The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Iliad of Homer, by Homer This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Title: The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse Author: Homer Translator: William Cowper Release Date: August 5, 2005 [EBook #16452] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD OF HOMER *** Produced by Ted Garvin, Melissa Er-Raqabi, Fred Robinson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Transcriber's notes: | | | | Sec. Transliterations of Greek text are indicated by braces {thus}. | | | | Sec. Footnotes to the main body of the poem, which were originally | | placed at the bottoms of the pages on which they were | | referenced, have been gathered together at the end of this | | e-text. To more easily make use of them, you might open this | | e-text twice, and search for FOOTNOTES in the second instance. | ------------------------------------------------------------------ THE ILIAD OF HOMER, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE BY WILLIAM COWPER. [Illustration, depicting Zeus (Jupiter) seated upon an eagle.] EDITED BY ROBERT SOUTHEY. LL.D. WITH NOTES, BY M.A. DWIGHT, AUTHOR OF "GRECIAN AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY." NEW-YORK: D. APPLETON & CO., 346 & 348 BROADWAY. M.DCCC.LX. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, BY M.A. DWIGHT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE EARL COWPER, THIS TRANSLATION OF THE ILIAD, THE INSCRIPTION OF WHICH TO HIMSELF, THE LATE LAMENTED EARL, BENEVOLENT TO ALL, AND ESPECIALLY KIND TO THE AUTHOR, HAD NOT DISDAINED TO ACCEPT IS HUMBLY OFFERED, AS A SMALL BUT GRATEFUL TRIBUTE, TO THE MEMORY OF HIS FATHER, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S AFFECTIONATE KINSMAN AND SERVANT WILLIAM COWPER. _June 4, 1791._ PREFACE. Whether a translation of HOMER may be best executed in blank verse or in rhyme, is a question in the decision of which no man can find difficulty, who has ever duly considered what translation ought to be, or who is in any degree practically acquainted with those very different kinds of versification. I will venture to assert that a just translation of any ancient poet in rhyme, is impossible. No human ingenuity can be equal to the task of closing every couplet with sounds homotonous, expressing at the same time the full sense, and only the full sense of his original. The translator's ingenuity, indeed, in this case becomes itself a snare, and the readier he is at invention and expedient, the more likely he is to be betrayed into the widest departures from the guide whom he professes to follow. Hence it has happened, that although the public have long been in possession of an English HOMER by a poet whose writings have done immortal honor to his country, the demand of a new one, and especially in blank verse, has been repeatedly and loudly made by some of the best judges and ablest writers of the present day. I have no contest with my predecessor. None is supposable between performers on different instruments. Mr. Pope has surmounted all difficulties in his version of HOMER that it was possible to surmount in rhyme. But he was fettered, and his fetters were his choice. Accustomed always to rhyme, he had formed to himself an ear which probably could not be much gratified by verse that wanted it, and determined to encounter even impossibilities, rather than abandon a mode of writing in which he had excelled every body, for the sake of another to which, unexercised in it as he was, he must have felt strong objections. I number myself among the warmest admirers of Mr. Pope as an original writer, and I allow him all the merit he can justly claim as the translator of this chief of poets. He has given us the _Tale of Troy divine_ in smooth verse, generally in correct and elegant language, and in diction often highly poetical. But his deviations are so many, occasioned chiefly by the cause already mentioned, that, much as he has done, and valuable as his work is on some accounts, it was yet in the humble province of a translator that I thought it possible even for me to fellow him with some advantage. That he has sometimes altogether suppressed the sense of his author, and has not seldom intermingled his own ideas with it, is a remark which, on this occasion, nothing but necessity should have extorted from me. But we differ sometimes so widely in our matter, that unless this remark, invidious as it seems, be premised, I know not how to obviate a suspicion, on the one hand, of careless oversight, or of factitious embellishment on the other. On this head, therefore, the English reader is to be admonished, that the matter found in me, whether he like it or not, is found also in HOMER, and that the matter not found in me, how much soever he may admire it, is found only in Mr. Pope. I have omitted nothing; I have invented nothing. There is indisputably a wide difference between the case of an original writer in rhyme and a translator. In an original work the author is free; if the rhyme be of difficult attainment, and he cannot find it in one direction, he is at liberty to seek it in another; the matter that will not accommodate itself to his occasions he may discard, adopting such as will. But in a translation no such option is allowable; the sense of the author is required, and we do not surrender it willingly even to the plea of necessity. Fidelity is indeed of the very essence of translation, and the term itself implies it. For which reason, if we suppress the sense of our original, and force into its place our own, we may call our work an _imitation_, if we please, or perhaps a _paraphrase_, but it is no longer the same author only in a different dress, and therefore it is not translation. Should a painter, professing to draw the likeness of a beautiful woman, give her more or fewer features than belong to her, and a general cast of countenance of his own invention, he might be said to have produced a _jeu d'esprit_, a curiosity perhaps in its way, but by no means the lady in question. It will however be necessary to speak a little more largely to this subject, on which discordant opinions prevail even among good judges. The free and the close translation have, each, their advocates. But inconveniences belong to both. The former can hardly be true to the original author's style and manner, and the latter is apt to be servile. The one loses his peculiarities, and the other his spirit. Were it possible, therefore, to find an exact medium, a manner so close that it should let slip nothing of the text, nor mingle any thing extraneous with it, and at the same time so free as to have an air of originality, this seems precisely the mode in which an author might be best rendered. I can assure my readers from my own experience, that to discover this very delicate line is difficult, and to proceed by it when found, through the whole length of a poet voluminous as HOMER, nearly impossible. I can only pretend to have endeavored it. It is an opinion commonly received, but, like many others, indebted for its prevalence to mere want of examination, that a translator should imagine to himself the style which his author would probably have used, had the language into which he is rendered been his own. A direction which wants nothing but practicability to recommend it. For suppose six persons, equally qualified for the task, employed to translate the same Ancient into their own language, with this rule to guide them. In the event it would be found, that each had fallen on a manner different from that of all the rest, and by probable inference it would follow that none had fallen on the right. On the whole, therefore, as has been said, the translation which partakes equally of fidelity and liberality, that is close, but not so close as to be servile, free, but not so free as to be licentious, promises fairest; and my ambition will be sufficiently gratified, if such of my readers as are able, and will take the pains to compare me in this respect with HOMER, shall judge that I have in any measure attained a point so difficult. As to energy and harmony, two grand requisites in a translation of this most energetic and most harmonious of all poets, it is neither my purpose nor my wish, should I be found deficient in either, or in both, to shelter myself under an unfilial imputation of blame to my mother-tongue. Our language is indeed less musical than the Greek, and there is no language with which I am at all acquainted that is not. But it is musical enough for the purposes of melodious verse, and if it seem to fail, on whatsoever occasion, in energy, the blame is due, not to itself, but to the unskilful manager of it. For so long as Milton's works, whether his prose or his verse, shall exist, so long there will be abundant proof that no subject, however important, however sublime, can demand greater force of expression than is within the compass of the English language. I have no fear of judges familiar with original HOMER. They need not be told that a translation of him is an arduous enterprise, and as such, entitled to some favor. From these, therefore, I shall expect, and shall not be disappointed, considerable candor and allowance. Especially _they_ will be candid, and I believe that there are many such, who have occasionally tried their own strength in this _bow of Ulysses_. They have not found it supple and pliable, and with me are perhaps ready to acknowledge that they could not always even approach with it the mark of their ambition. But I would willingly, were it possible, obviate uncandid criticism, because to answer it is lost labor, and to receive it in silence has the appearance of stately reserve, and self-importance. To those, therefore, who shall be inclined to tell me hereafter that my diction is often plain and unelevated, I reply beforehand that I know it,--that it would be absurd were it otherwise, and that Homer himself stands in the same predicament. In fact, it is one of his numberless excellences, and a point in which his judgment never fails him, that he is grand and lofty always in the right place, and knows infallibly how to rise and fall with his subject. _Big words on small matters_ may serve as a pretty exact definition of the burlesque; an instance of which they will find in the Battle of the Frogs and Mice, but none in the Iliad. By others I expect to be told that my numbers, though here and there tolerably smooth, are not always such, but have, now and then, an ugly hitch in their gait, ungraceful in itself, and inconvenient to the reader. To this charge also I plead guilty, but beg leave in alleviation of judgment to add, that my limping lines are not numerous, compared with those that limp not. The truth is, that not one of them all escaped me, but, such as they are, they were all made such with a wilful intention. In poems of great length there is no blemish more to be feared than sameness of numbers, and every art is useful by which it may be avoided. A line, rough in itself, has yet its recommendations; it saves the ear the pain of an irksome monotony, and seems even to add greater smoothness to others. Milton, whose ear and taste were exquisite, has exemplified in his Paradise Lost the effect of this practice frequently. Having mentioned Milton, I cannot but add an observation on the similitude of his manner to that of HOMER. It is such, that no person familiar with both, can read either without being reminded of the other; and it is in those breaks and pauses, to which the numbers of the English poet are so much indebted both for their dignity and variety, that he chiefly copies the Grecian. But these are graces to which rhyme is not competent; so broken, it loses all its music; of which any person may convince himself by reading a page only of any of our poets anterior to Denham, Waller, and Dryden. A translator of HOMER, therefore, seems directed by HOMER himself to the use of blank verse, as to that alone in which he can be rendered with any tolerable representation of his manner in this particular. A remark which I am naturally led to make by a desire to conciliate, if possible, some, who, rather unreasonably partial to rhyme, demand it on all occasions, and seem persuaded that poetry in our language is a vain attempt without it. Verse, that claims to be verse in right of its metre only, they judge to be such rather by courtesy than by kind, on an apprehension that it costs the writer little trouble, that he has only to give his lines their prescribed number of syllables, and so far as the mechanical part is concerned, all is well. Were this true, they would have reason on their side; for the author is certainly best entitled to applause who succeeds against the greatest difficulty, and in verse that calls for the most artificial management in its construction. But the case is not as they suppose. To rhyme, in our language, demands no great exertion of ingenuity, but is always easy to a person exercised in the practice. Witness the multitudes who rhyme, but have no other poetical pretensions. Let it be considered too, how merciful we are apt to be to unclassical and indifferent language for the sake of rhyme, and we shall soon see that the labor lies principally on the other side. Many ornaments of no easy purchase are required to atone for the absence of this single recommendation. It is not sufficient that the lines of blank verse be smooth in themselves, they must also be harmonious in the combination. Whereas the chief concern of the rhymist is to beware that his couplets and his sense be commensurate, lest the regularity of his numbers should be (too frequently at least) interrupted. A trivial difficulty this, compared with those which attend the poet unaccompanied by his bells. He, in order that he may be musical, must exhibit all the variations, as he proceeds, of which ten syllables are susceptible; between the first syllable and the last there is no place at which he must not occasionally pause, and the place of the pause must be perpetually shifted. To effect this variety, his attention must be given, at one and the same time, to the pauses he has already made in the period before him, as well as to that which he is about to make, and to those which shall succeed it. On no lighter terms than these is it possible that blank verse can be written which will not, in the course of a long work, fatigue the ear past all endurance. If it be easier, therefore, to throw five balls into the air and to catch them in succession, than to sport in that manner with one only, then may blank verse be more easily fabricated than rhyme. And if to these labors we add others equally requisite, a style in general more elaborate than rhyme requires, farther removed from the vernacular idiom both in the language itself and in the arrangement of it, we shall not long doubt which of these two very different species of verse threatens the composer with most expense of study and contrivance. I feel it unpleasant to appeal to my own experience, but, having no other voucher at hand, am constrained to it. As I affirm, so I have found. I have dealt pretty largely in both kinds, and have frequently written more verses in a day, with tags, than I could ever write without them. To what has been here said (which whether it have been said by others or not, I cannot tell, having never read any modern book on the subject) I shall only add, that to be poetical without rhyme, is an argument of a sound and classical constitution in any language. A word or two on the subject of the following translation, and I have done. My chief boast is that I have adhered closely to my original, convinced that every departure from him would be punished with the forfeiture of some grace or beauty for which I could substitute no equivalent. The epithets that would consent to an English form I have preserved as epithets; others that would not, I have melted into the context. There are none, I believe, which I have not translated in one way or other, though the reader will not find them repeated so often as most of them are in HOMER, for a reason that need not be mentioned. Few persons of any consideration are introduced either in the Iliad or Odyssey by their own name only, but their patronymic is given also. To this ceremonial I have generally attended, because it is a circumstance of my author's manner. HOMER never allots less than a whole line to the introduction of a speaker. No, not even when the speech itself is no longer than the line that leads it. A practice to which, since he never departs from it, he must have been determined by some cogent reason. He probably deemed it a formality necessary to the majesty of his narration. In this article, therefore, I have scrupulously adhered to my pattern, considering these introductory lines as heralds in a procession; important persons, because employed to usher in persons more important than themselves. It has been my point every where to be as little verbose as possible, though; at the same time, my constant determination not to sacrifice my author's full meaning to an affected brevity. In the affair of style, I have endeavored neither to creep nor to bluster, for no author is so likely to betray his translator into both these faults, as HOMER, though himself never guilty of either. I have cautiously avoided all terms of new invention, with an abundance of which, persons of more ingenuity than judgment have not enriched our language, but incumbered it. I have also every where used an unabbreviated fullness of phrase as most suited to the nature of the work, and, above all, have studied perspicuity, not only because verse is good for little that wants it, but because HOMER is the most perspicuous of all poets. In all difficult places I have consulted the best commentators, and where they have differed, or have given, as is often the case, a variety of solutions, I have ever exercised my best judgment, and selected that which appears, at least to myself, the most probable interpretation. On this ground, and on account of the fidelity which I have already boasted, I may venture, I believe, to recommend my work as promising some usefulness to young students of the original. The passages which will be least noticed, and possibly not at all, except by those who shall wish to find me at a fault, are those which have cost me abundantly the most labor. It is difficult to kill a sheep with dignity in a modern language, to flay and to prepare it for the table, detailing every circumstance of the process. Difficult also, without sinking below the level of poetry, to harness mules to a wagon, particularizing every article of their furniture, straps, rings, staples, and even the tying of the knots that kept all together. HOMER, who writes always to the eye, with all his sublimity and grandeur, has the minuteness of a Flemish painter. But in what degree I have succeeded in my version either of these passages, and such as these, or of others more buoyant and above-ground, and especially of the most sublime, is now submitted to the decision of the reader, to whom I am ready enough to confess that I have not at all consulted their approbation, who account nothing grand that is not turgid, or elegant that is not bedizened with metaphor. I purposely decline all declamation on the merits of HOMER, because a translator's praises of his author are liable to a suspicion of dotage, and because it were impossible to improve on those which this author has received already. He has been the wonder of all countries that his works have ever reached, even deified by the greatest names of antiquity, and in some places actually worshipped. And to say truth, were it possible that mere man could entitle himself by pre-eminence of any kind to divine honors, Homer's astonishing powers seem to have given him the best pretensions. I cannot conclude without due acknowledgments to the best critic in HOMER I have ever met with, the learned and ingenious Mr. FUSELI. Unknown as he was to me when I entered on this arduous undertaking (indeed to this moment I have never seen him) he yet voluntarily and generously offered himself as my revisor. To his classical taste and just discernment I have been indebted for the discovery of many blemishes in my own work, and of beauties, which would otherwise have escaped me, in the original. But his necessary avocations would not suffer him to accompany me farther than to the latter books of the Iliad, a circumstance which I fear my readers, as well as myself, will regret with too much reason.[1] I have obligations likewise to many friends, whose names, were it proper to mention them here, would do me great honor. They have encouraged me by their approbation, have assisted me with valuable books, and have eased me of almost the whole labor of transcribing. And now I have only to regret that my pleasant work is ended. To the illustrious Greek I owe the smooth and easy flight of many thousand hours. He has been my companion at home and abroad, in the study, in the garden, and in the field; and no measure of success, let my labors succeed as they may, will ever compensate to me the loss of the innocent luxury that I have enjoyed, as a translator of HOMER. Footnote: 1. Some of the few notes subjoined to my translation of the Odyssey are by Mr. FUSELI, who had a short opportunity to peruse the MSS. while the Iliad was printing. They are marked with his initial. PREFACE PREPARED BY MR. COWPER, FOR A SECOND EDITION. Soon after my publication of this work, I began to prepare it for a second edition, by an accurate revisal of the first. It seemed to me, that here and there, perhaps a slight alteration might satisfy the demands of some, whom I was desirous to please; and I comforted myself with the reflection, that if I still failed to conciliate all, I should yet have no cause to account myself in a singular degree unfortunate. To please an unqualified judge, an author must sacrifice too much; and the attempt to please an uncandid one were altogether hopeless. In one or other of these classes may be ranged all such objectors, as would deprive blank verse of one of its principal advantages, the variety of its pauses; together with all such as deny the good effect, on the whole, of a line, now and then, less harmonious than its fellows. With respect to the pauses, it has been affirmed with an unaccountable rashness, that HOMER himself has given me an example of verse without them. Had this been true, it would by no means have concluded against the use of them in an English version of HOMER; because, in one language, and in one species of metre, that may be musical, which in another would be found disgusting. But the assertion is totally unfounded. The pauses in Homer's verse are so frequent and various, that to name another poet, if pauses are a fault, more faulty than he, were, perhaps, impossible. It may even be questioned, if a single passage of ten lines flowing with uninterrupted smoothness could be singled out from all the thousands that he has left us. He frequently pauses at the first word of the line, when it consists of three or more syllables; not seldom when of two; and sometimes even when of one only. In this practice he was followed, as was observed in my Preface to the first edition, by the Author of the Paradise Lost. An example inimitable indeed, but which no writer of English heroic verse without rhyme can neglect with impunity. Similar to this is the objection which proscribes absolutely the occasional use of a line irregularly constructed. When Horace censured Lucilius for his lines _incomposite pede currentes_, he did not mean to say, that he was chargeable with such in some instances, or even in many, for then the censure would have been equally applicable to himself; but he designed by that expression to characterize all his writings. The censure therefore was just; Lucilius wrote at a time when the Roman verse had not yet received its polish, and instead of introducing artfully his rugged lines, and to serve a particular purpose, had probably seldom, and never but by accident, composed a smooth one. Such has been the versification of the earliest poets in every country. Children lisp, at first, and stammer; but, in time, their speech becomes fluent, and, if they are well taught, harmonious. HOMER himself is not invariably regular in the construction of his verse. Had he been so, Eustathius, an excellent critic and warm admirer of HOMER, had never affirmed, that some of his lines want a head, some a tail, and others a middle. Some begin with a word that is neither dactyl nor spondee, some conclude with a dactyl, and in the intermediate part he sometimes deviates equally from the established custom. I confess that instances of this sort are rare; but they are surely, though few, sufficient to warrant a sparing use of similar license in the present day. Unwilling, however, to seem obstinate in both these particulars, I conformed myself in some measure to these objections, though unconvinced myself of their propriety. Several of the rudest and most unshapely lines I composed anew; and several of the pauses least in use I displaced for the sake of an easier enunciation.--And this was the state of the work after the revisal given it about seven years since. Between that revisal and the present a considerable time intervened, and the effect of long discontinuance was, that I became more dissatisfied with it myself, than the most difficult to be pleased of all my judges. Not for the sake of a few uneven lines or unwonted pauses, but for reasons far more substantial. The diction seemed to me in many passages either not sufficiently elevated, or deficient in the grace of ease, and in others I found the sense of the original either not adequately expressed or misapprehended. Many elisions still remained unsoftened; the compound epithets I found not always happily combined, and the same sometimes too frequently repeated. There is no end of passages in HOMER, which must creep unless they are lifted; yet in such, all embellishment is out of the question. The hero puts on his clothes, or refreshes himself with food and wine, or he yokes his steed, takes a journey, and in the evening preparation is made for his repose. To give relief to subjects prosaic as these without seeming unreasonably tumid is extremely difficult. Mr. Pope much abridges some of them, and others he omits; but neither of these liberties was compatible with the nature of my undertaking. These, therefore, and many similar to these, have been new-modeled; somewhat to their advantage I hope, but not even now entirely to my satisfaction. The lines have a more natural movement, the pauses are fewer and less stately, the expression as easy as I could make it without meanness, and these were all the improvements that I could give them. The elisions, I believe, are all cured, with only one exception. An alternative proposes itself to a modern versifier, from which there is no escape, which occurs perpetually, and which, choose as he may, presents him always with an evil. I mean in the instance of the particle (_the_). When this particle precedes a vowel, shall he melt it into the substantive, or leave the _hiatus_ open? Both practices are offensive to a delicate ear. The particle absorbed occasions harshness, and the open vowel a vacuity equally inconvenient. Sometimes, therefore, to leave it open, and sometimes to ingraft it into its adjunct seems most advisable; this course Mr. Pope has taken, whose authority recommended it to me; though of the two evils I have most frequently chosen the elision as the least. Compound epithets have obtained so long in the poetical language of our country, that I employed them without fear or scruple. To have abstained from them in a blank verse translation of Homer, who abounds with them, and from whom our poets probably first adopted them, would have been strange indeed. But though the genius of our language favors the formation of such words almost as much as that of the Greek, it happens sometimes, that a Grecian compound either cannot be rendered in English at all, or, at best, but awkwardly. For this reason, and because I found that some readers much disliked them, I have expunged many; retaining, according to my best judgment, the most eligible only, and making less frequent the repetitions even of these. I know not that I can add any thing material on the subject of this last revisal, unless it be proper to give the reason why the Iliad, though greatly altered, has undergone much fewer alterations than the Odyssey. The true reason I believe is this. The Iliad demanded my utmost possible exertions; it seemed to meet me like an ascent almost perpendicular, which could not be surmounted at less cost than of all the labor that I could bestow on it. The Odyssey on the contrary seemed to resemble an open and level country, through which I might travel at my ease. The latter, therefore, betrayed me into some negligence, which, though little conscious of it at the time, on an accurate search, I found had left many disagreeable effects behind it. I now leave the work to its fate. Another may labor hereafter in an attempt of the same kind with more success; but more industriously, I believe, none ever will. PREFACE BY J. JOHNSON, LL.B. CHAPLAIN TO THE BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH. I have no other pretensions to the honorable name of Editor on this occasion, than as a faithful transcriber of the Manuscript, and a diligent corrector of the Press, which are, doubtless, two of the very humblest employments in that most extensive province. I have wanted the ability to attempt any thing higher; and, fortunately for the reader, I have also wanted the presumption. What, however, I can do, I will. Instead of critical remark, I will furnish him with anecdote. He shall trace from beginning to end the progress of the following work; and in proportion as I have the happiness to engage his attention, I shall merit the name of a fortunate editor. It was in the darkest season of a most calamitous depression of his spirits, that I was summoned to the house of my inestimable friend the Translator, in the month of January, 1794. He had happily completed a revisal of his HOMER, and was thinking of the preface to his new edition, when all his satisfaction in the one, and whatever he had projected for the other, in a moment vanished from his mind. He had fallen into a deplorable illness; and though the foremost wish of my heart was to lessen the intenseness of his misery, I was utterly unable to afford him any aid. I had, however, a pleasing though a melancholy opportunity of tracing his recent footsteps in the Field of Troy, and in the Palace of Ithaca. He had materially altered both the Iliad and Odyssey; and, so far as my ability allowed me to judge, they were each of them greatly improved. He had also, at the request of his bookseller, interspersed the two poems with copious notes; for the most part translations of the ancient Scholia, and gleaned, at the cost of many valuable hours, from the pages of Barnes, Clarke, and Villoisson. It has been a constant subject of regret to the admirers of "The Task," that the exercise of such marvelous original powers, should have been so long suspended by the drudgery of translation; and in this view, their quarrel with the illustrious Greek will be, doubtless, extended to his commentators.[1] During two long years from this most anxious period, the translation continued as it was; and though, in the hope of its being able to divert his melancholy, I had attempted more than once to introduce it to its Author, I was every time painfully obliged to desist. But in the summer of ninety-six, when he had resided with me in Norfolk twelve miserable months, the introduction long wished for took place. To my inexpressible astonishment and joy, I surprised him, one morning, with the Iliad in his hand; and with an excess of delight, which I am still more unable to describe, I the next day discovered that he had been writing.--Were I to mention one of the happiest moments of my life, it might be that which introduced me to the following lines:-- Mistaken meanings corrected, admonente G. Wakefield. B. XXIII. L. 429. that the nave Of thy neat wheel seem e'en to grind upon it. L. 865. As when (the north wind freshening) near the bank Up springs a fish in air, then falls again And disappears beneath the sable flood, So at the stroke, he bounded. L. 1018. Thenceforth Tydides o'er his ample shield Aim'd and still aim'd to pierce him in the neck. Or better thus-- Tydides, in return, with spear high-poised O'er the broad shield, aim'd ever at his neck, Or best of all-- Then Tydeus' son, with spear high-poised above The ample shield, stood aiming at his neck. He had written these lines with a pencil, on a leaf at the end of his Iliad; and when I reflected on the cause which had given them birth, I could not but admire its disproportion to the effect. What the voice of persuasion had failed in for a year, accident had silently accomplished in a single day. The circumstance I allude to was this: I received a copy of the Iliad and Odyssey of Pope, then recently published by the Editor above mentioned, with illustrative and critical notes of his own. As it commended Mr. Cowper's Translation in the Preface, and occasionally pointed out its merits in the Notes, I was careful to place it in his way; though it was more from a habit of experiment which I had contracted, than from well-grounded hopes of success. But what a fortunate circumstance was the arrival of this Work! and by what name worthy of its influence shall I call it? In the mouth of an indifferent person it might be Chance; but in mine; whom it rendered so peculiarly happy, common gratitude requires that it should be Providence. As I watched him with an indescribable interest in his progress, I had the satisfaction to find, that, after a few mornings given to promiscuous correction, and to frequent perusal of the above-mentioned Notes, he was evidently settling on the sixteenth Book. This he went regularly through, and the fruits of an application so happily resumed were, one day with another, about sixty new lines. But with the end of the sixteenth Book he had closed the corrections of the year. An excursion to the coast, which immediately followed, though it promised an accession of strength to the body, could not fail to interfere with the pursuits of the mind. It was therefore with much less surprise than regret, that I saw him relinquish the "_Tale of Troy Divine_." Such was the prelude to the last revisal, which, in the month of January, ninety-seven, Mr. Cowper was persuaded to undertake; and to a faithful copy, as I trust, of which, I have at this time the honor to conduct the reader. But it may not be amiss to observe, that with regard to the earlier books of the Iliad, it was less a revisal of the altered text, than of the text as it stands in the first edition. For though the interleaved copy was always at hand, and in the multitude of its altered places could hardly fail to offer some things worthy to be preserved, but which the ravages of illness and the lapse of time might have utterly effaced from his mind, I could not often persuade the Translator to consult it. I was therefore induced, in the course of transcribing, to compare the two revisals as I went along, and to plead for the continuance of the first correction, when it forcibly struck me as better than the last. This, however, but seldom occurred; and the practice, at length, was completely left off, by his consenting to receive into the number of the books which were daily laid open before him, the interleaved copy to which I allude. At the end of the first six books of the Iliad, the arrival of spring brought the usual interruptions of exercise and air, which increased as the summer advanced to a degree so unfavorable to the progress of HOMER, that in the requisite attention to their salutary claims, the revisal was, at one time, altogether at a stand. Only four books were added in the course of nine months; but opportunity returning as the winter set in, there were added, in less than seven weeks, four more: and thus ended the year ninety-seven. As the spring that succeeded was a happier spring, so it led to a happier summer. We had no longer air and exercise alone, but exercise and Homer hand in hand. He even followed us thrice to the sea: and whether our walks were "on the margin of the land, O'er the green summit of the" cliffs, "whose base Beats back the roaring surge," "or on the shore Of the untillable and barren deep," they were always within hearing of his magic song. About the middle of this busy summer, the revisal of the Iliad was brought to a close; and on the very next day, the 24th of July, the correction of the Odyssey commenced,--a morning rendered memorable by a kind and unexpected visit from the patroness of that work, the Dowager Lady Spencer! It is not my intention to detain the reader with a progressive account of the Odyssey revised, as circumstantial as that of the Iliad, because it went on smoothly from beginning to end, and was finished in less than eight months. I cannot deliver these volumes to the public without feeling emotions of gratitude toward Heaven, in recollecting how often this corrected Work has appeared to me an instrument of Divine mercy, to mitigate the sufferings of my excellent relation. Its progress in our private hours was singularly medicinal to his mind: may its presentment to the Public prove not less conducive to the honor of the departed Author, who has every claim to my veneration! As a copious life of the Poet is already in the press, from the pen of his intimate friend Mr. Hayley, it is unnecessary for me to enter on such extensive commendation of his character, as my own intimacy with him might suggest; but I hope the reader will kindly allow me the privilege of indulging, in some degree, the feelings of my heart, by applying to him, in the close of this Preface, an expressive verse (borrowed from Homer) which he inscribed himself, with some little variation, on a bust of his Grecian Favorite. {Os te pater o paidi, kai oupote lesomai aute.} Loved as his Son, in him I early found A Father, such as I will ne'er forget. Footnote: 1. Very few signatures had at this time been affixed to the notes; but I afterward compared them with the Greek, note by note, and endeavored to supply the defect; more especially in the last three Volumes, where the reader will be pleased to observe that all the notes without signatures are Mr. Cowper's, and that those marked B.C.V. are respectively found in the editions of Homer by Barnes, Clarke, and Villoisson. But the employment was so little to the taste and inclination of the poet, that he never afterward revised them, or added to their number more than these which follow;--In the Odyssey, Vol. I. Book xi., the note 32.--Vol. II. Book xv., the note 13.--The note 10 Book xvi., of that volume, and the note 14, Book xix., of the same. ADVERTISEMENT TO SOUTHEY'S EDITION It is incumbent upon the present Editor to state the reasons which have induced him, between two editions of Cowper's HOMER, differing so materially from each other that they might almost be deemed different versions, to prefer the first. Whoever has perused the Translator's letters, must have perceived that he had considered with no ordinary care the scheme of his versification, and that when he resolved upon altering it in a second edition, it was in deference to the opinion of others. It seems to the Editor that Cowper's own judgment is entitled to more respect, than that of any, or all his critics; and that the version which he composed when his faculties were most active and his spirits least subject to depression,--indeed in the happiest part of his life,--ought not to be superseded by a revisal, or rather reconstruction, which was undertaken three years before his death,--not like the first translation as "a pleasant work, an innocent luxury," the cheerful and delightful occupation of hope and ardor and ambition,--but as a "hopeless employment," a task to which he gave "all his miserable days, and often many hours of the night," seeking to beguile the sense of utter wretchedness, by altering as if for the sake of alteration. The Editor has been confirmed in this opinion by the concurrence of every person with whom he has communicated on the subject. Among others he takes the liberty of mentioning Mr. Cary, whose authority upon such a question is of especial weight, the Translator of Dante being the only one of our countrymen who has ever executed a translation of equal magnitude and not less difficulty, with the same perfect fidelity and admirable skill. In support of this determination, the case of Tasso may be cited as curiously in point. The great Italian poet altered his Jerusalem like Cowper, against his own judgment, in submission to his critics: he made the alteration in the latter years of his life, and in a diseased state of mind; and he proceeded upon the same prescribed rule of smoothing down his versification, and removing all the elisions. The consequence has been that the reconstructed poem is utterly neglected, and has rarely, if ever, been reprinted, except in the two great editions of his collected works; while the original poem has been and continues to be in such demand, that the most diligent bibliographer might vainly attempt to enumerate all the editions through which it has passed. EDITOR'S NOTE. It will be seen by the Advertisement to Southey's edition of Cowper's Translation of the Iliad, that he has the highest opinion of its merits, and that he also gives the preference to Cowper's unrevised edition. The Editor of the present edition is happy to offer it to the public under the sanction of such high authority. In the addition of notes I have availed myself of the learning of various commentators (Pope, Coleridge, Mueller, etc.) and covet no higher praise than the approval of my judgment in the selection. Those bearing the signature E.P.P., were furnished by my friend Miss Peabody, of Boston. I would also acknowledge my obligations to C.C. Felton, Eliot Professor of Greek in Harvard University. It should be observed, that the remarks upon the language of the poem refer to it in the original. For a definite treatment of the character of each deity introduced in the Iliad, and for the fable of the Judgment of Paris, which was the primary cause of the Trojan war, the reader is referred to "Grecian and Roman Mythology." It is intended that this edition of the Iliad shall be followed by a similar one of the Odyssey, provided sufficient encouragement is given by the demand for the present volume. CONTENTS. BOOK I. BOOK XIII. II. XIV. III. XV. IV. XVI. V. XVII. VI. XVIII. VII. XIX. VIII. XX. IX. XXI. X. XXII. XI. XXIII. XII. XXIV. THE ILIAD OF HOMER, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. The book opens with an account of a pestilence that prevailed in the Grecian camp, and the cause of it is assigned. A council is called, in which fierce altercation takes place between Agamemnon and Achilles. The latter solemnly renounces the field. Agamemnon, by his heralds, demands Briseis, and Achilles resigns her. He makes his complaint to Thetis, who undertakes to plead his cause with Jupiter. She pleads it, and prevails. The book concludes with an account of what passed in Heaven on that occasion. * * * * * [The reader will please observe, that by Achaians, Argives, Danai, are signified Grecians. Homer himself having found these various appellatives both graceful and convenient, it seemed unreasonable that a Translator of him should be denied the same advantage.--TR.] BOOK I. Achilles sing, O Goddess! Peleus' son; His wrath pernicious, who ten thousand woes Caused to Achaia's host, sent many a soul Illustrious into Ades premature, And Heroes gave (so stood the will of Jove) 5 To dogs and to all ravening fowls a prey, When fierce dispute had separated once The noble Chief Achilles from the son Of Atreus, Agamemnon, King of men. Who them to strife impell'd? What power divine? 10 Latona's son and Jove's.[1] For he, incensed Against the King, a foul contagion raised In all the host, and multitudes destroy'd, For that the son of Atreus had his priest Dishonored, Chryses. To the fleet he came 15 Bearing rich ransom glorious to redeem His daughter, and his hands charged with the wreath And golden sceptre[2] of the God shaft-arm'd. His supplication was at large to all The host of Greece, but most of all to two, 20 The sons of Atreus, highest in command. Ye gallant Chiefs, and ye their gallant host, (So may the Gods who in Olympus dwell Give Priam's treasures to you for a spoil And ye return in safety,) take my gifts 25 And loose my child, in honor of the son Of Jove, Apollo, archer of the skies.[3] At once the voice of all was to respect The priest, and to accept the bounteous price; But so it pleased not Atreus' mighty son, 30 Who with rude threatenings stern him thence dismiss'd. Beware, old man! that at these hollow barks I find thee not now lingering, or henceforth Returning, lest the garland of thy God And his bright sceptre should avail thee nought. 