal  he  for  parley  used,  but  at  him  fiercely  shot, 
Hurl'd  stones,  and  still  were  levelling  darts.     At  last  the  king  of  men, 
Great  Agamemnon,  cried  aloud  :  "  Argives  !  for  shame,  contain ; 

60  A  coat  of  tombstone. — The  expression  to  put  on  a  coat  of  stone  was  a  Greek 
mode  of  speaking  of  those  who  were  stoned.  Similarly  to  put  on  the  earth 
(yalav  efoatTacrOat)  was  a  term  for  burial. 

78  Equal  dooms — just  decisions,  judgments. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  65 

Youths  of  Acliaia,  shoot  no  more  ;  the  fair-helm'd  Hector  shows 

As  he  desir'd  to  treat  with  us."     This  said,  all  ceas'd  from  blows,          oo 

And  Hector  spake  to  both  the  hosts  :  "  Trojans,  and  hardy  Greeks, 

Hear  now  what  he  that  stirr'd  these  wars,  for  their  cessation  seeks. 

He  bids  us  all,  and  you,  disarm,  that  he  alone  may  fight 

"With  Menelaus,  for  us  all,  for  Helen  and  her  right, 

With  all  the  dow'r  she  brought  to  Troy  ;  and  he  that  wins  the  day,     05 

Or  is,  in  all  the  art  of  arms,  superior  any  way, 

The  queen,  and  all  her  sorts  of  wealth,  let  him  at  will  enjoy ; 

The  rest  strike  truce,  and  let  love  seal  firm  leagues 'twixt  Greece  and  Troy." 

The  Greek  host  woucler'd  at  this  brave  ;  silence  flew  ev'rywhere  ; 
At  last  spake  Sparta's  warlike  king  :  "  Now  also  give  me  ear,  100 

Whom  grief  gives  most  cause  of  reply.     I  now  have  hope  to  free 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans  of  all  ills,  they  have  sustaiii'd  for  me, 
And  Alexander,  that  was  cause  I  stretch'd  my  spleen  so  far. 
Of  both  then,  which  is  nearest  fate,  let  his  death  end  the  war  ; 
The  rest  immediately  retire,  and  greet  all  homes  in  peace.  105 

Go  then  (to  bless  your  champion,  and  give  his  pow'rs  success) 
Fetch  for  the  Earth,  and  for  the  Sun  (the  Gods  on  whom  ye  call) 
Two  lambs,  a  black  one  and  a  white,  a  female  and  a  male  ; 
And  we  another,  for  ourselves,  will  fetch,  and  kill  to  Jove. 
To  sign  which  rites  bring  Priam's  force,  because  we  well  approve        no 
His  sons  perfidious,  envious,  and  (out  of  practis'd  bane 
To  faith,  when  she  believes  in  them)  Jove's  high  truce  may  profane. 
All  young  men's  hearts  are  still  unstaid  ;  but  in  those  well-weigh'dTdeeds 
An  old  man  will  consent  to  pass  things  past,  and  what  succeeds 
He  looks  into,  that  he  may  know,  how  best  to  make  his  way  nr> 

Through  both  the  fortunes  of  a  fact,  and  will  the  worst  obev." 

O  to 

This  granted,  a  delightful  hope,  both  Greeks  and  Trojans  fed, 
Of  long'd-for  rest  from  those  long  toils,  their  tedious  war  had  bred. 
Their  horses  then  in  rank  they  set,  drawn  from  their  chariots  round, 
Descend  themselves,  took  off  their  arms,  and  plac'd  them  on  the  ground, 

103  Alexander — Paris.  no  Priam's  force — see  Bk.  ir.  587. 

VOL.  1.  E 


66  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

Near  one  another  ;  for  the  space  'twixt  both  the  hosts  was  small.         121 
Hector  two  heralds  sent  to  Troy,  that  they  from  thence  might  call 
King  Priam,  and  to  bring  the  lambs,  to  rate  the  trnce  they  swore. 
But  Agamemnon  to  the  fleet  Talthybius  sent  before, 
To  fetch  their  lamb  ;  who  nothing  slack'd  the  royal  charge  was  giv'n. 

Iris,  the  rain-bow,  then  came  down,  ambassadress  from  heav'n,        120 
To  white-arm 'd  Helen.     She  assum'd  at  every  part  the  grace 
Of  Helen's  last  love's  sister's  shape,  who  had  the  highest  place 
In  Helen's  love,  and  had  to  name  Laodice,  most  fair 
Of  all  the  daughters  Priam  had,  and  made  the  nuptial  pair  iso 

With  Helicaon,  royal  sprout  of  old  Antenor's  seed. 
She  found  queen  Helena  at  home,  at  work  about  a  weed, 
Wov'n  for  herself  ;  it  shiii'd  like  fire,  was  rich,  and  full  of  size, 
The  work  of  both  sides  being  alike  ;  in  which  she  did  comprise 
The  many  labours  warlike  Troy  and  brass-arm'd  Greece  endur'd          135 
For  her  fair  sake,  by  cruel  Mars  and  his  stern  friends  procur'd. 
Iris  came  in  in  joyful  haste,  and  said  :  "  0  come  with  me, 
Lov'd  nymph,  and  an  admired  sight  of  Greeks  and  Trojans  see, 
Who  first  on  one  another  brought  a  war  so  full  of  tears, 
Ev'n.  thirsty  of  contentious  war.     Now  ev'ry  man  forbears,  1-10 

And  friendly  by  each  other  sits,  each  leaning  on  his  shield, 
Their  long  and  shining  lances  pitch'd  fast  by  them  in  the  field. 
Paris,  and  Sparta's  king,  alone  must  take  up  all  the  strife  ; 
And  he  that  conquers  only  call  fair  Helena  his  wife." 

Thus  spake  the  thousand-colour'd  Dame,  and  to  her  mind  commends 
The  joy  to  see  her  first  espous'd,  her  native  tow'rs,  and  friends  ;          146 
Which  stirr'd  a  sweet  desire  in  her  ;  to  serve  the  which  she  hied, 
Shadow'd  her  graces  with  white  veils,  and  (though  she  took  a  pride 
To  set  her  thoughts  at  gaze,  and  see,  in  her  clear  beauty's  flood, 
What  choice  of  glory  swum  to  her  yet  tender  womanhood)  iso 

Season'd  with  tears  her  joys  to  see  more  joys  the  more  offence, 
And  that  perfection  could  not  flow  from  earthly  excellence. 

123  Rate — see  Bk.  I.  508.  J-8  Helens  last  love's  sister — Paris's  sister. 


, 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  67 

Thus  went  slie  forth,  and  took  with  her  her  women  most  of  name, 
yEthra,  Pittheus'  lovely  birth,  and  Clymene,  whom  fame 
Hath  for  her  fair  eyes  memoris'd.     They  reach'd  the  Scsean  tow'rs, 
Where  Priam  sat,  to  see  the  light,  with  all  his  counsellors  ;  ise 

Panthous,  Lampus,  Clytius,  and  stout  Hicetaon, 
Thymoetes,  wise  Antenor,  and  profound  Ucalegon  ; 
All  grave  old  men  ;  and  soldiers  they  had  been,  but  for  age 
Now  left  the  wars  ;  yet  counsellors  they  were  exceeding  sage.  100 

And  as  in  well-grown  woods,  on  trees,  cold  spiny  grasshoppers 
Sit  chirping,  and  send  voices  out,  that  scarce  can  pierce  our  ears 
For  softness,  and  their  weak  faint  sounds  ;  so,  talking  on  the  tow'r, 
These  seniors  of  the  people  sat ;  who  when  they  saw  the  pow'r 
Of  beauty,  in  the  queen,  ascend,  ev'n  those  cold-spirited  peers,  105 

Those  wise  and  almost  wither'd  men,  found  this  heat  in  their  years, 
That  they  were  forc'd  (though  whispering)  to  say  :  "  What  man  can 

blame 

The  Greeks  and  Trojans  to  endure,  for  so  admir'cl  a  dame, 
So  many  mis'ries,  and  so  long  '?     In  her  sweet  count'nance  shine 
Looks  like  the  Goddesses.     And  yet  (though  never  so  divine)  iro 

Before  we  boast,  unjustly  still,  of  her  enforced  prise, 
And  justly  suffer  for  her  sake,  with  all  our  progenies, 
Labour  and  ruin,  let  her  go  ;  the  profit  of  our  land 
Miist  pass  the  beauty."     Thus,  though  these  could  bear  so  fit  a  hand 
On  their  affections,  yet,  when  all  their  gravest  powers  were  us'd,         irs 
They  could  not  choose  but  welcome  her,  and  rather  they  accus'd 
The  Gods  than  beauty  ;  for  thus  spake  the  most-fam'd  king  of  Troy  : 
"  Come,  loved  daughter,  sit  by  me,  and  take  the  worthy  joy 
Of  thy  first  husband's  sight,  old  friends,  and  princes  near  allied, 
And  name  me  some  of  these  brave  Greeks,  so  manly  beautified.  iso 

Come,  do  not  think  I  lay  the  wars,  endur'd  by  us,  on  thee, 
The  Gods  have  sent  them,  and  the  tears  in  which  they  swum  to  me. 

161  Spiny — Nares  says  he  never  met  with  this  word.     Thin,  thorny -looking. 
It  is  peculiarly  expressive  here. 


68  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

Sit  then,  and  name  this  goodly  Greek,  so  tall,  and  broadly  spread, 
AVho  than  the  rest,  that  stand  by  him,  is  higher  by  the  head  • 
The  bravest  man  I  ever  saw,  and  most  majestical,  IM 

His  only  presence  makes  me  think  him  king  amongst  them  all." 

The  fairest  of  her  sex  replied  :  "  Most  rev'rend  father-in-law, 
Most  lov'd,  most  fear'd,  would  some  ill  death  had  seiz'd  me,  when  I  saw 
The  first  mean  why  I  wrong'd  you  thus  ;  that  1  had  never  lost 
The  sight  of  these  my  ancient  friends,  of  him  that  lov'd  me  most,        100 
Of  my  sole  daughter,  brothers  both,  with  all  those  kindly  mates, 
Of  one  soil,  one  age,  born  with  me,  though  under  diffrent  fates  ! 
But  these  boons  envious  stars  deny  ;  the  memory  of  these 
In  sorrow  pines  those  beauties  now,  that  then  did  too  much  please  ; 
Nor  satisfy  they  your  demand,  to  which  I  thus  reply  :  19.1 

That's  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son,  the  great  in  empery  ; 
A  king,  whom  double  royalty  doth  crown,  being  great  and  good, 
And  one  that  was  my  brother-in-law,  when  I  contain'd  my  blood, 
And  was  more  worthy  ;  if  at  all  I  might  be  said  to  be, 
My  being  being  lost  so  soon  in  all  that  honour'd  me."  200 

The  good  old  king  admir'd,  and  said  :  "  0  Atreus'  blessed  son, 
Born  unto  joyful  destinies,  that  hast  the  empire  won 
Of  such  a  world  of  Grecian  youths,  as  I  discover  here  ! 
I  once  march'd  into  Phrygia,  that  many  vines  doth  bear, 
Where  many  Phrygians  1  beheld,  well-skill'd  in  use  of  horse,  205 

That  of  the  two  men,  like  two  Gods,  were  the  commanded  force, 
Otreus,  and  great  Mygdonus,  who  on  Sangarius'  sands 
Set  down  their  tents,  with  whom"  myself,  for  my  assistant  bands, 
"Was  number'd  as  a  man  in  chief ;  the  cause  of  war  was  then 
Th'  Amazon  dames,  that  in  their  facts  affected  to  be  men.  210 

In  all  there  was  a  mighty  pow'r,  which  yet  did  never  rise 
To  equal  these  Achaian  youths,  that  have  the  sable  eyes." 

186  Onl;/  presence — his  mere  appearance. 

194  Pines — causes  to  waste. 

198  Contained  my  blood — restrained  my  passions. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  69 

Then  (seeing  Ulysses  next)  he  said  :  "  Lov'd  daughter,  what  is  he 

That,  lower  than  great  Atreus'  son,  seems  by  the  head  to  me, 

Yet,  in  his  shoulders  and  big  breast,  presents  a  broader  show  1  215 

His  armour  lies  upon  the  earth  ;  he  up  and  down  doth  go, 

To  see  his  soldiers  keep  their  ranks,  and  ready  have  their  arms, 

If,  in  this  truce,  they  should  be  tried  by  any  false  alarms. 

Much  like  a  well-grown  bell-wether,  or  feltred  ram,  he  shows, 

That  walks  before  a  wealthy  flock  of  fair  white-fleeced  ewes."  220 

High  Jove  and  Leda's  fairest  seed  to  Priam  thus  replies  : 
"  This  is  the  old  Laertes'  son,  Ulysses,  call'd  the  wise  ; 
Who,  though  unfruitful  Ithaca  was  made  his  nursing  seat, 
Yet  knows  he  every  sort  of  sleight,  and  is  in  counsels  great." 

The  wise  Antenor  answer'd  her  :  "  'Tis  true,  renowmed  dame  ;         ^o 
For,  some  times  past,  wise  Ithacus  to  Troy  a  legate  came, 
With  Menelaus,  for  your  cause  ;  to  whom  I  gave  receipt 
As  guests,  and  welcom'd  to  my  house,  with  all  the  love  I  might. 
I  learn'd  the  wisdom  of  their  souls,  and  humours  of  their  blood  ; 
Tor  when  the  Trojan  council  met,  and  these  together  stood,  220 

By  height  of  his  broad  shoulders  had  Atrides  eminence, 
Yet,  set,  Ulysses  did  exceed,  and  bred  more  reverence. 
And  when  their  counsels  and  their  words  they  wove  in  one,  the  speech 
Of  Atreus'  son  was  passing  loud,  small,  fast,  yet  did  not  reach 
To  much,  being  naturally  born  Laconical ;  nor  would  235 

His  humour  lie  for  anything,  or  was,  like  th'  other,  old  ; 
But  when  the  prudent  Ithacus  did  to  his  counsels  rise, 
He  stood  a  little  still,  and  fix'd  upon  the  earth  his  eyes, 
His  sceptre  moving  neither  way,  but  held  it  formally, 
Like  one  that  vainly  cloth  affect.     Of  wrathful  quality,  24) 

And  frantic  (rashly  judging  him)  you  would  have  said  he  was,    , 
But  when,  out  of  his  ample  breast,  he  gave  his  great  voice  pass, 
And  words  that  flew  about  our  ears,  like  drifts  of  winter's  snow, 

219  Feltred — matted  close  together,  like  felt  :  applied  to  the  wool. 

223  Mood — disposition,  a  sense  in  which  it  is  used  by  Shakespeare  and  others. 


70  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

None  thenceforth  might  contend  with  him,  tho'  nought  admir'd  for  show." 
The  third  man,  aged  Priam  mark'd,  was  Ajax  Telamon,  245 

Of  whom  he  ask'd  :  "  What  lord  is  that,  so  large  of  limb  and  hone, 
So  rais'd  in  height,  that  to  his  breast  I  see  there  reacheth  none  1 " 

To  him  the  Goddess  of  her  sex,  the  large- veil'd  Helen,  said  : 
"  That  Lord  is  Ajax  Telamon,  a  bulwark  in  their  aid. 
On  th'  other  side  stands  Idomen,  in  Crete  of  most  command,  250 

And  round  about  his  royal  sides  his  Cretan  captains  stand  ; 
Oft  hath  the  warlike  Spartan  king  giv'n  hospitable  due 
To  him  within  our  Lacene  court,  and  all  his  retinue. 
And  now  the  other  Achive  dukes  I  gen'rally  discern  ; 
All  which  I  know,  and  all  their  names  could  make  thee  quickly  learn. 
Two  princes  of  the  people  yet,  I  nowhere  can  behold,  250 

Castor,  the  skilful  knight  on  horse,  and  Pollux,  uncontroll'd 
For  all  stand-fights,  and  force  of  hand  ;  both  at  a  burthen  bred  ; 
My  natural  brothers  ;  either  here  they  have  not  followed 
From  lovely  Sparta,  or,  arriv'd  within  the  sea-born  fleet,  200 

In  fear  of  infamy  for  me,  in  broad  field  shame  to  meet." 

Nor  so  ;  for  holy  Tellus'  womb  inclos'd  those  worthy  men 
In  Sparta,  their  beloved  soil.     The  voiceful  heralds  then 
The  firm  agreement  of  the  Gods  through  all  the  city  ring  ; 
Two  lambs,  and  spirit-refreshing  wine  (the  fruit  of  earth)  they  bring, 
Within  a  goat-skin  bottle  clos'd  ;  Idseus  also  brought  206 

A  massy  glitt'ring  bowl,  and  cups,  that  all  of  gold  were  wrought ; 
Which  bearing  to  the  king,  they  cried  :  "  Son  of  Laomedoii 
Rise,  for  the  well-rode  peers  of  Troy,  and  brass-arm'd  Greeks,  in  one, 
Send  to  thee  to  descend  the  field,  that  they  firm  vows  may  make  ;       2:0 
For  Paris,  and  the  Spartan  king,  must  fight  for  Helen's  sake, 
With  long  arm'd  lances  ;  and  the  man  that  proves  victorious, 
The  woman,  and  the  wealth  she  brought,  shall  follow  to  his  house  ; 
The  rest  knit  friendship,  and  firm  leagues  ;  we  safe  in  Troy  shall  dwell, 
In  Argos  and  Achaia  they,  that  do  in  dames  excel."  275 

259  Natural — by  the  same  father  and  mother. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  71 

He  said  ;  and  Priam's  aged  joints  with  chilled  fear  did  shake, 
Yet  instantly  he  bade  his  men  his  chariot  ready  make. 
Which  soon  they  did,  and  he  ascends.     He  takes  the  reins,  and  guide 
Antenor  calls  ;  who  instantly  mounts  to  his  royal  side, 
And,  through  the  Scsean  ports  to  field,  the  swift-foot  horse  they  drive. 
And  when  at  them  of  Troy  and  Greece  the  aged  lords  arrive,  asi 

From  horse,  on  Troy's  well-feeding  soil,  ''twixt  both  the  hosts  they  go. 
When  straight  up-rose  the  king  of  men,  up-rose  Ulysses  too, 
The  heralds  in  their  richest  coats  repeat  (as  was  the  guise) 
The  true  vows  of  the  Gods  (term'd  theirs,  since  made  before  their  eyes) 
Then  in  a  cup  of  gold  they  mix  the  wine  that  each  side  brings,  asc 

And  next  pour  water  on  the  hands  of  both  the  kings  of  kings. 
Which  done,  Atrides  drew  his  knife,  that  evermore  he  put 
Within  the  large  sheath  of  his  sword  ;  with  which  away  he  cut 
The  wool  from  both  fronts  of  the  lambs,  which  (as  a  rite  in  use  290 

Of  execration  to  their  heads,  that  brake  the  plighted  truce) 
The  heralds  of  both  hosts  did  give  the  peers  of  both  ;  and  then, 
With  hands  and  voice  advanc'd  to  heav'n,  thus  pray'd  the  king  of  men  : 

"  0  Jove,  that  Ida  dost  protect,  and  hast  the  titles  won. 
Most  glorious,  most  invincible  ;  and  thou  all-seeing  Sun,  295 

All-hearing,  all-recomforting  ;  Floods  ;  Earth  ;  and  Pow'rs  beneath, 
That  all  the  perjuries  of  men  chastise  ev'n  after  death  ! 
Be  witnesses,  and  see  perform'd  the  hearty  vows  we  make. — 
If  Alexander  shall  the  life  of  Menelaus  take, 

He  shall  from  henceforth  Helena,  with  all  her  wealth,  retain,  300 

And  we  will  to  our  household  Gods,  hoise  sail,  and  home  again. 
If,  by  my  honour'd  brother's  hand,  be  Alexander  slain, 
The  Trojans  then  shall  his  forc'd  queen,  with  all  her  wealth,  restore, 
And  pay  convenient  fine  to  us,  and  ours  for  evermore. 
If  Priam  and  his  sons  deny  to  pay  this,  thus  agreed,  m 

When  Alexander  shall  be  slain  ;  for  that  perfidious  deed, 
And  for  the  fine,  will  I  fight  here,  till  dearly  they  repay, 
By  death  and  ruin,  the  amends,  that  falsehood  keeps  away." 


72  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

This  said,  the  throats  of  both  the  lambs  cut  with  his  royal  knife, 
He  laid  them  panting  on  the  earth,  till,  quite  depriv'd  of  life,  310 

The  steelhadrobb'd  them  of  their  strength  ;  then  golden  cups  they  crown'd, 
With  wine  out  of  a  cistern  drawn  ;  which  pour'd  upon  the  ground, 
They  fell  upon  their  humble  knees  to  all  the  Deities, 
And  thus  pray'd  one  of  both  the  hosts,  that  might  do  sacrifice  : 

"  0  Jupiter,  most  high,  most  great,  and  all  the  deathless  Pow'rs  ! 
Who  first  shall  dare  to  violate  the  late  sworn  oaths  of  ours,  sic 

So  let  the  bloods  and  brains  of  them,  and  all  they  shall  produce, 
Flow  on  the  stain'd  face  of  the  earth,  as  now  this  sacred  juice  ; 
And  let  their  wives  with  bastardice  brand  all  their  future  race." 
Thus  pray'd  they ;  but,  with  wish'd  effects,  their  pray'rs  Jove  did  not  grace ; 
When  Priam  said  :  "  Lords  of  both  hosts,  I  can  no  longer  stay  321 

To  see  my  lov'd  son  try  his  life,  and  so  must  take  my  way 
To  wind-exposed  Ilion.  Jove  yet  and  heav'u's  high  States 
Know  only,  which  of  these  must  now  pay  tribute  to  the  Fates." 

Thus,  putting  in  his  coach  the  lambs,  he  mounts  and  reins  his  horse ; 
Antenor  to  him  ;  and  to  Troy,  both  take  their  speedy  course.  320 

Then  Hector,  Priam's  martial  son,  stepp'd  forth,  and  met  the  ground, 
With  wise  Ulysses,  where  the  blows  of  combat  must  resound  ; 
Which  done,  into  a  helm  they  put  two  lots,  to  let  them  know 
Which  of  the  combatants  should  first  his  brass-pil'd  jav'lin  throw  ;      330 
When  all  the  people  standing  by,  with  hands  held  up  to  heav'n, 
Pray'd  Jove  the  conquest  might  not  be  by  force  or  fortune  giv'n, 
But  that  the  man,  who  was  in  right  the  author  of  most  wrong, 
Might  feel  his  justice,  and  no  more  these  tedious  wars  prolong, 
But,  sinking  to  the  house  of  death,  leave  them  (as  long  before)  335 

Link'd  fast  in  leagues  of  amity,  that  might  dissolve  no  more. 

Then  Hector  shook  the  helm  that  held  the  equal  dooms  of  chance, 
Look'd  back,  and  drew  ;  and  Paris  first  had  lot  to  hurl  his  lance. 

The  soldiers  all  sat  down  enrank'd,  each  by  his  arms  and  horse        339 
That  then  lay  down  and  cool'd  their  hoofs.    And  now  th'  allotted  course 
327  Met — meted,  measured.  33°  Brass-inlcd — brass-pointed. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  73 

Bids  fair-hair'd  Helen's  husband  arm  ;  who  first  makes  fast  his  greaves 

With  silver  buckles  to  his  legs  ;  then  on  his  breast  receives 

The  curets  that  Lycaon  wore  (his  brother)  but  made  fit 

For  his  fair  body ;  next  his  sword  he  took,  and  fasten'd  it, 

All  damask'd,  underneath  his  arm  ;  his  shield  then  grave  and  great    ai5 

His  shoulders  wore  •  and  on  his  head  his  glorious  helm  he  set, 

Topp'd  with  a  plume  of  horse's  hair,  that  horribly  did  dance, 

And  seem'd  to  threaten  as  he  mov'd  ;  at  last  he  takes  his  lance, 

Exceeding  big,  and  full  of  weight,  which  he  with  ease  could  use. 

In  like  sort,  Sparta's  warlike  king  himself  with  arms  indues.  350 

Thus  arm'd  at  either  army  both,  they  both  stood  bravely  in, 
Possessing  both  hosts  with  amaze,  they  came  so  chin  to  chin, 
And,  with  such  horrible  aspects,  each  other  did  salute. 

A  fair  large  field  was  made  for  them  j  where  wraths,  for  hugeness  mute, 
And  mutual,  made  them  mutually  at  either  shake  their  darts  355 

Before  they  threw.     Then  Paris  first  with  his  long  jav'lin  parts; 
It  smote  Atrides'  orby  targe,  but  ran  not  through  the  brass, 
For  in  it  (arming  well  the  shield)  the  head  reflected  was. 

Then  did  the  second  combatant  apply  him  to  his  spear, 
Which  ere  he  threw,  he  thus  besought  almighty  Jupiter  :  300 

"  0  Jove  !  Vouchsafe  me  now  revenge,  and  that  niy  enemy,"! 
For  doing  wrong  so  undeserv'd,  may  pay  deservedly 
The  pains  he  forfeited ;  and  let  these  hands  inflict  those  pains, 
By  conqu'ring,  ay,  by  conqu'ring  dead,  him  on  whom  life  complains  ; 
That  any  now,  or  any  one  of  all  the  brood  of  men  3Sa 

To  live  hereafter,  may  with  fear  from  all  offence  abstain, 
Much  more  from  all  such  foul  offence  to  him  that  was  his  host, 
And  entertain'd  him  as  the  man  whom  he  affected  most." 

This  said,  he  shook  and  threw  his  lance  ;  which  strook  through  Paris' 
shield, 

343  Curets — cuirass.     Sometimes  spelt  curace,  curat,  and  cur  let. 
345  Damask'd — inlaid. 
v358  Reflected — turned  back. 


74  THE   THIRD  BOOK 

And,  with  the  strength  he  gave  to  it,  it  made  the  curets  yield,  sro 

His  coat  of  mail,  his  breast,  and  all,  and  drove  his  entrails  in, 

In  that  low  region  where  the  guts  in  three  small  parts  begin  ; 

Yet  he,  in  bowing  of  his  breast,  prevented  sable  death. 

This  taint  he  follow'd  with  his  sword,  drawn  from  a  silver  sheath, 

"Which  lifting  high,  he  strook  his  helm  full  where  his  plume  did  stand, 

On  which  it  piecemeal  brake,  and  fell  from  his  unhappy  hand.  375 

At  which  he  sighing  stood,  and  star'd  upon  the  ample  sky, 

And  said  :  "  0  Jove,  there  is  no  God  giv'n  more  illiberally 

To  those  that  serve  thee  than  thyself,  why  have  I  pray'd  in  vain  ] 

I  hop'd  my  hand  should  have  reveng'd,  the  wrongs  I  still  sustain,       ss» 

On  him  that  did  them,  and  still  dares  their  foul  defence  pursue  ; 

And  now  my  lance  hath  miss'd  his  end,  my  sword  in  shivers  flew, 

And  he  'scapes  all."     With  this,  again  he  rush'd  upon  his  guest, 

And  caught  him  by  the  horse-hair  plume,  that  dangled  on  his  crest, 

With  thought  to  drag  him  to  the  Greeks  ;  which  he  had  surely  done, 

And  so,  besides  the  victory,  had  wondrous  glory  won,  386 

(Because  the  needle-painted  lace,  with  which  his  helm  was  tied 

Beneath  his  chin,  and  so  about  his  dainty  throat  implied, 

Had  strangled  him  ; )  but  that,  in  time,  the  Cyprian  seed  of  Jove 

Did  break  the  string,  with  which  was  lin'd  that  which  the  needle  wove, 

And  was  the  tough  thong  of  a  steer  ;  and  so  the  victor's  palm  391 

Was,  for  so  full  a  man-at-arms,  only  an  empty  helm. 

That  then  he  swung  about  his  head,  and  cast  among  his  friends, 

Who  scrambled,  and  took  't  up  with  shouts.     Again  then  he  intends 

To  force  the  life-blood  of  his  foe,  and  ran  on  him  amain,  395 

With  shaken  jav'lin ;  when  the  Queen,  that  lovers  loves,  again 

Attended,  and  now  ravish'd  him  from,  that  encounter  quite, 

With  ease,  and  wondrous  suddenly  ;  for  she,  a  Goddess,  might. 

374  Taint — a  term  at  tilting,  when  the  blow  or  thrust,  given  by  the  lance, 
failed  in  its  effect.     Halliwell  explains  it  "  injuring  a  lance  without  breaking 
it ; "  Gifford,   "  breaking  a  staff,   but  not  in  the  most  honourable  manner." 
Chapman  however  frequently  uses  it  to  express  simply  a  thrust  with  a  spear. 
393  _  Wkcn  the  Queen,  itc. — "This  place  Virgil  iinitateth." — CHAPMAN.. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  75 

She  hid  him  in  a  cloud  of  gold,  and  never  made  him  known, 

Till  in  his  chamber,  fresh  and  sweet,  she  gently  set  him  down,  *oo 

And  went  for  Helen ;  whom  she  found  in  Seaea's  utmost  height, 

To  which  whole  swarms  of  city  dames  had  climb'd  to  see  the  sight. 

To  give  her  errand  good  success,  she  took  on  her  the  shape 
Of  beldame  Grtea,  who  was  brought  by  Helen,  in  her  rape, 
From  Lacedsemon,  and  had  trust  in  all  her  secrets  still,  t& 

Being  old,  and  had  (of  all  her  maids)  the  main  bent  of  her  will, 
And  spun  for  her  her  finest  wool.     Like  her,  Love's  Empress  came, 
Pull'd  Helen  by  the  heav'uly  veil,  and  softly  said  :  "  Madame, 
My  lord  calls  for  you,  you  must  needs  make  all  your  kind  haste  home ; 
He's  in  your  chamber,  stays,  and  longs  ;  sits  by  your  bed  ;  pray  come, 
'Tis  richly  made,  and  sweet ;  but  he  more  sweet,  and  looks  so  clear,   411 
So  fresh,  and  movingly  attir'd,  that,  seeing,  you  would  swear 
He  came  not  from  the  dusty  fight,  but  from  a  courtly  dance, 
Or  would  to  dancing."     This  she  made  a  charm  for  dalliance  ; 
Whose  virtue  Helen  felt,  and  knew,  by  her  so  radiant  eyes,  415 

White  neck,  and  most  enticing  breasts,  the  deified  disguise. 

At  which  amaz'd,  she  answered  her  :  "  Unhappy  Deity  ! 
Why  lov'st  thou  still  in  these  deceits  to  wrap  my  phantasy  ? 
Or  whither  yet,  of  all  the  towns  giv'n  to  their  lust  beside, 
In  Phrygia,  or  Mseonia,  com'st  thou  to  be  my  guide,  420 

If  there  (of  divers-Ian guag'd  men)  thou  hast,  as  here  in  Troy, 
Some  other  friend  to  be  my  shame  ;  since  here  thy  latest  joy 
By  Menelaus  now  subdu'd,  by  him  shall  I  be  borne 
Home  to  his  court,  and  end  my  life  in  triumphs  of  his  scorn  ? 
And,  to  this  end,  would  thy  deceits  my  wanton  life  allure  I  4j:> 

Hence,  go  thyself  to  Priam's  son,  and  all  the  ways  abjure 
Of  Gods,  or  godlike-minded  dames,  nor  ever  turn  again 
Thy  earth-affecting  feet  to  heav'n,  but  for  his  sake  sustain 
Toils  here  ;  guard,  grace  him  endlessly,  till  he  requite  thy  grace 
By  giving  thee  my  place  with  him  ;  or  take  his  servant's  place,  430 

404  Bddamc — formerly'a  term  of  respect  for  an  old  woman. 


76  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

If,  all  dishonourable  ways,  yoiir  favours  seek  to  serve 

His  never-pleas'd  incontinence  ;  I  better  will  deserve, 

Than  serve  his  dotage  now.     What  shame  were  it  for  me  to  feed 

This  lust  in  him  ;  all  honour'd  dames  would  hate  me  for  the  deed  ! 

He  leaves  a  woman's  love  so  sham'd,  and  shows  so  base  a  mind,  435 

To  feel  nor  my  shame  nor  his  own  ;  griefs  of  a  greater  kind 

"Wound  me  than  such  as  can  admit  such  kind  delights  so  soon." 

The  Goddess,  angry  that,  past  shame,  her  mere  will  was  not  done, 
Replied  :  "Incense  me  not,  you  wretch,  lest,  once  inceus'd,  I  leave 
Thy  curs'd  life  to  as  strange  a  hate,  as  yet  it  may  receive  440 

A  love  from  me  ;  and  lest  I  spread  through  both  hosts  such  despite, 
For  those  plagues  they  have  felt  for  thee,  that  both  abjure  thee  quite, 
And  setting  thee  in  midst  of  both,  turn  all  their  wraths  on  thee, 
And  dart  thee  dead  ;  that  such  a  death  may  wreak  thy  wrong  of  me/' 

This  strook  the  lair  dame  with  such  fear,  it  took  her  speech  away, 
And,  shadow'd  in  her  snowy  veil,  she  durst  not  but  obey ;  no 

And  yet,  to  shun  the  shame  she  fear'd,  she  vanish'd  undescried 
Of  all  the  Trojan  ladies  there,  for  Venus  was  her  guide. 

Arriv'd  at  home,  her  women  both  fell  to  their  work  in  haste  ; 
When  she,  that  was  of  all  her  sex  the  most  divinely  grac'd,  450 

Ascended  to  a  higher  room,  though  much  against  her  will, 
Where  lovely  Alexander  was,  being  led  by  Venus  still. 
The  laughter-loving  Dame  discern'd  her  mov'd  mind  by  her  grace, 
And,  for  her  mirth'  sake,  set  a  stool,  full  before  Paris'  face, 
Where  she  would  needs  have  Helen  sit ;  who,  though  she  durst  not 

choose  455 

But  sit,  yet  look'd  away  for  all  the  Goddess'  pow'r  could  use, 
And  used  her  tongue  too,  and  to  chide  whom  Venus  sooth'd  so  much, 
And  chid,  too,  in  this  bitter  kind  :  "  And  was  thy  cowardice  such, 
So  conquer'd,  to  be  seen  alive  ?     0  would  to  God,  thy  life 
Had  perish'd  by  his  worthy  hand,  to  whom  I  first  was  wife  !  400 

Before  this,  thou  wouldst  glorify  thy  valour  and  thy  lance, 
And,  past  my  first  love's,  boast  them  far.     Go  once  more,  and  advance 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  77 

Thy  braves  against  his  single  pow'r ;  this  foil  might  fall  by  chance. 
Poor  conquer'd  man  !     'Twas  such  a  chance,  as  I  would  not  advise 
Thy  valour  should  provoke  again.     Shun  him,  thou  most  unwise,       465 
Lest  next,  thy  spirit  sent  to  hell,  thy  body  be  his  prise." 

He  answer'd :   "  Pray  thee,  woman,  cease,  to  chide  and  grieve  me  thus. 
Disgraces  will  not  ever  last.     Look  on  their  end.     On  us 
Will  other  Gods,  at  other  times,  let  fall  the  victor's  wreath,  • 
As  on  him  Pallas  put  it  now.     Shall  our  love  sink  beneath  4to 

The  hate  of  fortune  ?     In  love's  fire,  let  all  hates  vanish.     Come, 
Love  never  so  inflam'd  my  heart ;  no,  not  when,  bringing  home 
Thy  beauty's  so  delicious  prise,  on  Cranae's  blest  shore] 
I  long'd  for,  and  enjoy'd  thee  first."     With  this  he  went  before, 
She  after,  to  the  odorous  bed.     While  these  to  pleasure  yield,  475 

Perplex'd  Atrides,  savage-like,  rau  up  and  down  the  field,  j 
And  ev'ry  thickest  troop  of  Troy,  and  of  their  far-call'd  aid, 
Search'd  for  his  foe,  who  could  not  be  by  any  eye  betray'd  ;: 
Nor  out  of  friendship  (out  of  doubt)  did  they  conceal  his  sight, 
All  hated  him  so  like  their  deaths,  and  ow'd  him  such  despite.  4«o 

At  last  thus  spake  the  king  of  men  :  "  Hear  me,  ye  men  of  Troy,   I 
Ye  Dardans,  and  the  rest,  whose  pow'rs  you  in  their  aids  employ. 
The  conquest  on  my  brother's  part,  ye  all  discern  is  clear, 
Do  you  then  Argive  Helena,  with  all  her  treasure  here, 
Restore  to  us,  and  pay  the  mulct,  that  by  your  vows  is  due,  43; 

Yield  us  an  honour'd  recompense,  and,  all  that  should  accrue 
To  our  posterities,  confirm  ;  that  when  you  render  it,' 
Our  acts  may  here  be  memoris'd."    This  all  Greeks  else  thought  fit. 


78  THE  THIRD  BOOK 


COMMENTARIES. 

126. 

'  gig  5'  ceiJtf'  'EXfi/>j,  &c.  Iris  autem  Helene,  &c.  Elegantly  and 
most  aptly  (saith  Spondanus)  is  Helen  called  by  Homer  to  the 
spectacle  of  this  single  fight,  as  being  the  chief  person  in  cause  of  all 
the  action.  The  chief  end  of  whose  coming  yet,  enviously  and  most 
vainly,  Scaliger's  Criticus  taxeth ;  which  was  her  relation  to  Priam  of 
the  persons  he  noted  there  ;  jesting  (with  his  French  wit)  at  this  Greek 
father,  and  fount,  of  all  wit,  for  making  Priam  to  sesk  now  of  their 
names  and  knowledges,  when  nine  years  together  they  had  lien  there 
before.  A  great  piece  of  necessity  to  make  him  therefore  know  them 
before,  when  there  was  no  such  urgent  occasion  before  to  bring  Priam 
to  note  them,  nor  so  calm  a  convenience  in  their  ordered  and  quiet  dis- 
tinction !  But  let  this  criticism  in  this  be  weighed  with  his  other  faults 
found  in  our  master ; — as,  for  making  lightning  in  winter  before  snow  or 
rain,  which  the  most  ignorant  upland  peasant  could  teach  him  out  of  his 
observations.  For  which  yet  his  Criticus  hath  the  project  impudence 
to  tax  Homer  ;  most  falsely  repeating  his  words  too ;  saying  libi  ningit, 
when  he  saith,  nfyuv  jj  itolM  ofjLJSgov,  &c.,  parans,  or  struens,  vel  mul- 
tum  imlrem,  immensamve  grandinem,  vel  nivem:  preparing,  or  going 
about  those  moist  impressions  in  the  air,  not  in  present  act  with  them. 
From  this,  immediately  and  most  rabidly,  he  ranges  to  Ulysses'  repre- 
hension, for  killing  the  wooers  with  his  bow,  in  the  Odysses.  Then  to 
his  late  vomit  again  in  the  Iliads  the  very  next  word,  and  envieth 
Achilles'  horse  for  speaking  (because  himself  would  have  all  the  tongue) 
when,  in  Sacred  Writ,  Balaam's  ass  could  have  taught  him.  the  like 
hath  been  heard  of.  Yet  now  to  the  Odysses  again  with  a  breath,  and 
challenges  Ulysses'  ship  for  suffering  Neptune  to  turn  it  to  a  rock. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  79 

Here  is  strange  laying  out  for  a  master  so  curiously  methodical.  Not 
with  what  Graces,  with  what  Muses,  we  may  ask,  he  was  inspired,  but 
with  what  Harpies,  what  Furies,  putting  the  putidum  mendacium  upon 
Homer  ?  Putidus.  ineptus,  frigidus,  puerilis  (being  terms  fitter  for  a 
scold  or  a  bawd,  than  a  man  softened  by  learning)  he  belcheth  against 
him  whom  all  the  world  hath  reverenced,  and  admired,  as  the  fountain 
of  all  wit,  wisdom,  and  learning.  What  touch  is  it  to  me,  then,  to  bear  spots 
of  depravations,  when  my  great  master  is  thus  muddily  daubed  with  it  1 
But  whoever  saw  true  learning,  wisdom,  or  wit,  vouchsafe  mansion  in 
any  proud,  vain-glorious,  and  braggartly  spirit,  when  their  chief  act 
and  end  is  to  abandon  and  abhor  it  ?  Language,  reading,  habit  of 
speaking,  or  writing  in  other  learning,  I  grant  in  this  reviler  great  and 
abundant ;  but,  in  this  poesy,  redundant  I  affirm  him,  and  rammish. 
To  conclude,  I  will  use  the  same  words  of  him,  that  he  of  Erasmus,  (in 
cake  Epinomidos),  which  are  these  (as  I  convert  it)  : — "  Great  was  his 
name,  but  had  been  futurely  greater,  would  himself  have  been  less  ; 
where  now,  bold  with  the  greatness  of  his  wit,  he  hath  undertaken  the 
more,  with  much 'less  exactness;  and  so  his  confidence,  set  on  by  the 
renown  of  his  name,  hath  driven  him  headlong,  &c." 

1C2.  "O-a  ?.£/o/&£ff<rai/    i-Jai.       Vocem  suaveni   emittunt,  saith  the  in- 

s 

terpreter  (intending  the  grasshoppers,  to  whom  he  compareth  the  old 
counsellors) ;  but  it  is  here  to  be  expounded,  vocem  teneram  not  suavem 
(>.&;g/05/s  in  this  place  signifying  tener)  for  grasshoppers  sing  not 
sweetly,  but  harshly  and  faintly,  wherein  the  weak  and  tender  voice  of 
the  old  counsellors  is  to  admiration  expressed.  The  simile  Spondanus 
highly  commends  is  most  apt  and  expressive  ;  but  his  application  in  one 
part  doth  abuse  it,  in  the  other  right  it,  and  that  is,  to  make  the  old 
men  resemble  grasshoppers  for  their  cold  and  bloodless  spininess,  Tython 
being  for  age  turned  to  a  grasshopper,  but  where  they  were  grave  and 
wise  counsellors,  to  make  them  garrulous,  as  grasshoppers  are  stridulous  ; 
that  application  holdeth  not  in  these  old  men,  though  some  old  men  are 
so,  these  being  'EadXoi  dyogrjal  loni,  et  periti,  concionatores ;  the 
word  sodXoi  signifying  frugi  also,  which  is  temperate  or  full  of  all 


80  THE  THIRD  BOOK 

moderation,  and,  so,  far  from  intimating  any  touch  of  garrulity.  Nor 
was  the  conceit  of  our  poet  by  Spondanus  or  any  other  understood  in. 
this  simile. 

234.  'EKireo%d8r]\>    dyogevs,     succincte    concionabatur    Menelaus ;    he 
speaks  succinctly,  or  compendiously,  say  his  interpreters  ;   which   is 
utterly  otherwise,  in   the  voice  "k^ir^-^db^v,  signifying  velociter,  pro- 
perly, modo  eorum  qui  curruntj  he  spake  fast  or  thick. 

itcvjoa.  IMV,  &c.,  few  words  yet,  he  used,  ak'ka.  //.a'Aa  "hiylws,  sed  valde 
acute,  they  expound  it,  when  it  is  valde  stndule,  shrilly,  smally,  or  aloud  ; 
A/ylwr,  (as  I  have  noted  before)  being  properly  taken  in  the  worse  part ; 
and  accordingly  expounded,  niaketh  even  with  his  simple  character  at 
all  parts,  his  utterance  being  noiseful,  small,  or  squeaking  ;  an  excellent 
pipe  for  a  fool.  Nor  is  the  voice  or  manner  of  utterance  in~a  man  the 
least  key  that  discovereth  his  wisdom  or  folly.  And  therefore  worth  the 
noting  is  that  of  Ulysses  in  the  second  book — that  he  knew  Pallas  by 
her  voice. 

\tcii  ou  KoXvjAudog,  quoniam  non  garrulus,  or  loquax  ;  being  born,  natu- 
rally Laconical ;  which  agreeth  not  the  less  with  his  fast  or  thick  speaking : 
for  a  man  may  have  that  kind  of  utterance,  and  yet  few  words. 

235.  Ou  8*  d(f>afj!/aD7os<z"fi; :  neque  in  verlis  peccans,  say  the  commentors, 
as  though  a  fool  were  perfectly  spoken  ;  when  the  word  here  hath  another 
sense,  and  our  Homer  a  far  other  meaning,  the  words  being  thus  to  be 
expounded  :  neque  mendax  erat,  he  would  not  lie  by  any  means,  for  that 
affectedly  he  stands  upon  hereafter.     But  to  make  a  fool  non  peccans 
verbis,  will  make  a  man  nothing  wonder  at  any  peccancy  or  absurdity 
in  men  of  mere  language. 

You  see,  then,  to  how  extreme  a  difference  and  contrariety  the  word 
and  sense  lie  subject,  and  that,  without  first  finding  the  true  figures  of 
persons  in  this  kind  presented,  it  is  impossible  for  the  best  linguist  living 
to  express  an  author  truly,  especially  any  Greek  author,  the  language 
being  so  differently  significant,  which  not  judicially  fitted  with  the  expo- 
sition that  the  place  (and  coherence  with  other  places)  requireth,  what 
a  motley  and  confused  man  a  translator  may  present !  As  now  they  do 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  81 


all  of  Menelaus,  who,  wheresoever  he  is  called  '  Agjj/^/Xoj,  is  there  untruly 
translated  bellicosus,  but  cui  Mars  est  charus,  because  he  might  love  the 
•war,  and  yet  be  no  good  warrior,  as  many  love  many  exercises  at  which. 
they  will  never  be  good  ;  and  Homer  gave  it  to  him  for  another  of  his 
peculiar  epithets,  as  a  vain-glorious  affectation  in  him,  rather  than  a 
solid  affection. 

And  here  haste  makes  me  give  end  to  these  new  annotations,  deferring 
the  like  in  the  next  nine  books  for  more  breath  and  encouragement, 
since  time  (that  hath  ever  oppressed  me)  will  not  otherwise  let  me  come 
to  the  last  twelve,  in  which  the  first  free  light  of  my  author  entered  and 
emboldened  me  ;  where  so  many  rich  discoveries  importune  my  poor 
expression,  that  I  fear  rather  to  betray  them  to  the  world  than  express 
them  to  their  price.  But  howsoever  envy  and  prej  udice  stand  squirting 
their  poison  through  the  eyes  of  my  readers,  this  shall  appear  to  all 
competent  apprehensions,  I  have  followed  the  original  with  authentical 
expositions,  according  to  the  proper  signification  of  the  word  in  his  place, 
though  I  differ  therein  utterly  from  others  ;  I  have  rendered  all  things 
of  importance  with  answerable  life  and  height  to  my  author,  though  with 
some  periphrasis,  withoutwhich  no  man  can  worthily  translate  any  worthy 
poet.  And  since  the  translation  itself,  and  my  notes  (being  impartially 
conferred)  amply  approve  this,  I  will  still  be  confident  in  the  worth,  of 
my  pains,  how  idly  and  unworthily  soever  I  be  censured.  And  thus  to 
the  last  twelve  books  (leaving  other  horrible  errors  in  his  other  inter- 
preters unmoved)  with  those  free  feet  that  entered  me,  I  haste,  sure  of 
nothing  but  my  labour. 


THE  END  OF  THE  THIRD  BOOK. 


VOL.  I.  F 


THE  FOURTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

THE  Gods  in  council,  at  the  last,  decree 

That  famous  Ilion  shall  expugn^d  be  ; 

And  that  their  own  continu'd  faults  may  prove 

The  reasons  that  have  so  incensed  Jove, 

Minerva  seeks,  with  more  offences  done 

Against  the  lately  injur'd  Atreus'  son, 

(A  ground  that  clearest  would  make  seen  their  sin) 

To  have  the  Lycian  Pandarus  begin. 

He  ('gainst  the  truce  with  sacred  cov'nants  bound) 

Gives  Menelaus  a  dishonour'd  wound. 

Machaon  heals  him.     Agamemnon  then 

To  mortal  war  incenseth  all  his  men. 

The  battles  join  ;  and,  in  the  heat  of  fight, 

Cold  death  shuts  many  eyes  in  endless  night. 

ANOTHER  ARGUMENT. 

In  Delta  is  the  Gods'  Assize  ; 

The  truce  is  broke  ;  wars  freshly  rise. 


ITHINtliefair-pav'd  court  of  Jove,  he  and  the  Gods  conferr'd 
About  the  sad  events  of  Troy  ;  amongst  whom  minister'd 
Bless'd  Hebe  nectar.  As  they  sat,  and  did  Troy's  tow'rs 

behold, 
They  drank,  and  pledg'd  each  other  round  in  full-crown'd  cups  of  gold. 


HOMER'S  ILIADS.  S3 

The  mirth  at  whose  feast  was  begun  by  great  Satnrnides  5 

In  urging  a  begun  dislike  amongst  the  Goddesses, 

But  chiefly  in  his  solemn  queen,  whose  spleen  he  was  dispos'd 

To  tempt  yet  further,  knowing  well  what  anger  it  inclos'd, 

And  how  wives' angers  should  be  us'd.    On  which,  thus  pleas'd,he  play'd : 

"  Two  Goddesses  there  are  that  still  give  Menelaus  aid,  10 

And  one  that  Paris  loves.     The  two  that  sit  from  us  so  far 
(Which  Argive  Juno  is,  and  She  that  rules  in  deeds  of  war,) 
No  doubt  are  pleas'd  to  see  how  well  the  late-seen  fight  did  frame  ; 
And  yet,  upon  the  adverse  part,  the  laughter-loving  Dame  14 

Made  her  pow'r  good  too  for  her  friend  ;  for,  though  he  were  so  near 
The  stroke  of  death  in  th'  others'  hopes,  she  took  him  from  them  clear. 
The  conquest  yet  is  questionless  the  martial  Spartan  king's. 
We  must  consult  then  what  events  shall  crown  these  future  things, 
If  wars  and  combats  we  shall  still  with  even  successes  strike, 
Or  as  impartial  friendship  plant  on  both  parts.     If  ye  like  20 

The  last,  and  that  it  will  as  well  delight  as  merely  please 
Your  happy  deities,  still  let  stand  old  Priam's  town  in  peace, 
And  let  the  Lacedeemon  king  again  his  queen  enjoy." 

As  Pallas  and  Heav'ns  Queen  sat  close,  complotting  ill  to  Troy, 
With  silent  murmurs  they  receiv'd  this  ill-lik'd  choice  from  Jove  ;        25 
'Gainst  whom  was  Pallas  much  incens'd,  because  the  Queen  of  Love 
Could  not,  without  his  leave,  relieve  in  that  late  point  of  death 
The  son  of  Priam,  whom  she  loath'd  ;  her  wrath  yet  fought  beneath 
Her  supreme  wisdom,  and  was  curb'd  ;  but  Juno  needs  must  ease 
Her  great  heart  with  her  ready  tongue,  and  said  ;  "  What  words  are 

these, 

Austere,  and  too-much-Saturn s  son?    Why  wouldst  thou  render  still  31 
My  labours  idle,  and  the  sweat  of  my  industrious  will 
Dishonour  with  so  little  pow'r  1    My  chariot  horse  are  tir'd 
With  posting  to  and  fro  for  Greece,  and  bringing  banes  desir'd 
To  people-must'ring  Priamus,  and  his  perfidious  sons  ;  35 

Yet  thou  protect'st,  and  join'st  with  them  whom  each  just  Deity  shuns. 


84:  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

Go  on,  but  ever  go  resolv'd  all  other  Gods  have  vow'd 

To  cross  thy  partial  course  for  Troy,  in  all  that  makes  it  proud." 

At  this,  the  cloud-compelling  Jove  a  far-fetch'd  sigh  let  fly, 
And  said  :  "  Thou  fury  !     What  offence  of  such  impiety  10 

Hath  Priam  or  his  sons  done  thee,  that,  with  so  high  a  hate, 
Thou  shouldst  thus  ceaselessly  desire  to  raze  and  ruinate 
So  well  a  builded  town  as  Troy  ?     I  think,  hadst  thou  the  pow'r, 
Thou  wouldst  the  ports  and  far-stretch'd  walls  fly  over,  and  devour 
Old  Priam  and  his  issue  quick,  and  make  all  Troy  thy  feast,  45 

And  then  at  length  I  hope  thy  wrath  and  tired  spleen  would  rest ; 
To  which  run  on  thy  chariot,  that  nought  be  found  in  me 
Of  just  cause  to  our  future  jars.     In  this  yet  strengthen  thee, 
And  fix  it  in  thy  memory  fast,  that  if  I  entertain 

As  peremptory  a  desire  to  level  with  the  plain  so 

A  city  where  thy  loved  live,  stand  not  betwixt  my  ire 
And  what  it  aims  at,  but  give  way,  when  thou  hast  thy  desire  ; 
Which  now  I  grant  thee  willingly,  although  against  my  will. 
For  not  beneath  the  ample  sun,  and  heavVs  star-bearing  hill, 
There  is  a  town  of  earthly  men  so  honour'd  in  my  mind  55 

As  sacred  Troy  ;  nor  of  earth's  kings  as  Priam  and  his  kind, 
Who  never  let  my  altars  lack  rich  feast  of  off' rings  slain, 
And  their  sweet  savours  ;  for  which  grace  I  honour  them  again." 

Dread  Juno,  with  the  cow's  fair  eyes,  replied  :  "  Three  towns  there  are 
Of  great  and  eminent  respect,  both  in  my  love  and  care  ;  co 

Mycene,  with  the  broad  highways  ;  and  Argos,  rich  in  horse  ; 
And  Sparta  ;  all  which  three  destroy,  when  thou  envi'st  their^force, 
I  will  not  aid  them,  nor  malign  thy  free  and  sov'reign  will, 
For  if  I  should  be  envious,  and  set  against  their  ill, 
I  know  my  envy  were  in  vain,  since  thou  art  mightier  far.  65 

But  we  must  give  each  other  leave,  and  wink  at  cither's  war. 
I  likewise  must  have  pow'r  to  crown  my  works  with  wished  end, 
Because  I  am  a  Deity,  and  did  from  thence  descend 

37  Resolved — informed. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  85 

Whence  thou  thyself,  and  th'  elder  born  ;  wise  Saturn  was  our  sire  ; 

And  thus  there  is  a  two-fold  cause  that  pleads  for  my  desire,  ro 

Being  sister,  and  am  call'd  thy  wife  ;  and  more,  since  thy  command 

Kules  all  Gods  else,  I  claim  therein  a  like  superior  hand. 

All  wrath  before  then  now  remit,  and  mutually  combine 

In  cither's  empire  ;  I,  thy  rule,  and  thou,  illustrate,  mine  ; 

So  will  the  other  Gods  agree,  and  we  shall  all  be  strong.  75 

And  first  (for  this  late  plot)  with  speed  let  Pallas  go  among 

The  Trojans,  and  some  one  of  them  entice  to  break  the  truce 

By  offring  in  some  treach'rons  wound  the  honour'd  Greeks  abuse." 

The  Father  both  of  men  and  Gods  agreed,  and  Pallas  sent, 
With  these  wing'd  words,  to  both  the  hosts  :  "  Make  all  haste,  and 

invent 

Some  mean  by  which  the  men  of  Troy,  against  the  truce  agreed,          si 
May  stir  the  glorious  Greeks  to  arms  with  some  inglorious  deed." 

Thus  charg'd  he  her  with  haste  that  did,  before,  in  haste  abound, 
Who  cast  herself  from  all  the  heights,  with  which  steep  heav'n  is  crown'd. 
And  as  Jove,  brandishing  a  star,  which  men  a  comet  call,  85 

Hurls  out  his  curled  hair  abroad,  that  from  his  brand  exhals 
A  thousand  sparks,  to  fleets  at  sea,  and  ev'ry  mighty  host, 
Of  all  presages  and  ill-haps  a  sign  mistrusted  most ; 
So  Pallas  fell  'twixt  both  the  camps,  and  suddenly  was  lost, 
When  through  the  breasts  of  all  that  saw,  she  strook  a  strong  amaze    oo 
With  viewing,  in  her  whole  descent,  her  bright  and  ominous  blaze. 
When  straight  one  to  another  turn'd,  and  said  :  "  Now  thund'ring  Jove 
(Great  Arbiter  of  peace  and  arms)  will  either  stablish  love 
Amongst  our  nations,  or  renew  such  war  as  never  was." 

Thus  either  army  did  presage,  when  Pallas  made  her  pass  95 

Amongst  the  multitude  of  Troy  ;  who  now  put  on  the  grace 
Of  brave  Laodocus,  the  flow'r  of  old  Antenor's  race, 

85  Which  men  a  comet  call— so  both  the  folios.  Dr.  Taylor  has  printed  "which 
man  a  comet  calls."  This  certainly  suits  the  rhyme,  but  I  adhere  to  Chapman  s 
text. 


86  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

And  sought  for  Lycian  Pandarus,  a  man  that,  being  bred 

Out  of  a  faithless  family,  she  thought  was  fit  to  shed 

The  blood  of  any  innocent,  and  break  the  cov'nant  sworn  ;  im> 

He  was  Lycaon's  son,  whom  Jove  into  a  wolf  did  turn 

For  sacrificing  of  a  child,  and  yet  in  arms  renown'd 

As  one  that  was  inculpable.     Him  Pallas  standing  found, 

And  round  about  him  his  strong  troops  that  bore  the  shady  shields  ; 

He  brought  them  from  ^Esepus'  flood,  let  through  the  Lycian  fields  ; 

Whom  standing  near,  she  whisper'd  thus  :  "  Lycaon's  warlike  son,       100 

Shall  I  despair  at  thy  kind  hands  to  have  a  favour  done  ] 

Nor  dar'st  thou  let  an  arrow  fly  upon  the  Spartan  king  ? 

It  would  be  such  a  grace  to  Troy,  and  such  a  glorious  thing, 

That  ev'ry  man  would  give  his  gift ;  but  Alexander's  hand  no 

Would  load  thee  with  them,  if  he  could  discover  from  his  stand 

His  foe's  pride  strook  down  with  thy  shaft,  and  he  himself  ascend 

The  flaming  heap  of  funeral.     Come,  shoot  him,  princely  friend  ; 

But  first  invoke  the  God  of  Light,  that  in  thy  land  was  born, 

And  is  in  archers'  art  the  best  that  ever  sheaf  hath  worn,  115 

To  whom  a  hundred  first-ew'd  lambs  vow  thou  in  holy  fire, 

When  safe  to  sacred  Zelia's  tow'rs  thy  zealous  steps  retire." 

With  this  the  mad  gift-greedy  man  Minerva  did  persuade, 
Who  instantly  drew  forth  a  bow,  most  admirably  made 
Of  th'  antler  of  a  jumping  goat  bred  in  a  steep  up-land,  120 

Which  archer- like  (as  long  before  he  took  his  hidden  stand, 
The  evicke  skipping  from  a  rock)  into  the  breast  he  smote, 
And  headlong  fell'd  him  from  his  cliff.     The  forehead  of  the  goat 
Held  out  a  wondrous  goodly  palm,  that  sixteen  branches  brought ; 

98  A  man  that  being  bred  out  of  a  faithless  family. — This  description  of  Pandarus 
has  been  introduced  into  the  text  by  Chapman  from  the  commentators,  as  Dr. 
Taylor  observes. 

115  Sheaf — bundle  of  arrows. 

122  The  evicke— the  old  spelling  of  ibex.  Dr.  Taylor,  not  knowing  the  word, 
suggested  that  it  meant  evict,  or  doomed  one  ! 

***  Palm — Nares  says  "  the  broad  part  of  a  deer's  horns,  when  fully  grown." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  87 

Of  all  which  joiu'd,  an  useful  bow  a  skilful  bowyer  wrought,  125 

Which  pick'd  and  polish'd,  both  the  ends  he  hid  with  horns  of  gold 

And  this  bow,  bent,  he  close  laid  down,  and  bad  his  soldiers  hold 

Their  shields  before  him,  lest  the  Greeks,  discerning  him,  should  rise 

In  tumults  ere  the  Spartan  king  could  be  his  arrow's  prise. 

Mean  space,  with  all  his  care  he  choos'd,  and  from  his  quiver  drew,    iso 

An  arrow,  feather'd  best  for  flight,  and  yet  that  never  flew, 

Strong  headed,  and  most  apt  to  pierce  ;  then  took  he  up  his  bow, 

And  nock'd  his  shaft,  the  ground  whence  all  their  future  grief  did  grow. 

"When,  praying  to  his  God  the  Sun,  that  was  in  Lycia  bred, 

And  kinc*  of  archers,  promising  that  he  the  blood  would  shed  135 

Of  full  an  hundred  first-fall'n  lambs,  all  offer'd  to  his  name, 

When  to  Zelia's  sacred  walls  from  rescu'd  Troy  he  came, 

He  took  his  arrow  by  the  nock,  and  to  his  bended  breast 

The  oxy  sinew  close  he  drew,  ev'n  till  the  pile  did  rest 

Upon  the  bosom  of  the  bow  ;  and  as  that  savage  prise  140 

His  strength  constraint  into  an  orb,  as  if  the  wind  did  rise 

The  coming  of  it  made  a  noise,  the  sinew-forged  string 

Did  give  a  mighty  twang,  and  forth  the  eager  shaft  did  sing, 

Affecting  speediness  of  flight,  amongst  the  Achive  throng. 

Nor  were  the  blessed  Heav'nly  Pow'rs  unmindful  of  thy  wrong,  145 

O  Menelaus,  but,  in  chief,  Jove's  seed,  the  Pillager, 

Stood  close  before,  and  slack'd  the  force  the  arrow  did  confer, 

With  as  much  care  and  little  hurt,  as  doth  a  mother  use, 

And  keep  off  from  her  babe,  when  sleep  doth  through  his  pow'rs  diffuse 

His  golden  humour,  and  th'  assaults  of  rude  and  busy  flies  150 

She  still  checks  with  her  careful  hand ;  for  so  the  shaft  she  plies 

That  on  the  buttons  made  of  gold,  which  made  his  girdle  fast, 

116  Picked — piked,  pointed. 

138  «' Virgil  useth  these  verses" — CHAPITAN. 

133  xfock — the  notch  of  the  arrow,  where  it  rests  upon  the  string. 

139  Pile — point,  barb  of  the  arrow. 

140  Prise— here  used  for  grasp. 

146  The  Pillager — the  goddess  Ageleia. 


88  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

And  where  his  curets  double  were,  the  fall  of  it  she  plac'd. 

And  thus  much  proof  she  put  it  to  :  the  buckle  made  of  gold  ; 

The  belt  it  fast'ned,  bravely  wrought ;  his  curets'  double  fold  ;  155 

And  last,  the  charmed  plate  he  wore,  which  help'd  him  more  than  all, 

And,  'gainst  all  darts  and  shafts  bestow'd,  was  to  his  life  a  wall ; 

So,  through  all  these,  the  upper  skin  the  head  did  only  race  ; 

Yet  forth  the  blood  flow'd,  which  did  much  his  royal  person  grace, 

And  show'd  upon  his  ivory  skin,  as  doth  a  purple  dye  100 

Laid,  by  a  dame  of  Caira,  or  lovely  Mseony, 

On  ivory,  wrought  in  ornaments  to  deck  the  cheeks  of  horse  ; 

Which  in  her  marriage  room  must  lie  ;  whose  beauties  have  such  force 

That  they  are  wish'd  of  many  knights,  but  are  such  precious  things, 

That  they  are  kept  for  horse  that  draw  the  chariots  of  kings,  105 

Which  horse,  so  deck'd,  the  charioteer  esteems  a  grace  to  him  ; 

Like  these,  in  grace,  the  blood  upon  thy  solid  thighs  did  swim, 

O  Menelaus,  down  thy  calves  and  ankles  to  the  ground. 

For  nothing  decks  a  soldier  so,  as  doth  an  honour'd  wound. 

Yet,  fearing  he  had  far'd  much  worse,  the  hair  stood  up  on  end  iro 

On  Agamemnon,  when  he  saw  so  much  black  blood  descend. 

And  stiffned  with  the  like  dismay  was  Menelaus  too, 

But  seeing  th'  arrow's  stale  without,  and  that  the  head  did  go 

No  further  than  it  might  be  seen,  he  call'd  his  spirits  again  ; 

Which  Agamemnon  marking  not,  but  thinking  he  was  slain,  irs 

He  grip'd  his  brother  by  the  hand,  and  sigh'd  as  he  would  break, 

Which  sigh  the  whole  host  took  from  him,  who  thus  at  last  did  speak  : 

"  0  dearest  brother,  is't/or  this,  that  thy  death  must  be  wrought, 
Wrought  I  this  truce  ?     For  this  hast  thou  the  single  combat  fought 
For  all  the  army  of  the  Greeks  1    For  this  hath  Ilion  sworn,  iso 

158  Race — rase,  slightly  scratch.     I  have  retained  this  orthography  through- 
out, for  the  rhyme's  sake. 

173  Stale — "side,  the  stem  or  stalk  of  any  thing.     The  stem  or  body  of  an 
arrow : — 

'A  shaft  hath  three  principle  parts,  the  stele,  the  f  ethers,  and  the  head.' 

ASCHAM'S  Toxopkilus,  p.  161." 
NARES'S  GLOSS,  in  voc. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  89 

And  trod  all  faith,  beneath  their  feet  ?    Yet  all  this  hath  not  worn 
The  right  we  challeng'd  out  of  force  ;  this  cannot  render  vaiii 
Our  stricken  right  hands,  sacred  wine,  nor  all  our  off'rings  slain  ; 
For  though  Olympius  be  not  quick  in  making  good  our  ill, 
He  will  be^sure  as  he  is  slow,  and  sharplier  prove  his  will.  is:. 

Their  own  hands  shall  be  ministers  of  those  plagues  they  despise, 
Which  shall  their  wives  and  children  reach,  and  all  their  progenies. 
For  both  in  mind  and  soul  I  know,  that  there  shall  come  a  day 
When  Ilion,  Priam,  all  his  pow'r,  shall  quite  be  worn  away," 
When  heav'n-inhabiting  Jove  shall  shake  his  fiery  shield  at  all,  iao 

For  this  one  mischief.     This,  I  know,  the  world  cannot  recall. 
But  be  all  this,  all  my  grief  still  for  thee  will  be  the  same, 
Dear  brother.     If  thy  life  must  here  put  out  his  royal  flame, 
I  shall  to  sandy  Argos  turn  with  infamy  my  face  ; 

And  all  the  Greeks  will  call  for  home  ;  old  Priam  and  his  race  195 

Will  flame  in  glory  ;  Helena  untouch'd  be  still  their  prey  ;] 
And  thy  bones  in  our  enemies'  earth  our  cursed  fates  shall  lay ; 
Thy  sepulchre  be  trodden  down  ;  the  pride  of  Troy  desire 
Insulting  on  it,  '  Thus,  O  thus,  let  Agamemnon's  ire 
In  all  his  acts  be  expiate,  as  now  he  carries  home  200 

His  idle  army,  empty  ships,  and  leaves  here  overcome 
Good  Menelaus.'     When  this  brave  breaks  in  their  hated  breath, 
Then  let  the  broad  earth  swallow  me,  and  take  me  quick  to  death." 
"  Nor  shall  this  ever  chance,"  said  he,  "  and  therefore  be  of  cheer, 
Lest  all  the  army,  led  by  you,  your  passions  put  in  fear.  205 

The  arrow  fell  in  no  such  place  as  death  could  enter  at, 
My  girdle,  curets  doubled  here,  and  my  most  trusted  plate, 
Objected  all  'twixt  me  and  death,  the  shaft  scarce  piercing  one." 
"  Good  brother,"  said  the  king,  "  I  wish  it  were  no  further  gone, 
For  then  our  best  in  med'cines  skilled  shall  ope  and  search  the  wound, 
Applying  balms  to  ease  thy  pains,  and  soon  restore  thee  sound."          211 
This  said,  divine  Talthybius  he  call'd,  and  bad  him  haste 

208  Objected — interposed. 


90  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

Machaon  (^Esculapius'  son,  who  most  of  men  was  grac'd 

With  physic's  sov'reign  remedies)  to  come  and  lend  his  hand 

To  Menelans,  shot  by  one  well-skill'd  in  the  command  215 

Of  bow  and  arrows,  one  of  Troy,  or  of  the  Lycian  aid, 

Who  much  hath  glorified  our  foe,  and  us  as  much  dismay'd. 