35 I will not loose thy daughter, till old age Steal on her. From her native country far, In Argos, in my palace, she shall ply The loom, and shall be partner of my bed. Move me no more. Begone; hence while thou may'st. 40 He spake, the old priest trembled and obey'd. Forlorn he roamed the ocean's sounding shore, And, solitary, with much prayer his King Bright-hair'd Latona's son, Phoebus, implored.[4] God of the silver bow, who with thy power 45 Encirclest Chrysa, and who reign'st supreme In Tenedos and Cilla the divine, Sminthian[5] Apollo![6] If I e'er adorned Thy beauteous fane, or on the altar burn'd The fat acceptable of bulls or goats, 50 Grant my petition. With thy shafts avenge On the Achaian host thy servant's tears. Such prayer he made, and it was heard.[7] The God, Down from Olympus with his radiant bow And his full quiver o'er his shoulder slung, 55 Marched in his anger; shaken as he moved His rattling arrows told of his approach. Gloomy he came as night; sat from the ships Apart, and sent an arrow. Clang'd the cord [8]Dread-sounding, bounding on the silver bow.[9] 60 Mules first and dogs he struck,[10] but at themselves Dispatching soon his bitter arrows keen, Smote them. Death-piles on all sides always blazed. Nine days throughout the camp his arrows flew; The tenth, Achilles from all parts convened 65 The host in council. Juno the white-armed Moved at the sight of Grecians all around Dying, imparted to his mind the thought.[11] The full assembly, therefore, now convened, Uprose Achilles ardent, and began. 70 Atrides! Now, it seems, no course remains For us, but that the seas roaming again, We hence return; at least if we survive; But haste, consult we quick some prophet here Or priest, or even interpreter of dreams, 75 (For dreams are also of Jove,) that we may learn By what crime we have thus incensed Apollo, What broken vow, what hecatomb unpaid He charges on us, and if soothed with steam Of lambs or goats unblemish'd, he may yet 80 Be won to spare us, and avert the plague. He spake and sat, when Thestor's son arose Calchas, an augur foremost in his art, Who all things, present, past, and future knew, And whom his skill in prophecy, a gift 85 Conferred by Phoebus on him, had advanced To be conductor of the fleet to Troy; He, prudent, them admonishing, replied.[12] Jove-loved Achilles! Wouldst thou learn from me What cause hath moved Apollo to this wrath, 90 The shaft-arm'd King? I shall divulge the cause. But thou, swear first and covenant on thy part That speaking, acting, thou wilt stand prepared To give me succor; for I judge amiss, Or he who rules the Argives, the supreme 95 O'er all Achaia's host, will be incensed. Wo to the man who shall provoke the King For if, to-day, he smother close his wrath, He harbors still the vengeance, and in time Performs it. Answer, therefore, wilt thou save me? 100 To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. What thou hast learn'd in secret from the God That speak, and boldly. By the son of Jove, Apollo, whom thou, Calchas, seek'st in prayer Made for the Danai, and who thy soul 105 Fills with futurity, in all the host The Grecian lives not, who while I shall breathe, And see the light of day, shall in this camp Oppress thee; no, not even if thou name Him, Agamemnon, sovereign o'er us all. 110 Then was the seer embolden'd, and he spake. Nor vow nor hecatomb unpaid on us He charges, but the wrong done to his priest Whom Agamemnon slighted when he sought His daughter's freedom, and his gifts refused. 115 He is the cause. Apollo for his sake Afflicts and will afflict us, neither end Nor intermission of his heavy scourge Granting, 'till unredeem'd, no price required, The black-eyed maid be to her father sent, 120 And a whole hecatomb in Chrysa bleed. Then, not before, the God may be appeased. He spake and sat; when Atreus' son arose, The Hero Agamemnon, throned supreme. Tempests of black resentment overcharged 125 His heart, and indignation fired his eyes. On Calchas lowering, him he first address'd. Prophet of mischief! from whose tongue no note Of grateful sound to me, was ever heard; Ill tidings are thy joy, and tidings glad 130 Thou tell'st not, or thy words come not to pass. And now among the Danai thy dreams Divulging, thou pretend'st the Archer-God For his priest's sake, our enemy, because I scorn'd his offer'd ransom of the maid 135 Chryseis, more desirous far to bear Her to my home, for that she charms me more Than Clytemnestra, my own first espoused, With whom, in disposition, feature, form, Accomplishments, she may be well compared. 140 Yet, being such, I will return her hence If that she go be best. Perish myself-- But let the people of my charge be saved Prepare ye, therefore, a reward for me, And seek it instant. It were much unmeet 145 That I alone of all the Argive host Should want due recompense, whose former prize Is elsewhere destined, as ye all perceive. To whom Achilles, matchless in the race. Atrides, glorious above all in rank, 150 And as intent on gain as thou art great, Whence shall the Grecians give a prize to thee? The general stock is poor; the spoil of towns Which we have taken, hath already passed In distribution, and it were unjust 155 To gather it from all the Greeks again. But send thou back this Virgin to her God, And when Jove's favor shall have given us Troy, A threefold, fourfold share shall then be thine. To whom the Sovereign of the host replied. 160 Godlike Achilles, valiant as thou art, Wouldst thou be subtle too? But me no fraud Shall overreach, or art persuade, of thine. Wouldst thou, that thou be recompensed, and I Sit meekly down, defrauded of my due? 165 And didst thou bid me yield her? Let the bold Achaians give me competent amends, Such as may please me, and it shall be well. Else, if they give me none, I will command Thy prize, the prize of Ajax, or the prize 170 It may be of Ulysses to my tent, And let the loser chafe. But this concern Shall be adjusted at convenient time. Come--launch we now into the sacred deep A bark with lusty rowers well supplied; 175 Then put on board Chryseis, and with her The sacrifice required. Go also one High in authority, some counsellor, Idomeneus, or Ajax, or thyself, Thou most untractable of all mankind; 180 And seek by rites of sacrifice and prayer To appease Apollo on our host's behalf. Achilles eyed him with a frown, and spake. Ah! clothed with impudence as with a cloak, And full of subtlety, who, thinkest thou-- 185 What Grecian here will serve thee, or for thee Wage covert war, or open? Me thou know'st, Troy never wronged; I came not to avenge Harm done to me; no Trojan ever drove My pastures, steeds or oxen took of mine, 190 Or plunder'd of their fruits the golden fields Of Phthia[13] the deep-soil'd. She lies remote, And obstacles are numerous interposed, Vale-darkening mountains, and the dashing sea. No, [14]Shameless Wolf! For thy good pleasure's sake 195 We came, and, [15]Face of flint! to avenge the wrongs By Menelaus and thyself sustain'd, On the offending Trojan--service kind, But lost on thee, regardless of it all. And now--What now? Thy threatening is to seize 200 Thyself, the just requital of my toils, My prize hard-earn'd, by common suffrage mine. I never gain, what Trojan town soe'er We ransack, half thy booty. The swift march And furious onset--these I largely reap, 205 But, distribution made, thy lot exceeds Mine far; while I, with any pittance pleased, Bear to my ships the little that I win After long battle, and account it much. But I am gone, I and my sable barks 210 (My wiser course) to Phthia, and I judge, Scorn'd as I am, that thou shalt hardly glean Without me, more than thou shalt soon consume.[16] He ceased, and Agamemnon thus replied Fly, and fly now; if in thy soul thou feel 215 Such ardor of desire to go--begone! I woo thee not to stay; stay not an hour On my behalf, for I have others here Who will respect me more, and above all All-judging Jove. There is not in the host 220 King or commander whom I hate as thee, For all thy pleasure is in strife and blood, And at all times; yet valor is no ground Whereon to boast, it is the gift of Heaven Go, get ye back to Phthia, thou and thine! 225 There rule thy Myrmidons.[17] I need not thee, Nor heed thy wrath a jot. But this I say, Sure as Apollo takes my lovely prize Chryseis, and I shall return her home In mine own bark, and with my proper crew, 230 So sure the fair Briseis shall be mine. I shall demand her even at thy tent. So shalt thou well be taught, how high in power I soar above thy pitch, and none shall dare Attempt, thenceforth, comparison with me. 235 He ended, and the big, disdainful heart Throbbed of Achilles; racking doubt ensued And sore perplex'd him, whether forcing wide A passage through them, with his blade unsheathed To lay Atrides breathless at his foot, 240 Or to command his stormy spirit down. So doubted he, and undecided yet Stood drawing forth his falchion huge; when lo! Down sent by Juno, to whom both alike Were dear, and who alike watched over both, 245 Pallas descended. At his back she stood To none apparent, save himself alone, And seized his golden locks. Startled, he turned, And instant knew Minerva. Flashed her eyes Terrific;[18] whom with accents on the wing 250 Of haste, incontinent he questioned thus. Daughter of Jove, why comest thou? that thyself May'st witness these affronts which I endure From Agamemnon? Surely as I speak, This moment, for his arrogance, he dies. 255 To whom the blue-eyed Deity. From heaven Mine errand is, to sooth, if thou wilt hear, Thine anger. Juno the white-arm'd alike To him and thee propitious, bade me down: Restrain thy wrath. Draw not thy falchion forth. 260 Retort, and sharply, and let that suffice. For I foretell thee true. Thou shalt receive, Some future day, thrice told, thy present loss For this day's wrong. Cease, therefore, and be still. To whom Achilles. Goddess, although much 265 Exasperate, I dare not disregard Thy word, which to obey is always best.[19] Who hears the Gods, the Gods hear also him. He said; and on his silver hilt the force Of his broad hand impressing, sent the blade 270 Home to its rest, nor would the counsel scorn Of Pallas. She to heaven well-pleased return'd, And in the mansion of Jove AEgis[20]-armed Arriving, mingled with her kindred Gods. But though from violence, yet not from words 275 Abstained Achilles, but with bitter taunt Opprobrious, his antagonist reproached. Oh charged with wine, in steadfastness of face Dog unabashed, and yet at heart a deer! Thou never, when the troops have taken arms, 280 Hast dared to take thine also; never thou Associate with Achaia's Chiefs, to form The secret ambush.[21] No. The sound of war Is as the voice of destiny to thee. Doubtless the course is safer far, to range 285 Our numerous host, and if a man have dared Dispute thy will, to rob him of his prize. King! over whom? Women and spiritless-- Whom therefore thou devourest; else themselves Would stop that mouth that it should scoff no more. 290 But hearken. I shall swear a solemn oath. By this same sceptre,[22] which shall never bud, Nor boughs bring forth as once, which having left Its stock on the high mountains, at what time The woodman's axe lopped off its foliage green, 295 And stript its bark, shall never grow again; Which now the judges of Achaia bear, Who under Jove, stand guardians of the laws, By this I swear (mark thou the sacred oath) Time shall be, when Achilles shall be missed; 300 When all shall want him, and thyself the power To help the Achaians, whatsoe'er thy will; When Hector at your heels shall mow you down: The Hero-slaughtering Hector! Then thy soul, Vexation-stung, shall tear thee with remorse, 305 That thou hast scorn'd, as he were nothing worth, A Chief, the soul and bulwark of your cause. So saying, he cast his sceptre on the ground Studded with gold, and sat. On the other side The son of Atreus all impassion'd stood, 310 When the harmonious orator arose Nestor, the Pylian oracle, whose lips Dropped eloquence--the honey not so sweet. Two generations past of mortals born In Pylus, coetaneous with himself, 315 He govern'd now the third--amid them all He stood, and thus, benevolent, began. Ah! what calamity hath fall'n on Greece! Now Priam and his sons may well exult, Now all in Ilium shall have joy of heart 320 Abundant, hearing of this broil, the prime Of Greece between, in council and in arms. But be persuaded; ye are younger both Than I, and I was conversant of old With Princes your superiors, yet from them 325 No disrespect at any time received. Their equals saw I never; never shall; Exadius, Coeneus, and the Godlike son Of AEgeus, mighty Theseus; men renown'd For force superior to the race of man, 330 Brave Chiefs they were, and with brave foes they fought, With the rude dwellers on the mountain-heights The Centaurs,[23] whom with havoc such as fame Shall never cease to celebrate, they slew. With these men I consorted erst, what time 335 From Pylus, though a land from theirs remote, They called me forth, and such as was my strength, With all that strength I served them. Who is he? What Prince or Chief of the degenerate race Now seen on earth who might with these compare? 340 Yet even these would listen and conform To my advice in consultation given, Which hear ye also; for compliance proves Oft times the safer and the manlier course. Thou, Agamemnon! valiant as thou art, 345 Seize not the maid, his portion from the Greeks, But leave her his; nor thou, Achilles, strive With our imperial Chief; for never King Had equal honor at the hands of Jove With Agamemnon, or was throned so high. 350 Say thou art stronger, and art Goddess-born, How then? His territory passes thine, And he is Lord of thousands more than thou. Cease, therefore, Agamemnon; calm thy wrath; And it shall be mine office to entreat 355 Achilles also to a calm, whose might The chief munition is of all our host. To whom the sovereign of the Greeks replied, The son of Atreus. Thou hast spoken well, Old Chief, and wisely. But this wrangler here-- 360 Nought will suffice him but the highest place: He must control us all, reign over all, Dictate to all; but he shall find at least One here, disposed to question his commands. If the eternal Gods have made him brave, 365 Derives he thence a privilege to rail? Whom thus Achilles interrupted fierce. Could I be found so abject as to take The measure of my doings at thy lips, Well might they call me coward through the camp, 370 A vassal, and a fellow of no worth. Give law to others. Think not to control Me, subject to thy proud commands no more. Hear yet again! And weigh what thou shalt hear. I will not strive with thee in such a cause, 375 Nor yet with any man; I scorn to fight For her, whom having given, ye take away. But I have other precious things on board; Of those take none away without my leave. Or if it please thee, put me to the proof 380 Before this whole assembly, and my spear Shall stream that moment, purpled with thy blood. Thus they long time in opposition fierce Maintained the war of words; and now, at length, (The grand consult dissolved,) Achilles walked 385 (Patroclus and the Myrmidons his steps Attending) to his camp and to his fleet. But Agamemnon order'd forth a bark, A swift one, manned with twice ten lusty rowers; He sent on board the Hecatomb:[24] he placed 390 Chryseis with the blooming cheeks, himself, And to Ulysses gave the freight in charge. So all embarked, and plow'd their watery way. Atrides, next, bade purify the host; The host was purified, as he enjoin'd, 395 And the ablution cast into the sea. Then to Apollo, on the shore they slew, Of the untillable and barren deep, Whole Hecatombs of bulls and goats, whose steam Slowly in smoky volumes climbed the skies. 400 Thus was the camp employed; nor ceased the while The son of Atreus from his threats denounced At first against Achilles, but command Gave to Talthybius and Eurybates His heralds, ever faithful to his will. 405 Haste--Seek ye both the tent of Peleus' son Achilles. Thence lead hither by the hand Blooming Briseis, whom if he withhold, Not her alone, but other spoil myself Will take in person--He shall rue the hour. 410 With such harsh message charged he them dismissed They, sad and slow, beside the barren waste Of Ocean, to the galleys and the tents Moved of the Myrmidons. Him there they found Beneath the shadow of his bark reclined, 415 Nor glad at their approach. Trembling they stood, In presence of the royal Chief, awe-struck, Nor questioned him or spake. He not the less Knew well their embassy, and thus began. Ye heralds, messengers of Gods and men, 420 Hail, and draw near! I bid you welcome both. I blame not you; the fault is his alone Who sends you to conduct the damsel hence Briseis. Go, Patroclus, generous friend! Lead forth, and to their guidance give the maid. 425 But be themselves my witnesses before The blessed Gods, before mankind, before The ruthless king, should want of me be felt To save the host from havoc[25]--Oh, his thoughts Are madness all; intelligence or skill, 430 Forecast or retrospect, how best the camp May be secured from inroad, none hath he. He ended, nor Patroclus disobey'd, But leading beautiful Briseis forth Into their guidance gave her; loth she went 435 From whom she loved, and looking oft behind. Then wept Achilles, and apart from all, With eyes directed to the gloomy Deep And arms outstretch'd, his mother suppliant sought. Since, mother, though ordain'd so soon to die, 440 I am thy son, I might with cause expect Some honor at the Thunderer's hands, but none To me he shows, whom Agamemnon, Chief Of the Achaians, hath himself disgraced, Seizing by violence my just reward. 445 So prayed he weeping, whom his mother heard Within the gulfs of Ocean where she sat Beside her ancient sire. From the gray flood Ascending sudden, like a mist she came, Sat down before him, stroked his face, and said. 450 Why weeps my son? and what is thy distress? Hide not a sorrow that I wish to share. To whom Achilles, sighing deep, replied. Why tell thee woes to thee already known? At Thebes, Eetion's city we arrived, 455 Smote, sack'd it, and brought all the spoil away. Just distribution made among the Greeks, The son of Atreus for his lot received Blooming Chryseis. Her, Apollo's priest Old Chryses followed to Achaia's camp, 460 That he might loose his daughter. Ransom rich He brought, and in his hands the hallow'd wreath And golden sceptre of the Archer God Apollo, bore; to the whole Grecian host, But chiefly to the foremost in command 465 He sued, the sons of Atreus; then, the rest All recommended reverence of the Seer, And prompt acceptance of his costly gifts. But Agamemnon might not so be pleased, Who gave him rude dismission; he in wrath 470 Returning, prayed, whose prayer Apollo heard, For much he loved him. A pestiferous shaft He instant shot into the Grecian host, And heap'd the people died. His arrows swept The whole wide camp of Greece, 'till at the last 475 A Seer, by Phoebus taught, explain'd the cause. I first advised propitiation. Rage Fired Agamemnon. Rising, he denounced Vengeance, and hath fulfilled it. She, in truth, Is gone to Chrysa, and with her we send 480 Propitiation also to the King Shaft-arm'd Apollo. But my beauteous prize Briseis, mine by the award of all, His heralds, at this moment, lead away. But thou, wherein thou canst, aid thy own son! 485 Haste hence to Heaven, and if thy word or deed Hath ever gratified the heart of Jove, With earnest suit press him on my behalf. For I, not seldom, in my father's hall Have heard thee boasting, how when once the Gods, 490 With Juno, Neptune, Pallas at their head, Conspired to bind the Thunderer, thou didst loose His bands, O Goddess! calling to his aid The Hundred-handed warrior, by the Gods Briareus, but by men, AEgeon named.[26] 495 For he in prowess and in might surpassed His father Neptune, who, enthroned sublime, Sits second only to Saturnian Jove, Elate with glory and joy. Him all the Gods Fearing from that bold enterprise abstained. 500 Now, therefore, of these things reminding Jove, Embrace his knees; entreat him that he give The host of Troy his succor, and shut fast The routed Grecians, prisoners in the fleet, That all may find much solace[27] in their King, 505 And that the mighty sovereign o'er them all, Their Agamemnon, may himself be taught His rashness, who hath thus dishonor'd foul The life itself, and bulwark of his cause. To him, with streaming eyes, Thetis replied. 510 Born as thou wast to sorrow, ah, my son! Why have I rear'd thee! Would that without tears, Or cause for tears (transient as is thy life, A little span) thy days might pass at Troy! But short and sorrowful the fates ordain 515 Thy life, peculiar trouble must be thine, Whom, therefore, oh that I had never borne! But seeking the Olympian hill snow-crown'd, I will myself plead for thee in the ear Of Jove, the Thunderer. Meantime at thy fleet 520 Abiding, let thy wrath against the Greeks Still burn, and altogether cease from war. For to the banks of the Oceanus,[28] Where AEthiopia holds a feast to Jove,[29] He journey'd yesterday, with whom the Gods 525 Went also, and the twelfth day brings them home. Then will I to his brazen-floor'd abode, That I may clasp his knees, and much misdeem Of my endeavor, or my prayer shall speed. So saying, she went; but him she left enraged 530 For fair Briseis' sake, forced from his arms By stress of power. Meantime Ulysses came To Chrysa with the Hecatomb in charge. Arrived within the haven[30] deep, their sails Furling, they stowed them in the bark below. 535 Then by its tackle lowering swift the mast Into its crutch, they briskly push'd to land, Heaved anchors out, and moor'd the vessel fast. Forth came the mariners, and trod the beach; Forth came the victims of Apollo next, 540 And, last, Chryseis. Her Ulysses led Toward the altar, gave her to the arms Of her own father, and him thus address'd. O Chryses! Agamemnon, King of men, Hath sent thy daughter home, with whom we bring 545 A Hecatomb on all our host's behalf To Phoebus, hoping to appease the God By whose dread shafts the Argives now expire. So saying, he gave her to him, who with joy Received his daughter. Then, before the shrine 550 Magnificent in order due they ranged The noble Hecatomb.[31] Each laved his hands And took the salted meal, and Chryses made His fervent prayer with hands upraised on high. God of the silver bow, who with thy power 555 Encirclest Chrysa, and who reign'st supreme In Tenedos, and Cilla the divine! Thou prov'dst propitious to my first request, Hast honor'd me, and punish'd sore the Greeks; Hear yet thy servant's prayer; take from their host 560 At once the loathsome pestilence away! So Chryses prayed, whom Phoebus heard well-pleased; Then prayed the Grecians also, and with meal Sprinkling the victims, their retracted necks First pierced, then flay'd them; the disjointed thighs 565 They, next, invested with the double caul, Which with crude slices thin they overspread. The priest burned incense, and libation poured Large on the hissing brands, while, him beside, Busy with spit and prong, stood many a youth 570 Trained to the task. The thighs with fire consumed, They gave to each his portion of the maw, Then slashed the remnant, pierced it with the spits, And managing with culinary skill The roast, withdrew it from the spits again. 575 Their whole task thus accomplish'd, and the board Set forth, they feasted, and were all sufficed. When neither hunger more nor thirst remained Unsatisfied, boys crown'd the beakers high With wine delicious, and from right to left 580 Distributing the cups, served every guest. Thenceforth the youths of the Achaian race To song propitiatory gave the day, Paeans[32] to Phoebus, Archer of the skies, Chaunting melodious. Pleased, Apollo heard. 585 But, when, the sun descending, darkness fell, They on the beach beside their hawsers slept; And, when the day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd Aurora look'd abroad, then back they steer'd To the vast camp. Fair wind, and blowing fresh, 590 Apollo sent them; quick they rear'd the mast, Then spread the unsullied canvas to the gale, And the wind filled it. Roared the sable flood Around the bark, that ever as she went Dash'd wide the brine, and scudded swift away. 595 Thus reaching soon the spacious camp of Greece, Their galley they updrew sheer o'er the sands From the rude surge remote, then propp'd her sides With scantlings long,[33] and sought their several tents. But Peleus' noble son, the speed-renown'd 600 Achilles, he, his well-built bark beside, Consumed his hours, nor would in council more, Where wise men win distinction, or in fight Appear, to sorrow and heart-withering wo Abandon'd; though for battle, ardent, still 605 He panted, and the shout-resounding field. But when the twelfth fair morrow streak'd the East, Then all the everlasting Gods to Heaven Resorted, with the Thunderer at their head, And Thetis, not unmindful of her son, 610 Prom the salt flood emerged, seeking betimes Olympus and the boundless fields of heaven. High, on the topmost eminence sublime Of the deep-fork'd Olympian she perceived The Thunderer seated, from the Gods apart. 615 She sat before him, clasp'd with her left hand His knees, her right beneath his chin she placed, And thus the King, Saturnian Jove, implored. Father of all, by all that I have done Or said that ever pleased thee, grant my suit. 620 Exalt my son, by destiny short-lived Beyond the lot of others. Him with shame The King of men hath overwhelm'd, by force Usurping his just meed; thou, therefore, Jove, Supreme in wisdom, honor him, and give 625 Success to Troy, till all Achaia's sons Shall yield him honor more than he hath lost! She spake, to whom the Thunderer nought replied, But silent sat long time. She, as her hand Had grown there, still importunate, his knees 630 Clasp'd as at first, and thus her suit renew'd.[34] Or grant my prayer, and ratify the grant, Or send me hence (for thou hast none to fear) Plainly refused; that I may know and feel By how much I am least of all in heaven. 635 To whom the cloud-assembler at the last Spake, deep-distress'd. Hard task and full of strife Thou hast enjoined me; Juno will not spare For gibe and taunt injurious, whose complaint Sounds daily in the ears of all the Gods, 640 That I assist the Trojans; but depart, Lest she observe thee; my concern shall be How best I may perform thy full desire. And to assure thee more, I give the sign Indubitable, which all fear expels 645 At once from heavenly minds. Nought, so confirmed, May, after, be reversed or render'd vain. He ceased, and under his dark brows the nod Vouchsafed of confirmation. All around The Sovereign's everlasting head his curls 650 Ambrosial shook,[35] and the huge mountain reeled. Their conference closed, they parted. She, at once, From bright Olympus plunged into the flood Profound, and Jove to his own courts withdrew. Together all the Gods, at his approach, 655 Uprose; none sat expectant till he came, But all advanced to meet the Eternal Sire. So on his throne he sat. Nor Juno him Not understood; she, watchful, had observed, In consultation close with Jove engaged 660 Thetis, bright-footed daughter of the deep, And keen the son of Saturn thus reproved. Shrewd as thou art, who now hath had thine ear? Thy joy is ever such, from me apart To plan and plot clandestine, and thy thoughts, 665 Think what thou may'st, are always barred to me. To whom the father, thus, of heaven and earth. Expect not, Juno, that thou shalt partake My counsels at all times, which oft in height And depth, thy comprehension far exceed, 670 Jove's consort as thou art. When aught occurs Meet for thine ear, to none will I impart Of Gods or men more free than to thyself. But for my secret thoughts, which I withhold From all in heaven beside, them search not thou 675 With irksome curiosity and vain. Him answer'd then the Goddess ample-eyed.[36] What word hath passed thy lips, Saturnian Jove, Thou most severe! I never search thy thoughts, Nor the serenity of thy profound 680 Intentions trouble; they are safe from me: But now there seems a cause. Deeply I dread Lest Thetis, silver-footed daughter fair Of Ocean's hoary Sovereign, here arrived At early dawn to practise on thee, Jove! 685 I noticed her a suitress at thy knees, And much misdeem or promise-bound thou stand'st To Thetis past recall, to exalt her son, And Greeks to slaughter thousands at the ships. To whom the cloud-assembler God, incensed. 690 Ah subtle! ever teeming with surmise, And fathomer of my concealed designs, Thy toil is vain, or (which is worse for thee,) Shall but estrange thee from mine heart the more. And be it as thou sayest,--I am well pleased 695 That so it should be. Be advised, desist, Hold thou thy peace. Else, if my glorious hands Once reach thee, the Olympian Powers combined To rescue thee, shall interfere in vain. He said,--whom Juno, awful Goddess, heard 700 Appall'd, and mute submitted to his will. But through the courts of Jove the heavenly Powers All felt displeasure; when to them arose Vulcan, illustrious artist, who with speech Conciliatory interposed to sooth 705 His white-armed mother Juno, Goddess dread. Hard doom is ours, and not to be endured, If feast and merriment must pause in heaven While ye such clamor raise tumultuous here For man's unworthy sake: yet thus we speed 710 Ever, when evil overpoises good. But I exhort my mother, though herself Already warn'd, that meekly she submit To Jove our father, lest our father chide More roughly, and confusion mar the feast. 715 For the Olympian Thunderer could with ease Us from our thrones precipitate, so far He reigns to all superior. Seek to assuage His anger therefore; so shall he with smiles Cheer thee, nor thee alone, but all in heaven. 720 So Vulcan, and, upstarting, placed a cup Full-charged between his mother's hands, and said, My mother, be advised, and, though aggrieved, Yet patient; lest I see thee whom I love So dear, with stripes chastised before my face, 725 Willing, but impotent to give thee aid.[37] Who can resist the Thunderer? Me, when once I flew to save thee, by the foot he seized And hurl'd me through the portal of the skies. "From morn to eve I fell, a summer's day," 730 And dropped, at last, in Lemnos. There half-dead The Sintians found me, and with succor prompt And hospitable, entertained me fallen. So He; then Juno smiled, Goddess white-arm'd, And smiling still, from his unwonted hand[38] 735 Received the goblet. He from right to left Rich nectar from the beaker drawn, alert Distributed to all the powers divine. Heaven rang with laughter inextinguishable Peal after peal, such pleasure all conceived 740 At sight of Vulcan in his new employ. So spent they in festivity the day, And all were cheered; nor was Apollo's harp Silent, nor did the Muses spare to add Responsive melody of vocal sweets. 745 But when the sun's bright orb had now declined, Each to his mansion, wheresoever built By the lame matchless Architect, withdrew.[39] Jove also, kindler of the fires of heaven, His couch ascending as at other times 750 When gentle sleep approach'd him, slept serene, With golden-sceptred Juno at his side. * * * * * The first book contains the preliminaries to the commencement of serious action. First, the visit of the priest of Apollo to ransom his captive daughter, the refusal of Agamemnon to yield her up, and the pestilence sent by the god upon the Grecian army in consequence. Secondly, the restoration, the propitiation of Apollo, the quarrel of Agamemnon and Achilles, and the withdrawing of the latter from the Grecian army. Thirdly, the intercession of Thetis with Jupiter; his promise, unwillingly given, to avenge Achilles; and the assembly of the gods, in which the promise is angrily alluded to by Juno, and the discussion peremptorily checked by Jupiter. The poet, throughout this book, maintains a simple, unadorned style, but highly descriptive, and happily adapted to the nature of the subject.--FELTON. THE ILIAD. BOOK II. ARGUMENT OF THE SECOND BOOK. Jupiter, in pursuance of his purpose to distress the Grecians in answer to the prayer of Thetis, deceives Agamemnon by a dream. He, in consequence of it, calls a council, the result of which is that the army shall go forth to battle. Thersites is mutinous, and is chastised by Ulysses. Ulysses, Nestor, and Agamemnon, harangue the people; and preparation is made for battle. An exact account follows of the forces on both sides. BOOK II. [1]All night both Gods and Chiefs equestrian slept, But not the Sire of all. He, waking soon, Mused how to exalt Achilles, and destroy No few in battle at the Grecian fleet. This counsel, at the last, as best he chose 5 And likeliest; to dispatch an evil Dream To Agamemnon's tent, and to his side The phantom summoning, him thus addressed. Haste, evil Dream! Fly to the Grecian fleet, And, entering royal Agamemnon's tent, 10 His ear possess thou thus, omitting nought Of all that I enjoin thee. Bid him arm His universal host, for that the time When the Achaians shall at length possess Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above 15 No longer dwell at variance. The request Of Juno hath prevail'd; now, wo to Troy! So charged, the Dream departed. At the ships Well-built arriving of Achaia's host, He Agamemnon, son of Atreus, sought. 20 Him sleeping in his tent he found, immersed In soft repose ambrosial. At his head The shadow stood, similitude exact Of Nestor, son of Neleus; sage, with whom In Agamemnon's thought might none compare. 25 His form assumed, the sacred Dream began. Oh son of Atreus the renown'd in arms And in the race! Sleep'st thou? It ill behoves To sleep all night the man of high employ, And charged, as thou art, with a people's care. 30 Now, therefore, mark me well, who, sent from Jove, Inform thee, that although so far remote, He yet compassionates and thinks on thee With kind solicitude. He bids thee arm Thy universal host, for that the time 35 When the Achaians shall at length possess Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above No longer dwell at variance. The requests Of Juno have prevail'd. Now, wo to Troy From Jove himself! Her fate is on the wing. 40 Awaking from thy dewy slumbers, hold In firm remembrance all that thou hast heard. So spake the Dream, and vanishing, him left In false hopes occupied and musings vain. Full sure he thought, ignorant of the plan 45 By Jove design'd, that day the last of Troy. Fond thought! For toils and agonies to Greeks And Trojans both, in many a bloody field To be endured, the Thunderer yet ordain'd. Starting he woke, and seeming still to hear 50 The warning voice divine, with hasty leap Sprang from his bed, and sat.[2] His fleecy vest New-woven he put on, and mantle wide; His sandals fair to his unsullied feet He braced, and slung his argent-studded sword. 55 Then, incorruptible for evermore The sceptre of his sires he took, with which He issued forth into the camp of Greece. Aurora now on the Olympian heights Proclaiming stood new day to all in heaven, 60 When he his clear-voiced heralds bade convene The Greeks in council. Went the summons forth Into all quarters, and the throng began. First, at the ship of Nestor, Pylian King,[3] The senior Chiefs for high exploits renown'd 65 He gather'd, whom he prudent thus address'd. My fellow warriors, hear! A dream from heaven, Amid the stillness of the vacant night Approach'd me, semblance close in stature, bulk, And air, of noble Nestor. At mine head 70 The shadow took his stand, and thus he spake. Oh son of Atreus the renown'd in arms And in the race, sleep'st thou? It ill behoves To sleep all night the man of high employ, And charged as thou art with a people's care. 75 Now, therefore, mark me well, who, sent from Jove, Inform thee, that although so far remote, He yet compassionates and thinks on thee With kind solicitude. He bids thee arm Thy universal host; for that the time 80 When the Achaians shall at length possess Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above No longer dwell at variance. The requests Of Juno have prevail'd. Now, wo to Troy From Jove himself! Her fate is on the wing. 85 Charge this on thy remembrance. Thus he spake, Then vanished suddenly, and I awoke. Haste therefore, let us arm, if arm we may,[4] The warlike sons of Greece; but first, myself Will prove them, recommending instant flight 90 With all our ships, and ye throughout the host Dispersed, shall, next, encourage all to stay. He ceased, and sat; when in the midst arose Of highest fame for wisdom, Nestor, King Of sandy Pylus, who them thus bespake. 95 Friends, Counsellors, and Leaders of the Greeks! Had any meaner Argive told his dream, We had pronounced it false, and should the more Have shrunk from battle; but the dream is his Who boasts himself our highest in command. 100 Haste, arm we, if we may, the sons of Greece. So saying, he left the council; him, at once The sceptred Chiefs, obedient to his voice, Arising, follow'd; and the throng began. As from the hollow rock bees stream abroad, 105 And in succession endless seek the fields, Now clustering, and now scattered far and near, In spring-time, among all the new-blown flowers, So they to council swarm'd, troop after troop, Grecians of every tribe, from camp and fleet 110 Assembling orderly o'er all the plain Beside the shore of Ocean. In the midst A kindling rumor, messenger of Jove, Impell'd them, and they went. Loud was the din Of the assembling thousands; groan'd the earth 115 When down they sat, and murmurs ran around. Nine heralds cried aloud--Will ye restrain Your clamors, that your heaven-taught Kings may speak? Scarce were they settled, and the clang had ceased, When Agamemnon, sovereign o'er them all, 120 Sceptre in hand, arose. (That sceptre erst Vulcan with labor forged, and to the hand Consign'd it of the King, Saturnian Jove; Jove to the vanquisher[5] of Ino's[6] guard, And he to Pelops; Pelops in his turn, 125 To royal Atreus; Atreus at his death Bequeath'd it to Thyestes rich in flocks, And rich Thyestes left it to be borne By Agamemnon, symbol of his right To empire over Argos and her isles) 130 On that he lean'd, and rapid, thus began.[7] Friends, Grecian Heroes, ministers of Mars! Ye see me here entangled in the snares Of unpropitious Jove. He promised once, And with a nod confirm'd it, that with spoils 135 Of Ilium laden, we should hence return; But now, devising ill, he sends me shamed, And with diminished numbers, home to Greece. So stands his sovereign pleasure, who hath laid The bulwarks of full many a city low, 140 And more shall level, matchless in his might. That such a numerous host of Greeks as we, Warring with fewer than ourselves, should find No fruit of all our toil, (and none appears) Will make us vile with ages yet to come. 145 For should we now strike truce, till Greece and Troy Might number each her own, and were the Greeks Distributed in bands, ten Greeks in each, Our banded decads should exceed so far Their units, that all Troy could not supply 150 For every ten, a man, to fill us wine; So far the Achaians, in my thought, surpass The native Trojans. But in Troy are those Who baffle much my purpose; aids derived From other states, spear-arm'd auxiliars, firm 155 In the defence of Ilium's lofty towers. Nine years have passed us over, nine long years; Our ships are rotted, and our tackle marr'd, And all our wives and little-ones at home Sit watching our return, while this attempt 160 Hangs still in doubt, for which that home we left. Accept ye then my counsel. Fly we swift With all our fleet back to our native land, Hopeless of Troy, not yet to be subdued. So spake the King, whom all the concourse heard 165 With minds in tumult toss'd; all, save the few, Partners of his intent. Commotion shook The whole assembly, such as heaves the flood Of the Icarian Deep, when South and East Burst forth together from the clouds of Jove. 170 And as when vehement the West-wind falls On standing corn mature, the loaded ears Innumerable bow before the gale, So was the council shaken. With a shout All flew toward the ships; uprais'd, the dust 175 Stood o'er them; universal was the cry, "Now clear the passages, strike down the props, Set every vessel free, launch, and away!" Heaven rang with exclamation of the host All homeward bent, and launching glad the fleet. 180 Then baffled Fate had the Achaians seen Returning premature, but Juno thus, With admonition quick to Pallas spake. Unconquer'd daughter of Jove AEgis-arm'd! Ah foul dishonor! Is it thus at last 185 That the Achaians on the billows borne, Shall seek again their country, leaving here, To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King, Helen of Argos, in whose cause the Greeks Have numerous perish'd from their home remote? 190 Haste! Seek the mail-arm'd multitude, by force Detain them of thy soothing speech, ere yet All launch their oary barks into the flood. She spake, nor did Minerva not comply, But darting swift from the Olympian heights, 195 Reach'd soon Achaia's fleet. There, she perceived Prudent as Jove himself, Ulysses; firm He stood; he touch'd not even with his hand His sable bark, for sorrow whelm'd his soul. The Athenaean Goddess azure-eyed 200 Beside him stood, and thus the Chief bespake. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! Why seek ye, thus precipitate, your ships? Intend ye flight? And is it thus at last, That the Achaians on the billows borne, 205 Shall seek again their country, leaving here, To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King, Helen of Argos, in whose cause the Greeks Have numerous perish'd from their home remote? Delay not. Rush into the throng; by force 210 Detain them of thy soothing speech, ere yet All launch their oary barks into the flood. She ceased, whom by her voice Ulysses knew, Casting his mantle from him, which his friend Eurybates the Ithacensian caught, 215 He ran; and in his course meeting the son Of Atreus, Agamemnon, from his hand The everlasting sceptre quick received, Which bearing, through Achaia's fleet he pass'd. What King soever, or distinguish'd Greek 220 He found, approaching to his side, in terms Of gentle sort he stay'd him. Sir, he cried, It is unseemly that a man renown'd As thou, should tremble. Go--Resume the seat Which thou hast left, and bid the people sit. 225 Thou know'st not clearly yet the monarch's mind. He proves us now, but soon he will chastize. All were not present; few of us have heard His speech this day in council. Oh, beware, Lest in resentment of this hasty course 230 Irregular, he let his anger loose. Dread is the anger of a King; he reigns By Jove's own ordinance, and is dear to Jove, But what plebeian base soe'er he heard Stretching his throat to swell the general cry, 235 He laid the sceptre smartly on his back, With reprimand severe. Fellow, he said, Sit still; hear others; thy superiors hear. For who art thou? A dastard and a drone, Of none account in council, or in arms. 240 By no means may we all alike bear sway At Ilium; such plurality of Kings Were evil. One suffices. One, to whom The son of politic Saturn hath assign'd The sceptre, and inforcement of the laws, 245 That he may rule us as a monarch ought.[8] With such authority the troubled host He sway'd; they, quitting camp and fleet again Rush'd back to council; deafening was the sound As when a billow of the boisterous deep 250 Some broad beach dashes, and the Ocean roars. The host all seated, and the benches fill'd, Thersites only of loquacious tongue Ungovern'd, clamor'd mutinous; a wretch Of utterance prompt, but in coarse phrase obscene 255 Deep learn'd alone, with which to slander Kings. Might he but set the rabble in a roar, He cared not with what jest; of all from Greece To Ilium sent, his country's chief reproach. Cross-eyed he was, and halting moved on legs 260 Ill-pair'd; his gibbous shoulders o'er his breast Contracted, pinch'd it; to a peak his head Was moulded sharp, and sprinkled thin with hair Of starveling length, flimsy and soft as down. Achilles and Ulysses had incurr'd 265 Most his aversion; them he never spared; But now, imperial Agamemnon 'self In piercing accents stridulous he charged With foul reproach. The Grecians with contempt Listen'd, and indignation, while with voice 270 At highest pitch, he thus the monarch mock'd. What wouldst thou now? Whereof is thy complaint Now, Agamemnon? Thou hast fill'd thy tents With treasure, and the Grecians, when they take A city, choose the loveliest girls for thee. 275 Is gold thy wish? More gold? A ransom brought By some chief Trojan for his son's release Whom I, or other valiant Greek may bind? Or wouldst thou yet a virgin, one, by right Another's claim, but made by force thine own? 280 It was not well, great Sir, that thou shouldst bring A plague on the Achaians, as of late. But come, my Grecian sisters, soldiers named Unfitly, of a sex too soft for war, Come, let us homeward: let him here digest 285 What he shall gorge, alone; that he may learn If our assistance profit him or not. For when he shamed Achilles, he disgraced A Chief far worthier than himself, whose prize He now withholds. But tush,--Achilles lacks 290 Himself the spirit of a man; no gall Hath he within him, or his hand long since Had stopp'd that mouth,[9] that it should scoff no more. Thus, mocking royal Agamemnon, spake Thersites. Instant starting to his side, 295 Noble Ulysses with indignant brows Survey'd him, and him thus reproved severe. Thersites! Railer!--peace. Think not thyself, Although thus eloquent, alone exempt From obligation not to slander Kings. 300 I deem thee most contemptible, the worst Of Agamemnon's followers to the war; Presume not then to take the names revered Of Sovereigns on thy sordid lips, to asperse Their sacred character, and to appoint 305 The Greeks a time when they shall voyage home. How soon, how late, with what success at last We shall return, we know not: but because Achaia's heroes numerous spoils allot To Agamemnon, Leader of the host, 310 Thou therefore from thy seat revilest the King. But mark me. If I find thee, as even now, Raving and foaming at the lips again, May never man behold Ulysses' head On these my shoulders more, and may my son 315 Prove the begotten of another Sire, If I not strip thee to that hide of thine As bare as thou wast born, and whip thee hence Home to thy galley, sniveling like a boy. He ceased, and with his sceptre on the back 320 And shoulders smote him. Writhing to and fro, He wept profuse, while many a bloody whelk Protuberant beneath the sceptre sprang. Awe-quell'd he sat, and from his visage mean, Deep-sighing, wiped the rheums. It was no time 325 For mirth, yet mirth illumined every face, And laughing, thus they spake. A thousand acts Illustrious, both by well-concerted plans And prudent disposition of the host Ulysses hath achieved, but this by far 330 Transcends his former praise, that he hath quell'd Such contumelious rhetoric profuse. The valiant talker shall not soon, we judge, Take liberties with royal names again.[10] So spake the multitude. Then, stretching forth 335 The sceptre, city-spoiler Chief, arose Ulysses. Him beside, herald in form, Appeared Minerva. Silence she enjoined To all, that all Achaia's sons might hear, Foremost and rearmost, and might weigh his words. 340 He then his counsel, prudent, thus proposed. Atrides! Monarch! The Achaians seek To make thee ignominious above all In sight of all mankind. None recollects His promise more in steed-famed Argos pledged, 345 Here to abide till Ilium wall'd to heaven Should vanquish'd sink, and all her wealth be ours. No--now, like widow'd women, or weak boys, They whimper to each other, wishing home. And home, I grant, to the afflicted soul 350 Seems pleasant.[11] The poor seaman from his wife One month detain'd, cheerless his ship and sad Possesses, by the force of wintry blasts, And by the billows of the troubled deep Fast lock'd in port. But us the ninth long year 355 Revolving, finds camp'd under Ilium still. I therefore blame not, if they mourn beside Their sable barks, the Grecians. Yet the shame That must attend us after absence long Returning unsuccessful, who can bear? 360 Be patient, friends! wait only till we learn If Calchas truly prophesied, or not; For well we know, and I to all appeal, Whom Fate hath not already snatch'd away, (It seems but yesterday, or at the most 365 A day or two before) that when the ships Wo-fraught for Priam, and the race of Troy, At Aulis met, and we beside the fount With perfect hecatombs the Gods adored Beneath the plane-tree, from whose root a stream 370 Ran crystal-clear, there we beheld a sign Wonderful in all eyes. A serpent huge, Tremendous spectacle! with crimson spots His back all dappled, by Olympian Jove Himself protruded, from the altar's foot 375 Slipp'd into light, and glided to the tree. There on the topmost bough, close-cover'd sat With foliage broad, eight sparrows, younglings all, Then newly feather'd, with their dam, the ninth. The little ones lamenting shrill he gorged, 380 While, wheeling o'er his head, with screams the dam Bewail'd her darling brood. Her also next, Hovering and clamoring, he by the wing Within his spiry folds drew, and devoured. All eaten thus, the nestlings and the dam, 385 The God who sent him, signalized him too, For him Saturnian Jove transform'd to stone. We wondering stood, to see that strange portent Intrude itself into our holy rites, When Calchas, instant, thus the sign explain'd. 390 Why stand ye, Greeks, astonish'd? Ye behold A prodigy by Jove himself produced, An omen, whose accomplishment indeed Is distant, but whose fame shall never die.[12] E'en as this serpent in your sight devour'd 395 Eight youngling sparrows, with their dam, the ninth, So we nine years must war on yonder plain, And in the tenth, wide-bulwark'd Troy is ours. So spake the seer, and as he spake, is done. Wait, therefore, brave Achaians! go not hence 400 Till Priam's spacious city be your prize. He ceased, and such a shout ensued, that all The hollow ships the deafening roar return'd Of acclamation, every voice the speech Extolling of Ulysses, glorious Chief. 405 Then Nestor the Gerenian,[13] warrior old, Arising, spake; and, by the Gods, he said, Ye more resemble children inexpert In war, than disciplined and prudent men. Where now are all your promises and vows, 410 Councils, libations, right-hand covenants?[14] Burn them, since all our occupation here Is to debate and wrangle, whereof end Or fruit though long we wait, shall none be found. But, Sovereign, be not thou appall'd. Be firm. 415 Relax not aught of thine accustomed sway, But set the battle forth as thou art wont. And if there be a Grecian, here and there, One,[15] adverse to the general voice, let such Wither alone. He shall not see his wish 420 Gratified, neither will we hence return To Argos, ere events shall yet have proved Jove's promise false or true. For when we climb'd Our gallant barks full-charged with Ilium's fate, Saturnian Jove omnipotent, that day, 425 (Omen propitious!) thunder'd on the right. Let no man therefore pant for home, till each Possess a Trojan spouse, and from her lips Take sweet revenge for Helen's pangs of heart. Who then? What soldier languishes and sighs 430 To leave us? Let him dare to lay his hand On his own vessel, and he dies the first. But hear, O King! I shall suggest a course Not trivial. Agamemnon! sort the Greeks By districts and by tribes, that tribe may tribe 435 Support, and each his fellow. This performed, And with consent of all, thou shalt discern With ease what Chief, what private man deserts, And who performs his part. The base, the brave, Such disposition made, shall both appear; 440 And thou shalt also know, if heaven or we, The Gods, or our supineness, succor Troy. To whom Atrides, King of men, replied. Old Chief! Thou passest all Achaia's sons In consultation; would to Jove our Sire, 445 To Athenaean Pallas, and Apollo! That I had ten such coadjutors, wise As thou art, and the royal city soon Of Priam, with her wealth, should all be ours.[16] But me the son of Saturn, Jove supreme 450 Himself afflicts, who in contentious broils Involves me, and in altercation vain. Thence all that wordy tempest for a girl Achilles and myself between, and I The fierce aggressor. Be that breach but heal'd! 455 And Troy's reprieve thenceforth is at an end. Go--take refreshment now that we may march Forth to our enemies. Let each whet well His spear, brace well his shield, well feed his brisk High-mettled horses, well survey and search 460 His chariot on all sides, that no defect Disgrace his bright habiliments of war. So will we give the day from morn to eve To dreadful battle. Pause there shall be none Till night divide us. Every buckler's thong 465 Shall sweat on the toil'd bosom, every hand That shakes the spear shall ache, and every steed Shall smoke that whirls the chariot o'er the plain. Wo then to whom I shall discover here Loitering among the tents; let him escape 470 My vengeance if he can. The vulture's maw Shall have his carcase, and the dogs his bones. He spake; whom all applauded with a shout Loud as against some headland cliff the waves Roll'd by the stormy South o'er rocks that shoot 475 Afar into the deep, which in all winds The flood still overspreads, blow whence they may. Arising, forth they rush'd, among the ships All scatter'd; smoke from every tent arose, The host their food preparing; next, his God 480 Each man invoked (of the Immortals him Whom he preferr'd) with sacrifice and prayer For safe escape from danger and from death. But Agamemnon to Saturnian Jove Omnipotent, an ox of the fifth year 485 Full-flesh'd devoted, and the Princes call'd Noblest of all the Grecians to his feast. First, Nestor with Idomeneus the King, Then either Ajax, and the son he call'd Of Tydeus, with Ulysses sixth and last, 490 Jove's peer in wisdom. Menelaus went, Heroic Chief! unbidden, for he knew His brother's mind with weight of care oppress'd. The ox encircling, and their hands with meal Of consecration fill'd, the assembly stood, 495 When Agamemnon thus his prayer preferred. Almighty Father! Glorious above all! Cloud-girt, who dwell'st in heaven thy throne sublime, Let not the sun go down, till Priam's roof Fall flat into the flames; till I shall burn 500 His gates with fire; till I shall hew away His hack'd and riven corslet from the breast Of Hector, and till numerous Chiefs, his friends, Around him, prone in dust, shall bite the ground. So prayed he, but with none effect, The God 505 Received his offering, but to double toil Doom'd them, and sorrow more than all the past. They then, the triturated barley grain First duly sprinkling, the sharp steel infix'd Deep in the victim's neck reversed, then stripp'd 510 The carcase, and divided at their joint The thighs, which in the double caul involved They spread with slices crude, and burn'd with fire Ascending fierce from billets sere and dry. The spitted entrails next they o'er the coals 515 Suspended held. The thighs with fire consumed, They gave to each his portion of the maw, Then slash'd the remnant, pierced it with the spits, And managing with culinary skill The roast, withdrew it from the spits again. 520 Thus, all their task accomplished, and the board Set forth, they feasted, and were all sufficed. When neither hunger more nor thirst remain'd Unsatisfied, Gerenian Nestor spake. Atrides! Agamemnon! King of men! 525 No longer waste we time in useless words, Nor to a distant hour postpone the work To which heaven calls thee. Send thine heralds forth. Who shall convene the Achaians at the fleet, That we, the Chiefs assembled here, may range, 530 Together, the imbattled multitude, And edge their spirits for immediate fight. He spake, nor Agamemnon not complied. At once he bade his clear-voiced heralds call The Greeks to battle. They the summons loud 535 Gave forth, and at the sound the people throng'd. Then Agamemnon and the Kings of Greece Dispatchful drew them into order just, With whom Minerva azure-eyed advanced, The inestimable AEgis on her arm, 540 Immortal, unobnoxious to decay A hundred braids, close twisted, all of gold, Each valued at a hundred beeves,[17] around Dependent fringed it. She from side to side Her eyes cerulean rolled, infusing thirst 545 Of battle endless into every breast. War won them now, war sweeter now to each Than gales to waft them over ocean home.[18] As when devouring flames some forest seize On the high mountains, splendid from afar 550 The blaze appears, so, moving on the plain, The steel-clad host innumerous flash'd to heaven. And as a multitude of fowls in flocks Assembled various, geese, or cranes, or swans Lithe-neck'd, long hovering o'er Cayster's banks 555 On wanton plumes, successive on the mead Alight at last, and with a clang so loud That all the hollow vale of Asius rings; In number such from ships and tents effused, They cover'd the Scamandrian plain; the earth 560 Rebellow'd to the feet of steeds and men. They overspread Scamander's grassy vale, Myriads, as leaves, or as the flowers of spring. As in the hovel where the peasant milks His kine in spring-time, when his pails are fill'd, 565 Thick clouds of humming insects on the wing Swarm all around him, so the Grecians swarm'd An unsumm'd multitude o'er all the plain, Bright arm'd, high crested, and athirst for war. As goat-herds separate their numerous flocks 570 With ease, though fed promiscuous, with like ease Their leaders them on every side reduced To martial order glorious;[19] among whom Stood Agamemnon "with an eye like Jove's, To threaten or command," like Mars in girth, 575 And with the port of Neptune. As the bull Conspicuous among all the herd appears, For he surpasses all, such Jove ordain'd That day the son of Atreus, in the midst Of Heroes, eminent above them all. 580 Tell me, (for ye are are heavenly, and beheld[20] A scene, whereof the faint report alone Hath reached our ears, remote and ill-informed,) Tell me, ye Muses, under whom, beneath What Chiefs of royal or of humbler note 585 Stood forth the embattled Greeks? The host at large; _They_ were a multitude in number more Than with ten tongues, and with ten mouths, each mouth Made vocal with a trumpet's throat of brass I might declare, unless the Olympian nine, 590 Jove's daughters, would the chronicle themselves Indite, of all assembled, under Troy. I will rehearse the Captains and their fleets. [21]Boeotia's sturdy sons Peneleus led, And Leitus, whose partners in command 595 Arcesilaus and Prothoenor came, And Clonius. Them the dwellers on the rocks Of Aulis followed, with the hardy clans Of Hyrie, Schoenos, Scholos, and the hills Of Eteon; Thespia, Graea, and the plains 600 Of Mycalessus them, and Harma served, Eleon, Erythrae, Peteon; Hyle them, Hesius and Ocalea, and the strength Of Medeon; Copae also in their train Marched, with Eutresis and the mighty men 605 Of Thisbe famed for doves; nor pass unnamed Whom Coronaea, and the grassy land Of Haliartus added to the war, Nor whom Plataea, nor whom Glissa bred, And Hypothebae,[22] and thy sacred groves 610 To Neptune, dark Onchestus. Arne claims A record next for her illustrious sons, Vine-bearing Arne. Thou wast also there Mideia, and thou Nissa; nor be thine Though last, Anthedon, a forgotten name. 615 These in Boeotia's fair and gallant fleet Of fifty ships, each bearing o'er the waves Thrice forty warriors, had arrived at Troy. In thirty ships deep-laden with the brave, Aspledon and Orchomenos had sent 620 Their chosen youth; them ruled a noble pair, Sons of Astyoche; she, lovely nymph, Received by stealth, on Actor's stately roof, The embraces of a God, and bore to Mars Twins like himself, Ascalaphus the bold, 625 And bold Iaelmenus, expert in arms. Beneath Epistrophus and Schedius, took Their destined station on Boeotia's left, The brave Phocensians; they in forty ships From Cyparissus came, and from the rocks 630 Of Python, and from Crissa the divine; From Anemoria, Daulis, Panopeus, And from Hyampolis, and from the banks Of the Cephissus, sacred stream, and from Lilaea, seated at its fountain-head. 635 Next from beyond Euboea's happy isle In forty ships conveyed, stood forth well armed The Locrians; dwellers in Augeia some The pleasant, some of Opoeis possessed, Some of Calliarus; these Scarpha sent, 640 And Cynus those; from Bessa came the rest, From Tarpha, Thronius, and from the brink Of loud Boagrius; Ajax them, the swift, Son of Oileus led, not such as he From Telamon, big-boned and lofty built, 645 But small of limb, and of an humbler crest; Yet he, competitor had none throughout The Grecians of what land soe'er, for skill In ushering to its mark the rapid lance. Elphenor brought (Calchodon's mighty son) 650 The Euboeans to the field. In forty ships From Histriaea for her vintage famed, From Chalcis, from Iretria, from the gates Of maritime Cerinthus, from the heights Of Dios rock-built citadel sublime, 655 And from Caristus and from Styra came His warlike multitudes, all named alike Abantes, on whose shoulders fell behind Their locks profuse,[23] and they were eager all To split the hauberk with the pointed spear. 660 Nor Athens had withheld her generous sons, The people of Erectheus. Him of old The teeming glebe produced, a wondrous birth! And Pallas rear'd him: her own unctuous fane She made his habitation, where with bulls 665 The youth of Athens, and with slaughter'd lambs Her annual worship celebrate. Then led Menestheus, whom, (sage Nestor's self except, Thrice school'd in all events of human life,) None rivall'd ever in the just array 670 Of horse and man to battle. Fifty ships Black-prowed, had borne them to the distant war. Ajax from Salamis twelve vessels brought, And where the Athenian band in phalanx stood Marshall'd compact, there station'd he his powers. 675 The men of Argos and Tyrintha next, And of Hermione, that stands retired With Asine, within her spacious bay; Of Epidaurus, crown'd with purple vines, And of Troezena, with the Achaian youth 680 Of sea-begirt AEgina, and with thine, Maseta, and the dwellers on thy coast, Wave-worn Eionae; these all obeyed The dauntless Hero Diomede, whom served Sthenelus, son of Capaneus, a Chief 685 Of deathless fame, his second in command, And godlike man, Euryalus, the son Of King Mecisteus, Talaues' son, his third. But Diomede controll'd them all, and him Twice forty sable ships their leader own'd. 690 Came Agamemnon with a hundred ships, Exulting in his powers; more numerous they, And more illustrious far than other Chief Could boast, whoever. Clad in burnish'd brass, And conscious of pre-eminence, he stood. 695 He drew his host from cities far renown'd, Mycenae, and Corinthus, seat of wealth, Orneia, and Cleonae bulwark'd strong, And lovely Araethyria; Sicyon, where His seat of royal power held at the first 700 Adrastus: Hyperesia, and the heights Of Gonoessa; AEgium, with the towns That sprinkle all that far-extended coast, Pellene also and wide Helice With all their shores, were number'd in his train. 705 From hollow Lacedaemon's glen profound, From Phare, Sparta, and from Messa, still Resounding with the ring-dove's amorous moan, From Brysia, from Augeia, from the rocks Of Laas, from Amycla, Otilus, 710 And from the towers of Helos, at whose foot The surf of Ocean falls, came sixty barks With Menelaus. From the monarch's host The royal brother ranged his own apart, and panted for revenge of Helen's wrongs, 715 And of her sighs and tears.[24] From rank to rank, Conscious of dauntless might he pass'd, and sent Into all hearts the fervor of his own. Gerenian Nestor in thrice thirty ships Had brought his warriors; they from Pylus came, 720 From blithe Arene, and from Thryos, built Fast by the fords of Alpheus, and from steep And stately AEpy. Their confederate powers Sent Amphigenia, Cyparissa veiled With broad redundance of funereal shades, 725 Pteleos and Helos, and of deathless fame Dorion. In Dorion erst the Muses met Threician Thamyris, on his return From Eurytus, Oechalian Chief, and hush'd His song for ever; for he dared to vaunt 730 That he would pass in song even themselves The Muses, daughters of Jove AEgis-arm'd. They therefore, by his boast incensed, the bard Struck blind, and from his memory dash'd severe All traces of his once celestial strains. 735 Arcadia's sons, the dwellers at the foot Of mount Cyllene, where AEpytus sleeps Intomb'd; a generation bold in fight, And warriors hand to hand; the valiant men Of Pheneus, of Orchomenos by flocks 740 Grazed numberless, of Ripe, Stratia, bleak Enispe; Mantinea city fair, Stymphelus and Parrhasia, and the youth Of Tegea; royal Agapenor these, Ancaeus' offspring, had in sixty ships 745 To Troy conducted; numerous was the crew, And skilled in arms, which every vessel brought, And Agamemnon had with barks himself Supplied them, for, of inland realms possessed, They little heeded maritime employs.[25] 750 The dwellers in Buprasium, on the shores Of pleasant Elis, and in all the land Myrsinus and the Hyrminian plain between, The rock Olenian, and the Alysian fount; These all obey'd four Chiefs, and galleys ten 755 Each Chief commanded, with Epeans filled. Amphimachus and Thalpius govern'd these, This, son of Cteatus, the other, sprung From Eurytus, and both of Actor's house. Diores, son of Amarynceus, those 760 Led on, and, for his godlike form renown'd, Polyxenus was Chieftain o'er the rest, Son of Agasthenes, Augeias' son. Dulichium, and her sister sacred isles The Echinades, whose opposite aspect 765 Looks toward Elis o'er the curling waves, Sent forth their powers with Meges at their head, Brave son of Phyleus, warrior dear to Jove. Phyleus in wrath, his father's house renounced, And to Dulichium wandering, there abode. 770 Twice twenty ships had follow'd Meges forth. Ulysses led the Cephallenians bold. From Ithaca, and from the lofty woods Of Neritus they came, and from the rocks Of rude AEgilipa. Crocylia these, 775 And these Zacynthus own'd; nor yet a few From Samos, from Epirus join'd their aid, And from the opposite Ionian shore. Them, wise as Jove himself, Ulysses led In twelve fair ships, with crimson prows adorn'd. 780 From forty ships, Thoas, Andraemon's son, Had landed his AEtolians; for extinct Was Meleager, and extinct the house Of Oeneus all, nor Oeneus self survived; To Thoas therefore had AEtolia fallen; 785 Him Olenos, Pylene, Chalcis served, With Pleuro, and the rock-bound Calydon. Idomeneus, spear-practised warrior, led The numerous Cretans. In twice forty ships He brought his powers to Troy. The warlike bands 790 Of Cnossus, of Gortyna wall'd around, Of Lyctus, of Lycastus chalky-white, Of Phaestus, of Miletus, with the youth Of Rhytius him obey'd; nor these were all, But others from her hundred cities Crete 795 Sent forth, all whom Idomeneus the brave Commanded, with Meriones in arms Dread as the God of battles blood-imbrued. Nine ships Tlepolemus, Herculean-born, For courage famed and for superior size, 800 Fill'd with his haughty Rhodians. They, in tribes Divided, dwelt distinct. Jelyssus these, Those Lindus, and the rest the shining soil Of white Camirus occupied. Him bore To Hercules, (what time he led the nymph 805 From Ephyre, and from Sellea's banks, After full many a city laid in dust.) Astyocheia. In his father's house Magnificent, Tlepolemus spear-famed Had scarce up-grown to manhood's lusty prime 810 When he his father's hoary uncle slew Lycimnius, branch of Mars. Then built he ships, And, pushing forth to sea, fled from the threats Of the whole house of Hercules. Huge toil And many woes he suffer'd, till at length 815 At Rhodes arriving, in three separate bands He spread himself abroad, Much was he loved Of all-commanding Jove, who bless'd him there, And shower'd abundant riches on them all. Nireus of Syma, with three vessels came; 820 Nireus, Aglaea's offspring, whom she bore To Charopus the King; Nireus in form, (The faultless son of Peleus sole except,) Loveliest of all the Grecians call'd to Troy. But he was heartless and his men were few.[26] 825 Nisyrus, Casus, Crapathus, and Cos Where reign'd Eurypylus, with all the isles Calydnae named, under two valiant Chiefs Their troops disposed; Phidippus one, and one, His brother Antiphus, begotten both 830 By Thessalus, whom Hercules begat. In thirty ships they sought the shores of Troy. The warriors of Pelasgian Argos next, Of Alus, and Alope, and who held Trechina, Phthia, and for women fair 835 Distinguish'd, Hellas; known by various names Hellenes, Myrmidons, Achaeans, them In fifty ships embark'd, Achilles ruled. But these were deaf to the hoarse-throated war, For there was none to draw their battle forth, 840 And give them just array. Close in his ships Achilles, after loss of the bright-hair'd Briseis, lay, resentful; her obtained Not without labor hard, and after sack Of Thebes and of Lyrnessus, where he slew 845 Two mighty Chiefs, sons of Evenus both, Epistrophus and Mynes, her he mourn'd, And for her sake self-prison'd in his fleet And idle lay, though soon to rise again. From Phylace, and from the flowery fields 850 Of Pyrrhasus, a land to Ceres given By consecration, and from Iton green, Mother of flocks; from Antron by the sea, And from the grassy meads of Pteleus, came A people, whom while yet he lived, the brave 855 Protesilaues led; but him the earth Now cover'd dark and drear. A wife he left, To rend in Phylace her bleeding cheeks, And an unfinish'd mansion. First he died Of all the Greeks; for as he leap'd to land 860 Foremost by far, a Dardan struck him dead. Nor had his troops, though filled with deep regret, No leader; them Podarces led, a Chief Like Mars in battle, brother of the slain, But younger born, and from Iphiclus sprung 865 Who sprang from Phylacus the rich in flocks. But him Protesilaues, as in years, So also in desert of arms excell'd Heroic, whom his host, although they saw Podarces at their head, still justly mourn'd; 870 For he was fierce in battle, and at Troy With forty sable-sided ships arrived. Eleven galleys, Pherae on the lake, And Boebe, and Ioelchus, and the vale Of Glaphyrae supplied with crews robust 875 Under Eumelus; him Alcestis, praised For beauty above all her sisters fair, In Thessaly to King Admetus bore. Methone, and Olizon's craggy coast, With Meliboea and Thaumasia sent 880 Seven ships; their rowers were good archers all, And every vessel dipped into the wave Her fifty oars. Them Philoctetes, skill'd To draw with sinewy arm the stubborn bow, Commanded; but he suffering anguish keen 885 Inflicted by a serpent's venom'd tooth, Lay sick in Lemnos; him the Grecians there Had left sore-wounded, but were destined soon To call to dear remembrance whom they left. Meantime, though sorrowing for his sake, his troops 890 Yet wanted not a chief; them Medon ruled, Whom Rhena to the far-famed conqueror bore Oileus, fruit of their unsanction'd loves. From Tricca, from Ithome rough and rude With rocks and glens, and from Oechalia, town 895 Of Eurytus Oechalian-born, came forth Their warlike youth by Podalirius led And by Machaon, healers both expert Of all disease, and thirty ships were theirs. The men of Ormenus, and from beside 900 The fountain Hypereia, from the tops Of chalky Titan, and Asteria's band; Them ruled Eurypylus, Evaemon's son Illustrious, whom twice twenty ships obeyed. Orthe, Gyrtone, Olooesson white, 905 Argissa and Helone; they their youth Gave to control of Polypoetes, son Undaunted of Pirithoues, son of Jove. Him, to Pirithoues, (on the self-same day When he the Centaurs punish'd and pursued 910 Sheer to AEthicae driven from Pelion's heights The shaggy race) Hippodamia bore. Nor he alone them led. With him was join'd Leonteus dauntless warrior, from the bold Coronus sprung, who Caeneus call'd his sire. 915 Twice twenty ships awaited their command. Guneus from Cyphus twenty and two ships Led forth; the Enienes him obey'd, And the robust Peroebi, warriors bold, And dwellers on Dodona's wintry brow. 920 To these were join'd who till the pleasant fields Where Titaresius winds; the gentle flood Pours into Peneus all his limpid stores, But with the silver-eddied Peneus flows Unmixt as oil;[27] for Stygian is his stream, 925 And Styx is the inviolable oath. Last with his forty ships, Tenthredon's son, The active Prothoues came. From the green banks Of Peneus his Magnesians far and near He gather'd, and from Pelion forest-crown'd. 930 These were the princes and the Chiefs of Greece. Say, Muse, who most in personal desert Excell'd, and whose were the most warlike steeds And of the noblest strain. Their hue, their age, Their height the same, swift as the winds of heaven 935 And passing far all others, were the mares Which drew Eumelus; on Pierian hills The heavenly Archer of the silver bow, Apollo, bred them. But of men, the chief Was Telamonian Ajax, while wrath-bound 940 Achilles lay; for he was worthier far, And more illustrious were the steeds which bore The noble son of Peleus; but revenge On Agamemnon leader of the host Was all his thought, while in his gallant ships 945 Sharp-keel'd to cut the foaming flood, he lay. Meantime, along the margin of the deep His soldiers hurled the disk, or bent the bow. Or to its mark dispatch'd the quivering lance. Beside the chariots stood the unharness'd steeds 950 Cropping the lotus, or at leisure browsed On celery wild, from watery freshes gleaned. Beneath the shadow of the sheltering tent The chariot stood, while they, the charioteers Roam'd here and there the camp, their warlike lord 955 Regretting sad, and idle for his sake. As if a fire had burnt along the ground, Such seem'd their march; earth groan'd their steps beneath; As when in Arimi, where fame reports Typhoeus stretch'd, the fires of angry Jove 960 Down darted, lash the ground, so groan'd the earth Beneath them, for they traversed swift the plain. And now from Jove, with heavy tidings charged, Wind-footed Iris to the Trojans came. It was the time of council, when the throng 965 At Priam's gate assembled, young and old: Them, standing nigh, the messenger of heaven Accosted with the voice of Priam's son, Polites. He, confiding in his speed For sure deliverance, posted was abroad 970 On AEsyeta's tomb,[28] intent to watch When the Achaian host should leave the fleet. The Goddess in his form thus them address'd. Oh, ancient Monarch! Ever, evermore Speaking, debating, as if all were peace; 975 I have seen many a bright-embattled field, But never one so throng'd as this to-day. For like the leaves, or like the sands they come Swept by the winds, to gird the city round. But Hector! chiefly thee I shall exhort. 980 In Priam's spacious city are allies Collected numerous, and of nations wide Disseminated various are the tongues. Let every Chief his proper troop command, And marshal his own citizens to war. 985 She ceased; her Hector heard intelligent, And quick dissolved the council. All took arms. Wide flew the gates; forth rush'd the multitude, Horsemen and foot, and boisterous stir arose. In front of Ilium, distant on the plain, 990 Clear all around from all obstruction, stands An eminence high-raised, by mortal men Call'd Bateia, but the Gods the tomb Have named it of Myrinna swift in fight. Troy and her aids there set the battle forth. 995 Huge Priameian Hector, fierce in arms, Led on the Trojans; with whom march'd the most And the most valiant, dexterous at the spear. AEneas, (on the hills of Ida him The lovely Venus to Anchises bore, 1000 A Goddess by a mortal man embraced) Led the Dardanians; but not he alone; Archilochus with him and Acamas Stood forth, the offspring of Antenor, each, And well instructed in all forms of war. 1005 Fast by the foot of Ida, where they drank The limpid waters of AEsepus, dwelt The Trojans of Zeleia. Rich were they And led by Pandarus, Lycaon's son, Whom Phoebus self graced with the bow he bore. 1010 Apaesus, Adrastea, Terie steep, And Pitueia--them, Amphius clad In mail thick-woven, and Adrastus, ruled. They were the sons of the Percosian seer Merops, expert in the soothsayers' art 1015 Above all other; he his sons forbad The bloody fight, but disobedient they Still sought it, for their destiny prevailed. The warriors of Percote, and who dwelt In Practius, in Arisba, city fair, 1020 In Sestus, in Abydus, march'd behind Princely Hyrtacides; his tawny steeds, Strong-built and tall, from Sellcentes' bank And from Arisba, had him borne to Troy. Hippothous and Pilmus, branch of Mars, 1025 Both sons of Lethus the Pelasgian, they, Forth from Larissa for her fertile soil Far-famed, the spear-expert Pelasgians brought. The Thracians (all whom Hellespont includes Within the banks of his swift-racing tide) 1030 Heroic Acamas and Pirous led. Euphemus, offspring of Troezenus, son Of Jove-protected Ceas, was the Chief Whom the spear-arm'd Ciconian band obey'd. Paeonia's archers follow'd to the field 1035 Pyraechmes; they from Amydon remote Were drawn, where Axius winds; broad Axius, stream Diffused delightful over all the vale. Pylaemenes, a Chief of giant might From the Eneti for forest-mules renowned 1040 March'd with his Paphlagonians; dwellers they In Sesamus and in Cytorus were, And by the stream Parthenius; Cromna these Sent forth, and those AEgialus on the lip And margin of the land, and some, the heights 1045 Of Erythini, rugged and abrupt. Epistrophus and Odius from the land Of Alybe, a region far remote, Where veins of silver wind, led to the field The Halizonians. With the Mysians came 1050 Chromis their Chief, and Ennomus; him skill'd In augury, but skill'd in vain, his art Saved not, but by AEacides[29] the swift, With others in the Xanthus[30] slain, he died. Ascanius, lovely youth, and Phorcis, led 1055 The Phrygians from Ascania far remote, Ardent for battle. The Moeonian race, (All those who at the foot of Tmolus dwelt,) Mesthles and Antiphus, fraternal pair, Sons of Pylaemenes commanded, both 1060 Of the Gygaean lake in Lydia born. Amphimachus and Nastes led to fight The Carians, people of a barbarous speech,[31] With the Milesians, and the mountain-race Of wood-crown'd Phthira, and who dwelt beside 1065 Maeander, or on Mycale sublime. Them led Amphimachus and Nastes, sons Renown'd of Nomion. Like a simple girl Came forth Amphimachus with gold bedight, But him his trappings from a woful death 1070 Saved not, when whirled beneath the bloody tide To Peleus' stormy son his spoils he left. Sarpedon with the noble Glaucus led Their warriors forth from farthest Lycia, where Xanthus deep-dimpled rolls his oozy tide. 1075 THE ILIAD. BOOK III. ARGUMENT OF THE THIRD BOOK. The armies meet. Paris throws out a challenge to the Grecian Princes. Menelaus accepts it. The terms of the combat are adjusted solemnly by Agamemnon on the part of Greece, and by Priam on the part of Troy. The combat ensues, in which Paris is vanquished, whom yet Venus rescues. Agamemnon demands from the Trojans a performance of the covenant. BOOK III. [1]Now marshall'd all beneath their several chiefs, With deafening shouts, and with the clang of arms, The host of Troy advanced. Such clang is heard Along the skies, when from incessant showers Escaping, and from winter's cold, the cranes 5 Take wing, and over Ocean speed away;[2] Wo to the land of dwarfs! prepared they fly For slaughter of the small Pygmaean race. Not so the Greeks; they breathing valor came, But silent all, and all with faithful hearts 10 On succor mutual to the last, resolved. As when the south wind wraps the mountain top In mist the shepherd's dread, but to the thief Than night itself more welcome, and the eye Is bounded in its ken to a stone's cast, 15 Such from beneath their footsteps dun and dense Uprose the dust, for swift they cross the plain. When, host to host opposed, full nigh they stood, Then Alexander[3] in the Trojan van Advanced was seen, all beauteous as a God; 20 His leopard's skin, his falchion and his bow Hung from his shoulder; bright with heads of brass He shook two spears, and challenged to the fight The bravest Argives there, defying all. Him, striding haughtily his host before 25 When Menelaus saw, such joy he felt As hunger-pinch'd the lion feels, by chance Conducted to some carcase huge, wild goat, Or antler'd stag; huntsmen and baying hounds Disturb not _him_, he gorges in their sight. 30 So Menelaus at the view rejoiced Of lovely Alexander, for he hoped His punishment at hand. At once, all armed, Down from his chariot to the ground he leap'd When godlike Paris him in front beheld 35 Conspicuous, his heart smote him, and his fate Avoiding, far within the lines he shrank.[4] As one, who in some woodland height descrying A serpent huge, with sudden start recoils, His limbs shake under him; with cautious step 40 He slow retires; fear blanches cold his cheeks; So beauteous Alexander at the sight Of Atreus' son dishearten'd sore, the ranks Of haughty Trojans enter'd deep again: Him Hector eyed, and thus rebuked severe. 45 Curst Paris! Fair deceiver! Woman-mad! I would to all in heaven that thou hadst died Unborn, at least unmated! happier far Than here to have incurr'd this public shame! Well may the Grecians taunt, and laughing loud, 50 Applaud the champion, slow indeed to fight And pusillanimous, but wondrous fair. Wast thou as timid, tell me, when with those Thy loved companions in that famed exploit, Thou didst consort with strangers, and convey 55 From distant lands a warrior's beauteous bride To be thy father's and his people's curse, Joy to our foes, but to thyself reproach? Behold her husband! Darest thou not to face The warlike prince? Now learn how brave a Chief 60 Thou hast defrauded of his blooming spouse. Thy lyre, thy locks, thy person, specious gifts Of partial Venus, will avail thee nought, Once mixt by Menelaus with the dust. But we are base ourselves, or long ago, 65 For all thy numerous mischiefs, thou hadst slept Secure beneath a coverlet[5] of stone.[6] Then godlike Alexander thus replied. Oh Hector, true in temper as the axe Which in the shipwright's hand the naval plank 70 Divides resistless, doubling all his force, Such is thy dauntless spirit whose reproach Perforce I own, nor causeless nor unjust. Yet let the gracious gifts uncensured pass Of golden Venus; man may not reject 75 The glorious bounty by the Gods bestow'd, Nor follows their beneficence our choice. But if thy pleasure be that I engage With Menelaus in decision fierce Of desperate combat bid the host of Troy 80 And bid the Grecians sit; then face to face Commit us, in the vacant field between, To fight for Helen and for all her wealth. Who strongest proves, and conquers, he, of her And hers possess'd shall bear them safe away; 85 While ye (peace sworn and firm accord) shall dwell At Troy, and these to Argos shall return And to Achaia praised for women fair. He ceased, whom Hector heard with joy; he moved Into the middle space, and with his spear 90 Advanced athwart push'd back the Trojan van, And all stood fast. Meantime at him the Greeks Discharged full volley, showering thick around From bow and sling;[7] when with a mighty voice Thus Agamemnon, leader of the host. 95 Argives! Be still--shoot not, ye sons of Greece! Hector bespeaks attention. Hear the Chief! He said, at once the Grecians ceased to shoot, And all sat silent. Hector then began. Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye Greeks mail-arm'd, 100 While I shall publish in your ears the words Of Alexander, author of our strife. Trojans, he bids, and Grecians on the field Their arms dispose; while he, the hosts between, With warlike Menelaus shall in fight 105 Contend for Helen, and for all her wealth. Who strongest proves, and conquers, he, of her And hers possess'd, shall bear them safe away, And oaths of amity shall bind the rest. He ceased, and all deep silence held, amazed; 110 When valiant Menelaus thus began. Hear now me also, on whose aching heart These woes have heaviest fallen. At last I hope Decision near, Trojans and Greeks between, For ye have suffer'd in my quarrel much, 115 And much by Paris, author of the war. Die he who must, and peace be to the rest. But ye shall hither bring two lambs, one white, The other black;[8] this to the Earth devote, That to the Sun. We shall ourselves supply 120 A third for Jove. Then bring ye Priam forth, Himself to swear the covenant, (for his sons Are faithless) lest the oath of Jove be scorn'd. Young men are ever of unstable mind; But when an elder interferes, he views 125 Future and past together, and insures The compact, to both parties, uninfringed. So Menelaus spake; and in all hearts Awaken'd joyful hope that there should end War's long calamities. Alighted each, 130 And drew his steeds into the lines. The field Glitter'd with arms put off, and side by side, Ranged orderly, while the interrupted war Stood front to front, small interval between. Then Hector to the city sent in haste 135 Two heralds for the lambs, and to invite Priam; while Agamemnon, royal Chief, Talthybius to the Grecian fleet dismiss'd For a third lamb to Jove; nor he the voice Of noble Agamemnon disobey'd. 140 Iris, ambassadress of heaven, the while, To Helen came. Laoedice she seem'd, Loveliest of all the daughters of the house Of Priam, wedded to Antenor's son, King Helicaeon. Her she found within, 145 An ample web magnificent she wove,[9] Inwrought with numerous conflicts for her sake Beneath the hands of Mars endured by Greeks Mail-arm'd, and Trojans of equestrian fame. Swift Iris, at her side, her thus address'd. 150 Haste, dearest nymph! a wondrous sight behold! Greeks brazen-mail'd, and Trojans steed-renown'd. So lately on the cruel work of Mars Intent and hot for mutual havoc, sit Silent; the war hath paused, and on his shield 155 Each leans, his long spear planted at his side. Paris and Menelaus, warrior bold, With quivering lances shall contend for thee, And thou art his who conquers; his for ever. So saying, the Goddess into Helen's soul 160 Sweetest desire infused to see again Her former Lord, her parents, and her home. At once o'ermantled with her snowy veil She started forth, and as she went let fall A tender tear; not unaccompanied 165 She went, but by two maidens of her train Attended, AEthra, Pittheus' daughter fair, And soft-eyed Clymene. Their hasty steps Convey'd them quickly to the Scaean gate. There Priam, Panthous, Clytius, Lampus sat, 170 Thymoetes, Hicetaon, branch of Mars, Antenor and Ucalegon the wise, All, elders of the people; warriors erst, But idle now through age, yet of a voice Still indefatigable as the fly's[10] 175 Which perch'd among the boughs sends forth at noon Through all the grove his slender ditty sweet. Such sat those Trojan leaders on the tower, Who, soon as Helen on the steps they saw, In accents quick, but whisper'd, thus remark'd. 180 Trojans and Grecians wage, with fair excuse, Long war for so much beauty.[11] Oh, how like In feature to the Goddesses above! Pernicious loveliness! Ah, hence away, Resistless as thou art and all divine, 185 Nor leave a curse to us, and to our sons. So they among themselves; but Priam call'd Fair Helen to his side.[12] My daughter dear! Come, sit beside me. Thou shalt hence discern Thy former Lord, thy kindred and thy friends. 190 I charge no blame on thee. The Gods have caused, Not thou, this lamentable war to Troy.[13] Name to me yon Achaian Chief for bulk Conspicuous, and for port. Taller indeed I may perceive than he; but with these eyes 195 Saw never yet such dignity, and grace. Declare his name. Some royal Chief he seems. To whom thus Helen, loveliest of her sex, My other Sire! by me for ever held In reverence, and with filial fear beloved! 200 Oh that some cruel death had been my choice, Rather than to abandon, as I did, All joys domestic, matrimonial bliss, Brethren, dear daughter, and companions dear, A wanderer with thy son. Yet I alas! 205 Died not, and therefore now, live but to weep. But I resolve thee. Thou behold'st the son Of Atreus, Agamemnon, mighty king, In arms heroic, gracious in the throne, And, (though it shame me now to call him such,) 210 By nuptial ties a brother once to me. Then him the ancient King-admiring, said. Oh blest Atrides, happy was thy birth, And thy lot glorious, whom this gallant host So numerous, of the sons of Greece obey! 215 To vine-famed Phrygia, in my days of youth, I journey'd; many Phrygians there I saw, Brave horsemen, and expert; they were the powers Of Otreus and of Mygdon, godlike Chief, And on the banks of Sangar's stream encamp'd. 220 I march'd among them, chosen in that war Ally of Phrygia, and it was her day Of conflict with the man-defying race, The Amazons; yet multitudes like these Thy bright-eyed Greeks, I saw not even there. 225 The venerable King observing next Ulysses, thus inquired. My child, declare Him also. Shorter by the head he seems Than Agamemnon, Atreus' mighty son, But shoulder'd broader, and of ampler chest; 230 He hath disposed his armor on the plain, But like a ram, himself the warrior ranks Ranges majestic; like a ram full-fleeced By numerous sheep encompass'd snowy-white. To whom Jove's daughter Helen thus replied. 235 In him the son of old Laertes know, Ulysses; born in Ithaca the rude, But of a piercing wit, and deeply wise. Then answer thus, Antenor sage return'd. Princess thou hast described him: hither once 240 The noble Ithacan, on thy behalf Ambassador with Menelaus, came: Beneath my roof, with hospitable fare Friendly I entertained them. Seeing then Occasion opportune, I closely mark'd 245 The genius and the talents of the Chiefs, And this I noted well; that when they stood Amid the assembled counsellors of Troy, Then Menelaus his advantage show'd, Who by the shoulders overtopp'd his friend. 250 But when both sat, Ulysses in his air Had more of state and dignity than he. In the delivery of a speech address'd To the full senate, Menelaus used Few words, but to the matter, fitly ranged, 255 And with much sweetness utter'd; for in loose And idle play of ostentatious terms He dealt not, though he were the younger man. But when the wise Ulysses from his seat Had once arisen, he would his downcast eyes 260 So rivet on the earth, and with a hand That seem'd untutor'd in its use, so hold His sceptre, swaying it to neither side, That hadst thou seen him, thou hadst thought him, sure, Some chafed and angry idiot, passion-fixt. 265 Yet, when at length, the clear and mellow base Of his deep voice brake forth, and he let fall His chosen words like flakes of feather'd snow, None then might match Ulysses; leisure, then, Found none to wonder at his noble form. 270 The third of whom the venerable king Inquired, was Ajax.