He  heard,  and  hasted  instantly,  and  cast  his  eyes  about 
The  thickest  squadrons  of  the  Greeks,  to  find  Machaon  out. 
He  found  him  standing  guarded  well  with  well-arm'd  men  of  Thrace  ; 
With  whom  he  quickly  join'd,  and  said  :  "  Man  of  Apollo's  race,        221 
Haste,  for  the  king  of  men  commands,  to  see  a  wound  impress'd 
In  Menelaus,  great  in  arms,  by  one  instructed  best 
In  th'  art  of  archery,  of  Troy,  or  of  the  Lycian  bands, 
That  them  with  much  renown  adorns,  us  with  dishonour  brands."       225 

Machaon  much  was  mov'd  with  this,  who  with  the  herald  flew 
From  troop  to  troop  alongst  the  host ;  and  soon  they  came  in  view 
Of  hurt  Atrides,  circled  round  with  all  the  Grecian  kings  ; 
Who  all  gave  way,  and  straight  he  draws  the  shaft,  which  forth  he 

brings 

Without  the  forks  ;  the  girdle  then,  plate,  curets,  off  he  plucks,  230 

And  views  the  wound  ;  when  first  from  it  the  clotter'd  blood  he  sucks, 
Then  med'cines,  wondrously  compos'd,  the  skilful  leech  applied, 
Which  loving  Chiron  taught  his  sire,  he  from  his  sire  had  tried. 

While  these  were  thus  employ'd  to  ease  the  Atrean  martialist, 
The  Trojans  arm'd,  and  charg'd  the  Greeks  ;  the  Greeks  arm  and  resist. 
Then  not  asleep,  nor  maz'd  with  fear,  nor  shifting  off  the  blows,          238 
You  could  behold  the  king  of  men,  but  in  full  speed  he  goes 
To  set  a  glorious  fight  on  foot  •  and  he  examples  this, 
With  toiling,  like  the  worst,  on  foot  ;  who  therefore  did  dismiss 
His  brass-arm'd  chariot,  and  his  steeds,  with  Ptolemeus'  son,  240 

Son  of  Piraides,  their  guide,  the  good  Eurymedon  ; 
"  Yet,"  said  the  king,  "  attend  with  them,  lest  weariness  should  seize 
My  limbs,  surcharg'd  with  ord'ring  troops  so  thick  and  vast  as  these." 

Eurymedon  then  rein'd  his  horse,  that  trotted  neighing  by  ; 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  91 

The  king  a  footman,  and  so  scours  the  squadrons  orderly.  245 

Those  of  his  swiftly-mounted  Greeks,  that  in  their  arms  were  fit, 
Those  he  put  on  with  cheerful  words,  and  bad  them  not  remit 
The  least  spark  of  their  forward  spirits,  because  the  Trojans  durst 
Take  these  abhorr'd  advantages,  but  let  them  do  their  worst ; 
For  they  might  be  assur'd  that  Jove  would  patronise  no  lies,  25* 

And  that  who,  with  the  breach  of  truce,  would  hurt  their  enemies, 
With  vultures  should  be  torn  themselves ;  that  they  should  raze  their  town, 
Their  wives,  and  children  at  their  breast,  led  vassals  to  their  own. 

But  such  as  he  beheld  hang  off  from  that  increasing  fight, 
Such  would  he  bitterly  rebuke,  and  with  disgrace  excite  :  255 

"  Base  Argives,  blush  ye  not  to  stand  as  made  for  butts  to  darts  I 
Why  are  ye  thus  discomfited,  like  hinds  that  have  no  hearts, 
Who,  wearied  with  a  long-run  field,  are  instantly  ernboss'd, 
Stand  still,  and  in  their  beastly  breasts  is  all  their  courage  lost  ] 
And  so  stand  you  strook  with  amaze,  nor  dare  to  strike  a  stroke.         250 
Would  ye  the  foe  should  nearer  yet  your  dastard  spleens  provoke, 
Ev'n  where  on  Neptune's  foamy  shore  our  navies  lie  in  sight, 
To  see  if  Jove  will  hold  your  hands,  and  teach  ye  how  to  fight  1 " 

Thus  he,  commanding,  rang'd  the  host,  and,  passing  many  a  band, 
He  came  to  the  Cretensian  troops,  where  all  did  armed  stand  205 

About  the  martial  Idomen ;  who  bravely  stood  before 
In  vanguard  of  his  troops,  and  match'd  for  strength  a  savage  boar  ; 
Meriones,  his  charioteer,  the  rearguard  bringing  on. 
Which  seen  to  Atreus'  son,  to  him  it  was  a  sight  alone, 
And  Idomen's  confirmed  mind  with  these  kind  words  he  seeks  :  270 

"  O  Idomen  !  I  ever  lov'd  thy  self  past  all  the  Greeks, 
In  war,  or  any  work  of  peace,  at  table,  ev'rywhere  ; 
For  when  the  best  of  Greece  besides  mix  ever,  at  our  cheer, 
My  good  old  ardent  wine  with  small,  and  our  inferior  mates 

245  The  king  a  footman — i.  e.  the  king  went  on  foot. 

258  Emboss'd. — A  hunting  term.  "  When  the  hart  is  foamy  at  the  mouth, 
we  say,  that  he  is  embossed." — TURBERVILLE  on  Hunt.  p.  242.  See  NARES'S 
GLOSSARY. 


92  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

Drink  ev'n  that  mix'd  wine  measur'd  too,  them  clrink'st,  without  those  rates, 
Our  old  wine  neat,  and  evermore  thy  bowl  stands  full  like  mine,         2-6 
To  drink  still  when  and  what  thou  wilt.    Then  rouse  that  heart  of  thine, 
And,  whatsoever  heretofore  thou  hast  assum'd  to  be, 
This  day  be  greater."     To  the  king  in  this  sort  answer'd  he  : 

"  Atrides,  what  I  ever  seem'd,  the  same  at  ev'ry  part  2so 

This  day  shall  show  me  at  the  full,  and  I  will  fit  thy  heart. 
But  thou  shouldst  rather  cheer  the  rest,  and  tell  them  they  in  right 
Of  all  good  war  must  offer  blows,  and  should  begin  the  fight, 
(Since  Troy  first  brake  the  holy  truce)  and  not  endure  these  braves, 
To  take  wrong  first,  and  then  be  dar'd  to  the  revenge  it  craves  ;  285 

Assuring  them  that  Troy  in  fate  must  have  the  worst  at  last, 
Since  first,  and  'gainst  a  truce,  they  hurt,  where  they  should  have  embrac'd." 

This  comfort  and  advice  did  fit  Atrides'  heart  indeed 
Who  still  through  new-rais'd  swarms  of  men  held  his  laborious  speed, 
And  came  where  both  th'  Ajaces  stood  ;  whom  like  the  last  he  found  200 
Arm'd,  casqu'd,  and  ready  for  the  fight.     Behind  them,  hid  the  ground 
A  cloud  of  foot,  that  seem'd  to  smoke.     And  as  a  goatherd  spies, 
On  some  hill's  top,  out  of  the  sea,  a  rainy  vapour  rise, 
Driv'n  by  the  breath  of  Zephyrus,  which,  though  far  off  he  rest, 
Comes  on  as  black  as  pitch,  and  brings  a  tempest  in  his  breast,  295 

Whereat  he  frighted,  drives  his  herds  apace  into  a  den  ; 
So  dark'ning  earth  with  darts  and  shields  show'd  these  with  all  their  men. 

This  sight  with  like  joy  fir'd  the  king,  who  thus  let  forth  the  flame 
In  crying  out  to  both  the  dukes  :  "  O  you  of  equal  name, 
I  must  not  cheer,  nay,  I  disclaim  all  my  command  of  you,  300 

Yourselves  command  with  such  free  minds,  and  make  your  soldiers  show 
As  you  nor  I  led,  but  themselves.     O  would  our  father  Jove, 
Minerva,  and  the  God  of  Light,  would  all  our  bodies  move 
With  such  brave  spirits  as  breathe  in  you,  then  Priam's  lofty  town 
Should  soon  be  taken  by  our  hands,  for  ever  overthrown  !  "  SOT. 

276  Rates — ratification?,  agreements.     Here  perhaps,  qualifications. 
302  As  you  nor  I  led — as  if  neither  you  nor  I. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  93 

Then  held  he  on  to  other  troops,  and  Nestor  next  beheld, 
The  subtle  Pylian  orator,  range  up  and  down  the  field 
Embattelling  his  men  at  arms,  and  stirring  all  to  blows, 
Points  ev'ry  legion  out  his  chief,  and  ev'ry  chief  he  shows 
The  forms  and  discipline  of  war,  yet  his  commanders  were  sio 

All  expert,  and  renowmed  men.     Great  Pelagon  was  there, 
Alastor,  manly  Chromius,  and  Haenion  worth  a  throne, 
And  Bias  that  could  armies  lead.     With  these  he  first  put  on 
His  horse  troops  with  their  chariots  ;  his  foot  (of  which  he  choos'd 
Many,  the  best  and  ablest  men,  and  which  he  ever  us'd  315 

As  nunpire  to  his  gen'ral  pow'r)  he  in  the  rear  dispos'd. 
The  slothful,  and  the  least  of  spirit,  he  in  the  midst  inclos'd, 
That,  such  as  wanted  noble  wills,  base  need  might  force  to  stand. 
His  horse  troops,  that  the  vanguard  had,  he  strictly  did  command 
To  ride  their  horses  temp'rately,  to  keep  their  ranks,  and  shun  320 

Confusion,  lest  their  horsemanship  and  courage  made  them  run 
(Too  much  presum'd  on)  much  too  far,  and,  charging  so  alone, 
Engage  themselves  in  th'  enemy's  strength,  where  many  fight  with  one. 
"  Who  his  own  chariot  leaves  to  range,  let  him  not  freely  go, 
But  straight  unhorse  him  with  a  lance  ;  for  'tis  much  better  so.  325 

And  with  this  discipline,"  said  he,  "  this  form,  these  minds,  this  trust, 
Our  ancestors  have  walls  and  towns  laid  level  with  the  dust." 

Thus  prompt,  and  long  inur'd  to  arms,  this  old  man  did  exhort ; 
And  this  Atrides  likewise  took  in  wondrous  cheerful  sort, 
And  said  :  "  O  father,  would  to  heav'n,  that  as  thy  mind  remains        330 
In  wonted  vigour,  so  thy  knees  could  undergo  our  pains  ! 
But  age,  that  all  men  overcomes,  hath  made  his  prise  on  thee  ; 
Yet  still  I  wish  that  some  young  man,  grown  old  in  mind,  might  be 
Put  in  proportion  with  thy  years,  and  thy  mind,  young  in  age, 
Be  fitly  answer'd  with  his  youth  ;  that  still  where  conflicts  rage,          335 
And  young  men  us'd  to  thirst  for  fame,  thy  brave  exampling  hand 
Might  double  our  young  Grecian  spirits,  and  grace  our  whole  command." 

The  old  knight  answer'd  :  "  I  myself  could  wish,  0  Atreus'  son, 


94  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

I  were  as  young  as  when  I  slew  brave  Ereuthalion, 

But  Gods  at  all  times  give  not  all  their  gifts  to  mortal  men.  340 

If  then  I  had  the  strength  of  youth,  I  miss'd  the  counsels  then 

That  years  now  give  me ;  and  nowyears  want  that  main  strength  of  youth ; 

Yet  still  my  mind  retains  her  strength  (as  you  now  said  the  sooth) 

And  would  be  where  that  strength  is  us'd,  affording  counsel  sage 

To  stir  youth's  minds  up  ;  'tis  the  grace  and  office  of  our  age  ;  345 

Let  younger  sinews,  men  sprung  up  whole  ages  after  me, 

And  such  as  have  strength,  use  it,  and  as  strong  in  honour  be." 

The  king,  all  this  while  comforted,  arriv'd  next  where  he  found 
"Well-rode  Meuestheus  (Peteus'  son)  stand  still,  inviron'd  round 
With  his  well-train'd  Athenian  troops  ;  and  next  to  him  he  spied       350 
The  wise  Ulysses,  deedless  too,  and  all  his  bands  beside 
Of  strong  Cephalians  ;  for  as  yet  th'  alarm  had  not  been  heard 
In  all  their  quarters,  Greece  and  Troy  were  then  so  newly  stirr"d, 
And  then  first  mov'd,  as  they  conceiv'd  ;  and  they  so  look'd  about 
To  see  both  hosts  give  proof  of  that  they  yet  had  cause  to  doubt.          355 

Atrides  seeing  them  stand  so  still,  and  spend  their  eyes  at  gaze, 
Began  to  chide  :  "  And  why,"  said  he,  "  dissolv'd  thus  in  amaze, 
Thou  son  of  Peteus,  Jove-nurs'd  king,  and  thou  in  wicked  sleight 
A  cunning  soldier,  stand  ye  off  1    Expect  ye  that  the  fight 
Should  be  by  other  men  begun  ?     'Tis  fit  the  foremost  band  sno 

Should  show  you  there  ;  you  first  should  front  who  first  lifts  up  his  hand. 
First  you  can  hear,  when  I  invite  the  princes  to  a  feast, 
When  first,  most  friendly,  and  at  will,  ye  eat  and  drink  the  best, 
Yet  in  the  fight,  most  willingly,  ten  troops  ye  can  behold 
Take  place  before  ye."     Ithacus  at  this  his  brows  did  fold,  scs 

And  said  :  "  How  hath  thy  violent  tongue  broke  through  thy  set  of  teeth, 
To  say  that  we  are  slack  in  fight,  and  to  the  field  of  death 
Look  others  should  enforce  our  way,  when  we  were  busied  then, 

343  Sooth — truth,  a  common  word.     Thus  Shakespeare, — 

"  He  looks  like  sooth  ;  he  says  he  loves  my  daughter, 
I  think  so  too."—  Wint.  Talc,  iv.  3. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  95 

Ev'n  when  thou  spak'st,  against  the  foe  to  cheer  and  lead  our  men  1 

But  thy  eyes  shall  be  witnesses,  if  it  content  thy  will,  370 

And  that  (as  thou  preteud'st)  these  cares  do  so  affect  thee  still, 

The  father  of  Telemachus  (whom  I  esteem  so  dear, 

And  to  whom,  as  a  legacy,  I'll  leave  my  deeds  done  here) 

Ev'n  with  the  foremost  band  of  Troy  hath  his  encounter  dar'd, 

And  therefore  are  thy  speeches  vain,  and  had  been  better  spar'd."       srs 

He,  smiling,  since  he  saw  him  moVd,  recall'd  his  words,  and  said  : 
"  Most  generous  Laertes'  son,  most  wise  of  all  our  aid, 
I  neither  do  accuse  thy  worth,  more  than  thyself  may  hold 
Fit,  (that  inferiors  think  not  much,  being  slack,  to  be  controll'd) 
Nor  take  I  on  me  thy  command  ;  for  well  I  know  thy  mind  380 

Knows  how  sweet  gentle  counsels  are,  and  that  thou  stand'st  inclin'd, 
As  I  myself,  for  all  our  good.     On  then  ;  if  now  we  spake 
What  hath  displeas'd,  another  time  we  full  amends  will  make  ; 
And  Gods  grant  that  thy  virtue  here  may  prove  so  free  and  brave, 
That  my  reproofs  may  still  be  vain,  and  thy  deservings  grave."  sss 

Thus  parted  they  ;  and  forth  he  went,  when  he  did  leaning  find, 
Against  his  chariot,  near  his  horse,  him  with  the  mighty  mind, 
Great  Diomedes,  Tydeus'  son,  and  Sthenelus,  the  seed 
Of  Capaneius  ;  whom  the  king  seeing  likewise  out  of  deed, 
Thus  cried  he  out  on  Diomed  :  "  0  me  !  In  what  a  fear  soo 

The  wise  great  warrior,  Tydeus'  son,  stands  gazing  ev'rywhere 
For  others  to  begin  the  fight !     It  was  not  Tydeus'  use 
To  be  so  daunted,  whom  his  spirit  would  evermore  produce 
Before  the  foremost  of  his  friends  in  these  afi'airs  of  fright, 
As  they  report  that  have  beheld  him  labour  in  a  fight.  395 

For  me,  I  never  knew  the  man,  nor  in  his  presence  came, 
But  excellent,  above  the  rest,  he  was  in  gen'ral  fame  ; 
And  one  renowm'd  exploit  of  his,  I  am  assurM,  is  true. 
He  came  to  the  Mycenian  court,  without  arms,  and  did  sue, 
At  godlike  Polynices'  hands,  to  have  some  worthy  aid  4<x> 

To  their  designs  that  'gainst  the  walls  of  sacred  Thebes  were  laid. 


96  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

He  was  great  Polynices'  guest,  and  nobly  entertain'd, 

And  of  the  kind  Mycenian  state  what  lie  requested  gain'd, 

In  mere  consent ;  but  when  they  should  the  same  in  act  approve, 

By  some  sinister  prodigies,  held  out  to  them  by  Jove,  405 

They  were  discourag'd.     Thence  he  went,  and  safely  had  his  pass 

Back  to  Asopus'  flood,  renowm'd  for  bulrushes  and  grass. 

Yet,  once  more,  their  ambassador,  the  Grecian  peers  address 

Lord  Tydeus  to  Eteocles  ;  to  whom  being  giv'n  access, 

He  found  him  feasting  with  a  crew  of  Cadmeans  in  his  hall  ;  110 

Amongst  whom,  though  an  enemy,  and  only  one  to  all  ; 

To  all  yet  he  his  challenge  made  at  ev'ry  martial  feat, 

And  eas'ly  foil'd  all,  since  with  him  Minerva  was  so  great. 

The  rank-rode  Cadmeans,  much  incens'd  with  their  so  foul  disgrace, 

Lodg'd  ambuscadoes  for  their  foe,  in  some  well-chosen  place  415 

By  which  he  was  to  make  return.     Twice  five-and-twenty  men, 

And  two  of  them  great  captains  too,  the  ambush  did  contain. 

The  names  of  those  two  men  of  rule  were  Maeon,  Hsemon's  sou, 

And  Lycophontes,  Keep-field  call'd,  the  heir  of  Autophon, 

By  all  men  honour'd  like  the  Gods  ;  yet  these  and  all  their  friends     4i>o 

Were  sent  to  hell  by  Tydeus'  hand,  and  had  untimely  ends. 

He  trusting  to  the  aid  of  Gods,  reveal'd  by  augury, 

Obeying  which,  one  chief  he  sav'd,  and  did  his  life  apply 

To  be  the  heavy  messenger  of  all  the  others'  deaths  ; 

And  that  sad  message,  with  his  life,  to  Ma3on  he  bequeaths.  425 

So  brave  a  knight  was  Tydeiis  :  of  whom  a  son  is  sprung, 

Inferior  far  in  martial  deeds,  though  higher  in  his  tongue." 

All  this  Tydides  silent  heard,  aw'd  by  the  rev'rend  king  ; 
Which  stung  hot  Sthenelus  with  wrath,  who  thus  put  forth  his  sting  : 

"  Atrides,  when  thou  know'st  the  truth,  speak  what  thy  knowledge  is, 

408  The  construction  is,  "  Once  more  the  Grecian  peers  address  (send)  Tydeus 
to  Eteocles  as  their  ambassador." 

419  Kccp-ficld. — The  original  is  fj.evevroXefJ.o;,  one  who  remains  in  the  battle. 
Dr.  Taylor  observes,  "  This  is  one  of  the  happiest  of  Chapman's  translations  of 
Homer's  compound  epithets." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


97 


And  do  not  lie  so  ;  for  I  know,  and  I  will  brag  in  this,  431 

That  we  are  far  more  able  men  than  both  our  fathers  were. 

We  took  the  sev'n-fold  ported  Thebes,  when  yet  we  had  not  there 

So  great  help  as  our  fathers  had  ;  and  fought  beneath  a  wall, 

Sacred  to  Mars,  by  help  of  Jove,  and  trusting  to  the  fall  435 

Of  happy  signs  from,  other  Gods,  by  whom  we  took  the  town 

Untouch'd  ;  our  fathers  perishing  there  by  follies  of  their  own  ; 

And  therefore  never  more  compare  our  fathers'  worth  with  ours." 

Tydides  frown'd  at  this,  and  said  :  "  Suppress  thine  anger's  pow'rs, 
Good  friend,  and  hear  why  I  refrain'd.     Thou  seest  I  am  not  mov'd 
Against  our  gen'ral,  since  he  did  but  what  his  place  behov'd,  441 

Admonishing  all  Greeks  to  fight ;  for,  if  Troy  prove  our  prise, 
The  honour  and  the  joy  is  his  ;  if  here  our  ruin  lies, 
The  shame  and  grief  for  that  as  much  is  his  in  greatest  kinds. 
As  he   then  his   charge,   weigh  we   ours  ;  which  is  our  dauntless 

minds."  445 

Thus,  from  his  chariot,  amply  arm'd,  he  jump'd  down  to  the  ground  ; 
The  armour  of  the  angry  king  so  horribly  did  sound, 
It  might  have  made  his  bravest  foe  let  fear  take  down  his  braves. 
And  as  when  with  the  west-wind  flaws,  the  sea  thrusts  up  her  waves, 
One  after  other,  thick  and  high,  upon  the  groaning  shores,  450 

First  in  herself  loud,  but  oppos'd  with  banks  and  rocks  she  roars, 
And,  all  her  back  in  bristles  set,  spits  ev'ry  way  her  foam  ; 
So,  after  Diorned,  instantly  the  field  was  overcome 
With  thick  impressions  of  the  Greeks  ;  and  all  the  noise  that  grew 
(Ord'ring  and  cheering  up  their  men)  from  only  leaders  flew.  455 

The  rest  went  silently  away,  you  could  not  hear  a  voice, 
Nor  would  have  thought,  in  all  their  breasts,  they  had  one  in  their 

choice, 

Their  silence  uttering  their  awe  of  them  that  them  controll'd, 
Which  made  each  man  keep  bright  his  arms,  march,  fight  still  where 

lie  should. 

VOL.  I.  Q 


98  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

The  Trojans  (like  a  sort  of  ewes,  penn'd  in  a  rich  man's  fold,  460 

Close  at  his  door,  till  all  be  milk'd,  and  never  baaing  hold 
Hearing  the  bleating  of  their  lambs)  did  all  their  wide  host  fill 
With  shouts  and  clamours,  nor  observ'd  one  voice,  one  baaing  still, 
But  show'd  mix'd  tongues  from  many  a  land  of  men  call'd  to  their  aid. 
Rude  Mars  had  th'  ordering  of  their  spirits  ;  of  Greeks,  the  learned  Maid. 
But  Terror  follow'd  both  the  hosts,  and  Flight,  and  furious  Strife        406 
The  sister,  and  the  mate,  of  Mars,  that  spoil  of  human  life  ; 
And  never  is  her  rage  at  rest,  at  first  she  is  but  small, 
Yet  after,  but  a  little  fed,  she  grows  so  vast  and  tall 
That,  while  her  feet  move  here  in  earth,  her  forehead  is  in  heav'n  ;     470 
And  this  was  she  that  made  ev'n  then  both  hosts  so  deadly  giv'n. 
Through  ev'ry  troop  she  stalk'd,  and  stirr'd  rough  sighs  up  as  she  went ; 
But  when  in  one  field  both  the  foes  her  fury  did  content, 
And  both  came  under  reach  of  darts,  then  darts  and  shields  oppos'd 
To  darts  and  shields ;  strength  answer'd  strength  ;  then  swords  and 

targets  clos'd  475 

With  swords  and  targets  ;  both  with  pikes  ;  and  then  did  tumult  rise 
Up  to  her  height ;  then  conqu'rors'  boasts  mix'd  with  the  conquer'd's  cries  ; 
Earth  flow'd  with  blood.     And  as  from  hills  rain-waters  headlong  fall, 
That  all  ways  eat  huge  ruts,  which,  met  in  one  bed,  fill  a  vail 
With  such  a  confluence  of  streams,  that  on  the  mountain  grounds        4so 
Far  off,  in  frighted  shepherds'  ears,  the  bustling  noise  rebounds  : 
So  grew  their  conflicts,  and  so  show'd  their  scuffling  to  the  ear, 
With  flight  and  clamour  still  commix'd,  and  all  effects  of  fear. 

And  first  renowm'd  Antilochus  slew  (fighting,  in  the  face 
Of  all  Achaia's  foremost  bands,  with  an  imdaunted  grace)  4ss 

4GO  gort — gg^  OT)  as  -we  say,  a  lot  of  pigs,  sheep,  &c. 

"  Remember  who  you  are  to  cope  withall, 
A  sort  of  vagabonds,  rascals,  and  runaways." 

SHAKESPEARE.     Rich.  III.  v.  3. 
465  The  learned  Maid — Pallas. 

470  Chapman  observes  that  Virgil  has  applied  this  description  of  Strife  to 
Fame. 

479   Vail — ravine,  valley. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  99 

Echepolus  Thalysiades  ;  he  was  an  armed  man  ; 

Whom  on  his  hair-plum'd  helmet's  crest  the  dart  first  smote,  then  ran 
Into  his  forehead,  and  there  stuck  ;  the  steel  pile  making  way 
Quite  through  his  skull ;  a  hasty  night  shut  up  his  latest  day. 
His  fall  was  like  a  fight-rac'd  tow'r  ;  like  which  lying  there  dispread, 
King  Elephenor  (who  was  son  to  Chalcodon,  and  led  491 

The  valiant  Abants)  covetous  that  he  might  first  possess 
His  arms,  laid  hands  upon  his  feet,  and  hal'd  him  from  the  press 
Of  darts  and  jav'lins  hurl'd  at  him.     The  action  of  the  king 
When  great-in-heart  Agenor  saw,  he  made  his  jav'lin  sing  495 

To  th'  others'  labour  ;  and  along  as  he  the  trunk  did  wrest, 
His  side  (at  which  he  bore  his  shield)  in  bowing  of  his  breast 
Lay  naked,  and  receiv'd  the  lance,  that  made  him  lose  his  hold 
And  life  together  ;  which,  in  hope  of  that  he  lost,  he  sold. 
But  for  his  sake  the  fight  grew  fierce,  the  Trojans  and  their  foes          soo 
Like  wolves  on  one  another  rush'd,  and  man  for  man  it  goes. 
The  next  of  name,  that  serv'd  his  fate,  great  Ajax  Telamon 
Preferr'd  so  sadly.     He  was  heir  to  old  Anthemion, 
And  deck'd  with  all  the  flow'r  of  youth  ;  the  fruit  of  which  yet  fled, 
Before  the  honour'd  nuptial  torch  could  light  him  to  his  bed.  505 

His  name  was  Simoisius  ;  for,  some  few  years  before, 
His  mother  walking  down  the  hill  of  Ida,  by  the  shore 
Of  silver  Simois,  to  see  her  parents'  flocks,  with  them 
She,  feeling  suddenly  the  pains  of  child-birth,  by  the  stream 
Of  that  bright  river  brought  him  forth  ;  and  so  (of  Simois)  510 

They  call'd  him  Simoisius.     Sweet  was  that  birth  of  his 
To  his  kind  parents,  and  his  growth  did  all  their  care  employ  ; 
And  yet  those  rites  of  piety,  that  should  have  been  his  joy 
To  pay  their  honour'd  years  again  in  as  affectionate  sort, 
He  could  not  graciously  perform,  his  sweet  life  was  so  short,  r,i-> 

490  Fight-raced — razed  in  battle. 

499  An  unworthy  conceit  of  Chapman's,  as  Dr.  Taylor  observes,  and  un- 
warranted. 


100  THE  FOURTH  BOOK 

Cut  off  with,  mighty  Ajax'  lance  ;  for,  as  his  spirit  put  on, 
He  strook  him  at  his  breast's  right  pap,  quite  through  his  shoulder- 
bone, 

And  in  the  dust  of  earth  he  fell,  that  was  the  fruitful  soil 
Of  his  friends'  hopes  ;  but  where  he  sow'd  he  buried  all  his  toil. 
And  as  a  poplar  shot  aloft,  set  by  a  river  side,  520 

In  moist  edge  of  a  mighty  fen,  his  head  in  curls  implied, 
But  all  his  body  plain  and  smooth,  to  which  a  wheelwright  puts 
The  sharp  edge  of  his  shining  axe,  and  his  soft  timber  cuts 
From  his  innative  root,  in  hope  to  hew  out  of  his  bole 
The  fell'ffs,  or  out-parts  of  a  wheel,  that  compass  in  the  whole,  525 

To  serve  some  goodly  chariot ;  but,  being  big  and  sad, 
And  to  be  hal'd  home  through  the  bogs,  the  useful  hope  he  had! 
Sticks  there,  and  there  the  goodly  plant  lies  with'ring  out  his  grace  : 
So  lay,  by  Jove-bred  Ajax'  hand,  Anthemion's  forward  race, 
Nor  could  through  that  vast  fen  of  toils  be  drawn  to  serve  the  ends     530 
Intended  by  his  body's  pow'rs,  nor  cheer  his  aged  friends. 
But  now  the  gay-arm'd  Antiphus,  a  son  of  Priarn,  threw 
His  lance  at  Ajax  through  the  press  ;  which,  went  by  him,  and  flew 
On  Leucus,  wise  Ulysses'  friend  ;  his  groin  it  smote,  as  fain 
He  would  have  drawn  into  his  spoil  the  carcass  of  the  slain,  zsz- 

By  which,  he  fell,  and  that  by  him  ;  it  vex'd  Ulysses'  heart, 
Who  thrust  into  the  face  of  fight,  well-arm'd  at  ev'ry  part, 
Came  close,  and  look'd  about  to  find  an  object  worth  his  lance  ; 
Which  when  the  Trojans  saw  him  shake,  and  he  so  near  advance, 
All  shrunk  ;  he  threw,  and  forth  it  shin'd,  nor  fell  but  where  it  fell'd  ; 
His  friend's  grief  gave  it  angry  pow'r,  and  deadly  way  it  held  511 

516  As  his  spirit  put  on — urged  him  forwards. 

525  Fell'ffs— fellies  of  a  wheel. 

526  Sad — heavy.     In  the  North  the  word  is  applied  to  bread,  when  the  dough, 
from  bad  yeast,  or  not  being  well  kneaded,  does  not  rise  properly.    HALLIWELL, 
ARCHAIC  AND  PKOVIN.  DICT. 

534  From  line  516  to  this,  Chapman  has  unwarrantably  amplified,  and  some- 
what distorted  the  original. 

540  jyor  fin  fat  where  it  fell'd — a  silly  quibble  of  Chapman's. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  101 

Upon  Democoon,  who  was  sprung  of  Priam's  wanton  force, 
Came  from  Abydus,  and  was  made  the  master  of  his  horse. 
Through  both  his  temples  strook  the  dart,  the  wood  of  one  side  shew'd, 
The  pile  out  of  the  other  look'd,  and  so  the  earth  he  strew'd  545 

"With  much  sound  of  his  weighty  arms.     Then  back  the  foremost  went ; 
Ev'n  Hector  yielded  ;  then  the  Greeks  gave  worthy  clamours  vent, 
Effecting  then  their  first-dumb  pow'rs  ;  some  drew  the  dead,  and  spoil'd 
Some  follow'd,  that,  in  open  flight,  Troy  might  confess  it  foil'd. 
Apollo,  angry  at  the  sight,  from  top  of  Ilion  cried  :  550 

"  Turn  head,  ye  well-rode  peers  of  Troy,  feed  not  the  Grecians'  pride, 
They  are  not  charm'd  against  your  points,  of  steel,  nor  iron,  fram'd  ; 
Nor  fights  the  fair-hair'd  Thetis'  son,  but  sits  at  fleet  inflani'd." 

So  spake  the  dreadful  God  from  Troy.    The  Greeks,  Jove's  noblest  Seed 
Encourag'd  to  keep  on  the  chace  ;  and,  where  fit  spirit  did  need,         555 
She  gave  it,  marching  in  the  midst.     Then  flew  the  fatal  hour. 
Back  on  Diores,  in  return  of  Ilion's  sun-burn'd  pow'r  ; 
Diores  Amaryncides,  whose  right  leg's  ankle-bone, 
And  both  the  sinews,  with  a  sharp  and  handful-charging  stone 
Pirus  Imbrasides  did  break,  that  led  the  Thracian  bands  sco 

And  came  from  J£nos  ;  down  he  fell,  and  up  he  held  his  hands 
To  his  lov'd  friends  ;  his  spirit  wing'd  to  fly  out  of  his  breast ; 
With  which  not  satisfied,  again  Imbrasides  address'd 
His  jav'lin  at  him,  and  so  ripp'd  his  navel,  that  the  wound, 
As  endlessly  it  shut  his  eyes,  so,  open'd,  on  the  ground  665 

It  pour'd  his  entrails.     As  his  foe  went  then  suffic'd  away, 
Thoas  JEtolius  threw  a  dart,  that  did  his  pile  convey, 
Above  his  nipple,  through  his  lungs  ;  when,  quitting  his  stern  part, 
He  clos'd  with  him,  and,  from  his  breast  first  drawing  out  his  dart, 
His  sword  flew  in,  and  by  the  midst  it  wip'd  his  belly  out ;  570 

So  took  his  life,  but  left  his  arms  ;  his  friends  so  flock'd  about, 

552  Of  steel,  nor  iron,  framed — i.  e.  they  (the  Greeks)  are  not  framed  of  steel  or 
iron. 

554  Jove's  noblest  Seed — Pallas. 

568  His  stern  part — breast-bone;  from  the  Greek 


102        THE  FOURTH  BOOK  OF  HOMERS  ILIADS. 

And  thrust  forth  lances  of  such  length  before  their  slaughter'd  king, 

"Which,  though  their  foe  were  big  and  strong,  and  often  brake  the  ring 

Forg'd  of  their  lances,  yet  (enforc'd)  he  left  th'  affected  prise. 

The  Thracian  and  Epeian  dukes,  laid  close  with  closed  eyes  575 

By  either  other,  drown'd  in  dust ;  and  round  about  the  plain, 

All  hid  with  slaughter'd  carcases,  yet  still  did  hotly  reign 

The  martial  planet ;  whose  effects  had  any  eye  beheld, 

Free  and  unwounj^ed  (and  were  led  by  Pallas  through  the  field, 

To  keep  off  jaVlins,  and  suggest  the  least  fault  could  be  found)  530 

He  could  not  reprehend  the  fight,  so  many  strew'd  the  ground. 


THE  END  OF  THE  FOURTH  BOOK. 


THE  FIFTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

KING  Diomed  (by  Pallas'  spirit  inspir'd 
With  will  and  pow'r)  is  for  his  acts  admir'd. 
Mere  men,  and  men  deriv'd  from  Deities, 
And  Deities  themselves,  he  terrifies. 
Adds  wounds  to  terrors.     His  inflamed  lance 
Draws  blood  from  Mars,  and  Venus.     In  a  trance 
He  casts  ^Eneas,  with  a  weighty  stone  ; 
Apollo  quickens  him,  and  gets  him  gone. 
Mars  is  recur'd  by  Paeon,  but  by  Jove 
Rebuk'd  for  authoring  breach  of  human  love. 

ANOTHER  ARGUMENT. 

In  Epsilon,  Heav'n's  blood  is  shed 
By  sacred  rage  of  Diomed. 

HEN  Pallas  breath'd  in  Tydeus'  son ;  to  render  whom 

supreme 

To  all  the  Greeks,  at  all  his  parts,  she  cast  a  hotter  beam 
On  his  high  mind, his  body  fill'd  with  much  superior  might, 
And  made  his  complete  armour  cast  a  far  more  complete  light. 
From  his  bright  helm  and  shield  did  burn  a  most  unwearied  fire,          s 
Like  rich  Autumnus'  golden  lamp,  whose  brightness  men  admire 
Past  all  the  other  host  of  stars,  when,  with  his  cheerful  face 
Fresh  wash'd  in  lofty  Ocean  waves,  he  doth  the  skies  enchase. 

6  "  This  simile  likewise  Virgil  learns  of  him." — CHAPMAN.    Autumnus  golden 
lamp — Sirius,  or  the  Dog  Star. 


104  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

To  let  whose  glory  lose  no  sight,  still  Pallas  made  him  turn 
Where  tumult  most  express'd  his  pow'r,  and  where  the  fight  did  burn. 

An  honest  and  a  wealthy  man  inhabited  in  Troy,  11 

Dares,  the  priest  of  Mnlciber,  who  two  sons  did  enjoy, 
Idseus,  and  bold  Phegeiis,  well-seen  in  ev'ry  fight. 
These  (singled  from  their  troops,  and  hors'd)  assail'd  Minerva's 

knight, 

Who  rang'd  from  fight  to  fight  on  foot.     All  hasting  mutual  charge,     15 
And  now  drawn  near,  first  Phegeus  threw  a  jav'lin  swift  and  large, 
Whose  head  the  king's  left  shoulder  took,  but  did  no  harm  at  all ; 
Then  rush'd  he  out  a  lance  at  him,  that  had  no  idle  fall, 
But  in  his  breast  stuck  'twixt  the  paps,  and  strook  him  from  his  horse. 
Which  stern  sight  when  Idseus  saw,  distrustful  of  his  force  20 

To  save  his  slaughter'd  brother's  spoil,  it  made  him  headlong  leap 
From  his  fair  chariot,  and  leave  all ;  yet  had  not  'scap'd  the  heap 
Of  heav'y  fun'ral,  if  the  God,  great  President  of  fire, 
Had  not  in  sudden  clouds  of  smoke,  and  pity  of  his  sire 
To  leave  him  utterly  unheir'd,  giv'n  safe  pass  to  his  feet.  25 

He  gone,  Tydides  sent  the  horse  and  chariot  to  the  fleet. 

The  Trojans  seeing  Dares'  sons,  one  slain,  the  other  fled, 
Were  strook  amaz'd.     The  blue-ey'd  Maid  (to  grace  her  Diomed 
In  giving  free  way  to  his  pow'r)  made  this  so  ruthful  fact 
A  fit  advantage  to  remove  the  War-god  out  of  act,  so 

Who  rag'd  so  on  the  Ilion  side.     She  grip'd  his  hand,  and  said  : 
"  Mars,  Mars,  thou  miner  of  men,  that  in  the  dust  hast  laid 
So  many  cities,  and  with  blood  thy  godhead  dost  distain, 
Now  shall  we  cease  to  show  our  breasts  as  passionate  as  men, 
And  leave  the  mixture  of  our  hands,  resigning  Jove  his  right,  35 

As  Rector  of  the  Gods,  to  give  the  glory  of  the  fight 
Where  he  affecteth,  lest  he  force  what  we  should  freely  yield  1 " 
He  held  it  fit,  and  went  with  her  from  the  tumultuous  field, 
Who  set  him  in  an  herby  seat  on  broad  Scamander's  shore. 
He  gone,  all  Troy  was  gone  with  him,  the  Greeks  drave  all  before,       40 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  105 

And  ev'ry  leader  slew  a  man  ;  but  first  the  king  of  men 

Deserv'd  the  honour  of  his  name,  and  led  the  slaughter  then, 

And  slew  a  leader,  one  more  huge  than  any  man  he  led, 

Great  Odius,  duke  of  Halizons  ;  quite  from  his  chariot  s  head 

He  strook  him  with  a  lance  to  earth,  as  first  he  flight  address'd ;  45 

It  took  his  forward-turned  back,  and  look'd  out  of  his  breast ; 

His  huge  trunk  sounded,  and  his  arms  did  echo  the  resound. 

Idomenseus  to  the  death  did  noble  Phsestus  wound, 
The  son  of  Meon-Borus,  that  from  cloddy  Terna  came  ; 
Who,  taking  chariot,  took  his  wound,  and  tumbled  with  the  same         so 
From  his  attempted  seat :  the  lance  through  his  right  shoulder  strook, 
And  horrid  darkness  strook  through  him ;  the  spoil  his  soldiers  took. 

Atrides-Menelaus  slew,  as  he  before  him  fled, 
Scamandrius,  son  of  Strophius,  that  was  a  huntsman  bred  ; 
A  skilful  huntsman,  for  his  skill  Diana's  self  did  teach,  55 

And  made  him  able  with  his  dart  infallibly  to  reach 
All  sorts  of  subtlest  savages,  which  many  a  woody  hill 
Bred  for  him,  and  he  much  preserv'd,  and  all  to  show  his  skill. 
Yet  not  the  dart-delighting  Queen  taught  him  to  shun  this  dart, 
Nor  all  his  hitting  so  far  off,  the  mast'ry  of  his  art ;  GO 

His  back  receiv'd  it,  and  he  fell  upon  his  breast  withal ; 
His  body's  ruin,  and  his  arms,  so  sounded  in  his  fall, 
That  his  affrighted  horse  flew  off,  and  left  him,  like  his  life. 

Meriones  slew  Phereclus,  whom  she  that  ne'er  was  wife, 
Yet  Goddess  of  good  housewives,  held  in  excellent  respect  65 

For  knowing  all  the  witty  things  that  grace  an  architect, 
And  having  pow'r  to  give  it  all  the  cunning  use  of  hand. 
.Harmonides,  his  sire,  built  ships,  and  made  him  understand, 
With  all  the  practice  it  requir'd,  the  frame  of  all  that  skill. 
He  built  all  Alexander's  ships,  that  author'd  all  the  ill  V° 

Of  all  the  Trojans  and  his  own,  because  he  did  not  know 
The  oracles  advising  Troy  (for  fear  of  overthrow) 

65  Goddess  of  housewives — Minerva. 


10G  THE   FIFTH  BOOK 

To  meddle  with  no  sea  affair,  but  live  by  tilling  land. 

This  man  Meriones  surpris'd,  and  drave  his  deadly  hand 

Through  his  right  hip  ;  the  lance's  head  ran  through  the  region  75 

About  the  bladder,  underneath  th7  in-muscles  and  the  bone  ; 

He,  sighing,  bow'd  his  knees  to  death,  and  sacrific'd  to  earth. 

Phylides  stay'd  Pedteus'  flight,  Antenor's  bastard  birth, 
Whom  virtuous  Theano  his  wife,  to  please  her  husband,  kept 
As  tenderly  as  those  she  lov'd.     Phylides  near  him  stept,  so 

And  in  the  fountain  of  the  nerves  did  drench  his  fervent  lance, 
At  his  head's  back-part ;  and  so  far  the  sharp  head  did  advance, 
It  cleft  the  organ  of  his  speech,  and  th'  iron,  cold  as  death, 
He  took  betwixt  his  grinning  teeth,  and  gave  the  air  his  breath. 

Eurypylus,  the  much  renowni'd,  and  great  Evemon's  son,  ss 

Divine  Hypsenor  slew,  begot  by  stout  Dolopion, 
And  consecrate  Scamander's  priest ;  he  had  a  God's  regard 
Amongst  the  people ;  his  hard  flight  the  Grecian  follow'd  hard, 
Kush'd  in  so  close,  that  with  his  sword  he  on  his  shoulder  laid 
A  blow  that  his  arm's  brawn  cut  off ;  nor  there  his  vigour  stay'd,          99 
But  drave  down,  and  from  off  his  wrist  it  hew'd  his  holy  hand 
That  gush'd  out  blood,  and  down  it  dropp'd  upon  the  blushing  sand  ; 
Death,  with  his  purple  finger,  shut,  and  violent  fate,  his  eyes. 

Thus  fought  these,  but  distinguished  well.     Tydides  so  implies 
His  fury  that  you  could  not  know  whose  side  had  interest  95 

Iii  his  free  labours,  Greece  or  Troy  ;  but  as  a  flood,  increas'd 
By  violent  and  sudden  show'rs,  let  down  from  hills,  like  hills 
Melted  in  fury,  swells  and  foams,  and  so  he  overfills 
His  natural  channel ;  that  besides  both  hedge  and  bridge  resigns 
To  his  rough  confluence,  far  spread  ;  and  lusty  flourishing  vines          100 
Drown'd  in  his  outrage ;  Tydeus'  son  so  overran  the  field, 
Strew'd  such  as  flourish'd  in  his  way,  and  made  whole  squadrons  yield. 

When  Paudarus,  Lycaon's  son,  beheld  his  ruining  hand, 
With  such  resistless  insolence,  make  lanes  through  ev'ry  band, 
81  Fountain  of  the  nerves — nape  of  the  neck. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  107 

He  bent  his  gold-tipp'd  bow  of  horn,  and  shot  him  rushing  in,  us, 

At  his  right  shoulder,  where  his  arms  were  hollow  ;  forth  did  spin 

The  blood,  and  down  his  curets  ran  ;  then  Pandarus  cried  out : 

"  Rank-riding  Trojans,  now  rush  in.     Now,  now,  I  make  no  doubt 

Our  bravest  foe  is  mark'd  for  death  ;  he  cannot  long  sustain 

My  violent  shaft,  if  Jove's  fair  Son  did  worthily  constrain  no 

My  foot  from  Lycia."     Thus  he  brav'd,  and  yet  his  violent  shaft 

Strook  short  with  all  his  violence,  Tydides'  life  was  saft ; 

Who  yet  withdrew  himself  behind  his  chariot  and  steeds, 

And  call'd  to  Sthenelus  :  "  Come  friend,  my  wounded  shoulder  needs 

Thy  hand  to  ease  it  of  this  shaft."     He  hasted  from  his  seat  n-'» 

Before  the  coach,  and  drew  the  shaft ;  the  purple  wound  did  sweat, 

And  drown  his  shirt  of  mail  in  blood,  and  as  it  bled  he  pray'd  : 

"  Hear  me,  of  Jove-yEgiochus  thou  most  unconquer'd  Maid  ! 
If  ever  in  the  cruel  field  thou  hast  assistful  stood 

Or  to  my  father,  or  myself,  now  love,  and  do  me  good.  120 

Give  him  into  my  lance's  reach,  that  thus  hath  giv'n  a  wound 
To  him  thou  guard'st,  preventing  me,  and  brags  that  never  more 
I  shall  behold  the  cheerful  sun."     Thus  did  the  king  implore. 
The  Goddess  heard,  came  near,  and  took  the  weariness  of  fight 
From  all  his  nerves  and  lineaments,  and  made  them  fresh  and  light, 
And  said  :  "  Be  bold,  O  Diomed,  in  ev'ry  combat  shine,  120 

The  great  shield-shaker  Tydeus'  strength  (that  knight,  that  sire  of  thine) 
By  my  infusion  breathes  in  thee  •  and  from  thy  knowing  mind 
I  have  remov'd  those  erring  mists  that  made  it  lately  blind, 
That  thou  may'st  diff  rence  Gods  from  men,  and  therefore  use  thy  skill 
Against  the  tempting  Deities,  if  any  have  a  will  iai 

To  try  if  thou  presum'st  of  that,  as  thine,  that  flows  from  them, 
And  so  assum'st  above  thy  right. \   Where  thou  discern'st  a  beam 
Of  any  other  Heav'nly  Pow'r  than  She  that  rules  in  love, 
That  calls  thee  to  the  change  of  blows,  resist  not,  but  remove  ;  135 

112  Saft — secured,  saved.     The  past  tense  of  the  verb  to  safe,  to  secure,  or 
make  safe,  used  by  Shakespeare. 


108  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

But  if  that  Goddess  be  so  bold  (since  she  first  stirr'd  this  war) 
Assault  and  mark  her  from  the  rest  with  some  infamous  scar." 

The  blue-eyed  Goddess  vanished,  and  he  was  seen  again 
Amongst  the  foremost,  who  before  though  he  were  prompt  and  fain 
To  fight  against  the  Trojans'  pow'rs,  now,  on  his  spirits  were  call'd     140 
With  thrice  the  vigour ;  lion-like,  that  hath  been  lately  gall'd 
By  some  bold  shepherd  in  a  field,  where  his  curl'd  flocks  were  laid, 
Who  took  him  as  he  leap'd  the  fold,  not  slain  yet,  but  appaid 
With  greater  spirit,  comes  again,  and  then  the  shepherd  hides, 
(The  rather  for  the  desolate  place)  and  in  his  cote  abides,  145 

His  flocks  left  guardless  ;  which,  amaz'd,  shake  and  shrink  up  in  heaps; 
He,  ruthless,  freely  takes  his  prey,  and  out  again  he  leaps  ; 
So  sprightly,  fierce,  victorious,  the  great  heroe  flew 
Upon  the  Trojans,  and,  at  once,  he  two  commanders  slew, 
Hypenor  and  Astyiious  ;  in  one  his  lance  he  fix'd  150 

Full  at  the  nipple  of  his  breast  ;  the  other  smote  betwixt 
The  neck  and  shoulder  with  his  sword,  which  was  so  well  laid  on 
It  swept  his  arm  and  shoulder  off.     These  left,  he  rush'd  upon 
Abas  and  Polyeidus,  of  old  Eurydamas 

The  hapless  sons  ;  who  could  by  dreams  tell  what  would  come  to  pass, 
Yet,  when  his  sons  set  forth  to  Troy,  the  old  man  could  not  read        its 
By  their  dreams  what  would  chance  to  them,  for  both  were  stricken  dead 
By  great  Tydides.     After  these,  he  takes  into  his  rage 
Xanthus  and  Thoon,  Phsenops'  sons,  born  to  him  in  his  age  ; 
The  good  old  man  ev'n  pin'd  with  years,  and  had  not  one  son  more 
To  heir  his  goods  ;  yet  Diomed  took  both,  and  left  him  store  101 

Of  tears  and  sorrows  in  their  steads,  since  he  could  never  see 
His  sons  leave  those  hot  wars  alive ;  so  this  the  end  must  be 
Of  all  his  labours  ;  what  he  heap'd,  to  make  his  issue  great, 
Authority  heir'd,  and  with  her  seed  fill'd  his  forgotten  seat.  165 

165  Authority  Jicir'd — The  word  that  Chapman  here  translates  authority  is  in 
the  Greek  XTypworcu,  and  means  those  more  remote  relatives  who  succeeded  by 
authority,  or  law,  to  the  property  when  there  had  been  a  x^pwens,  or  the  family 
had  lost  its  nearer  heirs. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  109 

Then  snatch'd  lie  up  two  Priamists,  that  in  one  chariot  stood, 

Echemon,  and  fair  Chromius.     As  feeding  in  a  wood 

Oxen  or  steers  are,  one  of  which  a  lion  leaps  upon, 

Tears  down,  and  wrings  in  two  his  neck  ;  so,  sternly,  Tydeus'  son 

Threw  from  their  chariot  both  these  hopes  of  old  Dardanides,  no. 

Then  took  their  arms,  and  sent  their  horse  to  those  that  ride  the  seas. 

.ZEneas,  seeing  the  troops  thus  toss'd,  brake  through  the  heat  of  fight, 
And  all  the  whizzing  of  the  darts,  to  find  the  Lycian  knight, 
Lycaon's  son  ;  whom  having  found,  he  thus  bespake  the  peer  ; 

"  0  Pandarus,  where's  now  thy  bow,  thy  deathful  arrows  where, 
In  which  no  one  in  all  our  host  but  gives  the  palm,  to  thee,  ire. 

Nor  in  the  sun-lov'd  Lycian  greens,  that  breed  our  archery, 
Lives  any  that  exceeds  thyself?     Come,  lift  thy  hands  to  Jove, 
And  send  an  arrow  at  this  man,  if  but  a  man  he  prove, 
That  wins  such  god-like  victories,  and  now  affects  our  host  iso 

With  so  much  sorrow,  since  so  much  of  our  best  blood  is  lost 
By  his  high  valour.     I  have  fear  some  God  in  him  doth  threat, 
Incens'd  for  want  of  sacrifice  ;  the  wrath  of  God  is  great." 

Lycaon's  famous  son  replied  :  "  Great  counsellor  of  Troy, 
This  man,  so  excellent  in  arms,  I  think  is  Tydeus'  joy  ;  iss 

I  know  him  by  his  fi'ry  shield,  by  his  bright  three-plum'd  casque, 
And  by  his  horse  ;  nor  can  I  say,  if  or  some  God  doth  mask 
In  his  appearance,  or  he  be  whom  I  nam'd  Tydeus'  son, 
But  without  God  the  things  he  does  for  certain  are  not  done. 
Some  great  Immortal,  that  conveys  his  shoulders  in  a  cloud,  190 

Goes  by  and  puts  by  eVry  dart  at  his  bold  breast  bestow'd, 
Or  lets  it  take  with  little  hurt ;  for  I  myself  let  fly 
A  shaft  that  shot  him  through  his  arms,  but  had  as  good  gone  by, 
Yet  which  I  gloriously  affirni'd  had  driv'n  him  down  to  hell. 
Some  God  is  angry,  and  with  me  ;  for  far  hence,  where  I  dwell,  195 

My  horse  and  chariots  idle  stand,  with  which  some  other  way 
I  might  repair  this  shameful  miss.     Elev'n  fair  chariots  stay 

171  TJiat  ride  the  seas — Greek  "  to  the  ships." 


110  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

In  old  Lycaon's  court,  new  made,  new  trimm'd  to  have  been  gone, 

Curtain'd,  and  arrast  under  foot ;  two  horse  to  ev'ry  one, 

That  eat  -white  barley  and  black  oats,  and  do  no  good  at  all ;  200 

And  these  Lycaon  (that  well  knew  how  these  affairs  would  fall) 

Charg'd,  when  I  set  down  this  design,  I  should  command  with  here, 

And  gave  me  many  lessons  more,  all  which  much  better  were 

Than  any  I  took  forth  myself.     The  reason  I  laid  down 

Was  but  the  sparing  of  my  horse,  since  in  a  sieged  town  205 

I  thought  our  horse-meat  would  be  scant,  when  they  were  us'd  to  have 

Their  manger  full ;  so  I  left  them,  and  like  a  lackey  slave 

Am  come  to  Ilion,  confident  in  nothing  but  my  bow 

That  nothing  profits  me.     Two  shafts  I  vainly  did  bestow 

At  two  great  princes,  but  of  both  my  arrows  neither  slew,  210 

Nor  this,  nor  Atreus'  younger  son  ;  a  little  blood  I  drew, 

That  serv'd  but  to  incense  them  more.     In  an  unhappy  star 

I  therefore  from  my  armoury  have  drawn  those  tools  of  war 

That  day,  when,  for  great  Hector's  sake,  to  amiable  Troy 

I  came  to  lead  the  Trojan  bands.     But  if  I  ever  joy,  215 

In  safe  return,  my  country's  sight,  my  wife's,  my  lofty  tow'rs, 

Let  any  stranger  take  this  head,  if  to  the  fi'ry  Pow'rs 

This  bow,  these  shafts,  in  pieces  burst,  by  these  hands  be  not  thrown  ; 

Idle  companions  that  they  are  to  me  and  my  renown." 

JEneas  said  :  "  Use  no  such  words  ;  for,  any  other  way  220 

Than  this,  they  shall  not  now  be  us'd.     We  first  will  both  assay 
This  man  with  horse  and  chariot.     Come  then,  ascend  to  me, 
That  thou  mayst  try  our  Trojan  horse,  how  skill'd  in  field  they  be, 
And  in  pursuing  those  that  fly,  or  flying,  being  pursued, 
How  excellent  they  are  of  foot ;  and  these,  if  Jove  conclude  225 

The  'scape  of  Tydeiis  again,  and  grace  him  with  our  flight, 
Shall  serve  to  bring  us  safely  off.     Come,  I'll  be  first  shall  fight, 


2'6  Both  the  folios  have  "  wives,"  but  the  true  reading  is  "  wife's,"  if  we  con- 
sult the  Greek. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  Ill 

Take  thou.  these  fair  reins  and  this  scourge  ;  or,  if  thou  wilt,  fight  thou, 

And  leave  the  horses'  care  to  me."     He  answer'd  :  "  I  will  now 

Descend  to  fight,  keep  thou  the  reins,  and  guide  thyself  thy  horse,      220 

Who  with  their  wonted  manager  will  better  wield  the  force 

Of  the  impulsive  chariot,  if  we  be  driv'n  to  fly, 

Than  with  a  stranger  ;  under  whom  they  will  be  much  more  shy, 

And,  fearing  my  voice,  wishing  thine,  grow  resty,  nor  go  on 

To  bear  us  off,  but  leave  engag'd  for  mighty  Tydeus'  son  230 

Themselves  and  us.     Then  be  thy  part  thy  one-hoof'd  horses'  guide, 

I'll  make  the  fight,  and  with  a  dart  receive  his  utmost  pride." 

With  this  the  gorgeous  chariot  both,  thus  prepar'd,  ascend 
And  make  full  way  at  Diomed  ;  which  noted  by  his  friend, 
"  Mine  own  most-loved  mind,"  said  he,  "  two  mighty  men  of  war        240 
I  see  come  with  a  purpos'd  charge  ;  one's  he  that  hits  so  far 
With  bow  and  shaft,  Lycaon's  son  ;  the  other  fames  the  brood 
Of  great  Anchises  and  the  Queen  that  rules  in  amorous  blood, 
JEneas,  excellent  in  arms.     Come  up,  and  use  your  steeds,  * 
And  look  not  war  so  in  the  face,  lest  that  desire  that  feeds  245 

Thy  great  mind  be  the  bane  of  it."     This  did  with  anger  sting 
The  blood  of  Diomed,  to  see  his  friend,  that  chid  the  king 
Before  the  fight,  and  then  preferr'd  his  ablesse  and  his  mind 
To  all  his  ancestors  in  fight,  now  come  so  far  behind  ; 
Whom  thus  he  answer'd  :  "  Urge  no  flight,  you  cannot  please  me  so  ; 
Nor  is  it  honest  in  my  mind  to  fear  a  coming  foe,  251 

Or  make  a  flight  good,  though  with  fight.     My  pow'rs  are  yet  entire, 
And  scorn  the  help-tire  of  a  horse.     I  will  not  blow  the  fire 
Of  their  hot  valours  with  my  flight,  but  cast  upon  the  blaze 
This  body  borne  upon  my  knees.     I  entertain  amaze  ?  2.55 

235  Engaged  for.— The  second  folio  (which  Dr.  Taylor  follows)  omits  "for;  " 
a  typographical  error. 

5139  Friend — Sthenelus. 

248  Allcsse — The  second  folio  reads  "aUcncssc,"  which  Dr.  Taylor  has  fol- 
lowed. 

255  /  entertain  amaze  ? — Do  you  think  I  fear  ? 


112  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Minerva  will  not  see  that  shame.     And  since  they  have  begun, 

They  shall  not  both,  elect  their  ends  ;  and  he  that  'scapes  shall  run, 

Or  stay  and  take  the  other's  fate.     And  this  I  leave  for  thee  ; — 

If  amply-wise  Athenia  give  both  their  lives  to  me, 

Eein  our  horse  to  their  chariot  hard,  and  have  a  special  heed  200 

To  seize  upon  ^Eneas'  steeds,  that  we  may  change  their  breed, 

And  make  a  Grecian  race  of  them  that  have  been  long  of  Troy. 

For  these  are  bred  of  those  brave  beasts  which,  for  the  lovely  boy 

That  waits  now  on  the  cup  of  Jove,  Jove,  that  far-seeing  God, 

Gave  Tros  the  king  in  recompense  ;  the  best  that  ever  trod  265 

The  sounding  centre,  underneath  the  morning  and  the  sun. 

Anchises  stole  the  breed  of  them  ;  for,  where  their  sires  did  run, 

He  closely  put  his  mares  to  them,  and  never  made  it  known 

To  him  that  heir'd  them,  who  was  then  the  king  Laomedon. 

Six  horses  had  he  of  that  race,  of  which  himself  kept  four,  270 

And  gave  the  other  two  his  son  ;  and  these  are  they  that  scour 

The  field  so  bravely  towards  us,  expert  in  charge  and  flight. 

If  these  we  have  the  pow'r  to  take,  our  prise  is  exquisite, 

And  our  renown  will  far  exceed."     While  these  were  talking  thus, 

The  fir'd  horse  brought  th'  assailants  near,  and  thus  spake  Pandarus  : 

"  Most  suff'ring-minded  Tydeus'  son,  that  hast  of  war  the  art,  2rs 

My  shaft,  that  strook  thee,  slew  thee  not,  I  now  will  prove  a  dart." 
This  said,  he  shook,  and  then  he  threw,  a  lance,  aloft  and  large, 
That  in  Tydides'  curets  stuck,  quite  driving  through  his  targe  ; : 
Then  bray'd  he  out  so  wild  a  voice  that  all  the  field  might  hear  :         230 
"  Now  have  I  reach'd  thy  root  of  life,  and  by  thy  death  shall  bear 
Our  praise's  chief  prise  from  the  field."     TydiJes  undismay'd 
Replied  :  "Thou  err'st,  I  am  not  touch'd  ;  but  more  charge  will  be  laid 
To  both  your  lives  before  you  part  ;  at  least  the  life  of  one  ' 
Shall  satiate  the  throat  of  Mars."     This  said,  his  lance  was  gone,         235 
Minerva  led  it  to  his  face,  which  at  his  eye  ran  in, 
And,  as  he  stoop'd,  strook  through  his  jaws,  his  tongue's  root,  and  his 
chin. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  113 

Down  from  the  chariot  he  fell,  his  gay  arms  shin'd  and  rung, 

The  swift  horse  trembled,  and  his  soul  for  ever  charm'd  his  tongue. 

tineas  with  his  shield,  and  lance,  leapt  swiftly  to  his  friend,  290 

Afraid  the  Greeks  would  force  his  trunk  ;  and  that  he  did  defend, 
Bold  as  a  lion  of  his  strength  ;  he  hid  him  with  his  shield, 
Shook  round  his  lance,  and  horribly  did  threaten  all  the  field 
With  death,  if  any  durst  make  in.     Tydides  rais'd  a  stone 
With  his  one  hand,  of  wondrous  weight,  and  pour'd  it  mainly  on        295 
The  hip  of  Anchisiades,  wherein  the  joint  doth  move 
The  thigh  ('tis  call'd  the  huckle-bone)  which  all  in  sherds  it  drove, 
Brake  both  the  nerves,  and  with  the  edge  cut  all  the  flesh  away. 
It  stagger'd  him  upon  his  knees,  and  made  th'  heroe  stay 
His  strook-blind  temples  on  his  hand,  his  elbow  on  the  earth  ;  300 

And  there  this  prince  of  men  had  died,  if  She  that  gave  him  birth, 
(Kiss'd  by  Anchises  on  the  green,  where  his  fair  oxen  fed) 
Jove's  loving  daughter,  instantly  had  not  about  him  spread 
Her  soft  embraces,  and  convey'd  within  her  heav'nly  veil 
(Us'd  as  a  rampire  'gainst  all  darts  that  did  so  hot  assail)  300 

Her  dear-lov'd  issue  from  the  field.     Then  Sthenelus  in  haste, 
Eememb'ring  what  his  friend  advis'd,  from  forth  the  press  made  fast 
His  own  horse  to  their  chariot,  and  presently  laid  hand 
Upon  the  lovely-coated  horse  ^Eneas  did  command. 
Which  bringing  to  the  wond'ring  Greeks,  he  did  their  guard  com- 
mend 310 
To  his  belov'd  Deipylus,  who  was  his  inward  friend, 
And,  of  his  equals,  one  to  whom  he  had  most  honour  shown, 
That  he  might  see  them  safe  at  fleet ;  then  stept  he  to  his  own. 
With  which  he  cheerfully  made  in  to  Tydeus'  mighty  race. 
He,  mad  with  his  great  enemy's  rape,  was  hot  in  desp'rate  chace          sis 
Of  her  that  made  it,  with  his  lance,  ann'd  less  with  steel  than  spite, 
Well  knowing  her  no  Deity  that  had  to  do  in  fight, 

315  Rape — here  used  for  his  being  carried  off  by  Venus. 
VOL.    I.  H 


114  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Minerva  his  great  patroness,  nor,  She  that  raceth  towns, 
Bellona,  but  a  Goddess  weak,  and  foe  to  men's  renowns. 
Her,  through  a  world  of  fight  pursu'd,  at  last  he  overtook,  320 

And,  thrusting  up  his  ruthless  lance,  her  heav'nly  veil  he  strook 
(That  ev'n  the  Graces  wrought  themselves,  at  her  divine  command) 
Quite  through,  and  hurt  the  tender  back  of  her  delicious  hand. 
The  rude  point  piercing  through  her  palm,  forth  flow'dth'  immortal  blood; 
Blood,  such  as  flows  in  blessed  Gods,  that  eat  no  human  food,  325 

Nor  drink  of  our  inflaming  wine,  and  therefore  bloodless  are, 
And  call'd  Immortals  ;  out  she  cried,  and  could  no  longer  bear 
Her  lov'd  son ;  whom  she  cast  from  her,  and  in  a  sable  cloud 
Phoebus,  receiving,  hid  him  close  from  all  the  Grecian  crowd, 
Lest  some  of  them  should  find  his  death.     Away  flew  Venus  then,      330 
And  after  her  cried  Diorned  :  "  Away,  thou  spoil  of  men, 
Though  sprung  from  all-preserving  Jove,  these  hot  encounters  leave. 
Is't  not  enough  that  silly  dames  thy  sorc'ries  should  deceive, 
Unless  thou  thrust  into  the  war,  and  rob  a  soldier's  right  ? 
I  think  a  few  of  these  assaults  will  make  thee  fear  the  fight,  335 

AVherever  thou  shalt  hear  it  nam'd."     She,  sighing,  went  her  way 
Extremely  griev'd,  and  with  her  griefs  her  beauties  did  decay, 
And  black  her  ivory  body  grew.     Then  from  a  dewy  mist 
Brake  swift-foot  Iris  to  her  aid,  from  all  the  darts  that  hiss'd 
At  her  quick  rapture  ;  and  to  Mars  they  took  their  plaintive  course,  340 
And  found  him  on  the  fight's  left  hand,  by  him.  his  speedy  horse, 
And  huge  lance,  lying  in  a  fog.     The  Queen  of  all  things  fair 
Her  loved  brother,  on  her  knees,  besought,  with  instant  pray'r, 
His  golden-riband-bound-man'd  horse  to  lend  her  up  to  heav'n, 
For  she  was  much  griev'd  with  a  wound  a  mortal  man  had  giv'n,         345 
Tydides,  that  'gainst  Jove  himself  durst  now  advance  his  arm. 
He  granted,  and  his  chariot  (perplex'd  with  her  late  harm) 
She  mounted,  and  her  waggoness  was  She  that  paints  the  air. 
The  horse  she  rein'd,  and  with  a  scourge  importun'd  their  repair, 

348  Iris. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  115 

That  of  themselves  out-flew  the  wind,  and  quickly  they  ascend  sso 

Olympus,  high  seat  of  the  Gods.     Th'  horse  knew  their  journey's  end, 

Stood  still,  and  from  their  chariot  the  windy-footed  dame 

Dissolv'd,  and  gave  them  heav'nly  food  ;  and  to  Dione  came 

Her  wounded  daughter,  bent  her  knees.     She  kindly  bade  her  stand, 

With  sweet  embraces  help'd  her  up,  strok'd  her  with  her  soft  hand,     355 

Call'd  kindly  by  her  name,  and  ask'd  :  "  What  God  hath  been  so  rude, 

Sweet  daughter,  to  chastise  thee  thus,  as  if  thou  wert  pursu'd 

Ev'n  to  the  act  of  some  light  sin,  and  deprehended  so  ? 

For  otherwise,  each  close  escape  is  in  the  great  let  go." 

She  answer'd  :  "  Haughty  Tydeus'  son  hath  been  so  insolent,  soo 

Since,  he  whom  most  my  heart  esteems  of  all  my  lov'd  descent, 
I  rescu'd  from  his  bloody  hand.     Now  battle  is  not  giv'n 
To  any  Trojans  by  the  Greeks,  but  by  the  Greeks  to  heav'n." 