--Yon Achaian tall, Whose head and shoulders tower above the rest, And of such bulk prodigious--who is he? Him answer'd Helen, loveliest of her sex. 275 A bulwark of the Greeks. In him thou seest Gigantic Ajax. Opposite appear The Cretans, and among the Chiefs of Crete stands, like a God, Idomeneus. Him oft From Crete arrived, was Menelaues wont 280 To entertain; and others now I see, Achaians, whom I could recall to mind, And give to each his name; but two brave youths I yet discern not; for equestrian skill One famed, and one a boxer never foiled; 285 My brothers; born of Leda; sons of Jove; Castor and Pollux. Either they abide In lovely Sparta still, or if they came, Decline the fight, by my disgrace abash'd And the reproaches which have fallen on me.[14] 290 She said; but they already slept inhumed In Lacedemon, in their native soil. And now the heralds, through the streets of Troy Charged with the lambs, and with a goat-skin filled With heart-exhilarating wine prepared 295 For that divine solemnity, return'd. Idaeus in his hand a beaker bore Resplendent, with its fellow cups of gold, And thus he summon'd ancient Priam forth. Son of Laoemedon, arise. The Chiefs 300 Call thee, the Chiefs of Ilium and of Greece. Descend into the plain. We strike a truce, And need thine oath to bind it. Paris fights With warlike Menelaues for his spouse; Their spears decide the strife. The conqueror wins 305 Helen and all her treasures. We, thenceforth, (Peace sworn and amity) shall dwell secure In Troy, while they to Argos shall return And to Achaia praised for women fair. He spake, and Priam, shuddering, bade his train 310 Prepare his steeds; they sedulous obey'd. First, Priam mounting, backward stretch'd the reins; Antenor, next, beside him sat, and through The Scaean gate they drove into the plain. Arriving at the hosts of Greece and Troy 315 They left the chariot, and proceeded both Into the interval between the hosts. Then uprose Agamemnon, and uprose All-wise Ulysses. Next, the heralds came Conspicuous forward, expediting each 320 The ceremonial; they the beaker fill'd With wine, and to the hands of all the kings Minister'd water. Agamemnon then Drawing his dagger which he ever bore Appendant to his heavy falchion's sheath, 325 Cut off the forelocks of the lambs,[15] of which The heralds gave to every Grecian Chief A portion, and to all the Chiefs of Troy. Then Agamemnon raised his hands, and pray'd. Jove, Father, who from Ida stretchest forth 330 Thine arm omnipotent, o'erruling all, And thou, all-seeing and all-hearing Sun, Ye Rivers, and thou conscious Earth, and ye Who under earth on human kind avenge Severe, the guilt of violated oaths, 335 Hear ye, and ratify what now we swear! Should Paris slay the hero amber-hair'd, My brother Menelaues, Helen's wealth And Helen's self are his, and all our host Shall home return to Greece; but should it chance 340 That Paris fall by Menelaues' hand, Then Troy shall render back what she detains, With such amercement as is meet, a sum To be remember'd in all future times. Which penalty should Priam and his sons 345 Not pay, though Paris fall, then here in arms I will contend for payment of the mulct My due, till, satisfied, I close the war. He said, and with his ruthless steel the lambs Stretch'd panting all, but soon they ceased to pant, 350 For mortal was the stroke.[16] Then drawing forth Wine from the beaker, they with brimming cups Hail'd the immortal Gods, and pray'd again, And many a Grecian thus and Trojan spake. All-glorious Jove, and ye the powers of heaven, 355 Whoso shall violate this contract first, So be the brains of them and of their sons Pour'd out, as we this wine pour on the earth, And may their wives bring forth to other men! So they: but them Jove heard not. Then arose 360 Priam, the son of Dardanus, and said, Hear me, ye Trojans and ye Greeks well-arm'd. Hence back to wind-swept Ilium I return, Unable to sustain the sight, my son With warlike Menelaues match'd in arms. 365 Jove knows, and the immortal Gods, to whom Of both, this day is preordain'd the last. So spake the godlike monarch, and disposed Within the royal chariot all the lambs; Then, mounting, check'd the reins; Antenor next 370 Ascended, and to Ilium both return'd. First, Hector and Ulysses, noble Chief, Measured the ground; then taking lots for proof Who of the combatants should foremost hurl His spear, they shook them in a brazen casque; 375 Meantime the people raised their hands on high, And many a Grecian thus and Trojan prayed. Jove, Father, who on Ida seated, seest And rulest all below, glorious in power! Of these two champions, to the drear abodes 380 Of Ades him appoint who furnish'd first The cause of strife between them, and let peace Oath-bound, and amity unite the rest! So spake the hosts; then Hector shook the lots, Majestic Chief, turning his face aside. 385 Forth sprang the lot of Paris. They in ranks Sat all, where stood the fiery steeds of each, And where his radiant arms lay on the field. Illustrious Alexander his bright arms Put on, fair Helen's paramour. [17]He clasp'd 390 His polish'd greaves with silver studs secured; His brother's corselet to his breast he bound, Lycaon's, apt to his own shape and size, And slung athwart his shoulders, bright emboss'd, His brazen sword; his massy buckler broad 395 He took, and to his graceful head his casque Adjusted elegant, which, as he moved, Its bushy crest waved dreadful; last he seized, Well fitted to his gripe, his ponderous spear. Meantime the hero Menelaues made 400 Like preparation, and his arms put on. When thus, from all the multitude apart, Both combatants had arm'd, with eyes that flash'd Defiance, to the middle space they strode, Trojans and Greeks between. Astonishment 405 Seized all beholders. On the measured ground Full near they stood, each brandishing on high His massy spear, and each was fiery wroth. First, Alexander his long-shadow'd spear Sent forth, and on his smooth shield's surface struck 410 The son of Atreus, but the brazen guard Pierced not, for at the disk, with blunted point Reflex, his ineffectual weapon stay'd. Then Menelaues to the fight advanced Impetuous, after prayer offer'd to Jove.[18] 415 King over all! now grant me to avenge My wrongs on Alexander; now subdue The aggressor under me; that men unborn May shudder at the thought of faith abused, And hospitality with rape repaid. 420 He said, and brandishing his massy spear, Dismiss'd it. Through the burnish'd buckler broad Of Priam's son the stormy weapon flew, Transpierced his costly hauberk, and the vest Ripp'd on his flank; but with a sideward bend 425 He baffled it, and baulk'd the dreadful death. Then Menelaues drawing his bright blade, Swung it aloft, and on the hairy crest Smote him; but shiver'd into fragments small The falchion at the stroke fell from his hand. 430 Vexation fill'd him; to the spacious heavens He look'd, and with a voice of wo exclaim'd-- Jupiter! of all powers by man adored To me most adverse! Confident I hoped Revenge for Paris' treason, but my sword 435 Is shivered, and I sped my spear in vain. So saying, he sprang on him, and his long crest Seized fast; then, turning, drew him by that hold Toward the Grecian host. The broider'd band That underbraced his helmet at the chin, 440 Strain'd to his smooth neck with a ceaseless force, Chok'd him; and now had Menelaus won Deathless renown, dragging him off the field, But Venus, foam-sprung Goddess, feeling quick His peril imminent, snapp'd short the brace 445 Though stubborn, by a slaughter'd[19] ox supplied, And the void helmet follow'd as he pull'd. That prize the Hero, whirling it aloft, Threw to his Greeks, who caught it and secured, Then with vindictive strides he rush'd again 450 On Paris, spear in hand; but him involved In mist opaque Venus with ease divine Snatch'd thence, and in his chamber placed him, fill'd With scents odorous, spirit-soothing sweets. Nor stay'd the Goddess, but at once in quest 455 Of Helen went; her on a lofty tower She found, where many a damsel stood of Troy, And twitch'd her fragrant robe. In form she seem'd An ancient matron, who, while Helen dwelt In Lacedaemon, her unsullied wool 460 Dress'd for her, faithfullest of all her train. Like her disguised the Goddess thus began. Haste--Paris calls thee--on his sculptured couch, (Sparkling alike his looks and his attire) He waits thy wish'd return. Thou wouldst not dream 465 That he had fought; he rather seems prepared For dance, or after dance, for soft repose. So saying, she tumult raised in Helen's mind. Yet soon as by her symmetry of neck, By her love-kindling breasts and luminous eyes 470 She knew the Goddess, her she thus bespake. Ah whence, deceitful deity! thy wish Now to ensnare me? Wouldst thou lure me, say, To some fair city of Maeonian name Or Phrygian, more remote from Sparta still? 475 Hast thou some human favorite also there? Is it because Atrides hath prevailed To vanquish Paris, and would bear me home Unworthy as I am, that thou attempt'st Again to cheat me? Go thyself--sit thou 480 Beside him--for his sake renounce the skies; Watch him, weep for him; till at length his wife He deign to make thee, or perchance his slave. I go not (now to go were shame indeed) To dress his couch; nor will I be the jest 485 Of all my sex in Ilium. Oh! my griefs Are infinite, and more than I can bear. To whom, the foam-sprung Goddess, thus incensed. Ah wretch! provoke not me; lest in my wrath Abandoning thee, I not hate thee less 490 Than now I fondly love thee, and beget Such detestation of thee in all hearts, Grecian and Trojan, that thou die abhorr'd. The Goddess ceased. Jove's daughter, Helen, fear'd, And, in her lucid veil close wrapt around, 495 Silent retired, of all those Trojan dames Unseen, and Venus led, herself, the way. Soon then as Alexander's fair abode They reach'd, her maidens quick their tasks resumed, And she to her own chamber lofty-roof'd 500 Ascended, loveliest of her sex. A seat For Helen, daughter of Jove AEgis-arm'd, To Paris opposite, the Queen of smiles Herself disposed; but with averted eyes She sat before him, and him keen reproach'd. 505 Thou hast escaped.--Ah would that thou hadst died By that heroic arm, mine husband's erst! Thou once didst vaunt thee in address and strength Superior. Go then--challenge yet again The warlike Menelaues forth in fight. 510 But hold. The hero of the amber locks Provoke no more so rashly, lest the point Of his victorious spear soon stretch thee dead. She ended, to whom Paris thus replied. Ah Helen, wound me not with taunt severe! 515 Me, Menelaues, by Minerva's aid, Hath vanquish'd now, who may hereafter, him. We also have our Gods. But let us love. For never since the day when thee I bore From pleasant Lacedaemon o'er the waves 520 To Cranaee's fair isle, and first enjoy'd Thy beauty, loved I as I love thee now, Or felt such sweetness of intense desire. He spake, and sought his bed, whom follow'd soon Jove's daughter, reconciled to his embrace. 525 But Menelaues like a lion ranged The multitude, inquiring far and near For Paris lost. Yet neither Trojan him Nor friend of Troy could show, whom, else, through love None had conceal'd, for him as death itself 530 All hated, but his going none had seen. Amidst them all then spake the King of men. Trojans, and Dardans, and allies of Troy! The warlike Menelaues hath prevailed, As is most plain. Now therefore bring ye forth 535 Helen with all her treasures, also bring Such large amercement as is meet, a sum To be remember'd in all future times. So spake Atrides, and Achaia's host With loud applause confirm'd the monarch's claim. 540 THE ILIAD. BOOK IV. ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTH BOOK. In a Council of the Gods, a dispute arises between Jupiter and Juno, which is at last compromised, Jove consenting to dispatch Minerva with a charge to incite some Trojan to a violation of the truce. Minerva descends for that purpose, and in the form of Laodocus, a son of Priam, exhorts Pandarus to shoot at Menelaus, and succeeds. Menelaus is wounded, and Agamemnon having consigned him to the care of Machaon, goes forth to perform the duties of commander-in-chief, in the encouragement of his host to battle. The battle begins. BOOK IV. Now, on the golden floor of Jove's abode The Gods all sat consulting; Hebe them, Graceful, with nectar served;[1] they pledging each His next, alternate quaff'd from cups of gold, And at their ease reclined, look'd down on Troy, 5 When, sudden, Jove essay'd by piercing speech Invidious, to enkindle Juno's ire. Two Goddesses on Menelaus' part Confederate stand, Juno in Argos known, Pallas in Alalcomene;[2] yet they 10 Sequester'd sit, look on, and are amused. Not so smile-loving Venus; she, beside Her champion station'd, saves him from his fate, And at this moment, by her aid, he lives. But now, since victory hath proved the lot 15 Of warlike Menelaus, weigh ye well The matter; shall we yet the ruinous strife Prolong between the nations, or consent To give them peace? should peace your preference win, And prove alike acceptable to all, 20 Stand Ilium, and let Menelaus bear Helen of Argos back to Greece again. He ended; Juno and Minerva heard, Low-murmuring deep disgust; for side by side They forging sat calamity to Troy. 25 Minerva through displeasure against Jove Nought utter'd, for with rage her bosom boil'd; But Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied. What word hath pass'd thy lips, Jove most severe! How? wouldst thou render fruitless all my pains? 30 The sweat that I have pour'd? my steeds themselves Have fainted while I gather'd Greece in arms For punishment of Priam and his sons. Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven. Then her the Thunderer answer'd sore displeased. 35 Ah shameless! how have Priam and his sons So much transgress'd against thee, that thou burn'st With ceaseless rage to ruin populous Troy? Go, make thine entrance at her lofty gates, Priam and all his house, and all his host 40 Alive devour; then, haply, thou wilt rest; Do even as thou wilt, that this dispute Live not between us a consuming fire For ever. But attend; mark well the word. When I shall also doom in future time 45 Some city to destruction, dear to thee, Oppose me not, but give my fury way As I give way to thine, not pleased myself, Yet not unsatisfied, so thou be pleased. For of all cities of the sons of men, 50 And which the sun and stars from heaven behold, Me sacred Troy most pleases, Priam me Most, and the people of the warrior King. Nor without cause. They feed mine altar well; Libation there, and steam of savory scent 55 Fail not, the tribute which by lot is ours. Him answer'd, then, the Goddess ample-eyed,[3] Majestic Juno: Three fair cities me, Of all the earth, most interest and engage, Mycenae for magnificence renown'd, 60 Argos, and Sparta. Them, when next thy wrath Shall be inflamed against them, lay thou waste; I will not interpose on their behalf; Thou shalt not hear me murmur; what avail Complaint or force against thy matchless arm? 65 Yet were it most unmeet that even I Should toil in vain; I also boast a birth Celestial; Saturn deeply wise, thy Sire, Is also mine; our origin is one. Thee I acknowledge Sovereign, yet account 70 Myself entitled by a twofold claim To veneration both from Gods and men, The daughter of Jove's sire, and spouse of Jove. Concession mutual therefore both thyself Befits and me, whom when the Gods perceive 75 Disposed to peace, they also shall accord. Come then.--To yon dread field dispatch in haste Minerva, with command that she incite The Trojans first to violate their oath By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks. 80 So Juno; nor the sire of all refused, But in wing'd accents thus to Pallas spake. Begone; swift fly to yonder field; incite The Trojans first to violate their oath By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks. 85 The Goddess heard, and what she wish'd, enjoin'd, Down-darted swift from the Olympian heights, In form a meteor, such as from his hand Not seldom Jove dismisses, beaming bright And breaking into stars, an omen sent 90 To mariners, or to some numerous host. Such Pallas seem'd, and swift descending, dropp'd Full in the midst between them. They with awe That sign portentous and with wonder view'd, Achaians both and Trojans, and his next 95 The soldier thus bespake. Now either war And dire hostility again shall flame, Or Jove now gives us peace. Both are from Jove. So spake the soldiery; but she the form Taking of brave Laodocus, the son 100 Of old Antenor, throughout all the ranks Sought godlike Pandarus.[4] Ere long she found The valiant son illustrious of Lycaon, Standing encompass'd by his dauntless troops, Broad-shielded warriors, from AEsepus' stream 105 His followers; to his side the Goddess came, And in wing'd accents ardent him bespake. Brave offspring of Lycaon, is there hope That thou wilt hear my counsel? darest thou slip A shaft at Menelaus? much renown 110 Thou shalt and thanks from all the Trojans win, But most of all, from Paris, prince of Troy. From him illustrious gifts thou shalt receive Doubtless, when Menelaus he shall see The martial son of Atreus by a shaft 115 Subdued of thine, placed on his funeral pile. Come. Shoot at Menelaus, glorious Chief! But vow to Lycian Phoebus bow-renown'd A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock, To fair Zeleia's[5] walls once safe restored. 120 So Pallas spake, to whom infatuate he Listening, uncased at once his polished bow.[6] That bow, the laden brows of a wild goat Salacious had supplied; him on a day Forth-issuing from his cave, in ambush placed 125 He wounded with an arrow to his breast Dispatch'd, and on the rock supine he fell. Each horn had from his head tall growth attain'd, Full sixteen palms; them shaven smooth the smith Had aptly join'd, and tipt their points with gold. 130 That bow he strung, then, stooping, planted firm The nether horn, his comrades bold the while Screening him close with shields, lest ere the prince Were stricken, Menelaus brave in arms, The Greeks with fierce assault should interpose. 135 He raised his quiver's lid; he chose a dart Unflown, full-fledged, and barb'd with pangs of death. He lodged in haste the arrow on the string, And vow'd to Lycian Phoebus bow-renown'd A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock, 140 To fair Zeleia's walls once safe restored. Compressing next nerve and notch'd arrow-head He drew back both together, to his pap Drew home the nerve, the barb home to his bow, And when the horn was curved to a wide arch, 145 He twang'd it. Whizz'd the bowstring, and the reed Leap'd off, impatient for the distant throng. Thee, Menelaus, then the blessed Gods Forgat not; Pallas huntress of the spoil, Thy guardian then, baffled the cruel dart. 150 Far as a mother wafts the fly aside[7] That haunts her slumbering babe, so far she drove Its course aslant, directing it herself Against the golden clasps that join'd his belt; For there the doubled hauberk interposed. 155 The bitter arrow plunged into his belt. It pierced his broider'd belt, stood fixt within His twisted hauberk, nor the interior quilt, Though penetrable least to arrow-points And his best guard, withheld it, but it pass'd 160 That also, and the Hero's skin inscribed. Quick flowed a sable current from the wound. As when a Carian or Maeonian maid Impurples ivory ordain'd to grace The cheek of martial steed; safe stored it lies, 165 By many a Chief desired, but proves at last The stately trapping of some prince,[8] the pride Of his high pamper'd steed, nor less his own; Such, Menelaus, seem'd thy shapely thighs, Thy legs, thy feet, stained with thy trickling blood. 170 Shudder'd King Agamemnon when he saw The blood fast trickling from the wound, nor less Shudder'd himself the bleeding warrior bold. But neck and barb observing from the flesh Extant, he gather'd heart, and lived again. 175 The royal Agamemnon, sighing, grasp'd The hand of Menelaus, and while all Their followers sigh'd around them, thus began.[9] I swore thy death, my brother, when I swore This truce, and set thee forth in sight of Greeks 180 And Trojans, our sole champion; for the foe Hath trodden underfoot his sacred oath, And stained it with thy blood. But not in vain, The truce was ratified, the blood of lambs Poured forth, libation made, and right hands join'd 185 In holy confidence. The wrath of Jove May sleep, but will not always; they shall pay Dear penalty; their own obnoxious heads Shall be the mulct, their children and their wives. For this I know, know surely; that a day 190 Shall come, when Ilium, when the warlike King Of Ilium and his host shall perish all. Saturnian Jove high-throned, dwelling in heaven, Resentful of this outrage, then shall shake His storm-clad AEgis over them. He will; 195 I speak no fable. Time shall prove me true. But, oh my Menelaus, dire distress Awaits me, if thy close of life be come, And thou must die. Then ignominy foul Shall hunt me back to Argos long-desired; 200 For then all here will recollect their home, And, hope abandoning, will Helen yield To be the boast of Priam, and of Troy. So shall our toils be vain, and while thy bones Shall waste these clods beneath, Troy's haughty sons 205 The tomb of Menelaus glory-crown'd Insulting barbarous, shall scoff at me. So may Atrides, shall they say, perform His anger still as he performed it here, Whither he led an unsuccessful host, 210 Whence he hath sail'd again without the spoils, And where he left his brother's bones to rot. So shall the Trojan speak; then open earth Her mouth, and hide me in her deepest gulfs! But him, the hero of the golden locks 215 Thus cheer'd. My brother, fear not, nor infect With fear the Grecians; the sharp-pointed reed Hath touch'd no vital part. The broider'd zone, The hauberk, and the tough interior quilt, Work of the armorer, its force repress'd. 220 Him answer'd Agamemnon, King of men. So be it brother! but the hand of one Skilful to heal shall visit and shall dress The wound with drugs of pain-assuaging power. He ended, and his noble herald, next, 225 Bespake, Talthybius. Haste, call hither quick The son of AEsculapius, leech renown'd, The prince Machaon. Bid him fly to attend The warlike Chieftain Menelaus; him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy, 230 A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft To his own glory, and to our distress. He spake, nor him the herald disobey'd, But through the Greeks bright-arm'd his course began The Hero seeking earnest on all sides 235 Machaon. Him, ere long, he station'd saw Amid the shielded-ranks of his brave band From steed-famed Tricca drawn, and at his side With accents ardor-wing'd, him thus address'd. Haste, Asclepiades! The King of men 240 Calls thee. Delay not. Thou must visit quick Brave Menelaus, Atreus' son, for him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy, A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft To his own glory, and to our distress. 245 So saying, he roused Machaon, who his course Through the wide host began. Arriving soon Where wounded Menelaus stood, while all The bravest of Achaia's host around The godlike hero press'd, he strove at once 250 To draw the arrow from his cincture forth. But, drawing, bent the barbs. He therefore loosed His broider'd belt, his hauberk and his quilt, Work of the armorer, and laying bare His body where the bitter shaft had plow'd 255 His flesh, he suck'd the wound, then spread it o'er With drugs of balmy power, given on a time For friendship's sake by Chiron to his sire. While Menelaus thus the cares engross'd Of all those Chiefs, the shielded powers of Troy 260 'Gan move toward them, and the Greeks again Put on their armor, mindful of the fight. Then hadst thou[10] not great Agamemnon seen Slumbering, or trembling, or averse from war, But ardent to begin his glorious task. 265 His steeds, and his bright chariot brass-inlaid He left; the snorting steeds Eurymedon, Offspring of Ptolemy Piraides Detain'd apart; for him he strict enjoin'd Attendance near, lest weariness of limbs 270 Should seize him marshalling his numerous host. So forth he went, and through the files on foot Proceeding, where the warrior Greeks he saw Alert, he roused them by his words the more.[11] Argives! abate no spark of all your fire. 275 Jove will not prosper traitors. Them who first Transgress'd the truce the vultures shall devour, But we (their city taken) shall their wives Lead captive, and their children home to Greece. So cheer'd he them. But whom he saw supine, 280 Or in the rugged work of war remiss, In terms of anger them he stern rebuked. Oh Greeks! The shame of Argos! Arrow-doom'd! Blush ye not? Wherefore stand ye thus aghast, Like fawns which wearied after scouring wide 285 The champain, gaze and pant, and can no more? Senseless like them ye stand, nor seek the fight. Is it your purpose patient here to wait Till Troy invade your vessels on the shore Of the grey deep, that ye may trial make 290 Of Jove, if he will prove, himself, your shield? Thus, in discharge of his high office, pass'd Atrides through the ranks, and now arrived Where, hardy Chief! Idomeneus in front Of his bold Cretans stood, stout as a boar 295 The van he occupied, while in the rear Meriones harangued the most remote. Them so prepared the King of men beheld With joyful heart, and thus in courteous terms Instant the brave Idomeneus address'd. 300 Thee fighting, feasting, howsoe'er employed, I most respect, Idomeneus, of all The well-horsed Danaei; for when the Chiefs Of Argos, banqueting, their beakers charge With rosy wine the honorable meed 305 Of valor, thou alone of all the Greeks Drink'st not by measure.[12] No--thy goblet stands Replenish'd still, and like myself thou know'st No rule or bound, save what thy choice prescribes. March. Seek the foe. Fight now as heretofore, 310 To whom Idomeneus of Crete replied, Atrides! all the friendship and the love Which I have promised will I well perform. Go; animate the rest, Chief after Chief Of the Achaians, that the fight begin. 315 For Troy has scatter'd to the winds all faith, All conscience; and for such her treachery foul Shall have large recompence of death and wo. He said, whom Agamemnon at his heart Exulting, pass'd, and in his progress came 320 Where stood each Ajax; them he found prepared With all their cloud of infantry behind. As when the goat-herd on some rocky point Advanced, a cloud sees wafted o'er the deep By western gales, and rolling slow along, 325 To him, who stands remote, pitch-black it seems, And comes with tempest charged; he at the sight Shuddering, his flock compels into a cave; So moved the gloomy phalanx, rough with spears, And dense with shields of youthful warriors bold, 330 Close-following either Ajax to the fight. Them also, pleased, the King of men beheld, And in wing'd accents hail'd them as he pass'd. Brave leaders of the mail-clad host of Greece! I move not you to duty; ye yourselves 335 Move others, and no lesson need from me. Jove, Pallas, and Apollo! were but all Courageous as yourselves, soon Priam's towers Should totter, and his Ilium storm'd and sack'd By our victorious bands, stoop to the dust. 340 He ceased, and still proceeding, next arrived Where stood the Pylian orator, his band Marshalling under all their leaders bold Alastor, Chromius, Pelagon the vast, Haemon the prince, and Bias, martial Chief. 345 Chariot and horse he station'd in the front; His numerous infantry, a strong reserve Right valiant, in the rear; the worst, and those In whom he trusted least, he drove between, That such through mere necessity might act. 350 First to his charioteers he gave in charge Their duty; bade them rein their horses hard, Shunning confusion. Let no warrior, vain And overweening of his strength or skill, Start from his rank to dare the fight alone, 355 Or fall behind it, weakening whom he leaves. [13]And if, dismounted from his own, he climb Another's chariot, let him not affect Perverse the reins, but let him stand, his spear Advancing firm, far better so employ'd. 360 Such was the discipline, in ancient times, Of our forefathers; by these rules they fought Successful, and laid many a city low. So counsell'd them the venerable Chief Long time expert in arms; him also saw 365 King Agamemnon with delight, and said, Old Chief! ah how I wish, that thy firm heart Were but supported by as firm a knee! But time unhinges all. Oh that some youth Had thine old age, and thou wast young again! 370 To whom the valiant Nestor thus replied. Atrides, I could also ardent wish That I were now robust as when I struck Brave Ereuthalion[14] breathless to the ground! But never all their gifts the Gods confer 375 On man at once; if then I had the force Of youth, I suffer now the effects of age. Yet ancient as I am, I will be seen Still mingling with the charioteers, still prompt To give them counsel; for to counsel youth 380 Is the old warrior's province. Let the green In years, my juniors, unimpaired by time, Push with the lance, for they have strength to boast. So he, whom Agamemnon joyful heard, And passing thence, the son of Peteos found 385 Menestheus, foremost in equestrian fame, Among the brave Athenians; near to him Ulysses held his station, and at hand The Cephallenians stood, hardy and bold; For rumor none of the approaching fight 390 Them yet had reach'd, so recent had the stir Arisen in either host; they, therefore, watch'd Till the example of some other band Marching, should prompt them to begin the fight, But Agamemnon, thus, the King of men 395 Them seeing, sudden and severe reproved. Menestheus, son of Peteos prince renown'd, And thou, deviser of all evil wiles! Adept in artifice! why stand ye here Appall'd? why wait ye on this distant spot 400 'Till others move? I might expect from you More readiness to meet the burning war, Whom foremost I invite of all to share The banquet, when the Princes feast with me. There ye are prompt; ye find it pleasant there 405 To eat your savory food, and quaff your wine Delicious 'till satiety ensue; But here you could be well content to stand Spectators only, while ten Grecian troops Should wage before you the wide-wasting war. 410 To whom Ulysses, with resentful tone Dark-frowning, thus replied. What words are these Which have escaped thy lips; and for what cause, Atrides, hast thou call'd me slow to fight? When we of Greece shall in sharp contest clash 415 With you steed-tamer Trojans, mark me then; Then thou shalt see (if the concerns of war So nearly touch thee, and thou so incline) The father of Telemachus, engaged Among the foremost Trojans. But thy speech 420 Was light as is the wind, and rashly made. When him thus moved he saw, the monarch smiled Complacent, and in gentler terms replied. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! Short reprimand and exhortation short 425 Suffice for thee, nor did I purpose more. For I have known thee long, that thou art one Of kindest nature, and so much my friend That we have both one heart. Go therefore thou, Lead on, and if a word have fallen amiss, 430 We will hereafter mend it, and may heaven Obliterate in thine heart its whole effect! He ceased, and ranging still along the line, The son of Tydeus, Diomede, perceived, Heroic Chief, by chariots all around 435 Environ'd, and by steeds, at side of whom Stood Sthenelus, the son of Capaneus. Him also, Agamemnon, King of men, In accents of asperity reproved. Ah, son of Tydeus, Chief of dauntless heart 440 And of equestrian fame! why standest thou Appall'd, and peering through the walks of war? So did not Tydeus. In the foremost fight His favorite station was, as they affirm Who witness'd his exploits; I never saw 445 Or met him, but by popular report He was the bravest warrior of his day. Yet came he once, but not in hostile sort, To fair Mycenae, by the godlike prince Attended, Polynices, at what time 450 The host was called together, and the siege Was purposed of the sacred city Thebes. Earnest they sued for an auxiliar band, Which we had gladly granted, but that Jove By unpropitious tokens interfered. 455 So forth they went, and on the reedy banks Arriving of Asopus, there thy sire By designation of the Greeks was sent Ambassador, and enter'd Thebes. He found In Eteocles' palace numerous guests, 460 The sons of Cadmus feasting, among whom, Although a solitary stranger, stood Thy father without fear, and challenged forth Their best to cope with him in manly games. Them Tydeus vanquish'd easily, such aid 465 Pallas vouchsafed him. Then the spur-arm'd race Of Cadmus was incensed, and fifty youths In ambush close expected his return. Them, Lycophontes obstinate in fight, Son of Autophonus, and Maeon, son 470 Of Haemon, Chief of godlike stature, led. Those also Tydeus slew; Maeon except, (Whom, warned from heaven, he spared, and sent him home With tidings of the rest) he slew them all. Such was AEtolian Tydeus; who begat 475 A son in speech his better, not in arms. He ended, and his sovereign's awful voice Tydides reverencing, nought replied; But thus the son of glorious Capaneus. Atrides, conscious of the truth, speak truth. 480 We with our sires compared, superior praise Claim justly.[15] We, confiding in the aid Of Jove, and in propitious signs from heaven, Led to the city consecrate to Mars Our little host, inferior far to theirs, 485 And took seven-gated Thebes, under whose walls Our fathers by their own imprudence fell. Their glory, then, match never more with ours. He spake, whom with a frowning brow the brave Tydides answer'd. Sthenelus, my friend! 490 I give thee counsel. Mark it. Hold thy peace. If Agamemnon, who hath charge of all, Excite his well-appointed host to war, He hath no blame from me. For should the Greeks (Her people vanquished) win imperial Troy, 495 The glory shall be his; or, if his host O'erpower'd in battle perish, his the shame. Come, therefore; be it ours to rouse at once To action all the fury of our might. He said, and from his chariot to the plain 500 Leap'd ardent; rang the armor on the breast Of the advancing Chief; the boldest heart Had felt emotion, startled at the sound. As when the waves by Zephyrus up-heaved Crowd fast toward some sounding shore, at first, 505 On the broad bosom of the deep their heads They curl on high, then breaking on the land Thunder, and o'er the rocks that breast the flood Borne turgid, scatter far the showery spray; So moved the Greeks successive, rank by rank, 510 And phalanx after phalanx, every Chief His loud command proclaiming, while the rest, As voice in all those thousands none had been Heard mute; and, in resplendent armor clad, With martial order terrible advanced. 515 Not so the Trojans came. As sheep, the flock Of some rich man, by thousands in his court Penn'd close at milking time, incessant bleat, Loud answering all their bleating lambs without, Such din from Ilium's wide-spread host arose. 520 Nor was their shout, nor was their accent one, But mingled languages were heard of men From various climes. These Mars to battle roused, Those Pallas azure-eyed; nor Terror thence Nor Flight was absent, nor insatiate Strife, 525 Sister and mate of homicidal Mars, Who small at first, but swift to grow, from earth Her towering crest lifts gradual to the skies. She, foe alike to both, the brands dispersed Of burning hate between them, and the woes 530 Enhanced of battle wheresoe'er she pass'd. And now the battle join'd. Shield clash'd with shield[16] And spear with spear, conflicting corselets rang, Boss'd bucklers met, and tumult wild arose. Then, many a yell was heard, and many a shout 535 Loud intermix'd, the slayer o'er the maim'd Exulting, and the field was drench'd with blood. As when two winter torrents rolling down The mountains, shoot their floods through gulleys huge Into one gulf below, station'd remote 540 The shepherd in the uplands hears the roar; Such was the thunder of the mingling hosts. And first, Antilochus a Trojan Chief Slew Echepolus, from Thalysias sprung, Contending valiant in the van of Troy. 545 Him smiting on his crested casque, he drove The brazen lance into his front, and pierced The bones within; night overspread his eyes, And in fierce battle, like a tower, he fell. Him fallen by both feet Calchodon's son 550 Seized, royal Elephenor, leader brave Of the Abantes, and in haste to strip His armor, drew him from the fight aside. But short was that attempt. Him so employ'd Dauntless Agenor mark'd, and as he stoop'd, 555 In his unshielded flank a pointed spear Implanted deep; he languid sunk and died. So Elephenor fell, for whom arose Sharp conflict; Greeks and Trojans mutual flew Like wolves to battle, and man grappled man. 560 Then Telamonian Ajax, in his prime Of youthful vigor Simoeisius slew,[17] Son of Anthemion. Him on Simois' banks His mother bore, when with her parents once She came from Ida down to view the flocks, 565 And thence they named him; but his parents' He lived not to requite, in early youth Slain by the spear of Ajax famed in arms. For him advancing Ajax at the pap Wounded; right through his shoulder driven the point 570 Stood forth behind; he fell, and press'd the dust. So in some spacious marsh the poplar falls Smooth-skinn'd, with boughs unladen save aloft; Some chariot-builder with his axe the trunk Severs, that he may warp it to a wheel 575 Of shapely form; meantime exposed it lies To parching airs beside the running stream; Such Simoeisius seemed, Anthemion's son, Whom noble Ajax slew. But soon at him Antiphus, son of Priam, bright in arms, 580 Hurl'd through the multitude his pointed spear. He erred from Ajax, but he pierced the groin Of Leucus, valiant warrior of the band Led by Ulysses. He the body dragg'd Apart, but fell beside it, and let fall, 585 Breathless himself, the burthen from his hand. Then burn'd Ulysses' wrath for Leucus slain, And through the foremost combatants, array'd In dazzling arms, he rush'd. Full near he stood, And, looking keen around him, hurl'd a lance. 590 Back fell the Trojans from before the face Dispersed of great Ulysses. Not in vain His weapon flew, but on the field outstretch'd A spurious son of Priam, from the shores Call'd of Abydus famed for fleetest mares, 595 Democoon; him, for Leucus' sake enraged, Ulysses through both temples with his spear Transpierced. The night of death hung on his eyes, And sounding on his batter'd arms he fell. Then Hector and the van of Troy retired; 600 Loud shout the Grecians; these draw off the dead, Those onward march amain, and from the heights Of Pergamus Apollo looking down In anger, to the Trojans called aloud. Turn, turn, ye Trojans! face your Grecian foes. 605 They, like yourselves, are vulnerable flesh, Not adamant or steel. Your direst dread Achilles, son of Thetis radiant-hair'd, Fights not, but sullen in his fleet abides.[18] Such from the citadel was heard the voice 610 Of dread Apollo. But Minerva ranged Meantime, Tritonian progeny of Jove, The Grecians, rousing whom she saw remiss. Then Amarynceus' son, Diores, felt The force of fate, bruised by a rugged rock 615 At his right heel, which Pirus, Thracian Chief, The son of Imbrasus of AEnos, threw. Bones and both tendons in its fall the mass Enormous crush'd. He, stretch'd in dust supine, With palms outspread toward his warrior friends 620 Lay gasping life away. But he who gave The fatal blow, Pirus, advancing, urged Into his navel a keen lance, and shed His bowels forth; then, darkness veil'd his eyes. Nor Pirus long survived; him through the breast 625 Above the pap, AEtolian Thoas pierced, And in his lungs set fast the quivering spear. Then Thoas swift approach'd, pluck'd from the wound His stormy spear, and with his falchion bright Gashing his middle belly, stretch'd him dead. 630 Yet stripp'd he not the slain, whom with long spears His Thracians hairy-scalp'd[19] so round about Encompassed, that though bold and large of limb Were Thoas, from before them him they thrust Staggering and reeling in his forced retreat. 635 They therefore in the dust, the Epean Chief Diores, and the Thracian, Pirus lay Stretch'd side by side, with numerous slain around. Then had Minerva led through all that field Some warrior yet unhurt, him sheltering safe 640 From all annoyance dread of dart or spear, No cause of blame in either had he found That day, so many Greeks and Trojans press'd, Extended side by side, the dusty plain. THE ILIAD. BOOK V. ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH BOOK. Diomede is extraordinarily distinguished. He kills Pandarus, who had violated the truce, and wounds first Venus and then Mars. BOOK V. Then Athenaean Pallas on the son Of Tydeus,[1] Diomede, new force conferr'd And daring courage, that the Argives all He might surpass, and deathless fame achieve. Fires on his helmet and his shield around 5 She kindled, bright and steady as the star Autumnal,[2] which in Ocean newly bathed Assumes fresh beauty; with such glorious beams His head encircling and his shoulders broad, She urged him forth into the thickest fight. 10 There lived a man in Troy, Dares his name, The priest of Vulcan; rich he was and good, The father of two sons, Idaeus this, That, Phegeus call'd; accomplish'd warriors both. These, issuing from their phalanx, push'd direct 15 Their steeds at Diomede, who fought on foot. When now small interval was left between, First Phegeus his long-shadow'd spear dismiss'd; But over Diomede's left shoulder pass'd The point, innocuous. Then his splendid lance 20 Tydides hurl'd; nor ineffectual flew The weapon from his hand, but Phegeus pierced His paps between, and forced him to the ground. At once, his sumptuous chariot left, down leap'd Idaesus, wanting courage to defend 25 His brother slain; nor had he scaped himself His louring fate, but Vulcan, to preserve His ancient priest from unmixt sorrow, snatch'd The fugitive in darkness wrapt, away. Then brave Tydides, driving off the steeds, 30 Consign'd them to his fellow-warriors' care, That they might lead them down into the fleet. The valiant Trojans, when they saw the sons Of Dares, one beside his chariot slain, And one by flight preserved, through all their host 35 Felt consternation. Then Minerva seized The hand of fiery Mars, and thus she spake. Gore-tainted homicide, town-battering Mars! Leave we the Trojans and the Greeks to wage Fierce fight alone, Jove prospering whom he will, 40 So shall we not provoke our father's ire. She said, and from the fight conducted forth The impetuous Deity, whom on the side She seated of Scamander deep-embank'd.[3] And now the host of Troy to flight inclined 45 Before the Grecians, and the Chiefs of Greece Each slew a warrior. Agamemnon first Gigantic Odius from his chariot hurl'd. Chief of the Halizonians. He to flight Turn'd foremost, when the monarch in his spine 50 Between the shoulder-bones his spear infixt, And urged it through his breast. Sounding he fell, And loud his batter'd armor rang around. By brave Idomeneus a Lydian died, Phaestus, from fruitful Tarne sent to Troy, 55 Son of Maeonian Borus; him his steeds Mounting, Idomeneus the spear-renown'd Through his right shoulder pierced; unwelcome night Involved him; from his chariot down he fell,[4] And the attendant Cretans stripp'd his arms. 60 But Menelaus, son of Atreus slew With his bright spear Scamandrius, Stropius' son, A skilful hunter; for Diana him, Herself, the slaughter of all savage kinds Had taught, on mountain or in forest bred. 65 But she, shaft-aiming Goddess, in that hour Avail'd him not, nor his own matchless skill; For Menelaus, Atreus son spear-famed, Him flying wounded in the spine between His shoulders, and the spear urged through his breast. 70 Prone on his loud-resounding arms he fell. Next, by Meriones, Phereclus died, Son of Harmonides. All arts that ask A well-instructed hand his sire had learn'd, For Pallas dearly loved him. He the fleet, 75 Prime source of harm to Troy and to himself, For Paris built, unskill'd to spell aright The oracles predictive of the wo. Phereclus fled; Meriones his flight Outstripping, deep in his posterior flesh 80 A spear infix'd; sliding beneath the bone It grazed his bladder as it pass'd, and stood Protruded far before. Low on his knees Phereclus sank, and with a shriek expired. Pedaeus, whom, although his spurious son, 85 Antenor's wife, to gratify her lord, Had cherish'd as her own--him Meges slew. Warlike Phylides[5] following close his flight, His keen lance drove into his poll, cut sheer His tongue within, and through his mouth enforced 90 The glittering point. He, prostrate in the dust, The cold steel press'd between his teeth and died. Eurypylus, Evemon's son, the brave Hypsenor slew; Dolopion was his sire, Priest of Scamander, reverenced as a God. 95 In vain before Eurypylus he fled; He, running, with his falchion lopp'd his arm Fast by the shoulder; on the field his hand Fell blood-distained, and destiny severe With shades of death for ever veil'd his eyes. 100 Thus strenuous they the toilsome battle waged. But where Tydides fought, whether in aid Of Ilium's host, or on the part of Greece, Might none discern. For as a winter-flood Impetuous, mounds and bridges sweeps away;[6] 105 The buttress'd bridge checks not its sudden force, The firm inclosure of vine-planted fields Luxuriant, falls before it; finish'd works Of youthful hinds, once pleasant to the eye, Now levell'd, after ceaseless rain from Jove; 110 So drove Tydides into sudden flight The Trojans; phalanx after phalanx fled Before the terror of his single arm. When him Lycaon's son illustrious saw Scouring the field, and from before his face 115 The ranks dispersing wide, at once he bent Against Tydides his elastic bow. The arrow met him in his swift career Sure-aim'd; it struck direct the hollow mail Of his right shoulder, with resistless force 120 Transfix'd it, and his hauberk stain'd with blood. Loud shouted then Lycaon's son renown'd. Rush on, ye Trojans, spur your coursers hard. Our fiercest foe is wounded, and I deem His death not distant far, if me the King[7] 125 Jove's son, indeed, from Lycia sent to Troy. So boasted Pandarus. Yet him the dart Quell'd not. Retreating, at his coursers' heads He stood, and to the son of Capaneus His charioteer and faithful friend he said. 130 Arise, sweet son of Capaneus, dismount, And from my shoulder draw this bitter shaft. He spake; at once the son of Capaneus Descending, by its barb the bitter shaft Drew forth; blood spouted through his twisted mail 135 Incontinent, and thus the Hero pray'd. Unconquer'd daughter of Jove AEgis-arm'd! If ever me, propitious, or my sire Thou hast in furious fight help'd heretofore, Now aid me also. Bring within the reach 140 Of my swift spear, Oh grant me to strike through The warrior who hath check'd my course, and boasts The sun's bright beams for ever quench'd to me![8] He prayed, and Pallas heard; she braced his limbs, She wing'd him with alacrity divine, 145 And, standing at his side, him thus bespake. Now Diomede, be bold! Fight now with Troy. To thee, thy father's spirit I impart Fearless; shield-shaking Tydeus felt the same. I also from thine eye the darkness purge 150 Which dimm'd thy sight[9] before, that thou may'st know Both Gods and men; should, therefore, other God Approach to try thee, fight not with the powers Immortal; but if foam-born Venus come, Her spare not. Wound her with thy glittering spear. 155 So spake the blue-eyed Deity, and went, Then with the champions in the van again Tydides mingled; hot before, he fights With threefold fury now, nor less enraged Than some gaunt lion whom o'erleaping light 160 The fold, a shepherd hath but gall'd, not kill'd, Him irritating more; thenceforth the swain Lurks unresisting; flies the abandon'd flock; Heaps slain on heaps he leaves, and with a bound Surmounting all impediment, escapes; 165 Such seem'd the valiant Diomede incensed To fury, mingling with the host of Troy. Astynoues and Hypenor first he slew; One with his brazen lance above the pap He pierced, and one with his huge falchion smote 170 Fast by the key-bone,[10] from the neck and spine His parted shoulder driving at a blow. Them leaving, Polyides next he sought And Abas, sons of a dream-dealing seer, Eurydamas; their hoary father's dreams 175 Or not interpreted, or kept concealed, Them saved not, for by Diomede they died. Xanthus and Thoeon he encounter'd next, Both sons of Phaenops, sons of his old age, Who other heir had none of all his wealth, 180 Nor hoped another, worn with many years. Tydides slew them both; nor aught remain'd To the old man but sorrow for his sons For ever lost, and strangers were his heirs. Two sons of Priam in one chariot borne 185 Echemon next, and Chromius felt his hand Resistless. As a lion on the herd Leaping, while they the shrubs and bushes browse, Breaks short the neck of heifer or of steer, So them, though clinging fast and loth to fall, 190 Tydides hurl'd together to the ground, Then stripp'd their splendid armor, and the steeds Consigned and chariot to his soldiers' care. AEneas him discern'd scattering the ranks, And through the battle and the clash of spears 195 Went seeking godlike Pandarus; ere long Finding Lycaon's martial son renown'd, He stood before him, and him thus address'd. Thy bow, thy feather'd shafts, and glorious name Where are they, Pandarus? whom none of Troy 200 Could equal, whom of Lycia, none excel. Come. Lift thine hands to Jove, and at yon Chief Dispatch an arrow, who afflicts the host Of Ilium thus, conquering where'er he flies, And who hath slaughter'd numerous brave in arms, 205 But him some Deity I rather deem Avenging on us his neglected rites, And who can stand before an angry God? Him answer'd then Lycaon's son renown'd. Brave leader of the Trojans brazen-mail'd, 210 AEneas! By his buckler which I know, And by his helmet's height, considering, too His steeds, I deem him Diomede the bold; Yet such pronounce him not, who seems a God. But if bold Diomede indeed he be 215 Of whom I speak, not without aid from heaven His fury thus prevails, but at his side Some God, in clouds enveloped, turns away From him the arrow to a devious course. Already, at his shoulder's hollow mail 220 My shaft hath pierced him through, and him I deem'd Dismiss'd full sure to Pluto ere his time But he survives; whom therefore I at last Perforce conclude some angry Deity. Steeds have I none or chariot to ascend, 225 Who have eleven chariots in the stands Left of Lycaon, with fair hangings all O'ermantled, strong, new finish'd, with their steeds In pairs beside them, eating winnow'd grain. Me much Lycaon my old valiant sire 230 At my departure from his palace gates Persuaded, that my chariot and my steeds Ascending, I should so conduct my bands To battle; counsel wise, and ill-refused! But anxious, lest (the host in Troy so long 235 Immew'd) my steeds, fed plenteously at home, Should here want food, I left them, and on foot To Ilium came, confiding in my bow Ordain'd at last to yield me little good. Twice have I shot, and twice I struck the mark, 240 First Menelaus, and Tydides next; From each I drew the blood, true, genuine blood, Yet have but more incensed them. In an hour Unfortunate, I therefore took my bow Down from the wall that day, when for the sake 245 Of noble Hector, to these pleasant plains I came, a leader on the part of Troy. But should I once return, and with these eyes Again behold my native land, my sire, My wife, my stately mansion, may the hand, 250 That moment, of some adversary there Shorten me by the head, if I not snap This bow with which I charged myself in vain, And burn the unprofitable tool to dust. To whom AEneas, Trojan Chief, replied. 255 Nay, speak not so. For ere that hour arrive We will, with chariot and with horse, in arms Encounter him, and put his strength to proof. Delay not, mount my chariot. Thou shalt see With what rapidity the steeds of Troy 260 Pursuing or retreating, scour the field. If after all, Jove purpose still to exalt The son of Tydeus, these shall bear us safe Back to the city. Come then. Let us on. The lash take thou, and the resplendent reins, 265 While I alight for battle, or thyself Receive them, and the steeds shall be my care. Him answer'd then Lycaon's son renown'd. AEneas! manage thou the reins, and guide Thy proper steeds. If fly at last we must 270 The son of Tydeus, they will readier draw Directed by their wonted charioteer. Else, terrified, and missing thy control, They may refuse to bear us from the fight, And Tydeus' son assailing us, with ease 275 Shall slay us both, and drive thy steeds away. Rule therefore thou the chariot, and myself With my sharp spear will his assault receive. So saying, they mounted both, and furious drove Against Tydides. Them the noble son 280 Of Capaneus observed, and turning quick His speech to Diomede, him thus address'd. Tydides, Diomede, my heart's delight! Two warriors of immeasurable force In battle, ardent to contend with thee, 285 Come rattling on. Lycaon's offspring one, Bow-practised Pandarus; with whom appears AEneas; he who calls the mighty Chief Anchises father, and whom Venus bore. Mount--drive we swift away--lest borne so far 290 Beyond the foremost battle, thou be slain. To whom, dark-frowning, Diomede replied Speak not of flight to me, who am disposed To no such course. I am ashamed to fly Or tremble, and my strength is still entire; 295 I cannot mount. No. Rather thus, on foot, I will advance against them. Fear and dread Are not for me; Pallas forbids the thought. One falls, be sure; swift as they are, the steeds That whirl them on, shall never rescue both. 300 But hear my bidding, and hold fast the word. Should all-wise Pallas grant me my desire To slay them both, drive not my coursers hence, But hook the reins, and seizing quick the pair That draw AEneas, urge them from the powers 305 Of Troy away into the host of Greece. For they are sprung from those which Jove to Tros In compensation gave for Ganymede; The Sun himself sees not their like below. Anchises, King of men, clandestine them 310 Obtain'd, his mares submitting to the steeds Of King Laomedon. Six brought him foals; Four to himself reserving, in his stalls He fed them sleek, and two he gave his son: These, might we win them, were a noble prize. 315 Thus mutual they conferr'd; those Chiefs, the while, With swiftest pace approach'd, and first his speech To Diomede Lycaon's son address'd. Heroic offspring of a noble sire, Brave son of Tydeus! false to my intent 320 My shaft hath harm'd thee little. I will now Make trial with my spear, if that may speed. He said, and shaking his long-shadow'd spear, Dismiss'd it. Forceful on the shield it struck Of Diomede, transpierced it, and approach'd 325 With threatening point the hauberk on his breast. Loud shouted Pandarus--Ah nobly thrown! Home to thy bowels. Die, for die thou must, And all the glory of thy death is mine. Then answer thus brave Diomede return'd 330 Undaunted. I am whole. Thy cast was short. But ye desist not, as I plain perceive, Till one at least extended on the plain Shall sate the God of battles with his blood. He said and threw. Pallas the spear herself 335 Directed; at his eye fast by the nose Deep-entering, through his ivory teeth it pass'd, At its extremity divided sheer His tongue, and started through his chin below. He headlong fell, and with his dazzling arms 340 Smote full the plain. Back flew the fiery steeds With swift recoil, and where he fell he died. Then sprang AEneas forth with spear and shield, That none might drag the body;[11] lion-like He stalk'd around it, oval shield and spear 345 Advancing firm, and with incessant cries Terrific, death denouncing on his foes. But Diomede with hollow grasp a stone Enormous seized, a weight to overtask Two strongest men of such as now are strong, 350 Yet he, alone, wielded the rock with ease. Full on the hip he smote him, where the thigh Rolls in its cavity, the socket named. He crushed the socket, lacerated wide Both tendons, and with that rough-angled mass 355 Flay'd all his flesh, The Hero on his knees Sank, on his ample palm his weight upbore Laboring, and darkness overspread his eyes. There had AEneas perish'd, King of men, Had not Jove's daughter Venus quick perceived 360 His peril imminent, whom she had borne Herself to Anchises pasturing his herds. Her snowy arras her darling son around She threw maternal, and behind a fold Of her bright mantle screening close his breast 365 From mortal harm by some brave Grecian's spear, Stole him with eager swiftness from the fight. Nor then forgat brave Sthenelus his charge Received from Diomede, but his own steeds Detaining distant from the boisterous war, 370 Stretch'd tight the reins, and hook'd them fast behind. The coursers of AEneas next he seized Ardent, and them into the host of Greece Driving remote, consign'd them to his care, Whom far above all others his compeers 375 He loved, Deipylus, his bosom friend Congenial. Him he charged to drive them thence Into the fleet, then, mounting swift his own, Lash'd after Diomede; he, fierce in arms, Pursued the Cyprian Goddess, conscious whom, 380 Not Pallas, not Enyo, waster dread Of cities close-beleaguer'd, none of all Who o'er the battle's bloody course preside, But one of softer kind and prone to fear. When, therefore, her at length, after long chase 385 Through all the warring multitude he reach'd, With his protruded spear her gentle hand He wounded, piercing through her thin attire Ambrosial, by themselves the graces wrought, Her inside wrist, fast by the rosy palm. 390 Blood follow'd, but immortal; ichor pure, Such as the blest inhabitants of heaven May bleed, nectareous; for the Gods eat not Man's food, nor slake as he with sable wine Their thirst, thence bloodless and from death exempt. 395 She, shrieking, from her arms cast down her son, And Phoebus, in impenetrable clouds Him hiding, lest the spear of some brave Greek Should pierce his bosom, caught him swift away. Then shouted brave Tydides after her-- 400 Depart, Jove's daughter! fly the bloody field. Is't not enough that thou beguilest the hearts Of feeble women? If thou dare intrude Again into the war, war's very name Shall make thee shudder, wheresoever heard. 405 He said, and Venus with excess of pain Bewilder'd went; but Iris tempest-wing'd Forth led her through the multitude, oppress'd With anguish, her white wrist to livid changed. They came where Mars far on the left retired 410 Of battle sat, his horses and his spear In darkness veil'd. Before her brother's knees She fell, and with entreaties urgent sought The succor of his coursers golden-rein'd. Save me, my brother! Pity me! Thy steeds 415 Give me, that they may bear me to the heights Olympian, seat of the immortal Gods! Oh! I am wounded deep; a mortal man Hath done it, Diomede; nor would he fear This day in fight the Sire himself of all. 420 Then Mars his coursers gold-caparison'd Resign'd to Venus; she, with countenance sad, The chariot climb'd, and Iris at her side The bright reins seizing lash'd the ready steeds. Soon as the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods, 425 They reach'd, wing-footed Iris loosing quick The coursers, gave them large whereon to browse Ambrosial food; but Venus on the knees Sank of Dione, who with folded arms Maternal, to her bosom straining close 430 Her daughter, stroked her cheek, and thus inquired. My darling child! who? which of all the Gods Hath rashly done such violence to thee As if convicted of some open wrong? Her then the Goddess of love-kindling smiles 435 Venus thus answer'd; Diomede the proud, Audacious Diomede; he gave the wound, For that I stole AEneas from the fight My son of all mankind my most beloved; Nor is it now the war of Greece with Troy, 440 But of the Grecians with the Gods themselves. Then thus Dione, Goddess all divine. My child! how hard soe'er thy sufferings seem Endure them patiently. Full many a wrong From human hands profane the Gods endure, 445 And many a painful stroke, mankind from ours. Mars once endured much wrong, when on a time Him Otus bound and Ephialtes fast, Sons of Aloeeus, and full thirteen moons In brazen thraldom held him. There, at length, 450 The fierce blood-nourished Mars had pined away, But that Eeriboea, loveliest nymph, His step-mother, in happy hour disclosed To Mercury the story of his wrongs; He stole the prisoner forth, but with his woes 455 Already worn, languid and fetter-gall'd. Nor Juno less endured, when erst the bold Son of Amphytrion with tridental shaft Her bosom pierced; she then the misery felt Of irremediable pain severe. 460 Nor suffer'd Pluto less, of all the Gods Gigantic most, by the same son of Jove Alcides, at the portals of the dead Transfix'd and fill'd with anguish; he the house Of Jove and the Olympian summit sought 465 Dejected, torture-stung, for sore the shaft Oppress'd him, into his huge shoulder driven. But Paeon[12] him not liable to death With unction smooth of salutiferous balms Heal'd soon. Presumptuous, sacrilegious man! 470 Careless what dire enormities he wrought, Who bent his bow against the powers of heaven! But blue-eyed Pallas instigated him By whom thou bleed'st. Infatuate! he forgets That whoso turns against the Gods his arm 475 Lives never long; he never, safe escaped From furious fight, the lisp'd caresses hears Of his own infants prattling at his knees. Let therefore Diomede beware, lest strong And valiant as he is, he chance to meet 490 Some mightier foe than thou, and lest his wife, Daughter of King Adrastus, the discrete AEgialea, from portentous dreams Upstarting, call her family to wail Her first-espoused, Achaia's proudest boast, 485 Diomede, whom she must behold no more. She said, and from her wrist with both hands wiped The trickling ichor; the effectual touch Divine chased all her pains, and she was heal'd. Them Juno mark'd and Pallas, and with speech 490 Sarcastic pointed at Saturnian Jove To vex him, blue-eyed Pallas thus began. Eternal father! may I speak my thought, And not incense thee, Jove? I can but judge That Venus, while she coax'd some Grecian fair 495 To accompany the Trojans whom she loves With such extravagance, hath heedless stroked Her golden clasps, and scratch'd her lily hand. So she; then smiled the sire of Gods and men, And calling golden Venus, her bespake. 500 War and the tented field, my beauteous child, Are not for thee. Thou rather shouldst be found In scenes of matrimonial bliss. The toils Of war to Pallas and to Mars belong. Thus they in heaven. But Diomede the while 505 Sprang on AEneas, conscious of the God Whose hand o'ershadow'd him, yet even him Regarding lightly; for he burn'd to slay AEneas, and to seize his glorious arms. Thrice then he sprang impetuous to the deed, 510 And thrice Apollo with his radiant shield Repulsed him. But when ardent as a God The fourth time he advanced, with thundering-voice Him thus the Archer of the skies rebuked. Think, and retire, Tydides! nor affect 515 Equality with Gods; for not the same Our nature is and theirs who tread the ground. He spake, and Diomede a step retired, Not more; the anger of the Archer-God Declining slow, and with a sullen awe. 520 Then Phoebus, far from all the warrior throng To his own shrine the sacred dome beneath Of Pergamus, AEneas bore; there him Latona and shaft-arm'd Diana heal'd And glorified within their spacious fane. 525 Meantime the Archer of the silver bow A visionary form prepared; it seem'd Himself AEneas, and was arm'd as he. At once, in contest for that airy form, Grecians and Trojans on each other's breasts 530 The bull-hide buckler batter'd and light targe. Then thus Apollo to the warrior God. Gore-tainted homicide, town-batterer Mars! Wilt thou not meet and from the fight withdraw This man Tydides, now so fiery grown 535 That he would even cope with Jove himself? First Venus' hand he wounded, and assail'd Impetuous as a God, next, even me. He ceased, and on the topmost turret sat Of Pergamus. Then all-destroyer Mars 540 Ranging the Trojan host, rank after rank Exhorted loud, and in the form assumed Of Acamas the Thracian leader bold, The godlike sons of Priam thus harangued. Ye sons of Priam, monarch Jove-beloved! 545 How long permit ye your Achaian foes To slay the people?--till the battle rage (Push'd home to Ilium) at her solid gates? Behold--a Chief disabled lies, than whom We reverence not even Hector more, 550 AEneas; fly, save from the roaring storm The noble Anchisiades your friend. He said; then every heart for battle glow'd; And thus Sarpedon with rebuke severe Upbraiding generous Hector, stern began. 555 Where is thy courage, Hector? for thou once Hadst courage. Is it fled? In other days Thy boast hath been that without native troops Or foreign aids, thy kindred and thyself Alone, were guard sufficient for the town. 560 But none of all thy kindred now appears; I can discover none; they stand aloof Quaking, as dogs that hear the lion's roar. We bear the stress, who are but Troy's allies; Myself am such, and from afar I came; 565 For Lycia lies far distant on the banks Of the deep-eddied Xanthus. There a wife I left and infant son, both dear to me, With plenteous wealth, the wish of all who want. Yet urge I still my Lycians, and am prompt 570 Myself to fight, although possessing here Nought that the Greeks can carry or drive hence. But there stand'st thou, neither employed thyself, Nor moving others to an active part For all their dearest pledges. Oh beware! 575 Lest, as with meshes of an ample net, At one huge draught the Grecians sweep you all, And desolate at once your populous Troy! By day, by night, thoughts such as these should still Thy conduct influence, and from Chief to Chief 580 Of the allies should send thee, praying each To make firm stand, all bickerings put away. So spake Sarpedon, and his reprimand Stung Hector; instant to the ground he leap'd All arm'd, and shaking his bright spears his host 585 Ranged in all quarters animating loud His legions, and rekindling horrid war. Then, rolling back, the powers of Troy opposed Once more the Grecians, whom the Grecians dense Expected, unretreating, void of fear. 590 As flies the chaff wide scatter'd by the wind O'er all the consecrated floor, what time Ripe Ceres[13] with brisk airs her golden grain Ventilates, whitening with its husk the ground; So grew the Achaians white, a dusty cloud 595 Descending on their arms, which steeds with steeds Again to battle mingling, with their hoofs Up-stamp'd into the brazen vault of heaven; For now the charioteers turn'd all to fight. Host toward host with full collected force 600 They moved direct. Then Mars through all the field Took wide his range, and overhung the war With night, in aid of Troy, at the command Of Phoebus of the golden sword; for he Perceiving Pallas from the field withdrawn, 605 Patroness of the Greeks, had Mars enjoin'd To rouse the spirit of the Trojan host. Meantime Apollo from his unctuous shrine Sent forth restored and with new force inspired AEneas. He amidst his warriors stood, 610 Who him with joy beheld still living, heal'd, And all his strength possessing unimpair'd. Yet no man ask'd him aught. No leisure now For question was; far other thoughts had they; Such toils the archer of the silver bow, 615 Wide-slaughtering Mars, and Discord as at first Raging implacable, for them prepared. Ulysses, either Ajax, Diomede-- These roused the Greeks to battle, who themselves The force fear'd nothing, or the shouts of Troy, 620 But steadfast stood, like clouds by Jove amass'd On lofty mountains, while the fury sleeps Of Boreas, and of all the stormy winds Shrill-voiced, that chase the vapors when they blow, So stood the Greeks, expecting firm the approach 625 Of Ilium's powers, and neither fled nor fear'd. Then Agamemnon the embattled host On all sides ranging, cheer'd them. Now, he cried, Be steadfast, fellow warriors, now be men! Hold fast a sense of honor. More escape 630 Of men who fear disgrace, than fall in fight, While dastards forfeit life and glory both. He said, and hurl'd his spear. He pierced a friend Of brave AEneas, warring in the van, Deicoeon son of Pergasus, in Troy 635 Not less esteem'd than Priam's sons themselves, Such was his fame in foremost fight acquired. Him Agamemnon on his buckler smote, Nor stayed the weapon there, but through his belt His bowels enter'd, and with hideous clang 640 And outcry[14] of his batter'd arms he fell. AEneas next two mightiest warriors slew, Sons of Diocles, of a wealthy sire, Whose house magnificent in Phaerae stood, Orsilochus and Crethon. Their descent 645 From broad-stream'd Alpheus, Pylian flood, they drew. Alpheus begat Orsilochus, a prince Of numerous powers. Orsilochus begat Warlike Diodes. From Diodes sprang Twins, Crethon and Orsilochus, alike 650 Valiant, and skilful in all forms of war. Their boyish prime scarce past, they, with the Greeks Embarking, in their sable ships had sail'd To steed-fam'd Ilium; just revenge they sought For Atreus' sons, but perished first themselves. 655 As two young lions, in the deep recess Of some dark forest on the mountain's brow Late nourished by their dam, forth-issuing, seize The fatted flocks and kine, both folds and stalls Wasting rapacious, till, at length, themselves 660 Deep-wounded perish by the hand of man, So they, both vanquish'd by AEneas, fell, And like two lofty pines uprooted, lay. Them fallen in battle Menelaus saw With pity moved; radiant in arms he shook 665 His brazen spear, and strode into the van. Mars urged him furious on, conceiving hope Of his death also by AEneas' hand. But him the son of generous Nestor mark'd Antilochus, and to the foremost fight 670 Flew also, fearing lest some dire mischance The Prince befalling, at one fatal stroke Should frustrate all the labors of the Greeks. They, hand to hand, and spear to spear opposed, Stood threatening dreadful onset, when beside 675 The Spartan chief Antilochus appear'd. AEneas, at the sight of two combined, Stood not, although intrepid. They the dead Thence drawing far into the Grecian host To their associates gave the hapless pair, 680 Then, both returning, fought in front again. Next, fierce as Mars, Pylaemenes they slew, Prince of the shielded band magnanimous Of Paphlagonia. Him Atrides kill'd Spear-practised Menelaus, with a lance 685 His throat transpiercing while erect he rode. Then, while his charioteer, Mydon the brave, Son of Atymnias, turn'd his steeds to flight, Full on his elbow-point Antilochus, The son of Nestor, dash'd him with a stone. 690 The slack reins, white as ivory,[15] forsook His torpid hand and trail'd the dust. At once Forth sprang Antilochus, and with his sword Hew'd deep his temples. On his head he pitch'd Panting, and on his shoulders in the sand 695 (For in deep sand he fell) stood long erect, Till his own coursers spread him in the dust; The son of Nestor seized, and with his scourge Drove them afar into the host of Greece. Them Hector through the ranks espying, flew 700 With clamor loud to meet them; after whom Advanced in phalanx firm the powers of Troy, Mars led them, with Enyo terror-clad; She by the maddening tumult of the fight Attended, he, with his enormous spear 705 in both hands brandish'd, stalking now in front Of Hector, and now following his steps. Him Diomede the bold discerning, felt Himself no small dismay; and as a man Wandering he knows not whither, far from home, 710 If chance a rapid torrent to the sea Borne headlong thwart his course, the foaming flood Obstreperous views awhile, then quick retires, So he, and his attendants thus bespake. How oft, my countrymen! have we admired 715 The noble Hector, skillful at the spear And unappall'd in fight? but still hath he Some God his guard, and even now I view In human form Mars moving at his side. Ye, then, with faces to the Trojans turn'd, 720 Ceaseless retire, and war not with the Gods. He ended; and the Trojans now approach'd. Then two bold warriors in one chariot borne, By valiant Hector died, Menesthes one, And one, Anchialus. Them fallen in fight 725 Ajax the vast, touch'd with compassion saw; Within small space he stood, his glittering spear Dismiss'd, and pierced Amphius. Son was he Of Selagus, and Paesus was his home, Where opulent he dwelt, but by his fate 730 Was led to fight for Priam and his sons. Him Telamonian Ajax through his belt Wounded, and in his nether bowels deep Fix'd his long-shadow'd spear. Sounding he fell. Illustrious Ajax running to the slain 735 Prepared to strip his arms, but him a shower Of glittering-weapons keen from Trojan hands Assail'd, and numerous his broad shield received. He, on the body planting firm his heel, Forth drew the polish'd spear, but his bright arms 740 Took not, by darts thick-flying sore annoy'd, Nor fear'd he little lest his haughty foes, Spear-arm'd and bold, should compass him around; Him, therefore, valiant though he were and huge, They push'd before them. Staggering he retired. 745 Thus toil'd both hosts in that laborious field. And now his ruthless destiny impell'd Tlepolemus, Alcides' son, a Chief Dauntless and huge, against a godlike foe Sarpedon. They approaching face to face 750 Stood, son and grandson of high-thundering Jove, And, haughty, thus Tlepolemus began. Sarpedon, leader of the Lycian host, Thou trembler! thee what cause could hither urge A man unskill'd in arms? They falsely speak 755 Who call thee son of AEgis-bearing Jove, So far below their might thou fall'st who sprang From Jove in days of old. What says report Of Hercules (for him I boast my sire) All-daring hero with a lion's heart? 760 With six ships only, and with followers few, He for the horses of Laomedon Lay'd Troy in dust, and widow'd all her streets. But thou art base, and thy diminish'd powers Perish around thee; think not that thou earnest 765 For Ilium's good, but rather, whatsoe'er Thy force in fight, to find, subdued by me, A sure dismission to the gates of hell. To whom the leader of the Lycian band. Tlepolemus! he ransack'd sacred Troy, 770 As thou hast said, but for her monarch's fault Laomedon, who him with language harsh Requited ill for benefits received, Nor would the steeds surrender, seeking which He voyaged from afar. But thou shalt take 775 Thy bloody doom from this victorious arm, And, vanquish'd by my spear, shalt yield thy fame To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd. So spake Sarpedon, and his ashen beam Tlepolemus upraised. Both hurl'd at once 780 Their quivering spears. Sarpedon's through the neck Pass'd of Tlepolemus, and show'd beyond Its ruthless point; thick darkness veil'd his eyes. Tlepolemus with his long lance the thigh Pierced of Sarpedon; sheer into his bone 785 He pierced him, but Sarpedon's father, Jove, Him rescued even on the verge of fate. His noble friends conducted from the field The godlike Lycian, trailing as he went The pendent spear, none thinking to extract 790 For his relief the weapon from his thigh, Through eagerness of haste to bear him thence. On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail'd Bore off Tlepolemus. Ulysses fill'd With earnest thoughts tumultuous them observed, 795 Danger-defying Chief! Doubtful he stood Or to pursue at once the Thunderer's son Sarpedon, or to take more Lycian lives. But not for brave Ulysses had his fate That praise reserved, that he should slay the son 800 Renown'd of Jove; therefore his wavering mind Minerva bent against the Lycian band. Then Coeranus, Alastor, Chromius fell, Alcander, Halius, Prytanis, and brave Noemon; nor had these sufficed the Chief 805 Of Ithaca, but Lycians more had fallen, Had not crest-tossing Hector huge perceived The havoc; radiant to the van he flew, Filling with dread the Grecians; his approach Sarpedon, son of Jove, joyful beheld, 810 And piteous thus address'd him as he came. Ah, leave not me, Priamides! a prey To Grecian hands, but in your city, at least, Grant me to die: since hither, doom'd, I came Never to gratify with my return 815 To Lycia, my loved spouse, or infant child. He spake; but Hector unreplying pass'd Impetuous, ardent to repulse the Greeks That moment, and to drench his sword in blood. Then, under shelter of a spreading beech 820 Sacred to Jove, his noble followers placed The godlike Chief Sarpedon, where his friend Illustrious Pelagon, the ashen spear Extracted. Sightless, of all thought bereft, He sank, but soon revived, by breathing airs 825 Refresh'd, that fann'd him gently from the North. Meantime the Argives, although press'd alike By Mars himself and Hector brazen-arm'd, Neither to flight inclined, nor yet advanced To battle, but inform'd that Mars the fight 830 Waged on the side of Ilium, slow retired.[16] Whom first, whom last slew then the mighty son Of Priam, Hector, and the brazen Mars! First godlike Teuthras, an equestrian Chief, Orestes, Trechus of AEtolian race, 835 OEnomaues, Helenus from OEnops' sprung, And brisk[17] in fight Oresbius; rich was he, And covetous of more; in Hyla dwelt Fast by the lake Cephissus, where abode Boeotian Princes numerous, rich themselves 840 And rulers of a people wealth-renown'd. But Juno, such dread slaughter of the Greeks Noting, thus, ardent, to Minerva spake. Daughter of Jove invincible! Our word That Troy shall perish, hath been given in vain 845 To Menelaus, if we suffer Mars To ravage longer uncontrol'd. The time Urges, and need appears that we ourselves Now call to mind the fury of our might. She spake; nor blue-eyed Pallas not complied. 850 Then Juno, Goddess dread, from Saturn sprung, Her coursers gold-caparison'd prepared Impatient. Hebe to the chariot roll'd The brazen wheels,[18] and joined them to the smooth Steel axle; twice four spokes divided each 855 Shot from the centre to the verge. The verge Was gold by fellies of eternal brass Guarded, a dazzling show! The shining naves Were silver; silver cords and cords of gold The seat upbore; two crescents[19] blazed in front. 860 The pole was argent all, to which she bound The golden yoke, and in their place disposed The breast-bands incorruptible of gold; But Juno to the yoke, herself, the steeds Led forth, on fire to reach the dreadful field. 865 Meantime, Minerva, progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode Let fall profuse her variegated robe, Labor of her own hands. She first put on The corselet of the cloud-assembler God, 870 Then arm'd her for the field of wo complete. She charged her shoulder with the dreadful shield The shaggy AEgis,[20] border'd thick around With terror; there was Discord, Prowess there, There hot Pursuit, and there the feature grim 875 Of Gorgon, dire Deformity, a sign Oft borne portentous on the arm of Jove. Her golden helm, whose concave had sufficed The legions of an hundred cities, rough With warlike ornament superb, she fix'd 880 On her immortal head. Thus arm'd, she rose Into the flaming chariot, and her spear Seized ponderous, huge, with which the Goddess sprung From an Almighty father, levels ranks Of heroes, against whom her anger burns. 885 Juno with lifted lash urged quick the steeds; At her approach, spontaneous roar'd the wide- Unfolding gates of heaven;[21] the heavenly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian summit appertains, 890 And of the boundless ether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier dense. Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid steeds; Apart from all, and seated on the point Superior of the cloven mount, they found 895 The Thunderer. Juno the white-arm'd her steeds There stay'd, and thus the Goddess, ere she pass'd, Question'd the son of Saturn, Jove supreme. Jove, Father, seest thou, and art not incensed, These ravages of Mars? Oh what a field, 900 Drench'd with what Grecian blood! All rashly spilt, And in despite of me. Venus, the while, Sits, and the Archer of the silver bow Delighted, and have urged, themselves, to this The frantic Mars within no bounds confined 905 Of law or order. But, eternal sire! Shall I offend thee chasing far away Mars deeply smitten from the field of war? To whom the cloud-assembler God replied. Go! but exhort thou rather to the task 910 Spoil-huntress Athenaean Pallas, him Accustom'd to chastise with pain severe. He spake, nor white-arm'd Juno not obey'd. She lash'd her steeds; they readily their flight Began, the earth and starry vault between. 915 Far as from his high tower the watchman kens O'er gloomy ocean, so far at one bound Advance the shrill-voiced coursers of the Gods. But when at Troy and at the confluent streams Of Simois and Scamander they arrived, 920 There Juno, white-arm'd Goddess, from the yoke Her steeds releasing, them in gather'd shades Conceal'd opaque, while Simois caused to spring Ambrosia from his bank, whereon they browsed. Swift as her pinions waft the dove away 925 They sought the Grecians, ardent to begin: Arriving where the mightiest and the most Compass'd equestrian Diomede around, In aspect lion-like, or like wild boars Of matchless force, there white-arm'd Juno stood, 930 And in the form of Stentor for his voice Of brass renown'd, audible as the roar Of fifty throats, the Grecians thus harangued. Oh shame, shame, shame! Argives in form alone, Beautiful but dishonorable race! 935 While yet divine Achilles ranged the field, No Trojan stepp'd from yon Dardanian gates Abroad; all trembled at his stormy spear; But now they venture forth, now at your ships Defy you, from their city far remote. 940 She ceased, and all caught courage from the sound. But Athenaean Pallas eager sought The son of Tydeus; at his chariot side She found the Chief cooling his fiery wound Received from Pandarus; for him the sweat 945 Beneath the broad band of his oval shield Exhausted, and his arm fail'd him fatigued; He therefore raised the band and wiped the blood Coagulate; when o'er his chariot yoke Her arm the Goddess threw, and thus began. 950 Tydeus, in truth, begat a son himself Not much resembling. Tydeus was of size Diminutive, but had a warrior's heart. When him I once commanded to abstain From furious fight (what time he enter'd Thebes 955 Ambassador, and the Cadmeans found Feasting, himself the sole Achaian there) And bade him quietly partake the feast. He, fired with wonted ardor, challenged forth To proof of manhood the Cadmean youth, 960 Whom easily, through my effectual aid, In contests of each kind he overcame. But thou, whom I encircle with my power, Guard vigilant, and even bid thee forth To combat with the Trojans, thou, thy limbs 965 Feel'st wearied with the toils of war, or worse, Indulgest womanish and heartless fear. Henceforth thou art not worthy to be deem'd Son of Oenides, Tydeus famed in arms. To whom thus valiant Diomede replied. 970 I know thee well, oh Goddess sprung from Jove! And therefore willing shall, and plain, reply. Me neither weariness nor heartless fear Restrains, but thine injunctions which impress My memory, still, that I should fear to oppose 975 The blessed Gods in fight, Venus except, Whom in the battle found thou badest me pierce With unrelenting spear; therefore myself Retiring hither, I have hither call'd The other Argives also, for I know 980 That Mars, himself in arms, controls the war. Him answer'd then the Goddess azure-eyed. Tydides! Diomede, my heart's delight! Fear not this Mars,[22] nor fear thou other power Immortal, but be confident in me. 985 Arise. Drive forth. Seek Mars; him only seek; Him hand to hand engage; this fiery Mars Respect not aught, base implement of wrong And mischief, shifting still from side to side. He promised Juno lately and myself 990 That he would fight for Greece, yet now forgets His promise, and gives all his aid to Troy. So saying, she backward by his hand withdrew The son of Capaneus, who to the ground Leap'd instant; she, impatient to his place 995 Ascending, sat beside brave Diomede. Loud groan'd the beechen axle, under weight Unwonted, for it bore into the fight An awful Goddess, and the chief of men. Quick-seizing lash and reins Minerva drove 1000 Direct at Mars. That moment he had slain Periphas, bravest of AEtolia's sons, And huge of bulk; Ochesius was his sire. Him Mars the slaughterer had of life bereft Newly, and Pallas to elude his sight 1005 The helmet fixed of Ades on her head.[23] Soon as gore-tainted Mars the approach perceived Of Diomede, he left the giant length Of Periphas extended where he died, And flew to cope with Tydeus' valiant son. 1010 Full nigh they came, when Mars on fire to slay The hero, foremost with his brazen lance Assail'd him, hurling o'er his horses' heads. But Athenaean Pallas in her hand The flying weapon caught and turn'd it wide, 1015 Baffling his aim. Then Diomede on him Rush'd furious in his turn, and Pallas plunged The bright spear deep into his cinctured waist Dire was the wound, and plucking back the spear She tore him. Bellow'd brazen-throated Mars 1020 Loud as nine thousand warriors, or as ten Join'd in close combat. Grecians, Trojans shook Appall'd alike at the tremendous voice Of Mars insatiable with deeds of blood. Such as the dimness is when summer winds 1025 Breathe hot, and sultry mist obscures the sky, Such brazen Mars to Diomede appear'd By clouds accompanied in his ascent Into the boundless ether. Reaching soon The Olympian heights, seat of the Gods, he sat 1030 Beside Saturnian Jove; wo fill'd his heart; He show'd fast-streaming from the wound his blood Immortal, and impatient thus complain'd. Jove, Father! Seest thou these outrageous acts Unmoved with anger? Such are day by day 1035 The dreadful mischiefs by the Gods contrived Against each other, for the sake of man. Thou art thyself the cause. Thou hast produced A foolish daughter petulant, addict To evil only and injurious deeds; 1040 There is not in Olympus, save herself, Who feels not thy control; but she her will Gratifies ever, and reproof from thee Finds none, because, pernicious as she is, She is thy daughter. She hath now the mind 1045 Of haughty Diomede with madness fill'd Against the immortal Gods; first Venus bled; Her hand he pierced impetuous, then assail'd, As if himself immortal, even me, But me my feet stole thence, or overwhelm'd 1050 Beneath yon heaps of carcases impure, What had I not sustain'd? And if at last I lived, had halted crippled by the sword. To whom with dark displeasure Jove replied. Base and side-shifting traitor! vex not me 1055 Here sitting querulous; of all who dwell On the Olympian heights, thee most I hate Contentious, whose delight is war alone. Thou hast thy mother's moods, the very spleen Of Juno, uncontrolable as she. 1060 Whom even I, reprove her as I may, Scarce rule by mere commands; I therefore judge Thy sufferings a contrivance all her own. But soft. Thou art my son whom I begat. And Juno bare thee. I can not endure 1065 That thou shouldst suffer long. Hadst thou been born Of other parents thus detestable, What Deity soe'er had brought thee forth, Thou shouldst have found long since a humbler sphere. He ceased, and to the care his son consign'd 1070 Of Paeon; he with drugs of lenient powers, Soon heal'd whom immortality secured From dissolution. As the juice from figs Express'd what fluid was in milk before Coagulates, stirr'd rapidly around, 1075 So soon was Mars by Paeon skill restored. Him Hebe bathed, and with divine attire Graceful adorn'd; when at the side of Jove Again his glorious seat sublime he took. Meantime to the abode of Jove supreme 1080 Ascended Juno throughout Argos known And mighty Pallas; Mars the plague of man, By their successful force from slaughter driven. THE ILIAD. BOOK VI. ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK. The battle is continued. The Trojans being closely pursued, Hector by the advice of Helenus enters Troy, and recommends it to Hecuba to go in solemn procession to the temple of Minerva; she with the matrons goes accordingly. Hector takes the opportunity to find out Paris, and exhorts him to return to the field of battle. An interview succeeds between Hector and Andromache, and Paris, having armed himself in the mean time, comes up with Hector at the close of it, when they sally from the gate together. BOOK VI. Thus was the field forsaken by the Gods. And now success proved various; here the Greeks With their extended spears, the Trojans there Prevail'd alternate, on the champain spread The Xanthus and the Simois between.[1] 5 First Telamonian Ajax,[2] bulwark firm Of the Achaians, broke the Trojan ranks, And kindled for the Greeks a gleam of hope, Slaying the bravest of the Thracian band, Huge Acamas, Eusorus' son; him first 10 Full on the shaggy crest he smote, and urged The spear into his forehead; through his skull The bright point pass'd, and darkness veil'd his eyes. But Diomede, heroic Chief, the son Of Teuthras slew, Axylus.[3] Rich was he, 15 And in Arisba (where he dwelt beside The public road, and at his open door Made welcome all) respected and beloved. But of his numerous guests none interposed To avert his woful doom; nor him alone 20 He slew, but with him also to the shades Calesius sent, his friend and charioteer. Opheltius fell and Dresus, by the hand Slain of Euryalus, who, next, his arms On Pedasus and on AEsepus turned 25 Brethren and twins. Them Abarbarea bore, A Naiad, to Bucolion, son renown'd Of King Laomedon, his eldest born, But by his mother, at his birth, conceal'd. Bucolion pasturing his flocks, embraced 30 The lovely nymph; she twins produced, both whom, Brave as they were and beautiful, thy son[4] Mecisteus! slew, and from their shoulders tore Their armor. Dauntless Polypoetes slew Astyalus. Ulysses with his spear 35 Transfixed Pydites, a Percosian Chief, And Teucer Aretaoen; Nestor's pride Antilochus, with his bright lance, of life Bereft Ablerus, and the royal arm Of Agamemnon, Elatus; he dwelt 40 Among the hills of lofty Pedasus, On Satnio's banks, smooth-sliding river pure Phylacus fled, whom Leitus as swift Soon smote. Melanthius at the feet expired Of the renown'd Eurypylus, and, flush'd 45 With martial ardor, Menelaus seized And took alive Adrastus. As it chanced A thicket his affrighted steeds detain'd Their feet entangling; they with restive force At its extremity snapp'd short the pole, 50 And to the city, whither others fled, Fled also. From his chariot headlong hurl'd, Adrastus press'd the plain fast by his wheel. Flew Menelaus, and his quivering spear Shook over him; he, life imploring, clasp'd 55 Importunate his knees, and thus exclaim'd. Oh, son of Atreus, let me live! accept Illustrious ransom! In my father's house Is wealth abundant, gold, and brass, and steel Of truest temper, which he will impart 60 Till he have gratified thine utmost wish, Inform'd that I am captive in your fleet. He said, and Menelaus by his words Vanquish'd, him soon had to the fleet dismiss'd Given to his train in charge, but swift and stern 65 Approaching, Agamemnon interposed. Now, brother, whence this milkiness of mind, These scruples about blood? Thy Trojan friends Have doubtless much obliged thee. Die the race! May none escape us! neither he who flies, 70 Nor even the infant in his mother's womb Unconscious. Perish universal Troy Unpitied, till her place be found no more![5] So saying, his brother's mind the Hero turn'd, Advising him aright; he with his hand 75 Thrust back Adrastus, and himself, the King, His bowels pierced. Supine Adrastus fell, And Agamemnon, with his foot the corse Impressing firm, pluck'd forth his ashen spear. Then Nestor, raising high his voice, exclaim'd. 80 Friends, Heroes, Grecians, ministers of Mars! Let none, desirous of the spoil, his time Devote to plunder now; now slay your foes, And strip them when the field shall be your own.