She  answer'd  :  "  Daughter,  think  not  much,  though  much  it  grieve 

thee ;  use 

The  patience,  whereof  many  Gods  examples  may  produce,  ses 

In  many  bitter  ills  receiv'd,  as  well  that  men  sustain 
By  their  inflictions  as  by  men  repaid  to  them  again. 
Mars  suffer'd  much  more  than  thyself  by  Ephialtes'  pow'r, 
And  Otus',  Aloeus'  sons ;  who  in  a  brazen  tow'r, 

And  in  inextricable  chains,  cast  that  war-greedy  God,  sro 

Where  twice-six  months  and  one  he  liv'd,  and  there  the  period 
Of  his  sad  life  perhaps  had  clos'd,  if  his  kind  stepdame's  eye, 
Fair  Erebaea,  had  not  seen  ;  who  told  it  Mercury, 
And  he  by  stealth  enfranchis'd  him  ;  though  he  could  scarce  enjoy 
The  benefit  of  franchisement,  the  chains  did  so  destroy  srs 

His  vital  forces  with  their  weight.     So  Juno  suffer'd  more 
When,  with  a  three-fork'd  arrow's  head,  Amphitryo's  son  did  gore 
Her  right  breast,  past  all  hope  of  cure.     Pluto  sustain'd  no  less 
By  that  self  man,  and  by  a  shaft  of  equal  bitterness 

353  Dione — mother  of  Venus. 


116  \THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Shot  through  his  shoulder  at  hell  gates  ;  and  there,  amongst  the  dead, 
Were  he  not  deathless,  he  had  died  ;  but  up  to  heav'n  he  fled,  m 

Extremely  tortur'd,  for  recure,  which  instantly  he  won 
At  Paeon's  hand,  with  sov'reign  balm  ;  and  this  did  Jove's  great  son, 
Unblest,  great-high-deed-daring  man,  that  car'd  not  doing  ill, 
That  with  his  bow  durst  wound  the  Gods  !     But,  by  Minerva's  will,  ssr, 
Thy  wound  the  foolish  Diomed  was  so  profane  to  give  ; 
Not  knowing  he  that  fights  with  Heav'n  hath  never  long  to  live, 
And  for  this  deed,  he  never  shall  have  child  about  his  knee 
To  call  him  father,  coming  home.     Besides,  hear  this  from  me, 
Strength-trusting  man,  though  thou  be  strong,  and  art  in  strength  a 
tow'r,  390 

Take  heed  a  stronger  meet  thee  not,  and  that  a  woman's  pow'r 
Contains  not  that  superior  strength,  and  lest  that  woman  be 
Adrastus'  daughter,  and  thy  wife,  the  wise  .SCgiale  ; 
When,  from  this  hour  not  far,  she  wakes,  ev'n  sighing  with  desire 
To  kindle  our  revenge  on  thee,  with  her  enamouring  fire,  395 

In  choosing  her  some  fresh  young  friend,  and  so  drown  all  thy  fame, 
Won  here  in  war,  in  her  court-piece,  and  in  an  opener  shame." 

This  said,  with  both  her  hands  she  cleans'd  the  tender  back  and  palm 
Of  all  the  sacred  blood  they  lost ;  and,  never  using  balm, 
The  pain  ceas'd,  and  the  wound  was  cur'd  of  this  kind  Queen  of  love. 

Juno  and  Pallas,  seeing  this,  assay'd  to  anger  Jove,  401 

And  quit  his  late-made  mirth  with  them,  about  the  loving  Dame, 
With  some  sharp  jest,  in  like  sort,  built  upon  her  present  shame. 
Grey-ey'd  Athenia  began,  and  ask'd  the  Thunderer, 
If,  nothing  moving  him  to  wrath,  she  boldly  might  prefer,  «>» 

What  she  conceiv'd,  to  his  conceit ;  and,  staying  no  reply, 
She  bade  him  view  the  Cyprian  fruit  he  loVd  so  tenderly, 
Whom  she  thought  hurt,  and  by  this  means  ; — intending  to  suborn 
Some  other  lady  of  the  Greeks  (whom  lovely  veils  adorn) 

408   Whom  she  thought  hurt.—  Both  the  folios  read  "  though  hurt."    Dr.  Taylor 
prints  "thought,"  which  is  perhaps  the  true  reading. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  117 

To  gratify  some  other  friend  of  her  much-loved  Troy,  410 

As  she  embrac'd  and  stirr'd  her  blood  to  the  Venerean  joy, 
The  golden  clasp,  those  Grecian  dames  upon  their  girdles  wear, 
Took  hold  of  her  delicious  hand,  and  hurt  it,  she  had  fear. 

The  Thund'rer  smil'd,  and  call'd  to  him  love's  golden  Arbitress, 
And  told  her  those  rough  works  of  war  were  not  for  her  access  ;          415 
She  should  be  making  marriages,  embracings,  kisses,  charms, 
Stern  Mars  and  Pallas  had  the  charge  of  those  affairs  in  arms. 

While  these  thus  talk'd,  Tydides'  rage  still  thirsted  to  achieve 
His  prise  upon  Anchises'  son,  though  well  he  did  perceive 
The  Sun  himself  protected  him  ;  but  his  desires  (inflam'd  420 

With  that  great  Trojan  prince's  blood,  and  arms  so  highly  fam'd) 
Not  that  great  God  did  reverence.     Thrice  rush'd  he  rudely  on, 
And  thrice,  betwixt  his  darts  and  death,  the  Sun's  bright  target  shone  ; 
But  when  upon  the  fourth  assault,  much  like  a  spirit,  he  flew, 
The  far-off-working  Deity  exceeding  wrathful  grew,  425 

And  ask'd  him  :  "What !    Not  yield  to  gods  ?    Thy  equals  learn  to 

know. 
The  race  of  Gods  is  far  above  men  creeping  here  below." 

This  drave  him  to  some  small  retreat ;  he  would  not  tempt  more  near 
The  wrath  of  him  that  strook  so  far  ;  whose  pow'r  had  now  set  clear 
uEneas  from  the  stormy  field  within  the  holy  place  430 

Of  Pergamus,  where,  to  the  hope  of  his  so  sov'reign  grace, 
A  goodly  temple  was  advanc'd  ;  in  whose  large  inmost  part 
He  left  him,  and  to  his  supply  inclin'd  his  mother's  heart, 
Latona,  and  the  dart-pleas'd  Queen  ;  who  cur'd,  and  made  him  strong. 

The  silver-bow'd  fair  God  then  threw  in  the  tumultuous  throng       435 
An  image,  that  in  stature,  look,  and  arms,  he  did  create 
Like  Venus'  son  ;  for  which  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  made  debate, 
Laid  loud  strokes  on  their  ox-hide  shields,  and  bucklers  eas'ly  borne  ; 
Which  error  Phcebus  pleas'd  to  urge  on  Mars  himself  in  scorn  : 

434  Dart-pleas  d  Queen — Diana. 


118  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

"  Mars,  Mars,"  said  he,  "  thou   plague  of  men,  smear'd  with  the 
dust  and  blood  440 

Of  humans,  and  their  ruin'd  walls,  yet  thinks  thy  Godhead  good 
To  fright  this  fury  from  the  field,  who  next  will  fight  with  Jove  ? 
First  in  a  bold  approach  he  hurt,  the  moist  palm  of  thy  love, 
And  next,  as  if  he  did  affect  to  have  a  Deity's  pow'r, 
He  held  out  his  assault  on  me."    This  said,  the  lofty  tow'r  445 

Of  Pergamus  he  made  his  seat ;  and  Mars  did  now  excite 
The  Trojan  forces,  in  the  form  of  him  that  led  to  fight 
The  Thracian  troops,  swift  Acamas.     "  0  Priam's  sons,"  said  he, 
"  How  long  the  slaughter  of  your  men  can  ye  sustain  to  see  1 
Ev'n  till  they  brave  you  at  your  gates  1    Ye  suffer  beaten  down          430 
jEneas,  great  Anchises'  son,  whose  prowess  we  renown 
As  much  as  Hector's  ;  fetch  him  off  from  this  contentious  prea&e." 

With  this,  the  strength  and  spirits  of  all  his  courage  did  increase  ; 
And  yet  Sarpedon  seconds  him,  with  this  particular  taunt 
Of  noble  Hector  :  "  Hector,  where  is  thy  unthankful  vaunt,  455 

And  that  huge  strength  on  which  it  built,  that  thou,  and  thy  allies, 
"With  all  thy  brothers  (without  aid  of  us  or  our  supplies, 
And  troubling  not  a  citizen)  the  city  safe  would  hold  ? 
In  all  which  friends'  and  brothers'  helps  I  see  not,  nor  am  told 
Of  any  one  of  their  exploits,  but  (all  held  in  dismay  460 

Of  Diomed,  like  a  sort  of  dogs,  that  at  a  lion  bay, 
And  entertain  no  spirit  to  pinch)  we,  your  assistants  here, 
Fight  for  the  town  as  you  help'd  us  ;  and  I,  an  aiding  peer, 
No  citizen,  ev'n  out  of  care,  that  doth  become  a  man 
For  men  and  children's  liberties,  add  all  the  aid  I  can ;  405 

Not  out  of  my  particular  cause  ;  far  hence  my  profit  grows, 
For  far  hence  Asian  Lycia  lies,  where  gulfy  Xanthus  flows, 

443  Thy  love — Venus. 

461  Sort— See  Bk.  iv.  460. 

462  Pinch — a  terra  frequently  used  for  dogs  pressing  on  and  seizing  their  game. 

463  As — as  if. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  119 

And  where  my  lov'd  wife,  infant  son,  and  treasure  nothing  scant, 

I  left  behind  me,  which  I  see  those  men  would  have  that  want, 

And  therefore  they  that  have  would  keep.     Yet  I,  as  I  would  lose      470 

Their  sure  fruition,  cheer  my  troops,  and  with  their  lives  propose 

Mine  own  life,  both  to  gen'ral  fight,  and  to  particular  cope 

With  this  great  soldier ;  though,  I  say,  I  entertain  no  hope 

To  have  such  gettings  as  the  Greeks,  noj  fear  to  lose  like  Troy. 

Yet  thou,  ev'n  Hector,  deedless  stand'st,  and  car'st  not  to  employ        475 

Thy  town-born  friends,  to  bid  them  stand,  to  fight  and  save  their  wives, 

Lest  as  a  fowler  casts  his  nets  upon  the  silly  lives 

Of  birds  of  all  sorts,  so  the  foe  your  walls  and  houses  hales, 

One  with  another,  on  all  heads  ;  or  such  as  'scape  their  falls, 

Be  made  the  prey  and  prise  of  them  (as  willing  overthrown)  430 

That  hope  not  for  you  with  their  force  ;  and  so  this  brave-built  town 

Will  prove  a  chaos.     That  deserves  in  thee  so  hot  a  care, 

As  should  consume  thy  days  and  nights,  to  hearten  and  prepare 

Th'  assistant  princes  ;  pray  their  minds  to  bear  their  far-brought  toils  ; 

To  give  them  worth  with  worthy  fight ;  in  victories  and  foils  485 

Still  to  be  equal ;  and  thyself,  exampling  them  in  all, 

Need  no  reproofs  nor  spurs.     All  this  in  thy  free  choice  should  fall." 

This  stung  great  Hector's  heart ;  and  yet,  as  ev'ry  gen'rous  mind 
Should  silent  bear  a  just  reproof,  and  show  what  good  they  find 
In  worthy  counsels,  by  their  ends  put  into  present  deeds,  490 

Not  stomach  nor  be  vainly  sham'd  ;  so  Hector's  spirit  proceeds, 
And  from  his  chariot,  wholly  arm'd,  he  jump'd  itpon  the  sand, 
On  foot  so  toiling  through  the  host,  a  dart  in  either  hand, 
And  all  hands  turn'd  against  the  Greeks.     The  Greeks  despis'd  their 

worst, 
And,  thick'ning  their  instructed  pow'rs,  expected  all  they  durst.          495 

471  Propose.— Bk.  i.  14. 

481  Both  the  folios  read  "  hope."     Dr.  Taylor  has  "  holp  " — help,  which  seems 
preferable. 

491  Stomach — be  haughty,  angry. 

494  All  hands  turn'd— -excited  all  the  army.  495  Expected — awaited. 


120  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Then  with  the  feet  of  horse  and  foot,  the  dust  in  clouds  did  rise. 
And  as,  in  sacred  floors  of  barns,  upon  corn-winnow'rs  flies 
The  chaff,  driv'n  with  an  opposite  wind,  when  yellow  Ceres  dites, 
Which  all  the  diters'  feet,  legs,  arms,  their  heads  and  shoulders  whites ; 
So  look'd  the  Grecians  grey  with  dust,  that  strook  the  solid  heav'n,    500 
Eais'd  from  returning  chariots,  and  troops  together  driv'n. 
Each  side  stood  to  their  labours  .firm.     Fierce  Mars  flew  through  the  air, 
And  gather'd  darkness  from  the  fight,  and,  with  his  best  affair, 
Obey'd  the  pleasure  of  the  Sun,  that  wears  the  golden  sword, 
Who  bade  him  raise  the  spirits  of  Troy,  when  Pallas  ceas'd  t'  afford    505 
Her  helping  office  to  the  Greeks  ;  and  then  his  own  hands  wrought, 
Which,  from  his  fane's  rich  chancel,  cur'd,  the  true  JEneas  brought, 
And  plac'd  him  by  his  peers  in  field ;  who  did  with  joy  admire 
To  see  him  both  alive  and  safe,  and  all  his  pow'rs  entire, 
Yet  stood  not  sifting  how  it  chanc'd  ;  another  sort  of  task,  510 

Then  stirring  th'  idle  sieve  of  news,  did  all  their  forces  ask, 
Inflam'd  by  Phoebus,  harmful  Mars,  and  Eris  eag'rer  far. 
The  Greeks  had  none  to  hearten  them  ;  their  hearts  rose  with  the  war  ; 
But  chiefly  Diomed,  Ithacus,  and  both  th'  Ajaces  us'd 
Stirring  examples  and  good  words ;  their  own  fames  had  iufus'd          515 
Spirit  enough  into  their  bloods,  to  make  them  neither  fear 
The  Trojans'  force,  nor  Fate  itself,  but  still  expecting  were, 
When  most  was  done,  what  would  be  more  ;  their  ground  they  still  made 

good, 

And  in  their  silence,  and  set  pow'rs,  like  fair  still  clouds,  they  stood, 
With  which  Jove  crowns  the  tops  of  hills,  in  any  quiet  day,  5-20 

When  Boreas  and  the  ruder  winds  (that  use  to  drive  away 
Air's  dusky  vapours,  being  loose,  in  many  a  whistling  gale) 
Are  pleasingly  bound  up,  and  calm,  and  not  a  breath  exhale  ; 

498  Dites — winnows.  NARES  quotes  this  passage  for  the  word  ;  but  it  is  only 
another  spelling  for  (lights,  prepares.  See  CHAPMAN'S  Hesiod,  Georgics, 
bk.  ii.  343,  and  Days,  67,  in  vol.  v.  of  this  edition  of  his  translations  ;  where 
the  word  is  also  used  for  winnowing.  503  Affair — action,  endeavour. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS  121 

So  firmly  stood  the  Greeks,  nor  fled  for  all  the  Ilion's  aid. 

Atrides  yet  coasts  through  the  troops,  confirming  men  so  staid  :  525 
*'  0  friends,"  said  he,  "  hold  up  your  minds  ;  strength  is  but  strength 

of  will  ; 

Rev'rence  each  other's  good  in  fight,  and  shame  at  things  done  ill. 
Where  soldiers  show  an  honest  shame,  and  love  of  honour  lives, 
That  ranks  men  with  the  first  in  fight,  death  fewer  liveries  gives        529 
Than  life,  or  than  where  Fame's  neglect  makes  cowards  fight  at  length. 
Flight  neither  doth  the  body  grace,  nor  shows  the  mind  hath  strength." 
He  said,  and  swifty  through  the  troops  a  mortal  lance  did  send, 
That  reft  a  standard-bearer's  life,  renown'd  ^Eneas'  friend, 
Deicoon  Pergasides,  whom  all  the  Trojans  lov'd 

As  he  were  one  of  Priam's  sons,  his  mind  was  so  approv'd  535 

In  always  fighting  with  the  first.     The  lance  his  target  took, 
Which  could  not  interrupt  the  blow,  that  through  it  clearly  strook, 
And  in  his  belly's  rim  was  sheath'd,  beneath  his  girdle-stead. 
He  sounded  falling,  and  his  arms  with  him  resounded,  dead. 

Then  fell  two  princes  of  the  Greeks  by  great  ^Eneas'  ire,  540 

Diocleus'  sons  (Orsilochus  and  Crethon),  whose  kind  sire 
In  bravely-builded  Phaera  dwelt,  rich,  and  of  sacred  blood. 
He  was  descended  lineally  from  great  Alphseus'  flood, 
That  broadly  flows  through  Pylos'  fields  ;  Alphaeus  did  beget 
Orsilochus,  who  in  the  rule  of  many  men  was  set ;  545 

And  that  Orsilochus  begat  the  rich  Diocleus  ; 
Diocleus  sire  to  Crethon  was,  and  this  Orsilochus. 
Both  these,  arriv'd  at  man's  estate,  with  both  th'  Atrides  went, 
To  honour  them  in  th'  Ilion  wars  ;  and  both  were  one  day  sent, 
To  death  as  well  as  Troy,  for  death  hid  both  in  one  black  hour.  sso 

As  two  young  lions  (with  their  dam,  sustain'd  but  to  devour) 

5:9  Liveries — deliveries. 

530  The  first  folio  has  '\cow-herds."  This  has  frequently  been  given  as  the 
derivation  of  the  word  "coward." 

838  Girdle-stead.  — The  composition  stead  is  used  to  mark  the  place  or  position 
of  anything,  thus  homestead,  noonsted  ;  Girdle-stead,  the  place  of  the  girdle. 


122  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Bred  on  the  tops  of  some  steep  hill,  and  in  the  gloomy  deep 

Of  an  inaccessible  wood,  rush  out,  and  prey  on  sheep, 

Steers,  oxen,  and  destroy  men's  stalls,  so  long  that  they  come  short, 

And  by  the  owner's  steel  are  slain  ;  in  such  unhappy  sort  55.5 

Fell  these  beneath  Eneas'  pow'r.     When  Menelaus  view'd 

Like  two  tall  fir- trees  these  two  fall,  their  timeless  falls  he  rued, 

And  to  the  first  fight,  where  they  lay,  a  vengeful  force  he  took  ; 

His  arms  beat  back  the  sun  in  flames,  a  dreadful  lance  he  shook  ; 

Mars  put  the  fury  in  his  mind,  that  by  ^Eneas'  hands,  sco 

Who  was  to  make  the  slaughter  good,  he  might  have  strew'd  the  sands. 

Antilochus,  old  Nestor's  son,  observing  he  was  bent 

To  urge  a  combat  of  such  odds,  and  knowing,  the  event 

Being  ill  on  his  part,  all  their  pains  (alone  sustain'd  for  him) 

Err'd  from  their  end,  made  after  hard,  and  took  them  in  the  trim       565 

Of  an  encounter.     Both  their  hands  and  darts  advanc'd,  and  shook, 

And  both  pitch'd  in  full  stand  of  charge  ;  when  suddenly  the  look 

Of  Anchisiades  took  note  of  Nestor's  valiant  son, 

In  full  charge  too  ;  which,  two  to  one,  made  Venus'  issue  shun 

The  hot  adventure,  though  he  were  a  soldier  well-approv'd.  570 

Then  drew  they  off  their  slaughter'd  friends  ;  who  giv'n  to  their  belov'd, 

They  turn'd  where  fight  show'd  deadliest  hate  ;  and  there  mix'd  with 

the  dead 

Pylsemen,  that  the  targeteers  of  Paphlagonia  led, 
A  man  like  Mars  ;  and  with  him  fell  good  Mydon  that  did  guide 
His  chariot,  Atymnus'  son.     The  prince  Pylajmen  died  575 

By  Menelaus  ;  Nestor's  joy  slew  Mydon  ;  one  before 
The  other  in  the  chariot.     Atrides'  lance  did  gore 
Pylamien's  shoulder,  in  the'^blade.     Antilochus  did  force 
A  mighty  stone  up  from  the  earth,  and,  as  he  turn'd  his  horse, 
Strook  Mydon's  elbow  in  the  midst ;  the  reins  of  ivory  sso 

Fell  from  his  hands  into  the  dust ;  Antilochus  let  fly 

565  "Trim — 'order,  or  disposition.'    Beaumont  and  Fletcher  speak  of  'the 
horrid  trims  of  war.'  " — DK.  TAYLOR. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  123 

His  sword  withal,  and,  rushing  in,  a  blow  so  deadly  laid 
Upon  his  temples,  that  he  groan'd,  tumbled  to  earth,  and  stay'd 
A  mighty  while  preposterously  (because  the  dust  was  deep) 
Upon  his  neck  and  shoulders  there,  ev'n  till  his  foe  took  keep  535 

Of  his  pris'd  horse,  and  made  them  stir ;  and  then  he  prostrate  fell. 
His  horse  Antilochus  took  home.     When  Hector  had  heard  tell, 
Amongst  the  uproar,  of  their  deaths,  he  laid  out  all  his  voice, 
And  ran  upon  the  Greeks.     Behind  came  many  men  of  choice, 
Before  him  march'd  great  Mars  himself,  match'd  with  his  female  mate, 
The  dread  Bellona.     She  brought  on,  to  fight  for  mutual  fate,  591 

A  tumult  that  was  wild  and  mad.     He  shook  a  horrid  lance, 
And  now  led  Hector,  and  anon  behind  would  make  the  chance. 

This  sight  when  great  Tydides  saw,  his  hair  stood  up  on  end  ; 
And  him,  whom  all  the  skill  and  pow'r  of  arms  did  late  attend,  595 

Now  like  a  man  in  counsel  poor,  that,  travelling,  goes  amiss, 
And  having  pass'd  a  boundless  plain,  not  knowing  where  he  is, 
Comes  on  the  sudden  where  he  sees  a  river  rough,  and  raves 
With  his  own  billows  ravished  into  the  king  of  waves, 
Murmurs  with  foam,  and  frights  him  back  ;  so  he,  amaz'd,  retir'd,      coo 
And  thus  would  make  good  his  amaze  :  "  0  friends,  we  all  admir'd 
Great  Hector,  as  one  of  himself,  well-darting,  bold  in  war, 
When  some  God  guards  him  still  from  death,  and  makes  him  dare  so  far. 
Now  Mars  himself,  form'd  like  a  man,  is  present  in  his  rage, 
And  therefore,  whatsoever  cause  importunes  you  to  wage  605 

War  with  these  Trojans,  never  strive,  but  gently  take  your  rod, 
Lest  in  your  bosoms,  for  a  man,  ye  ever  find  a  God." 

As  Greece  retir'd,  the  pow'r  of  Troy  did  much  more  forward  prease, 
And  Hector  two  brave  men  of  war  sent  to  the  fields  of  peace  ; 
Menesthes,  and  Anchialus  ;  one  chariot  bare  them  both.  cio 

Their  falls  made  Ajax  Telamon  ruthful  of  heart,  and  wroth, 

584  Preposterously — Chapman  uses  this  word  in  a  somewhat  unusual  way  ; 
pre-posterous,  hind  part  foremost.     Here,  on  his  head. 
60:i  One  of  himself — peerless. 
606  Take  your  rod — submit. 


124  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Who  light'ned  out  a  lance  that  smote  Amphius  Selages, 
That  dwelt  in  Paesos,  rich  in  lands,  and  did  huge  goods  possess, 
But  Fate,  to  Priam  and  his  sons,  conducted  his  supply. 
The  jav'lin  on  his  girdle  strook,  and  pierced  mortally  eis 

His  belly's  lower  part  ;  he  fell :  his  arms  had  looks  so  trim, 
That  Ajax  needs  would  prove  their  spoil ;  the  Trojans  pour'd  on  him 
Whole  storms  of  lances,  large,  and  sharp,  of  which  a  number  stuck 
In  his  rough  shield  ;  yet  from  the  slain  he  did  his  jav'lin  pluck, 
But  could  not  from  his  shoulders  force  the  arms  he  did  affect,  020 

The  Trojans  with  such  drifts  of  darts  the  body  did  protect ; 
And  wisely  Telamonius  fear'd  their  valorous  defence, 
So  many,  and  so  strong  of  hand,  stood  in  with  such  expense 
Of  deadly  prowess  :  who  repell'd,  though  big,  strong,  bold,  he  were, 
The  famous  Ajax,  and  their  friend  did  from  his  rapture  bear.  625 

Thus  this  place  fill'd  with  strength  of  fight ;  in  th'  army's  other 

prease, 

Tlepolemus,  a  tall  big  man,  the  son  of  Hercules, 
A  cruel  destiny  inspir'd,  with  strong  desire  to  prove 
Encounter  with  Sarpedon's  strength,  the  son  of  cloudy  Jove  ; 
Who,  coming  on  to  that  stern  end,  had  chosen  him  his  foe.  eso 

Thus  Jove's  great  nephew,  and  his  son,  'gainst  one  another  go. 
Tlepolemus,  to  make  his  end  more  worth  the  will  of  fate, 
Began  as  if  he  had  her  pow'r,  and  show'd  the  mortal  state 
Of  too  much  confidence  in  man,  with  this  superfluous  brave  : 
"  Sarpedon,  what  necessity  or  needless  humour  drave  ess 

Thy  form  to  these  wars,  which  in  heart  I  kuow  thou  dost  abhor, 
A  man  not  seen  in  deeds  of  arms,  a  Lycian  counsellor  ? 
They  lie  that  call  thee  son  to  Jove,  since  Jove  bred  none  so  late  ; 
The  men  of  elder  times  were  they,  that  his  high  pow'r  begat, 
Such  men  as  had  Herculean  force.     My  father  Hercules  ow 

Was  Jove's  true  issue  ;  he  was  bold  ;  his  deeds  did  well  express 

6U  Conducted  his  supply — led  him  to  assist. 
623  Expense — profusion,  giving  forth. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  125 

They  sprung  out  of  a  lion's  heart.     He  whilome  came  to  Troy, 

(For  horse  that  Jupiter  gave  Tros,  for  Ganymed,  his  boy) 

With  sis  ships  only,  and  few  men,  and  tore  the  city  down, 

Left  all  her  broad  ways  desolate,  and  made  the  horse  his  own.  645 

For  thee,  thy  mind  is  ill  dispos'd,  thy  body's  pow'rs  are  poor, 

And  therefore  are  thy  troops  so  weak  ;  the  soldier  evermore 

Follows  the  temper  of  his  chief ;  and  thou  pull'st  down  a  side. 

But  say  thou  art  the  son  of  Jove,  and  hast  thy  means  supplied 

With  forces  fitting  his  descent,  the  pow'rs  that  I  compell  eso 

Shall  throw  thee  hence,  and  make  thy  head  run  ope  the  gates  of  hell." 

Jove's  Lycian  issue  answer'd  him  :  "  Tlepolemus,  'tis  true 
Thy  father  holy  Ilion  in  that  sort  overthrew  ; 
Th'  injustice  of  the  king  was  cause,  that,  where  thy  father  had 
Us'd  good  deservings  to  his  state,  he  quitted  him  with  bad.  656 

Hesione,  the  joy  and  grace  of  king  Laomedon, 
Thy  father  rescu'd  from  a  whale,  and  gave  to  Telamon 
In  honour'd  nuptials  (Telamon,  from  whom  your  strongest  Greek 
Boasts  to  have  issu'd)  and  this  grace  might  well  expect  the  like  ; 
Yet  he  gave  taunts  for  thanks,  and  kept,  against  his  oath,  his  horse, 
And  therefore  both  thy  father's  strength,  and  justice,  might  enforce    eoi 
The  wreak  he  took  on  Troy  ;  but  this  and  thy  cause  differ  far. 
Sons  seldom  heir  their  fathers'  worths.     Thou  canst  not  make  his  war. 
What  thou  assum'st  for  him,  is  mine,  to  be  on  thee  impos'd." 

With  this,  he  threw  an  ashen  dart ;  and  then  Tlepolemus  los'd        CG& 
Another  from  his  glorious  hand.     Both  at  one  instant  flew, 
Both  strook,  both  wounded.     From  his  neck  Sarpedon's  jav'lin  drew 
The  life  blood  of  Tlepolemus  ;  full  in  the  midst  it  fell ; 
And  what  he  threaten'd,  th'  other  gave,  that  darkness,  and  that  hell. 
Sarpedon's  left  thigh  took  the  lance  ;  it  pierc'd  the  solid  bone,  670 

And  with  his  raging  head  ran  through  ;  but  Jove  preserv'd  his  son. 
The  dart  yet  vex'd  him  bitterly,  which  should  have  been  pull'd  out, 
But  none  consider'd  then  so  much,  so  thick  came  on  the  rout, 

648  Side— your  party.         65°  Compell— collect  together,  possess  in  myself. 


126  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

And  fill'd  each  hand  so  full  of  cause  to  ply  his  own  defence  ; 

'Twas  held  enough,  both  fall'n,  that  both  were  nobly  carried  thence,  era 

Ulysses  knew  th'  events  of  both,  and  took  it  much  to  heart 
That  his  friend's  enemy  should  'scape  ;  and  in  a  twofold  part 
His  thoughts  contended,  if  he  should  pursue  Sarpedon's  life, 
Or  take  his  friend's  wreak   on  his   men.     Fate  did  conclude  this 

strife, 

By  whom  'twas  otherwise  decreed  than  that  Ulysses'  steel  cso 

Should  end  Sarpedon.     In  this  doubt  Minerva  took  the  wheel 
From  fickle  Chance,  and  made  his  mind  resolve  to  right  his  friend 
"With  that  blood  he  could  surest  draw.     Then  did  Eevenge  extend 
Her  full  pow'r  on  the  multitude ;  then  did  he  never  miss  ; 
Alastor,  Halius,  Chromius,  Noenion,  Prytanis,  eso 

Alcander,  and  a  number  more,  he  slew,  and  more  had  slain, 
If  Hector  had  not  understood  ;  whose  pow'r  made  in  amain, 
And  strook  fear  through  the  Grecian  troops,  but  to  Sarpedon  gave 
Hope  of  full  rescue,  who  thus  cried  :  "  0  Hector  !  Help  and  save 
My  body  from  the  spoil  of  Greece,  that  to  your  loved  town  cso 

My  friends  may  see  me  borne,  and  then  let  earth  possess  her  own 
In  this  soil,  for  whose  sake  I  left  my  country's  ;  for  no  day 
Shall  ever  show  me  that  again,  nor  to  my  wife  display, 
And  young  hope  of  my  name,  the  joy  of  my  much  thirsted  sight ; 
All  which  I  left  for  Troy,  for  them  let  Troy  then  do  this  right."          eos 

To  all  this  Hector  gives  no  word,  but  greedily  he  strives 
With  all  speed  to  repell  the  Greeks,  and  shed  in  floods  their  lives, 
And  left  Sarpedon  ;  but  what  face  soever  he  put  on 
Of  following  the  common  cause,  he  left  this  prince  alone 
For  his  particular  grudge,  because,  so  late,  he  was  so  plain  TOO 

In  his  reproof  before  the  host,  and  that  did  he  retain  ; 
However,  for  example  sake,  he  would  not  show  it  then, 
And  for  his  shame  too,  since  'twas  just.     But  good  Sarpedon's  men 
Ventur'd  themselves,  and  forc'd  him  off,  and  set  him  underneath 
The  goodly  beech  of  Jupiter,  where  now  they  did  unsheath  705 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  127 

The  ashen  lance  ;  strong  Pelagon,  his  friend,  most  lov'd,  most  true, 

Enforc'd  it  from  his  maimed  thigh  ;  with  which  his  spirit  flew, 

And  darkness  over-flew  his  eyes  ;  yet  with  a  gentle  gale, 

That  round  about  the  dying  prince  cool  Boreas  did  exhale, 

He  was  revived,  recomforted,  that  else  had  griev'd  and  died.  no 

All  this  time  flight  drave  to  the  fleet  the  Argives,  who  applied 
No  weapon  'gainst  the  proud  pursuit,  nor  ever  turn'd  a  head, ' 
They  knew  so  well  that  Mars  pursu'd,  and  dreadful  Hector  led. 
Then  who  was  first,  who  last,  whose  lives  the  iron  Mars  did  seize, 
And  Priam's  Hector  ?     Helenas,  surnam'd  OEnopides  ;  715 

Good  Teuthras  ;  and  Orestes,  skill'd  in  managing  of  horse  ; 
Bold  GEnomaus  ;  and  a  man  renown'd  for  martial  force, 
Trechus,  the  great  ./Etolian  chief ;  Oresbius,  that  did  wear 
The  gaudy  niitre,  studied  wealth  extremely,  and  dwelt  near 
Th'  Atlantic  lake  Cephisides,  in  Hyla,  by  whose  seat  720 

The  good  men  of  Bceotia  dwelt.     This  slaughter  grew  so  great, 
It  flew  to  heav'n  ;  Saturnia  discern'd  it,  and  cried  out 
To  Pallas  :  "  0  unworthy  sight !    To  see  a  field  so  fought, 
And  break  our  words  to  Sparta's  king,  that  Ilion  should  be  rac'd, 
And  he  return  reveng'd  ;  when  thus  we  see  his  Greeks  disgrac'd,         725 
And  bear  the  harmful  rage  of  Mars  !    Come,  let  us  use  our  care, 
That  we  dishonour  not  our  pow'rs."     Minerva  was  as  yare 
As  she  at  the  despite  of  Troy.     Her  golden-bridled  steeds 
Then  Saturn's  daughter  brought  abroad  ;  and  Hebe,  she  proceeds 
T'  address  her  chariot ;  instantly  she  gives  it  either  wheel,  730 

Beam'd  with  eight  spokes  of  sounding  brass  ;  the  axle-tree  was  steel ; 
The  fell'ffs  incorruptible  gold,  their  upper  bands  of  brass, 
Their  matter  most  unvalued,  their  work  of  wondrous  grace  ; 
The  naves,  in  which  the  spokes  were  driv'n,  were  all  with  silver  bound  ; 
The  chariot's  seat  two  hoops  of  gold  and  silver  strengthen'd  round,      735 

727  Tare— quick,  ready.  Frequently  used  by  Shakespeare  ;  generally  applied 
to  sailors,  sometimes  not.  "  If  you  have  occasion  to  use  me  for  your  own  turn, 
you  shall  find  me  yare." — Meas.  for  Meas.  iv.  2. 

730  i.  e.  she  puts  on  both  wheels. 


128  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

EJg'd  with  a  gold  and  silver  fringe  ;  the  beam,  that  look'd  before, 
Was  massy  silver  ;  on  whose  top,  gears  all  of  gold  it  wore, 
And  golden  poitrils.     Juno  mounts,  and  her  hot  horses  rein'd, 
That  thirsted  for  contention,  and  still  of  peace  complain'd. 

Minerva  wrapt  her  in  the  robe,  that  curiously  she  wove,  740 

"With  glorious  colours,  as  she  sate  on  th'  azure  floor  of  Jove, 
And  wore  the  arms  that  he  puts  on,  bent  to  the  tearful  field. 
About  her  broad-spread  shoulders  hung  his  huge  and  horrid  shield, 
Fring'd  round  with  ever-fighting  snakes  ;  through  it  was  drawn  to  life 
The  miseries  and  deaths  of  fight  ;  in  it  frown'd  bloody  Strife,  745 

In  it  shin'd  sacred  Fortitude,  in  it  fell  Pursuit  flew, 
In  it  the  monster  Gorgon's  head,  in  which  held  out  to  view 
Were  all  the  dire  ostents  of  Jove  •  on  her  big  head  she  plac'd 
His  four-plum'd  glitt'ring  casque  of  gold,  so  admirably  vast 
It  would  an  hundred  garrisons  of  soldiers  comprehend.  7.r.o 

Then  to  her  shining  chariot  her  vig'rous  feet  ascend  ; 
And  in  her  violent  hand  she  takes  his  grave,  huge,  solid  lance, 
With  which  the  conquests  of  her  wrath  she  useth  to  advance, 
And  overturn  whole  fields  of  men,  to  show  she  was  the  Seed  754 

Of  him  that  thunders.    Then  heav'u's  Queen,  to  urge  her  horses'  speed, 
Takes  up  the  scourge,  and  forth  they  fly.     The  ample  gates  of  heav'n 
Eung,  and  flew  open  of  themselves  ;  the  charge  whereof  is  giv'n, 
With  all  Olympus,  and  the  sky,  to  the  distinguish'd  Hours, 
That  clear,  or  hide  it  all  in  clouds,  or  pour  it  down  in  show'rs. 
This  way  their  scourge-obeying  horse  made  haste,  and  soon  they  won 
The  top  of  all  the  topful  heav'ns,  where  aged  Saturn's  son  701 

Sat  sever'd  from  the  other  Gods  ;  then  stay'd  the  white-arm'd  Queen 
Her  steeds,  and  ask'd  of  Jove,  if  Mars  did  not  incense  his  spleen 
With  his  foul  deeds,  in  ruining  so  many  and  so  great 
In  the  command  and  grace  of  Greece,  and  in  so  rude  a  heat  ?  765 

736  The  beam,  etc. — the  pole. 

737  Gears — here  for  collars. 

733  Poitrils — breast-pieces,  pectorals. 

758  Distinguished — varied,  marked  with  distinctions. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  129 

At  which,  she  said,  Apollo  laugh'd,  and  Venus,  who  still  sue 
To  that  mad  God,  for  violence  that  never  justice  knew  ; 
For  whose  impiety,  she  ask'd,  if,  with  his  wished  love, 
Herself  might  free  the  field  of  him  ?     He  bade  her  rather  move 
Athenia  to  the  charge  she  sought,  who  us'd  of  old  to  be  770 

The  bane  of  Mars,  and  had  as  well  the  gift  of  spoil  as  he. 

This  grace  she  slack'd  not,  but  her  horse  scourg'd,  that  in  nature  flew 
Betwixt  the  cope  of  stars  and  earth  ;  and  how  far  at  a  view 
A  man  into  the  purple  sea  may  from  a  hill  descry, 
So  far  a  high-neighing  horse  of  heav'n  at  eVry  jump  would  fly.  775 

Arriv'd  at  Troy,  where,  broke  in  curls,  the  two  floods  mix  their 

force, 

Scamander  and  bright  Simois,  Saturnia  stay'd  her  horse, 
Took  them  from  chariot,  and  a  cloud  of  mighty  depth  diffus'd 
About  them  ;  and  the  verdant  banks  of  Simois  produc'd 
In  nature  what  they  eat  in  heav'n.     Then  both  the  Goddesses  780 

March'd,  like  a  pair  of  tim'rous  doves,  in  hasting  their  access 
To  th'  Argive  succour.     Being  arriv'd,  where  both  the  most  and  best 
Were  heap'd  together  (showing  all,  like  lions  at  a  feast 
Of  new-slain  carcasses,  or  boars,  beyond  encounter  strong) 
There  found  they  Diomed  ;  and  there,  'midst  all  th'  admiring  throng, 
Saturnia  put  on  Steutor's  shape,  that  had  a  brazen  voice,  VSG 

And  spake  as  loud  as  fifty  men  ;  like  whom  she  made  a  noise, 
And  chid  the  Argives  :  "  0  ye  Greeks,  in  name  and  outward  rite 
But  princes  only,  not  in  act,  what  scandal,  what  despite, 

775  "  How  far  a  heavenly  horse  took  at  one  reach  or  stroke  in  galloping  or 
running  ;  wherein  Homer's  mind  is  far  from  being  expressed  in  his  interpreters, 
all  taking  it  for  how  far  Deities  were  borne  from  the  earth,  when  instantly  they 
came  down  to  earth  :  rdffffov  firidpuxTKovtri,  &c.  tantum  uno  saltu  conficiunt,  vel, 
tantum  subsultim  proyrediuntur,  deorum  altizoni  equi,  &c.  uno  being  understood, 
and  the  horse's  swiftness  highly  expressed.  The  sense,  otherwise,  is  senseless 
and  contradictory." — CHAPMAN. 

780  "'Apppoffiriv  is  the  original  word,  which  Scaliger  taxeth  very  learnedly, 
asking  how  the  horse  came  by  it  on  those  banks,  when  the  text  tells  him  Simois 
produced  it ;  being  willing  to  express  by  hyperbole  the  delicacy  of  that  soil.  If 
not,  I  hope  the  Deities  could  ever  command  it." — CHAPMAN. 

VOL.  I.  I 


130  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

Use  ye  to  honour  !    All  the  time  the  great  JEacides  roo 

Was  conversant  in  arms,  your  foes  durst  not  a  foot  address 

Without  their  ports,  so  much  they  fear'd  his  lance  that  all  controll'd, 

And  now  they  out-ray  to  your  fleet."     This  did  with  shame  make  bold 

The  gen'ral  spirit  and  pow'r  of  Greece  ;  when,  with  particular  note 

Of  their  disgrace,  Athenia  made  Tydeus'  issue  hot.  795 

She  found  him  at  his  chariot,  refreshing  of  his  wound 

Inflicted  by  slain  Pandarus  ;  his  sweat  did  so  abound, 

It  much  annoy'd  him,  underneath  the  broad  belt  of  his  shield  ; 

With  which,  and  tired  with  his  toil,  his  soul  could  hardly  yield 

His  body  motion.     With  his  hand  he  lifted  up  the  belt,  soo 

And  wip'd  away  that  clotter'd  blood  the  fervent  wound  did  melt. 

Minerva  lean'd  against  his  horse,  and  near  their  withers  laid 

Her  sacred  hand,  then  spake  to  him:  "Believe  me,  Diomed, 

Tydeus  exampled  not  himself  in  thee  his  son  ;  not  great, 

But  yet  he  was  a  soldier  ;  a  man  of  so  much  heat,  sos 

That  in  his  ainbassy  for  Thebes,  when  I  forbad  his  mind 

To  be  too  vent'rous,  and  when  feasts  his  heart  might  have  declin'd, 

With  which  they  welcom'd  him,  he  made  a  challenge  to  the  best, 

And  foil'd  the  best ;  I  gave  him  aid,  because  the  rust  of  rest, 

That  would  have  seiz'd  another  mind,  he  snffer'd  not,  but  us'd  sio 

The  trial  I  made  like  a  man,  and  their  soft  feasts  refus'd. 

Yet,  when  I  set  thee  on,  thou  faint'st ;  I  guard  thee,  charge,  exhort 

That,  I  abetting  thee,  thou  shouldst  be  to  the  Greeks  a  fort, 

And  a  dismay  to  Ilion,  yet  thou  obey'st  in  nought, 

Afraid,  or  slothful,  or  else  both  ;  henceforth  renounce  all  thought       sis 

That  ever  thou  wert  Tydeus'  son."     He  answer'd  her  :  "  I  know 

Thou  art  Jove's  daughter,  and,  for  that,  in  all  just  duty  owe 

Thy  speeches  rev'rence,  yet  affirm  ingenuously  that  fear 

Doth  neither  hold  me  spiritless,  nor  sloth.     I  only  bear 

Thy  charge  in  zealous  memory,  that  I  should  never  war  sao 

With  any  blessed  Deity,  unless  (exceeding  far 

793  Out-ray — spread  out  in  array ;  abbreviated  from  array. 
807  Declin'd — turned  aside. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  131 

The  limits  of  her  rule)  the  Queen,  that  governs  chamber  sport, 

Should  press  to  field  ;  and  her  thy  will  enjoin'd  my  lance  to  hurt. 

But,  He  whose  pow'r  hath  right  in  arms,  I  knew  in  person  here, 

Besides  the  Cyprian  Deity  ;  and  therefore  did  forbear,  825 

And  here  have  gather'd  in  retreat  these  other  Greeks  you  see, 

With  note  and  rev'rence  of  your  charge."     "  My  dearest  mind,"  said  she, 

''  What  then  was  fit  is  chang'd.     'Tis  true,  Mars  hath  just  rule  in  war, 

But  just  war  ;  otherwise  he  raves,  not  fights.     He's  alter'd  far. 

He  vow'd  to  Juno,  and  myself,  that  his  aid  should  be  us'd  830 

Against  the  Trojans,  whom  it  guards  ;  and  therein  he  abus'd 

His  rule  in  arms,  infring'd  his  word,  and  made  his  war  unjust. 

He  is  inconstant,  impious,  mad.     Resolve  then  ;  firmly  trust 

My  aid  of  thee  against  his  worst,  or  any  Deity  ;  334 

Add  scourge  to  thy  free  horse,  charge  home  ;  he  fights  perfidiously." 

This  said  •  as  that  brave  king,  her  knight,  with  his  horse-guiding 

friend, 

Were  set  before  the  chariot,  for  sign  he  should  descend, 
That  she  might  serve  for  waggoness,  she  pluck'd  the  wagg'ner  back, 
And  up  into  his  seat  she  mounts  ;  the  beechen  tree  did  crack 
Beneath  the  burthen  ;  and  good  cause,  it  bore  so  huge  a  thing,  84» 

A  Goddess  so  replete  with  pow'r,  and  such  a  puissant  king. 

She  snatch'd  the  scourge  up  and  the  reins,  and  shut  her  heav'nly  look 
In  Hell's  vast  helm  from  Mars's  eyes  ;  and  full  career  she  took 
At  him,  who  then  had  newly  slain  the  mighty  Periphas, 
Eenown'd  son  to  Ochesius,  and  far  the  strongest  was 
Of  all  th'  ^Etolians  ;  to  whose  spoil  the  bloody  God  was  run.  845 

But  when  this  man-plague  saw  th'  approach  of  god-like  Tydeus'  son, 
He  let  his  mighty  Periphas  lie,  and  in  full  charge  he  ran 
At  Diomed  ;  and  he  at  him.     Both  near  ;  the  God  began, 
And,  thirsty  of  his  blood,  he  throws  a  brazen  lance  that  bears  6&o 

Full  on  the  breast  of  Diomed,  above  the  reins  and  gears  ; 

839  Beechen  tree — axle.         84°  The  second  folio  reads  "larye"  for  "huge." 
842  Her  Look— See  Bk.  i.  200. 


132  THE  FIFTH  BOOK 

But  Pallas  took  it  on  her  hand,  and  strook  the  eager  lance 

Beneath  the  chariot.     Then  the  knight  of  Pallas  cloth  advance, 

And  cast  a  jav'lin  off  at  Mars,  Minerva  sent  it  on, 

That,  where  his  arming  girdle  girt,  his  belly  graz'd  upon,  855 

Just  at  the  rim,  and  ranch'd  the  flesh  ;  the  lance  again  he  got, 

But  left  the  wound,  that  stung  him  so,  he  laid  out  such  a  throat 

As  if  nine  or  ten  thousand  men  had  bray'd  out  all  their  breaths 

In  one  confusion,  having  felt  as  many  sudden  deaths. 

The  roar  made  both  the  hosts  amaz'd.     Up  flew  the  God  to  heav'n  ; 

And  with  him  was  through  all  the  air  as  black  a  tincture  driv'n          sei 

To  Diomed's  eyes,  as  when  the  earth  half-chok'd  with  smoking  heat 

Of  gloomy  clouds,  that  stifle  men,  and  pitchy  tempests  threat, 

Usher'd  with  horrid  gusts  of  wind  ;  with  such  black  vapours  plum'd, 

Mars  flew  t'  Olympus,  and  broad  heav'n,  and  there  his  place  resum'd. 

Sadly  he  went  and  sat  by  Jove,  show'd  his  immortal  blood,  see 

That  from  a  mortal-man-made  wound  pour'd  such  an  impious  flood, 

And  weeping  pour'd  out  these  complaints  :  "  0  Father,  storm'st  thou  not 

To  see  us  take  these  wrongs  from  men  ?     Extreme  griefs  we  have  got 

Ev'n  by  our  own  deep  councils,  held  for  gratifying  them  ;  sro 

And  thou,  our  council's  president,  conclud'st  in  this  extreme 

Of  fighting  ever  ;  being  rul'd  by  one  that  thou  hast  bred ; 

One  never  well,  but  doing  ill ;  a  girl  so  full  of  head 

That,  though  all  other  Gods  obey,  her  mad  moods  must  command, 

By  thy  indulgence,  nor  by  word,  nor  any  touch  of  hand,  876 

Correcting  her  ;  thy  reason  is,  she  is  a  spark  of  thee, 

And  therefore  she  may  kindle  rage  in  men  'gainst  Gods,  and  she 

May  make  men  hurt  Gods,  and  those  Gods  that  are  besides  thy  seed. 

First  in  the  palm  's  hit  Cyprides;  then  runs  the  impious  deed 

On  my  hurt  person  ;  and,  could  life  give  way  to  death  in  me,  sso 

Or  had  my  feet  not  fetch'd  me  off,  heaps  of  mortality 

855  PancJid — wrenched,  tore.     He — Diomede. 

875  Nor  by  word. — The  second  folio  has  incorrectly  "sword." 

879  First  in  the  Palm  's  hit. — Both  the  folios  have  "  First  in  the  palms  heir/ht 

Ci/prydes  ;  "  and  Dr.  Taylor  has  thus  printed,  but  the  true  meaning  and  reading 

must  be  obvious. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  133 

Had  kept  me  consort."     Jupiter,  with  a  contracted  brow, 
Thus  answer'd  Mars  :  "  Thou  many  minds,  inconstant  changeling  thou, 
Sit  not  complaining  thus  by  me,  whom  most  of  all  the  Gods, 
Inhabiting  the  starry  hill,  I  hate  ;  no  periods  sss 

Being  set  to  thy  contentions,  brawls,  fights,  and  pitching  fields  ; 
Just  of  thy  mother  Juno's  moods,  stiff-neck'd,  and  never  yields, 
Though  I  correct  her  still,  and  chide,  nor  can  forbear  offence, 
Though  to  her  son  ;  this  wound  I  know  tastes  of  her  insolence  ; 
But  I  will  prove  more  natural  ;  thou  shalt  be  cur'd,  because  890 

Thou  com'st  of  me,  but  hadst  thou  been  so  cross  to  sacred  laws, 
Being  born  to  any  other  God,  thou  hadst  been  thrown  from  heav'n 
Long  since,  as  low  as  Tartarus,  beneath  the  giants  driv'n." 

This  said,  he  gave  his  wround  in  charge  to  Pason,  who  applied 
Such  sov'reign  med'cines,  that  as  soon  the  pain  was  qualified,  595 

And  he  recur'd  ;  as  nourishing  milk,  when  runnet  is  put  in, 
Runs  all  in  heaps  of  tough  thick  curd,  though  in  his  nature  thin, 
Ev'n  so  soon  his  wound's  parted  sides  ran  close  in  his  recure  ; 
For  he,  all  deathless,  could  not  long  the  parts  of  death  endure. 
Then  Hebe  bath'd,  and  put  on  him  fresh  garments,  and  he  sate  900 

Exulting  by  his  sire  again,  in  top  of  all  his  state. 
So,  having,  from  the  spoils  of  men,  made  his  desir'd  remove, 
Juno  and  Pallas  re-ascend  the  starry  court  of  Jove. 


THE  EXD  OF  THE  FIFTH  BOOK. 


THE  SIXTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

THE  Gods  now  leaving  an  indiff'rent  *  field, 

The  Greeks  prevail,  the  slaughter'd  Trojans  yield. 

Hector,  by  Helenus'  advice,  retires 

In  haste  to  Troy,  and  Hecuba  desires 

To  pray  Minerva  to  remove  from  fight 

The  son  of  Tydeus,  her  affected  knight, 

And  vow  to  her,  for  favour  of  such  price, 

Twelve  oxen  should  be  slain  in  sacrifice. 

In  mean  space  Glaucus  and  Tydides  meet ; 

And  either  other  with  remembrance  greet 

Of  old  love  'twixt  their  fathers,  which  inclines 

Their  hearts  to  friendship  ;  who  change  arms  for  signs 

Of  a  continu'd  love  for  cither's  life. 

Hector,  in  his  return,  meets  with  his  wife, 

And,  taking  in  his  armed  arms  his  son, 

He  prophesies  the  fall  of  Ilion. 

ANOTHER  ARGUMENT. 

In  Zeta,  Hector  prophesies  ; 
Prays  for  his  son  ;  wills  sacrifice. 


HE  stern  fight  freed  of  all  the  Gods,  conquest  with  doubtful 

wings 

Flew  on  their  lances ;  ev'ry  way  the  restless  field  she  flings 
Betwixt  the  floods  of  Simois  and  Xanthus,  that  confin'd 
All  their  affairs  at  Ilion,  and  round  about  them  shin'd. 

*  Indifferent — impartial. 


HOMER'S  ILIADS.  135 

The  first  that  weigh'd  down  all  the  field,  of  one  particular  side,          5 
"Was  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon  ;  who,  like  a  bulwark,  plied 
The  Greeks'  protection,  and  of  Troy  the  knotty  orders  brake, 
Held  out  a  light  to  all  the  rest,  and  show'd  them  how  to  make 
Way  to  their  conquest.     He  did  wound  the  strongest  man  of  Thrace, 
The  tallest  and  the  biggest  set,  Eussorian  Acamas  ;  10 

His  lance  fell  on  his  casque's  plum'd  top,  in  stooping  ;  the  fell  head 
Erave  through  his  forehead  to  liis  jaws  ;  his  eyes  night  shadowed. 

Tydides  slew  Teuthranides  Axylus,  that  did  dwell 
In  fair  Arisba's  well-built  tow'rs.     He  had  of  wealth  a  well, 
And  yet  was  kind  and  bountiful ;  he  would  a  traveller  pray  is 

To  be  his  guest,  his  friendly  house  stood  in  the  broad  highway, 
In  which  he  all  sorts  nobly  us'd  ;  yet  none  of  them  would  stand 
'Twist  him  and  death,  but  both  himself,  and  he  that  had  command 
Of  his  fair  horse,  Calesius,  fell  lifeless  on  the  ground. 
Euryalus,  Opheltius  and  Dresus,  dead  did  wound  ;  20 

Nor  ended  there  his  fi'ry  course,  which  he  again  begins, 
And  ran  to  it  successfully,  upon  a  pair  of  twins, 
yEsepus,  and  bold  Pedasus,  whom  good  Bucolion 
(That  first  call'd  father,  though  base-born,  renown'd  Laornedon) 
On  Nais  Abarbarsea  got,  a  nymph  that,  as  she  fed  25 

Her  curled  flocks,  Bucolion  woo'd,  and  mix'd  in  love  and  bed. 
Both  these  were  spoil'd  of  arms  and  life,  by  Mecistiades. 

Then  Polypcetes,  for  stern  death,  Astyalus  did  seize  ; 
Ulysses  slew  Percosius  ;  Teucer  Aretaon  ; 

Antilochus  (old  Nestor's  joy)  Ablerus  ;  the  great  son  so 

Of  Atreiis,  and  king  of  men,  Elatus,  whose  abode 
He  held  at  upper  Pedasus,  where  Satuius'  river  flowed  ; 
The  great  heroe  Leitus  stav'd  Phylacus  in  flight 
From  further  life  ;  Eurypylus,  Melanthius  reft  of  light. 

The  brother  to  the  king  of  men,  Adrestus  took  alive  ;  35 

Whose  horse,  affrighted  with  the  flight,  their  driver  now  did  drive 

35  The  Irothcr — Menelaus. 


136  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Amongst  the  low-grown  tam'risk  trees,  and  at  an  arm  of  one 
The  chariot  in  the  draught-tree  brake  ;  the  horse  brake  loose,  and  ron 
The  same  way  other  flyers  fled,  contending  all  to  town  ; 
Himself  close  at  the  chariot  wheel,  upon  his  face  was  thrown,  w 

And  there  lay  flat,  roll'd  up  in  dust.     Atrides  inwards  drave  ; 
And,  holding  at  his  breast  his  lance,  Adrestus  sought  to  save 
His  head  by  losing  of  his  feet,  and  trusting  to  his  knees  ; 
On  which  the  same  parts  of  the  king  he  hugs,  and  offers  fees 
Of  worthy  value  for  his  life,  and  thus  pleads  their  receipt  :  15 

"  Take  me  alive,  0  Atreus'  son,  and  take  a  worthy  weight 
Of  brass,  elab'rate  iron,  and  gold.     A  heap  of  precious  things 
Are  in  my  father's  riches  hid,  which,  when  your  servant  brings 
News  of  my  safety  to  his  ears,  he  largely  will  divide 
With  your  rare  bounties."     Atreus'  son  thought  this  the  better  side,     so 
And  meant  to  take  it,  being  about  to  send  him  safe  to  fleet ; 
Which  when,  far  off,  his  brother  saw,  he  wing'd  his  royal  feet, 
And  came  in  threat'ning,  crying  out  :  "  0  soft  heart !     What's  the  cause 
Thou  sparst  these  men  thus  ?      Have  not  they  observ'd  these  gentle  laws 
Of  mild  humanity  to  thee,  with  mighty  argument  55 

Why  thou  shouldst  deal  thus  ;  in  thy  house,  and  with  all  precedent 
Of  honour'd  guest-rites,  entertain'd  1     Not  one  of  them  shall  fly 
A  bitter  end  for  it  from  heav'n,  and  much  less,  dotingly, 
'Scape  our  revengeful  fingers  ;  all,  ev'n  th'  infant  in  the  womb, 
Shall  taste  of  what  they  merited,  and  have  no  other  tomb  oo 

Than  razed  Ilion  ;  nor  their  race  have  more  fruit  than  the  dust." 
This  just  cause  turn'd  his  brother's  mind,  who  violently  thrust 
The  pris'ner  from  him  ;  in  whose  guts  the  king  of  men  inipress'd 
His  ashen  lance,  which  (pitching  down  his  foot  upon  the  breast 
Of  him  that  upwards  fell)  he  drew  ;  then  Nestor  spake  to  all :  Co 

"  0  friends,  and  household  men  of  Mars,  let  not  your  pursuit  fall, 

39  The  second  folio  reads, — 

"  The  same  way  others  fled,  contending  all  to  town  ; " 
omitting  "flt/ei-s." 

47  "  This  Virgil  imitates."— CHAPMAN.  55  Argument— example. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  137 

With  those  ye  fell,  for  present  spoil ;  nor,  like  the  king  of  men, 
Let  any  'scape  unfell'd  ;  but  on,  dispatch  them  all,  and  then 
Ye  shall  have  time  enough  to  spoil."     This  made  so  strong  their  chace, 
That  all  the  Trojans  had  heen  hous'd,  and  never  turned  a  face,  70 

Had  not  the  Priamist  Helenus,  an  augur  most  of  name, 
Will'd  Hector  and  ^neas  thus  :  "  Hector  !  Anchises'  fame  ! 
Since  on  your  shoulders,  with  good  cause,  the  weighty  burden  lies 
Of  Troy  and  Lycia  (being  both  of  noblest  faculties 
For  counsel,  strength  of  hand,  and  apt  to  take  chance  at  her  best          75 
In  ev'ry  turn  she  makes)  stand  fast,  and  suffer  not  the  rest, 
By  any  way  search'd  out  for  'scape,  to  come  within  the  ports, 
Lest,  tied  into  their  wives'  kind  arms,  they  there  be  made  the  sports 
Of  the  pursuing  enemy.     Exhort,  and  force  your  bands 
To  turn  their  faces  ;  and,  while  we  employ  our  ventur'd  hands,  so 

Though  in  a  hard  condition,  to  make  the  other  stay, 
Hector,  go  thou  to  Ilion,  and  our  queen-mother  pray 
To  take  the  richest  robe  she  hath  ;  the  same  that's  chiefly  dear 
To  her  court  fancy  ;  with  which  gem,  assembling  more  to  her 
Of  Troy's  chief  matrons,  let  all  go,  for  fear  of  all  our  fates,  sz 

To  Pallas'  temple,  take  the  key,  unlock  the  leavy  gates, 
Enter,  and  reach  the  highest  tow'r,  where  her  Palladium  stand?, 
And  on  it  put  the  precious  veil  with  pure  and  rev'rend  hands, 
And  vow  to  her,  besides  the  gift,  a  sacrificing  stroke 
Of  twelve  fat  heifers-of-a-year,  that  never  felt  the  yoke,  90 

(Most  answ'ring  to  her  maiden  state)  if  she  will  pity  us, 
Our  town,  our  wives,  our  youngest  joys,  and  him,  that  plagues  them  thus, 
Take  from  the  conflict,  Diomed,  that  fury  in  a  fight, 
That  true  son  of  great  Tydeiis,  that  cunning  lord  of  flight, 
Whom  I  esteem  the  strongest  Greek ;  for  we  have  never  fled  95 

Achilles,  that  is  prince  of  men,  and  whom  a  Goddess  bred, 
Like  him  ;  his  fury  flies  so  high,  and  all  men's  wraths  commands." 
Hector  intends  his  brother's  will,  but  first  through  all  his  bands 

86  Leavy — leafy,  folding  doors. 

93  Intends — attends  to  ;  a  common  use  of  the  word  in  old  writers. 


138  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

He  made  quick  way,  encouraging  ;  and  all,  to  fear  afraid, 

All  turn'd  their  heads,  and  made  Greece  turn.     Slaughter  stood  still 

dismay'd  100 

On  their  parts,  for  they  thought  some  God,  fall'n  from  the  vault  of 

stars, 
Was  rush'd  into  the  Ilions'  aid,  they  made  such  dreadful  wars. 

Thus  Hector,  toiling  in  the  waves,  and  thrusting  back  the  flood 
Of  his  ebb'd  forces,  thus  takes  leave  :  "  So,  so,  now  runs  your  blood 
In  his  right  current ;  forwards  now,  Trojans,  and  far-call'd  friends  !    105 
Awhile  hold  out,  till,  for  success  to  this  your  brave  amends, 
I  haste  to  Ilion,  and  procure  our  counsellors  and  wives 
To  pray,  and  offer  hecatombs,  for  their  states  in  our  lives." 

Then  fair-helm'd  Hector  turu'd  to  Troy,  and,  as  he  trode  the  field, 
The  black  bull's  hide,  that  at  his  back  he  wore  about  his  shield,          no 
In  the  extreme  circumference,  was  with  his  gait  so  rock'd, 
That,  being  large,  it  both  at  once  his  neck  and  ankles  knock'd. 

And  now  betwixt  the  hosts  were  met,  Hippolochus'  brave  sou, 
Glaucus,  who  in  his  very  look  hope  of  some  wonder  won, 
And  little  Tydeus'  mighty  heir  ;  who  seeing  such  a  man  115 

Offer  the  field,  for  usual  blows,  with  wondrous  words  began : 

"  AVhat  art  thou,  strong'st  of  mortal  men,  that  putt'st  so  far  before, 
Whom  these  fights  never  show'd  mine  eyes  1     They  have  been 

evermore 

Sons  of  unhappy  parents  born,  that  came  within  the  length 
Of  this  Minerva-guided  lance,  and  durst  close  with  the  strength  120 

That  she  inspires  in  me.     If  heav'n  be  thy  divine  abode, 
And  thou  a  Deity  thus  inform'd,  no  more  with  any  God 
Will  I  change  lances.     The  strong  son  of  Dryus  did  not  live 
Long  after  such  a  conflict  dar'd,  who  godlessly  did  drive 

102  Ilions'  aid. — Chapman  not  infrequently  uses  Ilions  for  people  of  Ilion,  or 
Troy.  Probably  a  misprint  for  Ilians. 

K'8  Their  states  in  our  lives. — This  is  a  somewhat  complicated  expression.  The 
meaning  is  probably,  as  Dr.  Taylor  says,  "  for  their  lives  and  properties  which 
depend  oil  our  lives." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  139 

Nysseus'  nurses  through  the  hill  made  sacred  to  his  name,  125 

And  called  Nysseius  ;  with  a  goad  he  punch'd  each  furious  dame, 

And  made  them  ev'ry  one  cast  down  their  green  and  leavy  spears. 

This  th'  homicide  Lycurgus  did  ;  and  those  ungodly  fears, 

He  put  the  froes  in,  seiz'd  their  God.     Ev'n  Bacchus  he  did  drive 

From  his  Nysseius  ;  who  was  fain,  with  huge  exclaims,  to  dive  iso 

Into  the  ocean.     Thetis  there  in  her  bright  bosom  took 

The  flying  Deity  ;  who  so  fear'd  Lycurgus'  threats,  he  shook. 

For  which  the  freely-living  Gods  so  highly  were  incens'd, 

That  Saturn's  great  Son  strook  him  blind,  and  with  his  life  dispens'd 

But  small  time  after  ;  all  because  th'  Immortals  lov'd  him  not,  135 

Nor  lov'd  him  since  he  striv'd  with  them  ;  and  his  end  hath  begot 

Fear  in  my  pow'rs  to  fight  with  heaVn.     But,  if  the  fruits  of  earth 

Nourish  thy  body,  and  thy  life  be  of  our  human  birth, 

Come  near,  that  thou  mayst  soon  arrive  on  that  life-bounding  shore, 

To  which  I  see  thee  hoise  such  sail."     "  Why  dost  thou  so  explore," 

Said  Glaucus,  "  of  what  race  I  am,  when  like  the  race  of  leaves  t« 

The  race  of  man  is,  that  deserves  no  question  ;  nor  receives 

My  being  any  other  breath  1     The  wind  in  autumn  strows 

The  earth  with  old  leaves,  then  the  spring  the  woods  with  new  endows  ; 

And  so  death  scatters  men  on  earth,  so  life  puts  out  again  145 

Man's  leavy  issue.     But  my  race,  if,  like  the  course  of  men, 

Thou  seek'st  in  more  particular  terms,  'tis  this,  to  many  known  : 

In  midst  of  Argos,  nurse  of  horse,  there  stands  a  walled  town, 
Ephyre,  where  the  mansion-house  of  Sisyphus  did  stand, 
Of  Sisyphus-bolides,  most  wise  of  all  the  land.  loo 

Glaucus  was  son  to  him,  and  he  begat  Bellerophon, 
Whose  body  heav'n  indu'd  with  strength,  and  put  a  beauty  on, 

125  Nysceus — Bacchus. 

127  Leavy  spears — the  thyrsi,  or  wands,  of  the  Bacchanals. 

159  "  froes — for  frows,  Dutch  for  women. 

'Buxom  as  Bacchus'  froes,  revelling  and  dancing.' 

BEAUM.  AND  FLETCHEK." — NARES. 
134  Him — Lycurgus.  l46  Leavy — leafy.  149  Ephyrt — Corinth. 


140  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Exceeding  lovely.     Prsetus  yet  his  cause  of  love  did  hate, 

And  banish'd  him  the  town  ;  he  might  ;  he  rul'd  the  Argive  state. 

The  virtue  of  the  one  Jove  plac'd  beneath  the  other's  pow'r,  155 

His  exile  grew,  since  he  denied  to  be  the  paramour 

Of  fair  Anteia,  Prsetus'  wife,  who  felt  a  raging  fire 

Of  secret  love  to  him  ;  but  he,  whom  wisdom  did  inspire 

As  well  as  prudence,  (one  of  them  advising  him  to  shun 

The  danger  of  a  princess'  love,  the  other  not  to  run  ieo 

Within  the  danger  of  the  Gods,  the  act  being  simply  ill,) 

Still  entertaining  thoughts  divine,  subdu'd  the  earthly  still. 

She,  rul'd  by  neither  of  his  wits,  preferr'd  her  lust  to  both, 

And,  false  to  Praetus,  would  seem  true,  with  this  abhorr'd  untroth  : 

"  Prsetus,  or  die  thyself,"  said  she,  "  or  let  Bellerophon  die.  105 

He  urg'd  dishonour  to  thy  bed  ;  which  since  I  did  deny, 

He  thought  his  violence  should  grant,  and  sought  thy  shame  by 

force." 

The  king,  incens'd  with  her  report,  resolv'd  upon  her  course, 
But  doubted  how  it  should  be  run  ;  he  shunn'd  his  death  direct, 
(Holding  a  way  so  near  not  safe)  and  plotted  the  effect  no 

By  sending  him  with  letters  seal'd  (that,  open'd,  touch  his  life) 
To  Kheuns  king  of  Lycia,  and  father  to  his  wife. 
He  went ;  and  happily  he  went,  the  Gods  walk'd  all  his  way  ; 
And  being  arriv'd  in  Lycia,  where  Xanthus  doth  display 

153  "  jjfs  cause  of  love — his  personal  beauty."  —  TAYLOR. 

156  His  exile  grew — the  origin  of  his  exile  was,  &c. 

171  "  Bellerophontis  litcrce.  Ad.  Eras.  This  long  speech  many  critics  tax  as 
untimely,  being,  as  they  take  it,  in  the  heat  of  fight ;  Hier.  Vidas,  a  late  observer, 
being  eagerest  against  Homer.  Whose  ignorance  in  this  I  cannot  but  note,  and 
prove  to  you  ;  for,  besides  the  authority  and  office  of  a  poet,  to  vary  and  quicken 
his  poem  with  these  episodes,  sometimes  beyond  the  leisure  of  their  actions,  the 
critic  notes  not  how  far  his  forerunner  prevents  his  worst  as  far ;  and  sets  down 
his  speech  at  the  sudden  and  strange  turning  of  the  Trojan  field,  set  on  a  little 
before  by  Hector  ;  and  that  so  fiercely,  it  made  an  admiring  stand  among  the 
Grecians,  and  therein  gave  fit  time  for  these  great  captains  to  utter  their  admira- 
tions, the  whole  field  in  that  part  being  to  stand  like  their  commanders.  And 
then  how  full  of  decorum  this  gallant  show  and  speech  was  to  sound  under- 
standings, I  leave  only  to  such,  and  let  our  critics  go  cavil." — CHAPMAN. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  141 

The  silver  ensigns  of  his  waves,  the  king  of  that  broad  land  175 

Receiv'd  him  with  a  wondrous  free  and  honourable  hand. 