[6] He said, and all took courage at his word. 85 Then had the Trojans enter'd Troy again By the heroic Grecians foul repulsed, So was their spirit daunted, but the son Of Priam, Helenus, an augur far Excelling all, at Hector's side his speech 90 To him and to AEneas thus address'd. Hector, and thou, AEneas, since on you The Lycians chiefly and ourselves depend, For that in difficult emprize ye show Most courage; give best counsel; stand yourselves, 95 And, visiting all quarters, cause to stand Before the city-gates our scatter'd troops, Ere yet the fugitives within the arms Be slaughter'd of their wives, the scorn of Greece. When thus ye shall have rallied every band 100 And roused their courage, weary though we be, Yet since necessity commands, even here Will we give battle to the host of Greece. But, Hector! to the city thou depart; There charge our mother, that she go direct, 105 With the assembled matrons, to the fane Of Pallas in the citadel of Troy. Opening her chambers' sacred doors, of all Her treasured mantles there, let her select The widest, most magnificently wrought, 110 And which she values most; _that_ let her spread On Athenaean Pallas' lap divine.[7] Twelve heifers of the year yet never touch'd With puncture of the goad, let her alike Devote to her, if she will pity Troy, 115 Our wives and little ones, and will avert The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers, That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host, Bravest, in my account, of all the Greeks. For never yet Achilles hath himself 120 So taught our people fear, although esteemed Son of a Goddess. But this warrior's rage Is boundless, and his strength past all compare. So Helenus; nor Hector not complied. Down from his chariot instant to the ground 125 All arm'd he leap'd, and, shaking his sharp spears, Through every phalanx pass'd, rousing again Their courage, and rekindling horrid war. They, turning, faced the Greeks; the Greeks repulsed, Ceased from all carnage, nor supposed they less 130 Than that some Deity, the starry skies Forsaken, help'd their foes, so firm they stood. But Hector to the Trojans call'd aloud. Ye dauntless Trojans and confederate powers Call'd from afar! now be ye men, my friends, 135 Now summon all the fury of your might! I go to charge our senators and wives That they address the Gods with prayers and vows For our success, and hecatombs devote. So saying the Hero went, and as he strode 140 The sable hide that lined his bossy shield Smote on his neck and on his ancle-bone. And now into the middle space between Both hosts, the son of Tydeus and the son Moved of Hippolochus, intent alike 145 On furious combat; face to face they stood, And thus heroic Diomede began. Most noble Champion! who of human kind Art thou,[8] whom in the man-ennobling fight I now encounter first? Past all thy peers 150 I must esteem thee valiant, who hast dared To meet my coming, and my spear defy. Ah! they are sons of miserable sires Who dare my might; but if a God from heaven Thou come, behold! I fight not with the Gods. 155 That war Lycurgus son of Dryas waged, And saw not many years. The nurses he Of brain-disturbing Bacchus down the steep Pursued of sacred Nyssa; they their wands Vine-wreathed cast all away, with an ox-goad 160 Chastised by fell Lycurgus. Bacchus plunged Meantime dismay'd into the deep, where him Trembling, and at the Hero's haughty threats Confounded, Thetis in her bosom hid.[9] Thus by Lycurgus were the blessed powers 165 Of heaven offended, and Saturnian Jove Of sight bereaved him, who not long that loss Survived, for he was curst by all above. I, therefore, wage no contest with the Gods; But if thou be of men, and feed on bread 170 Of earthly growth, draw nigh, that with a stroke Well-aim'd, I may at once cut short thy days.[10] To whom the illustrious Lycian Chief replied. Why asks brave Diomede of my descent? For, as the leaves, such is the race of man.[11] 175 The wind shakes down the leaves, the budding grove Soon teems with others, and in spring they grow. So pass mankind. One generation meets Its destined period, and a new succeeds. But since thou seem'st desirous to be taught 180 My pedigree, whereof no few have heard, Know that in Argos, in the very lap Of Argos, for her steed-grazed meadows famed, Stands Ephyra;[12] there Sisyphus abode, Shrewdest of human kind; Sisyphus, named 185 AEolides. Himself a son begat, Glaucus, and he Bellerophon, to whom The Gods both manly force and beauty gave. Him Proetus (for in Argos at that time Proetus was sovereign, to whose sceptre Jove 190 Had subjected the land) plotting his death, Contrived to banish from his native home. For fair Anteia, wife of Proetus, mad Through love of young Bellerophon, him oft In secret to illicit joys enticed; 195 But she prevail'd not o'er the virtuous mind Discrete of whom she wooed; therefore a lie Framing, she royal Proetus thus bespake. Die thou, or slay Bellerophon, who sought Of late to force me to his lewd embrace. 200 So saying, the anger of the King she roused. Slay him himself he would not, for his heart Forbad the deed; him therefore he dismiss'd To Lycia, charged with tales of dire import Written in tablets,[13] which he bade him show, 205 That he might perish, to Anteia's sire. To Lycia then, conducted by the Gods, He went, and on the shores of Xanthus found Free entertainment noble at the hands Of Lycia's potent King. Nine days complete 210 He feasted him, and slew each day an ox. But when the tenth day's ruddy morn appear'd, He asked him then his errand, and to see Those written tablets from his son-in-law. The letters seen, he bade him, first, destroy 215 Chimaera, deem'd invincible, divine In nature, alien from the race of man, Lion in front, but dragon all behind, And in the midst a she-goat breathing forth Profuse the violence of flaming fire. 220 Her, confident in signs from heaven, he slew. Next, with the men of Solymae[14] he fought, Brave warriors far renown'd, with whom he waged, In his account, the fiercest of his wars. And lastly, when in battle he had slain 225 The man-resisting Amazons, the king Another stratagem at his return Devised against him, placing close-conceal'd An ambush for him from the bravest chosen In Lycia; but they saw their homes no more; 230 Bellerophon the valiant slew them all. The monarch hence collecting, at the last, His heavenly origin, him there detain'd, And gave him his own daughter, with the half Of all his royal dignity and power. 235 The Lycians also, for his proper use, Large lot assigned him of their richest soil,[15] Commodious for the vine, or for the plow. And now his consort fair three children bore To bold Bellerophon; Isandrus one, 240 And one, Hippolochus; his youngest born Laodamia was for beauty such That she became a concubine of Jove. She bore Sarpedon of heroic note. But when Bellerophon, at last, himself 245 Had anger'd all the Gods, feeding on grief He roam'd alone the Aleian field, exiled, By choice, from every cheerful haunt of man. Mars, thirsty still for blood, his son destroy'd Isandrus, warring with the host renown'd 250 Of Solymae; and in her wrath divine Diana from her chariot golden-rein'd Laodamia slew. Myself I boast Sprung from Hippolochus; he sent me forth To fight for Troy, charging me much and oft 255 That I should outstrip always all mankind In worth and valor, nor the house disgrace Of my forefathers, heroes without peer In Ephyra, and in Lycia's wide domain. Such is my lineage; such the blood I boast. 260 He ceased. Then valiant Diomede rejoiced. He pitch'd his spear, and to the Lycian Prince In terms of peace and amity replied. Thou art my own hereditary friend, Whose noble grandsire was the guest of mine.[16] 265 For Oeneus, on a time, full twenty days Regaled Bellerophon, and pledges fair Of hospitality they interchanged. Oeneus a belt radiant with purple gave To brave Bellerophon, who in return 270 Gave him a golden goblet. Coming forth I left the kind memorial safe at home. A child was I when Tydeus went to Thebes, Where the Achaians perish'd, and of him Hold no remembrance; but henceforth, my friend, 275 Thine host am I in Argos, and thou mine In Lycia, should I chance to sojourn there. We will not clash. Trojans or aids of Troy No few the Gods shall furnish to my spear, Whom I may slaughter; and no want of Greeks 280 On whom to prove thy prowess, thou shalt find. But it were well that an exchange ensued Between us; take mine armor, give me thine, That all who notice us may understand Our patrimonial[17] amity and love. 285 So they, and each alighting, hand in hand Stood lock'd, faith promising and firm accord. Then Jove of sober judgment so bereft Infatuate Glaucus that with Tydeus' son He barter'd gold for brass, an hundred beeves 290 In value, for the value small of nine. But Hector at the Scaean gate and beech[18] Meantime arrived, to whose approach the wives And daughters flock'd of Troy, inquiring each The fate of husband, brother, son, or friend. 295 He bade them all with solemn prayer the Gods Seek fervent, for that wo was on the wing. But when he enter'd Priam's palace, built With splendid porticoes, and which within Had fifty chambers lined with polish'd stone, 300 Contiguous all, where Priam's sons reposed And his sons' wives, and where, on the other side. In twelve magnificent chambers also lined With polish'd marble and contiguous all, The sons-in-law of Priam lay beside 305 His spotless daughters, there the mother queen Seeking the chamber of Laodice, Loveliest of all her children, as she went Met Hector. On his hand she hung and said: Why leavest thou, O my son! the dangerous field? 310 I fear that the Achaians (hateful name!) Compass the walls so closely, that thou seek'st Urged by distress the citadel, to lift Thine hands in prayer to Jove? But pause awhile Till I shall bring thee wine, that having pour'd 315 Libation rich to Jove and to the powers Immortal, thou may'st drink and be refresh'd. For wine is mighty to renew the strength Of weary man, and weary thou must be Thyself, thus long defending us and ours. 320 To whom her son majestic thus replied. My mother, whom I reverence! cheering wine Bring none to me, lest I forget my might.[19] I fear, beside, with unwash'd hands to pour Libation forth of sable wine to Jove, 325 And dare on none account, thus blood-defiled,[20] Approach the tempest-stirring God in prayer. Thou, therefore, gathering all our matrons, seek The fane of Pallas, huntress of the spoil, Bearing sweet incense; but from the attire 330 Treasured within thy chamber, first select The amplest robe, most exquisitely wrought, And which thou prizest most--then spread the gift On Athenaean Pallas' lap divine. Twelve heifers also of the year, untouch'd 335 With puncture of the goad, promise to slay In sacrifice, if she will pity Troy, Our wives and little ones, and will avert The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers, That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host. 340 Go then, my mother, seek the hallowed fane Of the spoil-huntress Deity. I, the while, Seek Paris, and if Paris yet can hear, Shall call him forth. But oh that earth would yawn And swallow him, whom Jove hath made a curse 345 To Troy, to Priam, and to all his house; Methinks, to see him plunged into the shades For ever, were a cure for all my woes. He ceased; the Queen, her palace entering, charged Her maidens; they, incontinent, throughout 350 All Troy convened the matrons, as she bade. Meantime into her wardrobe incense-fumed, Herself descended; there her treasures lay, Works of Sidonian women,[21] whom her son The godlike Paris, when he cross'd the seas 355 With Jove-begotten Helen, brought to Troy. The most magnificent, and varied most With colors radiant, from the rest she chose For Pallas; vivid as a star it shone, And lowest lay of all. Then forth she went, 360 The Trojan matrons all following her steps. But when the long procession reach'd the fane Of Pallas in the heights of Troy, to them The fair Theano ope'd the portals wide, Daughter of Cisseus, brave Antenor's spouse, 365 And by appointment public, at that time, Priestess of Pallas. All with lifted hands[22] In presence of Minerva wept aloud. Beauteous Theano on the Goddess' lap Then spread the robe, and to the daughter fair 370 Of Jove omnipotent her suit address'd. Goddess[23] of Goddesses, our city's shield, Adored Minerva, hear! oh! break the lance Of Diomede, and give himself to fall Prone in the dust before the Scaean gate. 375 So will we offer to thee at thy shrine, This day twelve heifers of the year, untouch'd By yoke or goad, if thou wilt pity show To Troy, and save our children and our wives. Such prayer the priestess offer'd, and such prayer 380 All present; whom Minerva heard averse. But Hector to the palace sped meantime Of Alexander, which himself had built, Aided by every architect of name Illustrious then in Troy. Chamber it had, 385 Wide hall, proud dome, and on the heights of Troy Near-neighboring Hector's house and Priam's stood. There enter'd Hector, Jove-beloved, a spear Its length eleven cubits in his hand, Its glittering head bound with a ring of gold. 390 He found within his chamber whom he sought, Polishing with exactest care his arms Resplendent, shield and hauberk fingering o'er With curious touch, and tampering with his bow.[24] Helen of Argos with her female train 395 Sat occupied, the while, to each in turn Some splendid task assigning. Hector fix'd His eyes on Paris, and him stern rebuked. Thy sullen humors, Paris, are ill-timed. The people perish at our lofty walls; 400 The flames of war have compass'd Troy around And thou hast kindled them; who yet thyself That slackness show'st which in another seen Thou would'st resent to death. Haste, seek the field This moment, lest, the next, all Ilium blaze. 405 To whom thus Paris, graceful as a God. Since, Hector, thou hast charged me with a fault, And not unjustly, I will answer make, And give thou special heed. That here I sit, The cause is sorrow, which I wish'd to soothe 410 In secret, not displeasure or revenge. I tell thee also, that even now my wife Was urgent with me in most soothing terms That I would forth to battle; and myself, Aware that victory oft changes sides, 415 That course prefer. Wait, therefore, thou awhile, 'Till I shall dress me for the fight, or go Thou first, and I will overtake thee soon. He ceased, to whom brave Hector answer none Return'd, when Helen him with lenient speech 420 Accosted mild.[25] My brother! who in me Hast found a sister worthy of thy hate, Authoress of all calamity to Troy, Oh that the winds, the day when I was born, Had swept me out of sight, whirl'd me aloft 425 To some inhospitable mountain-top, Or plunged me in the deep; there I had sunk O'erwhelm'd, and all these ills had never been. But since the Gods would bring these ills to pass, I should, at least, some worthier mate have chosen, 430 One not insensible to public shame. But this, oh this, nor hath nor will acquire Hereafter, aught which like discretion shows Or reason, and shall find his just reward. But enter; take this seat; for who as thou 435 Labors, or who hath cause like thee to rue The crime, my brother, for which Heaven hath doom'd Both Paris and my most detested self To be the burthens of an endless song? To whom the warlike Hector huge[26] replied. 440 Me bid not, Helen, to a seat, howe'er Thou wish my stay, for thou must not prevail. The Trojans miss me, and myself no less Am anxious to return. But urge in haste This loiterer forth; yea, let him urge himself 445 To overtake me ere I quit the town. For I must home in haste, that I may see My loved Andromache, my infant boy, And my domestics, ignorant if e'er I shall behold them more, or if my fate 450 Ordain me now to fall by Grecian hands. So spake the dauntless hero, and withdrew. But reaching soon his own well-built abode He found not fair Andromache; she stood Lamenting Hector, with the nurse who bore 455 Her infant, on a turret's top sublime. He then, not finding his chaste spouse within, Thus from the portal, of her train inquired. Tell me, ye maidens, whither went from home Andromache the fair?[27] Went she to see 460 Her female kindred of my father's house, Or to Minerva's temple, where convened The bright-hair'd matrons of the city seek To soothe the awful Goddess? Tell me true. To whom his household's governess discreet. 465 Since, Hector, truth is thy demand, receive True answer. Neither went she forth to see Her female kindred of thy father's house, Nor to Minerva's temple, where convened The bright-haired matrons of the city seek 470 To soothe the awful Goddess; but she went Hence to the tower of Troy: for she had heard That the Achaians had prevail'd, and driven The Trojans to the walls; she, therefore, wild With grief, flew thither, and the nurse her steps 475 Attended, with thy infant in her arms. So spake the prudent governess; whose words When Hector heard, issuing from his door He backward trod with hasty steps the streets Of lofty Troy, and having traversed all 480 The spacious city, when he now approach'd The Scaean gate, whence he must seek the field, There, hasting home again his noble wife Met him, Andromache the rich-endow'd Fair daughter of Eetion famed in arms. 485 Eetion, who in Hypoplacian Thebes Umbrageous dwelt, Cilicia's mighty lord-- His daughter valiant Hector had espoused. There she encounter'd him, and with herself The nurse came also, bearing in her arms 490 Hectorides, his infant darling boy, Beautiful as a star. Him Hector called Scamandrios, but Astyanax[28] all else In Ilium named him, for that Hector's arm Alone was the defence and strength of Troy. 495 The father, silent, eyed his babe, and smiled. Andromache, meantime, before him stood, With streaming cheeks, hung on his hand, and said. Thy own great courage will cut short thy days, My noble Hector! neither pitiest thou 500 Thy helpless infant, or my hapless self, Whose widowhood is near; for thou wilt fall Ere long, assail'd by the whole host of Greece. Then let me to the tomb, my best retreat When thou art slain. For comfort none or joy 505 Can I expect, thy day of life extinct, But thenceforth, sorrow. Father I have none; No mother. When Cilicia's city, Thebes The populous, was by Achilles sack'd. He slew my father; yet his gorgeous arms 510 Stripp'd not through reverence of him, but consumed, Arm'd as it was, his body on the pile, And heap'd his tomb, which the Oreades, Jove's daughters, had with elms inclosed around.[29] My seven brothers, glory of our house, 515 All in one day descended to the shades; For brave Achilles,[30] while they fed their herds And snowy flocks together, slew them all. My mother, Queen of the well-wooded realm Of Hypoplacian Thebes, her hither brought 520 Among his other spoils, he loosed again At an inestimable ransom-price, But by Diana pierced, she died at home. Yet Hector--oh my husband! I in thee Find parents, brothers, all that I have lost. 525 Come! have compassion on us. Go not hence, But guard this turret, lest of me thou make A widow, and an orphan of thy boy. The city walls are easiest of ascent At yonder fig-tree; station there thy powers; 530 For whether by a prophet warn'd, or taught By search and observation, in that part Each Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete, The sons of Atreus, and the valiant son Of Tydeus, have now thrice assail'd the town. 535 To whom the leader of the host of Troy. These cares, Andromache, which thee engage, All touch me also; but I dread to incur The scorn of male and female tongues in Troy, If, dastard-like, I should decline the fight. 540 Nor feel I such a wish. No. I have learn'd To be courageous ever, in the van Among the flower of Ilium to assert My glorious father's honor, and my own. For that the day shall come when sacred Troy, 545 When Priam, and the people of the old Spear-practised King shall perish, well I know. But for no Trojan sorrows yet to come So much I mourn, not e'en for Hecuba, Nor yet for Priam, nor for all the brave 550 Of my own brothers who shall kiss the dust, As for thyself, when some Achaian Chief Shall have convey'd thee weeping hence, thy sun Of peace and liberty for ever set. Then shalt thou toil in Argos at the loom 555 For a task-mistress, and constrain'd shalt draw From Hypereia's fount,[31] or from the fount Messeis, water at her proud command. Some Grecian then, seeing thy tears, shall say-- "This was the wife of Hector, who excell'd 560 All Troy in fight when Ilium was besieged." Such he shall speak thee, and thy heart, the while, Shall bleed afresh through want of such a friend To stand between captivity and thee. But may I rest beneath my hill of earth 565 Or ere that day arrive! I would not live To hear thy cries, and see thee torn away. So saying, illustrious Hector stretch'd his arms Forth to his son, but with a scream, the child Fell back into the bosom of his nurse, 570 His father's aspect dreading, whose bright arms He had attentive mark'd and shaggy crest Playing tremendous o'er his helmet's height. His father and his gentle mother laugh'd,[32] And noble Hector lifting from his head 575 His dazzling helmet, placed it on the ground, Then kiss'd his boy and dandled him, and thus In earnest prayer the heavenly powers implored. Hear all ye Gods! as ye have given to me, So also on my son excelling might 580 Bestow, with chief authority in Troy. And be his record this, in time to come, When he returns from battle. Lo! how far The son excels the sire! May every foe Fall under him, and he come laden home 585 With spoils blood-stain'd to his dear mother's joy. He said, and gave his infant to the arms Of his Andromache, who him received Into her fragrant bosom, bitter tears With sweet smiles mingling; he with pity moved 590 That sight observed, soft touch'd her cheek, and said, Mourn not, my loved Andromache, for me Too much; no man shall send me to the shades Of Tartarus, ere mine allotted hour, Nor lives he who can overpass the date 595 By heaven assign'd him, be he base or brave.[33] Go then, and occupy content at home The woman's province; ply the distaff, spin And weave, and task thy maidens. War belongs To man; to all men; and of all who first 600 Drew vital breath in Ilium, most to me.[34] He ceased, and from the ground his helmet raised Hair-crested; his Andromache, at once Obedient, to her home repair'd, but oft Turn'd as she went, and, turning, wept afresh. 605 No sooner at the palace she arrived Of havoc-spreading Hector, than among Her numerous maidens found within, she raised A general lamentation; with one voice, In his own house, his whole domestic train 610 Mourn'd Hector, yet alive; for none the hope Conceived of his escape from Grecian hands, Or to behold their living master more. Nor Paris in his stately mansion long Delay'd, but, arm'd resplendent, traversed swift 615 The city, all alacrity and joy. As some stall'd horse high-fed, his stable-cord Snapt short, beats under foot the sounding plain, Accustomed in smooth-sliding streams to lave Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane 620 Undulates o'er his shoulders, pleased he eyes His glossy sides, and borne on pliant knees Shoots to the meadow where his fellows graze; So Paris, son of Priam, from the heights Of Pergamus into the streets of Troy, 625 All dazzling as the sun, descended, flush'd With martial pride, and bounding in his course. At once he came where noble Hector stood Now turning, after conference with his spouse, When godlike Alexander thus began. 630 My hero brother, thou hast surely found My long delay most irksome. More dispatch Had pleased thee more, for such was thy command. To whom the warlike Hector thus replied. No man, judicious, and in feat of arms 635 Intelligent, would pour contempt on thee (For thou art valiant) wert thou not remiss And wilful negligent; and when I hear The very men who labor in thy cause Reviling thee, I make thy shame my own. 640 But let us on. All such complaints shall cease Hereafter, and thy faults be touch'd no more, Let Jove but once afford us riddance clear Of these Achaians, and to quaff the cup Of liberty, before the living Gods. 645 * * * * * It may be observed, that Hector begins to resume his hope of success, and his warlike spirit is roused again, as he approaches the field of action. The depressing effect of his sad interview is wearing away from his mind, and he is already prepared for the battle with Ajax, which awaits him. The student who has once read this book, will read it again and again. It contains much that is addressed to the deepest feelings of our common nature, and, despite of the long interval of time which lies between our age and the Homeric--despite the manifold changes of customs, habits, pursuits, and the advances that have been made in civilization and art--despite of all these, the universal spirit of humanity will recognize in these scenes much of that true poetry which delights alike all ages, all nations, all men.--FELTON. THE ILIAD. BOOK VII. ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK. Ajax and Hector engage in single combat. The Grecians fortify their camp. BOOK VII. So saying, illustrious Hector through the gates To battle rush'd, with Paris at his side, And both were bent on deeds of high renown. As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious gales To longing mariners, who with smooth oars 5 Threshing the waves have all their strength consumed, So them the longing Trojans glad received. At once each slew a Grecian. Paris slew Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son Of Areithoues, club-bearing chief, 10 And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed. But Hector wounded with his glittering spear Eioneus; he pierced his neck beneath His brazen morion's verge, and dead he fell. Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host, 15 Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight Iphinoues son of Dexias assail'd, Mounting his rapid mares, and with his lance His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell and died. Such slaughter of the Grecians in fierce fight 20 Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew To meet her, ardent on the part of Troy. Beneath the beech they join'd, when first the King, 25 The son of Jove, Apollo thus began. Daughter of Jove supreme! why hast thou left Olympus, and with such impetuous speed? Comest thou to give the Danai success Decisive? For I know that pity none 30 Thou feel'st for Trojans, perish as they may But if advice of mine can influence thee To that which shall be best, let us compose This day the furious fight which shall again Hereafter rage, till Ilium be destroy'd. 35 Since such is Juno's pleasure and thy own. Him answer'd then Pallas caerulean-eyed. Celestial archer! be it so. I came Myself so purposing into the field From the Olympian heights. But by what means 40 Wilt thou induce the warriors to a pause? To whom the King, the son of Jove, replied. The courage of equestrian Hector bold Let us excite, that he may challenge forth To single conflict terrible some chief 45 Achaian. The Achaians brazen-mail'd Indignant, will supply a champion soon To combat with the noble Chief of Troy. So spake Apollo, and his counsel pleased Minerva; which when Helenus the seer, 50 Priam's own son, in his prophetic soul Perceived, approaching Hector, thus he spake. Jove's peer in wisdom, Hector, Priam's son! I am thy brother. Wilt thou list to me? Bid cease the battle. Bid both armies sit. 55 Call first, thyself, the mightiest of the Greeks To single conflict. I have heard the voice Of the Eternal Gods, and well-assured Foretell thee that thy death not now impends. He spake, whom Hector heard with joy elate. 60 Before his van striding into the space Both hosts between, he with his spear transverse[1] Press'd back the Trojans, and they sat. Down sat The well-greaved Grecians also at command Of Agamemnon; and in shape assumed 65 Of vultures, Pallas and Apollo perch'd High on the lofty beech sacred to Jove The father AEgis-arm'd; delighted thence They view'd the peopled plain horrent around With shields and helms and glittering spears erect. 70 As when fresh-blowing Zephyrus the flood Sweeps first, the ocean blackens at the blast, Such seem'd the plain whereon the Achaians sat And Trojans, whom between thus Hector spake. Ye Trojans and Achaians brazen-greaved, 75 Attend while I shall speak! Jove high-enthroned Hath not fulfill'd the truce, but evil plans Against both hosts, till either ye shall take Troy's lofty towers, or shall yourselves in flight Fall vanquish'd at your billow-cleaving barks. 80 With you is all the flower of Greece.[2] Let him Whose heart shall move him to encounter sole Illustrious Hector, from among you all Stand forth, and Jove be witness to us both. If he, with his long-pointed lance, of life 85 Shall me bereave, my armor is his prize, Which he shall hence into your fleet convey; Not so my body; that he shall resign For burial to the men and wives of Troy. But if Apollo make the glory mine, 90 And he fall vanquish'd, him will I despoil, And hence conveying into sacred Troy His arms, will in the temple hang them high[3] Of the bow-bender God, but I will send His body to the fleet, that him the Greeks 95 May grace with rights funereal. On the banks Of wide-spread Hellespont ye shall upraise His tomb, and as they cleave with oary barks The sable deep, posterity shall say-- "It is a warrior's tomb; in ancient days 100 The Hero died; him warlike Hector slew." So men shall speak hereafter, and my fame Who slew him, and my praise, shall never die. He ceased, and all sat mute. His challenge bold None dared accept, which yet they blush'd to shun, 105 Till Menelaus, at the last, arose Groaning profound, and thus reproach'd the Greeks. Ah boasters! henceforth women--men no more-- Eternal shame, shame infinite is ours, If none of all the Grecians dares contend 110 With Hector. Dastards--deaf to glory's call-- Rot where ye sit! I will myself take arms Against him, for the gods alone dispose, At their own pleasure, the events of war. He ended, and put on his radiant arms. 115 Then, Menelaus, manifest appear'd Thy death approaching by the dreadful hands Of Hector, mightier far in arms than thou, But that the Chiefs of the Achaians all Upstarting stay'd thee, and himself the King, 120 The son of Atreus, on thy better hand Seizing affectionate, thee thus address'd. Thou ravest, my royal brother! and art seized With needless frenzy. But, however chafed, Restrain thy wrath, nor covet to contend 125 With Priameian Hector, whom in fight All dread, a warrior thy superior far. Not even Achilles, in the glorious field (Though stronger far than thou) this hero meets Undaunted. Go then, and thy seat resume 130 In thy own band; the Achaians shall for him, Doubtless, some fitter champion furnish forth. Brave though he be, and with the toils of war Insatiable, he shall be willing yet, Seated on his bent knees, to breathe a while, 135 Should he escape the arduous brunt severe. So saying, the hero by his counsel wise His brother's purpose alter'd; he complied, And his glad servants eased him of his arms. Then Nestor thus the Argive host bespake. 140 Great wo, ye Gods! hath on Achaia fallen. Now may the warlike Pelaus, hoary Chief, Who both with eloquence and wisdom rules The Myrmidons, our foul disgrace deplore. With him discoursing, erst, of ancient times, 145 When all your pedigrees I traced, I made His heart bound in him at the proud report. But now, when he shall learn how here we sat Cowering at the foot of Hector, he shall oft His hands uplift to the immortal Gods, 150 Praying a swift release into the shades. Jove! Pallas! Phoebus! Oh that I were young As when the Pylians in fierce fight engaged The Arcadians spear-expert, beside the stream Of rapid Celadon! Beneath the walls 155 We fought of Pheia, where the Jardan rolls. There Ereuthalion, Chief of godlike form, Stood forth before his van, and with loud voice Defied the Pylians. Arm'd he was in steel By royal Areithous whilom worn; 160 Brave Areithous, Corynetes[4] named By every tongue; for that in bow and spear Nought trusted he, but with an iron mace The close-embattled phalanx shatter'd wide. Him by address, not by superior force, 165 Lycurgus vanquish'd, in a narrow pass, Where him his iron whirl-bat[5] nought avail'd. Lycurgus stealing on him, with his lance Transpierced and fix'd him to the soil supine. Him of his arms, bright gift of brazen Mars, 170 He stripp'd, which after, in the embattled field Lycurgus wore himself, but, growing old, Surrender'd them to Ereuthalion's use His armor-bearer, high in his esteem, And Ereuthalion wore them on the day 175 When he defied our best. All hung their heads And trembled; none dared meet him; till at last With inborn courage warm'd, and nought dismayed, Though youngest of them all, I undertook That contest, and, by Pallas' aid, prevail'd. 180 I slew the man in height and bulk all men Surpassing, and much soil he cover'd slain. Oh for the vigor of those better days! Then should not Hector want a champion long, Whose call to combat, ye, although the prime 185 And pride of all our land, seem slow to hear. He spake reproachful, when at once arose Nine heroes. Agamemnon, King of men, Foremost arose; then Tydeus' mighty son, With either Ajax in fierce prowess clad; 190 The Cretan next, Idomeneus, with whom Uprose Meriones his friend approved, Terrible as the man-destroyer Mars. Evaemon's noble offspring next appear'd Eurypylus; Andraemon's son the next 195 Thoas; and last, Ulysses, glorious Chief. All these stood ready to engage in arms With warlike Hector, when the ancient King, Gerenian Nestor, thus his speech resumed. Now cast the lot for all. Who wins the chance 200 Shall yield Achaia service, and himself Serve also, if successful he escape This brunt of hostile hardiment severe. So Nestor. They, inscribing each his lot, Into the helmet cast it of the son 205 Of Atreus, Agamemnon. Then the host Pray'd all, their hands uplifting, and with eyes To the wide heavens directed, many said[6]-- Eternal sire! choose Ajax, or the son Of Tydeus, or the King himself[7] who sways 210 The sceptre in Mycenae wealth-renown'd! Such prayer the people made; then Nestor shook The helmet, and forth leaped, whose most they wished, The lot of Ajax. Throughout all the host To every chief and potentate of Greece, 215 From right to left the herald bore the lot By all disown'd; but when at length he reach'd The inscriber of the lot, who cast it in, Illustrious Ajax, in his open palm The herald placed it, standing at his side. 220 He, conscious, with heroic joy the lot Cast at his foot, and thus exclaim'd aloud. My friends! the lot is mine,[8] and my own heart Rejoices also; for I nothing doubt That noble Hector shall be foil'd by me. 225 But while I put mine armor on, pray all In silence to the King Saturnian Jove, Lest, while ye pray, the Trojans overhear. Or pray aloud, for whom have we to dread? No man shall my firm standing by his strength 230 Unsettle, or for ignorance of mine Me vanquish, who, I hope, brought forth and train'd In Salamis, have, now, not much to learn. He ended. They with heaven-directed eyes The King in prayer address'd, Saturnian Jove. 235 Jove! glorious father! who from Ida's height Controlest all below, let Ajax prove Victorious; make the honor all his own! Or, if not less than Ajax, Hector share Thy love and thy regard, divide the prize 240 Of glory, and let each achieve renown! Then Ajax put his radiant armor on, And, arm'd complete, rush'd forward. As huge Mars To battle moves the sons of men between Whom Jove with heart-devouring thirst inspires 245 Of war, so moved huge Ajax to the fight, Tower of the Greeks, dilating with a smile His martial features terrible; on feet, Firm-planted, to the combat he advanced Stride after stride, and shook his quivering spear. 250 Him viewing, Argos' universal host Exulted, while a panic loosed the knees Of every Trojan; even Hector's heart Beat double, but escape for him remain'd None now, or to retreat into his ranks 255 Again, from whom himself had challenged forth. Ajax advancing like a tower his shield Sevenfold, approach'd. It was the labor'd work Of Tychius, armorer of matchless skill, Who dwelt in Hyla; coated with the hides 260 Of seven high-pamper'd bulls that shield he framed For Ajax, and the disk plated with brass. Advancing it before his breast, the son Of Telamon approach'd the Trojan Chief, And face to face, him threatening, thus began. 265 Now, Hector, prove, by me alone opposed, What Chiefs the Danai can furnish forth In absence of the lion-hearted prince Achilles, breaker of the ranks of war. He, in his billow-cleaving barks incensed 270 Against our leader Agamemnon, lies; But warriors of my measure, who may serve To cope with thee, we want not; numerous such Are found amongst us. But begin the fight. To whom majestic Hector fierce in arms. 275 Ajax! heroic leader of the Greeks! Offspring of Telamon! essay not me With words to terrify, as I were boy. Or girl unskill'd in war;[9] I am a man Well exercised in battle, who have shed 280 The blood of many a warrior, and have learn'd, From hand to hand shifting my shield, to fight Unwearied; I can make a sport of war, In standing fight adjusting all my steps To martial measures sweet, or vaulting light 285 Into my chariot, thence can urge the foe. Yet in contention with a Chief like thee I will employ no stratagem, or seek To smite thee privily, but with a stroke (If I may reach thee) visible to all. 290 So saying, he shook, then hurl'd his massy spear At Ajax, and his broad shield sevenfold On its eighth surface of resplendent brass Smote full; six hides the unblunted weapon pierced, But in the seventh stood rooted. Ajax, next, 295 Heroic Chief, hurl'd his long shadow'd spear And struck the oval shield of Priam's son. Through his bright disk the weapon tempest-driven Glided, and in his hauberk-rings infixt At his soft flank, ripp'd wide his vest within. 300 Inclined oblique he 'scaped the dreadful doom Then each from other's shield his massy spear Recovering quick, like lions hunger-pinch'd Or wild boars irresistible in force, They fell to close encounter. Priam's son 305 The shield of Ajax at its centre smote, But fail'd to pierce it, for he bent his point. Sprang Ajax then, and meeting full the targe Of Hector, shock'd him; through it and beyond He urged the weapon with its sliding edge 310 Athwart his neck, and blood was seen to start. But still, for no such cause, from battle ceased Crest-tossing Hector, but retiring, seized A huge stone angled sharp and black with age That on the champain lay. The bull-hide guard 315 Sevenfold of Ajax with that stone he smote Full on its centre; sang the circling brass. Then Ajax far a heavier stone upheaved; He whirled it, and with might immeasurable Dismiss'd the mass, which with a mill-stone weight 320 Sank through the shield of Hector, and his knees Disabled; with his shield supine he fell, But by Apollo raised, stood soon again. And now, with swords they had each other hewn, Had not the messengers of Gods and men 325 The heralds wise, Idaeus on the part Of Ilium, and Talthybius for the Greeks, Advancing interposed. His sceptre each Between them held, and thus Idaeus spake.[10] My children, cease! prolong not still the fight. 330 Ye both are dear to cloud-assembler Jove, Both valiant, and all know it. But the Night Hath fallen, and Night's command must be obeyed. To him the son of Telamon replied. Idaeus! bid thy master speak as thou. 335 He is the challenger. If such his choice, Mine differs not; I wait but to comply. Him answer'd then heroic Hector huge. Since, Ajax, the immortal powers on thee Have bulk pre-eminent and strength bestow'd, 340 With such address in battle, that the host Of Greece hath not thine equal at the spear, Now let the combat cease. We shall not want More fair occasion; on some future day We will not part till all-disposing heaven 345 Shall give thee victory, or shall make her mine. But Night hath fallen, and Night must be obey'd, That them may'st gratify with thy return The Achaians, and especially thy friends And thy own countrymen. I go, no less 350 To exhilarate in Priam's royal town Men and robed matrons, who shall seek the Gods For me, with pious ceremonial due. But come. We will exchange, or ere we part, Some princely gift, that Greece and Troy may say 355 Hereafter, with soul-wasting rage they fought, But parted with the gentleness of friends. So saying, he with his sheath and belt a sword Presented bright-emboss'd, and a bright belt Purpureal[11] took from Ajax in return. 360 Thus separated, one the Grecians sought, And one the Trojans; they when him they saw From the unconquer'd hands return'd alive Of Ajax, with delight their Chief received, And to the city led him, double joy 365 Conceiving all at his unhoped escape. On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail'd To noble Agamemnon introduced Exulting Ajax, and the King of men In honor of the conqueror slew an ox 370 Of the fifth year to Jove omnipotent. Him flaying first, they carved him next and spread The whole abroad, then, scoring deep the flesh, They pierced it with the spits, and from the spits (Once roasted well) withdrew it all again. 375 Their labor thus accomplish'd, and the board Furnish'd with plenteous cheer, they feasted all Till all were satisfied; nor Ajax miss'd The conqueror's meed, to whom the hero-king Wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave the chine[12] 380 Perpetual,[13] his distinguish'd portion due. The calls of hunger and of thirst at length Both well sufficed, thus, foremost of them all The ancient Nestor, whose advice had oft Proved salutary, prudent thus began. 385 Chiefs of Achaia, and thou, chief of all, Great Agamemnon! Many of our host Lie slain, whose blood sprinkles, in battle shed, The banks of smooth Scamander, and their souls Have journey'd down into the realms of death. 390 To-morrow, therefore, let the battle pause As need requires, and at the peep of day With mules and oxen, wheel ye from all parts The dead, that we may burn them near the fleet. So, home to Greece returning, will we give 395 The fathers' ashes to the children's care. Accumulating next, the pile around, One common tomb for all, with brisk dispatch We will upbuild for more secure defence Of us and of our fleet, strong towers and tall 400 Adjoining to the tomb, and every tower Shall have its ponderous gate, commodious pass Affording to the mounted charioteer. And last, without those towers and at their foot, Dig we a trench, which compassing around 405 Our camp, both steeds and warriors shall exclude, And all fierce inroad of the haughty foe. So counsell'd he, whom every Chief approved. In Troy meantime, at Priam's gate beside The lofty citadel, debate began 410 The assembled senators between, confused, Clamorous, and with furious heat pursued, When them Antenor, prudent, thus bespake. Ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies of Troy, My counsel hear! Delay not. Instant yield 415 To the Atridae, hence to be convey'd, Helen of Greece with all that is her own. For charged with violated oaths we fight, And hope I none conceive that aught by us Design'd shall prosper, unless so be done. 420 He spake and sat; when from his seat arose Paris, fair Helen's noble paramour, Who thus with speech impassion'd quick replied. Antenor! me thy counsel hath not pleased; Thou could'st have framed far better; but if this 425 Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth. But I will speak myself. Ye Chiefs of Troy, I tell you plain. I will not yield my spouse. But all her treasures to our house convey'd 430 From Argos, those will I resign, and add Still other compensation from my own. Thus Paris said and sat; when like the Gods Themselves in wisdom, from his seat uprose Dardanian Priam, who them thus address'd. 435 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy! I shall declare my sentence; hear ye me. Now let the legions, as at other times, Take due refreshment; let the watch be set, And keep ye vigilant guard. At early dawn 440 We will dispatch Idaeus to the fleet, Who shall inform the Atridae of this last Resolve of Paris, author of the war. Discreet Idaeus also shall propose A respite (if the Atridae so incline) 445 From war's dread clamor, while we burn the dead. Then will we clash again, till heaven at length Shall part us, and the doubtful strife decide. He ceased, whose voice the assembly pleased, obey'd. Then, troop by troop, the army took repast, 450 And at the dawn Idaeus sought the fleet. He found the Danai, servants of Mars, Beside the stern of Agamemnon's ship Consulting; and amid the assembled Chiefs Arrived, with utterance clear them thus address'd. 455 Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Chiefs, the flower Of all Achaia! Priam and the Chiefs Of Ilium, bade me to your ear impart (If chance such embassy might please your ear) The mind of Paris, author of the war. 460 The treasures which on board his ships he brought From Argos home (oh, had he perish'd first!) He yields them with addition from his own. Not so the consort of the glorious prince Brave Menelaus; her (although in Troy 465 All counsel otherwise) he still detains. Thus too I have in charge. Are ye inclined That the dread sounding clamors of the field Be caused to cease till we shall burn the dead? Then will we clash again, 'till heaven at length 470 Shall part us, and the doubtful strife decide. So spake Idaeus, and all silent sat; Till at the last brave Diomede replied. No. We will none of Paris' treasures now, Nor even Helen's self. A child may see 475 Destruction winging swift her course to Troy. He said. The admiring Greeks with loud applause All praised the speech of warlike Diomede, And answer thus the King of men return'd. Idaeus! thou hast witness'd the resolve 480 Of the Achaian Chiefs, whose choice is mine. But for the slain, I shall not envy them A funeral pile; the spirit fled, delay Suits not. Last rites can not too soon be paid. Burn them. And let high-thundering Jove attest 485 Himself mine oath, that war shall cease the while. So saying, he to all the Gods upraised His sceptre, and Idaeus homeward sped To sacred Ilium. The Dardanians there And Trojans, all assembled, his return 490 Expected anxious. He amid them told Distinct his errand, when, at once dissolved, The whole assembly rose, these to collect The scatter'd bodies, those to gather wood; While on the other side, the Greeks arose 495 As sudden, and all issuing from the fleet Sought fuel, some, and some, the scatter'd dead. Now from the gently-swelling flood profound The sun arising, with his earliest rays In his ascent to heaven smote on the fields. 500 When Greeks and Trojans met. Scarce could the slain Be clear distinguish'd, but they cleansed from each His clotted gore with water, and warm tears Distilling copious, heaved them to the wains. But wailing none was heard, for such command 505 Had Priam issued; therefore heaping high The bodies, silent and with sorrowing hearts They burn'd them, and to sacred Troy return'd. The Grecians also, on the funeral pile The bodies heaping sad, burn'd them with fire 510 Together, and return'd into the fleet. Then, ere the peep of dawn, and while the veil Of night, though thinner, still o'erhung the earth, Achaians, chosen from the rest, the pile Encompass'd. With a tomb (one tomb for all) 515 They crown'd the spot adust, and to the tomb (For safety of their fleet and of themselves) Strong fortress added of high wall and tower, With solid gates affording egress thence Commodious to the mounted charioteer; 520 Deep foss and broad they also dug without, And planted it with piles. So toil'd the Greeks. The Gods, that mighty labor, from beside The Thunderer's throne with admiration view'd, When Neptune, shaker of the shores, began. 525 Eternal father! is there on the face Of all the boundless earth one mortal man Who will, in times to come, consult with heaven? See'st thou yon height of wall, and yon deep trench With which the Grecians have their fleet inclosed, 530 And, careless of our blessing, hecatomb Or invocation have presented none? Far as the day-spring shoots herself abroad, So far the glory of this work shall spread, While Phoebus and myself, who, toiling hard, 535 Built walls for king Laomedon, shall see Forgotten all the labor of our hands. To whom, indignant, thus high-thundering Jove. Oh thou, who shakest the solid earth at will, What hast thou spoken? An inferior power, 540 A god of less sufficiency than thou, Might be allowed some fear from such a cause. Fear not. Where'er the morning shoots her beams, Thy glory shall be known; and when the Greeks Shall seek their country through the waves again, 545 Then break this bulwark down, submerge it whole, And spreading deep with sand the spacious shore As at the first, leave not a trace behind. Such conference held the Gods; and now the sun Went down, and, that great work perform'd, the Greeks 550 From tent to tent slaughter'd the fatted ox And ate their evening cheer. Meantime arrived Large fleet with Lemnian wine; Euneus, son Of Jason and Hypsipile, that fleet From Lemnos freighted, and had stow'd on board 555 A thousand measures from the rest apart For the Atridae; but the host at large By traffic were supplied; some barter'd brass, Others bright steel; some purchased wine with hides, These with their cattle, with their captives those, 560 And the whole host prepared a glad regale. All night the Grecians feasted, and the host Of Ilium, and all night deep-planning Jove Portended dire calamities to both, Thundering tremendous!--Pale was every cheek; 565 Each pour'd his goblet on the ground, nor dared The hardiest drink, 'till he had first perform'd Libation meet to the Saturnian King Omnipotent; then, all retiring, sought Their couches, and partook the gift of sleep. 570 THE ILIAD. BOOK VIII. ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTH BOOK. Jove calls a council, in which he forbids all interference of the Gods between the Greeks and Trojans. He repairs to Ida, where, having consulted the scales of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Grecians. Nestor is endangered by the death of one of his horses. Diomede delivers him. In the chariot of Diomede they both hasten to engage Hector, whose charioteer is slain by Diomede. Jupiter again interposes by his thunders, and the whole Grecian host, discomfited, is obliged to seek refuge within the rampart. Diomede, with others, at sight of a favorable omen sent from Jove in answer to Agamemnon's prayer, sallies. Teucer performs great exploits, but is disabled by Hector. Juno and Pallas set forth from Olympus in aid of the Grecians, but are stopped by Jupiter, who reascends from Ida, and in heaven foretells the distresses which await the Grecians. Hector takes measures for the security of Troy during the night, and prepares his host for an assault to be made on the Grecian camp in the morning. BOOK VIII. The saffron-mantled morning[1] now was spread O'er all the nations, when the Thunderer Jove On the deep-fork'd Olympian topmost height Convened the Gods in council, amid whom He spake himself; they all attentive heard. 5 Gods! Goddesses! Inhabitants of heaven! Attend; I make my secret purpose known. Let neither God nor Goddess interpose My counsel to rescind, but with one heart Approve it, that it reach, at once, its end. 10 Whom I shall mark soever from the rest Withdrawn, that he may Greeks or Trojans aid, Disgrace shall find him; shamefully chastised He shall return to the Olympian heights, Or I will hurl him deep into the gulfs 15 Of gloomy Tartarus, where Hell shuts fast Her iron gates, and spreads her brazen floor, As far below the shades, as earth from heaven. There shall he learn how far I pass in might All others; which if ye incline to doubt, 20 Now prove me. Let ye down the golden chain[2] From heaven, and at its nether links pull all, Both Goddesses and Gods. But me your King, Supreme in wisdom, ye shall never draw To earth from heaven, toil adverse as ye may. 25 Yet I, when once I shall be pleased to pull, The earth itself, itself the sea, and you Will lift with ease together, and will wind The chain around the spiry summit sharp Of the Olympian, that all things upheaved 30 Shall hang in the mid heaven. So far do I, Compared with all who live, transcend them all. He ended, and the Gods long time amazed Sat silent, for with awful tone he spake: But at the last Pallas blue-eyed began. 35 Father! Saturnian Jove! of Kings supreme! We know thy force resistless; but our hearts Feel not the less, when we behold the Greeks Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot. If thou command, we, doubtless, will abstain 40 From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks Suggesting still, as may in part effect Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them all. To whom with smiles answer'd cloud-gatherer Jove. Fear not, my child! stern as mine accent was, 45 I forced a frown--no more. For in mine heart Nought feel I but benevolence to thee. He said, and to his chariot join'd his steeds Swift, brazen-hoof'd, and mailed with wavy gold; He put on golden raiment, his bright scourge 50 Of gold receiving rose into his seat, And lash'd his steeds; they not unwilling flew Midway the earth between and starry heaven. To spring-fed Ida, mother of wild beasts, He came, where stands in Gargarus[3] his shrine 55 Breathing fresh incense! there the Sire of all Arriving, loosed his coursers, and around Involving them in gather'd clouds opaque, Sat on the mountain's head, in his own might Exulting, with the towers of Ilium all 60 Beneath his eye, and the whole fleet of Greece. In all their tents, meantime, Achaia's sons Took short refreshment, and for fight prepared. On the other side, though fewer, yet constrain'd By strong necessity, throughout all Troy, 65 In the defence of children and wives Ardent, the Trojans panted for the field. Wide flew the city gates: forth rush'd to war Horsemen and foot, and tumult wild arose. They met, they clash'd; loud was the din of spears 70 And bucklers on their bosoms brazen-mail'd Encountering, shields in opposition from Met bossy shields, and tumult wild arose.[4] There many a shout and many a dying groan Were heard, the slayer and the maim'd aloud 75 Clamoring, and the earth was drench'd with blood. 'Till sacred morn[5] had brighten'd into noon, The vollied weapons on both sides their task Perform'd effectual, and the people fell. But when the sun had climb'd the middle skies, 80 The Sire of all then took his golden scales;[6] Doom against doom he weigh'd, the eternal fates In counterpoise, of Trojans and of Greeks. He rais'd the beam; low sank the heavier lot Of the Achaians; the Achaian doom 85 Subsided, and the Trojan struck the skies. Then roar'd the thunders from the summit hurl'd of Ida, and his vivid lightnings flew Into Achaia's host. They at the sight Astonish'd stood; fear whiten'd every cheek.[7] 90 Idomeneus dared not himself abide That shock, nor Agamemnon stood, nor stood The heroes Ajax, ministers of Mars. Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks, Alone fled not, nor he by choice remain'd, 95 But by his steed retarded, which the mate Of beauteous Helen, Paris, with a shaft Had stricken where the forelock grows, a part Of all most mortal. Tortured by the wound Erect he rose, the arrow in his brain, 100 And writhing furious, scared his fellow-steeds. Meantime, while, strenuous, with his falchion's edge The hoary warrior stood slashing the reins, Through multitudes of fierce pursuers borne On rapid wheels, the dauntless charioteer 105 Approach'd him, Hector. Then, past hope, had died The ancient King, but Diomede discern'd His peril imminent, and with a voice Like thunder, called Ulysses to his aid. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! 110 Art thou too fugitive, and turn'st thy back Like the base multitude? Ah! fear a lance Implanted ignominious in thy spine. Stop--Nestor dies. Fell Hector is at hand. So shouted Diomede, whose summons loud, 115 Ulysses yet heard not, but, passing, flew With headlong haste to the Achaian fleet. Then, Diomede, unaided as he was, Rush'd ardent to the vanward, and before The steeds of the Neleian sovereign old 120 Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus address'd. Old Chief! these youthful warriors are too brisk For thee, press'd also by encroaching age, Thy servant too is feeble, and thy steeds Are tardy. Mount my chariot. Thou shalt see 125 With what rapidity the steeds of Troy, Pursuing or retreating, scour the field. I took them from that terror of his foes, AEneas. Thine to our attendants leave, While these against the warlike powers of Troy 130 We push direct; that Hector's self may know If my spear rage not furious as his own. He said, nor the Gerenian Chief refused. Thenceforth their servants, Sthenelus and good Eurymedon, took charge of Nestor's steeds, 135 And they the chariot of Tydides both Ascended; Nestor seized the reins, plied well The scourge, and soon they met. Tydides hurl'd At Hector first, while rapid he advanced; But missing Hector, wounded in the breast 140 Eniopeus his charioteer, the son Of brave Thebaeus, managing the steeds. He fell; his fiery coursers at the sound Startled, recoil'd, and where he fell he died. Deep sorrow for his charioteer o'erwhelm'd 145 The mind of Hector; yet, although he mourn'd He left him, and another sought as brave. Nor wanted long his steeds a charioteer, For finding soon the son of Iphitus, Bold Archeptolemus, he bade him mount 150 His chariot, and the reins gave to his hand. Then deeds of bloodiest note should have ensued, Penn'd had the Trojans been, as lambs, in Troy, But for quick succor of the sire of all. Thundering, he downward hurled his candent bolt 155 To the horse-feet of Diomede; dire fumed The flaming sulphur, and both horses drove Under the axle, belly to the ground. Forth flew the splendid reins from Nestor's hand, And thus to Diomede, appall'd, he spake. 160 Back to the fleet, Tydides! Can'st not see That Jove ordains not, now, the victory thine? The son of Saturn glorifies to-day This Trojan, and, if such his will, can make The morrow ours; but vain it is to thwart 165 The mind of Jove, for he is Lord of all. To him the valiant Diomede replied. Thou hast well said, old warrior! but the pang That wrings my soul, is this. The public ear In Ilium shall from Hector's lips be told-- 170 I drove Tydides--fearing me he fled. So shall he vaunt, and may the earth her jaws That moment opening swallow me alive! Him answer'd the Gerenian warrior old. What saith the son of Tydeus, glorious Chief? 175 Should Hector so traduce thee as to call Thee base and timid, neither Trojan him Nor Dardan would believe, nor yet the wives Of numerous shielded warriors brave of Troy, Widow'd by thy unconquerable arm. 180 So saying, he through the fugitives his steeds Turn'd swift to flight. Then Hector and his host With clamor infinite their darts wo-wing'd Shower'd after them, and Hector, mighty Chief Majestic, from afar, thus call'd aloud. 185 Tydides! thee the Danai swift-horsed Were wont to grace with a superior seat, The mess of honor, and the brimming cup, But now will mock thee. Thou art woman now. Go, timorous girl! Thou never shalt behold 190 Me flying, climb our battlements, or lead Our women captive. I will slay thee first. He ceased. Then Diomede in dread suspense Thrice purposed, turning, to withstand the foe, And thrice in thunder from the mountain-top 195 Jove gave the signal of success to Troy. When Hector thus the Trojans hail'd aloud. Trojans and Lycians, and close-warring sons Of Dardanus, oh summon all your might, Now, now be men! I know that from his heart 200 Saturnian Jove glory and bright success For me prepares, but havoc for the Greeks. Fools! they shall find this wall which they have raised Too weak to check my course, a feeble guard Contemptible; such also is the trench; 205 My steeds shall slight it with an easy leap. But when ye see me in their fleet arrived, Remember fire. Then bring me flaming brands That I may burn their galleys and themselves Slaughter beside them, struggling in the smoke.[8] 210 He spake, and thus encouraged next his steeds. Xanthus! Podargus! and ye generous pair AEthon and glossy Lampus! now requite Mine, and the bounty of Andromache, Far-famed Eetion's daughter; she your bowl 215 With corn fresh-flavor'd and with wine full oft Hath mingled, your refreshment seeking first Ere mine, who have a youthful husband's claim.[9] Now follow! now be swift; that we may seize The shield of Nestor, bruited to the skies 220 As golden all, trappings and disk alike. Now from the shoulders of the equestrian Chief Tydides tear we off his splendid mail, The work of Vulcan.[10] May we take but these, I have good hope that, ere this night be spent, 225 The Greeks shall climb their galleys and away. So vaunted he, but Juno with disdain His proud boast heard, and shuddering in her throne, Rock'd the Olympian; turning then toward The Ocean's mighty sovereign, thus she spake. 230 Alas! earth-shaking sovereign of the waves, Feel'st thou no pity of the perishing Greeks? Yet Greece, in Helice, with gifts nor few Nor sordid, and in AEgae, honors thee, Whom therefore thou shouldst prosper. Would we all 235 Who favor Greece associate to repulse The Trojans, and to check loud-thundering Jove, On Ida seated he might lour alone. To whom the Sovereign, Shaker of the Shores, Indignant. Juno! rash in speech! what word 240 Hath 'scaped thy lips? never, with my consent, Shall we, the powers subordinate, in arms With Jove contend. He far excels us all. So they. Meantime, the trench and wall between,[11] The narrow interval with steeds was fill'd 245 Close throng'd and shielded warriors. There immew'd By Priameian Hector, fierce as Mars, They stood, for Hector had the help of Jove. And now with blazing fire their gallant barks He had consumed, but Juno moved the mind 250 Of Agamemnon, vigilant himself, To exhortation of Achaia's host. Through camp and fleet the monarch took his way, And, his wide robe imperial in his hand, High on Ulysses' huge black galley stood, 255 The central ship conspicuous; thence his voice Might reach the most remote of all the line At each extreme, where Ajax had his tent Pitch'd, and Achilles, fearless of surprise. Thence, with loud voice, the Grecians thus he hail'd. 260 Oh shame to Greece! Warriors in show alone! Where is your boasted prowess? Ye profess'd Vain-glorious erst in Lemnos, while ye fed Plenteously on the flesh of beeves full-grown, And crown'd your beakers high, that ye would face 265 Each man a hundred Trojans in the field-- Ay, twice a hundred--yet are all too few To face one Hector now; nor doubt I aught But he shall soon fire the whole fleet of Greece. Jove! Father! what great sovereign ever felt 270 Thy frowns as I? Whom hast thou shamed as me? Yet I neglected not, through all the course Of our disasterous voyage (in the hope That we should vanquish Troy) thy sacred rites, But where I found thine altar, piled it high 275 With fat and flesh of bulls, on every shore. But oh, vouchsafe to us, that we at least Ourselves, deliver'd, may escape the sword, Nor let their foes thus tread the Grecians down! He said. The eternal father pitying saw 280 His tears, and for the monarch's sake preserved The people. Instant, surest of all signs, He sent his eagle; in his pounces strong A fawn he bore, fruit of the nimble hind, Which fast beside the beauteous altar raised 285 To Panomphaean[12] Jove sudden he dropp'd.[13] They, conscious, soon, that sent from Jove he came, More ardent sprang to fight. Then none of all Those numerous Chiefs could boast that he outstripp'd Tydides, urging forth beyond the foss 290 His rapid steeds, and rushing to the war. He, foremost far, a Trojan slew, the son Of Phradmon, Agelaeus; as he turn'd His steeds to flight, him turning with his spear Through back and bosom Diomede transpierced. 295 And with loud clangor of his arms he fell. Then, royal Agamemnon pass'd the trench And Menelaus; either Ajax, then, Clad with fresh prowess both; them follow'd, next, Idomeneus, with his heroic friend 300 In battle dread as homicidal Mars, Meriones; Evaemon's son renown'd Succeeded, bold Eurypylus; and ninth Teucer, wide-straining his impatient bow. He under covert fought of the broad shield 305 Of Telamonian Ajax; Ajax high Upraised his shield; the hero from beneath Took aim, and whom his arrow struck, he fell; Then close as to his mother's side a child For safety creeps, Teucer to Ajax' side 310 Retired, and Ajax shielded him again. Whom then slew Teucer first, illustrious Chief? Orsilochus, and Ophelestes, first, And Ormenus he slew, then Daetor died, Chromius and Lycophontes brave in fight 315 With Amopaon Polyaemon's son, And Melanippus. These, together heap'd, All fell by Teucer on the plain of Troy. The Trojan ranks thinn'd by his mighty bow The King of armies Agamemnon saw 320 Well-pleased, and him approaching, thus began. Brave Telamonian Teucer, oh, my friend, Thus shoot, that light may visit once again The Danai, and Telamon rejoice! Thee Telamon within his own abode 325 Rear'd although spurious; mount him, in return, Although remote, on glory's heights again. I tell thee, and the effect shall follow sure, Let but the Thunderer and Minerva grant The pillage of fair Ilium to the Greeks, 330 And I will give to thy victorious hand, After my own, the noblest recompense, A tripod or a chariot with its steeds, Or some fair captive to partake thy bed. To whom the generous Teucer thus replied. 335 Atrides! glorious monarch! wherefore me Exhortest thou to battle? who myself Glow with sufficient ardor, and such strength As heaven affords me spare not to employ. Since first we drove them back, with watchful eye 340 Their warriors I have mark'd; eight shafts my bow Hath sent long-barb'd, and every shaft, well-aim'd. The body of some Trojan youth robust Hath pierced, but still you ravening wolf escapes. He said, and from the nerve another shaft 345 Impatient sent at Hector; but it flew Devious, and brave Gorgythion struck instead. Him beautiful Castianira, brought By Priam from AEsyma, nymph of form Celestial, to the King of Ilium bore. 350 As in the garden, with the weight surcharged Of its own fruit, and drench'd by vernal rains The poppy falls oblique, so he his head Hung languid, by his helmet's weight depress'd.[14] Then Teucer yet an arrow from the nerve 355 Dispatch'd at Hector, with impatience fired To pierce him; but again his weapon err'd Turn'd by Apollo, and the bosom struck Of Archeptolemus, his rapid steeds To battle urging, Hector's charioteer. 360 He fell, his fiery coursers at the sound Recoil'd, and lifeless where he fell he lay. Deep sorrow for his charioteer the mind O'erwhelm'd of Hector, yet he left the slain, And seeing his own brother nigh at hand, 365 Cebriones, him summon'd to the reins, Who with alacrity that charge received. Then Hector, leaping with a dreadful shout From his resplendent chariot, grasp'd a stone, And rush'd on Teucer, vengeance in his heart. 370 Teucer had newly fitted to the nerve An arrow keen selected from the rest, And warlike Hector, while he stood the cord Retracting, smote him with that rugged rock Just where the key-bone interposed divides 375 The neck and bosom, a most mortal part. It snapp'd the bow-string, and with numbing force Struck dead his hand; low on his knees he dropp'd, And from his opening grasp let fall the bow. Then not unmindful of a brother fallen 380 Was Ajax, but, advancing rapid, stalk'd Around him, and his broad shield interposed, Till brave Alaster and Mecisteus, son Of Echius, friends of Teucer, from the earth Upraised and bore him groaning to the fleet. 385 And now again fresh force Olympian Jove Gave to the Trojans; right toward the foss They drove the Greeks, while Hector in the van Advanced, death menacing in every look. As some fleet hound close-threatening flank or haunch 390 Of boar or lion, oft as he his head Turns flying, marks him with a steadfast eye, So Hector chased the Grecians, slaying still The hindmost of the scatter'd multitude. But when, at length, both piles and hollow foss 395 They had surmounted, and no few had fallen By Trojan hands, within their fleet they stood Imprison'd, calling each to each, and prayer With lifted hands, loud offering to the Gods. With Gorgon looks, meantime, and eyes of Mars, 400 Hector impetuous his mane-tossing steeds From side to side before the rampart drove, When white-arm'd Juno pitying the Greeks, In accents wing'd her speech to Pallas turn'd. Alas, Jove's daughter! shall not we at least 405 In this extremity of their distress Care for the Grecians by the fatal force Of this one Chief destroy'd? I can endure The rage of Priameian Hector now No longer; such dire mischiefs he hath wrought. 410 Whom answer'd thus Pallas, caerulean-eyed. --And Hector had himself long since his life Resign'd and rage together, by the Greeks Slain under Ilium's walls, but Jove, my sire, Mad counsels executing and perverse, 415 Me counterworks in all that I attempt, Nor aught remembers how I saved ofttimes His son enjoin'd full many a task severe By King Eurystheus; to the Gods he wept, And me Jove sent in haste to his relief. 420 But had I then foreseen what now I know, When through the adamantine gates he pass'd To bind the dog of hell, by the deep floods Hemm'd in of Styx, he had return'd no more. But Thetis wins him now; her will prevails, 425 And mine he hates; for she hath kiss'd his knees And grasp'd his beard, and him in prayer implored That he would honor her heroic son Achilles, city-waster prince renown'd. 'Tis well--the day shall come when Jove again 430 Shall call me darling, and his blue-eyed maid As heretofore;--but thou thy steeds prepare, While I, my father's mansion entering, arm For battle. I would learn by trial sure, If Hector, Priam's offspring famed in fight 435 (Ourselves appearing in the walks of war) Will greet us gladly. Doubtless at the fleet Some Trojan also, shall to dogs resign His flesh for food, and to the fowls of heaven. So counsell'd Pallas, nor the daughter dread 440 Of mighty Saturn, Juno, disapproved, But busily and with dispatch prepared The trappings of her coursers golden-rein'd. Meantime, Minerva progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode 445 Let fall profuse her variegated robe, Labor of her own hands. She first put on The corslet of the cloud-assembler God, Then arm'd her for the field of wo, complete. Mounting the fiery chariot, next she seized 450 Her ponderous spear, huge, irresistible, With which Jove's awful daughter levels ranks Of heroes against whom her anger burns. Juno with lifted lash urged on the steeds. At their approach, spontaneous roar'd the wide- 455 Unfolding gates of heaven; the heavenly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian summit appertains, And of the boundless ether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier dense. 460 Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid steeds: Which when the Eternal Father from the heights Of Ida saw, kindling with instant ire To golden-pinion'd Iris thus he spake. Haste, Iris, turn them thither whence they came; 465 Me let them not encounter; honor small To them, to me, should from that strife accrue. Tell them, and the effect shall sure ensue, That I will smite their steeds, and they shall halt Disabled; break their chariot, dash themselves 470 Headlong, and ten whole years shall not efface The wounds by my avenging bolts impress'd. So shall my blue-eyed daughter learn to dread A father's anger; but for the offence Of Juno, I resent it less; for she 475 Clashes[15] with all my counsels from of old. He ended; Iris with a tempest's speed From the Idaean summit soar'd at once To the Olympian; at the open gates Exterior of the mountain many-valed 480 She stayed them, and her coming thus declared. Whither, and for what cause? What rage is this? Ye may not aid the Grecians; Jove forbids; The son of Saturn threatens, if ye force His wrath by perseverance into act, 485 That he will smite your steeds, and they shall halt Disabled; break your chariot, dash yourselves Headlong, and ten whole years shall not efface The wounds by his avenging bolts impress'd. So shall his blue-eyed daughter learn to dread 490 A father's anger; but for the offence Of Juno, he resents it less; for she Clashes with all his counsels from of old. But thou, Minerva, if thou dare indeed Lift thy vast spear against the breast of Jove, 495 Incorrigible art and dead to shame. So saying, the rapid Iris disappear'd, And thus her speech to Pallas Juno turn'd. Ah Pallas, progeny of Jove! henceforth No longer, in the cause of mortal men, 500 Contend we against Jove. Perish or live Grecians or Trojans as he wills; let him Dispose the order of his own concerns, And judge between them, as of right he may. So saying, she turn'd the coursers; them the Hours 505 Released, and to ambrosial mangers bound, Then thrust their chariot to the luminous wall. They, mingling with the Gods, on golden thrones Dejected sat, and Jove from Ida borne Reach'd the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods. 510 His steeds the glorious King of Ocean loosed, And thrust the chariot, with its veil o'erspread. Into its station at the altar's side. Then sat the Thunderer on his throne of gold Himself, and the huge mountain shook. Meantime 515 Juno and Pallas, seated both apart, Spake not or question'd him. Their mute reserve He noticed, conscious of the cause, and said. Juno and Pallas, wherefore sit ye sad? Not through fatigue by glorious fight incurr'd 520 And slaughter of the Trojans whom ye hate. Mark now the difference. Not the Gods combined Should have constrain'd _me_ back, till all my force, Superior as it is, had fail'd, and all My fortitude. But ye, ere ye beheld 525 The wonders of the field, trembling retired. And ye did well--Hear what had else befallen. My bolts had found you both, and ye had reach'd, In your own chariot borne, the Olympian height, Seat of the blest Immortals, never more. 530 He ended; Juno and Minerva heard Low murmuring deep disgust, and side by side Devising sat calamity to Troy. Minerva, through displeasure against Jove, Nought utter'd, for her bosom boil'd with rage; 535 But Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied. What word hath pass'd thy lips, Jove most severe? We know thy force resistless; yet our hearts Feel not the less when we behold the Greeks Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot. 540 If thou command, we doubtless will abstain From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks Suggesting still, as may in part effect Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them all. Then answer, thus, cloud-gatherer Jove return'd. 545 Look forth, imperial Juno, if thou wilt, To-morrow at the blush of earliest dawn, And thou shalt see Saturn's almighty son The Argive host destroying far and wide. For Hector's fury shall admit no pause 550 Till he have roused Achilles, in that day When at the ships, in perilous straits, the hosts Shall wage fierce battle for Patroclus slain. Such is the voice of fate. But, as for thee-- Withdraw thou to the confines of the abyss 555 Where Saturn and Iaepetus retired, Exclusion sad endure from balmy airs And from the light of morn, hell-girt around, I will not call thee thence. No. Should thy rage Transport thee thither, there thou may'st abide, 560 There sullen nurse thy disregarded spleen Obstinate as thou art, and void of shame. He ended; to whom Juno nought replied. And now the radiant Sun in Ocean sank, Drawing night after him o'er all the earth; 565 Night, undesired by Troy, but to the Greeks Thrice welcome for its interposing gloom. Then Hector on the river's brink fast by The Grecian fleet, where space he found unstrew'd With carcases convened the Chiefs of Troy. 570 They, there dismounting, listen'd to the words Of Hector Jove-beloved; he grasp'd a spear In length eleven cubits, bright its head Of brass, and color'd with a ring of gold. He lean'd on it, and ardent thus began. 575 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy! I hoped, this evening (every ship consumed, And all the Grecians slain) to have return'd To wind-swept Ilium. But the shades of night Have intervened, and to the night they owe, 580 In chief, their whole fleet's safety and their own. Now, therefore, as the night enjoins, all take Needful refreshment. Your high-mettled steeds Release, lay food before them, and in haste Drive hither from the city fatted sheep 585 And oxen; bring ye from your houses bread, Make speedy purchase of heart-cheering wine, And gather fuel plenteous; that all night, E'en till Aurora, daughter of the morn Shall look abroad, we may with many fires 590 Illume the skies; lest even in the night, Launching, they mount the billows and escape. Beware that they depart not unannoy'd, But, as he leaps on board, give each a wound With shaft or spear, which he shall nurse at home. 595 So shall the nations fear us, and shall vex With ruthless war Troy's gallant sons no more. Next, let the heralds, ministers of Jove, Loud notice issue that the boys well-grown, And ancients silver-hair'd on the high towers 600 Built by the Gods, keep watch; on every hearth In Troy, let those of the inferior sex Make sprightly blaze, and place ye there a guard Sufficient, lest in absence of the troops An ambush enter, and surprise the town. 605 Act thus, ye dauntless Trojans; the advice Is wholesome, and shall serve the present need, And so much for the night; ye shall be told The business of the morn when morn appears. It is my prayer to Jove and to all heaven 610 (Not without hope) that I may hence expel These dogs, whom Ilium's unpropitious fates Have wafted hither in their sable barks. But we will also watch this night, ourselves, And, arming with the dawn, will at their ships 615 Give them brisk onset. Then shall it appear If Diomede the brave shall me compel Back to our walls, or I, his arms blood-stain'd, Torn from his breathless body, bear away. To-morrow, if he dare but to abide 620 My lance, he shall not want occasion meet For show of valor. But much more I judge That the next rising sun shall see him slain With no few friends around him. Would to heaven! I were as sure to 'scape the blight of age 625 And share their honors with the Gods above, As comes the morrow fraught with wo to Greece. So Hector, whom his host with loud acclaim All praised. Then each his sweating steeds released, And rein'd them safely at his chariot-side. 630 And now from Troy provision large they brought, Oxen, and sheep, with store of wine and bread, And fuel much was gather'd. [16]Next the Gods With sacrifice they sought, and from the plain Upwafted by the winds the smoke aspired 635 Savoury, but unacceptable to those Above; such hatred in their hearts they bore To Priam, to the people of the brave Spear-practised Priam, and to sacred Troy. Big with great purposes and proud, they sat, 640 Not disarray'd, but in fair form disposed Of even ranks, and watch'd their numerous fires, As when around the clear bright moon, the stars Shine in full splendor, and the winds are hush'd, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland-heights 645 Stand all apparent, not a vapor streaks The boundless blue, but ether open'd wide All glitters, and the shepherd's heart is cheer'd;[17] So numerous seem'd those fires the bank between Of Xanthus, blazing, and the fleet of Greece, 650 In prospect all of Troy; a thousand fires, Each watch'd by fifty warriors seated near. The steeds beside the chariots stood, their corn Chewing, and waiting till the golden-throned Aurora should restore the light of day. 655 THE ILIAD. BOOK IX. ARGUMENT OF THE NINTH BOOK. By advice of Nestor, Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phoenix, and Ajax to the tent of Achilles with proposals of reconciliation. They execute their commission, but without effect. Phoenix remains with Achilles; Ulysses and Ajax return. BOOK IX. So watch'd the Trojan host; but thoughts of flight, Companions of chill fear, from heaven infused, Possess'd the Grecians; every leader's heart Bled, pierced with anguish insupportable. As when two adverse winds blowing from Thrace, 5 Boreas and Zephyrus, the fishy Deep Vex sudden, all around, the sable flood High curl'd, flings forth the salt weed on the shore Such tempest rent the mind of every Greek. Forth stalk'd Atrides with heart-riving wo 10 Transfixt; he bade his heralds call by name Each Chief to council, but without the sound Of proclamation; and that task himself Among the foremost sedulous perform'd. The sad assembly sat; when weeping fast 15 As some deep[1] fountain pours its rapid stream Down from the summit of a lofty rock, King Agamemnon in the midst arose, And, groaning, the Achaians thus address'd. Friends, counsellors and leaders of the Greeks! 20 In dire perplexity Saturnian Jove Involves me, cruel; he assured me erst, And solemnly, that I should not return Till I had wasted wall-encircled Troy; But now (ah fraudulent and foul reverse!) 25 Commands me back inglorious to the shores Of distant Argos, with diminish'd troops. So stands the purpose of almighty Jove, Who many a citadel hath laid in dust, And shall hereafter, matchless in his power. 30 Haste therefore. My advice is, that we all Fly with our fleet into our native land, For wide-built Ilium shall not yet be ours. He ceased, and all sat silent; long the sons Of Greece, o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, silent sat, 35 When thus, at last, bold Diomede began. Atrides! foremost of the Chiefs I rise To contravert thy purpose ill-conceived, And with such freedom as the laws, O King! Of consultation and debate allow. 40 Hear patient. Thou hast been thyself the first Who e'er reproach'd me in the public ear As one effeminate and slow to fight; How truly, let both young and old decide. The son of wily Saturn hath to thee 45 Given, and refused; he placed thee high in power, Gave thee to sway the sceptre o'er us all, But courage gave thee not, his noblest gift.[2] Art thou in truth persuaded that the Greeks Are pusillanimous, as thou hast said? 50 If thy own fears impel thee to depart, Go thou, the way is open; numerous ships, Thy followers from Mycenae, line the shore. But we, the rest, depart not, 'till the spoil Of Troy reward us. Or if all incline 55 To seek again their native home, fly all; Myself and Sthenelus will persevere Till Ilium fall, for with the Gods we came. He ended; all the admiring sons of Greece With shouts the warlike Diomede extoll'd, 60 When thus equestrian Nestor next began. Tydides, thou art eminently brave In fight, and all the princes of thy years Excell'st in council. None of all the Greeks Shall find occasion just to blame thy speech 65 Or to gainsay; yet thou hast fallen short. What wonder? Thou art young; and were myself Thy father, thou should'st be my latest born. Yet when thy speech is to the Kings of Greece, It is well-framed and prudent. Now attend! 70 Myself will speak, who have more years to boast Than thou hast seen, and will so closely scan The matter, that Atrides, our supreme, Himself shall have no cause to censure _me_. He is a wretch, insensible and dead 75 To all the charities of social life, Whose pleasure is in civil broils alone.[3] But Night is urgent, and with Night's demands Let all comply. Prepare we now repast, And let the guard be stationed at the trench 80 Without the wall; the youngest shall supply That service; next, Atrides, thou begin (For thou art here supreme) thy proper task. Banquet the elders; it shall not disgrace Thy sovereignty, but shall become thee well. 85 Thy tents are fill'd with wine which day by day Ships bring from Thrace; accommodation large Hast thou, and numerous is thy menial train. Thy many guests assembled, thou shalt hear Our counsel, and shalt choose the best; great need 90 Have all Achaia's sons, now, of advice Most prudent; for the foe, fast by the fleet Hath kindled numerous fires, which who can see Unmoved? This night shall save us or destroy.[4] He spake, whom all with full consent approved. 95 Forth rush'd the guard well-arm'd; first went the son Of Nestor, Thrasymedes, valiant Chief; Then, sons of Mars, Ascalaphus advanced, And brave Iaelmenus; whom follow'd next Deipyrus, Aphareus, Meriones, 100 And Lycomedes, Creon's son renown'd. Seven were the leaders of the guard, and each A hundred spearmen headed, young and bold. Between the wall and trench their seat they chose, There kindled fires, and each his food prepared. 105 Atrides, then, to his pavilion led The thronging Chiefs of Greece, and at his board Regaled them; they with readiness and keen Dispatch of hunger shared the savory feast, And when nor thirst remain'd nor hunger more 110 Unsated, Nestor then, arising first, Whose counsels had been ever wisest deem'd, Warm for the public interest, thus began. Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men! Thou art my first and last, proem and close, 115 For thou art mighty, and to thee are given From Jove the sceptre and the laws in charge, For the advancement of the general good. Hence, in peculiar, both to speak and hear Become thy duty, and the best advice, 120 By whomsoever offer'd, to adopt And to perform, for thou art judge alone. I will promulge the counsel which to me Seems wisest; such, that other Grecian none Shall give thee better; neither is it new, 125 But I have ever held it since the day When, most illustrious! thou wast pleased to take By force the maid Briseis from the tent Of the enraged Achilles; not, in truth, By my advice, who did dissuade thee much; 130 But thou, complying with thy princely wrath, Hast shamed a Hero whom themselves the Gods Delight to honor, and his prize detain'st. Yet even now contrive we, although late, By lenient gifts liberal, and by speech 135 Conciliatory, to assuage his ire. Then answer'd Agamemnon, King of men. Old Chief! there is no falsehood in thy charge; I have offended, and confess the wrong. The warrior is alone a host, whom Jove 140 Loves as he loves Achilles, for whose sake He hath Achaia's thousands thus subdued. But if the impulse of a wayward mind Obeying, I have err'd, behold me, now, Prepared to soothe him with atonement large 145 Of gifts inestimable, which by name I will propound in presence of you all. Seven tripods, never sullied yet with fire; Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright; Twelve coursers, strong, victorious in the race; 150 No man possessing prizes such as mine Which they have won for me, shall feel the want Of acquisitions splendid or of gold. Seven virtuous female captives will I give Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all, 155 Whom, when himself took Lesbos, I received My chosen portion, passing womankind In perfect loveliness of face and form. These will I give, and will with these resign Her whom I took, Briseis, with an oath 160 Most solemn, that unconscious as she was Of my embraces, such I yield her his. All these I give him now; and if at length The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, let him heap his ships 165 With gold and brass, entering and choosing first When we shall share the spoil. Let him beside Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy, Helen except, loveliest of all their sex. And if once more, the rich milk-flowing land 170 We reach of Argos, he shall there become My son-in-law, and shall enjoy like state With him whom I in all abundance rear, My only son Orestes. At my home I have three daughters; let him thence conduct 175 To Phthia, her whom he shall most approve. Chrysothemis shall be his bride, or else Laodice; or if she please him more, Iphianassa; and from him I ask No dower;[5] myself will such a dower bestow 180 As never father on his child before. Seven fair well-peopled cities I will give Cardamyle and Enope, and rich In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built, And for her depth of pasturage renown'd 185 Antheia; proud AEpeia's lofty towers, And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines. All these are maritime, and on the shore They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd Most rich in flocks and herds, who tributes large, 190 And gifts presenting to his sceptred hand, Shall hold him high in honor as a God. These will I give him if from wrath he cease. Let him be overcome. Pluto alone Is found implacable and deaf to prayer, 195 Whom therefore of all Gods men hate the most. My power is greater, and my years than his More numerous, therefore let him yield to me. To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men! 200 No sordid gifts, or to be view'd with scorn, Givest thou the Prince Achilles. But away! Send chosen messengers, who shall the son Of Peleus, instant, in his tent address. Myself will choose them, be it theirs to obey. 205 Let Phoenix lead, Jove loves him. Be the next Huge Ajax; and the wise Ulysses third. Of heralds, Odius and Eurybates Shall them attend. Bring water for our hands; Give charge that every tongue abstain from speech 210 Portentous, and propitiate Jove by prayer. He spake, and all were pleased. The heralds pour'd Pure water on their hands;[6] attendant youths The beakers crown'd, and wine from right to left Distributed to all. Libation made, 215 All drank, and in such measure as they chose, Then hasted forth from Agamemnon's tent. Gerenian Nestor at their side them oft Instructed, each admonishing by looks Significant, and motion of his eyes, 220 But most Ulysses, to omit no means By which Achilles likeliest might be won. Along the margin of the sounding deep They pass'd, to Neptune, compasser of earth, Preferring vows ardent with numerous prayers, 225 That they might sway with ease the mighty mind Of fierce AEacides. And now they reach'd The station where his Myrmidons abode. Him solacing they found his heart with notes Struck from his silver-framed harmonious lyre; 230 Among the spoils he found it when he sack'd Eetion's city; with that lyre his cares He sooth'd, and glorious heroes were his theme.