Nine  days  he  feasted  him,  and  kill'd  an  ox  in  ev'ry  day, 

In  thankful  sacrifice  to  heav'n,  for  his  fair  guest ;  whose  stay, 

With  rosy  fingers,  brought  the  world,  the  tenth  well-welcom'd  morn, 

And  then  the  king  did  move  to  see,  the  letters  he  had  borne  iso 

From  his  lov'd  son-in-law  ;  which  seen,  he  wrought  thus  their  contents  : 

Chimsera,  the  invincible,  he  sent  him  to  convince, 

Sprung  from  no  man,  but  mere  divine  ;  a  lion's  shape  before, 

Behind  a  dragon's,  in  the  midst  a  goat's  shagg'd  form,  she  bore, 

And  flames  of  deadly  fervency  flew  from  her  breath  and  eyes  ;  iss 

Yet  her  he,  slew  ;  his  confidence  in  sacred  prodigies 

Render' d  him  victor.     Then  he  gave  his  second  conquest  way 

Against  the  famous  Solymi,  when  (he  himself  would  say, 

Reporting  it)  he  enter'd  on  a  passing  vig'rous  fight. 

His  third  huge  labour  he  approv'd  against  a  woman's  spite,  190 

That  fill'd  a  field  of  Amazons  ;  he  overcame  them  all. 

Then  set  they  on  him  sly  Deceit,  when  Force  had  such  a  fall  ; 

An  ambush  of  the  strongest  men,  that  spacious  Lycia  bred, 

"Was  lodg'd  for  him  ;  whom  he  lodg'd  sure,  they  never  rais'd  a  head. 

His  deeds  thus  showing  him  deriv'd  from  some  celestial  race,  195 

The  king  detain'd,  and  made  amends,  with  doing  him  the  grace 

Of  his  fair  daughter's  princely  gift ;  and  with  her,  for  a  dow'r, 

Gave  half  his  kingdom  ;  and  to  this,  the  Lycians  on  did  pour 

More  than  was  giv'n  to  any  king  ;  a  goodly  planted  field, 

In  some  parts  thick  of  groves  and  woods,  the  rest  rich  crops  did  yield. 

This  field  the  Lycians  futurely  (of  future  wand'rings  there  201 

And  other  errors  of  their  prince,  in  the  unhappy  rear 

12  Convince — overcome. 
185  The  second  folio  reads, — 

"  And  flames  of  fervency  flew  from  her  breath  and  eyes;  " 
omitting  (obviously  erroneously)  deadly. 

201  "  This  field  the  Lycians  futurely,  &c. — Chapman  has  transposed  the  clauses 
of  the  history  to  accommodate  the  theory  of  some  commentators  who  assert  that 
'the  field  of  wandering  '  was  the  original  demesne  assigned  to  Bellerophon." 

COOKE  TAYLOR. 


142  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Of  his  sad  life)  the  Errant  call'd.     The  princess  brought  him  forth 
Three  children  (whose  ends  griev'd  him  more,  the  more  they  were  of 

worth) 

Isander  ;  and  Hippolochus  ;  and  fair  Laodomy,  205 

With  whom,  ev'n  Jupiter  himself  left  heav'n  itself,  to  lie, 
And  had  by  her  the  man  at  arms,  Sarpedon,  call'd  divine. 
The  Gods  then  left  him,  lest  a  man  should  in  their  glories  shine, 
And  set  against  him  ;  for  his  son,  Tsandrus,  in  a  strife 
Against  the  valiant  Solymi,  Mars  reft  of  light  and  life  ;  210 

Laodamia,  being  envied  of  all  the  Goddesses, 
The  golden-bridle-handling  Queen,  the  maiden  Patroness, 
Slew  with  an  arrow  ;  and  for  this  he  wander'd  evermore 
Alone  through  this  his  Aleian  field,  and  fed  upon  the  core 
Of  his  sad  bosom,  flying  all  the  loth'd  consorts  of  men.  215 

Yet  had  he  one  surviv'd  to  him,  of  those  three  childeren, 
Hippolochus,  the  root  of  me  ;  who  sent  me  here  with  charge 
That  I  should  always  bear  me  well,  and  my  deserts  enlarge 
Beyond  the  vulgar,  lest  I  sham'd  my  race,  that  far  excell'd 
All  that  Ephyra's  famous  tow'rs,  or  ample  Lycia,  held.  220 

This  is  my  stock,  and  this  am  I."     This  cheer'd  Tydides'  heart, 
Who  pitch'd  his  spear  down,  lean'd,  and  talk'd  in  this  affectionate  part : 

"  Certes,  in  thy  great  ancestor,  and  in  mine  own,  thou  art 
A  guest  of  mine,  right  ancient.     King  Oeneus  twenty  davs 
Detain'd,  with  feasts,  Bellerophon,  whom  all  the  world  did  praise.       225 
Betwixt  whom  mutual  gifts  were  giv'n.     My  grandsire  gave  to  thine 
A  girdle  of  Phoenician  work,  impurpl'd  wondrous  fine. 
Thine  gave  a  two-neck'd  jug  of  gold,  which,  though  I  use  not  here, 
Yet  still  it  is  my  gem  at  home.     But,  if  our  fathers  were 
Familiar,  or  each  other  knew,  I  know  not,  since  my  sire  230 

Left  me  a  child,  at  siege  of  Thebes,  where  he  left  his  life's  fire. 
But  let  us  prove  our  grandsires'  sons,  and  be  each  other's  guests. 
To  Lycia  when  I  come,  do  thou  receive  thy  friend  with  feasts  ; 

513  Diana. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  143 

Peloponnesus,  with  the  like,  shall  thy  wish'd  presence  greet. 
Mean  space,  shun  we  each  other  here,  though  in  the  press  we  meet. 
There  are  enow  of  Troy  beside,  and  men  enow  renown'd,  230 

To  right  my  pow'rs,  whomever  heav'n  shall  let  my  lance  confound. 
So  are  there  of  the  Greeks  for  thee  ;  kill  who  thou  canst.     And  now, 
For  sign  of  amity  'twixt  us,  and  that  all  these  may  know 
We  glory  in  th'  hospitious  rites  our  grandsires  did  commend,  249 

Change  we  our  arms  before  them  all."     From  horse  then  both  de- 

scend, 

Join  hands,  give  faith,  and  take  ;  and  then  did  Jupiter  elate 
The  mind  of  Glaucus,  who,  to  show  his  rev'rence  to  the  state 
Of  virtue  in  his  grandsire's  heart,  and  gratulate  beside 
The  offer  of  so  great  a  friend,  exchang'd,  in  that  good  pride,  245 

Carets  of  gold  for  those  of  brass,  that  did  on  Diomed  shine, 
One  of  a  hundred  oxen's  price,  the  other  but  of  nine. 

By  this,  had  Hector  reach'd  the  ports  of  Scsea,  and  the  tow'rs. 
About  him  flock'd  the  wives  of  Troy,  the  children,  paramours, 
Inquiring  how  their  husbands  did,  their  fathers,  brothers,  loves.          250 

He  stood  not  then  to  answer  them,  but  said  :  "  It  now  behoves 
Ye  should  all  go  t'  implore  the  aid  of  heav'n,  in  a  distress 
Of  great  effect,  and  imminent."     Then  hasted  he  access 
To  Priam's  goodly  builded  court,  which  round  about  was  run 
With  walking  porches,  galleries,  to  keep  off  rain  and  sun.  255 

Within,  of  one  side,  on  a  rew,  of  sundry-colour'd  stones, 
Fifty  fair  lodgings  were  built  out,  for  Priam's  fifty  sons, 
And  for  as  fair  sort  of  their  wives  ;  and,  in  the  opposite  view, 
Twelve  lodgings  of  like  stone,  like  height,  were  likewise  built  arew, 


242  «  (f>p^,as  e't^Xfro  Zebs,  Mcntem  adcmit  Jup.,  the  text  hath  it  ;  which  only 
I  alter  of  all  Homer's  original,  since  Plutarch  against  the  Stoics  excuses  this 
supposed  folly  in  Glaucus.  Spondanus  likewise  encouraging  my  alterations, 
which  I  use  for  the  loved  and  simple  nobility  of  the  free  exchange  in  Glaucus, 
contrary  to  others  that,  for  the  supposed  folly  in  Glaucus,  turned  his  change 
into  a  proverb,  xpvvea  xaAx«'wp,  golden  for  brazen."—  CHAPMAN. 

256  Ucw  —  row: 


144  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Where,  with,  their  fair  and  virtuous  wives,  twelve  princes,  sons  in  law 

To  honourable  Priam,  lay.     And  here  met  Hecuba,  201 

The  loving  mother,  her  great  son  ;  and  with  her  needs  must  be 

The  fairest  of  her  female  race,  the  bright  Laodice. 

The  queen  gript  hard  her  Hector's  hand,  and  said  :  "0  worthiest  son, 

Why  leav'st  thou  field  ?     Is't  not  because  the  cursed  nation  265 

Afflict  our  countrymen  and  friends  1     They  are  their  moans  that  move 

Thy  mind  to  come  and  lift  thy  hands,  in  his  high  tow'r,  to  Jove. 

But  stay  a  little,  that  myself  may  fetch  our  sweetest  wine 

To  offer  first  to  Jupiter,  then  that  these  joints  of  thine 

May  be  refresh'd  ;  for,  woe  is  me,  how  thou  art  toil'd  and  spent !         270 

Thou  for  our  city's  gen'ral  state,  thou  for  our  friends  far  sent, 

Must  now  the  press  of  fight  endure  ;  now  solitude,  to  call 

Upon  the  name  of  Jupiter  ;  thou  only  for  us  all. 

But  wine  will  something  comfort  thee  ;  for  to  a  man  dismay'd 

With  careful  spirits,  or  too  much  with  labour  overlaid,  275 

Wine  brings  much  rescue,  strengthening  much  the  body  and  the  mind." 

The  great  helm-mover  thus  receiv'd  the  auth'ress  of  his  kind  : 
"  My  royal  mother,  bring  no  wine  ;  lest  rather  it  impair 
Than  help  my  strength,  and  make  my  mind  forgetful  of  th'  affair 
Committed  to  it ;  and  (to  pour  it  out  in  sacrifice)  280 

I  fear  with  unwash'd  hands  to  serve  the  pure-liv'd  Deities. 
Nor  is  it  lawful,  thus  imbru'd  with  blood  and  dust,  to  prove 
The  will  of  heav'n,  or  offer  vows  to  cloud-compelling  Jove. 
I  only  come  to  use  your  pains  (assembling  other  dames, 
Matrons,  and  women  honour'd  most,  with  high  and  virtuous  names)  285 
With  wine  and  odours,  and  a  robe  most  ample,  most  of  price, 
And  which  is  dearest  in  your  love,  to  offer  sacrifice 
In  Pallas'  temple  ;  and  to  put  the  precious  robe  ye  bear. 
On  her  Palladium  ;  vowing  all,  twelve  oxen-of-a-year, 
Whose  necks  were  never  wrung  with  yoke,  shall  pay  her  grace  their  lives, 
If  she  will  pity  our  seig'd  town  ;  pity  ourselves,  our  wives  ;  291 

275  Careful — anxious. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  145 

Pity  our  children  ;  and  remove,  from  sacred  Ilion, 

The  dreadful  soldier  Dionied.     And,  when  yourselves  are  gone 

About  this  work,  myself  will  go,  to  call  into  the  field, 

If  he  will  hear  me,  Helen's  love  ;  whom,  would  the  earth  would  yield,   295 

And  headlong  take  into  her  gulf,  ev'n  quick  before  mine  eyes  ; 

For  then  my  heart,  I  hope,  would  cast  her  load  of  miseries, 

Borne  for  the  plague  he  hath  been  born,  and  bred  to  the  deface, 

By  great  Olympius,  of  Troy,  our  sire,  and  all  our  race." 

This  said,  grave  Hecuba  went  home,  and  sent  her  maids  about,        soo 
To  bid  the  matrons.     She  herself  descended,  and  search'd  out, 
Within  a  place  that  breath'd  perfumes,  the  richest  robe  she  had  ; 
Which  lay  with  many  rich  ones  more,  most  curiously  made 
By  women  of  Sidonia  ;  which  Paris  brought  from  thence, 
Sailing  the  broad  sea,  when  he  made  that  voyage  of  offence,  y& 

In  which  he  brought  home  Helena.     That  robe,  transferr'd  so  far, 
(That  was  the  undermost)  she  took  ;  it  glitter'd  like  a  star  ; 
And  with  it  went  she  to  the  fane,  with  many  ladies  more  ; 
Amongst  whom  fair-cheek'd  Theano  unlock'd  the  folded  door ; 
Chaste  Theano,  Antenor's  wife,  and  of  Cisseus'  race,  310 

Sister  to  Hecuba,  both  born  to  that  great  king  of  Thrace. 
Her  th'  Ilions  made  Minerva's  priest ;  and  her  they  follow'd  all 
Up  to  the  temple's  highest  tow'r,  where  on  their  knees  they  fall, 
Lift  up  their  hands,  and  fill  the  fane  with  ladies'  piteous  cries. 
Then  lovely  Theano  took  the  veil,  and  with  it  she  implies  sis 

The  great  Palladium,  praying  thus  :  "  Goddess  of  most  renown 
In  all  the  heav'n  of  Goddesses,  great  Guardian  of  our  town, 
Kev'rend  Minerva,  break  the  lance  of  Diomed,  cease  his  grace, 
Give  him  to  fall  in  shameful  flight,  headlong,  and  on  his  face, 
Before  our  ports  of  Ilion,  that  instantly  we  may,  320 

Twelve  unyok'd  oxen-of-a-year,  in  this  thy  temple  slay, 
To  thy  sole  honour  ;  take  their  bloods,  and  banish  our  offence  ; 
Accept  Troy's  zeal,  her  wives,  and  save  our  infants'  innocence." 

315  Implies — enfolds. 
VOL.   I.  K 


146  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

She  pray'd,  but  Pallas  would  not  grant.  Mean  space  was  Hector  come 
Where  Alexander's  lodgings  were,  that  many  a  goodly  room  325 

Had  built  in  them  by  architects,  of  Troy's  most  curious  sort, 
And  were  no  lodgings,  but  a  house  ;  nor  no  house,  but  a  court ; 
Or  had  all  these  contain'd  in  them  ;  and  all  within  a  tow'r, 
Next  Hector's  lodgings  and  the  king's.     The  lov'd  of  heav'n's  chief 

Pow'r, 
Hector,  here  enter'd.     In  his  hand  a  goodly  lance  he  bore,  330 

Ten  cubits  long  ;  the  brazen  head  went  shining  in  before, 
Help'd  with  a  burnish'd  ring  of  gold.     He  found  his  brother  then 
Amongst  the  women,  yet  prepar'd  to  go  amongst  the  men, 
For  in  their  chamber  he  was  set,  trimming  his  arms,  his  shield, 
His  curets,  and  was  trying  how  his  crooked  bow  would  yield  335 

To  his  straight  arms.     Amongst  her  maids  was  set  the  Argive  Queen, 
Commanding  them  in  choicest  works.     When  Hector's  eye  bad  seen 
His  brother  thus  accompanied,  and  that  he  could  not  bear 
The  very  touching  of  his  arms  but  where  the  women  were, 
And  when  the  time  so  needed  men,  right  cunningly  he  chid.  340 

That  he  might  do  it  bitterly,  his  cowardice  he  hid, 
That  simply  made  him  so  retir'd,  beneath  an  anger,  feign'd 
In  him  by  Hector,  for  the  hate  the  citizens  sustain'd 
Against  him,  for  the  foil  he  took  in  their  cause  ;  and  again, 
For  all  their  gen'ral  foils  in  his.     So  Hector  seems  to  plain  345 

Of  his  wrath  to  them,  for  their  hate,  and  not  his  cowardice  ; 
As  that  were  it  that  shelter'd  him  in  his  effeminacies, 
And  kept  him,  in  that  dang'rous  time,  from  their  fit  aid  in  fight ; 
For  which  he  chid  thus  :  "  Wretched  man  !  So  timeless  is  thy  spite 

335  jirgiVe  Queen — Helen,  formerly  Argive  queen. 

345  Plain — complain. 

346  "  Hector  dissembles  the  cowardice  he  finds  in  Paris  ;  turning  it,  as  if  he 
chid  him  for  his  anger  at  the  Trojans  for  hating  him,  being  conquered  by 
Menelaus,  when  it  is  for  his  effeminacy.  Which  is  all  paraphrastical  in  my 
translation." — Chapman. 

349  Timeless — untimely. 

"  Poison  I  see  has  been  his  t'mekss  end." — Borneo  and  Jul.  v.  5. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  147 

That  'tis  not  honest ;  and  their  hate  is  jnst,  'gainst  which  it  bends.      350 

War  burns  about  the  town  for  thee  ;  for  thee  our  slaughter'd  friends 

Besiege  Troy  with  their  carcasses,  on  whose  heaps  our  high  walls 

Are  overlook'd  by  enemies ;  the  sad  sounds  of  their  falls 

Without,  are  echo'd  with  the  cries  of  wives  and  babes  within  ; 

And  all  for  thee  ;  and  yet  for  them  thy  honour  cannot  win  355 

Head  of  thine  anger.     Thou  shouldst  need  no  spirit  to  stir  up  thine, 

But  thine  should  set  the  rest  on  fire,  and  with  a  rage  divine 

Chastise  impartially  the  best,  that  impiously  forbears. 

Come  forth,  lest  thy  fair  tow'rs  and  Troy  be  burn'd  about  thine  ears." 

Paris  acknowledg'd,  as  before,  all  just  that  Hector  spake,  300 

Allowing  justice,  though  it  were  for  his  injustice'  sake  ; 
And  where  his  brother  put  a  wrath  upon  him  by  his  art, 
He  takes  it,  for  his  honour's  sake,  as  sprung  out  of  his  heart, 
And  rather  would  have  anger  seem  his  fault  than  cowardice  ; 
And  thus  he  answer'd  :  "  Since,  with  right,  you  join'd  check  with  advice, 
And  I  hear  you,  give  equal  ear  :  It  is  not  any  spleen  366 

Against  the  town,  as  you  conceive,  that  makes  me  so  unseen, 
But  sorrow  for  it ;  which  to  ease,  and  by  discourse  digest 
AVithin  myself,  I  live  so  close  ;  and  yet,  since  men  might  wrest 
My  sad  retreat,  like  you,  my  wife  with  her  advice  inclin'd  370 

This  my  addression  to  the  field  ;  which  was  mine  own  free  mind, 
As  well  as  th'  instance  of  her  words  ;  for  though  the  foil  were  mine, 
Concpuest  brings  forth  her  wreaths  by  turns.    Stay  then  this  haste  of  thine 
But  till  I  arm,  and  I  am  made  a  consort  for  thee  straight ; — 
Or  go,  I'll  overtake  thy  haste."     Helen  stood  at  receipt,  375 

366  j)r.  Taylor  has  printed  "  care,"  but  probably  through  an  oversight. 

372  Foil — defeat  ;  alluding  to  the  fight  with  Menelaus. 

375  Stood  at  receipt. — Dr.  Taylor  has  strangely  misunderstood  this  passage, 
when  he  says  "  stood  as  to  cover  her  husband's  confusion,"  which  was  the  very 
thing  she  did  not  wish  to  do.  The  meaning  is  simply  "stood  at  hand,"  " stood 
by,  or  ready."  The  next  line  would  seem  to  be,  "  and  took  up  Hector's  power- 
ful arguments  to  enforce  her  own  words,  which  left  Paris  no  escape  ; "  but  it 
might  mean,  as  Dr.  Taylor  says,  "occupied  Hector's  attention  "  by  her  speech. 
The  whole  passage  is  an  interpolation  by  Chapman. 


148  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

And  took  up  all  great  Hector's  pow'rs,  t'  attend  her  heavy  words, 
By  which  had  Paris  no  reply.     This  vent  her  grief  affords  : 

"  Brother  (if  I  may  call  you  so,  that  had  heen  better  born 
A  dog,  than  such  a  horrid  dame,  as  all  men  curse  and  scorn, 
A  mischief-maker,  a  man-plague)  0  would  to  God,  the  day,  aso 

That  first  gave  light  to  me,  had  been  a  whirlwind  in  my  way, 
And  borne  me  to  some  desert  hill,  or  hid  me  in  the  rage 
Of  earth's  most  far-resounding  seas,  ere  I  should  thus  engage 
The  dear  lives  of  so  many  friends  !     Yet  since  the  Gods  have  been 
Helpless  foreseers  of  my  plagues,  they  might  have  likewise  seen  sss 

That  he  they  put  in  yoke  with  me,  to  bear  out  their  award, 
Had  been  a  man  of  much  more  spirit,  and,  or  had  noblier  dar'd 
To  shield  mine  honour  with  this  deed,  or  with  his  mind  had  known 
Much  better  the  upbraids  of  men,  that  so  he  might  have  shown 
(More  like  a  man)  some  sense  of  grief  for  both  my  shame  and  his.       390 
But  he  is  senseless,  nor  conceives  what  any  manhood  is, 
Nor  now,  nor  ever  after  will  ;  and  therefore  hangs,  I  fear, 
A  plague  above  him.     But  come  near,  good  brother ;  rest  you  here, 
Who,  of  the  world  of  men,  stands  charg'd  with  most  unrest  for  me, 
(Vile  wretch)  and  for  my  lover's  wrong  ;  on  whom  a  destiny  395 

So  bitter  is  impos'd  by  Jove,  that  all  succeeding  times 
Will  put,  to  our  unended  shames,  in  all  men's  mouths  our  crimes." 

He  answer'd  :  "  Helen,  do  not  seek  to  make  me  sit  with  thee  ; 
I  must  not  stay,  though  well  I  know  thy  honour'd  love  of  me. 
My  mind  calls  forth  to  aid  our  friends,  in  whom  my  absence  breeds    400 
Longings  to  see  me  ;  for  whose  sakes,  importune  thou  to  deeds 
This  man  by  all  means,  that  your  care  may  make  his  own  make  hast, 
And  meet  me  in  the  open  town,  that  all  may  see  at  last 
He  minds  his  lover.     I  myself  will  now  go  home,  and  see 
My  household,  my  dear  wife,  and  son,  that  little  hope  of  me  ;  405 

For,  sister,  'tis  without  my  skill,  if  I  shall  evermore 
Return,  and  see  them,  or  to  earth,  her  right  in  me,  restore. 

385  Helpless — unaiding. 

406   Without  my  skill — beyond  my  knowledge,  more  than  I  know. 


_ 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  149 

The  Gods  may  stoop  me  by  the  Greeks."     This  said,  he  went  to  see 

The  virtuous  princess,  his  true  wife,  white-arm'd  Andromache. 

She,  "with  her  infant  son  and  maid,  was  climb'd  the  tow'r,  about  410 

The  sight  of  him  that  sought  for  her,  weeping  and  crying  out. 

Hector,  not  finding  her  at  home,  was  going  forth  ;  retir'd  ; 

Stood  in  the  gate  ;  her  woman  call'd,  and  curiously  inquir'd 

Where  she  was  gone  ;  bad  tell  him  true,  if  she  were  gone  to  see 

His  sisters,  or  his  brothers'  wives  ;  or  whether  she  should  be  4is 

At  temple  with  the  other  dames,  t'  implore  Minerva's  ruth. 

Her  woman  answer'd  :  Since  he  ask'd,  and  urg'd  so  much  the  truth, 
The  truth  was  she  was  neither  gone,  to  see  his  brothers'  wives, 
His  sisters,  nor  t'  implore  the  ruth  of  Pallas  on  their  lives  ; 
But  she  (advertis'd  of  the  bane  Troy  suffer'd,  and  how  vast  420 

Conquest  had  made  herself  for  Greece)  like  one  distraught,  made  hast 
To  ample  Ilion  with  her  son,  and  nurse,  and  all  the  way 
Mourn'd,  and  dissolv'd  in  tears  for  him.     Then  Hector  made  no  stay, 
But  trod  her  path,  and  through  the  streets,  magnificently  built, 
All  the  great  city  pass'd,  and  came  where,  seeing  how  blood  was  spilt, 
Andromache  might  see  hina  come  :  who  made  as  he  would  pass  420 

The  ports  without  saluting  her,  not  knowing  where  she  was. 
She,  with  his  sight,  made  breathless  haste,  to  meet  him  ;  she,  whose  grace 
Brought  him  withal  so  great  a  dow'r  ;  she  that  of  all  the  race 
Of  king  Aetion  only  liv'd  ;  Aetion,  whose  house  stood  430 

Beneath  the  mountain  Placius,  environ'd  with  the  wood 
Of  Theban  Hypoplace,  being  court  to  the  Cilician  land. 
She  ran  to  Hector,  and  with  her,  tender  of  heart  and  hand, 
Her  son,  borne  in  his  nurse's  arms  ;  when,  like  a  heav'nly  sign, 
Compact  of  many  golden  stars,  the  princely  child  did  shine,  435 

Whom  Hector  call'd  Scamandrius,  but  whom  the  town  did  name 
Astyanax,  because  his  sire  did  only  prop  the  same. 
Hector,  though  grief  bereft  his  speech,  yet  smil'd  upon  his  joy. 
Andromache  cried  out,  mix'd  hands,  and  to  the  strength  of  Troy 
408  Stoop  me  by  the  Greeks — cause  me  to  succumb  to  the  Greeks. 


150  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Thus  wept  forth  her  affection  :  "  0  nohlest  in  desire  !  440 

Thy  mind,  inflani'd  with  others'  good,  will  set  thyself  on  fire. 

Nor  pitiest  thou  thy  son,  nor  wife,  who  must  thy  widow  be, 

If  now  thou  issue  ;  all  the  field  will  only  run  on  thee. 

Better  my  shoulders  underwent  the  earth,  than  thy  decease  ; 

For  then  would  earth  bear  joys  no  more  ;  then  comes  the  black  increase 

Of  griefs  (like  Greeks  on  Ilion).     Alas  !  What  one  survives  440 

To  be  my  refuge  ]     One  black  day  bereft  sev'n  brothers'  lives, 

By  stern  Achilles  ;  by  his  hand  my  father  breath'd  his  last, 

His  high-wall'd  rich  Cilician  Thebes  sack'd  by  him,  and  laid  wast  ; 

The  royal  body  yet  he  left  unspoil'd  ;  religion  charm'd  450 

That  act  of  spoil ;  and  all  in  fire  he  burn'd  him  complete  arnvd  ; 

Built  over  him  a  royal  tomb  ;  and  to  the  monument 

He  left  of  him,  th'  Oreades  (that  are  the  high  descent 

Of  iEgis-bearing  Jupiter)  another  of  their  own 

Did  add  to  it,  and  set  it  round  with  elms  ;  by  which  is  shown,  433 

In  theirs,  the  barrenness  of  death  ;  yet  might  it  serve  beside 

To  shelter  the  sad  monument  from  all  the  ruffinous  pride 

Of  storms  and  tempests,  us'd  to  hurt  things  of  that  noble  kind. 

The  short  life  yet  my  mother  liv'd  he  sav'd,  and  serv'd  his  mind 

With  all  the  riches  of  the  realm  ;  which  not  enough  esteem'd,  400 

He  kept  her  pris'ner ;  whom  small  time,  but  much  more  wealth,  redeem'd, 

And  she,  in  sylvan  Hypoplace,  Cilicia  rul'd  again, 

But  soon  was  over-rul'd  by  death  ;  Diana's  chaste  disdain 

Gave  her  a  lance,  and  took  her  life.     Yet,  all  these  gone  from  me, 

Thou  amply  render'st  all ;  thy  life  makes  still  my  father  be,  405 

My  mother,  brothers  ;  and  besides  thou  art  my  husband  too, 

Most  lov'd,  most  worthy.     Pity  then,  dear  love,  and  do  not  go, 

For  thou  gone,  all  these  go  again  ;  pity  our  common  joy, 

Lest,  of  a  father's  patronage,  the  bulwark  of  all  Troy, 

449  "  Thebes,  a  most  rich  city  of  Cilicia."— Chapman. 

457  The  second  folio  (which  Dr.  Taylor  follows)  reads  "  said  monument ; "  an 
evident  typographical  error. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  151 

Thou  leav'st  him  a  poor  widow's  charge.     Stay,  stay  then,  in  this  tow'r, 

And  call  up  to  the  wild  fig-tree  all  thy  retired  pow'r  ;  471 

For  there  the  wall  is  easiest  scal'd,  and  fittest  for  surprise, 

And  there,  th'  Ajaces,  Idomen,  th'  Atrides,  Diomed,  thrice 

Have  both  survey'd  and  made  attempt ;  I  know  not  if  induc'd 

By  some  wise  augury,  or  the  fact  was  naturally  infus'd  47-. 

Into  their  wits,  or  courages."     To  this,  great  Hector  said  : 

"  Be  well  assur'd,  wife,  all  these  things  in  my  kind  cares  are  weigh'd. 

But  what  a  shame,  and  fear,  it  is  to  think  how  Troy  would  scorn 

(Both  in  her  husbands,  and  her  wives,  whom  long-train'd  gowns  adorn) 

That  I  should  cowardly  fly  off  !     The  spirit  I  first  did  breath  4so 

Did  never  teach  me  that ;  much  less,  since  the  contempt  of  death 

Was  settled  in  me,  and  my  mind  knew  what  a  worthy  was, 

Whose  office  is  to  lead  in  fight,  and  give  no  danger  pass 

Without  improvement.     In  this  fire  must  Hector's  trial  shine ; 

Here  must  his  country,  father,  friends,  be,  in  him,  made  divine.  485 

And  such  a  stormy  day  shall  come  (in  mind  and  soul  I  know) 

When  sacred  Troy  shall  shed  her  tow'rs,  for  tears  of  overthrow  ; 

When  Priam,  all  his  birth  and  pow'r,  shall  in  those  tears  be  drown'd. 

But  neither  Troy's  posterity  so  much  my  soul  doth  wound, 

Priam,  nor  Hecuba  herself,  nor  all  my  brothers'  woes,  490 

(Who  though  so  many,  and  so  good,  must  all  be  food  for  foes) 

As  thy  sad  state  ;  when  some  rude  Greek  shall  lead  thee  weeping  hence, 

These  free  days  clouded,  and  a  night  of  captive  violence 

Loading  thy  temples,  out  of  which  thine  eyes  must  never  see, 

But  spin  the  Greek  wives'  webs  of  task,  and  their  fetch- water  be         495 

To  Argos,  from  Messeides,  or  clear  Hyperia's  spring  ; 

Which  howsoever  thou  abhorr'st,  Fate's  such  a  shrewish  thing 

She  will  be  mistress ;  whose  curs'd  hands,  when  they  shall  crush  out  cries 

From  thy  oppressions  (being  beheld  by  other  enemies) 

493  pree  days— The  second  folio  has  "  three  days  ;  "  a  misprint. 

496  «  The  names  of  two  fountains  :  of  which  one  in  Thessaly,  the  other  near 
Argos,  or,  according  to  others,  in  Peloponnesus  or  Lacedsemon." — Chapman. 

497  Shrewish — cursed,  malicious. 


152  THE  SIXTH  BOOK 

Thus  tbey  will  nourish,  thy  extremes  :  'This  dame  was  Hector's  wife, 
A  man  that,  at  the  wars  of  Troy,  did  breathe  the  worthiest  life  soi 

Of  all  their  army.'     This  again  will  rub  thy  fruitful  wounds, 
To  miss  the  man  that  to  thy  bands  could  give  such  narrow  bounds. 
But  that  day  shall  not  wound  mine  eyes  ;  the  solid  heap  of  night 
Shall  interpose,  and  stop  mine  ears  against  thy  plaints,  and  plight." 

This  said,  he  reach'd  to  take  his  son  ;  who,  of  his  arms  afraid,         606 
And  then  the  horse-hair  plume,  with  which  he  was  so  overlaid, 
Nodded  so  horribly,  he  cling'd  back  to  his  nurse,  and  cried. 
Laughter  affected  his  great  sire,  who  doff'd,  and  laid  aside 
His  fearful  helm,  that  on  the  earth  cast  round  about  it  light  ;  sjo 

Then  took  and  kiss'd  his  loving  son,  and  (balancing  his  weight 
In  dancing  him)  these  loving  vows  to  living  Jove  he  us'd, 
And  all  the  other  bench  of  Gods  :  "  0  you  that  have  infus'd 
Soul  to  this  infant,  now  set  down  this  blessing  on  his  star  ; — 
Let  his  renown  be  clear  as  mine  ;  equal  his  strength  in  war  ;  515 

And  make  his  reign  so  strong  in  Troy,  that  years  to  come  may  yield 
His  facts  this  fame,  when,  rich  in  spoils,  he  leaves  the  conquer'd  field 
Sown  with  his  slaughters :    '  These   high  deeds   exceed   his   father's 

worth.' 
And  let  this  echo'd  praise  supply  the  comforts  to  come  forth 
Of  his  kind  mother  with  my  life."     This  said,  th'  heroic  sire  620 

Gave  him  his  mother  ;  whose  fair  eyes  fresh  streams  of  love's  salt  fire 
Billow'd  on  her  soft  cheeks,  to  hear  the  last  of  Hector's  speech, 
In  which  his  vows  compris'd  the  sum  of  all  he  did  beseech 
In  her  wish'd  comfort.     So  she  took  into  her  od'rous  breast 
Her  husband's  gift ;  who,  mov'd  to  see  her  heart  so  much  oppress'd, 
He  dried  her  tears,  and  thus  desir'd  :  "  Afflict  me  not,  dear  wife,         526 
With  these  vain  griefs.     He  doth  not  live,  that  can  disjoin  my  life 
And  this  firm  bosom,  but  my  fate  ;  and  fate,  whose  wings  can  fly  1 
Noble,  iguoble,  fate  controls.     Once  born,  the  best  must  die. 

503  rpQ  mjss  uic  mari)  &c% — To  miss  him  who  could  soon  put  an  end  or  stop  to 
your  slavery. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  153 

Go  home,  and  set  thy  housewif'ry  on  these  extremes  of  thought  ;         530 
And  drive  war  from  them  with  thy  maids  ;  keep  them  from  doing  nought- 
These  will  he  nothing ;  leave  the  cares  of  war  to  men,  and  me 
In  whom,  of  all  the  Ilion  race,  they  take  their  high'st  degree." 

On  went  his  helm  ;  his  princess  home,  half  cold  with  kindly  fears  ; 
"When  ev'ry  fear  turn'd  hack  her  looks,  and  ev'ry  look  shed  tears.         535 
Foe-slaught'ring  Hector's  house  soon  reach'd,  her  many  women  there 
Wept  all  to  see  her  :  in  his  life  great  Hector's  fun'rals  were  ; 
Never  look'd  any  eye  of  theirs  to  see  their  lord  safe  home, 
'Scap'd  from  the  gripes  and  pow'rs  of  Greece.     And  now  was  Paris 

come 
From  his  high  tow'rs  ;  who  made  no  stay,  when  once  he  had  put  on    540 
His  richest  armour,  but  flew  forth ;  the  flints  he  trod  upon 
Sparkled  with  lustre  of  his  arms  ;  his  long-ebb'd  spirits  now  flow'd 
The  higher  for  their  lower  ebb.     And  as  a  fair  steed,  proud 
With  full-giv'n  mangers,  long  tied  up,  and  now,  his  head- stall  broke, 
He  breaks  from  stable,  runs  the  field,  and  with  an  ample  stroke  545 

Measures  the  centre,  neighs,  and  lifts  aloft  his  wanton  head, 
About  his  shoulders  shakes  his  crest,  and  where  he  hath  been  fed, 
Or  in  some  calm  flood  wash'd,  or,  stung  with  his  high  plight,  he  flies 
Amongst  his  females,  strength  put  forth,  his  beauty  beautifies, 
And,  like  life's  mirror,  bears  his  gait ;  so  Paris  from  the  tow'r  550 

Of  lofty  Pergamus  came  forth  ;  he  show'd  a  sun-like  pow'r 
In  carriage  of  his  goodly  parts,  address'd  now  to  the  strife  ; 
And  found  his  noble  brother  near  the  place  he  left  his  wife. 
Him  thus  respected  he  salutes  :  "  Right  wTorthy,  I  have  fear 
That  your  so  serious  haste  to  field,  my  stay  hath  made  forbear,  555 

And  that  I  come  not  as  you  wish."     He  answer'd  :  "  Honour'u  man, 
Be  confident,  for  not  myself,  nor  any  others,  can 
Eeprove  in  thee  the  work  of  fight,  at  least,  not  any  such 
As  is  an  equal  judge  of  things  ;  for  thou  hast  strength  as  much 

543  "His  simile,  high  and  expressive  ;  which  Virgil  almost  word  for  word 
hath  translated,  iEn.  xi.  (v.  492)." — Chapman. 


154        THE  SIXTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 

As  serves  to  execute  a  mind  very  important,  but  660 

Thy  strength  too  readily  flies  off,  enough  will  is  not  put 

To  thy  ability.     My  heart  is  in  my  mind's  strife  sad, 

When  Troy  (out  of  her  much  distress,  she  and  her  friends  have  had 

By  thy  procurement)  doth  deprave  thy  noblesse  in  mine  ears. 

But  come,  hereafter  we  shall  calm  these  hard  conceits  of  theirs,  5C5 

When,  from  their  ports  the  foe  expuls'd,  high  Jove  to  them  hath  giv'n 

Wish'd  peace,  and  us  free  sacrifice  to  all  the  Powers  of  heav'n." 

560  Important — fall  of  anxiety,  restless. 

D64  Noblesse. — The  second  folio  has  "  noblenesse,"  which  Dr.  Taylor  adopts  ; 
but  the  earlier  reading  is  manifestly  the  true  one.     So  ablesse,  Bk.  v.  248. 


THE  END  OF  THE  SIXTH  BOOK. 


THE  SEVENTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.* 


The  Argument. 

Hector,  by  Helenus'  advice,  doth  seek 

Advent'rous  combat  on  the  boldest  Greek. 

Nine  Greeks  stand  up,  acceptants  ev'ry  one, 

But  lot  selects  strong  Ajax  Telamon. 

Both,  with  high  honour,  stand  th'  important  fight, 

Till  heralds  part  them  by  approached  night. 

Lastly,  they  grave  the  dead.     The  Greeks  erect 

A  mighty  wall,  their  navy  to  protect ; 

Which  angers  Neptune.     Jove,  by  hapless  signs, 

In  depth  of  night,  succeeding  woes  divines. 

Another  Argument. 

In  Eta,  Priam's  strongest  son 
Combats  with  Ajax  Telamon. 


HIS  said,  brave  Hector  through  the  ports,  with  Troy's 
bane-bringing  knight, 
Made  issue  to  th'  insatiate  field,  resolv'd  to  fervent  fight. 
And  as  the  Weather-wielder  sends  to  seamen  prosp'rous 


When  with  their  sallow  polish'd  oars,  long  lifted  from  their  falls, 

*  "These  next  four  books  have  not  my  last  hand  ;  and  because  the  rest  (for 
a  time)  will  be  sufficient  to  employ  your  censures,  suspend  them  of  these.  Spare 
not  the  other."— Chapman. 


156  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

Their  wearied  arms,  dissolv'd  with  toil,  can  scarce  strike  one  stroke  more  ; 

Like  those  sweet  winds  appear'd  these  lords,  to  Trojans  tir'd  before.       6 

Then  fell  they  to  the  works  of  death.     By  Paris'  valour  fell 

King  Areithous'  hapless  son,  that  did  in  Arna  dwell, 

Menesthius,  whose  renowned  sire  a  club  did  ever  bear, 

And  of  Phylomedusa  gat,  that  had  her  eyes  so  clear,  10 

This  slaughtered  issue.     Hector's  dart  strook  Eioneus  dead  ; 

Beneath  his  good  steel  casque  it  pierc'd,  above  his  gorget-stead. 

Glaucus,  Hippolochus's  son,  that  led  the  Lycian  crew, 

Iphinous-Dexiades  with  sudden  jav'lin  slew, 

As  he  was  mounting  to  his  horse  ;  his  shoulders  took  the  spear,  15 

And  ere  he  sate,  in  tumbling  down,  his  pow'rs  dissolved  were. 

When  grey-ey'd  Pallas  had  perceiv'd  the  Greeks  so  fall  in  fight, 
From  high  Olympus'  top  she  stoop'd,  and  did  on  Ilion  light. 
Apollo,  to  encounter  her,  to  Pergamus  did  fly, 

From  whence  he,  looking  to  the  field,  wish'd  Trojans'  victory.  20 

At  Jove's  broad  beech  these  Godheads  met ;  and  first  Jove's  son  objects  : 
"  Why,  burning  in  contention  thus,  do  thy  extreme  affects 
Conduct  thee  from  our  peaceful  hill  1     Is  it  to  oversway 
The  doubtful  victory  of  fight,  and  give  the  Greeks  the  day  ? 
Thou  never  pitiest  perishing  Troy.     Yet  now  let  me  persuade,  25 

That  this  day  no  more  mortal  wounds  may  either  side  invade. 
Hereafter,  till  the  end  of  Troy,  they  shall  apply  the  fight, 
Since  your  immortal  wills  resolve  to  overturn  it  quite." 

Pallas  replied  :  "  It  likes  me  well ;  for  this  came  I  from  heav'n  ; 
But  to  make  either  armies  cease,  what  order  shall  be  giv'n  ?  "  30 

He  said  :  "  We  will  direct  the  spirit,  that  burns  in  Hector's  breast, 
To  challenge  any  Greek  to  wounds,  with  single  pow'rs  impress'd  ; 
Which  Greeks,  admiring,  will  accept,  and  make  some  one  stand  out 
So  stout  a  challenge  to  receive,  with  a  defence  as  stout." 
It  is  confirm'd  ;  and  Helenus  (king  Priam's  loved  seed)  35 

By  augury  discern'd  th'  event  that  these  two  pow'rs  decreed, 

12  Gorget-stead.— See  Bk.  v.  538.  -  Affects.—  See  Bk.  I.  209. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  157 

And  greeting  Hector  ask'd  him  this  :  "  Wilt  thou  he  once  advis'd  ? 
I  am  thy  brother,  and  thy  life  with  mine  is  ev'nly  prized. 
Command  the  rest  of  Troy  and  Greece,  to  cease  this  public  fight, 
And,  what  Greek  bears  the  greatest  mind,  to  single  strokes  excite.       40 
I  promise  thee  that  yet  thy  soul  shall  not  descend  to  fates ; 
So  heard  I  thy  survival  cast,  by  the  celestial  States." 
Hector  with  glad  allowance  gave  his  brother's  counsel  ear, 
And,  fronting  both  the  hosts,  advanc'd  just  in  the  midst  his  spear. 
The  Trojans  instantly  surcease  ;  the  Greeks  Atrides  stay'd.  45 

The  God  that  bears  the  silver  bow,  and  war's  triumphant  Maid, 
On  Jove's  beech  like  two  vultures  sat,  pleas'd  to  behold  both  parts 
Flow  in  to  hear,  so   sternly  arm'd  with  huge  shields,  helms,   and 

darts. 
And  such  fresh  horror  as  you  see,  driv'n  through  the  wrinkled  waves 
By  rising  Zephyr,  under  whom  the  sea  grows  black,  and  raves  ;  50 

Such  did  the  hasty  gath'ring  troops  of  both  hosts  make  to  hear  ; 
Whose  tumult  settled,  'twixt  them  both,  thus  spake  the  challenger  : 
"Hear,  Trojans,  and  ye  well-arm'd  Greeks,  what  my  strong  mind, 
diffus'd 
Through  all  my  spirits,  commands  me  speak  :  Saturnius  hath  not  us'd 
His  promis'd  favour  for  our  truce,  but,  studying  both  our  ills,  55 

Will  never  cease,  till  Mars,  by  you,  his  rav'nous  stomach  fills 
With  ruin'd  Troy,  or  we  consume  your  mighty  sea-borne  fleet. 
Since  then  the  gen'ral  peers  of  Greece  in  reach  of  one  voice  meet, 
Amongst  you  all,  whose  breast  includes  the  most  impulsive  mind, 
Let  him  stand  forth  as  combatant,  by  all  the  rest  design'd.  60 

Before  whom  thus  I  call  high  Jove,  to  witness  of  our  strife  : — 
If  he  with  home-thrust  iron  can  reach  th'  exposure  of  my  life, 
Spoiling  my  arms,  let  him  at  will  convey  them  to  his  tent, 
But  let  my  body  be  return'd,  that  Troy's  two-sex'd  descent 
May  waste  it  in  the  fun'ral  pile.     If  I  can  slaughter  him,  65 

Apollo  honouring  me  so  much,  I'll  spoil  his  conquer'd  limb, 

49  Horror — in  the  classical  sense  of  any  thing  that  bristles  up. 


158  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

And  bear  his  arms  to  Ilion,  where  in  Apollo's  shrine 

I'll  hang  them,  as  my  trophies  due  ;  his  body  I'll  resign 

To  be  disposed  by  his  friends  in  flamy  funerals, 

And  honour'd  with  erected  tomb,  where  Hellespontus  falls  70 

Into  iEgaeurn,  and  doth  reach  ev'n  to  your  naval  road, 

That,  when  our  beings  in  the  earth  shall  hide  their  period, 

Survivors,  sailing  the  black  sea,  may  thus  his  name  renew  : 

'  This  is  his  monument,  whose  blood  long  since  did  fates  imbrue, 

Whom,  passing  far  in  fortitude,  illustrate  Hector  slew.'  76 

This  shall  posterity  report,  and  my  fame  never  die." 

This  said,  dumb  silence  seiz'd  them  all ;  they  shamed  to  deny, 
And  fear'd  to  undertake.     At  last  did  Menelaus  speak, 
Check'd  their  remissness,  and  so  sigh'd,  as  if  his  heart  would  break  : 
"  Ah  me  !     But  only  threat'ning  Greeks,  not  worthy  Grecian  names  !  go 
This  more  and  more,  not  to  be  borne,  makes  grow  our  huge  defames, 
If  Hector's  honourable  proof  be  entertain'd  by  none. 
But  you  are  earth  and  water  all,  which,  symboliz'd  in  one, 
Have  fram'd  your  faint  unfi'ry  spirits  ;  ye  sit  without  your  hearts, 
Grossly  inglorious  ;  but  myself  will  use  acceptive  darts,  85 

And  arm  against  him,  though  you  think  I  arm  'gainst  too  much 

odds ; 
But  conquest's  garlands  hang  aloft,  amongst  th'  immortal  Gods." 

He  arm'd,  and  gladly  would  have  fought ;  but,  Menelaus,  then, 
By  Hector's  far  more  strength,  thy  soul  had  fled  th'  abodes  of  men, 
Had  not  the  kings  of  Greece  stood  up,  and  thy  attempt  restrain'd  ;       90 
And  ev'n  the  king  of  men  himself,  that  in  such  compass  reign'd, 
Who  took  him  by  the  bold  right  hand,  and  sternly  pluck'd  him  back  : 
"  Mad  brother,  'tis  no  work  for  thee,  thou  seek'st  thy  wilful  wrack  ! 
Contain,  though  it  despite  thee  much,  nor  for  this  strife  engage 
Thy  person  with  a  man  more  strong,  and  whom  all  fear  t'  enrage  ;        95 

76  Illustrate.— The  second  folio  (followed  by  Dr.  Taylor)  has  "  illustrious." 
See  Bk.  vni.  252. 

80  "  0  vere  Phryyice,  neque  enim  Phryyes  ;  saith  his  imitator."— Chapman. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  159 

Yea  whom  iEacides  himself,  in  men-renowning  war, 

Makes  d  oubt  t'  encounter,  whose  huge  strength  surpasseth  thine  by 

far. 
Sit  thou  then  by  thy  regiment ;  some  other  Greek  will  rise 
(Though  he  be  dreadless,  and  no  war  will  his  desires  suffice, 
That  makes  this  challenge  to  our  strength)  our  valours  to  avow  ;         100 
To  whom,  if  he  can  'scape  with  life,  he  will  be  glad  to  bow." 

This  drew  his  brother  from  his  will,  who  yielded,  knowing  it  true, 
And  his  glad  soldiers  took  his  arms  ;  when  Nestor  did  pursue 
The  same  reproof  he  set  on  foot,  and  thus  supplied  his  turn  : 
"  What  huge  indignity  is  this  !     How  will  our  country  mourn  !  105 

Old  Peleus  that  good  king  will  weep,  tbat  worthy  counsellor, 
That  trumpet  of  the  Myrmidons,  who  much  did  ask  me  for 
All  men  of  name  that  went  to  Troy  ;  with  joy  he  did  inquire 
Their  valour  and  their  towardness,  and  I  made  him  admire  ; 
But,  that  ye  all  fear  Hector  now,  if  his  grave  ears  shall  hear,  no 

How  will  he  lift  his  hands  to  heav'n,  and  pray  that  death  may  bear 
His  grieved  soul  into  the  deep  !     O  would  to  heav'n's  great  King, 
Minerva,  and  the  God  of  light,  that  now  my  youthful  spring 
Did  flourish  in  my  willing  veins,  as  when  at  Phsea's  tow'rs, 
About  the  streams  of  Jardanus,  my  gather'd  Pylean  pow'rs,  115 

And  dart-employ'd  Arcadians,  fought,  near  raging  Celadon  ! 
Amongst  whom,  first  of  all  stood  forth  great  Ereuthalion, 
Who  th'  arms  of  Areithoiis  wore,  brave  Areithoiis, 
And,  since  he  still  fought  with  a  club,  surnam'd  Clavigerus, 
All  men,  and  fair-girt  ladies  both,  for  honour  call'd  him  so.  120 

He  fought  not  with  a  keep-off  spear,  or  with  a  far-shot  bow, 
But,  with  a  massy  club  of  iron,  he  broke  through  armed  bands. 
And  yet  Lycurgus  was  his  death,  but  not  with  force  of  hands  ; 
With  sleight  (encount'ring  in  a  lane,  where  his  club  wanted  sway) 
He  thrust  him  through  his  spacious  waist ;  who  fell,  and  upwards  lay, 

112  ' '  O  si  prseteritos  referat  mihi  Jupiter  annos 
Qualis  eram,  &c."— Chapman. 


160  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

In  death  not  bowing  his  face  to  earth  ;  his  arms  he  did  despoil,  126 

Which  iron  Mars  bestow'd  on  him  ;  and  those,  in  Mars's  toil, 

Lycurgus  ever  after  wore  ;  but  when  he  aged  grew, 

Enforc'd  to  keep  his  peaceful  house,  their  use  he  did  renew 

On  mighty  Ereuthalion's  limbs,  his  soldier,  loved  well ;  130 

And  with  these  arms  he  challeng'd  all,  that  did  in  arms  excel ; 

All  shook,  and  stood  dismay'd,  none  durst  his  adverse  champion  make. 

Yet  this  same  forward  mind  of  mine,  of  choice,  would  undertake 

To  fight  with  all  his  confidence  ;  though  youngest  enemy 

Of  all  the  army  we  conduct,  yet  I  fought  with  him,  I,  135 

Minerva  made  me  so  renown'd,  and  that  most  tall  strong  peer 

I  slew  ;  his  big  bulk  lay  on  earth,  extended  here  and  there, 

As  it  were  covetous  to  spread  the  centre  ev'rywhere. 

O  that  my  youth  were  now  as  fresh,  and  all  my  pow'rs  as  sound, 

Soon  should  bold  Hector  be  impugn'd  !    Yet  you  that  most  are  crown'd 

"With  fortitude  of  all  our  host,  ev'n  you  methinks  are  slow,  141 

Not  free,  and  set  on  fire  with  lust,  t'  encounter  such  a  foe." 

With  this,  nine  royal  princes  rose.     Atrides  for  the  first  ; 
Then  Diomed  ;  th'  Ajaces  then,  that  did  th'  encounter  thirst ; 
King  Idomen  and  his  consorts  ;  Mars-like  Meriones  ;  145 

Evemon's  son,  Eurypylus  :  and  Andrsernonides, 
Whom  all  the  Grecians  Thoas  call'd,  sprung  of  Andramion's  blood  ; 
And  wise  Ulysses  ;  ev'ry  one,  propos'd  for  combat,  stood. 

Again  Gerenius  Nestor  spake  :  "  Let  lots  be  drawn  by  all ; 
His  hand  shall  help  the  well-arm'd  Greeks,  on  whom  the  lot  doth 

fall,  150 

And  to  his  wish  shall  he  be  help'd,  if  he  escape  with  life 
The  harmful  danger-breathing  fit  of  his  advent'rous  strife." 

Each  mark'd  his  lot,  and  cast  it  in  to  Agamemnon's  casque. 
The  soldiers  pray'd,  held  up  their  hands,  and  this  of  Jove  did  ask, 
With  eyes  advanc'd'to  heav'n  :  "  0  Jove,  so  lead  the  herald's  hand, 
That  Ajax,  or  great  Tydeus'  son,  may  our  wish'd  champion  stand,       156 
Or  else  the  king  himself  that  rules  the  rich  Mycenian  land." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  161 

This  said,  old  Nestor  mix'd  the  lots.     The  foremost  lot  survey'd 
With  Ajax  Telamon  was  sign'd,  as  all  the  soldiers  pray'd  ; 
One  of  the  heralds  drew  it  forth,  who  brought  and  show'd  it  round,    ico 
Beginning  at  the  right  hand  first,  to  all  the  most  renown'd. 
None  knowing  it,  ev'ry  man  denied  ;  but  when  he  forth  did  pass 
To  him  which  mark'd  and  cast  it  in,  which  famous  Ajax  was, 
He  stretch'd  his  hand,  and  into  it  the  herald  put  the  lot, 
Who,  viewing  it,  th'  inscription  knew  ;  the  duke  denied  not,  i65 

But  joyfully  acknowledg'd  it,  and  threw  it  at  his  feet, 
And  said  :  0  friends,  the  lot  is  mine,  which  to  my  soul  is  sweet  ; 
For  now  I  hope  my  fame  shall  rise,  in  noble  Hector's  fall. 
But,  whilst  I  arm  myself,  do  you  on  great  Saturnius  call, 
But  silently,  or  to  yourselves,  that  not  a  Trojan  hear ;  iro 

Or  openly,  if  you  think  good,  since  none  alive  we  fear. 
None  with  a  will,  if  I  will  not,  can  my  bold  pow'rs  affright, 
At  least  for  plain  fierce  swing  of  strength,  or  want  of  skill  in  fight  ; 
For  I  will  well  prove  that  my  birth,  and  breed,  in  Salamine 
Was  not  all  consecrate  to  meat,  or  mere  effects  of  wine."  175 

This  said,  the  well-giv'n  soldiers  pray'd ;  up  went  to  heav'n  their  eyx\e : 
"  0  Jove,  that  Ida  dost  protect,  most  happy,  most  divine, 
Send  victory  to  Ajax'  side  ;  fame  ;  grace  his  goodly  limb  ; 
Or  (if  thy  love  bless  Hector's  life,  and  thou  hast  care  of  him,) 
Bestow  on  both  like  pow'r,  like  fame."     This  said,  in  bright  arms  shone 
The  good  strong  Ajax  ;  who,  when  all  his  war  attire  was  on,  m 

March'd  like  the  hugely-figur'd  Mars,  when  angry  Jupiter 
With  strength,  on  people  proud  of  strength,  sends  him  forth  to  infer 
Wreakf ul  contention,  and  comes  on  with  presence  full  of  fear  ; 
So  th'  Achive  rampire,  Telamon,  did  'twixt  the  hosts  appear ;  135 

Smil'd  ;  yet  of  terrible  aspect ;  on  earth,  with  ample  pace, 
He  boldly  stalk'd,  and  shook  aloft  his  dart  with  deadly  grace. 
It  did  the  Grecians  good  to  see  ;  but  heartquakes  shook  the  joints 
Of  all  the  Trojans.     Hector's  self  felt  thoughts,  with  horrid  points, 

VOL.  I.  L 


162  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

Tempt  his  bold  bosom  ;  but  he  now  must  make  no  counterflight,         ioo 

Nor,  with  his  honour,  now  refuse,  that  had  provok'd  the  fight. 

Ajax  came  near ;  and,  like  a  tow'r,  his  shield  his  bosom  barr'd, 

The  right  side  brass,  and  sev'n  ox-hides  within  it  quilted  hard  ; 

Old  Tychius,  the  best  currier,  that  did  in  Hyla  dwell, 

Did  frame  it  for  exceeding  proof,  and  wrought  it  wondrous  well.  195 

With  this  stood  he  to  Hector  close,  and  with  this  brave  began  : 

"Now,  Hector,  thou  shalt  clearly  know,  thus  meeting  man  to  man, 

What  other  leaders  arm  our  host,  besides  great  Thetis'  son, 

Who  with  his  hardy  lion's  heart  hath  armies  overrun  ; 

But  he  lies  at  our  crook'd-stern'd  fleet,  a  rival  with  our  kins  200 

In  height  of  spirit ;  yet  to  Troy  he  many  knights  did  bring, 

Coequal  with  iEacides,  all  able  to  sustain 

All  thy  bold  challenge  can  import.     Begin  then,  words  are  vain." 

The  helm-grac'd  Hector  answer'd  him  :  "  Renowned  Telamon, 
Prince  of  the  soldiers  came  from  Greece,  assay  not  me,  like  one  205 

Young  and  immartial,  with  great  words,  as  to  an  Amazon  dame  ; 
I  have  the  habit  of  all  fights,  and  know  the  bloody  frame 
Of  ev'ry  slaughter  ;  I  well  know  the  ready  right  hand  charge, 
I  know  the  left,  and  ev'ry  sway  of  my  secureful  targe  ; 
I  triumph  in  the  cruelty  of  fixed  combat  fight,  210 

And  manage  horse  to  all  designs  ;  I  think  then  with  good  right 
I  may  be  confident  as  far  as  this  my  challenge  goes, 
Without  being  taxed  with  a  vaunt,  borne  out  with  empty  shows. 
But,  being  a  soldier  so  renown'd,  I  will  not  work  on  thee 
With  least  advantage  of  that  skill  I  know  doth  strengthen  me,  215 

And  so,  with  privity  of  sleight,  win  that  for  which  I  strive, 
But  at  thy  best,  ev'n  open  strength,  if  my  endeavours  thrive." 

Thus  sent  he  his  long  jav'lin  forth.     It  strook  his  foe's  huge 
shield 
Near  to  the  upper  skirt  of  brass,  which  was  the  eighth  it  held.  219 

193  «  Hinc  illud  :  Dominus  clypei  septemplicis  Ajax." — Chapman. 
201  He — viz.  Agamemnon. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  163 

Six  folds  th'  untamed  dart  strook  through,  and  in  the  sev'nth  tough  hide 

The  point  was  check'd.     Then  Ajax  threw  ;  his  angry  lance  did  glide 

Quite  through  his  bright  orbicular  targe,  his  curace,  shirt  of  mail, 

And  did  his  manly  stomach's  mouth  with  dang'rous  taint  assail  ; 

But,  in  the  bowing  of  himself,  black  death  too  short  did  strike. 

Then  both,  to  pluck  their  jav'lins  forth,  encounter'd,  lion-like,  225 

Whose  bloody  violence  is  increas'd  by  that  raw  food  they  eat, 

Or  boars  whose  strength  wild  nourishment  doth  make  so  wondrous  great. 

Again  Priamides  did  wound  in  midst  his  shield  of  brass, 

Yet  pierc'd  not  through  the  upper  plate,  the  head  reflected  was. 

But  Ajax,  following  his  lance,  smote  through  his  target  quite,  230 

And  stay'd  bold  Hector  rushing  in  ;  the  lance  held  way  outright, 

And  hurt  his  neck  ;  out  gush'd  the  blood.     Yet  Hector  ceas'd  not  so, 

But  in  his  strong  hand  took  a  flint,  as  he  did  backwards  go, 

Black,  sharp,  aud  big,  laid  in  the  field  ;  the  sev'nfold  targe  it  smit 

Full  on  the  boss,  and  round  about  the  brass  did  ring  with  it.  235 

But  Ajax  a  far  greater  stone  lift  up,  and  (wreathing  round, 

With  all  his  body  laid  to  it)  he  sent  it  forth  to  wound, 

And  gave  unmeasur'd  force  to  it  ;  the  round  stone  broke  within 

His  rundled  target ;  his  lov'd  knees  to  languish  did  begin  ; 

And  he  lean'd,  stretch'd  out  on  his  shield  ;  but  Phcebus  rais'd  him 

straight.  240 

Then  had  they  laid  on  wounds  with  swords,  in  use  of  closer  fight, 
Unless  the  heralds  (messengers  of  Gods  and  godlike  men) 
The  one  of  Troy,  the  other  Greece,  had  held  betwixt  them  then 
Imperial  sceptres  ;  when  the  one,  Idseus,  grave  and  wise, 
Said  to  them  :  "  Now  no  more,  my  sons  ;  the  Sov'reign  of  the  skies 
Doth  love  you  both  ;  both  soldiers  are,  all  witness  with  good  right  ;   246 
But  now  night  lays  her  mace  on  earth  ;  'tis  good  t'  obey  the  night." 

"  Idseus,"  Telamon  replied,  "  to  Hector  speak,  not  me  ; 
He  that  call'd  all  our  Achive  peers  to  station-fight,  'twas  he  ; 

223  Stomach's  mouth — pit  of  the  stomach. 

244   When  the  one. — The  second  folio  reads  "  then  the  one"  &c.  and  so  Dr.  Taylor. 


164  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

If  lie  first  cease,  I  gladly  yield."     Great  Hector  then  began  :  250 

"  Ajax,  since  Jove,  to  thy  big  form,  made  thee  so  strong  a  man, 
And  gave  thee  skill  to  use  thy  strength,  so  much,  that  for  thy  spear 
Thou  art  most  excellent  of  Greece,  now  let  us  fight  forbear. 
Hereafter  we  shall  war  again,  till  Jove  our  herald  be,  2.->4 

And  grace  with  conquest  which  he  will.    Heav'n  yields  to  night,  and  we. 
Go  thou  and  comfort  all  thy  fleet,  all  friends  and  men  of  thine, 
As  I  in  Troy  my  favourers,  who  in  the  fane  divine 
Have  offer'd  orisons  for  me  ;  and  come,  let  us  impart 
Some  ensigns  of  our  strife,  to  show  each  other's  suppled  heart,  259 

That  men  of  Troy  and  Greece  may  say,  Thus  their  high  quarrel  ends. 
Those  that,  encount'ring,  were  such  foes,  are  now,  being  sep'rate,  friends." 
He  gave  a  sword,  whose  handle  was  with  silver  studs  through  driv'n, 
Scabbard  and  all,  with  hangers  rich.     By  Telamon  was  giv'n 
A  fair  well-glossed  purple  waist.     Thus  Hector  went  to  Troy, 
And  after  him  a  multitude,  fill'd  with  his  safety's  joy,  265 

Despairing  he  could  ever  'scape  the  puissant  fortitude 
And  unimpeached  Ajax'  hands.     The  Greeks  like  joy  renew'd 
For  their  reputed  victory,  and  brought  him  to  the  king  ; 
"Who  to  the  great  Saturnides  preferr'd  an  offering, 

An  ox  that  fed  on  five  fair  springs  ;  they  fiay'd  and  quarter'd  him,      270 
And  then,  in  pieces  cut,  on  spits  they  roasted  ev'ry  limb  ; 
Which  neatly  dress'd,  they  drew  it  off.     Work  done,  they  fell  to  feast ; 
All  had  enough  ;  but  Telamon,  the  king  fed  past  the  rest 
With  good  large  pieces  of  the  chine.     Thus  thirst  and  hunger  stay'd, 
Nestor,  whose  counsels  late  were  best,  vows  new,  and  first  he  said  :    27:, 
'  Atrides,  and  my  other  lords,  a  sort  of  Greeks  are  dead, 
Whose  black  blood,  near  Scamander's  stream,  inhuman  Mars  hath  shed  ; 
Their  souls  to  hell  descended  are.     It  fits  thee  then,  our  king, 
To  make  our  soldiers  cease  from  war  ;  and,  by  the  day's  first  spring, 

262  »  Hector  gives  Ajax  a  sword  ;  Ajax,  Hector  a  girdle.     Both  which  gifts 
were  afterwards  cause  of  both  their  deaths." — Chapman. 
-70  "Virgil  imit." — Chapman. 

270  (i  Springs — springs-seasons,  years  ;  i.  e.  was  five  years  old. 
276  Sort.— See  Bk.  iv.  460. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  165 

Let  us  ourselves,  assembled  all,  the  bodies  bear  to  fire,  280 

With  mules  and  oxen  near  our  fleet,  that,  when  we  home  retire, 

Each  man  may  carry  to  the  sons,  of  fathers  slaughter'd  here, 

Their  honour'd  bones.     One  tomb  for  all,  for  ever,  let  us  rear, 

Circling  the  pile  without  the  field  ;  at  which  we  will  erect 

Walls,  and  a  rav'lin,  that  may  safe  our  fleet  and  us  protect.  285 

And  in  them  let  us  fashion  gates,  solid,  and  barr'd  about, 

Through  which  our  horse,  and  chariots,  may  well  get  in  and  out. 

Without  all,  let  us  dig  a  dike,  so  deep  it  may  avail 

Our  forces  'gainst  the  charge  of  horse,  and  foot,  that  come  t'  assail. 

And  thus  th'  attempts,  that  I  see  swell,  in  Troy's  proud  heart,  shall  fail." 

The  kings  do  his  advice  approve.     So  Troy  doth  court  convent       231 
At  Priam's  gate,  in  th'  Ilion  tow'r,  fearful  and  turbulent. 
Amongst  all,  wise  Antenor  spake  :  "  Trojans,  and  Dardan  friends, 
And  peers  assistants,  give  good  ear  to  what  my  care  commends 
To  your  consents,  for  all  our  good.     Resolve,  let  us  restore  295 

The  Argive  Helen,  with  her  wealth,  to  him  she  had  before. 
We  now  defend  but  broken  faiths.  If,  therefore,  ye  refuse, 
No  good  event  can  I  expect  of  all  the  wars  we  use." 

He  ceas'd  ;  and  Alexander  spake,  husband  to  th'  Argive  queen: 
"  Antenor,  to  mine  ears  thy  words  harsh  and  ungracious  been.  300 

Thou  canst  use  better  if  thou  wilt :  but,  if  these  truly  fit 
Thy  serious  thoughts,  the  Gods  with  age  have  reft  thy  graver  wit. 
To  warlike  Trojans  I  will  speak  :  I  clearly  do  deny 
To  yield  my  wife,  but  all  her  wealth  I'll  render  willingly, 
Whatever  I  from  Argos  brought,  and  vow  to  make  it  more,  305 

Which  I  have  ready  in  my  house,  if  peace  I  may  restore." 

Priam,  surnam'd  Dardanides,  godlike,  in  counsels  grave, 
In  his  son's  favour  well-advis'd,  this  resolution  gave  : 
"  My  royal  friends  of  ev'ry  state,  there  is  sufficient  done, 
For  this  late  council  we  have  call'd,  in  th'  offer  of  my  son.  310 

Now  then  let  all  take  needful  food,  then  let  the  watch  be  set, 
And  ev'ry  court  of  guard  held  strong  ;  so,  when  the  morn  doth  wet 


1G6  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK 

The  high-rais'd  battlements  of  Troy,  Idaeus  shall  be  sent 

To  th'  Argive  fleet,  and  Atreus'  sons,  t'  unfold  my  son's  intent, 

From  whose  fact  our  contention  springs  ;  and,  if  they  will,  obtain      sis 

Respite  from  heat  of  fight,  till  fire  consume  our  soldiers  slain  ; 

And  after,  our  most  fatal  war  let  us  importune  still, 

Till  Jove  the  conquest  have  dispos'd  to  his  unconquer'd  will." 

All  heard,  and  did  obey  the  king  ;  and,  in  their  quarters,  all, 
That  were  to  set  the  watch  that  night,  did  to  their  suppers  fall.  320 

Idseus  in  the  morning  went,  and  th'  Achive  peers  did  find 
In  council  at  Atrides'  ship  ;  his  audience  was  assign'd  ; 
And,  in  the  midst  of  all  the  kings,  the  vocal  herald  said  : 

"  Atrides  !     My  renowned  king,  and  other  kings,  his  aid, 
Propose  by  me,  in  their  commands,  the  offers  Paris  makes,  325 

Prom  whose  joy  all  our  woes  proceed.     He  princely  undertakes 
That  all  the  wealth  he  brought  from  Greece  (would  he  had  died  before  !) 
He  will,  with  other  added  wealth,  for  your  amends  restore  ; 
But  famous  Menelaus'  wife  he  still  means  to  enjoy, 
Though  he  be  urg'd  the  contrary,  by  all  the  peers  of  Troy.  330 

And  this  besides  I  have  in  charge,  that,  if  it  please  you  all, 
They  wish  both  sides  may  cease  from  war,  that  rites  of  funeral 
May  on  their  bodies  be  perform'd,  that  in  the  fields  lie  slain  ; 
And  after,  to  the  will  of  Fate,  renew  the  fight  again." 

All  silence  held  at  first  ;  at  last  Tydides  made  reply  :  335 

"  Let  no  man  take  the  wealth,  or  dame  ;  for  now  a  child's  weak  eye 
May  see  the  imminent  black  end  of  Priam's  enipery." 

This  sentence,  quick  and  briefly  giv'n,  the  Greeks  did  all  admire. 
Then  said  the  king  :  "  Herald,  thou  hear'st  in  him  the  voice  entire 
Of  all  our  peers,  to  answer  thee,  for  that  of  Priam's  son.  340 

Put,  for  our  burning  of  the  dead,  by  all  means  I  am  won 
To  satisfy  thy  king  therein,  without  the  slend'rest  gain 
Made  of  their  spoiled  carcasses  ;  but  freely,  being  slain, 
They  shall  be  all  consum'd  with  fire.     To  witness  which  I  cite 
High  thund'ring  Jove,  that  is  the  king  of  Juno's  bed's  delight."  345 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  167 

With  this,  he  held  his  sceptre  up,  to  all  the  sky-thron'd  Pow'rs  ; 
And  grave  Idseus  did  return  to  sacred  Ilion's  tow'rs, 
Where  Ilians,  and  Dardanians,  did  still  their  counsels  ply, 
Expecting  his  return.     He  came,  and  told  his  legacy. 
All,  whirlwind-like,  assembled  then,  some  bodies  to  transport,  350 

Some  to  hew  trees.     On  th'  other  part,  the  Argives  did  exhort 
Their  soldiers  to  the  same  affairs.     Then  did  the  new  fir'd  sun 
Smite  the  broad  fields,  ascending  heav'n,  and  th'  ocean  smooth  did  run  ; 
When  Greece  and  Troy  mix'd  in  such  peace,  you  scarce  could  either  know. 
Then  wash'd  they  off  their  blood  and  dust,  and  did  warm  tears  bestow 
Upon  the  slaughter'd,  and  in  cars  convey'd  them  from  the  field.  356 

Priam  commanded  none  should  mourn,  but  in  still  silence  yield 
Their  honour'd  carcasses  to  fire,  and  only  grieve  in  heart. 
All  burn'd  ;  to  Troy  Troy's  friends  retire,  to  fleet  the  Grecian  part. 
Yet  doubtful  night  obscur'd  the  earth,  the  day  did  not  appear,  360 

When  round  about  the  fun'ral  pile,  the  Grecians  gather'd  were. 
The  pile  they  circled  with  a  tomb,  and  by  it  rais'd  a  wall, 
High  tow'rs,  to  guard  the  fleet  and  them  ;  and  in  the  midst  of  all 
They  built  strong  gates,  through  which  the  horse  and  chariots  passage  had  ; 
Without  the  rampire  a  broad  dike,  long  and  profound,  they  made,      305 
On  which  they  pallisadoes  pitch'd  ;  and  thus  the  Grecians  wrought. 
Their  huge  works  in  so  little  time  were  to  perfection  brought, 
That  all  Gods,  by  the  Lightner  set,  the  frame  thereof  admir'd  ; 
'Mongst  whom  the  Earthquake-making  God,  this  of  their  king  inquir'd  : 
"  Father  of  Gods,  will  any  man,  of  all  earth's  grassy  sphere,  370 

Ask  any  of  the  Gods'  consents  to  any  actions  there, 
If  thou  wilt  see  the  shag-hair'd  Greeks,  with  headstrong  labours  frame 
So  huge  a  work,  and  not  to  us  due  off'rings  first  enflame  1 
As  far  as  white  Aurora's  dews  are  sprinkled  through  the  air, 
Fame  will  renown  the  hands  of  Greece,  for  this  divine  affair  ;  375 

Men  will  forget  the  sacred  work,  the  Sun  and  I  did  raise 
For  king  Laomedon  (bright  Troy)  and  this  will  bear  the  praise." 
349  Legacy— embassy  ;  from  legate.  -  See  Bk.  ix.  220.  369  Neptune. 


168     THE  SEVENTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 

Jove  was  extremely  mov'd  with  him,  and  said  :  "  "What  words  are  these, 
Thou  mighty  Shaker  of  the  earth,  thou  Lord  of  all  the  seas  ? 
Some  other  God,  of  far  less  pow'r,  might  hold  conceits,  dismay'd         380 
With  this  rare  Grecian  stratagem,  and  thou  rest  well  apaid  ; 
For  it  will  glorify  thy  name,  as  far  as  light  extends  ; 
Since,  when  these  Greeks  shall  see  again  their  native  soil  and  friends, 
The  bulwark  batter'd,  thou  mayst  quite  devour  it  with  thy  waves, 
And  cover,  with  thy  fruitless  sands,  this  fatal  shore  of  graves  ;  385 

That,  what  their  fi'ry  industries  have  so  divinely  wrought 
In  raising  it,  in  razing  it  thy  pow'r  will  prove  it  nought." 

Thus  spake  the  Gods  among  themselves.     Set  was  the  fervent  sun  ; 
And  now  the  great  work  of  the  Greeks  was  absolutely  done. 
Then  slew  they  oxen  in  their  tents,  and  strength  with  food  reviv'd,     390 
When  out  of  Lemnos  a  great  fleet  of  od'rous  wine  arrived, 
Sent  by  Euneus,  Jason's  son,  born  of  Hypsipyle. 
The  fleet  contain'd  a  thousand  tun,  which  must  transported  be 
To  Atreus'  sons,  as  he  gave  charge,  whose  merchandise  it  was. 
The  Greeks  bought  wine  for  shining  steel,  and  some  for  sounding  brass, 
Some  for  ox-hides,  for  oxen  some,  and  some  for  prisoners.  396 

A  sumptuous  banquet  was  prepar'd  ;  and  all  that  night  the  peers 
And  fair-hair'd  Greeks  consum'd  in  feast.     So  Trojans,  and  their  aid. 
And  all  the  night  Jove  thunder'd  loud  ;  pale  fear  all  thoughts  dismay'd. 
While  they  were  gluttonous  in  earth,  Jove  wrought  their  banes  in  heav'n. 
They  pour'd  full  cups  upon  the  ground,  and  were  to  off 'rings  driv'n   401 
Instead  of  quaffmgs  ;  and  to  drink,  none  durst  attempt,  before 
In  solemn  sacrifice  they  did  almighty  Jove  adore. 
Then  to  their  rests  they  all  repair'd  ;  bold  zeal  their  fear  bereav'd  ; 
And  sudden  sleep's  refreshing  gift,  securely  they  receiv'd.  405 

38i  "The  fortification  that  in  the  twelfth  book  is  razed."  — Chapman. 
398  So  Trojans — in  like  manner. 

THE  END  OP  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK. 


THE  EIGHTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


The  Argument. 

When  Jove  to  all  the  Gods  had  giv'n  command, 
That  none  to  either  host  should  helpful  stand, 
To  Ida  he  descends  ;  and  sees  from  thence 
Juno  and  Pallas  haste  the  Greeks'  defence  ; 
Whose  purpose,  his  command,  by  Iris  given, 
Doth  intervent.     Then  came  the  silent  even, 
When  Hector  charg'd  fires  should  consume  the  night, 
Lest  Greeks  in  darkness  took  suspected  flight. 

Another  Argument. 

In  Theta,  Gods  a  Council  have. 

Troy's  conquest.     Glorious  Hector's  brave. 


p[HE  cheerful  Lady  of  the  light,  deck'd  in  her  saffron  robe, 
Dispers'd  her  beams  through  ev'ry  part  of  this  enflow'red 
globe, 
^tt^Ss^  "When  thund'ring  Jove  a  Court  of  Gods  assembled  by  his  will, 
In  top  of  all  the  topful  heights,  that  crown  th'  Olympian  hill. 

He  spake,  and  all  the  Gods  gave  ear  :  "  Hear  how  I  stand  inclin'd, 
That  God  nor  Goddess  may  attempt  t'  infringe  my  sovereign  mind,        6 
But  all  give  suffrage  that  with  speed  I  may  these  discords  end. 
What  God  soever  I  shall  find  endeavour  to  defend 
Or  Troy  or  Greece,  with  wounds  to  heav'n  he,  sham'd,  shall  reascend  ; 


170  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

Or,  taking  with  him  his  offence,  I'll  cast  him  down  as  deep  10 

As  Tartarus,  the  hrood  of  night,  where  Barathrum  doth  steep 
Torment  in  his  profoundest  sinks,  where  is  the  floor  of  brass, 
And  gates  of  iron  ;  the  place,  for  depth,  as  far  doth  hell  surpass, 
As  heav'n,  for  height,  exceeds  the  earth  ;  then  shall  he  know  from  thence 
How  much  my  pow'r,  past  all  the  Gods,  hath  sov'reign  eminence.         15 
Endanger  it  the  whiles  and  see.     Let  down  our  golden  chain, 
And  at  it  let  all  Deities  their  utmost  strengths  constrain, 
To  draw  me  to  the  earth  from  heav'n  ;  you  never  shall  prevail, 
Though,  with  your  most  contention,  ye  dare  my  state  assail. 
But  when  my  will  shall  be  dispos'd,  to  draw  you  all  to  me,  20 

Ev'n  with  the  earth  itself,  and  seas,  ye  shall  enforced  be  ; 
Then  will  I  to  Olympus'  top  our  virtuous  engine  bind, 
And  by  it  ev'rything  shall  hang,  by  my  command  inclin'd. 
So  much  I  am  supreme  to  Gods,  to  men  supreme  as  much." 
The  Gods  sat  silent,  and  admir'd,  his  dreadful  speech  was  such.  25 

At  last  his  blue-ey'd  daughter  spake  :  "  0  great  Saturnides  ! 

0  father,  O  heav'n's  highest  king,  well  know  we  the  excess 

Of  thy  great  pow'r,  compar'd  with  all ;  yet  the  bold  Greeks'  estate 
"We  needs  must  mourn,  since  they  must  fall  beneath  so  hard  a  fate  ; 
For,  if  thy  grave  command  enjoin,  we  will  abstain  from  fight.  30 

But  to  afford  them  such  advice,  as  may  relieve  their  plight, 
We  will,  with  thy  consent,  be  bold  ;  that  all  may  not  sustain 
The  fearful  burthen  of  thy  wrath,  and  with  their  shames  be  slain." 
He  smil'd,  and  said  :  "Be  confident,  thou  art  belov'd  of  me  ; 

1  speak  not  this  with  serious  thoughts,  but  will  be  kind  to  thee."         35 
This  said,  his  brass-hoof'd  winged  horse  he  did  to  chariot  bind, 

Whose  crests  were  fring'd  with  manes  of  gold  ;  and  golden  garments 

shin'd 
On  his  rich  shoulders  ;  in  his  hand  he  took  a  golden  scourge, 
Divinely  fashion'd,  and  with  blows  their  willing  speed  did  urge 

11  «  Virgil  maketh  this  likewise  his  place,  adding, 

Bis  patct  in  prceceps  tantum,  tcnditque  sub  umbras,  tC-c." — Chapman. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  171 

Mid  way  betwixt  the  earth  and  heav'n.     To  Ida  then  he  came,  40 

Abounding  in  delicious  springs,  and  nurse  of  beasts  untame, 

Where,  on  the  mountain  Gargarus,  men  did  a  fane  erect 

To  his  high  name,  and  altars  sweet ;  and  there  his  horse  he  check'd, 

Dissolv'd  them  from  his  chariot,  and  in  a  cloud  of  jet 

He  coverM  them,  and  on  the  top  took  his  triumphant  seat,  45 

Beholding  Priam's  famous  town,  and  all  the  fleet  of  Greece. 

The  Greeks  took  breakfast  speedily,  and  arm'd  at  evry  piece. 

So  Trojans  ;  who  though  fewer  far,  yet  all  to  fight  took  arms, 

Dire  need  enforc'd  them  to  avert  their  wives'  and  children's  harms. 

All  gates  flew  open  ;  all  the  host  did  issue,  foot  and  horse,  50 

In  mighty  tumult  ;  straight  one  place  adjoin'd  each  adverse  force. 

Then  shields  with  shields  met,  darts  with  darts,  strength  against  strength 

oppos'd  ; 
The  boss-pik'd  targets  were  thrust  on,  and  thunder'd  as  they  clos'd 
In  mighty  tumult ;  groan  for  groan,  and  breath  for  breath  did  breathe, 
Of  men  then  slain,  and  to  be  slain  ;  earth  flow'd  with  fruits  of  death. 
While  the  fair  morning's  beauty  held,  and  day  increas'd  in  height,       56 
Their  jav'lins  mutually  made  death  transport  an  equal  freight, 
But  when  the  hot  meridian  point,  bright  Phoebus  did  ascend, 
Then  Jove  his  golden  balances  did  equally  extend, 
And,  of  long-rest- conferring  death,  put  in  two  bitter  fates  60 

For  Troy  and  Greece  ;  he  held  the  midst ;  the  day  of  final  dates 
Pell  on  the  Greeks  ;  the  Greeks'  hard  lot  sunk  to  the  flow'ry  ground, 
The  Trojans'  leapt  as  high  as  heav'n.     Then  did  the  claps  resound 
Of  his  fierce  thunder  ;  lightning  leapt  amongst  each  Grecian  troop  ; 
The  sight  amaz'd  them  ;  pallid  fear  made  boldest  stomachs  stoop.         65 
Then  Idomen  durst  not  abide,  Atrides  went  his  way, 
And  both  th'  Ajaces  ;  Nestor  yet,  against  his  will  did  stay, 
That  grave  protector  of  the  Greeks,  for  Paris  with  a  dart 
Enrag'd  one  of  his  chariot  horse  ;  he  smote  the  upper  part 
Of  all  his  skull,  ev'n  where  the  hair,  that  made  his  foretop,  sprung.      70 
The  hurt  was  deadly,  and  the  pain  so  sore  the  courser  stung, 


172  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

(Pierc'd  to  the  brain)  he  stamp'd  and  plung'd.     One  on  another  bears, 

Entangled  round  about  the  beam  ;  then  Nestor  cut  the  gears 

With  his  new-drawn  authentic  sword.     Meanwhile  the  fi'ry  horse 

Of  Hector  brake  into  the  press,  with  their  bold  ruler's  force  ;  75 

Then  good  old  Nestor  had  been  slain,  had  Diomed  not  espy'd, 

Who  to  Ulysses,  as  he  fled,  importunately  cried  : 

"  Thou  that  in  counsels  dost  abound,  0  Laertiades, 

Why  fly'st  thou  ?     Why  thus,  coward- like,  shunn'st  thou  the  honour'd 

prease  ? 
Take  heed  thy  back  take  not  a  dart.     Stay,  let  us  both  intend  so 

To  drive  this  cruel  enemy,  from  our  dear  aged  friend." 
He  spake,  but  wary  Ithacus  would  find  no  patient  ear, 
But  fled  forthright,  ev'n  to  the  fleet.     Yet,  though  he  single  were, 
Brave  Diomed  mix'd  amongst  the  fight,  and  stood  before  the  steeds 
Of  old  Neleides,  whose  estate  thus  kingly  he  areeds  :  85 

"  0  father,  with  these  youths  in  fight,  thou  art  unequal  plac'd, 
Thy  willing  sinews  are  unknit,  grave  age  pursues  thee  fast, 
And  thy  unruly  horse  are  slow  ;  my  chariot  therefore  use, 
And  try  how  ready  Trojan  horse,  can  fly  him  that  pursues, 
Pursue  the  flier,  and  ev'ry  way  perform  the  varied  fight ;  90 

I  forc'd  them  from  Anchises'  son,  well-skill'd  in  cause  of  flight. 
Then  let  my  squire  lead  hence  thy  horse  ;  mine  thou  shalt  guard,  whilst  I, 
By  thee  advanc'd,  assay  the  fight,  that  Hector's  self  may  try 
If  my  lance  dote  with  the  defects,  that  fail  best  minds  in  age, 
Or  finds  the  palsy  in  my  hands,  that  doth  thy  life  engage."  95 

This  noble  Nestor  did  accept,  and  Diomed's  two  friends, 
Eurymedon  that  valour  loves,  and  Sthenelus,  ascends 
Old  Nestor's  coach.     Of  Diomed's  horse  Nestor  the  charge  sustains, 
And  Tydeus'  son  took  place  of  fight.     Neleides  held  the  reins, 
And  scourg'd  the  horse,  who  swiftly  ran  direct  in  Hector's  face  ;  100 

Whom  fierce  Tydides  bravely  charg'd,  but,  he  turn'd  from  the  chace, 

74  Authentic — i.e.,  his  own.  80  Intend — apply  ourselves. 

85  Areeds — counsels,  advises.  b9  See  Bk.  v.  308. 

95  Thy  life. — The  second  folio  has  "  my." 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  173 

His  jav'lin  Eniopeus  smit,  mighty  Thebseus'  son, 

And  was  great  Hector's  charioteer  ;  it  through  his  breast  did  run, 

Near  to  his  pap  ;  he  fell  to  earth,  back  flew  his  frighted  horse, 

His  strength  and  soul  were  both  dissolv'd.     Hector  had  deep  remorse 

Of  his  mishap,  yet  left  he  him,  and  for  another  sought ;  iog 

Nor  long  his  steeds  did  want  a  guide,  for  straight  good  fortune  brought 

Bold  Archeptolemus,  whose  life  did  from  Iphitis  spring  ; 

He  made  him  take  the  reins  and  mount.    Then  souls  were  set  on  wing  ; 

Then  high  exploits  were  undergone  ;  then  Trojans  in  their  walls         no 

Had  been  infolded  like  meek  lambs,  had  Jove  wink'd  at  their  falls, 

Who  hurl'd  his  horrid  thunder  forth,  and  made  pale  lightnings  fly 

Into  the  earth,  before  the  horse  that  Nestor  did  apply. 

A  dreadful  flash  burnt  through  the  air,  that  savour'd  sulphur-like, 

Which  down  before  the  chariot  the  dazzled  horse  did  strike.  115 

The  fair  reins  fell  from  Nestor's  hand,  who  did  in  fear  entreat 

Eenown'd  Tydides  into  flight  to  turn  his  fury's  heat : 

"  For  know'st  thou  not,"  said  he,  "  our  aid  is  not  supplied  from  Jove  1 

This  day  he  will  give  fame  to  Troy,  which  when  it  fits  his  love 

We  shall  enjoy.     Let  no  man  tempt  his  unresisted  will,  120 

Though  he  exceed  in  gifts  of  strength  ;  for  he  exceeds  him  still." 

"  Father,"  replied  the  king,  "  'tis  true  ;  but  both  my  heart  and  soul 
Are  most  extremely  griev'd  to  think  how  Hector  will  control 
My  valour  with  his  vaunts  in  Troy,  that  I  was  terror-sick  124 

With  his  approach  ;  which  when  he  boasts,  let  earth  devour  me  quick." 

"Ah!    warlike   Tydeus'  son,"   said   he,    "what  needless  words   are 
these  1 
Though  Hector  should  report  thee  faint,  and  amorous  of  thy  ease, 
The  Trojans,  nor  the  Trojan  wives,  would  never  give  him  trust, 
Whose  youthful  husbands  thy  free  hand  hath  smother'd  so  in  dust." 
This  said,  he  turn'd  his  one-hoof'd  horse  to  flight,  and  troop  did  take, 
When  Hector  and  his  men,  with  shouts,  did  greedy  pursuit  make,       131 

130  Troop  did  take — to  take  troop  is  a  frequent  expression  for  taking  shelter 
amidst  the  troops,  running  back. 


174  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

And  pour'd  on  darts  that  made  air  sigh.     Then  Hector  did  exclaim  : 

"  0  Tydeus'  son,  the  kings  of  Greece  do  most  renown  thy  name 

With  highest  place,  feasts,  and  full  cups  ;  who  now  will  do  the  shame  ; 

Thou  shalt  be  like  a  woman  us'd,  and  they  will  say  :  '  Depart,  135 

Immartial  minion,  since  to  stand  Hector  thou  hast  no  heart' 

Nor  canst  thou  scale  our  turrets'  tops,  nor  lead  the  wives  to  fleet 

Of  valiant  men,  that  wife-like  fear'st  my  adverse  charge  to  meet." 

This  two  ways  mov'd  him, — still  to  fly,  or  turn  his  horse  and  fight. 
Thrice  thrust  he  forward  to  assault,  and  ev'ry  time  the  fright.  ho 

Of  Jove's  fell  thunder  drave  him  back,  which  he  propos'd  for  sign 
(To  show  the  change  of  victor}7)  Trojans  should  victors  shine. 
Then  Hector  comforted  his  men  :  "  All  my  advent'rous  friends, 
Be  men,  and,  of  your  famous  strength,  think  of  the  honour' d  ends. 
I  know  benevolent  Jupiter,  did  by  his  beck  profess  145 

Conquest  and  high  renown  to  me,  and  to  the  Greeks  distress. 
0  fools,  to  raise  such  silly  forts,  not  worth  the  least  account, 
Nor  able  to  resist  our  force  !     With  ease  our  horse  may  mount, 
Quite  over  all  their  hollow  dike.     But,  when  their  fleet  I  reach, 
Let  Memory  to  all  the  world  a  famous  bonfire  teach,  150 

For  I  will  all  their  ships  inflame,  with  whose  infestive  smoke, 
Fear-shrunk,  and  hidden  near  their  keels,  the  conquer'd  Greeks  shall 
choke." 

Then  cherish'd  he  his  famous  horse  :  "  0  Xanthus,  now,"  said  he, 
"  And  thou  Podargus,  iEthon  too,  and  Lampus,  dear  to  me, 
Make  me  some  worthy  recompense,  for  so  much  choice  of  meat,  155 

Giv'n  you  by  fair  Andromache  ;  bread  of  the  purest  wheat, 
And  with  it,  for  your  drink,  mix'd  wine,  to  make  ye  wished  cheer, 
Still  serving  you  before  myself,  her  husband  young  and  dear. 
Pursue,  and  use  your  swiftest  speed,  that  we  may  take  for  prise 
The  shield  of  old  Neleides,  which  Fame  lifts  to  the  skies,  ico 

Ev'n  to  the  handles  telling  it  to  be  of  massy  gold. 
And  from  the  shoulders  let  us  take,  of  Diomed  the  bold, 

136  The  second  folio  has  a  strange  misprint  in  "  immortal "  for  "  immartial.'' 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  175 

The  royal  curace  Vulcan  wrought,  with  art  so  exquisite. 

These  if  we  make  our  sacred  spoil,  I  doubt  not,  but  this  night, 

Ev'n  to  their  navy  to  enforce  the  Greeks'  unturned  flight."  105 

This  Juno  took  in  high  disdain,  and  made  Olympus  shake 

As  she  but  stirr'd  within  her  throne,  and  thus  to  Neptune  spake  : 

"  0  Neptune,  what  a  spite  is  this  !     Thou  God  so  huge  in  pow'r, 
Afflicts  it  not  thy  honour'd  heart,  to  see  rude  spoil  devour 
These  Greeks  that  have  in  Helice,  and  Aege,  offer'd  thee  170 

So  many  and  such  wealthy  gifts  ?     Let  them  the  victors  be. 
If  we,  that  are  the  aids  of  Greece,  would  beat  home  these  of  Troy, 
And  hinder  broad-ey'd  Jove's  proud  will,  it  would  abate  his  joy." 

He,  angry,  told  her  she  was  rash,  and  he  would  not  be  one,  m 

Of  all  the  rest,  should  strive  with  Jove,  whose  pow'r  was  match'd  by  none. 
Whiles  they  conferr'd  thus,  all  the  space  the  trench  contain'd  before 
(From  that  part  of  the  fort  that  flank'd  the  navy-anchoring  shore) 
Was  fill'd  with  horse  and  targeteers,  who  there  for  refuge  came, 
By  Mars-swift  Hector's  pow'r  engag'd ;  Jove  gave  his  strength  the 

fame  ; 
And  he  with  spoilful  fire  had  burn'd  the  fleet,  if  Juno's  grace  iso 

Had  not  inspir'd  the  king  himself,  to  run  from  place  to  place, 
And  stir  up  ev'ry  soldier's  pow'r,  to  some  illustrious  deed. 
First  visiting  their  leaders'  tents,  his  ample  purple  weed 
He  wore,  to  show  all  who  he  was,  and  did  his  station  take 
At  wise  Ulysses'  sable  barks,  that  did  the  battle  make  185 

Of  all  the  fleet  ;  from  whence  his  speech  might  with  more  ease  be  driv'n 
To  Ajax'  and  Achilles'  ships,  to  whose  chief  charge  were  giv'n 
The  vantguard  and  the  rearguard  both,  both  for  their  force  of  hand, 
And  trusty  bosoms.     There  arriv'd,  thus  urg'd  he  to  withstand 
Th'  insulting  Trojans  :  "  0  what  shame,  ye  empty-hearted  lords,         190 
Is  this  to  your  admired  forms  !     Where  are  your  glorious  words, 
In  Lemnos  vaunting  you  the  best  of  all  the  Grecian  host  1 
4  We  are  the  strongest  men,'  ye  said,  '  we  will  command  the  most, 

171  The  second  folio  and  Dr.  Taylor  read,  "So  many  and  so  wtalthy  gifts." 


176  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

Eating  most  flesh  of  high-horn' d  beeves,  and  drinking  cups  full  crown'd, 

And  ev'ry  man  a  hundred  foes,  two  hundred,  will  confound  ;  195 

Now  all  our  strength,  dar'd  to  our  worst,  one  Hector  cannot  tame,' 

Who  presently  with  horrid  fire,  will  all  our  fleet  inflame. 

0  Father  Jove,  hath  ever  yet  thy  most  unsuffer'd  hand 

Afflicted,  with  such  spoil  of  souls,  the  king  of  any  land, 

And  taken  so  much  fame  from  him  1  when  I  did  never  fail,  200 

(Since  under  most  unhappy  stars,  this  fleet  was  under  sail) 

Thy  glorious  altars,  I  protest,  but,  above  all  the  Gods, 

Have  burnt  fat  thighs  of  beeves  to  thee,  and  pray'd  to  raze  th'  abodes 

Of  rape-defending  Ilions.     Yet  grant,  almighty  Jove, 

One  favour  ; — that  we  may  at  least  with  life  from  hence  remove,         205 

Not  under  such  inglorious  hands,  the  hands  of  death  employ  ; 

And,  where  Troy  should  be  stoop'd  by  Greece,  let  Greece  fall  under  Troy." 

To  this  ev'n  weeping  king  did  Jove  remorseful  audience  give, 
And  shook  great  heaVn  to  him,  for  sign  his  men  and  he  should  live. 
Then  quickly  cast  he  off  his  hawk,  the  eagle  prince  of  air,  210 

That  perfects  his  unspotted  vows  ;  who  seiz'd  in  her  repair 
A  sucking  hind  calf,  which  she  truss'd  in  her  enforcive  seres, 
And  by  Jove's  altar  let  it  fall,  amongst  th'  amazed  peers, 
Where  the  religious  Achive  kings,  with  sacrifice  did  please 
The  author  of  all  oracles,  divine  Saturnides.  215 

Now,  when  they  knew  the  bird  of  Jove,  they  turn'd  courageous  head. 

When  none,  though  many  kings  put  on,  could  make  his  vaunt,  he  led 

Tydides  to  renew'd  assault,  or  issu'd  first  the  dike, 

Or  first  did  fight ;  but,  far  the  first,  stone  dead  his  lance  did  strike 

208  Remorseful — compassionate, — 

O  Eglamour,  thou  art  a  gentleman, 
(Think  not  I  flatter,  for  I  swear  I  do  not) 
Valiant,  wise,  remorseful. 

Shakespeare.     Two  Gent.  Yer.  iv.  3. 
See  infra,  line  409. 
212  /Seres — talons. 

217  Put  on — attempted,  came  forward.     Make  his  vaunt — make  good  his 
boast.     Dr.  Taylor  says,  "gain  the  vantage,  come  first  to  fight." 

218  Tydides. — He  led  Tydides,  i.  e.  Tydides  he  led.    An  unusual  construction. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  177 

Arm'd  Agelaus,  by  descent  surnam'd  Phradmonides  ;  -220 

He  turn'd  his  ready  horse  to  flight,  and  Diomed's  lance  did  seize 

His  back  betwixt  his  shoulder-blades,  and  look'd  out  at  his  breast ; 

He  fell,  and  his  arms  rang  his  fall.     Th'  Atrides  next  address'd 

Themselves  to  fight ;  th'  Ajaces  next,  with  vehement  strength  endued  ; 

Idomeneus  and  his  friend,  stout  Merion,  next  pursued  ;  225 

And  after  these  Eurypylus,  Evemon's  honour'd  race  ; 

The  ninth,  wdth  backward-wreathed  bow,  had  little  Teucer  place, 

He  still  fought  under  Ajax'  shield,  who  sometimes  held  it  by, 

And  then  he  look'd  his  object  out,  and  let  his  arrow  fly, 

And,  whomsoever  in  the  press  he  wrounded,  him  he  slew,  230 

Then  under  Ajax'  sev'n-fold  shield,  he  presently  withdrew. 

He  far'd  like  an  unhappy  child,  that  doth  to  mother  run 

For  succour,  when  he  knows  full  well,  he  some  shrewd  turn  hath  done. 

What  Trojans  then  wTere  to  their  deaths,  by  Teucer's  shafts,  impress'd  ? 

Hapless  Orsilochus  was  first,  Ormenus,  Ophelest,  235 

Dsetor,  and  hardy  Chromius,  and  Lycophon  divine, 

And  Amopaon  that  did  spring  from  Polysemon's  line, 

And  Menalippus  ;  all,  on  heaps,  he  tumbled  to  the  ground. 

The  king  rejoic'd  to  see  his  shafts  the  Phrygian  ranks  confound, 

Who  straight  came  near,  and  spake  to  him  :  "  0  Teucer,  lovely  man, 

Strike  still  so  sure,  and  be  a  grace  to  ev'ry  Grecian,  241 

And  to  thy  father  Telamon,  who  took  thee  kindly  home 

(Although  not  by  his  wife  his  son)  and  gave  thee  foster  room, 

Ev'n  from  thy  childhood  ;  then  to  him,  though  far  from  hence  remov'd, 

Make  good  fame  reach  ;  and  to  thyself,  I  vow  what  shall  be  prov'd  :    245 

If  he  that  dreadful  iEgis  bears,  and  Pallas,  grant  to  me 

Th'  expugnance  of  well-builded  Troy,  I  first  will  honour  thee 

Next  to  myself  with  some  rich  gift,  and  put  it  in  thy  hand  : 

A  three-foot  vessel,  that,  for  grace,  in  sacred  fanes  doth  stand  ; 

Or  two  horse  and  a  chariot ;  or  else  a  lovely  dame  260 

That  may  ascend  on  bed  with  thee,  and  amplify  thy  name." 
VOL.   I.  M 


178  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

Teucer  right  nobly  answer'd  him  :  "  Why,  most  illustrate  king, 
I  being  thus  forward  of  myself,  dost  thou  adjoin  a  sting  ? 
Without  which,  all  the  pow'r  I  have,  I  cease  not  to  employ, 
For,  from  the  place  where  we  repuls'd  the  Trojans  towards  Troy,         205 
I  all  the  purple  field  have  strew'd,  with  one  or  other  slain. 
Eight  shafts  I  shot,  with  long  steel  heads,  of  which  not  one  in  vain, 
All  were  in  youthful  bodies  fix'd,  well-skill'd  in  war's  constraint ; 
Yet  this  wild  dog,  with  all  my  aim,  I  have  no  pow'r  to  taint." 
This  said,  another  arrow  forth,  from  his  stiff  string  he  sent,  200 

At  Hector,  whom  he  long'd  to  wound  ;  but  still  amiss  it  went. 
His  shaft  smit  fair  Gorgythion,  of  Priam's  princely  race, 
Who  in  yEpina  was  brought  forth,  a  famous  town  in  Thrace, 
By  Castianira,  that,  for  form,  was  like  celestial  breed  ; 
And,  as  a  crimson  poppy  flow'r,  surcharged  with  his  seed,  205 

And  vernal  humours  falling  thick,  declines  his  heavy  brow, 
So,  of  one  side,  his  helmet's  -weight  his  fainting  head  did  bow. 
Yet  Teucer  would  another  shaft  at  Hector's  life  dispose, 
So  fain  he  such  a  mark  would  hit,  but  still  beside  it  goes  ; 
Apollo  did  avert  the  shaft ;  but  Hector's  charioteer,  270 

Bold  Archeptolemus,  he  smit,  as  he  was  rushing  near 
To  make  the  fight  ;  to  earth  he  fell,  his  swift  horse  back  did  fly, 
And  there  were  both  his  strength  and  soul  exil'd  eternally. 
Huge  grief,  for  Hector's  slaughter'd  friend,  pinch'd-in  his  mighty  mind 
Yet  was  he  forc'd  to  leave  him  there,  and  his  void  place  resign'd         275 
To  his  sad  brother,  that  was  by,  Cebriones  ;  whose  ear 
Receiving  Hector's  charge,  he  straight  the  weighty  reins  did  bear ; 
And  Hector  from  his  shining  coach,  with  horrid  voice,  leap'd  on, 
To  wreak  his  friend  on  Teucer's  hand  ;  and  up  he  took  a  stone, 
With  which  he  at  the  archer  ran  ;  who  from  his  quiver  drew-  230 

A  sharp-pil'd  shaft,  and  nock'd  it  sure  ;  but  in  great  Hector  flew 

252  Illustrate. — The  second  folio,  which  Dr.  Taylor  follows,  has  "illustrious." 

253  JLdj0in  a  sting — add  an  impulse. 
259  Taint— See  Bk.  in.  374. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  179 

With  such  fell  speed,  that,  in  his  draught,  he  his  right  shoulder  strook 

Where,  'twixt  his  neck  and  hreast,  the  joint  his  native  closure  took. 

The  wound  was  wondrous  full  of  death,  his  string  in  sunder  flees, 

His  nummM  hand  fell  strengthless  down,  and  he  upon  his  knees.       285 

Ajax  neglected  not  to  aid  his  brother  thus  depress'd, 

But  came  and  saft  him  with  his  shield  ;  and  two  more  friends,  address'd 

To  be  his  aid,  took  him  to  fleet,  Mecisteus,  Echius'  son, 

And  gay  Alastor.     Teucer  sigh'd,  for  all  his  service  done. 

Then  did  Olympius,  with  fresh  strength,  the  Trojan  pow'rs  revive, 
Who,  to  their  trenches  once  again,  the  troubled  Greeks  did  drive.        291 
Hector  brought  terror  with  his  strength,  and  ever  fought  before. 
As  when  some  highly-stomach'd  hound,  that  hunts  a  sylvan  boar, 
Or  kingly  lion,  loves  the  haunch,  and  pincheth  oft  behind, 
Bold  of  his  feet,  and  still  observes  the  game  to  turn  inclin'd,  295 

Not  utterly  dissolv'd  in  flight ;  so  Hector  did  pursue, 
And  whosoever  was  the  last,  he  ever  did  subdue. 
They  fled,  but,  when  they  had  their  dike,  and  palisadoes,  pass'd, 
(A  number  of  them  put  to  sword)  at  ships  they  stay'd  at  last. 
Then  mutual  exhortations  flew,  then,  all  with  hands  and  eyes  30a 

Advanc'd  to  all  the  Gods,  their  plagues  wrung  from  them  open  cries. 
Hector,  with  his  four  rich-man'd  horse,  assaulting  always  rode, 
The  eyes  of  Gorgon  burnt  in  him,  and  war's  vermilion  God. 
The  Goddess  that  all  Goddesses,  for  snowy  arms,  out-shin'd, 
Thus  spake  to  Pallas,  to  the  Greeks  with  gracious  ruth  inclin'd  :  305 

"  0  Pallas,  what  a  grief  is  this  !     Is  all  our  succour  past 
To  these  our  perishing  Grecian  friends  1    At  least  withheld  at  last, 
Ev'n  now,  when  one  man's  violence  must  make  them  perish  all, 
In  satisfaction  of  a  fate  so  full  of  funeral  ? 

Hector  Priamides  now  raves,  no  more  to  be  endur'd,  310 

That  hath  already  on  the  Greeks  so  many  harms  inur'd." 

The  azure  Goddess  answer'd  her  :  "  This  man  had  surely  found 
His  fortitude  and  life  dissolv'd,  ev'n  on  his  father's  ground, 

282  In  his  draught — as  he  (Teucer)  was  drawing  his  bow.  SM  Juno. 


180  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

By  Grecian  valour,  if  my  sire,  infested  with  ill  moods, 

Did  not  so  dote  on  these  of  Troy,  too  jealous  of  their  bloods,  315 

And  ever  an  unjust  repulse  stands  to  my  willing  pow'rs, 

Little  rememb'ring  what  I  did,  in  all  the  desp'rate  hours 

Of  his  affected  Hercules  ;  I  ever  rescu'd  lum, 

In  labours  of  Eurystkeus,  untouch'd  in  life  or  limb, 

When  he,  heav'n  knows,  with  drowned  eyes  look'd  up  for  help  to  heav'n, 

Which  ever,  at  command  of  Jove,  was  by  my  suppliance  giv'n.  321 

But  had  my  wisdom  reach'd  so  far,  to  know  of  this  event, 

When  to  the  solid-ported  depths  of  hell  his  son  was  sent, 

To  hale  out  hateful  Pluto's  dog  from  darksome  Erebus, 

He  had  not  'scap'd  the  streams  of  Styx,  so  deep  and  dangerous.  325 

Yet  Jove  hates  me,  and  shows  his  love  in  doing  Thetis'  will, 

That  kiss'd  his  knees,  and  strok'd  his  chin,  pray'd,  and  importun'd 

still, 
That  he  would  honour  with  his  aid  her  city-razing  son, 
Displeas'd  Achilles  ;  and  for  him  our  friends  are  thus  undone. 
But  time  shall  come  again,  when  he,  to  do  his  friends  some  aid,  330 

Will  call  me  his  Glaucopides,  his  sweet  and  blue-eyed  Maid. 
Then  harness  thou  thy  horse  for  me,  that  his  bright  palace  gates 
I  soon  may  enter,  arming  me,  to  order  these  debates  ; 
And  I  will  try  if  Priam's  son  will  still  maintain  his  cheer, 
When  in  the  crimson  paths  of  war,  I  dreadfully  appear  ;  335 

For  some  proud  Trojans  shall  be  sure  to  nourish  dogs  and  fowls, 
And  pave  the  shore  with  fat  and  flesh,  depriv'd  of  lives  and  souls." 

Juno  prepar'd  her  horse,  whose  manes  ribands  of  gold  enlac'd. 
Pallas  her  party-colour'd  robe  on  her  bright  shoulders  cast, 
Divinely  wrought  with  her  own  hands,  in  th'  entry  of  her  sire.  340 

Then  put  she  on  her  ample  breast  her  under-arming  tire, 
And  on  it  her  celestial  arms.     The  chariot  straight  she  takes, 
With  her  huge  heavy  violent  lance,  with  which  she  slaughter  makes 

318  Affected — beloved. 

321  Suppliance — supply,  assistance. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  181 

Of  armies  fatal  to  her  wrath.     Saturnia  whipp'd  her  horse, 

And  heav'n-gates,  guarded  by  the  Hours,  op'd  by  their  proper  force. 

Through  which  they  flew.     Whom  when  Jove  saw  (set  near  th'  Idalian 

springs)  3*> 

Highly  displeas'd,  he  Iris  call'd,  that  hath  the  golden  wings, 
And  said  :  "  Fly,  Iris,  turn  them  back,  let  them  not  come  at  me, 
Our  meetings,  sev'rally  dispos'd,  will  nothing  gracious  be. 
Beneath  their  o'ertbrown  chariot  I'll  shiver  their  proud  steeds,  350 

Hurl  down  themselves,  their  waggon  break,  and,  for  their  stubborn  deeds, 
In  ten  whole  years  they  shall  not  heal  the  wounds  I  will  impress 
With  horrid  thunder  ;  that  my  maid  may  know  when  to  address 
Arms  'gainst  her  father.     For  my  wife,  she  doth  not  so  offend, 
'Tis  but  her  use  to  interrupt  whatever  I  intend."  355 

Iris,  with  this,  left  Ida's  hills,  and  up  t'  Olympus  flew, 
Met  near  heav'n-gates  the  Goddesses,  and  thus  their  haste  withdrew  : 
"  What  course  intend  you  %    Why  are  you  wrapp'd  with  your  fancies 

storm  ? 
Jove  likes  not  ye  should  aid  the  Greeks,  but  threats,  and  will  perform, 
To  crush  in  pieces  your  swift  horse  beneath  their  glorious  yokes,         360 
Hurl  down  yourselves,  your  chariot  break,  and,  those  impoison'd  strokes 
His  wounding  thunder  shall  imprint  in  your  celestial  parts, 
In  ten  full  springs  ye  shall  not  cure  ;  that  She  that  tames  proud  hearts 
(Thyself,  Minerva)  may  be  taught  to  know  for  what,  and  when, 
Thou  dost  against  thy  father  fight ;  for  sometimes  childeren  365 

May  with  discretion  plant  themselves  against  their  fathers'  wills, 
But  not,  where  humours  only  rule,  in  works  beyond  their  skills. 
For  Juno,  she  offends  him  not,  nor  vexeth  him  so  much, 
For  'tis  her  use  to  cross  his  will,  her  impudence  is  such, 
The  habit  of  offence  in  this  she  only  doth  contract,  3ro 

And  so  grieves  or  incenseth  less,  though  ne'er  the  less  her  fact. 

344  Fatal— decreed  by  fate.     See  Bk.  ix.  241. 

349  Severally — separately,  oppositely. 

3*i9  "Facile  facit  qUOd  semper  facit."  —  Chapman. 


182  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

But  thou  most  griev'st  him,  dogged  dame,  whom  he  rebukes  in  time, 

Lest  silence  should  pervert  thy  will,  and  pride  too  highly  climb 

In  thy  bold  bosom,  desp'rate  girl,  if  seriously  thou  dare 

Lift  thy  unwieldy  lance  'gainst  Jove,  as  thy  pretences  are."  376 

She  left  them,  and  Saturnia  said  :  "  Ah  me  !  Thou  seed  of  Jove, 
By  my  advice  we  will  no  more  unfit  contention  move 
With  Jupiter,  for  mortal  men  ;  of  whom,  let  this  man  die, 
And  that  man  live,  whoever  he  pursues  with  destiny  ; 
And  let  him,  plotting  all  events,  dispose  of  either  host,  380 

As  he  thinks  fittest  for  them  both,  and  may  become  us  most." 

Thus  turn'd  she  back,  and  to  the  Hours  her  rich-man'd  horse 
resign'd, 
Who  them  t'  immortal  mangers  bound  ;  the  chariot  they  inclin'd 
Beneath  the  crystal  walls  of  heav'n  ;  and  they  in  golden  thrones 
Consorted  other  Deities,  replete  with  passions.  385 

Jove,  in  his  bright-wheel'd  chariot,  his  fi'ry  horse  now  beats 
Up  to  Olympus,  and  aspir'd  the  Gods'  eternal  seats. 
Great  Neptune  loos'd  his 'horse,  his  car  upon  the  altar  plac'd, 
And  heav'nly-linen  coverings  did  round  about  it  cast. 
The  Far-seer  us'd  his  throne  of  gold.     The  vast  Olympus  shook  390 

Beneath  his  feet.     His  wife,  and  maid,  apart  their  places  took, 
Nor  any  word  afforded  him.     He  knew  their  thoughts,  and  said  : 
"  Why  do  you  thus  torment  yourselves  ?     You  need  not  sit  dismay'd 
With  the  long  labours  you  have  us'd  in  your  victorious  fight, 
Destroying  Trojans,  'gainst  whose  lives  you  heap  such  high  despite.    395 
Ye  should  have  held  your  glorious  course  ;  for,  be  assur'd,  as  far 
As  all  my  pow'rs,  by  all  means  urg'd,  could  have  sustain'd  the  war, 
Not  all  the  host  of  Deities  should  have  retir'd  my  hand 
From  vow'd  inflictions  on  the  Greeks,  much  less  you  two  withstand. 
But  you,  before  you  saw  the  fight,  much  less  the  slaughter  there,        400 
Had  all  your  goodly  lineaments  possess'd  with  shaking  fear, 
And  never  had  your  chariot  borne  their  charge  to  heav'n  again, 
But  thunder  should  have  smit  you  both,  had  you  one  Trojan  slain." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  183 

Both  Goddesses  let  fall  their  chins  upon  their  ivory  breasts, 
Set  next  to  Jove,  contriving  still  afflicted  Troy's  unrests.  405 

Pallas  for  anger  could  not  speak  ;  Saturnia,  contrary, 
Could  not  for  anger  hold  her  peace,  but  made  this  bold  reply  : 

"  Not-to-be-suffred  Jupiter,  what  need'st  thou  still  enforce 
Thy  matchless  pow'r  1     We  know  it  well ;  but  we  must  yield  remorse 
To  them  that  yield  us  sacrifice.     Nor  need'st  thou  thus  deride  410 

Our  kind  obedience,  nor  our  griefs,  but  bear  our  pow'rs  applied 
To  just  protection  of  the  Greeks,  that  anger  tomb  not  all 
In  Troy's  foul  gulf  of  perjury,  and  let  them  stand  should  fall." 

"  Grieve  not,"  said  Jove,  "  at  all  done  yet ;  for,  if  thy  fair  eyes  please 
This  next  red  morning  they  shall  see  the  great  Saturnides  4is 

Bring  more  destruction  to  the  Greeks  ;  and  Hector  shall  not  cease, 
Till  he  have  roused  from  the  fleet  swift-foot  iEacides, 
In  that  day,  when  before  their  ships,  for  his  Patroclus  slain, 
The  Greeks  in  great  distress  shall  fight ;  for  so  the  Fates  ordain. 
I  weigh  not  thy  displeased  spleen,  though  to  th'  extremest  bounds      420 
Of  earth  and  seas  it  carry  thee,  where  endless  night  confounds 
Japet,  and  my  dejected  Sire,  who  sit  so  far  beneath, 
They  never  see  the  flying  sun,  nor  hear  the  winds  that  breath, 
Near  to  profoundest  Tartarus.     Nor,  thither  if  thou  went, 
Would  I  take  pity  of  thy  moods,  since  none  more  impudent."  42 

To  this  she  nothing  did  reply.     And  now  Sol's  glorious  light 
Fell  to  the  sea,  and  to  the  land  drew  up  the  drowsy  night. 
The  Trojans  griev'd  at  Phoebus'  fall,  which  all  the  Greeks  desir'J, 
And  sable  night,  so  often  wish'd,  to  earth's  firm  throne  aspir'd. 

Hector  (intending  to  consult)  near  to  the  gulfy  flood,  430 

Far  from  the  fleet,  led  to  a  place,  pure  and  exempt  from  blood, 

The  Trojans'  forces.     From  their  horse  all  lighted,  and  did  hear 

Th'  oration  Jove-lov'd  Hector  made  ;  who  held  a  goodly  spear, 

Elev'n  full  cubits  long,  the  head  was  brass,  and  did  reflect 

A  wanton  light  before  him  still,  it  round  about  was  deck'd  435 

409  Remorse. — See  supra,  line  208. 

42-  Iapetus,  and  Chronos.     Dejected — cast  down  from  heaven. 


184  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK 

With  strong  hoops  of  new-burnish'd  gold.     On  this  he  lean'd,  and  said  : 

"  Hear  me,  my  worthy  friends  of  Troy,  and  you  our  honourVl  aid. 
A  little  since,  I  had  conceit  we  should  have  made  retreat, 
By  light  of  the  inflamed  fleet,  with  all  the  Greeks'  escheat, 
But  darkness  hath  prevented  us,  and  saft,  with  special  grace,  440 

These  Achives  and  their  shore-hal'd  fleet.     Let  us  then  render  place 
To  sacred  Night,  our  suppers  dress,  and  from  our  chariot  free 
Our  fair-man'd  horse,  and  meat  them  well.     Then  let  there  convov'd  he, 
From  forth  the  city  presently,  oxen  and  well-fed  sheep, 
Sweet  wine,  and  bread ;  and  fell  much  wood,  that  all  night  we  may 
keep  445 

Plenty  of  fires,  eVn  till  the  light  bring  forth  the  lovely  morn, 
And  let  their  brightness  glaze  the  skies,  that  night  may  not  suborn 
The  Greeks'  escape,  if  they  for  flight  the  sea's  broad  back  would  take  ; 
At  least  they  may  not  part  with  ease,  but,  as  retreat  they  make, 
Each  man  may  bear  a  wound  with  him,  to  cure  when  he  comes  home, 
Made  with  a  shaft  or  sharp'ned  spear  ;  and  others  fear  to  come,  451 

With  charge  of  lamentable  war,  'gainst  soldiers  bred  in  Troy. 
Then  let  our  heralds  through  the  town  their  offices  employ 
To  warn  the  youth,  yet  short  of  war,  and  time-white  fathers,  past, 
That  in  our  god-built  tow'rs  they  see  strong  courts  of  guard  be  plac'd. 
About  the  walls  ;  and  let  out  dames,  yet  flourishing  in  years,  456 

That,  having  beauties  to  keep  pure,  are  most  inclin'd  to  fears 
(Since  darkness  in  distressful  times  more  dreadful  is  than  light) 
Make  lofty  fires  in  ev'ry  house  ;  and  thus,  the  dang'rous  night, 
Held  with  strong  watch,  if  th'  enemy  have  ambuscadoes  laid  400 

Near  to  our  walls  (and  therefore  seem  in  flight  the  more  dismay'd, 
Intending  a  surprise,  while  we  are  all  without  the  town) 
They  ev'ry  way  shall  be  impugn'd,  to  ev'ry  man's  renown. 
Perform  all  this,  brave  Trojan  friends.     What  now  I  have  to  say 
Is  all  express'd  ;  the  cheerful  morn  shall  other  things  display.  465 

It  is  my  glory  (putting  trust  in  Jove,  and  other  Gods) 
That  I  shall  now  expulse  these  dogs  Fates  sent  to  our  abodes, 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  185 

"Who  bring  ostents  of  destiny,  and  black  their  threat'ning  fleet. 

But  this  night  let  us  hold  strong  guards  ;  to-morrow  we  will  meet 

(With  fierce-made  war)  before  their  ships,  and  I'll  make  known  to  all 

If  strong  Tydides  from  their  ships  can  drive  me  to  their  wall,  4:1 

Or  I  can  pierce  him  with  my  sword,  and  force  bis  bloody  spoil. 

The  wished  morn  shall  show  his  pow'r,  if  he  cau  shun  his  foil 

I  running  on  him  with  my  lance.     I  think,  when  day  ascends, 

He  shall  lie  wounded  with  the  first,  and  by  him  many  friends.  475 

0  that  I  were  as  sure  to  live  immortal,  and  sustain 

No  frailties  with  increasing  years,  but  evermore  remain 

Ador'd  like  Pallas,  or  the  Sun,  as  all  doubts  die  in  me 

That  heav'n's  next  light  shall  be  the  last  the  Greeks  shall  ever  see  !  " 

This  speech  all  Trojans  did  applaud  ;  who  from  their  traces  los'd    480 
Their  sweating  horse,  which  sev'rally  with  headstalls  they  repos'd, 
And  fast'ned  by  their  chariots  ;  when  others  brought  from  town 
Fat  sheep  and  oxen,  instantly,  bread,  wine,  and  hewed  down 
Huge  store  of  wood.     The  winds  transferiJd  into  the  friendly  sky 
Their  supper's  savour  ;  to  the  which  they  sat  delightfully,  485 

And  spent  all  night  in  open  field  ;  fires  round  about  them  shin'd. 
As  when  about  the  silver  moon,  when  air  is  free  from  wind, 
And  stars  shine  clear,  to  whose  sweet  beams,  high  prospects,  and  the  brows 
Of  all  steep  hills  and  pinnacles,  thrust  up  themselves  for  shows, 
And  ev'n  the  lowly  valleys  joy  to  glitter  in  their  sight,  49a 

When  the  unmeasur'd  firmament  bursts  to  disclose  her  light, 
And  all  the  signs  in  heav'n  are  seen,  that  glad  the  shepherd's  heart ; 
So  many  fires  disclos'd  their  beams,  made  by  the  Trojan  part, 
Before  the  face  of  Ilion,  and  her  bright  turrets  show'd. 
A  thousand  courts  of  guard  kept  fires,  and  ev'ry  guard  allow'd  495 

Fifty  stout  men,  by  whom  their  horse  ate  oats  and  hard  white  corn, 
And  all  did  wishfully  expect  the  silver-throned  morn. 

468  i.  e.  their  fleet  is  black.  The  original  is  simply  "  who  bring  fates  vpon 
their  black  ships." 

497  Wishfully. — Both  folios  have  wilfully,  but  Stevens  remarks  that  in  the  4to. 
of  1598,  it  is  wishfully,  which  is  evidently  the  true  reading. 


THE  NINTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


The  Argument. 

To  Agamemnon,  urging  hopeless  flight, 
Stand  Diomed,  and  Nestor,  opposite. 
By  Nestor's  counsel,  legates  are  dismiss'd 
To  Thetis'  son  ;  who  still  denies  t'  assist. 

Another  Argument. 

Iota  sings  the  Ambassy, 

And  great  Achilles'  stern  reply. 


0  held  the  Trojans  sleepless  guard  ;  the  Greeks  to  flight 

were  giv'n, 
The  feeble  consort  of  cold  fear,  strangely  infus'd  from 

heav'n  ; 

Grief,  not  to  be  endur'd,  did  wound  all  Greeks  of  greatest  worth. 
And  as  two  lateral-sited  winds,  the  west  wind  and  the  north, 
Meet  at  the  Thracian  sea's  black  breast,  join  in  a  sudden  blore,  5 

Tumble  together  the  dark  waves,  and  pour  upon  the  shore 
A  mighty  deal  of  froth  and  weed,  with  which  men  manure  ground  ; 
So  Jove  and  Troy  did  drive  the  Greeks,  and  all  their  minds  confound. 

7   With  which  men  manure  ground. — This  piece  of  agricultural  information  is 
an  addition  of  Chapman's. 


HOMER'S  ILIADS.  187 

But  Agamemnon  most  of  all  was  tortur'd  at  his  heart, 

Who  to  the  voiceful  heralds  went,  and  bade  them  cite,  apart,  10 

Each  Grecian  leader  sev'rally,  not  openly  proclaim. 

In  which  he  labour'd  with  the  first  ;  and  all  together  came. 

They  sadly  sate.     The  king  arose,  and  pour'd  out  tears  as  fast 

As  from  a  lofty  rock  a  spring  doth  his  black  waters  cast, 

And,  deeply  sighing,  thus  bespake  the  Achives  :  "  0  my  friends,  15 

Princes,  and  leaders  of  the  Greeks,  heav'n's  adverse  King  extends 

His  wrath,  with  too  much  detriment,  to  my  so  just  design, 

Since  he  hath  often  promis'd  me,  and  bound  it  with  the  sign 

Of  his  bent  forehead,  that  this  Troy  our  vengeful  hands  should  race, 

And  safe  return  ;  yet,  now  engag'd,  he  plagues  us  with  disgrace,  20 

When  all  our  trust  to  him  hath  drawn  so  much  blood  from  our  friends. 

My  glory,  nor  my  brother's  wreak,  were  the  proposed  ends, 

For  which  he  drew  you  to  these  toils,  but  your  whole  countries'  shame, 

Which  had  been  huge  to  bear  the  rape  of  so  divine  a  dame, 

Made  in  despite  of  our  revenge.     And  yet  not  that  had  mov'd  25 

Our  pow'rs  to  these  designs,  if  Jove  had  not  our  drifts  approv'd  ; 

Which  since  we  see  he  did  for  blood,  'tis  desp'rate  fight  in  us 

To  strive  with  him ;  then  let  us  fly  ;  'tis  flight  he  urgeth  thus." 

Long  time  still  silence  held  them  all ;  at  last  did  Diomed  rise  : 
"  Atrides,  I  am  first  must  cross  thy  indiscreet  advice,  30 

As  may  become  me,  being  a  king,  in  this  our  martial  court. 
Be  not  displeas'd  then  ;  for  thyself  didst  broadly  misreport 
In  open  field  my  fortitude,  and  call'd  me  faint  and  weak, 
Yet  I  was  silent,  knowing  the  time,  loth  any  rites  to  break 
That  appertain'd  thy  public  rule,  yet  all  the  Greeks  knew  well,  35 

Of  ev'ry  age,  thou  didst  me  wrong.     As  thou  then  didst  refell 
My  valour  first  of  all  the  host,  as  of  a  man  dismay'd  ; 
So  now,  with  fit  occasion  giv'n,  I  first  blame  thee  afraid. 


30  "  Diomed  takes  fit  time  to  answer  his  wrong  done  by  Agamemnon  in  the 
fourth  book." — Chapman. 


188  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Inconstant  Saturn's  son  hath  giv'n  inconstant  spirits  to  thee, 

And,  with  a  sceptre  over  all,  an  eminent  degree  ;  40 

But  with  a  sceptre's  sov'reign  grace,  the  chief  pow'r,  fortitude, 

(To  bridle  thee)  he  thought  not  best  thy  breast  should  be  endu'd. 

Unhappy  king,  think'st  thou  the  Greeks  are  such  a  silly  sort, 

And  so  excessive  impotent,  as  thy  weak  words  import  % 

If  thy  mind  move  thee  to  be  gone,  the  way  is  open,  go  ;  45 

Mycenian  ships  enow  ride  near,  that  brought  thee  to  this  woe  ; 

The  rest  of  Greece  will  stay,  nor  stir  till  Troy  be  overcome 

With  full  eversion  ;  or  if  not,  but  (doters  of  their  home) 

Will  put  on  wings  to  fly  with  thee.     Myself  and  Sthenelus 

Will  fight  till  (trusting  favouring  Jove)  we  bring  home  Troy  with  us." 

This  all  applauded,  and  admir'd  the  spirit  of  Diomed  ;  51 

When  Nestor,  rising  from  the  rest,  his  speech  thus  seconded  : 

"  Tydides,  thou  art,  questionless,  our  strongest  Greek  in  war, 
And  gravest  in  thy  counsels  too,  of  all  that  equal  are 
In  place  with  thee,  and  stand  on  strength  ;  nor  is  there  any  one  55 

Can  blame,  or  contradict  thy  speech  ;  and  yet  thou  hast  not  gone 
So  far,  but  we  must  further  go.     Thou'rt  young,  and  well  mightst  be 
My  youngest  son,  though  still  I  yield  thy  words  had  high  degree 
Of  wisdom  in  them  to  our  king,  since  well  they  did  become 
Their  right  in  question,  and  refute  inglorious  going  home.  60 

But  I  (well-known  thy  senior  far)  will  speak,  and  handle  all 
Yet  to  propose,  which  none  shall  check  ;  no,  not  our  general. 
A  hater  of  society,  unjust,  and  wild,  is  he 
That  loves  intestine  war,  being  stuff'd  with  manless  cruelty. 
And  therefore  in  persuading  peace,  and  home-flight,  we  the  less  65 

May  blame  our  gen'ral,  as  one  loth  to  wrap  in  more  distress 


58  Yield — acknowledge.  Had — thus  the  first  folio  ;  the  second  reads  "  hath,'" 
and  Dr.  Taylor  "  have:' 

62  Propose — so  the  first  folio  ;  the  second  reads  "purpose"  which  Dr.  Taylor 
has  adopted,  and  explained  in  a  note  as  meaning  "propose." 

6i  Manless — opposite  to  manful,  cowardly,  inhuman.     Bk.  in.  39. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  189 

His  loved  soldiers.     But  because  they  bravely  are  resolv'd 

To  cast  lives  after  toils,  before  they  part  in  shame  involv'd, 

Provide  we  for  our  honour'd  stay  ;  obey  black  night,  and  fall 

Now  to  our  suppers  ;  then  appoint  our  guards  without  the  wall,  "o 

And  in  the  bottom  of  the  dike  ;  which  guards  I  wish  may  stand 

Of  our  brave  youth.     And,  Atreus'  son,  since  thou  art  in  command 

Before  our  other  kings,  be  first  in  thy  command's  effect. 

It  well  becomes  thee  ;  since  'tis  both  what  all  thy  peers  expect, 

And  in  the  royal  right  of  things  is  no  impair  to  thee.  75 

Nor  shall  it  stand  with  less  than  right,  that  they  invited  be 

To  supper  by  thee  ;  all  thy  tents  are  amply  stor'd  with  wine, 

Brought  daily  in  Greek   ships  from   Thrace  ;   and    to   this  grace  of 

thine 
All  necessaries  thou  hast  fit,  and  store  of  men  to  wait ; 
And,  many  meeting  there,  thou  may'st  hear  ev'ry  man's  conceit,  so 

And  take  the  best.     It  much  concerns  all  Greeks  to  use  advice 
Of  gravest  nature,  since  so  near  our  ships  our  enemies 
Have  lighted  such  a  sort  of  fires,  with  which  what  man  is  joy'd  ? 
Look,  how  all  bear  themselves  this  night ;  so  live,  or  be  destroy'd." 

All  heard,  and  follow'd  his  advice.     There  was  appointed  then         85 
Sev'n  captains  of  the  watch,  who  forth  did  march  with  all  their  men. 
The  first  was  famous  Thrasymed,  adviceful  Nestor's  son  ; 
Ascalaphus  ;  and  Ialmen  ;  and  mighty  Merion  ; 
Alphareus  ;  and  Deipyrus  ;  and  lovely  Lycomed, 

Old  Creon's  joy.     These  sev'n  bold  lords  an  hundred  soldiers  led,        90 
In  ev'ry  sever'd  company,  and  ev'ry  man  his  pike, 
Some  placed  on  the  rampire's  top,  and  some  amidst  the  dike. 
All  fires  made,  and  their  suppers  took.     Atrides  to  his  tent 
Invited  all  the  peers  of  Greece,  and  food  sufficient 
Appos'd  before  them,  and  the  peers  appos'd  their  hands  to  it.  95 

Hunger  and  thirst  being  quickly  quench'd,  to  counsel  still  they  sit. 
And  first  spake  Nestor,  who  they  thought  of  late  advis'd  so  well, 
A  father  grave,  and  rightly  wise,  who  thus  his  tale  did  tell : 


190  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

"  Most  high  Atrides,  since  in  thee  I  have  intent  to  end, 
From  thee  will  I  begin  my  speech,  to  whom  Jove  doth  commend        100 
The  empire  of  so  many  men,  and  puts  into  thy  hand 
A  sceptre,  and  establish'd  laws,  that  thou  mayst  well  command, 
And  counsel  all  men  under  thee.     It  therefore  doth  behove 
Thyself  to  speak  most,  since  of  all  thy  speeches  most  will  move  ; 
And  yet  to  hear,  as  well  as  speak  ;  and  then  perform  as  well  ics 

A  free  just  counsel ;  in  thee  still  must  stick  what  others  tell. 
For  me,  what  in  my  judgment  stands  the  most  convenient 
I  will  advise,  and  am  assur'd  advice  more  competent 
Shall  not  be  giv'n  ;  the  gen'ral  proof,  that  hath  before  been  made 
Of  what  I  speak,  confirms  me  still,  and  now  may  well  persuade,  no 

Because  I  could  not  then,  yet  ought,  when  thou,  most  royal  king, 
Ev'n  from  the  tent,  Achilles'  love  didst  violently  bring, 
Against  my  counsel,  urging  thee  by  all  means  to  relent ; 
Eut  you,  obeying  your  high  mind,  would  venture  the  event, 
Dishonouring  our  ablest  Greek,  a  man  th'  Immortals  grace.  115 

Asain  vet  let's  deliberate,  to  make  him  now  embrace 

Of  ' 

Affection  to  our  gen'ral  good,  and  bring  his  force  to  field ; 

Both  which  kind  words  and  pleasing  gifts  must  make  his  virtues  yield." 

"  0  father,"  answered  the  king,  "  my  wrongs  thou  tell'st  me  right. 
Mine  own  offence  mine  own  tongue  grants.     One  man  must  stand  in 
fight  120 

For  our  whole  army  ;  him  I  wrongM  ;  him  Jove  loves  from  his  heart, 
He  shows  it  in  thus  honouring  him  ;  who,  living  thus  apart, 
Proves  us  but  number,  for  his  want  makes  all  our  weakness  seen. 
Yet  after  my  confess'd  offence,  soothing  my  hum'rous  spleen, 
I'll  sweeten  his  affects  again  with  presents  infinite,  125 

Which,  to  approve  my  firm  intent,  I'll  openly  recite  : 
Sev'n  sacred  tripods  free  from  fire  ;  ten  talents  of  fine  gold  ; 
Twenty  bright  cauldrons  ;  twelve  young  horse,  well-shap'd,  and  well- 
controll'd, 
123  provcs  us  iut  number — numerous  only,  not  powerful  or  valiant. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  191 

And  victors  too,  for  they  have  won  the  prize  at  many  a  race, 

That  [man  should  not  be  poor  that  had  but  what  their  winged  pace     130 

Hath  added  to  my  treasury,  nor  feel  sweet  gold's  defect. 

Sev'n  Lesbian  ladies  he  shall  have,  that  were  the  most  select, 

And  in  their  needles  rarely  skill'd,  whom,  when  he  took  the  town 

Of  famous  Lesbos,  I  did  choose  ;  who  won  the  chief  renown 

For  beauty  from  their  whole  fair  sex  ;  amongst  whom  I'll  resign  135 

Fair  Brisis,  and  I  deeply  swear  (for  any  fact  of  mine 

That  may  discourage  her  receipt)  she  is  untouched,  and  rests 

As  he  resign'd  her.     To  these  gifts  (if  Jove  to  our  requests 

Vouchsafe  performance,  and  afford  the  work,  for  which  we  wait, 

Of  winning  Troy)  with  brass  and  gold  he  shall  his  navy  freight ;         140 

And,  ent'ring  when  we  be  at  spoil,  that  princely  hand  of  his 

Shall  choose  him  twenty  Trojan  dames,  excepting  Tyndaris, 

The  fairest  Pergamus  enfolds  ;  and,  if  we  make  retreat 

To  Argos,  call'd  of  all  the  world  the  Navel,  or  chief  seat, 

He  shall  become  my  son-in-law,  and  I  will  honour  him  145 

Ev'n  as  Orestes,  my  sole  son,  that  doth  in  honours  swim. 

Three  daughters  in  my  well-built  court  unmarried  are,  and  fair  ; 

Laodice,  Chrysothemis  that  hath  the  golden  hair, 

And  Iphianassa  ;  of  all  three  the  worthiest  let  him  take 

All-jointureless  to  Peleus'  court ;  I  will  her  jointure  make,  150 

And  that  so  great  as  never  yet  did  any  maid  prefer. 

Sev'n  cities  right  magnificent,  I  will  bestow  on  her  ; 

Enope,  and  Cardamyle,  Hira  for  herbs  renown'd, 

The  fair  ^Epea,  Pedasus  that  doth  with  grapes  abound, 

Anthsea  girded  with  green  meads,  Phera  surnam'd  Divine  ;  155 

All  whose  bright  turrets  on  the  seas,  in  sandy  Pylos,  shine. 

Th'  inhabitants  in  flocks  and  herds  are  wondrous  confluent, 

Who  like  a  God  will  honour  him,  and  him  with  gifts  present, 

14!  Tyndaris — Helen. 

150  Jointureless — i.  e.  without  the  portion  it  was  usual  to  pay  the  father  on 
marrying  his  daughter. 
157  Confluent — affluent. 


192  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

And  to  his  throne  will  contribute  what  tribute  he  will  rate. 

All  this  I  gladly  will  perform,  to  pacify  his  hate.  160 

Let  him  be  mild  and  tractable  ;  'tis  for  the  God  of  ghosts 

To  be  unrul'd,  implacable,  and  seek  the  blood  of  hosts, 

Whom  therefore  men  do  much  abhor  ;  then  let  him  yield  to  me, 

I  am  his  greater,  being  a  king,  and  more  in  years  than  he." 

"  Brave  king,"  said  Nestor,  "  these  rich  gifts  must  make  him  needs 
relent,  165 

Choose  then  fit  legates  instantly  to  greet  him  at  his  tent. 
But  stay ;  admit  my  choice  of  them,  and  let  them  straight  be  gone. 
Jove-loved  Phoenix  shall  be  chief,  then  Ajax  Telamon, 
And  prince  Ulysses  ;  and  on  them  let  these  two  heralds  wait, 
Grave  Odius  and  Eurybates.     Come,  lords,  take  water  straight,  iro 

Make  pure  your  hands,  and  with  sweet  words  appease  Achilles'  mind, 
Which  we  will  pray  the  king  of  Gods  may  gently  make  inclin'd." 

All  lik'd  his  speech  ;  and  on  their  hands  the  heralds  water  shed, 
The  youths  crown'd  cups  of  sacred  wine  to  all  distributed. 
But  having  sacrific'd,  and  drunk  to  ev'ry  man's  content,  1:5 

With  many  notes  by  Nestor  giv'n,  the  legates  forward  went. 
With  courtship  in  fit  gestures  us'd  he  did  prepare  them  well, 
But  most  Ulysses,  for  his  grace  did  not  so  much  excell. 
Such  rites  beseem  ambassadors  ;  and  Nestor  urged  these, 
That  their  most  honours  might  reflect  enrag'd  iEacides.  iso 

They  went  along  the  shore,  and  pray'd  the  God,  that  earth  doth  bind 
In  brackish  chains,  they  might  not  fail,  but  bow  his  mighty  mind. 

The  quarter  of  the  Myrmidons  they  reach'd,  and  found  him  set 
Delighted  with  his  solemn  harp,  which  curiously  was  fret 
With  works  conceited,  through  the  verge  ;  the  bawdrick  that  embrac'd 
His  lofty  neck  was  silver  twist ;  this,  when  his  hand  laid  waste  isg 

177  With  courtship  in  fit  gestures  us'd— -Chapman  has  well  preserved  the  mean- 
ing of  the  original  8ev8i\\wi>. 

178  por  ^js  grace  &{&  not  so  much  excell. — This  is  quite  contrary  to  Homer's 
meaning.  He  simply  says  Nestor  addressed  each  chief,  but  principally  Ulysses. 
The  reason  doubtless  being  because  he  had  most  confidence  in  him. 

m  Reflect— turn  back. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  193 

Action's  city,  lie  did  choose  as  his  especial  prise, 

And,  loving  sacred  music  well,  made  it  his  exercise. 

To  it  he  sung  the  glorious  deeds  of  great  heroes  dead, 

And  his  true  mind,  that  practice  fail'd,  sweet  contemplation  fed.  190 

With  him  alone,  and  opposite,  all  silent  sat  his  friend, 

Attentive,  and  beholding  him,  who  now  his  song  did  end. 

Th'  ambassadors  did  forwards  press,  renown'd  Ulysses  led, 

And  stood  in  view.     Their  sudden  sight  his  admiration  bred, 

Who  with  his  harp  and  all  arose  ;  so  did  Menoetius'  son  195 

When  he  beheld  them.     Their  receipt  Achilles  thus  begun  : 

"  Health  to  my  lords  !    Right  welcome  men,  assure  yourselves  you  be, 
Though  some  necessity,  I  know,  doth  make  you  visit  me, 
Incens'd  with  just  cause  'gainst  the  Greeks."     This  said,  a  sev'ral  seat 
With  purple  cushions  he  set  forth,  and  did  their  ease  intreat,  200 

And  said  :  "  Now,  friend,  our  greatest  bowl,  with  wine  unmix'd  and 

neat, 
Appose  these  lords,  and  of  the  depth  let  ev'ry  man  make  proof, 
These  are  my  best  esteemed  friends,  and  underneath  my  roof." 

Patroclus  did  his  dear  friend's  will ;  and  he  that  did  desire 

To  cheer  the  lords,  come  faint  from  fight,  set  on  a  blazing  fire  205 

A  great  brass  pot,  and  into  it  a  chine  of  mutton  put, 

And  fat  goat's  flesh.     Automedon  held,  while  he  pieces  cut, 

To  roast  and  boil,  right  cunningly  ;  then  of  a  well-fed  swine 

A  huge  fat  shoulder  he  cuts  out,  and  spits  it  wondrous  fine. 

His  good  friend  made  a  goodly  fire  ;  of  which  the  force  once  past,       210 

He  laid  the  spit  low,  near  the  coals,  to  make  it  brown  at  last, 

Then  sprinkled  it  with  sacred  salt,  and  took  it  from  the  racks. 

This  roasted  and  on  dresser  set,  his  friend  Patroclus  takes 

Bread  in  fair  baskets  ;  which  set  on,  Achilles  brought  the  meat, 

And  to  divinest  Ithacus  took  his  opposed  seat  215 

Upon  the  bench.     Then  did  he  will  his  friend  to  sacrifice, 

Who  cast  sweet  incense  in  the  fire  to  all  the  Deities. 

■0i  He— Achilles. 
VOL.  I.  N 


194  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Thus  fell  they  to  their  ready  food.     Hunger  and  thirst  allay'd, 
Ajax  to  Phoenix  made  a  sign,  as  if  too  long  they  stay'd 
Before  they  told  their  legacy.     Ulysses  saw  him  wink,  220 

And,  filling  the  great  bowl  with  wine,  did  to  Achilles  drink  : 

"  Health  to  Achilles  !     But  our  plights  stand  not  in  need  of  meat, 
Who  late  supp'd  at  Atrides'  tent,  though  for  thy  love  we  eat 
Of  many  things,  whereof  a  part  would  make  a  complete  feast. 
Nor  can  we  joy  in  these  kind  rites,  that  have  our  hearts  oppress'd,       226 
O  prince,  with  fear  of  utter  spoil.     'Tis  made  a  question  now, 
If  we  can  save  our  fleet  or  not,  unless  thyself  endow 
Thy  pow'rs  with  wonted  fortitude.     Now  Troy  and  her  consorts, 
Bold  of  thy  want,  have  pitch'd  their  tents  close  to  our  fleet  and  forts, 
And  made  a  firmament  of  fires  ;  and  nowr  no  more,  they  say,  230 

Will  they  be  prison'd  in  their  walls,  but  force  their  violent  way 
Ev'n  to  our  ships  ;  and  Jove  himself  hath  with  his  lightnings  show'd 
Their  bold  adventures  happy  signs ;  and  Hector  grows  so  proud 
Of  his  huge  strength,  borne  out  by  Jove,  that  fearfully  he  raves, 
Presuming  neither  men  nor  Gods  can  interrupt  his  braves.  235 

Wild  rage  invades  him,  and  he  prays  that  soon  the  sacred  Morn 
Would  light  his  fury  ;  boasting  then  our  streamers  shall  be  torn, 
And  all  our  naval  ornaments  fall  by  his  conqu'ring  stroke, 
Our  ships  shall  burn,  and  we  ourselves  lie  stifled  in  the  smoke. 
And  I  am  seriously  afraid,  Heav'n  will  perform  his  threats,  240 

And  that  'tis  fatal  to  us  all,  far  from  our  native  seats, 
To  perish  in  victorious  Troy.     But  rise,  though  it  be  late, 
Deliver  the  afflicted  Greeks  from  Troy's  tumultuous  hate  ; 
It  will  hereafter  be  thy  grief,  when  no  strength  can  suffice 
To  remedy  th'  effected  threats  of  our  calamities.  245 

Consider  these  affairs  in  time,  while  thou  mayst  use  thy  pow'r. 
And  have  the  grace  to  turn  from  Greece  fate's  unrecover'd  hour. 

220  Leqacy — embassy.     Bk.  vir.  348. 
241  Fatal— fated.     Bk.  VIII.  344. 
247  Unrecover'd — irrecoverable. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  195 

0  friend,  thou  know'st  thy  royal  sire  forewarn'd  what  should  be  done, 

That  day  he  sent  thee  from  his  court  to  honour  Atreus'  son  : 

'  My  son,'  said  he,  '  the  victory  let  Jove  and  Pallas  use  250 

At  their  high  pleasures,  hut  do  thou  no  honour'd  means  refuse 

That  may  advance  her.     In  fit  bounds  contain  thy  mighty  mind, 

Nor  let  the  knowledge  of  thy  strength  be  factiously  inclin'd, 

Contriving  mischiefs.     Be  to  fame  and  gen'ral  good  profess'd. 

The  more  will  all  sorts  honour  thee.     Benignity  is  best.'  255 

Thus  charg'd  thy  sire,  which  thou  forgett'st.     Yet  now  those  thoughts 

appease, 
That  torture  thy  great  spirit  with  wrath  ;  which  if  thou  wilt  surcease, 
The  king  will  merit  it  with  gifts  ;  and,  if  thou  wilt  give  ear, 
I'll  tell  how  much  he  offers  thee  yet  thou  sitt'st  angry  here  : 
Sev'n  tripods  that  no  fire  must  touch ;  twice-ten  pans,  fit  for  flame  ;   260 
Ten  talents  of  fine  gold  ;  twelve  horse  that  ever  overcame, 
And  brought  huge  prises  from  the  field,  with  swiftness  of  their  feet, 
That  man  should  bear  no  poor  account,  nor  want  gold's  quick'ning  sweet, 
That  had  but  what  he  won  with  them  ;  sev'n  worthiest  Lesbian  dames, 
Benown'd  for  skill  in  housewif'ry,  and  bear  the  sov'reign  fames  265 

For  beauty  from  their  gen'ral  sex,  which,  at  thy  overthrow 
Of  well-built  Lesbos,  he  did  choose  ;  and  these  he  will  bestow, 
And  with  these  her  he  took  from  thee,  whom,  by  his  state,  since  then, 
He  swears  he  touch'd  not,  as  fair  dames  use  to  be  touch'd  by  men. 
All  these  are  ready  for  thee  now.     And,  if  at  length  we  take,  270 

By  helps  of  Gods,  this  wealthy  town,  thy  ships  shall  burthen  make 
Of  gold  and  brass  at  thy  desires,  when  we  the  spoil  divide  ; 
And  twenty  beauteous  Trojan  dames  thou  shalt  select  beside, 
Next  Helen,  the  most  beautiful ;  and,  when  return'd  we  be 
To  Argos,  be  his  son-in-law,  for  he  will  honour  thee  275 

Like  his  Orestes,  his  sole  son,  maintain'd  in  height  of  bliss. 
Three  daughters  beautify  his  court,  the  fair  Chrysothemis, 

258  Merit — reward.     Au  unusual  application  of  the  word. 
239   y^_while. 


196  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Laodice,  and  Iphianesse  ;  of  all  the  fairest  take 

To  Peleus'  thy  grave  father's  court,  and  never  jointure  make  ; 

He  will  the  jointure  make  himself,  so  great,  as  never  sire  280 

Gave  to  his  daughter's  nuptials.     Sev'n  cities  left  entire  ; 

Cardamyle,  and  Enope,  and  Hira  full  of  flow'rs, 

Anthaea  for  sweet  meadows  prais'd,  and  Phera  deck'd  with  tow'rs, 

The  bright  Epea,  Pedasus  that  doth  God  Bacchus  please  ; 

All,  on  the  sandy  Pylos'  soil,  are  seated  near  the  seas  ;  285 

Th'  inhabitants  in  droves  and  flocks  exceeding  wealthy  be, 

Who,  like  a  God,  with  worthy  gifts  will  gladly  honour  thee, 

And  tribute  of  especial  rate  to  thy  high  sceptre  pay. 

All  this  he  freely  will  perform,  thy  anger  to  allay. 

But  if  thy  hate  to  him  be  more  than  his  gifts  may  repress,  290 

Yet  pity  all  the  other  Greeks,  in  such  extreme  distress, 

Who  with  religion  honour  thee  ;  and  to  their  desp'rate  ill 

Thou  shalt  triumphant  glory  bring  ;  and  Hector  thou  may'st  kill, 

When  pride  makes  him  encounter  thee,  fill'd  with  a  baneful  sprite, 

Who  vaunts  our  whole  fleet  brought  not  one,  equal  to  him  in  fight."   295 

Swift-foot  iEacides  replied  :  "  Divine  Laertes'  son, 
'Tis  requisite  I  should  be  short,  and  show  what  place  hath  won 
Thy  serious  speech,  affirming  nought  but  what  you  shall  approve 
Establish'd  in  my  settled  heart,  that  in  the  rest  I  move 
No  murmur  nor  exception  ;  for,  like  hell  mouth  I  loath,  300 

Who  holds  not  in  his  words  and  thoughts  one  indistinguish'd  troth. 
What  fits  the  freeness  of  my  mind,  my  speech  shall  make  display'd. 
Nor  Atreus'  son,  nor  all  the  Greeks,  shall  win  me  to  their  aid, 
Their  suit  is  wretchedly  enforc'd,  to  free  their  own  despairs, 
And  my  life  never  shall  be  hir\l  with  thankless  desp'rate  pray'rs  ;       305 
For  never  had  I  benefit,  that  ever  foil'd  the  foe  ; 
Ev'n  share  hath  he  that  keeps  his  tent,  and  he  to  field  doth  go, 
With  equal  honour  cowards  die,  and  men  most  valiant, 
The  much  performer,  and  the  man  that  can  of  nothing  vaunt. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  197 

No  overplus  I  ever  found,  when,  "with  my  mind's  most  strife  310 

To  do  them  good,  to  dang'rous  fight  I  have  expos'd  my  life. 

But  ev'n  as  to  unfeather'd  birds  the  careful  dam  brings  meat, 

Which  when  she  hath  bestow'd,  herself  hath  nothing  left  to  eat  ; 

So,  when  my  broken  sleeps  have  drawn  the  nights  t'  extremest  length, 

And  ended  many  bloody  days  with  still-employed  strength,  sir. 

To  guard  their  weakness,  and  preserve  their  wives'  contents  infract, 

I  have  been  robb'd  before  their  eyes.     Twelve  cities  I  have  sack'd 

Assail'd  by  sea,  elev'n  by  land,  while  this  siege  held  at  Troy  ; 

And  of  all  these,  what  was  most  dear,  and  most  might  crown  the  joy 

Of  Agamemnon,  he  enjoy'd,  who  here  behind  remain'd  ;  320 

Which  when  he  took,  a  few  he  gave,  and  many  things  retain'd, 

Other  to  optimates  and  kings  he  gave,  who  hold  them  fast, 

Yet  mine  he  forceth  ;  only  I  sit  with  my  loss  disgrac'd. 

But  so  he  gain  a  lovely  dame,  to  be  his  bed's  delight, 

It  is  enough  ;  for  what  cause  else  do  Greeks  and  Trojans  fight  ?  325 

Why  brought  he  hither  such  an  host  ?     Was  it  not  for  a  dame  ? 

For  fair-hair'd  Helen  1     And  doth  love  alone  the  hearts  inflame 

Of  the  Atrides  to  their  wives,  of  all  the  men  that  move  ? 

Ev'ry  discreet  and  honest  mind  cares  for  his  private  love, 

As  much  as  they  ;  as  I  myself  loVd  Brisis  as  my  life,  330 

Although  my  captive,  and  had  will  to  take  her  for  my  wife. 

Whom  since  he  forc'd,  preventing  me,  in  vain  he  shall  prolong 

Hopes  to  appease  me  that  know  well  the  deepness  of  my  wrong. 

But,  good  Ulysses,  with  thyself,  and  all  you  other  kings, 

Let  him  take  stomach  to  repel  Troy's  fi'ry  threatenings.  335 

Much  hath  he  done  without  my  help,  built  him  a  goodly  fort, 

Cut  a  dike  by  it,  pitch'd  with  pales,  broad  and  of  deep  import ; 

And  cannot  all  these  helps  repress  this  kill-man  Hector's  fright  ? 

When  I  was  arm'd  among  the  Greeks,  he  would  not  offer  fight 

Without  the  shadow  of  his  walls ;  but  to  the  Screan  ports,  340 

Or  to  the  holy  beech  of  Jove,  come  back'd  with  his  consorts  ; 


198  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Where  once  he  stood  my  charge  alone,  and  hardly  made  retreat, 
And  to  make  new  proof  of  our  pow'rs,  the  doubt  is  not  so  great. 
To-morrow  then,  with  sacrifice  perform'd  t'  imperial  Jove 
And  all  the  Gods,  I'll  launch  my  fleet,  and  all  my  men  remove  ;         345 
Which  (if  thou  wilt  use  so  thy  sight,  or  think'st  it  worth  respect) 
In  forehead  of  the  morn,  thine  eyes  shall  see,  with  sails  erect 
Amidst  the  fishy  Hellespont,  help'd  with  laborious  oars. 
And,  if  the  Sea-god  send  free  sail,  the  fruitful  Phthian  shores 
Within  three  days  we  shall  attain,  where  I  have  store  of  prise  350 

Left,  when  with  prejudice  I  came  to  these  indignities. 
There  have  I  gold  as  well  as  here,  and  store  of  ruddy  brass, 
Dames  slender,  elegantly  girt,  and  steel  as  bright  as  glass. 
These  will  I  take  as  I  retire,  as  shares  I  firmly  save, 
Though  Agamemnon  be  so  base  to  take  the  gifts  he  gave.  355 

Tell  him  all  this,  and  openly,  I  on  your  honours  charge, 
That  others  may  take  shame  to  hear  his  lusts  command  so  large, 
And,  if  there  yet  remain  a  man  he  hopeth  to  deceive 
(Being  dyed  in  endless  impudence)  that  man  may  learn  to  leave 
His  trust  and  empire.     But  alas,  though,  like  a  wolf  he  be,  300 

Shameless  and  rude,  he  durst  not  take  my  prise,  and  look  on  me. 
I  never  will  partake  his  works,  nor  counsels,  as  before, 
He  once  deceiv'd  and  injur'd  me,  and  he  shall  never  more 
Tye  my  affections  with  his  words.     Enough  is  the  increase 
Of  one  success  in  his  deceits  ;  which  let  him  joy  in  peace,  365 

And  bear  it  to  a  wretched  end.     Wise  Jove  hath  reft  his  brain 
To  bring  him  plagues,  and  these  his  gifts  I,  as  my  foes,  disdain. 
Ev'n  in  the  numbness  of  calm  death  I  will  revengeful  be. 
Though  ten  or  twenty  times  so  much  he  would  bestow  on  me, 
All  he  hath  here,  or  any  where,  or  Orchomen  contains,  370 

To  which  men  bring  their  wealth  for  strength,  or  all  the  store  remains 
In  circuit  of  Egyptian  Thebes,  where  much  hid  treasure  lies, 
Whose  walls  contain  an  hundred  ports,  of  so  admir'd  a  size 

351  Prejudice — loss  to  myself. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  199 

Two  hundred  soldiers  may  a-front  with  horse  and  chariots  pass. 

Nor,  would  he  amplify  all  this  like  sand,  or  dust,  or  grass,  375 

Should  he  reclaim  me,  till  this  wreak  pay'd  me  for  all  the  pains 

That  with  his  contumely  hurn'd,  like  poison,  in  my  veins. 

Nor  shall  his  daughter  be  my  wife,  although  she  might  contend 

"With  golden  Venus  for  her  form,  or  if  she  did  transcend 

Blue-ey'd  Minerva  for  her  works  ;  let  him  a  Greek  select  330 

Fit  for  her,  and  a  greater  king.     For  if  the  Gods  protect 

My  safety  to  my  father's  court,  he  shall  choose  me  a  wife. 

Many  fair  Achive  princesses  of  unimpeached  life 

In  Helle  and  in  Phthia  live,  whose  sires  do  cities  hold, 

Of  whom  I  can  have  whom  I  will.     And,  more  an  hundred  fold         335 

My  true  mind  in  my  country  likes  to  take  a  lawful  wife 

Than  in  another  nation  ;  and  there  delight  my  life 

"With  those  goods  that  my  father  got,  much  rather  than  die  here. 

Not  all  the  wealth  of  well-built  Troy,  possess'd  when  peace  was  there, 

All  that  Apollo's  marble  fane  in  stony  Pythos  holds,  390 

I  value  equal  with  the  life  that  my  free  breast  enfolds. 

Sheep,  oxen,  tripods,  crest-deck'd  horse,  though  lost,  may  come  again, 

But  when  the  white  guard  of  our  teeth  no  longer  can  contain 

Our  human  soul,  away  it  flies,  and,  once  gone,  never  more 

To  her  frail  mansion  any  man  can  her  lost  pow'rs  restore.  395 

And  therefore  since  my  mother-queen,  fam'd  for  her  silver  feet, 

Told  me  two  fates  about  my  death  in  my  direction  meet : 

The  one,  that,  if  I  here  remain  t'  assist  our  victory, 

My  safe  return  shall  never  live,  my  fame  shall  never  die  ; 

If  my  return  obtain  success,  much  of  my  fame  decays,  400 

But  death  shall  linger  his  approach,  and  I  live  many  days. 

This  being  reveal'd,  'twere  foolish  pride,  t'  abridge  my  life  for  praise. 

Then  with  myself,  I  will  advise,  others  to  hoise  their  sail, 

For,  'gainst  the  height  of  Ilion,  you  never  shall  prevail, 

394  Once  gone — the  second  folio  erroneously  reads  "once  again." 


200  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Jove  with  his  hand  protecteth  it,  and  makes  the  soldiers  bold.  405 

This  tell  the  kings  in  ev'ry  part,  for  so  grave  legates  should, 

That  they  may  better  counsels  use,  to  save  their  fleet  and  friends 

By  their  own  valours  ;  since  this  course,  drown'd  in  my  anger,  ends. 

Phoenix  may  in  my  tent  repose,  and  in  the  morn  steer  course 

For  Phthia,  if  he  think  it  good  ;  if  not,  I'll  use  no  force."  410 

All  wonder'd  at  his  stern  reply  ;  and  Phoenix,  full  of  fears 
His  words  would  be  more  weak  than  just,  supplied  their  wants  with  tears. 

"  If  thy  return  incline  thee  thus,  Peleus'  renowned  joy, 
And  thou  wilt  let  our  ships  be  burn'd  with  harmful  fire  of  Troy, 
Since  thou  art  angry,  0  my  son,  how  shall  I  after  be  415 

Alone  in  these  extremes  of  death,  relinquished  by  thee  ? 
I,  whom  thy  royal  father  sent  as  ord'rer  of  thy  force, 
When  to  Atrides  from  his  court  he  left  thee  for  this  course, 
Yet  young,  and  when  in  skill  of  arms  thou  didst  not  so  abound, 
Nor  hadst  the  habit  of  discourse,  that  makes  men  so  renown'd.  420 

In  all  which  I  was  set  by  him,  t'  instruct  thee  as  my  son, 
That  thou  might'st  speak,  when  speech  was  fit,  and  do,  when  deeds  were 
Not  sit  as  dumb,  for  want  of  words,  idle,  for  skill  to  move.  [done, 

I  would  not  then  be  left  by  thee,  dear  son,  begot  in  love, 
No,  not  if  God  would  promise  me,  to  raze  the  prints  of  time  425 

Carv'd  in  my  bosom  and  my  brows,  and  grace  me  with  the  prime 
Of  manly  youth,  as  when  at  first  I  left  sweet  Helle's  shore 
Deck'd  with  fair  dames,  and  fled  the  grudge  my  angry  father  bore  ; 
Who  was  the  fair  Amyntor  call'd,  surnam'd  Ormenides, 
And  for  a  fair-hair'd  harlot's  sake,  that  his  affects  could  please,  430 

Contemn'd  my  mother,  his  true  wife,  who  ceaseless  urged  me 
To  use  his  harlot  Clytia,  and  still  would  clasp  my  knee 
To  do  her  will,  that  so  my  sire  might  turn  his  love  to  hate 
Of  that  lewd  dame,  converting  it  to  comfort  her  estate. 

406  Both  folios  have  "  Icing  ;  "  but  it  is  evident  from  the  context,  and  a  refer- 
ence to  the  original,  that  the  plural  is  the  true  reading. 

403  Thy  second  folio  reads,  "since  this  course  drowned  in  my  eager  ends." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  201 

At  last  I  was  content  to  prove  to  do  my  mother  good,  435 

And  reconcile  my  father's  love  ;  who  straight  suspicious  stood, 

Pursuing  me  with  many  a  curse,  and  to  the  Furies  pray'd 

No  dame  might  love,  nor  bring  me  seed.     The  Deities  obey'd 

That  govern  hell ;  infernal  Jove,  and  stern  Persephone. 

Then  durst  I  in  no  longer  date  with  my  stern  father  be.  440 

Yet  did  my  friends,  and  near  allies,  inclose  me  with  desires 

Not  to  depart ;  kill'd  sheep,  boars,  beeves  ;  roast  them  at  solemn  fires  ; 

And  from  my  father's  tuns  we  drunk  exceeding  store  of  wine. 

Nine  nights  they  guarded  me  by  turns,  their  fires  did  ceaseless  shine, 

One  in  the  porch  of  his  strong  hall,  and  in  the  portal  one,  445 

Before  my  chamber ;  but  when  day  beneath  the  tenth  night  shone, 

I  brake  my  chamber's  thick-fram'd  doors,  and  through  the  hall's  guard 

pass'd, 
Unseen  of  any  man  or  maid.     Through  Greece  then,  rich  and  vast, 
I  fled  to  Phthia,  nurse  of  sheep,  and  came  to  Peleus'  court ; 
Who  entertain'd  me  heartily,  and  in  as  gracious  sort  450 

As  any  sire  his  only  son,  born  when  his  strength  is  spent, 
And  bless'd  with  great  possessions  to  leave  to  his  descent. 
He  made  me  rich,  and  to  my  charge  did  much  command  commend. 
I  dwelt  in  th'  utmost  region  rich  Phthia  doth  extend, 
And  govern'd  the  Dolopians,  and  made  thee  what  thou  art,  455 

0  thou  that  like  the  Gods  art  fram'd.     Since,  dearest  to  my  heart, 

1  us'd  thee  so,  thou  lov'dst  none  else  ;  nor  anywhere  wouldst  eat, 
Till  I  had  crown'd  my  knee  with  thee,  and  carv'd  thee  tend'rest  meat, 
And  giv'n  thee  wine  so  much,  for  love,  that,  in  thy  infancy 

(Which  still  discretion  must  protect,  and  a  continual  eye)  400 

My  bosom  lovingly  sustain'd  the  wine  thine  could  not  bear. 
Then,  now  my  strength  needs  thine  as  much,  be  mine  to  thee  as  dear, 
Much  have  I  suffer'd  for  thy  love,  much  labour'd,  wished  much, 
Thinking,  since  I  must  have  no  heir  (the  Gods'  decrees  are  such) 

439  Infernal  Jove — Pluto. 

439  Persephone — the  Greek  form  ;  thus  the  first  folio.    The  second  has  "  Pro- 
servine." 


202  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

I  would  adopt  thyself  my  heir.     To  thee  my  heart  did  give  465 

What  any  sire  could  give  his  son.     In  thee  I  hop'd  to  live. 

O  mitigate  thy  mighty  spirits.     It  fits  not  one  that  moves 

The  hearts  of  all,  to  live  unmov'd,  and  succour  hates  for  loves. 

The  Gods  themselves  are  flexible  ;  whose  virtues,  honours,  pow'rs, 

Are  more  than  thine,  yet  they  will  bend  their  breasts  as  we  bend  ours. 

Perfumes,  benign  devotions,  savours  of  off'rings  burn'd,  471 

And  holy  rites,  the  engines  are  with  which  their  hearts  are  turn'd, 

By  men  that  pray  to  them,  whose  faith  their  sins  have  falsified. 

For  Pray'rs  are  daughters  of  great  Jove,  lame,  wrinkled,  ruddy-ey'd, 

And  ever  following  Injury,  who,  strong  and  sound  of  feet,  475 

Flies  through  the  world,  afflicting  men.     Believing  Prayers  yet, 

To  all  that  love  that  Seed  of  Jove,  the  certain  blessing  get 

To  have  Jove  hear,  and  help  them  too  ;  but  if  he  shall  refuse, 

And  stand  inflexible  to  them,  they  fly  to  Jove,  and  use 

Their  pow'rs  against  him,  that  the  wrongs  he  doth  to  them  may  fall 

On  his  own  head,  and  pay  those  pains  whose  cure  he  fails  to  call.        48i 

Then,  great  Achilles,  honour  thou  this  sacred  Seed  of  Jove, 

And  yield  to  them,  since  other  men  of  greatest  minds  they  move. 

If  Agamemnon  would  not  give  the  selfsame  gifts  he  vows, 

But  offer  other  afterwards,  and  in  his  still-bent  brows  4si 

Entomb  his  honour  and  his  word,  I  would  not  thus  exhort, 

With  wrath  appeas'd,  thy  aid  to  Greece,  though  plagu'd  in  heaviest  sort ; 

But  much  he  presently  will  give,  and  after  yield  the  rest. 

T'  assure  which  he  hath  sent  to  thee  the  men  thou  lovest  best, 

And  most  renown'd  of  all  the  host,  that  they  might  soften  thee.  490 

Then  let  not  both  their  pains  and  pray'rs  lost  and  despised  be, 

Before  which  none  could  reprehend  the  tumult  of  thy  heart, 

But  now  to  rest  inexpiate  were  much  too  rude  a  part. 

Of  ancient  worthies  we  have  heard,  when  they  were  more  displeas'd, 

To  their  high  fames,  wth  gifts  and  pray'rs  they  have  been  still  appeas'd. 

465  Thyself — the  second  folio  has  "myself." 
493  Red  inexpiate — remain  implacable. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  203 

For  instance,  I  remember  well  a  fact  perform'd  of  old,  496 

Which  to  you  all,  my  friends,  I'll  tell :  The  Curets  wars  did  hold 
With  the  well-fought  iEtolians,  where  mutual  lives  had  end 
About  the  city  Calydon.     Th'  iEtolians  did  defend 
Their  flourishing  country,  which  to  spoil  the  Curets  did  contend.        500 
Diana  with-the-golden-throne,  with  Oeneus  much  incens'd, 
Since  with  his  plenteous  land's  first  fruits  she  was  not  reverenc'd, 
(Yet  other  Gods,  with  hecatombs,  had  feasts,  and  she  alone, 
Great  Jove's  bright  daughter,  left  unserv'd,  or  by  oblivion, 
Or  undue  knowledge  of  her  dues)  much  hurt  in  heart  she  swore ;        505 
And  she,  enrag'd,  excited  much,  she  sent  a  sylvan  boar 
From  their  green  groves,  with  wounding  tusks  ;  who  usually  did  spoil 
King  Oeneus'  fields,  his  lofty  woods  laid  prostrate  on  the  soil, 
Kent  by  the  roots  trees  fresh,  adorn'd  with  fragrant  apple  fiow'rs. 
Which  Meleager  (Oeneus'  son)  slew,  with  assembled  pow'rs  510 

Of  hunters,  and  of  fiercest  hounds,  from  many  cities  brought ; 
For  such  he  was  that  with  few  lives  his  death  could  not  be  bought, 
Heaps  of  dead  humans,  by  his  rage,  the  fun'ral  piles  applied. 
Yet,  slain  at  last,  the  Goddess  stirr'd  about  his  head,  and  hide, 
A  wondrous  tumult,  and  a  war  betwixt  the  Curets  wrought  515 

And  brave  iEtolians.     All  the  while  fierce  Meleager  fought, 
Ill-far'd  the  Curets  ;  near  the  walls  none  durst  advance  his  crest, 
Though  they  were  many.    But  when  wrath  inflam'd  his  haughty  breast 
(Which  oft  the  firm  mind  of  the  wise  with  passion  doth  infest) 
Since  'twixt  his  mother-queen  and  him  arose  a  deadly  strife,  520 

He  left  the  court,  and  privately  liv'd  with  his  lawful  wife, 
Fair  Cleopatra,  female  birth  of  bright  Marpessa's  pain, 
And  of  Ideus  ;  who  of  all  terrestrial  men  did  reign, 
At  that  time,  king  of  fortitude,  and  for  Marpessa's  sake, 
'Gainst  wanton  Phoebus,  king  of  flames,  his  bow  in  hand  did  take,      523 
Since  he  had  ravish'd  her,  his  joy  ;  whom  her  friends  after  gave 
The  surname  of  Alcyone,  because  they  could  not  save 

607  Usually—- as  is  their  wont. 


204  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Their  daughter  from  Alcyone's  fate.     In  Cleopatra's  arms 

Lay  Meleager,  feeding  on  his  anger,  for  the  harms 

His  mother  pray'd  might  fall  on  him  ;  who,  for  her  brother  slain        530 

By  Meleager,  griev'd,  and  pray'd  the  Gods  to  wreak  her  pain 

With  all  the  horror  could  be  pour'd  upon  her  furious  birth. 

Still  knock'd  she  with  her  impious  hands  the  many-feeding  earth, 

To  urge  stern  Pluto  and  his  Queen  t'  incline  their  vengeful  ears, 

Fell  on  her  knees,  and  all  her  breast  dew'd  with  her  fl'ry  tears,  535 

To  make  them  massacre  her  son,  whose  wrath  enrag'd  her  thus. 

Erinnys,  wand'ring  through  the  air,  heard,  out  of  Erebus, 

Pray'rs  fit  for  her  unpleased  mind.     Yet  Meleager  lay 

Obscur'd  in  fury.     Then  the  bruit  of  the  tumultuous  fray 

Rung  through  the  turrets  as  they  scal'd  ;  then  came  th'  iEtolian  peers 

To  Meleager  with  low  suits,  to  rise  and  free  their  fears  ;  541 

Then  sent  they  the  chief  priests  of  Gods,  with  offer'd  gifts  t'  atone 

His  diff'ring  fury,  bade  him  choose,  in  sweet-soil'd  Calydon, 

Of  the  most  fat  and  yieldy  soil,  what  with  an  hundred  steers 

Might  in  a  hundred  days  be  plough'd,  half  that  rich  vintage  bears,      545 

And  half  of  naked  earth  to  plough  ;  yet  yielded  not  his  ire. 

Then  to  his  lofty  chamber-door,  ascends  his  royal  sire 

With  ruthful  plaints,  shook  the  strong  bars  ;  then  came  his  sisters'  cries  ; 

His  mother  then  ;  and  all  intreat ; — yet  still  more  stiff  he  lies  ; — 

His  friends,  most  rev'rend,  most  esteem'd  ;  yet  none  impression  took, 

Till  the  high  turrets  where  he  lay,  and  his  strong  chamber,  shook      551 

With  the  invading  enemy,  who  now  forc'd  dreadful  way 

Along  the  city.     Then  his  wife,  in  pitiful  dismay, 

Besought  him,  weeping  ;  telling  him  the  miseries  sustain'd 

By  all  the  citizens,  whose  town  the  enemy  had  gain'd  ;  655 

Men  slaughter'd  ;  children  bondslaves  made  ;  sweet  ladies  forc'd  with 

lust  ; 
Fires  climbing  tow'rs,  and  turning  them  to  heaps  of  fruitless  dust. 

538  Unpleased — implacable. 

5i3  Differing  —angry.    As  we  use  the  word  a  difference  in  the  sense  of  a  quarrel. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  205 

These  dangers  soften'd  his  steel  heart.     Up  the  stout  prince  arose, 

Indu'd  his  body  with  rich  arms,  and  freed  th'  iEtolian's  woes, 

His  smother'd  anger  giving  air  ;  which  gifts  did  not  assuage,  sco 

But  his  own  peril.     And  because  he  did  not  disengage 

Their  lives  for  gifts,  their  gifts  he  lost.     But  for  my  sake,  dear  friend, 

Be  not  thou  bent  to  see  our  plights  to  these  extremes  descend, 

Ere  thou  assist  us  ;  be  not  so  by  thy  ill  angel  turn'd 

From  thine  own  honour.     It  were  shame  to  see  onr  navy  burn'd,         565 

And  then  come  with  thy  timeless  aid.     For  offer'd  presents,  come, 

And  all  the  Greeks  will  honour  thee,  as  of  celestial  room. 

But  if  without  these  gifts  thou  fight,  forc'd  by  thy  private  woe, 

Thou  wilt  be  nothing  so  renown'd,  though  thou  repel  the  foe." 

Achilles  answer'd  the  last  part  of  this  oration  thus  :  sro 

"  Phoenix,  renown'd  and  reverend,  the  honours  urg'd  on  us 
We  need  not.     Jove  doth  honour  me,  and  to  my  safety  sees, 
And  will,  whiles  I  retain  a  spirit,  or  can  command  my  knees. 
Then  do  not  thou  with  tears  and  woes  impassion  my  affects, 
Becoming  gracious  to  my  foe.     Nor  fits  it  the  respects  srs 

Of  thy  vow'd  love  to  honour  him  that  hath  dishonour'd  me, 
Lest  such  loose  kindness  lose  his  heart  that  yet  is  firm  to  thee. 
It  were  thy  praise  to  hurt  with  me  the  hurter  of  my  state, 
Since  half  my  honour  and  my  realm  thou  mayst  participate. 
Let  these  lords  then  return  th'  event,  and  do  thou  here  repose,  sso 

And,  when  dark  sleep  breaks  with  the  day,  our  counsels  shall  disclose 
The  course  of  our  return  or  stay."     This  said,  he  with  his  eye 
Made  to  his  friend  a  covert  sign,  to  hasten  instantly 
A  good  soft  bed,  that  the  old  prince,  soon  as  the  peers  were  gone, 
Might  take  his  rest ;  when,  soldier-like,  brave  Ajax  Telamon  685 


567  As  of  celestial  room — as  one  of  the  family  of  the  Gods. 
570  The  second  folio  has  "  his,"  which  Dr.  Taylor  has  followed. 
574  Impassion  my  affects — passionately  appeal  to  my  feelings. 
580  Return  the  event — tell  the  issue  of  their  embassy.     We  use  the  word,  to 
make  a  parliamentary  return. 


206  THE  NINTH  BOOK 

Spake  to  Ulysses,  as  with,  thought  Achilles  was  not  worth 
The  high  direction  of  his  speech,  that  stood  so  sternly  forth 
Unniov'd  with  th'  other  orators,  and  spake,  not  to  appease 
Pelides'  wrath,  but  to  depart.     His  arguments  were  these  : 

"  High-issu'd  Laertiades,  let  us  insist  no  more  690 

On  his  persuasion.     I  perceive  the  world  would  end  before 
Our  speeches  end  in  this  affair.     We  must  with  utmost  haste 
Eeturn  his  answer,  though  but  bad.     The  peers  are  elsewhere  plac'd, 
And  will  not  rise  till  we  return.     Great  Thetis'  son  hath  stor'd 
Proud  wrath  within  him,  as  his  wealth,  and  will  not  be  implor'd,       595 
Eude  that  he  is,  nor  his  friends'  love  respects,  do  what  they  can, 
Wherein  past  all,  we  honour'd  him.     0  unremorseful  man  ! 
Another  for  his  brother  slain,  another  for  his  son, 
Accepts  of  satisfaction  ;  and  he  the  deed  hath  done 
Lives  in  belov'd  society  long  after  his  amends,  coo 

To  which  his  foe's  high  heart,  for  gifts,  with  patience  condescends  ; 
But  thee  a  wild  and  cruel  spirit  the  Gods  for  plague  have  giv'n, 
And  for  one  girl,  of  whose  fair  sex  we  come  to  offer  sev'n, 
The  most  exempt  for  excellence,  and  many  a  better  prise. 
Then  put  a  sweet  mind  in  thy  breast,  respect  thy  own  allies,  gos 

Though  others  make  thee  not  remiss.     A  multitude  we  are, 
Sprung  of  thy  royal  family,  and  our  supremest  care 
Is  to  be  most  familiar,  and  hold  most  love  with  thee 
Of  all  the  Greeks,  how  great  an  host  soever  here  there  be." 

He  answer'd  :  "Noble  Telamon,  prince  of  our  soldiers  here,  010 

Out  of  thy  heart  I  know  thou  speak'st,  and  as  thou  hold'st  me  dear  ; 
But  still  as  often  as  I  think,  how  rudely  I  was  us'd, 
And,  like  a  stranger,  for  all  rites,  fit  for  our  good,  refus'd, 
My  heart  doth  swell  against  the  man,  that  durst  be  so  profane 
To  violate  his  sacred  place  ;  not  for  my  private  bane,  eis 

But  since  wrack'd  virtue's  gen'ral  laws  he  shameless  did  infringe  ; 
For  whose  sake  I  will  loose  the  reins,  and  give  mine  anger  swinge, 
697  Unremorseful— See  Bk.  VIII.  208. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  207 

Without  my  wisdom's  least  impeach.     He  is  a  fool,  and  base, 

That  pities  vice-plagu'd  minds,  when  pain,  not  love  of  right,  gives  place. 

And  therefore  tell  your  king,  my  lords,  my  just  wrath  will  not  care    620 

For  all  his  cares,  before  my  tents  and  navy  charged  are 

By  Avarlike  Hector,  making  way  through  flocks  of  Grecian  lives, 

Enlighten'd  by  their  naval  fire  ;  but  when  his  rage  arrives 

About  my  tent,  and  sable  bark,  I  doubt  not  but  to  shield 

Them  and  myself,  and  make  him  fly  the  there  strong-bounded  field." 

This  said,  each  one  but  kiss'd  the  cup,  and  to  the  ships  retir'd  ;        626 
Ulysses  first.     Patroclus  then  the  men  and  maids  requir'd 
To  make  grave  Phoenix'  bed  with  speed,  and  see  he  nothing  lacks. 
They  straight  obey'd,  and  thereon  laid  the  subtile  fruit  of  flax, 
And  warm  sheep-fells  for  covering  ;  and  there  the  old  man  slept,        630 
Attending  till  the  golden  Morn  her  usual  station  kept. 
Achilles  lay  in  th'  inner  room  of  his  tent  richly  wrought, 
And  that  fair  lady  by  his  side,  that  he  from  Lesbos  brought, , 
Bright  Diomeda,  Phorbas'  seed.     Patroclus  did  embrace 
The  beauteous  Iphis,  giv'n  to  him,  when  his  bold  friend  did  race        635 
The  lofty  Scyrus  that  was  kept  in  Enyeius'  hold. 

Now  at  the  tent  of  Atreus'  son,  each  man  with  cups  of  gold 
Eeceiv'd  th'  ambassadors  return'd.     All  cluster'd  near  to  know 
What  news  they  brought ;  which  first  the  king  would  have  Ulysses  show  : 
"  Say,  most  praiseworthy  Ithacus,  the  Grecians'  great  renown,  C40 

Will  he  defend  us  ?     Or  not  yet  will  his  proud  stomach  down  ?" 

Ulysses  made  reply  :  "  Not  yet  will  he  appeased  be, 
But  grows  more  wrathful,  prizing  light  thy  offer'd  gifts  and  thee, 
And  wills  thee  to  consult  with  us,  and  take  some  other  course 
To  save  our  army  and  our  fleet,  and  says,  '  with  all  his  force,  645 

The  morn  shall  light  him  on  his  way  to  Phthia's  wished  soil, 
For  never  shall  high-seated  Troy  be  sack'd  with  all  our  toil, 

629  Subtile — Latin  subtilis,  fine.   Ben  Jonson  uses  the  word  in  this  sense  (Cati- 
line, II.  3)  when  he  speaks  of  "  subtile  lips."     Shakespeare,  (Corioianus,  v.  2.) 

"  Like  to  a  bowl  upon  a  subtile  ground," 
where  it  refers  to  the  smoothness  of  the  bowling  ground. 


208       THE  NINTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 

Jove  holds  his  hand  'twixt  us  and  it,  the  soldiers  gather  heart.' 

Thus  he  replies,  which  Ajax  here  can  equally  impart, 

And  hoth  these  heralds.     Phoenix  stays,  for  so  was  his  desire,  650 

To  go  with  him,  if  he  thought  good  ;  if  not,  he  might  retire." 

All  wonder'd  he  should  he  so  stern  ;  at  last  hold  Diomed  spake  : 

"  Would  God,  Atrides,  thy  request  were  yet  to  undertake, 
And  all  thy  gifts  unoffer'd  him  !     He's  proud  enough  beside, 
But  this  ambassage  thou  hast  sent  will  make  him  hurst  with  pride.     655 
But  let  us  suffer  him  to  stay,  or  go,  at  his  desire, 
Fight  when  his  stomach  serves  him  best,  or  when  Jove  shall  inspire. 
Meanwhile,  our  watch  being  strongly  held,  let  us  a  little  rest 
After  our  food  ;  strength  lives  by  both,  and  virtue  is  their  guest. 
Then  when  the  rosy-finger'd  Morn  holds  out  her  silver  light,  660 

Bring  forth  thy  host,  encourage  all,  and  be  thou  first  in  fight." 

The  kings  admir'd  the  fortitude,  that  so  divinely  mov'd 
The  skilful  horseman  Diomed,  and  his  advice  approv'd. 
Then  with  their  nightly  sacrifice  each  took  his  sev'ral  tent, 
Where  all  receiv'd  the  sov'reign  gifts  soft  Somnus  did  present.  665 

659   Ylrtue  is  their  guest — valour  accompanies  food  and  rest. 


THE  END  OF  THE  NINTH  BOOK. 


THE  TENTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


The  Argument. 

Th'  Atrides,  watching,  wake  the  other  peers, 

And  (in  the  fort,  consulting  of  their  fears) 

Two  kings  they  send,  most  stout,  and  honour'd  most, 

For  royal  scouts,  into  the  Trojan  host ; 

Who  meeting  Dolon,  Hector's  bribed  spy, 

Take  him,  and  learn  how  all  the  quarters  lie. 

He  told  them,  in  the  Thracian  regiment 

Of  rich  king  Rhesus,  and  his  royal  tent, 

Striving  for  safety  ;  but  they  end  his  strife, 

And  rid  poor  Dolon  of  a  dang'rous  life. 

Then  with  digressive  wiles  they  use  their  force 

On  Rhesus'  life,  and  take  his  snowy  horse. 


Another  Argument. 

Kappa  the  night  exploits  applies  : 
Rhesus'  and  Uolon's  tragedies. 


HE  other  princes  at  their  ships  soft-finger'd  sleep  did  bind, 
But  not  the  Gen'ral ;  Somnus'  silks  bound  not  his  labour- 
ing mind 
That  turn'd,  and  return'd,  many  thoughts.    And  as  quick 
lightnings  fly, 
From  well-deck'd  Juno's  sovereign,  out  of  the  thicken'd  sky, 

3  "  These  are  the  lightnings  before  snow,  &c.  that  Scaliger's  Criticus  so  un- 
worthily taxeth  ;  citing  the  place  falsely,  as  in  the  third  book's  annotations, 
&c." — Chapman. 

VOL.   I.  O 


210  THE   TENTH  BOOK 

Preparing  some  exceeding  rain,  or  hail,  the  fruit  of  cold,  5 

Or  down-like  snow  that  suddenly  makes  all  the  fields  look  old, 

Or  opes  the  gulfy  mouth  of  war  with  his  ensulphur'd  hand, 

In  dazzling  flashes  pour'd  from  clouds,  on  any  punish'd  land  ; 

So  from  Atrides5  troubled  heart,  through  his  dark  sorrows,  flew 

Eedoubled  sighs  ;  his  entrails  shook,  as  often  as  his  view  10 

Admir'd  the  multitude  of  fires,  that  gilt  the  Phrygian  shade, 

And  heard  the  sounds  of  fifes,  and  shawms,  and  tumults  soldiers  made. 

But  when  he  saw  his  fleet  and  host  kneel  to  his  care  and  love, 

He  rent  his  hair  up  by  the  roots  as  sacrifice  to  Jove, 

Burnt  in  his  fi'ry  sighs,  still  breath'd  out  of  his  royal  heart,  15 

And  first  thought  good  to  Nestor's  care  his  sorrows  to  impart, 

To  try  if  royal  diligence,  with  his  approv'd  advice, 

Might  fashion  counsels  to  prevent  their  threaten'd  miseries. 

So  up  he  rose,  attir'd  himself,  and  to  his  strong  feet  tied 
Rich  shoes,  and  cast  upon  his  back  a  ruddy  lion's  hide,  20 

So  ample  it  his  ankles  reach'd,  then  took  his  royal  spear. 

Like  him  was  Menelaus  pierc'd  with  an  industrious  fear, 
Nor  sat  sweet  slumber  on  his  eyes,  lest  bitter  fates  should  quite 
The  Greeks'  high  favours,  that  for  him  resolv'd  such  endless  fight. 
And  first  a  freckled  panther's  hide  hid  his  broad  back  athwart ;  25 

His  head  his  brazen  helm  did  arm  ;  his  able  hand  his  dart ; 
Then  made  he  all  his  haste  to  raise  his  brother's  head  as  rare, 
That  he  who  most  excell'd  in  rule  might  help  t'  effect  his  care. 
He  found  him,  at  his  ship's  crook'd  stern,  adorning  him  with  arms  ; 
Who  joy'd  to  see  his  brother's  spirits  awak'd  without  alarms,  30 

Well  weighing  th'  importance  of  the  time.    And  first  the  younger  spake  : 

"Why,  brother,  are  ye  arming  thus  1     Is  it  to  undertake 
The  sending  of  some  vent'rous  Greek,  t'  explore  the  foe's  intent  1 
Alas  !  I  greatly  fear,  not  one  will  give  that  work  consent, 
Expos'd  alone  to  all  the  fears  that  flow  in  gloomy  night.  35 

He  that  doth  this  must  know  death  well,  in  which  ends  ev'ry  fright." 
23  Quite — requite,  put  a  stop  to. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  211 

"  Brother,"  said  he,  "  in  these  affairs  we  both  must  use  advice, 
Jove  is  against  us,  and  accepts  great  Hector's  sacrifice. 
For  I  have  never  seen,  nor  heard,  in  one  day,  and  by  one, 
So  many  high  attempts  well  urg'd,  as  Hector's  pow'r  hath  done  40 

Against  the  hapless  sons  of  Greece  ;  being  chiefly  dear  to  Jove, 
And  "without  cause,  being  neither  fruit  of  any  Goddess'  love, 
Nor  helpful  God  ;  and  yet  I  fear  the  deepness  of  his  hand, 
Ere  it  be  ras'd  out  of  our  thoughts,  will  many  years  withstand. 
But,  brother,  hie  thee  to  thy  ships,  and  Idomen's  dis-ease  45 

With  warlike  Ajax  ;  I  will  haste  to  grave  Neleides, 
Exhorting  him  to  rise,  and  give  the  sacred  watch  command, 
For  they  will  specially  embrace  incitement  at  his  hand, 
And  now  his  son  their  captain  is,  and  Idomen's  good  friend, 
Bold  Merion,  to  whose  discharge  we  did  that  charge  commend."  50 

"  Command'st  thou  then,"  his  brother  ask'd,  "  that  I  shall  tarry  here 
Attending  thy  resolv'd  approach,  or  else  the  message  bear, 
And  quickly  make  return  to  thee  1 "     He  answer'd  :  "  Rather  stay, 
Lest  otherwise  we  fail  to  meet,  for  many  a  diff rent  way 
Lies  through  our  labyrinthian  host.     Speak  ever  as  you  go,  65 

Command  strong  watch,  from  sire  to  son  urge  all  t'  observe  the  foe, 
Familiarly,  and  with  their  praise,  exciting  ev'ry  eye, 
Not  with  unseason'd  violence  of  proud  authority. 
We  must  our  patience  exercise,  and  work  ourselves  with  them, 
Jove  in  our  births  combin'd  such  care  to  either's  diadem."  eo 

Thus  he  dismiss'd  him,  knowing  well  his  charge  before  he  went. 
Himself  to  Nestor,  whom  he  found  in  bed  within  his  tent, 
By  him  his  damask  curets  hung,  his  shield,  a  pair  of  darts, 
His  shining  casque,  his  arming  waist ;  in  these  he  led  the  hearts 
Of  his  apt  soldiers  to  sharp  war,  not  yielding  to  his  years.  65 

He  quickly  started  from  his  bed,  when  to  his  watchful  ears 
Untimely  feet  told  some  approach  ;  he  took  his  lance  in  hand, 
And  spake  to  him :  " Ho,  what  art  thou  that  walk'st  at  midnight  1    Stand. 
46  Dis-ease — disturb,  arouse.  63  Damask — inlaid. 


212  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

Is  any  wanting  at  the  guards  ?     Or  lack'st  thou  any  peer  1 

Speak,  come  not  silent  towards  me  ;  say,  what  intend'st  thou  here  ? "  70 

He  answer'd  :  "  O  Neleides,  grave  honour  of  our  host, 
'Tis  Agamemnon  thou  mayst  know,  whom  Jove  afflicteth  most 
Of  all  the  wretched  men  that  live,  and  will,  whilst  any  breath 
Gives  motion  to  my  toiled  limbs,  and  bears  me  up  from  death. 
I  walk  the  round  thus,  since  sweet  sleep  cannot  inclose  mine  eyes,        75 
Nor  shut  those  organs  care  breaks  ope  for  our  calamities. 
My  fear  is  vehement  for  the  Greeks  ;  my  heart,  the  fount  of  heat, 
With  his  extreme  affects  made  cold,  without  my  breast  doth  beat ; 
And  therefore  are  my  sinews  strook  with  trembling  ;  eVry  part 
Of  what  my  friends  may  feel  hath  act  in  my  dispersed  heart.  so 

But,  if  thou  think'st  of  any  course  may  to  our  good  redound, 
(Since  neither  thou  thyself  canst  sleep)  come,  walk  with  me  the  round  ; 
In  way  whereof  we  may  confer,  and  look  to  ev'ry  guard, 
Lest  watching  long,  and  weariness  with  labouring  so  hard, 
Drown  their  oppressed  memories  of  what  they  have  in  charge.  85 

The  liberty  we  give  the  foe,  alas,  is  over  large, 
Their  camp  is  almost  mix'd  with  ours,  and  we  have  forth  no  spies 
To  learn  their  drifts  ;  who  may  perchance  this  night  intend  surprise.'"' 

Grave  Nestor  answer'd  :  "  Worthy  king,  let  good  hearts  bear 
our  ill. 
Jove  is  not  bound  to  perfect  all  this  busy  Hector's  will ;  90 

But  I  am  confidently  giv'n,  his  thoughts  are  much  dismay'd 
With  fear,  lest  our  distress  incite  Achilles  to  our  aid, 
And  therefore  will  not  tempt  his  fate,  nor  ours,  with  further  pride. 
But  I  will  gladly  follow  thee,  and  stir  up  more  beside  ; 
Tydides,  famous  for  his  lance  ;  Ulysses  ;  Telamon  ;  95 

And  bold  Phyleus'  valiant  heir.     Or  else,  if  any  one 
Would  haste  to  call  king  Idomen,  and  Ajax,  since  their  sail 
Lie  so  remov'd,  with  much  good  speed,  it  might  our  haste  avail. 
But,  though  he  be  our  honour'd  friend,  thy  brother  I  will  blame, 
Not  fearing  if  1  anger  thee.     It  is  his  utter  shame  100 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  213 

He  should  commit  all  pains  to  thee,  that  should  himself  employ, 

Past  all  our  princes,  in  the  care,  and  cure,  of  our  annoy, 

And  be  so  far  from  needing  spurs  to  these  his  due  respects, 

He  should  apply  our  spirits  himself,  with  pray'rs  and  urg'd  affects. 

Necessity  (a  law  to  laws,  and  not  to  be  endur'd)  105 

Makes  proof  of  all  his  faculties,  not  sound  if  not  inur'd." 

"  Good  father,"   said    the    king,    "  sometimes    you    know    I    have 
desir'd 
You  would  improve  his  negligence,  too  oft  to  ease  retir'd. 
Nor  is  it  for  defect  of  spirit,  or  compass  of  his  brain, 
But  with  observing  my  estate,  he  thinks,  he  should  abstain  no 

Till  I  commanded,  knowing  my  place  ;  unwilling  to  assume, 
For  being  my  brother,  anything  might  prove  he  did  presume. 
But  now  he  rose  before  me  far,  and  came  t'  avoid  delays, 
And  I  have  sent  him  for  the  men  yourself  desir'd  to  raise. 
Come,  we  shall  find  them  at  the  guards  we  plac'd  before  the  fort,        115 
For  thither  my  direction  was  they  should  with  speed  resort." 

"Why  now,"  said  Nestor,   "none  will  grudge,  nor  his  just   rule 
withstand. 
Examples  make  excitements  strong,  and  sweeten  a  command." 

Thus  put  he  on  his  arming  truss,  fair  shoes  upon  his  feet, 
About  him  a  mandilion,  that  did  with  buttons  meet,  120 

Of  purple,  large,  and  full  of  folds,  curl'd  with  a  warmful  nap, 
A  garment  that  'gainst  cold  in  nights  did  soldiers  use  to  wrap  ; 
Then  took  he  his  strong  lance  in  hand,  made  sharp  with  proved  steel, 
And  went  along  the  Grecian  fleet.     First  at  Ulysses'  keel 
He  call'd,  to  break  the  silken  fumes  that  did  his  senses  bind.  125 

The  voice  through  th'  organs  of  his  ears  straight  rung  about  his  mind. 

108  /mprove — reprove.  An  unusual  signification.  Nares  quotes  two  au- 
thorities. 

114  Both  the  folios  read  "man."  Dr.  Taylor  has  "men,"  which  the  context 
requires. 

120  Mandilion — "  A  loose  cassock  such  as  souldiers  use  to  wear." — Blount, 
Glossograph.     From  Ital. 


214  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

Forth  came  Ulysses,  asking  him  :  "  Why  stir  ye  thus  so  late  ? 

Sustain  we  such  enforcive  cause  ?  "     He  answer'd,  "  Our  estate 

Doth  force  this  perturbation  ;  vouchsafe  it,  worthy  friend, 

And  come,  let  us  excite  one  more,  to  counsel  of  some  end  130 

To  our  extremes,  by  fight,  or  flight."     He  back,  and  took  his  shield, 

And  both  took  course  to  Diomed.     They  found  him  laid  in  field, 

Far  from  his  tent ;  his  armour  by  ;  about  him  was  dispread 

A  ring  of  soldiers,  ev'ry  man  his  shield  beneath  his  head  ; 

His  spear  fix'd  by  him  as  he  slept,  the  great  end  in  the  ground,  135 

The  point,  that  bristled  the  dark  earth,  cast  a  reflection  round 

Like  pallid  lightnings  thrown  from  Jove  ;  thus  this  heroe  lay, 

And  under  him  a  big  ox-hide  ;  his  royal  head  had  stay 

On  arras  hangings,  rolled  up  ;  whereon  he  slept  so  fast, 

That  Nestor  stirr'd  him  with  his  foot,  and  chid  to  see  him  cast  140 

In  such  deep  sleep  in  such  deep  woes,  and  ask'd  him  why  he  spent 

All  night  in  sleep,  or  did  not  hear  the  Trojans  near  his  tent, 

Their  camp  drawn  close  upon  their  dike,  small  space  'twixt  foes  and  foes  1 

He,  starting  up,  said,  "  Strange  old  man,  that  never  tak'st  repose, 
Thou  art  too  patient  of  our  toil.     Have  we  not  men  more  young,         145 
To  be  employ'd  from  king  to  king  ?     Thine  age  hath  too  much  wrong." 

"  Said  like  a  king,"  replied  the  sire,  "for  I  have  sons  renown'd, 
And  there  are  many  other  men,  might  go  this  toilsome  round  ; 
But,  you  must  see,  imperious  Need  hath  all  at  her  command. 
Now  on  the  eager  razor's  edge,  for  life  or  death,  we  stand  150 

Then  go  (thou  art  the  younger  man)  and  if  thou  love  my  ease, 
Call  swift-foot  Ajax  up  thyself,  and  young  Phyleides." 

This  said,  he  on  his  shoulders  cast  a  yellow  lion's  hide, 
Big,  and  reach'd  earth  ;  then  took  his  spear,  and  Nestor's  will  applied, 
Kais'd  the  heroes,  brought  them  both.     All  met ;  the  round  they  went, 
And  found  not  any  captain  there  asleep  or  negligent,  155 

148  And  there  are,  &-c. — The  second  folio  reads,  "  As  there  are;  "  and  so  Dr. 
Taylor. 

loo  « ' e„-j  tl(poC  iararai  a.K/j.rjs.  This  went  into  a  proverb,  used  by  Theocritus, 
in  Dioscuris,  out  of  Homer." — Chafman. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  215 

But  waking,  and  in  arms,  gave  ear  to  ev'ry  lowest  sound. 

And  as  keen  dogs  keep  sheep  in  cotes,  or  folds  of  hurdles  bound, 

And  grin  at  ev'ry  breach  of  air,  envious  of  all  that  moves,  159 

Still  list'ning  when  the  rav'nous  beast  stalks  through  the  hilly  groves, 

Then  men  and  dogs  stand  on  their  guards,  and  mighty  tumults  make, 

Sleep  wanting  weight  to  close  one  wink  ;  so  did  the  captains  wake, 

That  kept  the  watch  the  whole  sad  night,  all  with  intentive  ear 

Converted  to  the  enemies'  tents,  that  they  might  timely  hear 

If  they  were  stirring  to  surprise  ;  which  Nestor  joy'd  to  see.  165 

"  Why  so,  dear  sons,  maintain  your  watch,  sleep  not  a  wink,"  said  he, 
"  Rather  than  make  your  fames  the  scorn  of  Trojan  perjury." 

This  said,  he  foremost  pass'd  the  dike,  the  others  seconded, 
Ev'n  all  the  kings  that  had  been  call'd  to  council  from  the  bed, 
And  with  them  went  Meriones,  and  Nestor's  famous  son  ;  170 

For  both  were  call'd  by  all  the  kings  to  consultation. 
Beyond  the  dike  they  choos'd  a  place,  near  as  they  could  from  blood, 
Where  yet  appear'd  the  falls  of  some,  and  whence,  the  crimson  flood 
Of  Grecian  lives  being  pour'd  on  earth  by  Hector's  furious  chace, 
He  made  retreat,  when  night  repour'd  grim  darkness  in  his  face.  175 

There  sat  they  down,  and  Nestor  spake  :  "  0  friends,  remains  not  one 
That  will  rely  on  his  bold  mind,  and  view  the  camp,  alone, 
Of  the  proud  Trojans,  to  approve  if  any  straggling  mate 
He  can  surprise  near  th'  utmost  tents,  or  learn  the  brief  estate 
Of  their  intentions  for  the  time,  and  mix  like  one  of  them  iso 

With  their  outguards,  expiscating  if  the  renown'd  extreme 
They  force  on  us  will  serve  their  turns,  with  glory  to  retire, 
Or  still  encamp  thus  far  from  Troy  1     This  may  he  well  inquire, 
And  make  a  brave  retreat  untouch'd  ;  and  this  would  win  him  fame 
Of  all  men  canopied  with  heav'n,  and  ev'ry  man  of  name ,  i85 

In  all  this  host  shall  honour  him  with  an  enriching  meed, 
A  black  ewe  and  her  sucking  lamb  (rewards  that  now  exceed 

157  Dr.  Taylor,  with  the  second  folio,  reads  "give  ear." 
1B1  Expiscatiny — inquiring  into,  fishing  out. 


216  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

All  other  best  possessions,  in  all  men's  choice  requests) 

And  still  be  bidden  by  our  kings  to  kind  and  royal  feasts."  189 

All  rev'renc'd  one  another's  worth  ;  and  none  would  silence  break, 
Lest  worst  should  take  best  place  of  speech  ;  at  last  did  Diomed  speak  : 

"  Nestor,  thou  ask'st  if  no  man  here  have  heart  so  well  inclin'd 
To  work  this  stratagem  on  Troy  1     Yes,  I  have  such  a  mind. 
Yet,  if  some  other  prince  would  join,  more  probable  will  be 
The  strengthen  d  hope  of  our  exploit.     Two  may  together  see  195 

(One  going  before  another  still)  sly  danger  ev'ry  way  ; 
One  spirit  upon  another  works,  and  takes  with  firmer  stay 
The  benefit  of  all  his  pow'rs  ;  for  though  one  knew  his  course, 
Yet  might  he  well  distrust  himself,  which  th'  other  might  enforce." 

This  offer  ev'ry  man  assum'd  ;  all  would  with  Diomed  go  ;  200 

The  two  Ajaces,  Merion,  and  Menelaus  too  ; 
But  Nestor's  son  enforc'd  it  much  ;  and  hardy  Ithacus, 
Who  had  to  ev'ry  vent'rous  deed  a  mind  as  venturous. 

Amongst  all  these  thus  spake  the  king  :  "  Tydides,  most  belov'd, 
Choose  thy  associate  worthily  ;  a  man  the  most  approv'd  205 

For  use  and  strength  in  these  extremes.     Many  thou  seest  stand  forth  ; 
But  choose  not  thou  by  height  of  place,  but  by  regard  of  worth, 
Lest  with  thy  nice  respect  of  right  to  any  man's  degree, 
Thou  wrong'st  thy  venture,  choosing  one  least  fit  to  join  with  thee, 
Although  perhaps  a  greater  king."     This  spake  he  with  suspect  210 

That  Diomed,  for  honour's  sake,  his  brother  would  select. 

Then  said  Tydides :  "  Since  thou  giv'st  my  judgment  leave   to 
choose, 
How  can  it  so  much  truth  forget  Ulysses  to  refuse, 
That  bears  a  mind  so  most  exempt,  and  vig'rous  in  th'  effect 
Of  all  high  labours,  and  a  man  Pallas  doth  most  respect  1  215 

We  shall  return  through  burning  fire,  if  I  with  him  combine, 
He  sets  strength  in  so  true  a  course,  with  counsels  so  divine." 

Ulysses,  loth  to  be  esteem'd  a  lover  of  his  praise, 
With  such  exceptions  humbled  him  as  did  him  higher  raise, 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  217 

And  said  :  "  Tydides,  praise  me  not  more  than  free  truth  will  bear,    220 
Nor  yet  impair  me  ;  they  are  Greeks  that  give  judicial  ear. 
But  come,  the  morning  hastes,  the  stars  are  forward  in  their  course, 
Two  parts  of  night  are  past,  the  third  is  left  t'employ  our  force." 
Now  borrow'd  they  for  haste  some  arms.     Bold  Thrasymedes  lent 
Advent'rous  Diomed  his  sword  (his  own  was  at  his  tent)  225 

His  shield,  and  helm  tough  and  well-tann'd,  without  or  plume  or 

crest, 
And  call'd  a  murrion,  archers'  heads  it  used  to  invest. 
Meriones  lent  Ithacus  his  quiver  and  his  bow, 
His  helmet  fashion'd  of  a  hide  ;  the  workman  did  bestow 
Much  labour  in  it,  quilting  it  with  bow-strings,  and  without  230 

With  snowy  tusks  of  white-mouth'd  boars  'twas  armed  round  about 
Right  cunningly,  and  in  the  midst  an  arming  cap  was  plac'd, 
That  with  the  fix'd  ends  of  the  tusks  his  head  might  not  be  ras'd. 
This,  long  since,  by  Autolycus  was  brought  from  Eleon, 
"When  he  laid  waste  Amyutor's  house,  that  was  Ormenus'  son.  233 

In  Scandia,  to  Cytherius,  surnam'd  Amphidamas, 
Autolycus  did  give  this  helm  ;  he,  when  he  feasted  was 
By  honour'd  Molus,  gave  it  him,  as  present  of  a  guest ; 
Molus  to  his  son  Merion  did  make  it  his  bequest. 

With  this  Ulysses  arm'd  his  head  ;  and  thus  they,  both  address'd,       240 
Took  leave  of  all  the  other  kings.     To  them  a  glad  ostent, 
As  they  were  ent'ring  on  their  way,  Minerva  did  present, 
A  hernshavv  consecrate  to  her,  which  they  could  ill  discern 
Through  sable  night,  but,  by  her  clange,  they  knew  it  was  a  hern. 
Ulysses  joy'd,  and  thus  invok'd  :  "  Hear  me,  great  Seed  of  Jove,         245 
That  ever  dost  my  labours  grace  with  presence  of  thy  love, 
And  all  my  motions  dost  attend  !     Still  love  me,  sacred  Dame, 
Especially  in  this  exploit,  and  so  protect  our  fame 
We  both  may  safely  make  retreat,  and  thriftily  employ 
Our  boldness  in  some  great  affair  baneful  to  them  of  Troy."  250 

127  Murrion— i.  e.  morion.  S44  C/an#e.— See  Bk.  in.  5. 


218  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

Then  pray'd  illustrate  Diomed  :  "  Vouchsafe  me  likewise  ear, 
O  thou  unconquer'd  Queen  of  arms  !     Be  with  thy  favours  near, 
As,  to  my  royal  father's  steps,  thou  went'st  a  bounteous  guide, 
When  th'  Achives  and  the  peers  of  Thebes  he  would  have  pacified, 
Sent  as  the  Greeks'  ambassador,  and  left  them  at  the  flood  255 

Of  great  iEsopus  ;  whose  retreat  thou  mad'st  to  swim  in  blood 
Of  his  enambush'd  enemies  ;  and,  if  thou  so  protect 
My  bold  endeavours,  to  thy  name  an  heifer  most  select, 
That  never  yet  was  tam'd  with  yoke,  broad-fronted,  one  year  old, 
I'll  burn  in  zealous  sacrifice,  and  set  the  horns  in  gold."  260 

The  Goddess  heard  ;  and  both  the  kings  their  dreadless  passage  bore 
Through  slaughter,  slaughtered  carcasses,  arms,  and  discolour'd  gore. 

Nor  Hector  let  his  princes  sleep,  but  all  to  council  call'd, 
And  ask'd,  "  What  one  is  here  will  vow,  and  keep  it  unappall'd, 
To  have  a  gift  fit  for  his  deed,  a  chariot  and  two  horse,  205 

That  pass  for  speed  the  rest  of  Greece  1     What  one  dares  take  this 

course, 
For  his  renown,  besides  his  gifts,  to  mix  amongst  the  foe, 
And  learn  if  still  they  hold  their  guards,  or  with  this  overthrow 
Determine  flight,  as  being  too  weak  to  hold  us  longer  war  1 " 

All  silent  stood  ;  at  last  stood  forth  one  Dolon,  that  did  dare  270 

This  dang'rous  work,  Eumedes'  heir,  a  herald  much  renown'd. 
This  Dolon  did  in  gold  and  brass  exceedingly  abound, 
But  in  his  form  was  quite  deform'd,  yet  passing  swift  to  run  ; 
Amongst  five  sisters,  he  was  left  Eumedes'  only  son. 
And  he  told  Hector,  his  free  heart  would  undertake  t'  explore  275 

The  Greeks'  intentions,  "  but,"  said  he,  "  thou  shalt  be  sworn  before, 
By  this  thy  sceptre,  that  the  horse  of  great  iEaeides, 
And  his  strong  chariot  bound  with  brass,  thou  wilt  (before  all  these) 
Besign  me  as  my  valour's  prise  ;  and  so  I  rest  unmov'd 
To  be  thy  spy,  and  not  return  before  I  have  approv'd  280 

(By  vent'ring  to  Atrides'  ship,  where  their  consults  are  held) 
If  they  resolve  still  to  resist,  or  fly  as  quite  expell'd." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  219 

He  put  his  sceptre  in  his  hand,  and  call'd  the  thunder's  God, 
Saturnia's  husband,  to  his  oath,  those  horse  should  not  be  rode 
By  any  other  man  than  he,  but  he  for  ever  joy  285 

(To  his  renown)  their  services,  for  his  good  done  to  Troy. 
Thus  swore  he,  and  forswore  himself,  yet  made  base  Dolon  bold  ; 
Who  on  his  shoulders  hung  his  bow,  and  did  about  him  fold 
A  white  wolf's  hide,  and  with  a  helm  of  weasels'  skins  did  arm 
His  weasel's  head,  then  took  his  dart,  and  never  turn'd  to  harm  29a 

The  Greeks  with  their  related  drifts  ;  but  being  past  the  troops 
Of  horse  and  foot,  he  promptly  runs,  and  as  he  runs  he  stoops 
To  undermine  Achilles'  horse.     Ulysses  straight  did  see, 
And  said  to  Diomed  :  "  This  man  makes  footing  towards  thee, 
Out  of  the  tents.     I  know  not  well,  if  he  be  us'd  as  spy  295 

Bent  to  our  fleet,  or  come  to  rob  the  slaughter'd  enemy. 
But  let  us  suffer  him  to  come  a  little  further  on, 
And  then  pursue  him.     If  it  chance,  that  we  be  overgone 
By  his  more  swiftness,  urge  him  still  to  run  upon  our  fleet, 
And  (lest  he  'scape  us  to  the  town)  still  let  thy  jav'lin  meet  300 

With  all  his  offers  of  retreat."     Thus  stepp'd  they  from  the  plain 
Amongst  the  slaughter'd  carcasses.     Dolon  came  on  amain, 
Suspecting  nothing  ;  but  once  past,  as  far  as  mules  outdraw 
Oxen  at  plough,  being  both  put  on,  neither  admitted  law, 
To  plough  a  deep-so il'd  furrow  forth,  so  far  was  Dolan  past.  395 

Then   they   pursu'd  ;    which   he    perceiv'd,   and   stay'd   his   speedless 

haste, 
Subtly  supposing  Hector  sent  to  countermand  his  spy  ; 
But,  in  a  jav'lin's  throw  or  less,  he  knew  them  enemy. 
Then  laid  he  on  his  nimble  knees,  and  they  pursu'd  like  wind. 
As  when  a  brace  of  greyhounds  are  laid  in  with  hare  or  hind,  319 

Close-mouth'd  and  skill'd  to  make  the  best  of  their  industrious  course, 
Serve  either's  turn,  and,  set  on  hard,  lose  neither  ground  nor  force  ; 

-91  Related  drifts — i.  e.  never  returned  to  harm  the  Greeks  by  a  relation  of 
their  designs.     Infra,  liue  '6'6'L 


220  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

So  constantly  did  Tydeus'  son,  and  his  town-razing  peer, 

Pursue  this  spy,  still  turning  him,  as  he  was  winding  near 

His  covert,  till  he  almost  mix'd  with  their  out-courts  of  guard.  315 

Then  Pallas  prompted  Diomed,  lest  his  due  worth's  reward 
Should  be  impair'd  if  any  man  did  vaunt  he  first  did  sheath 
His  sword  in  him,  and  he  he  call'd  but  second  in  his  death. 
Then  spake  he,  threat'ning  with  his  lance  :  "  Or  stay,  or  this  comes  on, 
And  long  thou  canst  not  run  before  thou  be  by  death  outgone."  320 

This  said,  he  threw  his  jav'lin  forth  ;    which    missed  as  Diomed 
would, 
Above  his  right  arm  making  way,  the  pile  stuck  in  the  mould. 
He  stay'd  and  trembled,  and  his  teeth  did  chatter  in  his  head. 
They  came  in  blowing,  seiz'd  him  fast ;  he,  weeping,  offered 
A  wealthy  ransom  for  his  life,  and  told  them  he  had  brass,  325 

Much  gold,  and  iron,  that  fit  for  use  in  many  labours  was, 
From  whose  rich  heaps  his  father  would  a  wondrous  portion  give, 
If,  at  the  great  Achaian  fleet,  he  heard  his  son  did  live. 

Ulysses  bad  him  cheer  his  heart.     "  Think  not  of  death,"  said  he, 
"  But  tell  us  true,  why  rumi'st  thou  forth,  when  others  sleeping  be  ?     330 
Is  it  to  spoil  the  carcasses  ?     Or  art  thou  choicely  sent 
T'  explore  our  drifts  1     Or  of  thyself  seek'st  thou  some  wish'd  event  1 " 

He  trembling  answer'd  :  "  Much  reward  did  Hector's  oath  propose, 
And  urg'd  me,  much  against  my  will,  t'  endeavour  to  disclose 
If  you  determin'd  still  to  stay,  or  bent  your  course  for  flight,  335 

As  all  dismay'd  with  your  late  foil,  and  wearied  with  the  fight. 
For  which  exploit,  Pelides'  horse  and  chariot  he  did  swear, 
I  only  ever  should  enjoy."     Ulysses  smil'd  to  hear 
So  base  a  swain  have  any  hope  so  high  a  prise  t'  aspire, 
And  said,  his  labours  did  affect  a  great  and  precious  hire,  340 

And  that  the  horse  Pelides  rein'd  no  mortal  hand  could  use 
But  he  himself,  whose  matchless  life  a  Goddess  did  produce. 
"  But  tell  us,  and  report  but  truth,  where  left'st  thou  Hector  now  ? 
Where  are  his  arms  ?     His  famous  horse  ?     On  wdiom  doth  he  bestow 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  221 

The  watch's  charge  ?     Where  sleep  the  kings  ?     Intend  they  still  to  lie 
Thus  near  encamp'd,  or  turn  suffic'd  with  their  late  victory  ? "  340 

"All  this,"  said  he,  " I'll  tell  most  true.     At  Ilus'  monument 
Hector  with  all  our  princes  sits,  t'  advise  of  this  event ; 
Who  choose  that  place  remov'd  to  shun  the  rude  confused  sounds 
The  common  soldiers  throw  about.     But,  for  our  watch,  and  rounds.  350 
Whereof,  brave  lord,  thou  mak'st  demand,  none  orderly  we  keep. 
The  Trojans,  that  have  roofs  to  save,  only  abandon  sleep, 
And  privately  without  command  each  other  they  exhort 
To  make  prevention  of  the  worst  ;  and  in  this  slender  sort 
Is  watch  and  guard  maintain'd  with  us.     Th'  auxiliary  bands  355 

Sleep  soundly,  and  commit  their  cares  into  the  Trojans'  hands, 
For  they  have  neither  wives  with  them,  nor  children  to  protect ; 
The  less  they  need  to  care,  the  more  they  succour  dull  neglect." 

"  But  tell  me,"  said  wise  Ithacus,  "are  all  these  foreign  pow'rs 
Appointed  quarters  by  themselves,  or  else  commix'd  with  yours  1 "      360 

"  And  this,"  said  Dolon,  "  too,  my  lords,  I'll  seriously  unfold. 
The  Papons  with  the  crooked  bows,  and  Cares,  quarters  hold 
Next  to  the  sea,  the  Leleges,  and  Caucons,  join'd  with  them, 
And  brave  Pelasgians.     Thymber's  mead,  remov'd  more  from  the 

stream, 
Is  quarter  to  the  Lycians,  the  lofty  Mysian  force,  365 

The  Phrygians  and  Meonians,  that  fight  with  armed  horse. 
But  what  need  these  particulars  ?     If  ye  intend  surprise 
Of  any  in  our  Trojan  camps,  the  Thracian  quarter  lies 
Utmost  of  all,  and  uncommix'd  with  Trojan  regiments, 
That  keep  the  voluntary  watch.     New  pitch'd  are  all  their  tents.        370 
King  Rhesus,  Eioneus'  son,  commands  them,  who  hath  steeds 
More  white  than  snow,  huge,  and  well-shap'd,  their  fi'ry  pace  exceeds 
The  winds  in  swiftness  ;  these  I  saw  ;  his  chariot  is  with  gold 
And  pallid  silver  richly  fram'd,  and  wondrous  to  behold  ; 
His  great  and  golden  armour  is  not  fit  a  man  should  wear,  375 

But  for  immortal  shoulders  fram'd.     Come  then,  and  quickly  bear 


222  THE   TENTH  BOOK 

Your  nappy  pris'ner  to  your  fleet  •  or  leave  him  here  fast  bound, 
Till  your  well-urg'd  and  rich  return  prove  my  relation  sound." 

Tydides  dreadfully  replied  :  "  Think  not  of  passage  thus, 
Though  of  right  acceptable  news  thou  hast  advertis'd  us,  380 

Our  hands  are  holds  more  strict  than  so  ;  and  should  we  set  thee  free 
For  offer'd  ransom,  for  this  'scape  thou  still  wouldst  scouting  be 
About  our  ships,  or  do  us  scathe  in  plain  opposed  arms, 
But,  if  I  take  thy  life,  no  way  can  we  repent  thy  harms." 

With  this,  as  Dolon  reach'd  his  hand  to  use  a  suppliant's  part,  3S5 

And  stroke  the  beard  of  Diomed,  he  strook  his  neck  athwart 
With  his  forc'd  sword,  and  both  the  nerves  he  did  in  sunder  wound, 
And  suddenly  his  head,  deceiv'd,  fell  speaking  on  the  ground. 
His  weasel's  helm  they  took,  his  bow,  his  wolf's  skin,  and  his  lance, 
Which  to  Minerva  Ithacus  did  zealously  advance,  390 

With  lifted  arm  into  the  air  ;  and  to  her  thus  he  spake  : 

"  Goddess,  triumph  in  thine  own  spoils  ;  to  thee  we  first  will  make 
Our  invocations,  of  all  pow'rs  thron'd  on  th'  Olympian  hill  ; 
Now  to  the  Thracians,  and  their  horse,  and  beds,  conduct  us  still." 
With  this,  he  hung  them  up  aloft  upon  a  tanirick  bough  395 

As  eyeful  trophies,  and  the  sprigs  that  did  about  it  grow 
He  proined  from  the  leafy  arms,  to  make  it  easier  view'd 
When  they  should  hastily  retire,  and  be  perhaps  pursu'd. 
Forth  went  they  through  black  blood  and  arms,  and  presently  aspir'd 
The  guardless  Thracian  regiment,  fast  bound  with  sleep,  and  tir'd  ;     400 
Their  arms  lay  by,  and  triple  ranks  they,  as  they  slept,  did  keep, 
As  they  should  watch  and  guard  their  king,  who,  in  a  fatal  sleep, 
Lay  in  the  midst  ;  their  chariot  horse,  as  they  coachfellows  were, 
Fed  by  them  ;  and  the  famous  steeds,  that  did  their  gen'ral  bear, 
Stood  next  him,  to  the  hinder  part  of  his  rich  chariot  tied.  400 

Ulysses  saw  them  first,  and  said,  "  Tydides,  I  have  spied 
The  horse  that  Dolon,  whom  we  slew,  assur'd  us  we  should  see. 
Now  use  thy  strength  ;  now  idle  arms  are  most  unfit  for  thee  ; 
Prise  thou  the  horse  ;  or  kill  the  guard,  and  leave  the  horse  to  me." 
397  pVoined — plucked  off,  pruned. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  223 

Minerva,  with,  the  azure  eyes,  breath'd  strength  into  her  king,  410 

Who  fill'd.  the  tent  with  mixed  death.     The  souls,  he  set  on  wing, 
Issu'd  in  groans,  and  made  air  swell  into  her  stormy  flood. 
Horror  and  slaughter  had  one  pow'r  ;  the  earth  did  blush  with  blood. 
As  when  a  hungry  lion  flies,  with  purpose  to  devour, 
On  flocks  unkept,  and  on  their  lives  doth  freely  use  his  pow'r  ;  415 

So  Tydeus'  son  assail'd  the  foe  ;  twelve  souls  before  him  flew  ; 
Ulysses  waited  on  his  sword,  and  ever  as  he  slew, 
He  drew  them  by  their  strengthless  heels  out  of  the  horses'  sight. 
That,  when  he  was  to  lead  them  forth,  they  should  not  with  affright 
Boggle,  nor  snore,  in  treading  on  the  bloody  carcasses  ;  420 

For  being  new  come,  they  were  unus'd  to  such  stern  sights  as  these. 
Through  four  ranks  now  did  Diomed  the  king  himself  attain, 
Who,  snoring  in  his  sweetest  sleep,  was  like  his  soldiers  slain. 
An  ill  dream  by  Minerva  sent  that  night  stood  by  his  head, 
Which  was  Oenides'  royal,  unconquer'd  Diomed.  425 

Meanwhile  Ulysses  loos'd  his  horse,  took  all  their  reins  in  hand, 
And  led  them  forth  ;  but  Tydeus'  son  did  in  contention  stand 
With  his  great  mind  to  do  some  deed  of  more  audacity  ; 
If  he  should  take  the  chariot,  where  his  rich  arms  did  lie, 
And  draw  it  by  the  beam  away,  or  bear  it  on  his  back,  430 

Or  if,  of  more  dull  Thracian  lives,  he  should  their  bosoms  sack. 

In  this  contention  with  himself,  Minerva  did  suggest 
And  bade  him  think  of  his  retreat ;  lest  from  their  tempted  rest 
Some  other  God  should  stir  the  foe,  and  send  him  back  dismay'd. 

He  knew  the  voice,  took  horse,  and  fled.     The  Trojan's  heav'nly  aid, 
Apollo  with  the  silver  bow,  stood  no  blind  sentinel  430 

To  their  secure  and  drowsy  host,  but  did  discover  well 
Minerva  following  Diomed  ;  and,  angry  with  his  act, 
The  mighty  host  of  Ilion  he  enter'd,  and  awak'd 

The  cousin-german  of  the  king,  a  counsellor  of  Thrace,  440 

Hippocoon  ;  who  when  he  rose,  and  saw  the  desert  place, 

433  Tempted— tried. 


224  THE  TENTH  BOOK 

Where  Rhesus'  horse  did  use  to  stand,  and  th'  other  dismal  harms, 
Men  struggling  with  the  pangs  of  death,  he  shriek'd  out  thick  alarms, 
Call'd '  Rhesus  !  Rhesus  ! '  but  in  vain ;  then  still, '  Arm  !  Arm  !'  he  cried. 
The  noise  and  tumult  was  extreme  on  every  startled  side  445 

Of  Troy's  huge  host ;  from  whence  in  throngs  all  gather'd,  and  admir'd 
Who  could  perform  such  harmful  facts,  and  yet  be  safe  retir'd. 

Now,  coming  where  they  slew  the  scout,  Ulysses  stay'd  the  steeds, 
Tydides  lighted,  and  the  spoils,  hung  on  the  tamrick  reeds, 
He  took  and  gave  to  Ithacus,  and  up  he  got  again.  450 

Then  flew  they  joyful  to  their  fleet.     Nestor  did  first  attain 
The  sounds  the  horse-hoofs  strook  through  air,  and  said  :  "  My  royal 

peers ! 
Do  I  but  dote,  or  say  I  true  1     Methinks  about  mine  ears 
The  sounds  of  running  horses  beat.     0  would  to  God  they  were 
Our  friends  thus  soon  return'd  with  spoils  !  But  I  have  hearty  fear,    455 
Lest  this  high  tumult  of  the  foe  doth  their  distress  intend." 
He  scarce  bad  spoke,  when  they  were  come.  Both  did  from  horse  descend. 
All,  with  embraces  and  sweet  words,  to  beav'n  their  worth  did  raise. 
Then  Nestor  spake  :  "  Great  Ithacus,  ev'n  heap'd  with  Grecian  praise, 
How  have  you  made  these  horse  your  prise  ?  Pierc'd  you  the  dang'rous 
host,  400 

Where  such  gems  stand  ?  Or  did  some  God  your  high  attempts  accost, 
And  honour'd  you  with  this  reward  ?     Why,  they  be  like  the  rays 
The  sun  effuseth.     I  have  mix'd  with  Trojans  all  my  days  ; 
And  now,  I  hope  you  will  not  say,  I  always  lie  aboard, 
Though  an  old  soldier  I  confess  ;  yet  did  all  Troy  afford  4C5 

Never  the  like  to  any  sense  that  ever  I  possess'd. 
But  some  good  God,  no  doubt,  hath  met,  and  your  high  valours  bless'd, 

4fi4  Aboard. — Dr.  Taylor  has  printed  "doord,"  and  ridiculously  says,  "abord, 
readily  ;  from  the  French."  Had  he  consulted  the  original  or  given  one  mo- 
ment's thought,  he  would  have  seen  what  the  true  word  was.  Nestor  says,  "  I 
have  mixed  with  Trojans  all  my  days,  and  now,  though  I  confess  I  am  an  old 
man,  I  hope  you  will  not  say  I  always  lie  aboard,  remain  on  board  ship,  and 
avoid  the  battle." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  225 

For  He  that  shadows  heav'n  with  clouds  loves  both  as  his  delights, 
And  She  that  supples  earth  with  blood  cannot  forbear  your  sights." 

Ulysses  answer'd  :  "  Honour'd  sire,  the  willing  Gods  can  give  470 

Horse  much  more  worth  than  these  men  yield,  since  in  more  pow'r  they 

live. 
These  horse  are  of  the  Thracian  breed  ;  their  king,  Tydides  slew, 
And  twelve  of  his  most  trusted  guard  ;  and  of  that  meaner  crew 
A  scout  for  thirteenth  man  we  kill'd,  whom  Hector  sent  to  spy 
The  whole  estate  of  our  designs,  if  bent  to  fight  or  fly."  475 

Thus,  follow'd  with  whole  troops  of  friends,  they  with  applauses  pass'd 
The  spacious  dike,  and  in  the  tent  of  Diomed  they  plac'd 
The  horse  without  contention,  as  his  deserving's  meed, 
Which,  with  his  other  horse  set  up,  on  yellow  wheat  did  feed. 
Poor  Dolon's  spoils  Ulysses  had  ;  who  shrin'd  them  on  his  stern,         480 
As  trophies  vow'd  to  her  that  sent  the  good-aboding  hern. 

Then  enter'd  they  the  mere  main  sea,  to  cleanse  their  honour'd  sweat 
From  off  their  feet,  their  thighs  and  necks  ;  and,  when  their  vehement 

heat 
Was  calm'd,  and  their  swoln  hearts  refresh'd,  more  curious  baths  they 

us'd, 
Where  od'rous  and  dissolving  oils,  they  through  their  limbs  diffus'd.  485 
Then,  taking  breakfast,  a  big  bowl,  fill'd  with  the  purest  wine, 
They  offer'd  to  the  Maiden  Queen,  that  hath  the  azure  eyne. 

480  Stern — hung  them  up  as  votive  offerings  on  the  stern  of  his  ship. 
482  Mere — pure,  unmixed.     See  Bk.  xvn.  420. 


THE  END  OP  THE  TENTH  BOOK. 


VOL.  1. 


THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


The  Argument. 

Atrides  and  his  other  peers  of  name 

Lead  forth  their  men  ;  whom  Eris  doth  enflame. 

Hector  (by  Iris'  charge)  takes  deedless  breath, 

Whiles  Agamemnon  plies  the  work  of  death, 

Who  with  the  first  bears  his  imperial  head. 

Himself,  Ulysses,  and  king  Diomed, 

Eurypylus,  and  JEsculapius'  son, 

(Enforc'd  with  wounds)  the  furious  skirmish  shun. 

Which  martial  sight  when  great  Achilles  views, 

A  little  his  desire  of  fight  renews  ; 

And  forth  he  sends  his  friend,  to  bring  him  word 

Erom  old  Neleides,  what  wounded  lord 

He  in  his  chariot  from  the  skirmish  brought ; 

Which  was  Machaon.     Nestor  then  besought 

He  would  persuade  his  friend  to  wreak  their  harms, 

Or  come  himself,  deck'd  in  his  dreadful  arms. 

Another  Argument. 

Lambda  presents  the  General, 
In  fight  the  worthiest  man  of  all. 


URORA  out  of  restful  bed  did  from  bright  Tithon  rise, 
To  bring  each,  deathless  Essence  light,  and  use  to  mortal 

eyes; 
When  Jove  sent  Eris  to  the  Greeks,  sustaining  in  her  hand 


Stern  signs  of  her  designs  for  war. 


She  took  her  horrid  stand 


HOMER'S  ILIADS.  227 

Upon  Ulysses'  huge  black  bark,  that  did  at  anchor  ride  6 

Amidst  the  fleet,  from  whence  her  sounds  might  ring  on  ev'ry  side, 
Both  to  the  tents  of  Telarnon,  and  th'  author  of  their  smarts, 
Who  held,  for  fortitude  and  force,  the  navy's  utmost  parts. 

The  red-ey'd  Goddess,  seated  there,  thunder'd  the  Orthian  song, 
High,  and  with  horror,  through  the  ears  of  all  the  Grecian  throng.        10 
Her  verse  with  spirits  invincible  did  all  their  breasts  inspire, 
Blew  out  all  darkness  from  their  limbs,  and  set  their  hearts  en  fire  ; 
And  presently  was  bitter  war  more  sweet  a  thousand  times, 
Than  any  choice  in  hollow  keels  to  greet  their  native  climes. 

Atrides  summon'd  all  to  arms,  to  arms  himself  dispos'd.  15 

First  on  his  legs  he  put  bright  greaves,  with  silver  buttons  clos'd  ; 
Then  with  rich  curace  arm'd  his  breast,  which  Cinyras  bestow'd 
To  gratify  his  royal  guest ;  for  ev'n  to  Cyprus  flow'd 
Th'  unbounded  fame  of  those  designs  the  Greeks  propos'd  for  Troy, 
And  therefore  gave  he  him  those  arms,  and  wish'd  his  purpose  joy.       20 
Ten  rows  of  azure  mix'd  with  black,  twelve  golden  like  the  sun, 
Twice-ten  of  tin,  in  beaten  paths,  did  through  this  armour  run. 
Three  serpents  to  the  gorget  crept,  that  like  three  rainbows  shin'd, 
Such  as  by  Jove  are  fix'd  in  clouds,  when  wonders  are  divin'd. 
About  his  shoulders  hung  his  sword,  whereof  the  hollow  hilt  25 

Was  fashion'd  all  with  shining  bars,  exceeding  richly  gilt  ; 
The  scabbard  was  of  silver  plate,  with  golden  hangers  grae'd. 
Then  he  took  up  his  weighty  shield,  that  round  about  him  cast 
Defensive  shadows  ;  ten  bright  zones  of  gold-affecting  brass 
Were  driv'n  about  it ;  and  of  tin,  as  full  of  gloss  as  glass,  30 

Swell'd  twenty  bosses  out  of  it  ;  in  centre  of  them  all 
One  of  black  metal  had  engrav'n,  full  of  extreme  appall, 
An  ugly  Gorgon,  compassed  with  Terror  and  with  Fear. 
At  it  a  silver  bawdrick  hung,  with  which  he  us'd  to  bear, 
Wound  on  his  arm,  his  ample  shield  ;  and  in  it  there  was  wov'n  35 

An  azure  dragon,  curl'd  in  folds,  from  whose  one  neck  was  clov'n 

7  Author — Achilles.    Both  folios  and  Dr.  Taylor  have  erroneously  "  authors.'" 


228  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Three  heads  contorted  in  an  orb.     Then  plac'd  he  on  his  head 

His  four-plum'd  casque  ;  and  in  his  hands  two  darts  he  managed, 

Arm'd  with  bright  steel  that  blaz'd  to  heav'n.     Then  Juno,  and  the  Maid 

That  conquers  empires,  trumpets  serv'd  to  summon  out  their  aid  40 

In  honour  of  the  General,  and  on  a  sable  cloud, 

To  bring  them  furious  to  the  field,  sat  thund'ring  out  aloud. 

Then  all  enjoin'd  their  charioteers,  to  rank  their  chariot  horse 
Close  to  the  dike.    Forth  march'd  the  foot,  whose  front  they  did  r'enforce 
With  some  horse  troops.     The  battle  then  was  all  of  charioteers,  45 

Lin'd  with  light  horse.     But  Jupiter  disturb'd  this  form  with  fears, 
And  from  air's  upper  region  bid  bloody  vapours  rain, 
For  sad  ostent  much  noble  life  should  ere  their  times  be  slain. 
The  Trojan  host  at  Ilus'  tomb  was  in  battalia  led 

By  Hector  and  Polydamas,  and  old  Anchises'  seed  50 

Who  god-like  was  esteem'd  in  Troy,  by  grave  Antenor's  race 
Divine  Agenor,  Polybus,  unmarried  Acamas 
Proportion'd  like  the  States  of  heav'n.     In  front  of  all  the  field, 
Troy's  great  Priamides  did  bear  his  all-ways-equal  shield, 
Still  plying  th'  ord'ring  of  his  pow'r.     And  as  amids  the  sky  55 

We  sometimes  see  an  ominous  star  blaze  clear  and  dreadfully, 
Then  run  his  golden  head  in  clouds,  and  straight  appear  again  ; 
So  Hector  otherwhiles  did  grace  the  vaunt-guard,  shining  plain, 
Then  in  the  rear-guard  hid  himself,  and  labour'd  ev'rywhere 
To  order  and  encourage  all ;  his  armour  was  so  clear,  60 

And  he  applied  each  place  so  fast,  that,  like  a  lightning  thrown 
Out  of  the  shield  of  Jupiter,  in  ev'ry  eye  he  shone. 
And  as  upon  a  rich  man's  crop  of  barley  or  of  wheat, 
Oppos'd  for  swiftness  at  their  work,  a  sort  of  reapers  sweat, 
Bear  down  the  furrows  speedily,  and  thick  their  handfuls  fall ;  65 

So  at  the  joining  of  the  hosts  ran  slaughter  through  them  all, 


64  Opposed — standing  opposite  to  one  another  for  expedition's  sake. 
64  Sort— set.     See  Bk.  it.  460. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  229 

None  stoop'd  to  any  fainting  thought  of  foul  inglorious  flight, 

But  equal  bore  they  up  their  heads,  and  far'd  like  wolves  in  fight. 

Stern  Eris,  with  such  weeping  sights,  rejoic'd  to  feed  her  eyes, 

Who  only  show'd  herself  in  field,  of  all  the  Deities  ;  ro 

The  other  in  Olympus'  tops  sat  silent,  and  repin'd 

That  Jove  to  do  the  Trojans  grace  should  bear  so  fix.'d  a  mind. 

He  car'd  not,  but,  enthron'd  apart,  triumphant  sat  in  sway 

Of  his  free  pow'r,  and  from  his  seat  took  pleasure  to  display 

The  city  so  adorn'd  with  tow'rs,  the  sea  with  vessels  fill'd,  75 

The  splendour  of  refulgent  arms,  the  killer  and  the  kill'd. 

As  long  as  bright  Aurora  rul'd,  and  sacred  day  increas'd, 

So  long  their  darts  made  mutual  wounds,  and  neither  had  the  best ; 

But  when,  in  hill-environ'd  vales,  the  timber-feller  takes 

A  sharp  set  stomach  to  his  meat,  and  dinner  ready  makes,  so 

His  sinews  fainting,  and  his  spirits  become  surcharg'd  and  dull, 

Time  of  accustom'd  ease  arriv'd,  his  hands  with  labour  full, 

Then  by  their  valours  Greeks  brake  through  the  Trojan  ranks,  and 

cheer'd 
Their  gen'ral  squadrons  through  the  host ;  then  first  of  all  appear'd 
The  person  of  the  king  himself ;  and  then  the  Trojans  lost  85 

Bianor  by  his  royal  charge,  a  leader  in  the  host.  | 
Who  being  slain,  his  charioteer,  Oileus,  did  alight, 
And  stood  in  skirmish  with  the  king ;  the  king  did  deadly  smite 
His  forehead  with  his  eager  lance,  and  through  his  helm  it  ran, 
Enforcing  passage  to  his  brain,  quite  through  the  harden'd  pan,  90 

His  brain  mix'd  with  his  clotter'd  blood,  his  body  strew'd  the  ground. 
There  left  he  them,  and  presently  he  other  objects  found  ; 
Isus  and  Antiphus,  two  sons  king  Priam  did  beget, 
One  lawful,  th'  other  wantonly.     Both  in  one  chariot  met 
Their  royal  foe  ;  the  baser  born,  Isus,  was  charioteer,  95 

And  famous  Antiphus  did  fight ;  both  which  king  Peleus'  heir, 

74  Display — behold,  view.     A  rare  sense.     See  Bk.  xvn.  90. 

90  Pan — skull,  brain-pan. 


230  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Whilome  in  Ida  keeping  flocks,  did  deprehend  and  bind 

With  pliant  osiers,  and,  for  price,  them  to  their  sire  resign'd. 

Atrides,  with  his  well-airu'd  lance,  smote  Isus  on  the  breast 

Above  the  nipple  ;  and  his  sword  a  mortal  wound  impress'd  100 

Beneath  the  ear  of  Antiphus  ;  down  from  their  horse  they  fell. 

Tbe  king  had  seen  the  youths  before,  and  now  did  know  them  well, 

Kememb'ring  them  the  prisoners  of  swift  iEacides, 

Who  brought  them  to  the  sable  fleet  from  Ida's  foody  leas. 

And  as  a  lion  having  found  the  furrow  of  a  hind,  106 

Where  she  hath  calv'd  two  little  twins,  at  will  and  ease  doth  grind 
Their  joints  snatch'd  in  his  solid  jaws,  and  crusheth  into  mist 
Their  tender  lives  ;  their  dam,  though  near,  not  able  to  resist, 
But  shook  with  vehement  fear  herself,  flies  through  the  oaken  chace 
From  that  fell  savage,  drown'd  in  sweat,  and  seeks  some  covert  place ; 
So  when  with  most  unmatched  strength  the  Grecian  Gen'ral  bent       in 
'Gainst  these  two  princes,  none  durst  aid  their  native  king's  descent, 
But  fled  themselves  before  the  Greeks.     And  where  these  two  were  slain, 
Pisander  and  Hippolochus  (not  able  to  restrain 

Their  headstrong  horse,  the  silken  reins  being  from  their  hands  let  fall) 
Were  brought  by  their  unruly  guides  before  the  General.  ne 

Antimachus  begat  them  both,  Antimachus  that  took 
Kich  gifts,  and  gold,  of  Helen's  love,  and  would  by  no  means  brook 
Just  restitution  should  be  made  of  Menelaus'  wealth, 
Bereft  him,  with  his  ravish'd  queen,  by  Alexander's  stealth.  120 

Atrides,  lion-like,  did  charge  his  sons,  who  on  their  knees 
Fell  from  their  chariot,  and  besought  regard  to  their  degrees, 
Who,  being  Antimachus's  sons,  their  father  would  afford 
A  worthy  ransom  for  their  lives,  who  in  his  house  did  hoard 
Much  hidden  treasure,  brass,  and  gold,  and  steel,  wrought  wondrous 

choice.  125 

Thus  wept  they,  using  smoothing  terms,  and  heard  this  rugged  voice 

104  Foody  leas— fertile,  fruitful,  meads.     The  word  occurs  again  Bk.  XV.  638. 
118  Helen's  love — Paris. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  231 

Breath'd  from  the  unrelenting  king  :  "  If  you  be  of  the  breed 

01  stout  Antimachus,  that  stay'd  the  honourable  deed 

The  other  peers  of  Ilion  in  council  had  decreed, 

To  render  Helen  and  her  wealth  ;  and  would  have  basely  slain  130 

My  brother  and  wise  Ithacus,  ambassadors  t'  attain 

The  most  due  motion  ;  now  receive  wreak  for  his  shameful  part." 

This  said,  in  poor  Pisander's  breast  he  fix'd  his  wreakful  dart, 

"Who  upward  spread  th'  oppressed  earth  ;  his  brother  crouch'd  for  dread, 

Ani,  as  he  lay,  the  angry  king  cut  off  his  arms  and  head,  135 

And  let  him  like  a  football  lie  for  ev'ry  man  to  spurn. 

Then  to  th'  extremest  heat  of  fight  he  did  his  valour  turn, 

And  led  a  multitude  of  Greeks,  where  foot  did  foot  subdue, 

Horse  slaughter'd  horse,  Need  feather'd  flight,  the  batter'd  centre  flew 

In  clouds  of  dust  about  their  ears,  rais'd  from  the  horses'  hooves,         no 

That  beat  a  thunder  out  of  earth  as  horrible  as  Jove's. 

The  king,  persuading  speedy  chace,  gave  his  persuasions  way 

With  his  own  valour,  slaught'ring  still.     As  in  a  stormy  day 

In  thick-set  woods  a  rav'nous  fire  wraps  in  his  fierce  repair 

The  shaken  trees,  and  by  the  roots  doth  toss  them  into  air  ;  145 

Ev'n  so  beneath  Atrides'  sword  flew  up  Troy's  flying  heels, 

Their  horse  drew  empty  chariots,  and  sought  their  thund'ring  wheels 

Some  fresh  directors*' Van  eh  the  field  ms  tn&  least  the  pursuit  drives. 

Thick  fell  the  Troin  iron  sleep  ;  wretched  young-  ^  than  their  wives. 

Then  Jove  drewly-married  wife,  in  aid  of  forest,  from  death  and  blood, 
And  from  th  pleasure  of  his  love  ;  yet  was  bo  the  pursuit  stood,  151 

Till  at  olded  or  u^yu  he  her,  an-dot  of  all  the  field, 
They  reausarthe  wild  fig-teep  a-nd  long'd  to  make  their  town  their  shield. 
Yet  th^'ayehey  rested  not  ;  tire  king  still  cried,  '  Pursue  !  Pursue  ! ' 
And  all  his  unreproved  hands  did  blood  and  dust  imbrue.  155 

But  when  they  came  to  Scaea's  ports,  and  to  the  beech  of  Jove, 
There  made  they  stand  ;  there  ev'ry  eye,  fixed  on  each  other,  strove 

148  Directors. — The  second  folio  erroneously  prints  "directions,"  which  has 
been  adopted  by  Dr.  Taylor. 


232  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Who  should  outlook   his  mate   amaz'd ;    through  all  the  field   thef 

fled. 
And  as  a  lion,  when  the  night  becomes  most  deaf  and  dead, 
Invades  ox-herds,  affrighting  all,  that  he  of  one  may  wreak  160 

His  dreadml  hunger,  and  his  neck  he  first  of  all  doth  break, 
Then  laps  his  blood  and  entrails  up  ;  so  Agamemnon  plied 
The  manage  of  the  Trojan  chace,  and  still  the  last  man  died, 
The  other  fled,  a  number  fell  by  his  imperial  hand, 
Some  grovelling  downwards  from  their  horse,  some  upwards  strew 'd 

the  sand.  i6B 

High  was  the  fury  of  his  lance.     But,  having  beat  them  close 
Beneath  their  walls,  the  both  worlds'  Sire  did  now  again  repose 
On  fountain-flowing  Ida's  tops,  being  newly  slid  from  heav'n, 
And  held  a  lightning  in  his  hand  ;  from  thence  this  charge  was  giv'n 
To  Iris  with  the  golden  wings  :  "  Thaumantia,  fly,"  said  he,  no 

"  And  tell  Troy's  Hector,  that  as  long  as  he  enrag'd  shall  see 
The  soldier-loving  Atreus'  son  amongst  the  foremost  fight, 
Depopulating  troops  of  men,  so  long  he  must  excite 
Some  other  to  resist  the  foe,  and  he  no  arms  advance ; 
But  when  he  wounded  takes  his  horse,  attain'd  with  shaft  or  lance,     175 
Then  will  I  fill  his  arm  with  death,  ev'n  till  he  reach  the  fleet, 
And  peaceful  night  'reads  hms  ±d?\  beneath  h<  uy  "    ^  feet." 

The  wind-foot  swin  be  made  of  Menelaus'  wealth,  s>  &7  'jgs 
To  famous  Ilion,  from  tish'd  queen,  by  Alexander's  ste.ij-    5  ^ 
And  found  in  his  bright  eve  his  sons,  who  on  their  knees    -  ?  ^>        iso 
To  whom  she  spake  the  words  ox  «At  regard  to  their. dronees,    .   ^t. 

He  leapt  upon  the  sounding  earth,  anoer  wok  his  length!.      ^  ; 
And  ev'rywhere  he  breath'd  exhorts,  and  stirr'd  up  ev'ry  heaj ..  £ 
A  dreadful  fight  he  set  on  foot.     His  soldiers  straight  turn'd  head? 
The  Greeks  stood  firm.     In  both  the  hosts,  the  field  was  perfected,     iss 

169  This  charge. — The  second  folio,  followed  by  Dr.  Taylor,  reads  "  his  charge." 
175  Attain'd— -touched,  hit.    Infra,  line  512,  we  have  "attainted."   See  note  on 
Bk.  in.  374. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  233 

But  Agamemnon,  foremost  still,  did  all  his  side  exceed, 
And  would  not  be  the  first  in  name  unless  the  first  in  deed. 

Now  sing,  fair  Presidents  of  verse,  that  in  the  heav'ns  embow'r, 
Who  first  encounter'd  with  the  king,  of  all  the  ?  3  verse  pow'r. 
Iphidamas,  Antenor's  son,  ample  and  bigly  set,<^     V  ioo 

Brought  up  in  pasture-springing  Thrace,  tha-fP13 .     %s    ->eep  beget, 
In  grave  Cisseus'  noble  house,  that  was  his  r:^    %  '  *'* t  lt"li' 
Fair  Theano  ;  and  when  his  breast  was  heigt/>  ,  J  4a   J  6f>/*-2ixQ 
Of  gaysonie  youth,  his  grandsire  gave  his  d;  aghter  to  his  love. 
Who  straight  his  bridal-chamber  left.     I'  -n  ;  with  affection  strove,     195 
And  made  him  furnish  twelve  fair  ships,    •fyend  fair  Troy  his  hand. 
His  ships  he  in  Percope  left,  and  came  to  Tr  j  by  land. 
And  now  he  tried  the  fame  of  Greece,  encount'ring  with  the  king, 
m    'no  threw  his  royal  lance  and  miss'd.     Iphidamas  did  fling, 
;\  *$'  q  strook  him  on  the  arming  waist,  beneath  his  coat  of  brass,  200 

^  ,.  Jlch  forc'd  him  stay  upon  his  arm,  so  violent  it  was, 
Yet  pierc'd  it  not  his  well-wrought-7,one.  but  when  the  lazy  head 
Tried  hardness  witVy  bosad  last,  he  kiH'd.n'd  again  like  lead. 
He  follow'd,  9  J,  with  a  lion's  wile 

That  wrestA  Autonc  h\  Opys,  and  Cb  taught  it  by  the  pile,  205 

And  pluck'd  h  anon  thtaonour'^  nand,  whom  with  his  sword  he  strook 
Beneath  the  ear,  and  witn  his  wound  his  timeless  death  he  took. 
He  fell  and  slept  an  iron  sleep ;  wretched  young  man,  he  died, 
Far  from  his  newly-married  wife,  in  aid  of  foreign  pride, 
And  saw  no  pleasure  of  his  love  ;  yet  was  her  jointure  great,  210 

An  hundred  oxen  gave  he  her,  and  vow'd  in  his  retreat 
Two  thousand  head  of  sheep  and  goats,  of  which  he  store  did  leave. 
Much  gave  he  of  his  love's  first-fruits,  and  nothing  did  receive. 

When  Coon  (one  that  for  his  form  might  feast  an  amorous  eye, 
And  elder  brother  of  the  slain)  beheld  this  tragedy,  215 


207  Timeless.— See  Bk.  vi.  349.  215  This.—  Both  folios  have  "  this;  "  the 

older  copies  "  his." 


234  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Deep  sorrow  sat  upon  his  eyes,  and  (standing  laterally, 

And  to  the  Gen'ral  undiscem'd)  his  jav'lin  he  let  fly, 

That  'twixt  his  elbow  and  his  wrist  transfix'd  his  armless  arm  ; 

The  bright  head  shin'd  pn  th'  other  side.     The  unexpected  harm 

Impress'd  some  horror  in  the  king  ;  yet  so  he  ceas'd  not  fight,  220 

But  rush'd  on  Coon  with  his  lance,  who  made  what  haste  he  might, 

Seizing  his  slaughter'd  brother's  foot,  to  draw  him  from  the  field, 

And  call'd  the  ablest  to  his  aid,  when  under  his  round  shield 

The  king's  brass  jav'lin,  as  he  drew,  did  strike  him  helpless  dead  ; 

"Who  made  Iphidamas  the  block,  and  cut  off  Coon's  head.  225 

Thus  under  great  Atrides'  arm  Antenor's  issue  thriv'd, 
And,  to  suffice  precisest  fate,  to  Pluto's  mansion  div'd. 
He  with  his  lance,  sword,  mighty  stones,  pour'd  his  heroic  wreak 
On  other  squadrons  of  the  foe,  whiles  yet  warm  blood  did  break 
Through  his  cleft  veins ;  but  when  the  wound  was  quite  exhaust  and  crude, 
The  eager  anguish  did  approve  his  princely  fortitude.  231 

As  when  most  sharp  and  bittp-"  ranss  rHstmft.  a  labouring  dame, 
Which  the  divine  Ilithyae,  tiso  long  he  must  explfo^, 
Of  human  child-birth,  pour  o£d  ne  no  arms  advance  ; 
The  daughters  of  Saturnia  ;  witnh^rse>  attain'd  with  shaft  or  2ss 

The  woman  in  her  travail  strives  to  tail -^11  he  ,3  i?-h  the,s, 
With  thought  it  must  be,  'tis  love's  fruit,  the^'nd^.Jr  which  she  lives, 
The  mean  to  make  herself  new  born,  what  comforts  will  redound  ; 
So  Agamemnon  did  sustain  the  torment  of  his  wound. 
Then  took  he  chariot,  and  to  fleet  bad  haste  his  charioteer,  240 

But  first  pour'd  out  his  highest  voice  to  purchase  ev'ry  ear  : 

"  Princes  and  leaders  of  the  Greeks,  brave  friends,  now  from  our  fleet 
Do  you  expel  this  boist'rous  sway.     Jove  will  not  let  me  meet 
Illustrate  Hector,  nor  give  leave  that  I  shall  end  the  day 
In  fight  against  the  Ilion  pow'r  ;  my  wound  is  in  my  way."  245 

231  Eager. — 

"  It  is  a  nipping  and  an  eager  air." — Shakkspeake.     Hamlet,  1.  4. 
'ai  Approve — try. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  235 

This  said,  his  ready  charioteer  did  scourge  his  spriteful  horse, 
That  freely  to  the  sable  fleet  perform'd  their  fi'ry  course, 
To  bear  their  wounded  sovereign  apart  the  martial  thrust, 
Sprinkling  their  pow'rful  breasts  with  foam,  anr],  snowing  on  the  dust. 

When  Hector  heard  of  bis  retreat,  thus  he  fc^  *•"  \  contends  :  250 

"Trojans,  Dardanians,  Lycians,  all  my  dose-f^^*'^    ^ds, 
Think  what  it  is  to  be  renown'd,  be  soldier?  ^qvyv  *Q\^     ^-4/     "  *j 
Our  strongest  enemy  is  gone,  Jove  vowSjf-s  4V    •<■'*&*>,  e$c/      fy/>> 
Then  in  the  Grecian  faces  drive  your  oi^*^    u  "'->  < '  ^i..v   jJ?/ 
And  far  above  their  best  be  best,  and  g-e\(V&  your  deeds."  255 

Thus  as  a  dog-givn  hunter  sets  upon  ^^  ace  of  boars 
His  white-tooth'd  hounds,  puffs,  shout  *  a  wreathes  terms,  'and  on  his 

emprese  pours  -;, 

All  his  wild  art  to  make  them  njnch  ;  so  Hector  urg'd  his  host 
To  charge  the  Greeks,.--lPon  y  strenjelf  most  bold  and  active  most, 
He  brake  into,  th^-     ^  01\Sty  lanes  when  a  tempest  raves,  260 

Stoops  from  the  c*r  bynkful  'aJl  on  heaps  doth  cuff  the  purple  waves. 

Who  thm  was  iLy  bosfld  last,  he  kill'd,  when  Jove  did  grace  his 
deed? 
Assseus,  and  Autonous,  Dpys,  and  Clytus'  seed 
Prince  Dolops,  and  the  honour'd  sire  of  sweet  Euryalus 
Opheltes,  Agelaus  next,  and  strong  Hipponous,  265 

Orus,  iEsymnus,  all  of  name.     The  common  soldiers  fell, 
As  when  the  hollow  flood  of  air  in  Zephyr's  cheeks  doth  swell, 
And  sparseth  all  the  gather'd  clouds  white  Notus'  pow'r  did  draw, 
Wraps  waves  in  waves,  hurls  up  the  froth  beat  with  a  vehement  flaw  ; 
So  were  the  common  soldiers  wrack'd  in  troops  by  Hector's  hand.        270 
Then  ruin  had  enforc'd  such  works  as  no  Greeks  could  withstand, 
Then  in  their  fleet  they  had  been  hous'd,  had  not  Laertes'  son 
Stirr'd  up  the  spirit  of  Diomed,  with  this  impression  : 

257  Emprese. — Thus  both  the  folios,   doubtless  for  emprise,  the  contracted 
form  of  enterprise. 

358  Pinch.—  See  Bk.  v.  462. 


236  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

"  Tydides,  what  do  we  sustain,  forgetting  what  we  are  ] 

Stand  by  rne,  dearest  in  my  love.     'Twere  horrible  impair  275 

For  our  two  valours  to  endure  a  customary  flight, 

To  leave  our  navy  still  *ugag'd,  and  but  \'u  fits  to  fight." 

He  answer'd  :  "  I  am  1  pw^  J  stay,  and  JjSnything  sustain  ; 
But  our  delight  to  prove  i.^ie'n  will  pre  *,e\ut  short  and  vain, 
For  Jove  makes  Trojans  ir_  Vj^&s,  anJs°flrtually  then  280 

Wields  arms  himself.     Ol  aid,'ss  affairs  i^inot  'twixt  men  and  men." 

This  said,  Thymbrseus  wt>.  dr. is  lance  he  tumbled  from  his  horse, 
Near  his  left  nipple  wounding  ^ini.     Ulysses  did  enforce 
Fair  Molion,  minion  to  this  king  that  Diomed  subdu'd. 
Both  sent  they  thence  till  they  return'd,  who  now  the  king  pursu'd     2S5 
And  furrow'd  through  the  thicken'd  troops.    As  when  two  chased  boars 
Turn  head  'gainst  kennels  of  bold  hnivnds,.  and  race  way  through  their 

gores  ;  wound  was  qt 

So,  turn'd  from  flight,  the  forward  kinjcely  fortitude.     :  backward  death. 
Nor  fled  the  Greeks,  but  by  their  wills,  to-t.  a  laboumector  breath. 

Then  took  they  horse  and  chariot  from  tw?xciu/'city  foes,  290 

Merops  Percosius'  mighty  sons.     Their  father  ccAild  disclose, 
Beyond  all  men,  hid  auguries,  and  would  not  give  consent 
To  their  egression  to  these  wars,  yet  wilfully  they  went, 
For  Fates,  that  order  sable  death,  enfore'd  their  tragedies. 
Tydides  slew  them  with  his  lance,  and  made  their  arms  his  prise.        295 

Hypirochus,  and  Hippodus,  Ulysses  reft  of  light. 
But  Jove,  that  out  of  Ida  look'd,  then  equalis'd  the  fight, 
A  Grecian  for  a  Trojan  then  paid  tribute  to  the  Fates. 
Yet  royal  Diomed  slew  one,  ev'n  in  those  even  debates, 
That  was  of  name  more  than  the  rest,  Paeon's  renowned  son,  300 

The  prince  Agastrophus  ;  his  lance  into  his  hip  did  run  ; 
His  squire  detain'd  his  horse  apart,  that  hinder'd  him  to  fly, 
Which  he  repented  at  his  heart,  yet  did  his  feet  apply 

288  Showed  Trojans,  <£c. — i.  e.  as  they  retreated  slew  the  Trojans. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  237 

His  'scape  with  all  the  speed  they  had  alongst  the  foremost  bands, 
And  there  his  lov£d  life  dissolv'd.     This  Hector  understands,  305 

And  rush'd  with  clamour  on  the  king,  right  soundly  seconded 
"With  troops  of  Trojans.     Which  perceiv'd  by  fa/^v>is  Diomed, 
The  deep  conceit  of  Jove's  high  will  stiffen'd  h'ti     £al  hair, 
Who  spake  to  near-fought  Ithacus  :  "  The  f^ttod  nhis  affair 
Is  bent  to  us.     Come  let  us  stand,  and  b  croo.'~his  violence."  310 

Thus  threw  he  his  long  jav'lin  fort\ypreaks  imote  his  head's  defence 
Full  on  the  top,  yet  pierc'd  no  skit-roach  bri  took  repulse  with  brass  ; 
His  helm  (wi$k  h\ra§  fjy  brought  tne  harp)  the  gift  of  Phosbus  was. 
The  K'    ^sensible  appn  put  tr  &  troop,  sunk  him  upon  his  hand, 
Anc^^tVom  many  .istard  sirDing  pursu'd  before  the  foremost  band    315 
His  cP^cus,  anur-ilfiong  Pirr  skround  laid  on  the  purple  plain ; 
By  which  a  torrent  f rom  -aP'^  viv'd,  and,  taking  horse  again, 
Was  far  coiT^  c,1ds,  bpaPon  **  strength,  and  fled  his  darksome  grave. 
He  follow'd  wfht-     Nor^yty  lance,  and  this  elusive  brave  : 

"  Once  more  b£r  by^kful  to  thy  heels,  proud  dog,  for  thy  escape. 
Mischief  sat  near  t'Ly  bosom  now  ;  and  now  another  rape  321 

Hath  thy  Apollo  made  of  thee,  to  whom  thou  well  mayst  pray, 
When  through  the  singing  of  our  darts   thou  find'st  such  guarded 

way. 
But  I  shall  meet  with  thee  at  length,  and  bring  thy  latest  hour, 
If  with  like  favour  any  God  be  fautour  of  my  pow'r.  325 

Meanwhile  some  other  shall  repay,  what  I  suspend  in  thee." 

This  said,  he  set  the  wretched  soul  of  Paeon's  issue  free, 
Whom  his  late  wound  not  fully  slew.     But  Priam's  amorous  birth 
Against  Tydides  bent  his  bow,  hid  with  a  hill  of  earth, 
Part  of  the  ruinated  tomb  for  honourd  Ilus  built,  330 

And  as  the  curace  of  the  slain,  engrav'n  and  richly  gilt, 
Tydides  from  his  breast  had  spoil'd,  and  from  his  shoulders  raft 
His  target  and  his  solid  helm,  he  shot,  and  his  keen  shaft 

325  Fautour.— See  Bk.  I.  441,  xv.  399. 

328  Priam's  amorous  birth — Paris.  312  Raft — reft. 


238  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

(That  never  flew  from  him  in  vain)  did  nail  unto  the  ground  334 

The  king's  right  foot ;  the  spleenful  knight  laugh'd  sweetly  at  the  wound, 

Crept  from  his  covert,  iind  triumph'd  :  "  Now  art  thou  maim'd,"  said  he, 

"  And  would  to  God  my  happy  hand  had  so  much  honour'd  me 

To  have  infix'd  it  in  thy  breast,  as  deep  as  in  thy  foot, 

Ev'n  to  th'  expulsure  of  t'i«v  «gul !     Then  blest  had  been  my  shoot 

Of  all  the  Trojans  ;  who  h'i    '•  -~rp  breath'd  from  their  long  unrests,    340 

Who  fear  thee,  as  the  brayifid,  >ss  afic.V)hor  the  king  of  beasts." 

Undaunted  Diomed  replied1.?  is  lam1-,raver  with  your  bow, 
You  slick-hair'd  lover,  you  that  dm.     Ulysses  ch^  cm»A«  «0. 
Durst  thou  but  stand  in  arms  with  me,  turned  subdu'd. 
Would  give  thee  little  cause  to  vaunt,     iwho  now  the  king  pursu'd    m 
In  this  same  tall  exploit  of  thine,  perforrtps.    As  when  two  chased  ' 
As  if  a  woman,  or  a  child  that  knew  not  v^and  race  way  thr 
Had  touch'd  my  foot.     A  coward's  steel  ha1  was  qi.  je. 

But  mine,  t'  assure  it  sharp,  still  lays  dead  catfditude.     -'hedge  ; 
Touch  it,  it  renders  lifeless  straight,  it  strikes  the^PurJBrs'  ends  350 

Of  hapless  widows  in  their  cheeks,  and  children  blind  of  friends. 
The  subject  of  it  makes  earth  red,  and  air  with  sighs  inflames, 
And  leaves  limbs  more   embrac'd  with  birds  than  with   enamour'd 
dames." 

Lance-fam'd  Ulysses  now  came  in,  and  stept  before  the  king, 
Kneel'd  opposite,  and  drew  the  shaft.     The  eager  pain  did  sting  355 

Through  all  his  body.     Straight  he  took  his  royal  chariot  there, 
And  with  direction  to  the  fleet  did  charge  his  charioteer. 

Now  was  Ulysses  desolate,  fear  made  no  friend  remain, 
He  thus  spake  to  his  mighty  mind  :  "  What  doth  my  state  sustain  ? 
If  I  should  fly  this  odds  in  fear,  that  thus  comes  clustering  on,  300 

'Twere  high  dishonour  ;  yet  'twere  worse,  to  be  surpris'd  alone. 
'Tis  Jove  that  drives  the  rest  to  flight ;  but  that's  a  faint  excuse. 
Why  do  I  tempt  my  mind  so  much  ?     Pale  cowards  fight  refuse. 

234  The  second  folio,  followed  as  usual  by  Dr.  Taylor,  reads,  "  nail  upon  the 
ground." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  239 

He  that  affects  renown  in  war  must  like  a  rock  be  fix'd, 

Wound,  or  be  wounded.     Valour's  truth  puts  no  respect  betwixt."       365 

In  this  contention  with  himself,  in  flew  the  °hady  bands 
Of  targeteers,  who  sieg'd  him  rou.nd  with  mis<>  -^f-filled  hands. 
As  when  a  crew  of  gallants  wat  kU.   V    '  V     <^  Si  a  boar, 
Their  dogs  put  after  %>.jfe)  a£hi  horri  "h  on  before> 
Whets,  with^hi-4^eart  XetiElose  wris  cvook^  tusks  for  blood>         3<° 
And>  W  their  fleet  should  ks'd  ;  wAeaka  through  the  deepen'd  wood, 
Th^\vhen  a  duU  mill  apxhe  hur*roach  be  never  so  abhorr'd  ; 
W^iom  the  birds  by  brought  the  Ilians  did  accord> 
'Ȥ  iaV>"    ^sensible  appiv  put  tr  First  be  burt>  uPon  his  shoulder  blade, 
EaauB^le>om  many  astard  ^rms  ;  then  sent  to  endless  shade  375 

ThoCPPgus  anu-ilftonc  Pir"  str0°k  tne  strong  Chersidamas, 
As  from  .  P  torrent  fronraP'd  down)  beneath  his  targe  of  brass  ; 
Who  fell,  and  c<vis  l>-aPon  *ne  earth  Wltb  bis  sustaining  palms, 
And  left  the  fight.     Nor  yet  his  lance  left  dealing  martial  alms, 
But  Socus'  brother  by  both  sides,  young  Carops,  did  impress.  330 

Then  princely  Socus  to  his  aid  made  brotherly  access, 
And,  coming  near,  spake  in  his  charge  :  "  0  great  Laertes'  son, 
Insatiate  in  sly  stratagems,  and  labours  never  done, 
This  hour,  or  thou  shalt  boast  to  kill  the  two  Hippasides 
And  prise  their  arms,  or  fall  thyself  in  my  resolv'd  access."  3S5 

This  said,  he  threw  quite  through  his  shield  his  fell  and  well-driv'n 
lance, 
Which  held  way  through  his  curaces,  and  on  his  ribs  did  glance, 
Plowing  the  flesh  alongst  his  sides  ;  but  Pallas  did  repel 
All  inward  passage  to  his  life.     Ulysses,  knowing  well 
The  wound  undeadly  (setting  back  his  foot  to  form  his  stand)  390 

Thus  spake  to  Socus  :  "  0  thou  wretch,  thy  death  is  in  this  hand, 
That  stay'st  my  victory  on  Troy,  and  where  thy  charge  was  made 
In  doubtful  terms  (or  this  or  that)  this  shall  thy  life  invade." 

363  Muse — haunt  of  an  animal.     The  word  seems  to  have  been  applied  more 
especially  to  the  "  run  "  of  a  hare. 


240  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

This  frighted  Socus  to  retreat,  and,  in  his  faint  reverse,  394 

The  lance  betwixt  his  shoulders  fell,  and  through  his  breast  did  perse, 
Down  fell  he  sounding,  a&d  the  king  thus  play'd  with  his  mis-ease  : 

"  O  Socus,  you  that  mak^e  by  birth  ^he  two  Hippasides, 
Now  may  your  house  and  yW  as  deep  ^Wan  outfly  the  flyer. 
Ah  wretch  !  thou  canst  not  'scaj  1     Then  blest  had^^P381-18  ^y  s^re' 
Nor  thy  well-honour'd  mother's  ^breath»d  from  their  \6^J^  worth, 
Shall  close  thy  wretched  eyes  in  o\fitbllor  the  king  of  beastg>»       nh,  m 
And  hide  them  with  their  darksome^  y,raver  with  your  bow, 
Divinest  Greeks  shall  tomb  my  corse  \YTlysses  cu^  o«»cA~:  „0 

Now  from  his  body  and  his  shield  the  --med  subdu'd. 
That  jDrincely  Socus  had  infix'd  ;  which  drio  now  the  king  pursu'd      05 
Fell  from  his  bosom  on  the  earth  ;  the  woun  As  when  two  chased  ' 
And  when  the  furious  Trojans  saw  Ulysses'  foil  race  way  thr 
Encouraging  themselves  in  gross,  all  his  destruci-  .*'d. 

Then  he  retir'd,  and  summon'd  aid.     Thrice  shouted  he  aloud, 
As  did  denote  a  man  engag'd.     Thrice  Menelaus'  ear  410 

Observ'd  his  aid-suggesting  voice,  and  Ajax  being  near, 
He  told  him  of  Ulysses'  shouts,  as  if  he  were  enclos'd 
From  all  assistance,  and  advis'd  their  aids  might  be  dispos'd 
Against  the  ring  that  circled  him,  lest,  charg'd  with  troops  alone, 
(Though  valiant)  he  might  be  oppress'd,  whom  Greece  so  built  upon. 

He  led,  and  Ajax  seconded.     They  found  their  Jove-lov'd  king        416 
Circled  with  foes.     As  when  a  den  of  bloody  lucerns  cling 
About  a  goodly-palmed  hart,  hurt  with  a  hunter's  bow, 
Whose  'scape  his  nimble  feet  enforce,  whilst  his  warm  blood  doth 
flow, 

395  Perse — pierce  ;  probably  so  printed  merely  to  suit  the  rhyme. 

417  Lucerns. — The  original  is  dues,  wolves,  or  jackals.  The  term  "lucern"  is 
used  by  Chapman  in  his  Bussy  d'Ambois"  (Act  in.)  for  a  sort  of  hunting  dog. 
Beaumont  and  Fletcher  apply  it  to  an  animal  whose  fur  was  much  valued, 
"the  rich-skinned  lucerne,"  (Beggar's  Bush,  in.  3).  Some  writers  have  de- 
scribed it  as  the  lynx;  others  (Minshew  and  Blount)  say  it  was  "a  beast 
almost  as  big  as  a  wolf,  breeding  in  Muscovia  and  Russia,  of  colour  between 
red  and  brown,  mingled  with  black  spots ;  its  skin  is  a  very  rich  fur."  The 
etymology  seems  uncertain. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  241 

And  his  light  knees  have  pow'r  to  move  ;  bnt,  master'd  of  his  wound, 
Emboss'd  within  a  shady  hill,  the  lurerns  charge  him  round,  m 

And  tear  his  flesh  ;  when  instantlv  *     -ne  sends  in  the  pow'rs 
Of  some  stern  lion,  witlvwaQS^  <^A  ^-.^  'fly,  and  he  devours  ; 
So  charg'd  the  Ilians^  *%>    (/'k_    J  ■f,.,'t,rdd  mighty  men. 
But  then  m^,  5  „    "V.^iel  abhi  horrid  Aiax  then,  425 

Bearm£rly  ^  jk-*t  heart  retirlose  was  his  violent  stand, 
And  f'ear  their  fleet  should  fetfs'd  ;  when,  by  the  royal  hand, 
K>v      vhen  a  dull  mill  apxhe  hurt  Laertes'  son, 
a     ^,  oni  the  birds  by  brought  his  horse.     Victorious  Telamon 


'   -A* 


430 


tj.  ^  .    cnsensible  appn  put  to  sword  a  young  Priamides, 
DoryciUEbom  manyastard  son  ;  then  did  his  lance  impress 
Pandocus,  anu-aliong  Pirasus,  Lysander  and  Palertes. 
As  when  a  torrent  from  the  hills,  swoln  with  Saturnian  show'rs, 
Fall's  on  the  fields,  bears  blasted  oaks,  and  wither'd  rosin  flow'rs, 
Loose  weeds,  and  all  dispersed  filth,  into  the  ocean's  force  ;  435 

So  matchless  Ajax  beat  the  field,  and  slaughter'd  men  and  horse. 
Yet  had  not  Hector  heard  of  this,  who  fought  on  the  left  wing 
Of  all  the  host,  near   those  sweet    herbs    Scamander's  flood    doth 

spring, 
Where  many  foreheads  trod   the    ground,  and  where  the  skirmish 

burn'd 
Near  Nestor  and  king  Idomen  ;  where  Hector  overturn'd  440 

The  Grecian  scpiadrons,  authoring  high  service  with  his  lance, 
And  skilful  manage  of  his  horse.     Nor  yet  the  discrepance 
He  made  in  death  betwixt  the  hosts  had  made  the  Greeks  retire, 
If  fair-hair'd  Helen's  second  spouse  had  not  repress'd  the  fire 


421  Emboss'd.— See  Bk.  iv.  258. 

434  Rosin  flow  rs. — Dr.  Taylor  has  printed  "  withered  rosy  flow'rs."  Had  he 
known  the  original,  he  would  have  found  no  necessity  for  altering  the  reading  of 
both  folios.  Homer  speaks  of  the  river  bearing  down  in  its  course  "  many 
withered  oaks  and^r  trees  ;"  which  latter  Chapman  has  fancifully  translated 
"rosin  flowers." 

VOL.  I.  Q 


242  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Of  bold  Machaon's  fortitude,  who  with  a  three-fork'd  head  445 

In  his  right  shoulder  wounded  him.     Then  had  the  Grecians  dread, 
Lest,  in  his  strength  declin'd,  the  foe  should  slaughter  their  hurt 

friend.  . 

Then  Crete's  king  urg'd  Neleides  his  L  &£$  £an  °nd, 
And  getting  near  him,  take  him  in,  anc^n  blest  had^l1  ^P11^-  its. 
A  surgeon  is  to  be  preferr'd,  with  physic^  fr0m  their  lon"fll^  v'         450 
Before  a  multitude  ;  his  life  gives  hurt  live^e  kin"  of  beasts."       n 
With  sweet  inspersion  of  fit  balms,  and  perfecwith  your  bow 

Thus  spake  the  royal  Idomen.     Neleides  obew  ^.Jiv.-  <;0_ 
And  to  his  chariot  presently  the  wounded  Greekbdu'd. 
The  son  of  iEsculapius,  the  great  physician.  the  king  put,n"        435 

To  fleet  they  flew.     Cebriones  perceiv'd  the  slaughter  .tw/e 
By  Ajax  on  the  other  troops,  and  spake  to  Hector  thus  : 

"  Whiles  we  encounter  Grecians  here,  stern  Telamonius 
Is  yonder  raging,  turning  up  in  heaps  our  horse  and  men  ; 
I  know  him  by  his  spacious  shield.     Let  us  turn  chariot  then,  400 

Where,  both  of  horse  and  foot,  the  fight  most  hotly  is  propos'd, 
In  mutual  slaughters.     Hark,  their  throats  from  cries  are  never  clos'd." 

This  said,  with  bis  shrill  scourge  he  strook  the  horse,  that  fast  ensu'd 
Stung  with  his  lashes,  tossing  shields,  and  carcasses  imbru'd. 
The  chariot  tree  was  drown'd  in  blood,  and  th'  arches  by  the  seat       465 
Dispurpled  from  the  horses'  hoofs,  and  from  the  wheelbands  beat. 
Great  Hector  long'd  to  break  the  ranks,  and  startle  their  close  fight, 
Who  horribly  amaz'd  the  Greeks,  and  plied  their  sudden  fright 
With  busy  weapons,  ever  wing'd  ;  his  lance,  sword,  weighty  stones. 
Yet  charg'd  he  other  leaders'  bands,  not  dreadful  Telamon's  ;  470 

With  whom  he  wisely  shunn'd  foul  blows.    But  Jove  (that  weighs  above 
All  human  pow'rs)  to  Ajax'  breast  divine  repressions  drove, 
And  made  him  shun  who  shunn'd  himself ;  he  ceas'd  from  fight  amaz'd, 
Cast  on  his  back  his  sev'n-fold  shield,  and  round  about  him  gaz'd 
Like  one  turn'd  wild,  look'd  on  himself  in  his  distract  retreat,  4-5 

Knee  before  knee  did  scarcely  move.     As  when  from  herds  of  neat, 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  243 

"Whole  threaves  of  boors  and  mongrels  chase  a  lion  skulkincr  near, 

Loth  he  should  taint  the  well-priz'd  fat  of  any  stall-fed  steer, 

Consuming  all  the  night  in  watch,  he,  greedy  of  his  prey, 

Oft  thrusting  on  is  oft  thrust  off,  so  thick  the  jav'lins  play  480 

On  his  bold  charges,  and  so  hot  the  burning  fire-brands  shine, 

Which  he  (though  horrible)  abhors,  about  his  glowing  eyne, 

And  early  his.great  heart  retires  ;  so  Ajax  from  the  foe, 

For  fear  their  fleet  should  be  inflam'd,  'gainst  his  swoln  heart  did  go. 

As  when  a  dull  mill  ass  comes  near  a  goodly  field  of  corn,  455 

Kept  from  the  birds  by  children's  cries,  the  boys  are  overborne 
By  his  insensible  approach,  and  simply  he  will  eat ; 
About  whom  many  wands  are  broke,  and  still  the  children  beat, 
And?  still  the  self-providing  ass  doth  with  their  weakness  bear, 
Not  stirring  till  his  paunch  be  full,  and  scarcely  then  will  steer  ;         490 
So  the  huge  son  of  Telamon  amongst  the  Trojans  far'd, 
Bore  show'rs  of  darts  upon  his  shield,  yet  scorn'd  to  fly  as  scar'd, 
And  so  kept  softly  on  his  way  ;  nor  would  he  mend  his  pace 
For  all  their  violent  pursuits,  that  still  did  arm  the  chace 
With  singing  lances.     But,  at  last,  when  their  cur-like  presumes        495 
More  urg'd  the  more  forborne,  his  spirits  did  rarify  their  fumes, 
And  he  revok'd  his  active  strength,  turn'd  head,  and  did  repell 
The  horse-troops  that  were  new  made  in,  'twixt  whom  the  fight  grew  fell ; 
And  by  degrees  he  stole  retreat,  yet  with  such  puissant  stay 
That  none  could  pass  him  to  the  fleet.     In  both  the  armies'  sway        500 
He  stood,  and  from  strong  hands  receiv'd  sharp  jav'lins  on  his  shield, 
Where  many  stuck,  thrown  on  before,  many  fell  short  in  field, 

477  Threaves — properly  "  a  number  of  sheaves  of  corn  ;  "  in  which  sense  the 
word  is  still  in  use  in  the  Northern  Counties.  Metaphorically  applied  to  a  col- 
lection of  any  objects.     Ben  Jonson  to  people, — 

"  Gallants,  men  and  women, 
And  of  all  sorts,  tag,  rag,  been  seen  to  flock  here 
In  threaves,  these  ten  weeks." — Alchem.  v.  2. 
Bp.  Hall  [Satire,  iv.  6.) 

"  He  sends  forth  thraves  of  ballads  to  the  sale." 

478  Taint. — See  supra,  line  175. 

493  Rarify — the  second  folio  reads  "ratify ;"  and  so  Dr.  Taylor. 


244  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Ere  the  white  body  they  could  reach,  and  stuck,  as  telling  how 

They  purpos'd  to  have  pierc'd  his  flesh.     His  peril  pierced  now 

The  eyes  of  prince  Eurypylus,  Evemon's  famous  son,  505 

Who  came  close  on,  and  with  his  dart  strook  duke  Apisaon, 

Whose  surname  was  Phausiades,  ev'n  to  the  concrete  blood 

That  makes  the  liver  ;  on  the  earth,  out  gush'd  his  vital  flood. 

Eurypylus  made  in,  and  eas'd  his  shoulders  of  his  arms  ; 

Which  Paris  seeing,  he  drew  his  bow,  and  wreak'd  in  part  the  harms 

Of  his  good  friend  Phausiades,  his  arrow  he  let  fly  fii 

That  smote  Eurypylus,  and  brake  in  his  attainted  thigh  ; 

Then  took  he  troop  to  shun  black  death,  and  to  the  flyers  cried  : 

"  Princes,  and  leaders  of  the  Greeks,  stand,  and  repulse  the  tide 
Of  this  our  honour- wracking  chase.     Ajax  is  drown'd  in  darts,  sis 

I  fear  past  'scape  ;  turn,  honour'd  friends,  help  out  his  vent'rous  parts." 
Thus  spake  the  wounded  Greek ;  the  sound  cast  on  their  backs  their 

shields, 
And  rais'd  their  darts  ;  to  whose  relief  Ajax  his  person  wields. 
Then  stood  he  firmly  with  his  friends,  retiring  their  retire. 
And  thus  both  hosts  indiff'rent  join'd,  the  fight  grew  hot  as  fire.  620 

Now  had  Neleides'  sweating  steeds  brought  him,  and  his  hurt  friend, 
Amongst  their  fleet.     iEacides,  that  wishly  did  intend, 
Standing  astern  his  tall-neck'd  ship,  how  deep  the  skirmish  drew 
Amongst  the  Greeks,  and  with  what  ruth  the  insecution  grew, 
Saw  Nestor  bring  Machaon  hurt,  and  from  within  did  call  625 

His  friend  Patroclus  ;  who,  like  Mars  in  form  celestial, 

508   Vital  flood. — Both  the  folios  have  "Hood;"  the  older  editions  however 
have  "flood." 

512  Attainted. — See  supra,  line  175. 

522   Wishly  intend — anxiously  regard,  watch.    These  lines  have  been  adopted 
by  Niccols  in  his  "England's  Eliza."  (Mirrour  for  Magistrates,  Pt.  V.) 
"  The  noble  Dev'reux,  that  undaunted  knight, 
Who  stood  astern  his  ship,  and  wishly  eyd 
How  deep  the  skirmish  drew  on  either  side." — Stanza  404. 
There  are  frequent  plagiarisms  from  Chapman  in  the  same  poem. 
524  Insecution — pursuit.     Latin. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  245 

Came  forth  with  first  sound  of  his  voice,  first  spring  of  his  decay, 

And  ask'd  his  princely  friend's  desire.    "  Dear  friend,"  said  he,  "  this  day 

I  doubt  not  will  enforce  the  Greeks,  to  swarm  about  my  knees  ; 

I  see  unsuffer'd  need  employ'd  in  their  extremities.  630 

Go,  sweet  Patroclus,  and  inquire  of  old  Neleides 

Whom  he  brought  wounded  from  the  fight  ;  by  his  back  parts  I  guess 

It  is  Machaon,  but  his  face  I  could  not  well  descry, 

They  pass'd  me  in  such  earnest  speed."     Patroclus  presently 

Obey'd  his  friend,  and  ran  to  know.     They  now  descended  were,         535 

And  Nestor's  squire,  Eurymedon,  the  horses  did  ungear  ; 

Themselves  stood  near  th'  extremest  shore,  to  let  the  gentle  air 

Dry  up  their  sweat ;  then  to  the  tent,  where  Hecamed  the  fair 

Set  chairs,  and  for  the  wounded  prince  a  potion  did  prepare. 

This  Hecamed,  by  war's  hard  fate,  fell  to  old  Nestor's  share,  540 

When  Thetis'  son  sack'd  Tenedos  ;  she  was  the  princely  seed 
Of  worthy  king  Arsinous,  and  by  the  Greeks  decreed 
The  prise  of  Nestor,  since  all  men  in  counsel  he  surpass'd. 
First,  a  fair  table  she  appos'd,  of  which  the  feet  were  grac'd 
With  bluish  metal  mix'd  with  black  ;  and  on  the  same  she  put  545 

A  brass  fruit-dish,  in  which  she  serv'd  a  wholesome  onion  cut 
For  pittance  to  the  potion,  and  honey  newly  wrought, 
And  bread,  the  fruit  of  sacred  meal.     Then  to  the  board  she  brought 
A  right  fair  cup  with  gold  studs  driv'n,  which  Nestor  did  transfer 
From  Pylos  ;  on  whose  swelling  sides  four  handles  fixed  were,  550 

And  upon  ev'ry  handle  sat  a  pair  of  doves  of  gold, 
Some  billing,  and  some  pecking  meat ;  two  gilt  feet  did  uphold 
The  antique  body  ;  and  withal  so  weighty  was  the  cup 
That,  being  propos'd  brimful  of  wine,  one  scarce  could  lift  it  up, 
Yet  Nestor  drunk  in  it  with  ease,  spite  of  his  years'  respect.  555 

In  this  the  goddessdike  fair  dame  a  potion  did  confect 
With  good  old  wine  of  Pramnius,  and  scrap'd  into  the  wine 
Cheese  made  of  goat's  milk,  and  on  it  spers'd  flour  exceeding  fine. 

527  First  spring  of  his  decay — first  dawning  of  his  approaching  fate. 
554  Propos'd — held  forth,  set  before  (Lat.  proponere).     See  Bk.  I.  14. 


246  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

In  this  sort  for  the  wounded  lord  the  potion  she  prepar'd, 

And  bad  him  drink.     For  company,  with  him  old  Nestor  shar'd.         560 

Thus  physically  quench'd  they  thirst,  and  then  their  spirits  reviv'd 
With  pleasant  conference.     And  now  Patroclus,  being  arriv'd, 
Made  stay  at  th'  entry  of  the  tent.     Old  Nestor,  seeing  it, 
Rose,  and  receiv'd  him  by  the  hand,  and  fain  would  have  him  sit. 
He  set  that  courtesy  aside,  excusing  it  with  haste,  565 

Since  his  much-to-be-rev'renced  friend  sent  him  to  know  who  past, 
"Wounded  with  him  in  chariot,  so  swiftly  through  the  shore  ; 
"  Whom  now,"  said  he,  "  I  see  and  know,  and  now  can  stay  no  more  ; 
You  know,  good  father,  our  great  friend  is  apt  to  take  offence, 
Whose  fi'ry  temper  will  inflame  sometimes  with  innocence."  670 

He  answer'd  :  "  When  will  Peleus'  son  some  royal  pity  show 
On  his  thus  wounded  countrymen  1     Ah  !  is  he  yet  to  know 
How  much  affliction  tires  our  host  %     How  our  especial  aid, 
Tainted  with  lances,  at  their  tents  are  miserably  laid  1 
Ulysses,  Diomed,  our  king,  Eurypylus,  Machaon,  575 

All  hurt,  and  all  our  worthiest  friends  ;  yet  no  compassion 
Can  supple  thy  friend's  friendless  breast  !     Doth  he  reserve  his  eye 
Till  our  fleet  burn,  and  we  ourselves  one  after  other  die  ] 
Alas,  my  forces  are  not  now  as  in  my  younger  life. 
Oh  would  to  God  I  had  that  strength  I  used  in  the  strife  5so 

Eetwixt  us  and  the  Elians,  for  oxen  to  be  driv'n, 
When  Itymonius'  lofty  soul  was  by  my  valour  giv'n 
As  sacrifice  to  destiny,  Hypirochus'  strong  son, 
That  dwelt  in  Elis,  and  fought  first  in  our  contention  ! 
We  forag'd,  as  proclaimed  foes,  a  wondrous  wealthy  boot,  585 

And  he,  in  rescue  of  his  herds,  fell  breathless  at  my  foot. 
All  the  dorp  boors  with  terror  fled.     Our  prey  was  rich  and  great ; 
Twice  five  and  twenty  flocks  of  sheep  ;  as  many  herds  of  neat ; 
As  many  goats,  and  nasty  swine  ;  an  hundred  fifty  mares, 
All  sorrel,  most  with  sucking  foals.     And  these  soon-monied  wares     590 
587  Dorp — village,  Anglo-Sax. 


OF  HOMERS  ILIADS.  247 

"We  drave  into  Neleius'  town,  fair  Pylos,  all  by  night. 

My  father's  heart  was  glad  to  see  so  much  good  fortune  quite 

The  forward  mind  of  his  young  son,  that  us'd  my  youth  in  deeds, 

And  would  not  smother  it  in  moods.     Now  drew  the  Sun's  bright  steeds 

Light  from  the  hills  ;  our  heralds  now  accited  all  that  were  595 

Eudamag'd  by  the  Elians  ■  our  princes  did  appear  ; 

Our  boot  was  parted  ;  many  men  th'  Epeians  much  did  owe, 

That,  being  our  neighbours,  they  did  spoil ;  afflictions  did  so  flow 

On  us  poor  Pylians,  though  but  few.     In  brake  great  Hercules 

To  our  sad  confines  of  late  years,  and  wholly  did  suppress  600 

Our  napless  princes.     Twice-six  sons  renown'd  Neleius  bred, 

Only  myself  am  left  of  all,  the  rest  subdu'd  and  dead. 

And  this  was  it  that  made  so  proud  the  base  Epeian  bands, 

On  their  near  neighbours,  being  oppress'd,  to  lay  injurious  hands. 

A  lierd  of  oxen  for  himself,  a  mighty  flock  of  sheep,  605 

My  sire  selected,  and  made  choice  of  shepherds  for  their  keep  ; 

Ard  from  the  gen'ral  spoil  he  cull'd  three  hundred  of  the  best. 

Tie  Elians  ought  him  infinite,  most  plagu'd  of  all  the  rest. 

Four  wager-winning  horse  he  lost,  and  chariots  intervented, 

Being  led  to  an  appointed  race  ;  the  prize  that  was  presented  eio 

"Was  a  religious  three-fcot  urn  ;  Augeas  was  the  king 

That  did  detain  them,  and  dismiss'd  their  keeper  sorrowing 

Tor  his  lov'd  charge  lost  with  foul  words.    Then  both  for  words  and  deeds 

My  sire  being  worthily  incens'd,  thus  justly  he  proceeds 

To  satisfaction,  in  first  choice  of  all  our  wealthy  prise  ;  615 

And,  as  he  shar'd  much,  much  he  left  his  subjects  to  suffice, 

That  none  might  be  oppress'd  with  pow'r,  or  want  his  portion  due. 

Thus  for  the  public  good  we  shar'd.     Then  we  to  temples  drew 

Our  complete  city,  and  to  heav'n  we  thankful  rites  did  burn 

For  our  rich  conquest.     The  third  day  ensuing  our  return  620 

The  Elians  flew  on  us  in  heaps  ;  their  gen'ral  leaders  were 

The  twTo  Moliones,  two  boys,  untrained  in  the  fear 

895  Accited — summoned,  roused.  608  Ought — owed. 


248  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

Of  horrid  war,  or  use  of  strength.     A  certain  city  shines 

Upon  a  lofty  prominent,  and  in  th'  extreme  confines 

Of  sandy  Pylos,  seated  where  Alpheus'  flood  doth  run,  825 

And  call'd  Thryessa  ;  this  they  sieg'd,  and  gladly  would  have  won, 

But,  having  pass'd  through  all  our  fields,  Minerva  as  our  spy 

Fell  from  Olympus  in  the  night,  and  arm'd  us  instantly  ; 

Nor  muster'd  she  unwilling  men,  nor  unprepar'd  for  force. 

My  sire  yet  would  not  let  me  arm,  but  hid  away  my  horse,  630 

Esteeming  me  no  soldier  yet  ;  yet  shin'd  I  nothing  less 

Amongst  our  gallants,  though  on  foot ;  Minerva's  mightiness 

Led  me  to  fight,  and  made  me  bear  a  soldier's  worthy  name. 

There  is  a  flood  falls  into  sea,  and  his  crook'd  course  doth  frame 

Close  to  Arena,  and  is  call'd  bright  Minyaeus'  stream.  635 

There  made  we  halt,  and  there  the  sun  cast  many  a  glorious  beam 

On  our  bright  armours,  horse  and  foot  insea'd  together  there. 

Then  march'd  we  on.     By  fi'ry  noon  we  saw  the  sacred  clear 

Of  great  Alpheus,  where  to  Jove  we  did  fair  sacrifice  ; 

And  to  the  azure  God,  that  rules  the  under-liquid  skies,  640 

We  offer'd  up  a  solemn  bull  ;  a  bull  t'  Alpheus'  name  ; 

And  to  the  blue-ey'd  Maid  we  burn'd  a  heifer  never  tame. 

Now  was  it  night ;  we  supp'd  and  slept,  about  the  flood,  in  arms. 

The  foe  laid  hard  siege  to  our  town,  and  shook  it  with  alarms, 

But,  for  prevention  of  their  spleens,  a  mighty  work  of  war  en 

Appear'd  behind  them  ;  for  as  soon  as  Phoebus'  fi'ry  car 

Cast  night's  foul  darkness  from  his  wheels  (invoking  rev'rend  Jove, 

And  the  unconquer'd  Maid  his  birth)  we  did  th'  event  approve, 

And  gave  them  battle.     First  of  all,  I  slew  (the  army  saw) 

The  mighty  soldier  Mulius,  Augeas'  son-in-law,  65o 

And  spoil'd  him  of  his  one  hoof'd  horse  ;  his  eldest  daughter  was 

Bright  Agamede,  that  for  skill  in  simples  did  surpass, 

And  knew  as  many  kind  of  drugs,  as  earth's  broad  centre  bred. 

Him  charg'd  I  with  my  brass-arm'd  lance,  the  dust  receiv'd  him  dead. 

637  Insea'd — enclosed  by  the  sea. 

651  Eldest—  The  second  folio  reads  "  elder  daughter." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  249 

I,  leaping  to  his  chariot,  amongst  the  foremost  press'd,  665 

And  the  great-hearted  Elians  fled  frighted,  seeing  their  best 

And  loftiest  soldier  taken  down,  the  gen'ral  of  their  horse. 

I  follow'd  like  a  black  whirlwind,  and  did  for  prise  enforce 

Full  fifty  chariots,  ev'ry  one  furnish'd  with  two  arm'd  men, 

"Who  ate  the  earth,  slain  with  my  lance.     And  I  had  slaughter'd  then 

The  two  young  boys,  Moliones,  if  their  world-circling  sire,  6ei 

Great  Neptune,  had  not  saft  their  lives,  and  cover'd  their  retire 

With  unpierc'd  clouds.     Then  Jove  bestow'd  a  haughty  victory 

Upon  us  Pylians  ;  for  so  long  we  did  the  chase  apply, 

Slaught'ring  and  making  spoil  of  arms,  till  sweet  Buprasius'  soil,         665 

Alesius,  and  Olenia,  were  fam'd  with  our  recoil ; 

For  there  Minerva  turn'd  our  pow'r,  and  there  the  last  I  slew 

As,  when  our  battle  join'd,  the  first.     The  Pylians  then  withdrew 

To  Pylos  from  Buprasius.     Of  all  th'  Immortals  then, 

They  most  thank'd  Jove  for  victory  ;  Nestor  the  most  of  men.  ero 

Such  was  I  ever,  if  I  were  employ'd  with  other  peers, 

And  I  had  honour  of  my  youth,  which  dies  not  in  my  years. 

But  great  Achilles  only  joys  liability  of  act 

In  his  brave  prime,  and  doth  not  deign  t'  impart  it  where  'tis  lack'd. 

No  doubt  he  will  extremely  mourn,  long  after  that  black  hour  675 

Wherein  our  ruin  shall  be  brought,  and  rue  his  ruthless  pow'r. 

O  friend  !  my  memory  revives  the  charge  Mencetius  gave 

Thy  towardness,  when  thou  sett'st  forth,  to  keep  out  of  the  grave 

Our  wounded  honour.     I  myself  and  wise  Ulysses  were 

Within  the  room,  where  ev'ry  word  then  spoken  we  did  hear,  680 

For  we  were  come  to  Peleus'  court,  as  we  did  must'ring  pass 

Through  rich  Achaia,  where  thy  sire,  renown'd  Mencetius,  was, 

Thyself  and  great  iEacides,  when  Peleus  the  king 

To  thunder-loving  Jove  did  burn  an  ox  for  offering, 

In  his  court-yard.     A  cup  of  gold,  crown'd  with  red  wine,  he  held      685 

On  th'  holy  incensory  pour'd.     You,  when  the  ox  was  feil'd, 

686  Incensory — altar  of  incense. 


250  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 

"Were  dressing  his  divided  limbs  ;  we  in  the  portal  stood. 

Achilles  seeing  us  come  so  near,  his  honourable  blood 

Was  strook  with  a  respective  shame,  rose,  took  us  by  the  hands, 

Brought  us  both  in,  and  made  us  sit,  and  us'd  his  kind  commands      600 

For  seemly  hospitable  rites,  which  quickly  were  appos'd. 

Then,  after  needfulness  of  food,  I  first  of  all  disclos'd 

The  royal  cause  of  our  repair  ;  mov'd  you  and  your  great  friend 

To  consort  our  renown'd  designs  ;  both  straight  did  condescend. 

Your  fathers  knew  it,  gave  consent,  and  grave  instruction  cos 

To  both  your  valours.     Peleus  charg'd  his  most  unequall'd  son 

To  govern  his  victorious  strength,  and  shine  past  all  the  rest 

In  honour,  as  in  mere  main  force.     Then  were  thy  partings  blest 

With  dear  advices  from  thy  sire  ;  '  My  loved  son,'  said  he, 

'  Achilles,  by  his  grace  of  birth,  superior  is  to  thee,  700 

And  for  his  force  more  excellent,  yet  thou  more  ripe  in  years  ; 

Then  with  sound  counsels,  age's  fruits,  employ  his  honour'd  years, 

Command  and  overrule  his  moods  ;  his  nature  will  obey 

In  any  charge  discreetly  giv'n,  that  doth  his  good  assay.' 

"  Thus  charg'd  thy  sire,  which  thou  forgett'st.  Yet  now  at  last  approve, 
With  forced  reference  of  these,  th'  attraction  of  his  love  ;  roe 

Who  knows  if  sacred  influence  may  bless  thy  good  intent, 
And  enter  with  thy  gracious  words,  eVn  to  his  full  consent  1 
The  admonition  of  a  friend  is  sweet  and  vehement. 
If  any  oracle  he  shun,  or  if  his  mother-queen  710 

Hath  brought  him  some  instinct  from  Jove,  that  fortifies  his  spleen, 
Let  him  resign  command  to  thee  of  all  his  Myrmidons, 
And  yield  by  that  means  some  repulse  to  our  confusions, 
Adorning  thee  in  his  bright  arms,  that  his  resembled  form 
May  haply  make  thee  thought  himself,  and  calm  this  hostile  storm  ;  715 

689  Respective — respectful. 

"  For  new-made  honour  doth  forget  men's  names  ; 
'Tis  too  respective,  and  too  sociable." 

Shakespeare.     K.  John,  1.  1. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  251 

That  so  a  little  we  may  ease  our  overcharged  hands, 
Draw  some  breath,  not  expire  it  all.     The  foe  but  faintly  stands 
Beneath  his  labours  ;  and  your  charge  being  fierce,  and  freshly  giv'n, 
They  eas'ly  from  our  tents  and  fleet  may  to  their  walls  be  driv'n." 

This  mov'd  the  good  Patroclus'  mind  ;  who  made  his  utmost  haste 
T'  inform  his  friend  ;  and  as  the  fleet  of  Ithacus  he  past,  721 

(At  which  their  markets  were  dispos'd,  councils,  and  martial  courts, 
And  where  to  th'  altars  of  the  Gods  they  made  divine  resorts) 
He  met  renown'd  Eurypylus,  Evemon's  noble  son, 
Halting,  his  thigh  hurt  with  a  shaft,  the  licmid  sweat  did  run  725 

Down  from  his  shoulders  and  his  brows,  and  from  his  raging  wound 
Forth  flow'd  his  melancholy  blood,  yet  still  his  mind  was  sound. 
His  sight  in  kind  Patroclus'  breast  to  sacred  pity  turn'd, 
And  (nothing  more  immartial  for  true  ruth)  thus  he  mourn'd  : 
"  Ah  wretched  progeny  of  Greece,  princes,  dejected  kings,  730 

"Was  it  your  fates  to  nourish  beasts,  and  serve  the  outcast  wings 
Of  savage  vultures  here  in  Troy  ?     Tell  me,  Evemon's  fame, 
Do  yet  the  Greeks  withstand  his  force,  whom  yet  no  force  can  tame  ? 
Or  are  they  hopeless  thrown  to  death  by  his  resistless  lance  1 " 
"  Divine  Patroclus,"  he  replied,  "  no  more  can  Greece  advance  735 

Defensive  weapons,  but  to  fleet  they  headlong  must  retire, 
For  those  that  to  this  hour  have  held  our  fleet  from  hostile  fire, 
And  are  the  bulwarks  of  our  host,  lie  wounded  at  their  tents, 
And  Troy's  unvanquishable  pow'r,  still  as  it  toils,  augments. 
But  take  me  to  thy  black-stern'd  ship,  save  me,  and  from  my  thigh     740 
Cut  out  this  arrow,  and  the  blood,  that  is  ingor'd  and  dry, 
"Wash  with  warm  water  from  the  wound  ;  then  gentle  salves  apply, 
"Which  thou  know'st  best,  thy  princely  friend  hath  taught  thee  surgery, 
Whom,  of  all  Centaurs  the  most  just,  Chiron  did  institute. 
Thus  to  thy  honourable  hands  my  ease  I  prosecute,  745 

721  As.—  Both  folios  have  "at." 

729  Nothiwj  more  immartial  for  true  ruth — not  the  worse  soldier  for  feeling 
true  pity. 


252       ELEVENTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 

Since  our  physicians  cannot  help.     Machaon  at  his  tent 

Needs  a  physician  himself,  being  leech  and  patient  ; 

And  Podalirius,  in  the  field,  the  sharp  conflict  sustains." 

Strong  Mencetiades  replied  :  "  How  shall  I  ease  thy  pains  ? 

What  shall  we  do,  Eurypylus  ?     I  am  to  use  all  haste,  750 

To  signify  to  Thetis'  son  occurrents  that  have  past, 

At  Nestor's  honourable  suit.     But  be  that  work  achiev'd 

When  this  is  done,  I  will  not  leave  thy  torments  unreliev'd." 

This  said,  athwart  his  back  he  cast,  beneath  his  breast,  his  arm, 
And  nobly  help'd  him  to  his  tent.     His  servants,  seeing  his  harm,      755 
Dispread  ox-hides  upon  the  earth,  whereon  Machaon  lay. 
Patroclus  cut  out  the  sharp  shaft,  and  clearly  wash'd  away 
With  lukewarm  water  the  black  blood  ;  then  'twixt  his  hands  he  bruis'd 
A  sharp  and  mitigatory  root  ;  which  when  he  had  infus'd 
Into  the  green,  well-cleansed,  wound,  the  pains  he  felt  before  760 

Were  well,  and  instantly  allay'd  ;  the  wound  did  bleed  no  more. 


THE  END  OF  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK. 


THE  TWELFTH  BOOK  OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS. 


The  Abgument. 

The  Trojans  at  the  trench  their  pow'rs  engage, 
Though  greeted  by  a  bird  of  bad  presage. 
In  five  parts  they  divide  their  pow'r  to  scale, 
And  Prince  Sarpedon  forceth  down  the  pale. 
Great  Hector  from  the  ports  tears  out  a  stone, 
And  with  so  dead  a  strength  he  sets  it  gone 
At  those  broad  gates  the  Grecians  made  to  guard 
Their  tents  and  ships,  that,  broken,  and  unbarr'd, 
They  yield  way  to  his  pow'r ;  when  all  contend 
To  reach  the  ships  ;  which  all  at  last  ascend. 

Another  Argument. 

MT  works  the  Trojans  all  the  grace, 
And  doth  the  Grecian  fort  deface. 


<v      ATROCLUS  thus  employ'd  in  cure  of  hurt  Eurypylus, 
J^l     Both  hosts  are  all  for  other  wounds  doubly  contentious, 
One  always  labouring  to  expel,  the  other  to  invade. 
Nor  could  the  broad  dike  of  the  Greeks,  nor  that  strong 
wall  they  made 
To  guard  their  fleet,  be  long  unrac't ;  because  it  was  not  rais'd  5 

By  grave  direction  of  the  Gods,  nor  were  their  Deities  prais'd 
(When  they  begun)  with  hecatombs,  that  then  they  might  be  sure 
(Their  strength  being  season'd  well  with  heav'n's)  it  should  have  force 
t'  endure, 


254  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

And  so,  the  safeguard  of  their  fleet,  and  all  their  treasure  there, 
Infallibly  had  been  confirm'd  ;  when,  now,  their  bulwarks  were  10 

Not  only  without  pow'r  of  check  to  their  assaulting  foe 
(Ev'n  now,  as  soon  as  they  were  built)  but  apt  to  overthrow ; 
Such  as,  in  very  little  time,  shall  bury  all  their  sight 
And  thought  that  ever  they  were  made.     As  long  as  the  despite 
Of  great  iEacides  held  up,  and  Hector  went  not  down,  15 

And  that  by  those  two  means  stood  safe  king  Priam's  sacred  town, 
So  long  their  rampire  had  some  use,  though  now  it  gave  some  way  ; 
But  when  Troy's  best  men  suffer'd  fate,  and  many  Greeks  did  pay 
Dear  for  their  suff'rance,  then  the  rest  home  to  their  country  turn'd, 
The  tenth  year  of  their  wars  at  Troy,  and  Troy  was  sack'd  and  burn'd. 
And  then  the  Gods  fell  to  their  fort ;  then  they  their  pow'rs  employ    21 
To  ruin  their  work,  and  left  less  of  that  than  they  of  Troy. 
Neptune  and  Phoebus  tumbled  down,  from  the  Idalian  hills, 
An  inundation  of  all  floods,  that  thence  the  broad  sea  fills 
On  their  huge  rampire  ;  in  one  glut,  all  these  together  roar'd,  25 

Rhesus,  Heptaporus,  Rhodius,  Scamander  the  ador'd, 
Caresus,  Simois,  Grenicus,  iEsepus  ;  of  them  all 
Apollo  open'd  the  rough  mouths,  and  made  their  lusty  fall 
Ravish  the  dusty  champian,  where  many  a  helm  and  shield, 
And  half-god  race  of  men,  were  strew'd.   And,  that  all  these  might  yield 
Full  tribute  to  the  heav'nly  work,  Neptune  and  Phoebus  won  31 

Jove  to  unburthen  the  black  wombs  of  clouds,  fill'd  by  the  sun, 
And  pour  them  into  all  their  streams,  that  quickly  they  might  send 
The  huge  wall  swimming  to  the  sea.     Nine  days  their  lights  did  spend 
To  nights  in  tempests  ;  and  when  all  their  utmost  depth  had  made,     35 
Jove,  Phcebus,  Neptune,  all  came  down,  and  all  in  state  did  wade 
To  ruin  of  that  impious  fort.     Great  Neptune  went  before, 
Wrought  with  his  trident,  and  the  stones,  trunks,  roots  of  trees,  he  tore 
Out  of  the  rampire,  toss'd  them  all  into  the  Hellespont, 
Ev'n  all  the  proud  toil  of  the  Greeks,  with  which  they  durst  confront  40 
29  Champian — champain,  level  country. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  255 

The  to-be  shunned  Deities,  and  not  a  stone  remain' d 

Of  all  their  huge  foundations,  all  with  the  earth  were  plain'd. 

Which  done,  again  the  Gods  turn'd  back  the  silver-flowing  floods 

By  that  vast  channel,  through  whose  vaults  they  pour'd  abroad  their 

broods, 
And  cover'd  all  the  ample  shore  again  with  dusty  sand.  45 

And  this  the  end  was  of  that  wall,  where  now  so  many  a  hand 
Was  emptied  of  stones  and  darts,  contending  to  invade  ; 
Where  Clamour  spent  so  high  a  throat ;  and  where  the  fell  blows  made 
The  new-built  wooden  turrets  groan.     And  here  the  Greeks  were  pent, 
Tam'd  with  the  iron  whip  of  Jove,  that  terrors  vehement  so 

Shook  over  them  by  Hector's  hand,  who  was  in  ev'ry  thought 
The  terror-master  of  the  field,  and  like  a  whirlwind  fought, 
As  fresh  as  in  his  morn's  first  charge.     And  as  a  savage  boar, 
Or  lion,  hunted  long,  at  last,  with  hounds'  and  hunters'  store 
Is  compass'd  round  ;  they  charge  him  close,  and  stand  (as  in  a  tow'r     55 
They  had  inchas'd  him)  pouring  on  of  darts  an  iron  show'r  ; 
His  glorious  heart  yet  nought  appall'd,  and  forcing  forth  his  way, 
Here  overthrows  a  troop,  and  there  a  running  ring  doth  stay 
His  utter  passage  ;  when,  again,  that  stay  he  overthrows, 
And  then  the  whole  field  frees  his  rage  ;  so  Hector  wearies  blows,        eo 
Runs  out  his  charge  upon  the  fort,  and  all  his  force  would  force 
To  pass  the  dike  ;  which,  being  so  deep,  they  could  not  get  their  horse 
To  venture  on,  but  trample,  snore,  and  on  the  very  brink 
To  neigh  with  spirit,  yet  still  stand  off.     Nor  would  a  human  think 
The  passage  safe  ;  or,  if  it  were,  'twas  less  safe  for  retreat ;  65 

The  dike  being  ev'rywhere  so  deep,  and,  where  'twas  least  deep,  set 
With  stakes  exceeding  thick,  sharp,  strong,  that  horse  could  never  pass, 
Much  less  their  chariots  after  them  ;  yet  for  the  foot  there  was 
Some  hopeful  service,  which  they  wish'd.     Polydamas  then  spake  : 

"  Hector,  and  all  our  friends  of  Troy,  we  indiscreetly  make  70 

Offer  of  passage  with  our  horse  ;  ye  see  the  stakes,  the  wall, 
Impossible  for  horse  to  take  ;  nor  can  men  fight  at  all, 

42  PlairCd — levelled.  B9  Utter  passage — egress. 


256  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

The  place  being  strait,  and  much  more  apt  to  let  us  take  our  bane 

Than  give  the  enemy.     And  yet,  if  Jove  decree  the  wane 

Of  Grecian  glory  utterly,  and  so  bereave  their  hearts  75 

That  we  may  freely  charge  them  thus,  and  then^will  take  our  parts, 

I  would  with  all  speed  wish  th'  assault,  that  ugly  shame  might  shed 

(Thus  far  from  home)  these  Grecians'  bloods.    But,  if  they  once  turn  head 

And  sally  on  us  from  their  fleet,  when  in  so  deep  a  dike 

We  shall  lie  struggling,  not  a  man  of  all  our  host  is  like  so 

To  live  and  carry  back  the  news.'    And  therefore  be  it  thus  : 

Here  leave  we  horse  kept  by  our  men,  and  all  on  foot  let  us 

Hold  close  together,  and  attend  the  grace  of  Hector's  guide, 

And  then  they  shall  not  bear  our  charge,  our  conquest  shall  be  dyed 

In  their  lives'  purples."     This  advice  pleas'd  Hector,  for  'twas  sound  ; 

Who  first  obey'd  it,  and  full-arm'd  betook  him  to  the  ground.  86 

And  then  all  left  their  chariots  when  he  was  seen  to  lead, 

Hushing  about  him,  and  gave  up  each  chariot  and  steed 

To  their  directors  to  be  kept,  in  all  procinct  of  war, 

There,  and  on  that  side  of  the  dike.     And  thus  the  rest  prepare  90 

Their  onset :  In  five  regiments  they  all  their  pow'r  divide, 

Each  regiment  allow'd  three  chiefs.     Of  all  which  ev'n  the  pride 

Serv'd  in  great  Hector's  regiment ;  for  all  were  set  on  fire 

(Their  passage  beaten  through  the  wall)  with  hazardous  desire 

That  they  might  once  but  fight  at  fleet.     With  Hector  captains  were 

Polydamas,  and  Cebriones,  who  was  his  charioteer  ;  96 

But  Hector  found  that  place  a  worse.     Chiefs  of  the  second  band 

Were  Paris,  Alcathous,  Agenor.     The  command 

The  third  strong  phalanx  had,  was  giv'n  to  th'  augur  Helenus, 

Deiphobus,  that  god-like  man,  and  mighty  Asius,  ioo 

Ev'n  Asius  Hyrtacides,  that  from  Arisba  rode 

The  huge  bay  horse,  and  had  his  house  where  river  Sellees  flow'd. 

89  Procinct — preparation,  girding  for  war.  Lat.  procinctus.  Blunt  preserves 
it  as  a  technical  word  in  his  Glossographia.  Todd  observes  that  he  was  unable 
to  meet  with  an  example  besides  the  one  quoted  by  Johnson  from  Milton. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  257 

The  fourth  charge  good  iEneas  led,  and  with  him  were  combin'd 

Archelochus,  and  Acamas,  Antenor's  dearest  kind, 

And  excellent  at  ev'ry  fight.     The  fifth  brave  company  105 

Sarpedon  had  to  charge,  who  choos'd,  for  his  command's  supply, 

Asteropreus  great  in  arms,  and  Glaucus  ;  for  both  these 

Were  best  of  all  men  but  himself,  but  he  was  fellowless. 

Thus  fitted  with  their  well-wrought  shields,  down  the  steep  dike 

they  go, 
And  (thirsty  of  the  wall's  assault)  believe  in  overthrow,  no 

Not  doubting  but  with  headlong  falls  to  tumble  down  the  Greeks 
From  their  black  navy.     In  which  trust,  all  on  ;  and  no  man  seeks 
To  cross  Polydamas'  advice  with  any  other  course, 
But  Asius  Hyrtacides,  who  (proud  of  his  bay  horse) 
Would  not  forsake  them,  nor  his  man,  that  was  their  manager,  115 

(Fool  that  he  was)  but  all  to  fleet,  and  little  knew  how  near 
An  ill  death  sat  him,  and  a  sure,  and  that  he  never  more 
Must  look  on  lofty  Ilion  ;  but  looks,  and  all,  before, 
Put  on  th'  all-cov'ring  mist  of  fate,  that  then  did  hang  upon 
The  lance  of  great  Deucalides  ;  he  fatally  rush'd  on  120 

The  left  hand  way,  by  which  the  Greeks,  with  horse  and  chariot, 
Came  usually  from  field  to  fleet ;  close  to  the  gates  he  got, 
Which  both  unbarr'd  and  ope  he  found,  that  so  the  easier  might 
An  entry  be  for  any  friend  that  was  behind  in  flight ; 
Yet  not  much  easier  for  a  foe,  because  there  was  a  guard  125 

Maintain'd  upon  it,  past  his  thought ;  who  still  put  for  it  hard, 
Eagerly  shouting  ;  and  with  him  were  five  more  friends  of  name, 
That  would  not  leave  him,  though  none  else  would  hunt  that  way  for 

fame 
(In  their  free  choice)  but  he  himself.     Orestes,  Iamenus, 
And  Acamas  Asiades,  Thoon,  Oenomaus,  130 

Were  those  that  folloVd  Asius.     Within  the  gates  they  found 
Two  eminently  valorous,  that  from  the  race  renown'd 

112  All  on— go  onwards.  120  Idomeneus. 

VOL.  I.  H 


258  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

Of  the  right  valiant  Lapithes  deriv'd  their  high  descent ; 

Fierce  Leonteus  was  the  one,  like  Mars  in  detriment, 

The  other  mighty  Polypset,  the  great  Pirithous'  son.  135 

These  stood  within  the  lofty  gates,  and  nothing  more  did  shun 

The  charge  of  Asius  and  his  friends,  than  two  high  hill-bred  oaks, 

Well-rooted  in  the  binding  earth,  obey  the  airy  strokes 

Of  wind  and  weather,  standing  firm  'gainst  ev'ry  season's  spite. 

Yet  they  pour  on  continu'd  shouts,  and  bear  their  shields  upright ;      140 

"When  in  the  mean  space  Polypaet  and  Leonteus  cheer'd 

Their  soldiers  to  the  fleet's  defence.     But  when  the  rest  had  heard 

The  Trojans  in  attempt  to  scale,  clamour  and  flight  did  flow 

Amongst  the  Grecians  ;  and  then,  the  rest  dismay'd,  these  two 

Met  Asius  ent'ring,  thrust  him  back,  and  fought  before  their  doors.     145 

Nor  far'd  they  then  like  oaks  that  stood,  but  as  a  brace  of  boais, 

Couch'd  in  their  own  bred  hill,  that  hear  a  sort  of  hunters  shout, 

And  hounds  in  hot  trail  coming  on,  then  from  their  dens  break  out, 

Traverse  their  force,  and  suffer  not,  in  wildness  of  their  way, 

About  them  any  plant  to  stand,  but  thickets  off'ring  stay  150 

Break  through,  and  rend  up  by  the  roots,  whet  gnashes  into  air, 

Which  Tumult  fills  with  shouts,  hounds,  horns,  and  all  the  hot  affair 

Beats  at  their  bosoms  ;  so  their  arms  rung  with  assailing  blows, 

And  so  they  stirr'd  them  in  repulse,  right  well  assur'd  that  those         154 

Who  were  within,  and  on  the  wall,  would  add  their  parts,  who  knew 

They  now  fought  for  their  tents,  fleet,  lives,  and  fame,  and  therefore 

threw 
Stones  from  the  walls  and  tow'rs,  as  thick  as  when  a  drift  wind  shakes 
Black  clouds  in  pieces,  and  plucks  snow,  in  great  and  plumy  flakes, 
From  their  soft  bosoms,  till  the  ground  be  wholly  cloth 'd  in  white  ; 
So  earth  was  hid  with  stones  and  darts,  darts  from  the  Trojan  fight,    100 
Stones  from  the  Greeks,  that  on  the  helms  and  bossy  Trojan  shields 
Kept  such  a  rapping,  it  amaz'd  great  Asius,  who  now  yields 

134  "Such  maketh  Virgil  Pandarus  and  Bitias." — Chapman. 
156  Fame.— The  second  folio  has  "fames." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  259 

Sighs,  beats  his  thighs,  and  in  a  rage  his  fault  to  Jove  applies  : 

"  O  Jove,"  said  he,  "  now  clear  thou  show'st  thou  art  a  frieud  to  lies, 

Pretending,  in  the  flight  of  Greece,  the  making  of  it  good,  165 

To  all  their  ruins,  which  I  thought  could  never  be  withstood  ; 

Yet  they,  as  yellow  wasps,  or  bees  (that  having  made  their  nest 

The  gasping  cranny  of  a  hill)  when  for  a  hunter's  feast 

Hunters  come  hot  and  hungry  in,  and  dig  for  honeycombs, 

Then  fly  upon  them,  strike  and  sting,  and  from  their  hollow  homes     170 

Will  not  be  beaten,  but  defend  their  labour's  fruit,  and  brood  ; 

No  more  will  these  be  from  their  port,  but  either  lose  their  blood 

(Although  but  two  against  all  us)  or  be  our  pris'ners  made." 

All  this,  to  do  his  action  grace,  could  not  firm  Jove  persuade, 

Who  for  the  gen'ral  counsel  stood,  and,  'gainst  his  singular  brave,        175 

Bestow'd  on  Hector  that  day's  fame.     Yet  he  and  these  behave 

Themselves  thus  nobly  at  this  port ;  but  how  at  other  ports, 

And  all  alongst  the  stony  wall,  sole  force,  'gainst  force  and  forts, 

Eag'd  in  contention  'twixt  both  hosts,  it  were  no  easy  thing, 

Had  I  the  bosom  of  a  God,  to  tune  to  life  and  sing.  iso 

The  Trojans  fought  not  of  themselves,  a  fire  from  heav'n  was  thrown 

That  ran  amongst  them,  through  the  wall,  mere  added  to  their  own. 

The  Greeks  held  not  their  own  ;  weak  Grief  went  with  her  wither'd 

hand, 
And  dipp'd  it  deeply  in  their  spirits,  since  they  could  not  command 
Their  forces  to  abide  the  field,  whom  harsh  Necessity,  185 

To  save  those  ships  should  bring  them  home,  and  their  good  fort's  supply, 
Drave  to  th'  expulsive  fight  they  made  ;  and  this  might  stoop  them  more 
Than  Need  itself  could  elevate,  for  ev'n  Gods  did  deplore 
Their  dire  estates,  and  all  the  Gods  that  were  their  aids  in  war, 
Who,  though  they  could  not  clear  their  plights,  yet  were  their  friends 

thus  far,  190 

167  «  Apta  ad  rem  comparatio." — Chapman. 

175  'Gainst  his  singular  brave — in  opposition  to  his  individual  boasting. 

187  Expulsive — fight  made  for  expelling  their  foes. 


260  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

Still  to  uphold  the  hetter  sort ;  for  then  did  Polypset  pass 

A  lance  at  Daruasus,  whose  helm  was  made  with  cheeks  of  brass, 

Yet  had  not  proof  enough,  the  pile  drave  through  it  and  his  skull, 

His  brain  in  blood  drown'd,  and  the  man,  so  late  so  spiritfull, 

Fell  now  quite  spiritless  to  earth.     So  emptied  he  the  veins  195 

Of  Pylon,  and  Ormenus'  lives.     And  then  Leonteiis  gains 

The  life's  end  of  Hippomachus,  Antimachus's  son  ; 

His  lance  fell  at  his  girdle-stead,  and  with  his  end  begun 

Another  end.     Leonteiis  left  him,  and  through  the  prease 

(His  keen  sword  drawn)  ran  desp'rately  upon  Antiphates,  200 

And  lifeless  tumbled  him  to  earth.     Nor  could  all  these  lives  quench 

His  fi'ry  spirit,  that  his  flame  in  Menon's  blood  did  drench, 

And  rag'd  up  ev'n  to  Iamen's,  and  young  Orestes'  life  ; 

All  heap'd  together  made  their  peace  in  that  red  field  of  strife. 

Whose  fair  arms  while  the  victors  spoil'd,  the  youth  of  Ilion  205 

(Of  which  there  serv'd  the  most  and  best)  still  boldly  built  upon 

The  wisdom  of  Polydamas,  and  Hector's  matchless  strength, 

And  follow'd,  fill'd  with  wondrous  spirit,  with  wish  and  hope  at  length, 

The  Greeks'  wall  won,  to  fire  their  fleet.     But,  having  pass'd  the  dike, 

And  willing  now  to  pass  the  wall,  this  prodigy  did  strike  210 

Their  hearts  with  some  delib'rate  stay  :  A  high-flown  eagle  soar'd 

On  their  troops'  left  hand,  and  sustain'd  a  dragon,  all  engor'd, 

In  her  strong  seres,  of  wondrous  size,  and  yet  had  no  such  check 

In  life  and  spirit  but  still  she  fought,  and  turning  back  her  neck 

So  stung  the  eagle's  gorge,  that  down  she  cast  her  fervent  prey  215 

Amongst  the  multitude,  and  took  upon  the  winds  her  way, 

Crying  with  anguish.     When  they  saw  a  branded  serpent  sprawl 

So  full  amoDgst  them  from  above,  and  from  Jove's  fowl  let  fall, 

They  took  it  an  ostent  from  him,  stood  frighted,  and  their  cause 

Polydamas  thought  just,  and  spake  :  u  Hector,  you  know,  applause     220 

Of  humour  hath  been  far  from  me  ;  nor  fits  it,  or  in  war, 

Or  in  affairs  of  court,  a  man  employ'd  in  public  care 

217  Branded — Halliwell  tell  us  is  "a  mixture  of  red  and  black." 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  261 

To  blanch  things  further  than  their  truth,  or  flatter  any  pow'r  ; 
And  therefore  for  that  simple   course  your   strength  hath  oft  been 

sour 
To  me  in  councils  ;  yet  again,  what  shows  in  my  thoughts  best,  225 

I  must  discover.     Let  us  cease,  and  make  their  flight  our  rest 
For  this  day's  honour,  and  not  now  attempt  the  Grecian  fleet, 
For  this,  I  fear,  will  be  th'  event,the    prodigy  doth  meet 
So  full  with  our  affair  in  hand.     As  this  high-flying  fowl 
Upon  the  left  wing  of  our  host,  implying  our  control,  230 

Hover'd  above  us,  and  did  truss  within  her  golden  seres 
A  serpent  so  embru'd  and  big,  which  yet,  in  all  her  fears, 
Kept  life  and  fervent  spirit  to  fight,  and  wrought  her  own  release, 
Nor  did  the  eagle's  eyry  feed  ;  so  though  we  thus  far  prease 
Upon  the  Grecians,  and  perhaps  may  overrun  their  wall,  235 

Our  high  minds  aiming  at  their  fleet,  and  that  we  much  appall 
Their  trussed  spirits  ;  yet  are  they  so  serpent-like  dispos'd 
That  they  will  fight,  though  in  our  seres,  and  will  at  length  be  los'd 
With  all  our  outcries,  and  the  life  of  many  a  Trojan  breast 
Shall  with  the  eagle  fly,  before  we  carry  to  our  nest  240 

Them,  or  their  navy."     Thus  expounds  the  augur  this  ostent, 
Whose  depth  he  knows,  and  these  should  fear.    Hector,  with  count'nance 

bent, 
Thus  answer'd  him  :  "  Polydamas,  your  depth  in  augury 
I  like  not,  and  know  passing  well  thou  dost  not  satisfy 
Thyself  in  this  opinion  ;  or  if  thou  think'st  it  true,  245 

Thy  thoughts  the  Gods  blind,  to  advise,  and  urge  that  as  our  due, 
That  breaks  our  duties,  and  to  Jove,  whose  vow  and  sign  to  me 
Is  pass'd  directly  for  our  speed  ;  yet  light- wing'd  birds  must  be, 
By  thy  advice,  our  oracles,  whose  feathers  little  stay 
My  serious  actions.     What  care  I,  if  this,  or  th'  other,  way  250 

223  Blanch — give  a  fair  appearance  to  a  thing,  disguise.  Lord  Bacon  says, 
"And  commonly  by  amusing  men  with  a  subtlety  blanch  the  matter,"  (Essay 
xxvi.)     The  word  is  not  uncommon,  yet  it  seems  to  have  puzzled  Nares. 


262  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

Their  wild  wings  sway  them  ;  if  the  right,  on  which  the  sun  doth  rise, 

Or,  to  the  left  hand,  where  he  sets  ]    "lis  Jove's  high  counsel  fiys 

With  those  wings  that  shall  bear  up  us;  Jove's,  that  both  earth  and  heav'n, 

Both  men  and  Gods,  sustains  and  rules.     One  augury  is  giv'n 

To  order  all  men,  best  of  all :  Fight  for  thy  country's  right.  255 

But  why  fear'st  thou  our  further  charge  1    For  though  the  dang'rous  fight 

Strew  all  men  here  about  the  fleet,  yet  thou  need'st  never  fear 

To  bear  their  fates  ;  thy  wary  heart  will  never  trust  thee  where 

An  enemy's  look  is  ;  and  yet  fight,  for,  if  thou  dar'st  abstain, 

Or  whisper  into  any  ear  an  abstinence  so  vain  260 

As  thou  advisest,  never  fear  that  any  foe  shall  take 

Thy  life  from  thee,  for  'tis  this  lance."     This  said,  all  forwards  make, 

Himself  the  first  ;  yet  before  him  exulting  Clamour  flew, 

And  thunder-loving  Jupiter  from  lofty  Ida  blew 

A  storm  that  usher'd  their  assault,  and  made  them  charge  like  him. 

It  drave  directly  on  the  fleet  a  dust  so  fierce  and  dim  266 

That  it  amaz'd  the  Grecians,  but  was  a  grace  divine 

To  Hector  and  his  following  troops,  who  wholly  did  incline 

To  him,  being  now  in  grace  with  Jove,  and  so  put  boldly  on 

To  raze  the  rampire  ;  in  whose  height  they  fiercely  set  upon  270 

The  parapets,  and  pull'd  them  down,  raz'd  ev'ry  foremost  fight, 

And  all  the  buttresses  of  stone,  that  held  their  tow'rs  upright, 

They  tore  away  with  crows  of  iron,  and  hop'd  to  ruin  all. 

The  Greeks  yet  stood,  and  still  repair'd  the  fore-fights  of  their  wall 
With  hides  of  oxen,  and  from  thence,  they  pour'd  down  stones  in  show'rs 
Upon  the  underminers'  heads.     Within  the  foremost  tow'rs  276 

Both  the  A j aces  had  command,  who  answer'd  ev'ry  part, 
Th'  assaulters,  and  their  soldiers,  repress'd,  and  put  in  heart ; 
Repairing  valour  as  their  wall ;  spake  some  fair,  some  reprov'd, 
Whoever  made  not  good  his  place  ;  and  thus  they  all  sorts  mov'd  :     2so 

"  0  countrymen,  now  need  in  aid  would  have  excess  be  spent, 
The  excellent  must  be  admir'd,  the  meanest  excellent, 

271  Fight. — Here,  and  in  v.  274,  defence,  bulwark. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  263 

The  worst  do  well.     In  changing  war  all  should  not  be  alike, 

Nor  any  idle  ;  which  to  know  fits  all,  lest  Hector  strike 

Your  minds  with  frights,  as  ears  with  threats.  Forward  be  all  your  hands, 

Urge  one  another.     This  doubt  down,  that  now  betwixt  us  stands,      2S6 

Jove  will  go  with  us  to  their  walls."     To  this  effect  aloud 

Spake  both  the  princes  ;  and  as  high,  with  this,  th'  expulsion  fiow'd. 

And  as  in  winter  time,  when  Jove  his  cold  sharp  jav'lins  throws 

Amongst  us  mortals,  and  is  raov'd  to  white  earth  with  his  snows,        290 

The  winds  asleep,  he  freely  pours,  till  highest  prominents, 

Hill  tops,  low  meadows,  and  the  fields  that  crown  with  most  contents 

The  toils  of  men,  seaports,  and  shores,  are  hid,  and  ev'ry  place, 

But  floods,  that  snow's  fair  tender  flakes,  as  their  own  brood,  embrace  ; 

So  both  sides  cover'd  earth  with  stones,  so  both  for  life  contend,  295 

To  show  their  sharpness  ;  through  the  wall  uproar  stood  up  an  end. 

Nor  had  great  Hector  and  his  friends  the  rampire  overrun, 

If  heav'n's  great  Counsellor,  high  Jove,  had  not  inflam'd  his  son 

Sarpedon  (like  the  forest's  king  when  he  on  oxen  flies) 

Against  the  Grecians  ;  his  round  targe  he  to  his  arm  applies,  300 

Brass-leav'd  without,  and  all  within  thick  ox-hides  quilted  hard, 

The  verge  nail'd  round  with  rods  of  gold  ;  and,  with  two  darts  prepar'd, 

He  leads  his  people.     As  ye  see  a  mountain-lion  fare, 

Long  kept  from  prey,  in  forcing  which,  his  high  mind  makes  him  dare 

Assault  upon  the  whole  full  fold,  though  guarded  never  so  305 

With  well-arm'd  men,  and  eager  dogs  ;  away  he  will  not  go, 

But  venture  on,  and  either  snatch  a  prey,  or  be  a  prey  ; 

So  far'd  divine  Sarpedon's  mind,  resolv'd  to  force  his  way 

Through  all  the  fore-fights,  and  the  wall ;  yet  since  he  did  not  see 

Others  as  great  as  he  in  name,  as  great  in  mind  as  he,  310 

He  spake  to  Glaucus  :  "  Glaucus,  say,  why  are  we  honour'd  more 

Than  other  men  of  Lycia,  in  place  ;  with  greater  store 

286  Doubt — redoubt. 

298   Wall. — The;second  folio  incorrectly  prints  "war,"  followed  by  Dr.  Taylor. 
311  "  Sarpedon's  speech  to  Glaucus,  neither  equalled  by  any  (in  this  kind)  of 
all  that  have  written." — Chapman. 


264  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

Of  meats  and  cups  ;  with  goodlier  roofs  ;  delightsome  gardens  ;  walks  ; 

More  lands  and  better ;  so  much  wealth,  that  court  and  country  talks 

Of  us  and  our  possessions,  and  ev'ry  way  we  go,  sis 

Gaze  on  us  as  we  were  their  Gods  ?     This  where  we  dwell  is  so  ; 

The  shores  of  Xanthus  ring  of  this  ;  and  shall  we  not  exceed 

As  much  in  merit  as  in  noise  1     Come,  be  we  great  in  deed 

As  well  as  look  ;  shine  not  in  gold,  but  in  the  flames  of  fight ; 

That  so  our  neat-arm'd  Lycians  may  say  :  '  See,  these  are  right  320 

Our  kings,  our  rulers  ;  these  deserve  to  eat  and  drink  the  best ; 

These  govern  not  ingloriously  ;  these,  thus  exceed  the  rest, 

Do  more  than  they  command  to  do.'     O  friend,  if  keeping  back 

Would  keep  back  age  from  us,  and  death,  and  that  we  might  not  wrack 

In  this  life's  human  sea  at  all,  but  that  deferring  now  325 

We  shunn'd  death  ever,  nor  would  I  half  this  vain  valour  show, 

Nor  glorify  a  folly  so,  to  wish  thee  to  advance  ; 

But  since  we  must  go,  though  not  here,  and  that,  besides  the  chance 

Propos'd  now,  there  are  infinite  fates  of  other  sort  in  death, 

Which,  neither  to  be  fled  nor  'scap'd,  a  man  must  sink  beneath,  330 

Come,  try  we,  if  this  sort  be  ours,  and  either  render  thus 

Glory  to  others,  or  make  them  resign  the  like  to  us." 

This  motion  Glaucus  shifted  not,  but  without  words  obey'd. 
Foreright  went  both,  a  mighty  troop  of  Lycians  followed. 
Which  by  Menestheus  observ'd,  his  hair  stood  up  on  end,  335 

For,  at  the  tow'r  where  he  had  charge,  he  saw  Calamity  bend 
Her  horrid  brows  in  their  approach.     He  threw  his  looks  about 
The  whole  fights  near,  to  see  what  chief  might  help  the  mis'ry  out 
Of  his  poor  soldiers,  and  beheld  where  both  th'  Ajaces  fought, 
And  Teucer  newly  come  from  fleet  ;  whom  it  would  profit  nought      340 
To  call,  since  tumult  on  their  helms,  shields,  and  upon  the  ports, 
Laid  such  loud  claps  ;  for  ev'ry  way,  defences  of  all  sorts 
Were  adding,  as  Troy  took  away  ;  and  Clamour  flew  so  high 
Her  wings  strook  heav'n,  and  drown'd  all  voice.  The  two  dukes  yet  so  nigh 

331  Sort—ia.te,  lot. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  265 

And  at  the  offer  of  assault,  lie  to  th'  Ajaces  sent  345 

Thoos  the  herald  with  this  charge  :  "  Eun  to  the  regiment 
Of  both  th5  Ajaces,  and  call  both,  for  both  were  better  here, 
Since  here  will  slaughter,  instantly,  be  more  enforc'd  than  there. 
The  Lycian  captains  this  way  make,  who  in  the  fights  of  stand 
Have  often  show'd  much  excellence.     Yet  if  laborious  hand  350 

Be  there  more  needful  than  I  hope,  at  least  afford  us  some, 
Let  Ajax  Telamonius  and  th'  archer  Teucer  come." 

The  herald  hasted,  and  arriv'd  ;  and  both  th'  Ajaces  told, 
That  Peteus'  noble  son  desir'd  their  little  labour  would 
Employ  himself  in  succouring  him.     Both  their  supplies  were  best,     355 
Since  death  assail'd  his  quarter  most ;  for  on  it  fiercely  press'd 
The  well-prov'd  mighty  Lycian  chiefs.     Yet  if  the  service  there 
Allow'd  not  both,  he  pray'd  that  one  part  of  his  charge  would  bear, 
And  that  was  Ajax  Telamon,  with  whom  he  wish'd  would  come 
The  archer  Teucer.    Telamon  left  instantly  his  room  360 

To  strong  Lycomedes,  and  will'd  Ajax  Oiliades 
"With  him  to  make  up  his  supply,  and  fill  with  courages 
The  Grecian  hearts  till  his  return  ;  which  should  he  instantly 
When  he  had  well  reliev'd  his  friend.     With  this  the  company 
Of  Teucer  he  took  to  his  aid  ;  Teucer,  that  did  descend  305 

(As  Ajax  did)  from  Telamon.     With  these  two  did  attend 
Pandion,  that  bore  Teucer's  bow.     When  to  Menestheus'  tow'r 
They  came,  alongst  the  wall,  they  found  him,  and  his  hearten'd  pow'r, 
Toiling  in  making  strong  their  fort.     The  Lycian  princes  set 
Black  whirlwinddike,  with  both  their  pow'rs,  upon  the  parapet.  370 

Ajax,  and  all,  resisted  them.     Clamour  amongst  them  rose. 
The  slaughter  Ajax  led  ;  who  first  the  last  dear  sight  did  close 
Of  strong  Epicles,  that  was  friend  to  Jove's  great  Lycian  son. 
Amongst  the  high  munition  heap,  a  mighty  marble  stone 


373  Dr.  Taylor  has  followed  the  error  of  the  second  folio,  in  printing  "  that 
war-friend  to  Jove's,"  &c. 


2G6  THE  TWELFTH  BOOK 

Lay  highest,  near  the  pinnacle,  a  stone  of  such  a  paise  375 

That  one  of  this  time's  strongest  men  with  both  hands  could  not  raise, 
Yet  this  did  Ajax  rouse  and  throw,  and  all  in  sherds  did  drive 
Epicles'  four-topp'd  casque  and  skull ;  who  (as  ye  see  one  dive 
In  some  deep  river)  left  his  height ;  life  left  his  bones  withall. 

Teucer  shot  Glaucus,  rushing  up  yet  higher  on  the  wall,  aso 

Where  naked  he  discern'd  his  arm,  and  made  him  steal  retreat 
From  that  hot  service,  lest  some  Greek,  with  an  insulting  threat, 
Beholding  it,  might  fright  the  rest.     Sarpedon  much  was  griev'd 
At  Glaucus'  parting,  yet  fought  on,  and  his  great  heart  reliev'd 
A  little  with  Alcmaon's  blood,  surnam'd  Thestorides,  335 

Whose  life  he  hurl'd  out  with  his  lance  ;  whichfollowingthroughtheprease 
He  drew  from  him.     Down  from  the  tow'r  Alcmaon  dead  it  strook  ; 
Kis  fair  arms  ringing  out  his  death.     Then  fierce  Sarpedon  took 
In  his  strong  hand  the  battlement,  and  down  he  tore  it  quite, 
The  wall  stripp'd  naked,  and  broad  way  for  entry  and  full  fight  330 

He  made  the  many.     Against  him  Ajax  and  Teucer  made  ; 
Teucer  the  rich  belt  on  his  breast  did  with  a  shaft  invade  ; 
But  Jupiter  averted  death,  who  would  not  see  his  son 
Die  at  the  tails  of  th'  Achive  ships.     Ajax  did  fetch  his  run, 
And,  with  his  lance,  strook  through  the  targe  of  that  brave  Lycian  king  ; 
Yet  kept  he  it  from  further  pass,  nor  did  it  anything  396 

Dismay  his  mind,  although  his  men  stood  off  from  that  high  way 
His  valour  made  them,  which  he  kept,  and  hop'd  that  stormy  day 
Should  ever  make  his  glory  clear.     His  men's  fault  thus  he  blam'd  : 
"  0  Lycians,  why  are  your  hot  spirits  so  quickly  disimiam'd  1  400 

Suppose  me  ablest  of  you  all,  'tis  hard  for  me  alone 
To  ruin  such  a  wall  as  this,  and  make  confusion 
Way  to  their  navy.     Lend  your  hands.     What  many  can  dispatch, 
One  cannot  think.     The  noble  work  of  many  hath  no  match." 

The  wise  king's  just  rebuke  did  strike  a  rev'rence  to  his  will  405 

Through  all  his  soldiers  ;  all  stood  in,  and  'gainst  all  th'  Achives  still 
375  Paise — weight.     In  v.  430,  balance. 


OF  HOMER'S  ILIADS.  267 

Made  strong  their  squadrons,  insomuch,  that  to  the  adverse  side, 
The  work  show'd  mighty,  and  the  wall,  when  'twas  within  descried, 
No  easy  service  ;  yet  the  Greeks  could  neither  free  their  wall  499 

Of  these  brave  Lycians,  that  held  firm  the  place  they  first  did  scale  ; 
Nor  could  the  Lycians  from  their  fort  the  sturdy  Grecians  drive, 
Nor  reach  their  fleet.     But  as  two  men  about  the  limits  strive 
Of  land  that  toucheth  in  a  field,  their  measures  in  their  hands, 
They  mete  their  parts  out  curiously,  and  either  stiffly  stands 
That  so  far  is  his  right  in  law,  both  hugely  set  on  fire  415 

About  a  passing-little  ground  ;  so,  greedily  aspire 
Both  these  foes  to  their  sev'ral  ends,  and  all  exhaust  their  most 
About  the  very  battlements  (for  yet  no  more  was  lost). 

With  sword  and  fire  they  vex'd  for  them  their  targes  hugely  round, 
With  ox-hides  lin'd,  and  bucklers  light ;  and  many  a  ghastly  wound 
The  stern  steel  gave  for  that  one  prise  ;  whereof  though  some  receiv'd 
Their  portions  on  their  naked  backs,  yet  others  were  bereav'd 
Of  brave  lives,  face-turn'd,  through  their  shields;  tow'rs,  bulwarks, 

ev'rywhere 
Were  freckled  with  the  blood  of  men.     Nor  yet  the  Greeks  did  bear 
Base  back-turn'd  faces  ;  nor  their  foes  would  therefore  be  out-fac'd.     425 
But  as  a  spinster  poor  and  just,  ye  sometimes  see,  straight-lac'd 
About  the  weighing  of  her  web,  who,  careful,  having  charge 
For  which  she  would  provide  some  means,  is  loth  to  be  too  large 
In  giving  or  in  taking  weight,  but  ever  with  her  hand 
Is  doing  with  the  weights  and  wool,  till  both  in  just  paise  stand  ;        430 

408  When. — The  second  folio  has  incorrectly  "  then  ;  "  and  so  Dr.  Taylor. 

413  Afield.— The  second  folio,  and  Taylor,  "the  field." 

418  "  Admiranda  etpene  inimitabilis  comparatio  (saith  Spond.) ;  and  yet  in  the 
explication  of  it,  he  thinks  all  superfluous  but  three  words,  6\lyip  iul  x^PV>  exiguo 
in  loco,  leaving  out  other  words  more  expressive,  with  his  old  rule,  unopede,  <&c." 

Chapman. 

430  Paise. — The  second  folio,  and  Taylor,  "poise." 

430  "  a  simile  superior  to  the  other,  in  which,  comparing  mightiest  things 
with  meanest,  and  the  meanest  illustrating  the  mightiest,  both  meeting  in  one 
end  of  this  life's  preservation  and  credit,  our  Homer  is  beyond  comparison  and 
admiration. — "  Chapjian. 


268     THE  TWELFTH  BOOK  OF  HOMERS  ILIADS. 

So  ev'nly  stood  it  with  these  foes,  till  Jove  to  Hector  gave 
The  turning  of  the  scales  ;  who  first  against  the  rampire  drave, 
And  spake  so  loud  that  all  might  hear  :  "  0  stand  not  at  the  pale, 
Brave  Trojan  friends,  but  mend  your  hands ;  up,  and  break  through 

the  wall, 
And  make  a  bonfire  of  their  fleet."     All  heard,  and  all  in  heaps  435 

Got  scaling-ladders,  and  aloft.     In  mean  space,  Hector  leaps 
Upon  the  port,  from  whose  out-part  he  tore  a  massy  stone, 
Thick  downwards,  upward  edg'd  ;  it  was  so  huge  an  one 
That  two  vast  yeomen  of  most  strength,  such  as  these  times  beget, 
Could  not  from  earth  lift  to  a  cart,  yet  he  did  brandish  it  440 

Alone,  Saturnius  made  it  light ;  and  swinging  it  as  nought, 
He  came  before  the  planky  gates,  that  all  for  strength  were  wrought, 
And  kept  the  port  ;  two-fold  they  were,  and  with  two  rafters  barr'd, 
High,  and  strong-lock'd  ;  he  rais'd  the  stone,  bent  to  the  hurl  so  hard, ; 
And  made  it  with  so  main  a  strength,  that  all  the  gates  did  crack,       445 
The  rafters  left  them,  and  the  folds  one  from  another  brake, 
The  hinges  piecemeal  flew,  and  through  the  fervent  little  rock 
Thunder'd  a  passage  ;  with  his  weight  th'  inwall  his  breast  did  knock, 
And  in  rush'd  Hector,  fierce  and  grim  as  any  stormy  night ; 
His  brass  arms  round  about  his  breast  reflected  terrible  light ;  450 

Each  arm  held-up  held  each  a  dart ;  his  presence  call'd  up  all 
The  dreadful  spirits  his  being  held,  that  to  the  threaten'd  wall 
None  but  the  Gods  might  check  his  way  ;  his  eyes  were  furnaces  ; 
And  thus  he  look'd  back,  call'd  in  all.     All  fir'd  their  courages,  454 

And  in  they  flow'd.    The  Grecians  fled,  their  fleet  now  and  their  freight 
Ask'd  all  their  rescue.     Greece  went  down  ;  Tumult  was  at  his  height. 

439  "  Ai/'  dvepe  drj/j-ov.     Duo  viri  plebei." — Chapman. 
THE   END   OF   THE   TWELFTH   BOOK. 


PRINTED    BY    BALLANTYNE,    HANSON   AND   CO., 
EDINBURGH   AND    LONDON. 


c 


PA 

Homerus 

4025 

The  Iliads  of  Homer 

A2C5 

3d  ed. 

1888 

v.l 

cop. 3 

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