[7] Patroclus silent sat, and he alone, Before him, on AEacides intent, 235 Expecting still when he should cease to sing. The messengers advanced (Ulysses first) Into his presence; at the sight, his harp Still in his hand, Achilles from his seat Started astonish'd; nor with less amaze 240 Patroclus also, seeing them, arose. Achilles seized their hands, and thus he spake.[8] Hail friends! ye all are welcome. Urgent cause Hath doubtless brought you, whom I dearest hold (Though angry still) of all Achaia's host. 245 So saying, he introduced them, and on seats Placed them with purple arras overspread, Then thus bespake Patroclus standing nigh. Son of Menaetius! bring a beaker more Capacious, and replenish it with wine 250 Diluted[9] less; then give to each his cup; For dearer friends than these who now arrive My roof beneath, or worthier, have I none. He ended, and Patroclus quick obey'd, Whom much he loved. Achilles, then, himself 255 Advancing near the fire an ample[10] tray, Spread goats' flesh on it, with the flesh of sheep And of a fatted brawn; of each a chine. Automedon attending held them fast, While with sharp steel Achilles from the bone 260 Sliced thin the meat, then pierced it with the spits. Meantime the godlike Menaetiades Kindled fierce fire, and when the flame declined, Raked wide the embers, laid the meat to roast, And taking sacred salt from the hearth-side 265 Where it was treasured, shower'd it o'er the feast. When all was finish'd, and the board set forth, Patroclus furnish'd it around with bread In baskets, and Achilles served the guests. Beside the tent-wall, opposite, he sat 270 To the divine Ulysses; first he bade Patroclus make oblation; he consign'd The consecrated morsel to the fire, And each, at once, his savoury mess assail'd. When neither edge of hunger now they felt 275 Nor thirsted longer, Ajax with a nod Made sign to Phoenix, which Ulysses mark'd, And charging high his cup, drank to his host. Health to Achilles! hospitable cheer And well prepared, we want not at the board 280 Of royal Agamemnon, or at thine, For both are nobly spread; but dainties now, Or plenteous boards, are little our concern.[11] Oh godlike Chief! tremendous ills we sit Contemplating with fear, doubtful if life 285 Or death, with the destruction of our fleet, Attend us, unless thou put on thy might. For lo! the haughty Trojans, with their friends Call'd from afar, at the fleet-side encamp, Fast by the wall, where they have kindled fires 290 Numerous, and threaten that no force of ours Shall check their purposed inroad on the ships. Jove grants them favorable signs from heaven, Bright lightnings; Hector glares revenge, with rage Infuriate, and by Jove assisted, heeds 295 Nor God nor man, but prays the morn to rise That he may hew away our vessel-heads, Burn all our fleet with fire, and at their sides Slay the Achaians struggling in the smoke. Horrible are my fears lest these his threats 300 The Gods accomplish, and it be our doom To perish here, from Argos far remote. Up, therefore! if thou canst, and now at last The weary sons of all Achaia save From Trojan violence. Regret, but vain, 305 Shall else be thine hereafter, when no cure Of such great ill, once suffer'd, can be found. Thou therefore, seasonably kind, devise Means to preserve from such disast'rous fate The Grecians. Ah, my friend! when Peleus thee 310 From Phthia sent to Agamemnon's aid, On that same day he gave thee thus in charge. "Juno, my son, and Pallas, if they please, Can make thee valiant; but thy own big heart Thyself restrain. Sweet manners win respect. 315 Cease from pernicious strife, and young and old Throughout the host shall honor thee the more." Such was thy father's charge, which thou, it seems, Remember'st not. Yet even now thy wrath Renounce; be reconciled; for princely gifts 320 Atrides gives thee if thy wrath subside. Hear, if thou wilt, and I will tell thee all, How vast the gifts which Agamemnon made By promise thine, this night within his tent. Seven tripods never sullied yet with fire; 325 Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright; Twelve steeds strong-limb'd, victorious in the race; No man possessing prizes such as those Which they have won for him, shall feel the want Of acquisitions splendid, or of gold. 330 Seven virtuous female captives he will give, Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all, Whom when thou conquer'dst Lesbos, he received His chosen portion, passing woman-kind In perfect loveliness of face and form. 335 These will he give, and will with these resign Her whom he took, Briseis, with an oath Most solemn, that unconscious as she was Of his embraces, such he yields her back. All these he gives thee now! and if at length 340 The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, thou shalt heap thy ships With gold and brass, entering and choosing first, When we shall share the spoil; and shalt beside Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy, 345 Helen except, loveliest of all their sex. And if once more the rich milk-flowing land We reach of Argos, thou shalt there become His son-in-law, and shalt enjoy like state With him, whom he in all abundance rears, 350 His only son Orestes. In his house He hath three daughters; thou may'st home conduct To Phthia, her whom thou shalt most approve. Chrysothemis shall be thy bride; or else Laodice; or if she please thee more 355 Iphianassa; and from thee he asks No dower; himself will such a dower bestow As never father on his child before. Seven fair well-peopled cities will he give; Cardamyle and Enope; and rich 360 In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built, And for her depth of pasturage renown'd, Antheia; proud AEpeia's lofty towers, And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines. All these are maritime, and on the shore 365 They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd Most rich in flocks and herds, who tribute large And gifts presenting to thy sceptred hand, Shall hold thee high in honor as a God. These will he give thee, if thy wrath subside. 370 But should'st thou rather in thine heart the more Both Agamemnon and his gifts detest, Yet oh compassionate the afflicted host Prepared to adore thee. Thou shalt win renown Among the Grecians that shall never die. 375 Now strike at Hector. He is here;--himself Provokes thee forth; madness is in his heart, And in his rage he glories that our ships Have hither brought no Grecian brave as he. Then thus Achilles matchless in the race. 380 Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! I must with plainness speak my fixt resolve Unalterable; lest I hear from each The same long murmur'd melancholy tale. For I abhor the man, not more the gates 385 Of hell itself, whose words belie his heart. So shall not mine. My judgment undisguised Is this; that neither Agamemnon me Nor all the Greeks shall move; for ceaseless toil Wins here no thanks; one recompense awaits 390 The sedentary and the most alert, The brave and base in equal honor stand, And drones and heroes fall unwept alike. I after all my labors, who exposed My life continual in the field, have earn'd 395 No very sumptuous prize. As the poor bird Gives to her unfledged brood a morsel gain'd After long search, though wanting it herself, So I have worn out many sleepless nights, And waded deep through many a bloody day 400 In battle for their wives.[12] I have destroy'd Twelve cities with my fleet, and twelve, save one, On foot contending in the fields of Troy. From all these cities, precious spoils I took Abundant, and to Agamemnon's hand 405 Gave all the treasure. He within his ships Abode the while, and having all received, Little distributed, and much retained; He gave, however, to the Kings and Chiefs A portion, and they keep it. Me alone 410 Of all the Grecian host he hath despoil'd; My bride, my soul's delight is in his hands, And let him, couch'd with her, enjoy his fill Of dalliance. What sufficient cause, what need Have the Achaians to contend with Troy? 415 Why hath Atrides gather'd such a host, And led them hither? Was't not for the sake Of beauteous Helen? And of all mankind Can none be found who love their proper wives But the Atridae? There is no good man 420 Who loves not, guards not, and with care provides For his own wife, and, though in battle won, I loved the fair Briseis at my heart. But having dispossess'd me of my prize So foully, let him not essay me now, 425 For I am warn'd, and he shall not prevail. With thee and with thy peers let him advise, Ulysses! how the fleet may likeliest 'scape Yon hostile fires; full many an arduous task He hath accomplished without aid of mine; 430 So hath he now this rampart and the trench Which he hath digg'd around it, and with stakes Planted contiguous--puny barriers all To hero-slaughtering Hector's force opposed. While I the battle waged, present myself 435 Among the Achaians, Hector never fought Far from his walls, but to the Scaean gate Advancing and the beech-tree, there remain'd. Once, on that spot he met me, and my arm Escaped with difficulty even there. 440 But, since I feel myself not now inclined To fight with noble Hector, yielding first To Jove due worship, and to all the Gods, To-morrow will I launch, and give my ships Their lading. Look thou forth at early dawn, 445 And, if such spectacle delight thee aught, Thou shalt behold me cleaving with my prows The waves of Hellespont, and all my crews Of lusty rowers active in their task. So shall I reach (if Ocean's mighty God 450 Prosper my passage) Phthia the deep-soil'd On the third day. I have possessions there, Which hither roaming in an evil hour I left abundant. I shall also hence Convey much treasure, gold and burnish'd brass, 455 And glittering steel, and women passing fair My portion of the spoils. But he, your King, The prize he gave, himself resumed, And taunted at me. Tell him my reply, And tell it him aloud, that other Greeks 460 May indignation feel like me, if arm'd Always in impudence, he seek to wrong Them also. Let him not henceforth presume, Canine and hard in aspect though he be, To look me in the face. I will not share 465 His counsels, neither will I aid his works. Let it suffice him, that he wrong'd me once, Deceived me once, henceforth his glozing arts Are lost on me. But let him rot in peace Crazed as he is, and by the stroke of Jove 470 Infatuate. I detest his gifts, and him So honor as the thing which most I scorn. And would he give me twenty times the worth Of this his offer, all the treasured heaps Which he possesses, or shall yet possess, 475 All that Orchomenos within her walls, And all that opulent Egyptian Thebes Receives, the city with a hundred gates, Whence twenty thousand chariots rush to war, And would he give me riches as the sands, 480 And as the dust of earth, no gifts from him Should soothe me, till my soul were first avenged For all the offensive license of his tongue. I will not wed the daughter of your Chief, Of Agamemnon. Could she vie in charms 485 With golden Venus, had she all the skill Of blue-eyed Pallas, even so endow'd She were no bride for me. No. He may choose From the Achaians some superior Prince, One more her equal. Peleus, if the Gods 490 Preserve me, and I safe arrive at home, Himself, ere long, shall mate me with a bride. In Hellas and in Phthia may be found Fair damsels many, daughters of the Chiefs Who guard our cities; I may choose of them, 495 And make the loveliest of them all my own. There, in my country, it hath ever been My dearest purpose, wedded to a wife Of rank convenient, to enjoy in peace Such wealth as ancient Peleus hath acquired. 500 For life, in my account, surpasses far In value all the treasures which report Ascribed to populous Ilium, ere the Greeks Arrived, and while the city yet had peace; Those also which Apollo's marble shrine 505 In rocky Pytho boasts. Fat flocks and beeves May be by force obtain'd, tripods and steeds Are bought or won, but if the breath of man Once overpass its bounds, no force arrests Or may constrain the unbodied spirit back. 510 Me, as my silver-footed mother speaks Thetis, a twofold consummation waits. If still with battle I encompass Troy, I win immortal glory, but all hope Renounce of my return. If I return 515 To my beloved country, I renounce The illustrious meed of glory, but obtain Secure and long immunity from death. And truly I would recommend to all To voyage homeward, for the fall as yet 520 Ye shall not see of Ilium's lofty towers, For that the Thunderer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Bear ye mine answer back, as is the part Of good ambassadors, that they may frame 525 Some likelier plan, by which both fleet and host May be preserved; for, my resentment still Burning, this project is but premature. Let Phoenix stay with us, and sleep this night Within my tent, that, if he so incline, 530 He may to-morrow in my fleet embark, And hence attend me; but I leave him free. He ended; they astonish'd at his tone (For vehement he spake) sat silent all, Till Phoenix, aged warrior, at the last 535 Gush'd into tears (for dread his heart o'erwhelm'd Lest the whole fleet should perish) and replied. If thou indeed have purposed to return, Noble Achilles! and such wrath retain'st That thou art altogether fixt to leave 540 The fleet a prey to desolating fires, How then, my son! shall I at Troy abide Forlorn of thee? When Peleus, hoary Chief, Sent thee to Agamemnon, yet a child,[13] Unpractised in destructive fight, nor less 545 Of councils ignorant, the schools in which Great minds are form'd, he bade me to the war Attend thee forth, that I might teach thee all, Both elocution and address in arms. Me therefore shalt thou not with my consent 550 Leave here, my son! no, not would Jove himself Promise me, reaping smooth this silver beard, To make me downy-cheek'd as in my youth; Such as when erst from Hellas beauty-famed I fled, escaping from my father's wrath 555 Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who loved A beauteous concubine, and for her sake Despised his wife and persecuted me. My mother suppliant at my knees, with prayer Perpetual importuned me to embrace 560 The damsel first, that she might loathe my sire. I did so; and my father soon possess'd With hot suspicion of the fact, let loose A storm of imprecation, in his rage Invoking all the Furies to forbid 565 That ever son of mine should press his knees. Tartarian Jove[14] and dread Persephone Fulfill'd his curses; with my pointed spear I would have pierced his heart, but that my wrath Some Deity assuaged, suggesting oft 570 What shame and obloquy I should incur, Known as a parricide through all the land. At length, so treated, I resolved to dwell No longer in his house. My friends, indeed, And all my kindred compass'd me around 575 With much entreaty, wooing me to stay; Oxen and sheep they slaughter'd, many a plump Well-fatted brawn extended in the flames, And drank the old man's vessels to the lees. Nine nights continual at my side they slept, 580 While others watch'd by turns, nor were the fires Extinguish'd ever, one, beneath the porch Of the barr'd hall, and one that from within The vestibule illumed my chamber door. But when the tenth dark night at length arrived, 585 Sudden the chamber doors bursting I flew That moment forth, and unperceived alike By guards and menial woman, leap'd the wall. Through spacious Hellas flying thence afar, I came at length to Phthia the deep-soil'd, 590 Mother of flocks, and to the royal house Of Peleus; Peleus with a willing heart Receiving, loved me as a father loves His only son, the son of his old age, Inheritor of all his large demesnes. 595 He made me rich; placed under my control A populous realm, and on the skirts I dwelt Of Phthia, ruling the Dolopian race. Thee from my soul, thou semblance of the Gods, I loved, and all illustrious as thou art, 600 Achilles! such I made thee. For with me, Me only, would'st thou forth to feast abroad, Nor would'st thou taste thy food at home, 'till first I placed thee on my knees, with my own hand Thy viands carved and fed thee, and the wine 605 Held to thy lips; and many a time, in fits Of infant frowardness, the purple juice Rejecting thou hast deluged all my vest, And fill'd my bosom. Oh, I have endured Much, and have also much perform'd for thee, 610 Thus purposing, that since the Gods vouchsaf'd No son to me, thyself shouldst be my son, Godlike Achilles! who shouldst screen perchance From a foul fate my else unshelter'd age. Achilles! bid thy mighty spirit down. 615 Thou shouldst not be thus merciless; the Gods, Although more honorable, and in power And virtue thy superiors, are themselves Yet placable; and if a mortal man Offend them by transgression of their laws, 620 Libation, incense, sacrifice, and prayer, In meekness offer'd turn their wrath away. Prayers are Jove's daughters,[15] wrinkled,[16] lame, slant-eyed, Which though far distant, yet with constant pace Follow Offence. Offence, robust of limb, 625 And treading firm the ground, outstrips them all, And over all the earth before them runs Hurtful to man. They, following, heal the hurt. Received respectfully when they approach, They help us, and our prayers hear in return. 630 But if we slight, and with obdurate heart Resist them, to Saturnian Jove they cry Against us, supplicating that Offence May cleave to us for vengeance of the wrong. Thou, therefore, O Achilles! honor yield 635 To Jove's own daughters, vanquished, as the brave Have ofttimes been, by honor paid to thee. For came not Agamemnon as he comes With gifts in hand, and promises of more Hereafter; burn'd his anger still the same, 640 I would not move thee to renounce thy own, And to assist us, howsoe'er distress'd. But now, not only are his present gifts Most liberal, and his promises of more Such also, but these Princes he hath sent 645 Charged with entreaties, thine especial friends, And chosen for that cause, from all the host. Slight not their embassy, nor put to shame Their intercession. We confess that once Thy wrath was unreprovable and just. 650 Thus we have heard the heroes of old times Applauded oft, whose anger, though intense, Yet left them open to the gentle sway Of reason and conciliatory gifts. I recollect an ancient history, 655 Which, since all here are friends, I will relate. The brave AEtolians and Curetes met Beneath the walls of Calydon, and fought With mutual slaughter; the AEtolian powers In the defence of Calydon the fair, 660 And the Curetes bent to lay it waste: That strife Diana of the golden throne Kindled between them, with resentment fired That Oeneus had not in some fertile spot The first fruits of his harvest set apart 665 To her; with hecatombs he entertained All the Divinities of heaven beside, And her alone, daughter of Jove supreme, Or through forgetfulness, or some neglect, Served not; omission careless and profane! 670 She, progeny of Jove, Goddess shaft-arm'd, A savage boar bright-tusk'd in anger sent, Which haunting Oeneus' fields much havoc made. Trees numerous on the earth in heaps he cast Uprooting them, with all their blossoms on. 675 But Meleager, Oeneus' son, at length Slew him, the hunters gathering and the hounds Of numerous cities; for a boar so vast Might not be vanquish'd by the power of few, And many to their funeral piles he sent. 680 Then raised Diana clamorous dispute, And contest hot between them, all alike, Curetes and AEtolians fierce in arms The boar's head claiming, and his bristly hide. So long as warlike Meleager fought, 685 AEtolia prosper'd, nor with all their powers Could the Curetes stand before the walls. But when resentment once had fired the heart Of Meleager, which hath tumult oft Excited in the breasts of wisest men, 690 (For his own mother had his wrath provoked Althaea) thenceforth with his wedded wife He dwelt, fair Cleopatra, close retired. She was Marpessa's daughter, whom she bore To Idas, bravest warrior in his day 695 Of all on earth. He fear'd not 'gainst the King Himself Apollo, for the lovely nymph Marpessa's sake, his spouse, to bend his bow. Her, therefore, Idas and Marpessa named Thenceforth Alcyone, because the fate 700 Of sad Alcyone Marpessa shared, And wept like her, by Phoebus forced away. Thus Meleager, tortured with the pangs Of wrath indulged, with Cleopatra dwelt, Vex'd that his mother cursed him; for, with grief 705 Frantic, his mother importuned the Gods To avenge her slaughter'd brothers[17] on his head. Oft would she smite the earth, while on her knees Seated, she fill'd her bosom with her tears, And call'd on Pluto and dread Proserpine 710 To slay her son; nor vain was that request, But by implacable Erynnis heard Roaming the shades of Erebus. Ere long The tumult and the deafening din of war Roar'd at the gates, and all the batter'd towers 715 Resounded. Then the elders of the town Dispatch'd the high-priests of the Gods to plead With Meleager for his instant aid, With strong assurances of rich reward. Where Calydon afforded fattest soil 720 They bade him choose to his own use a farm Of fifty measured acres, vineyard half, And half of land commodious for the plow. Him Oeneus also, warrior grey with age, Ascending to his chamber, and his doors 725 Smiting importunate, with earnest prayers Assay'd to soften, kneeling to his son. Nor less his sisters woo'd him to relent, Nor less his mother; but in vain; he grew Still more obdurate. His companions last, 730 The most esteem'd and dearest of his friends, The same suit urged, yet he persisted still Relentless, nor could even they prevail. But when the battle shook his chamber-doors And the Curetes climbing the high towers 735 Had fired the spacious city, then with tears The beauteous Cleopatra, and with prayers Assail'd him; in his view she set the woes Numberless of a city storm'd--the men Slaughter'd, the city burnt to dust, the chaste 740 Matrons with all their children dragg'd away. That dread recital roused him, and at length Issuing, he put his radiant armor on. Thus Meleager, gratifying first His own resentment from a fatal day 745 Saved the AEtolians, who the promised gift Refused him, and his toils found no reward. But thou, my son, be wiser; follow thou No demon who would tempt thee to a course Like his; occasion more propitious far 750 Smiles on thee now, than if the fleet were fired. Come, while by gifts invited, and receive From all the host, the honors of a God; For shouldst thou, by no gifts induced, at last Enter the bloody field, although thou chase 755 The Trojans hence, yet less shall be thy praise. Then thus Achilles, matchless in the race. Phoenix, my guide, wise, noble and revered! I covet no such glory! the renown Ordain'd by Jove for me, is to resist 760 All importunity to quit my ships While I have power to move, or breath to draw. Hear now, and mark me well. Cease thou from tears. Confound me not, pleading with sighs and sobs In Agamemnon's cause; O love not him, 765 Lest I renounce thee, who am now thy friend. Assist me rather, as thy duty bids, Him to afflict, who hath afflicted me, So shalt thou share my glory and my power. These shall report as they have heard, but here 770 Rest thou this night, and with the rising morn We will decide, to stay or to depart. He ceased, and silent, by a nod enjoin'd Patroclus to prepare an easy couch For Phoenix, anxious to dismiss the rest 775 Incontinent; when Ajax, godlike son Of Telamon, arising, thus began. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd: Depart we now; for I perceive that end Or fruit of all our reasonings shall be none. 780 It is expedient also that we bear Our answer back (unwelcome as it is) With all dispatch, for the assembled Greeks Expect us. Brave Achilles shuts a fire Within his breast; the kindness of his friends, 785 And the respect peculiar by ourselves Shown to him, on his heart work no effect. Inexorable man! others accept Even for a brother slain, or for a son Due compensation;[18] the delinquent dwells 790 Secure at home, and the receiver, soothed And pacified, represses his revenge. But thou, resentful of the loss of one, One virgin (such obduracy of heart The Gods have given thee) can'st not be appeased 795 Yet we assign thee seven in her stead, The most distinguish'd of their sex, and add Large gifts beside. Ah then, at last relent! Respect thy roof; we are thy guests; we come Chosen from the multitude of all the Greeks, 800 Beyond them all ambitious of thy love. To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. My noble friend, offspring of Telamon! Thou seem'st sincere, and I believe thee such. But at the very mention of the name 805 Of Atreus' son, who shamed me in the sight Of all Achaia's host, bearing me down As I had been some vagrant at his door, My bosom boils. Return ye and report Your answer. I no thought will entertain 810 Of crimson war, till the illustrious son Of warlike Priam, Hector, blood-embrued, Shall in their tents the Myrmidons assail Themselves, and fire my fleet. At my own ship, And at my own pavilion it may chance 815 That even Hector's violence shall pause.[19] He ended; they from massy goblets each Libation pour'd, and to the fleet their course Resumed direct, Ulysses at their head. Patroclus then his fellow-warriors bade, 820 And the attendant women spread a couch For Phoenix; they the couch, obedient, spread With fleeces, with rich arras, and with flax Of subtlest woof. There hoary Phoenix lay In expectation of the sacred dawn. 825 Meantime Achilles in the interior tent, With beauteous Diomeda by himself From Lesbos brought, daughter of Phorbas, lay. Patroclus opposite reposed, with whom Slept charming Iphis; her, when he had won 830 The lofty towers of Scyros, the divine Achilles took, and on his friend bestow'd. But when those Chiefs at Agamemnon's tent Arrived, the Greeks on every side arose With golden cups welcoming their return. 835 All question'd them, but Agamemnon first. Oh worthy of Achaia's highest praise, And her chief ornament, Ulysses, speak! Will he defend the fleet? or his big heart Indulging wrathful, doth he still refuse? 840 To whom renown'd Ulysses thus replied. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men! He his resentment quenches not, nor will, But burns with wrath the more, thee and thy gifts Rejecting both. He bids thee with the Greeks 845 Consult by what expedient thou may'st save The fleet and people, threatening that himself Will at the peep of day launch all his barks, And counselling, beside, the general host To voyage homeward, for that end as yet 850 Of Ilium wall'd to heaven, ye shall not find, Since Jove the Thunderer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Thus speaks the Chief, and Ajax is prepared, With the attendant heralds to report 855 As I have said. But Phoenix in the tent Sleeps of Achilles, who his stay desired, That on the morrow, if he so incline, The hoary warrior may attend him hence Home to his country, but he leaves him free. 860 He ended. They astonish'd at his tone (For vehement he spake) sat silent all. Long silent sat the afflicted sons of Greece, When thus the mighty Diomede began. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men! 865 Thy supplications to the valiant son Of Peleus, and the offer of thy gifts Innumerous, had been better far withheld. He is at all times haughty, and thy suit Hath but increased his haughtiness of heart 870 Past bounds: but let him stay or let him go As he shall choose. He will resume the fight When his own mind shall prompt him, and the Gods Shall urge him forth. Now follow my advice. Ye have refresh'd your hearts with food and wine 875 Which are the strength of man; take now repose. And when the rosy-finger'd morning fair Shall shine again, set forth without delay The battle, horse and foot, before the fleet, And where the foremost fight, fight also thou. 880 He ended; all the Kings applauded warm His counsel, and the dauntless tone admired Of Diomede. Then, due libation made, Each sought his tent, and took the gift of sleep. * * * * * There is much in this book which is worthy of close attention. The consummate genius, the varied and versatile power, the eloquence, truth, and nature displayed in it, will always be admired. Perhaps there is no portion of the poem more remarkable for these attributes.--FELTON. THE ILIAD. BOOK X. ARGUMENT OF THE TENTH BOOK. Diomede and Ulysses enter the Trojan host by night, and slay Rhesus. BOOK X. All night the leaders of the host of Greece Lay sunk in soft repose, all, save the Chief,[1] The son of Atreus; him from thought to thought Roving solicitous, no sleep relieved. As when the spouse of beauteous Juno, darts 5 His frequent fires, designing heavy rain Immense, or hail-storm, or field-whitening snow, Or else wide-throated war calamitous, So frequent were the groans by Atreus' son Heaved from his inmost heart, trembling with dread. 10 For cast he but his eye toward the plain Of Ilium, there, astonish'd he beheld The city fronted with bright fires, and heard Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war; But when again the Grecian fleet he view'd, 15 And thought on his own people, then his hair Uprooted elevating to the Gods, He from his generous bosom groan'd again. At length he thus resolved; of all the Greeks To seek Neleian Nestor first, with whom 20 He might, perchance, some plan for the defence Of the afflicted Danai devise. Rising, he wrapp'd his tunic to his breast, And to his royal feet unsullied bound His sandals; o'er his shoulders, next, he threw 25 Of amplest size a lion's tawny skin That swept his footsteps, dappled o'er with blood, Then took his spear. Meantime, not less appall'd Was Menelaus, on whose eyelids sleep Sat not, lest the Achaians for his sake 30 O'er many waters borne, and now intent On glorious deeds, should perish all at Troy. With a pard's spotted hide his shoulders broad He mantled over; to his head he raised His brazen helmet, and with vigorous hand 35 Grasping his spear, forth issued to arouse His brother, mighty sovereign of the host, And by the Grecians like a God revered. He found him at his galley's stern, his arms Assuming radiant; welcome he arrived 40 To Agamemnon, whom he thus address'd. Why arm'st thou, brother? Wouldst thou urge abroad Some trusty spy into the Trojan camp?[2] I fear lest none so hardy shall be found As to adventure, in the dead still night, 45 So far, alone; valiant indeed were he! To whom great Agamemnon thus replied. Heaven-favor'd Menelaus! We have need, Thou and myself, of some device well-framed, Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece 50 May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed, And Hector's prayers alone now reach his ear. I never saw, nor by report have learn'd From any man, that ever single chief Such awful wonders in one day perform'd 55 As he with ease against the Greeks, although Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God. Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills Achaia's host hath at his hands sustain'd. 60 But haste, begone, and at their several ships Call Ajax and Idomeneus; I go To exhort the noble Nestor to arise, That he may visit, if he so incline, The chosen band who watch, and his advice 65 Give them; for him most prompt they will obey, Whose son, together with Meriones, Friend of Idomeneus, controls them all, Entrusted by ourselves with that command. Him answer'd Menelaus bold in arms. 70 Explain thy purpose. Wouldst thou that I wait Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both Given, that I incontinent return? To whom the Sovereign of the host replied. There stay; lest striking into different paths 75 (For many passes intersect the camp) We miss each other; summon them aloud Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise; Call each by his hereditary name, Honoring all. Beware of manners proud, 80 For we ourselves must labor, at our birth By Jove ordain'd to suffering and to toil. So saying, he his brother thence dismiss'd Instructed duly, and himself, his steps Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found 85 Amid his sable galleys in his tent Reposing soft, his armor at his side, Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider'd belt Which, when the Senior arm'd led forth his host To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet 90 With the encroachments of enfeebling age. He raised his head, and on his elbow propp'd, Questioning Agamemnon, thus began. But who art thou, who thus alone, the camp Roamest, amid the darkness of the night, 95 While other mortals sleep? Comest thou abroad Seeking some friend or soldier of the guard? Speak--come not nearer mute. What is thy wish? To whom the son of Atreus, King of men. Oh Nestor, glory of the Grecian name, 100 Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know The son of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom'd By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air. I wander thus, because that on my lids 105 Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns Of the Achaians occupy my soul. Terrible are the fears which I endure For these my people; such as supersede All thought; my bosom can no longer hold 110 My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs. But if thy mind, more capable, project Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil'd 115 They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge. The foe is posted near, and may intend (None knows his purpose) an assault by night. To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Illustrious Agamemnon, King of men! 120 Deep-planning Jove the imaginations proud Of Hector will not ratify, nor all His sanguine hopes effectuate; in his turn He also (fierce Achilles once appeased) Shall trouble feel, and haply, more than we. 125 But with all readiness I will arise And follow thee, that we may also rouse Yet others; Diomede the spear-renown'd, Ulysses, the swift Ajax, and the son Of Phyleus, valiant Meges. It were well 130 Were others also visited and call'd, The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus, Whose ships are at the camp's extremest bounds. But though I love thy brother and revere, And though I grieve e'en thee, yet speak I must, 135 And plainly censure him, that thus he sleeps And leaves to thee the labor, who himself Should range the host, soliciting the Chiefs Of every band, as utmost need requires. Him answer'd Agamemnon, King of men. 140 Old warrior, times there are, when I could wish Myself thy censure of him, for in act He is not seldom tardy and remiss. Yet is not sluggish indolence the cause, No, nor stupidity, but he observes 145 Me much, expecting till I lead the way. But he was foremost now, far more alert This night than I, and I have sent him forth Already, those to call whom thou hast named. But let us hence, for at the guard I trust 150 To find them, since I gave them so in charge.[3] To whom the brave Gerenian Chief replied. Him none will censure, or his will dispute, Whom he shall waken and exhort to rise. So saying, he bound his corselet to his breast, 155 His sandals fair to his unsullied feet, And fastening by its clasps his purple cloak Around him, double and of shaggy pile, Seized, next, his sturdy spear headed with brass, And issued first into the Grecian fleet. 160 There, Nestor, brave Gerenian, with a voice Sonorous roused the godlike counsellor From sleep, Ulysses; the alarm came o'er His startled ear, forth from his tent he sprang Sudden, and of their coming, quick, inquired. 165 Why roam ye thus the camp and fleet alone In darkness? by what urgent need constrain'd? To whom the hoary Pylian thus replied. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! Resent it not, for dread is our distress. 170 Come, therefore, and assist us to convene Yet others, qualified to judge if war Be most expedient, or immediate flight. He ended, and regaining, quick, his tent, Ulysses slung his shield, then coming forth 175 Join'd them. The son of Tydeus first they sought. Him sleeping arm'd before his tent they found, Encompass'd by his friends also asleep; His head each rested on his shield, and each Had planted on its nether point[4] erect 180 His spear beside him; bright their polish'd heads, As Jove's own lightning glittered from afar. Himself, the Hero, slept. A wild bull's hide Was spread beneath him, and on arras tinged With splendid purple lay his head reclined. 185 Nestor, beside him standing, with his heel Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved. Awake, Tydides! wherefore givest the night Entire to balmy slumber? Hast not heard How on the rising ground beside the fleet 190 The Trojans sit, small interval between? He ceased; then up sprang Diomede alarm'd Instant, and in wing'd accents thus replied. Old wakeful Chief! thy toils are never done. Are there not younger of the sons of Greece, 195 Who ranging in all parts the camp, might call The Kings to council? But no curb controls Or can abate activity like thine. To whom Gerenian Nestor in return. My friend! thou hast well spoken. I have sons, 200 And they are well deserving; I have here A numerous people also, one of whom Might have sufficed to call the Kings of Greece. But such occasion presses now the host As hath not oft occurr'd; the overthrow 205 Complete, or full deliverance of us all, In balance hangs, poised on a razor's edge. But haste, and if thy pity of my toils Be such, since thou art younger, call, thyself, Ajax the swift, and Meges to the guard. 210 Then Diomede a lion's tawny skin Around him wrapp'd, dependent to his heels, And, spear in hand, set forth. The Hero call'd Those two, and led them whither Nestor bade. They, at the guard arrived, not sleeping found 215 The captains of the guard, but sitting all In vigilant posture with their arms prepared. As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night, Hearing some wild beast in the woods,[5] which hounds And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive 220 Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego; So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep That dreadful night, but constant to the plain At every sound of Trojan feet they turn'd. The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms 225 Of kind encouragement them thus address'd. So watch, my children! and beware that sleep Invade none here, lest all become a prey. So saying, he traversed with quick pace the trench By every Chief whom they had thither call'd 230 Attended, with whom Nestor's noble son Went, and Meriones, invited both To join their consultation. From the foss Emerging, in a vacant space they sat, Unstrew'd with bodies of the slain, the spot, 235 Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return'd. There seated, mutual converse close they held, And Nestor, brave Gerenian, thus began. Oh friends! hath no Achaian here such trust 240 In his own prowess, as to venture forth Among yon haughty Trojans? He, perchance, Might on the borders of their host surprise Some wandering adversary, or might learn Their consultations, whether they propose 245 Here to abide in prospect of the fleet, Or, satiate with success against the Greeks So signal, meditate retreat to Troy. These tidings gain'd, should he at last return Secure, his recompense will be renown 250 Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward. From every leader of the fleet, his gift Shall be a sable[6] ewe, and sucking lamb, Rare acquisition! and at every board And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest. 255 He ceased, and all sat silent, when at length The mighty son of Tydeus thus replied. Me, Nestor, my courageous heart incites To penetrate into the neighbor host Of enemies; but went some other Chief 260 With me, far greater would my comfort prove, And I should dare the more. Two going forth, One quicker sees than other, and suggests Prudent advice; but he who single goes, Mark whatsoe'er he may, the occasion less 265 Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts. He ended, and no few willing arose To go with Diomede. Servants of Mars Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they Meriones; most willing Nestor's son; 270 Willing the brother of the Chief of all, Nor willing less Ulysses to explore The host of Troy, for he possess'd a heart Delighted ever with some bold exploit. Then Agamemnon, King of men, began. 275 Now Diomede, in whom my soul delights! Choose whom thou wilt for thy companion; choose The fittest here; for numerous wish to go. Leave not through deference to another's rank, The more deserving, nor prefer a worse, 280 Respecting either pedigree or power. Such speech he interposed, fearing his choice Of Menelaus; then, renown'd in arms The son of Tydeus, rising, spake again. Since, then, ye bid me my own partner choose 285 Free from constraint, how can I overlook Divine Ulysses, whose courageous heart With such peculiar cheerfulness endures Whatever toils, and whom Minerva loves? Let _him_ attend me, and through fire itself 290 We shall return; for none is wise as he.[7] To him Ulysses, hardy Chief, replied. Tydides! neither praise me much, nor blame, For these are Grecians in whose ears thou speak'st, And know me well. But let us hence! the night 295 Draws to a close; day comes apace; the stars Are far advanced; two portions have elapsed Of darkness, but the third is yet entire. So they; then each his dreadful arms put on. To Diomede, who at the fleet had left 300 His own, the dauntless Thrasymedes gave His shield and sword two-edged, and on his head Placed, crestless, unadorn'd, his bull-skin casque. It was a stripling's helmet, such as youths Scarce yet confirm'd in lusty manhood, wear. 305 Meriones with quiver, bow and sword Furnish'd Ulysses, and his brows enclosed In his own casque of hide with many a thong Well braced within;[8] guarded it was without With boar's teeth ivory-white inherent firm 310 On all sides, and with woolen head-piece lined. That helmet erst Autolycus[9] had brought From Eleon, city of Amyntor son Of Hormenus, where he the solid walls Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor's house. 315 He on Amphidamas the prize bestow'd In Scandia;[10] from Amphidamas it pass'd To Molus as a hospitable pledge; He gave it to Meriones his son, And now it guarded shrewd Ulysses' brows. 320 Both clad in arms terrific, forth they sped, Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went A heron, by command of Pallas, flew Close on the right beside them; darkling they Discern'd him not, but heard his clanging plumes.[11] 325 Ulysses in the favorable sign Exulted, and Minerva thus invoked.[12] Oh hear me, daughter of Jove AEgis-arm'd! My present helper in all straits, whose eye Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care 330 Now guard me, Pallas! grant that after toil Successful, glorious, such as long shall fill With grief the Trojans, we may safe return And with immortal honors to the fleet. Valiant Tydides, next, his prayer preferr'd. 335 Hear also me, Jove's offspring by the toils Of war invincible! me follow now As my heroic father erst to Thebes Thou followedst, Tydeus; by the Greeks dispatch'd Ambassador, he left the mail-clad host 340 Beside Asopus, and with terms of peace Entrusted, enter'd Thebes; but by thine aid Benevolent, and in thy strength, perform'd Returning, deeds of terrible renown. Thus, now, protect me also! In return 345 I vow an offering at thy shrine, a young Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet Untamed, whose horns I will incase with gold. Such prayer they made, and Pallas heard well pleased. Their orisons ended to the daughter dread 350 Of mighty Jove, lion-like they advanced Through shades of night, through carnage, arms and blood. Nor Hector to his gallant host indulged Sleep, but convened the leaders; leader none Or senator of all his host he left 355 Unsummon'd, and his purpose thus promulged. Where is the warrior who for rich reward, Such as shall well suffice him, will the task Adventurous, which I propose, perform? A chariot with two steeds of proudest height, 360 Surpassing all in the whole fleet of Greece Shall be his portion, with immortal praise, Who shall the well-appointed ships approach Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard As heretofore, keep them, or if subdued 365 Beneath us, the Achaians flight intend, And worn with labor have no will to watch. So Hector spake, but answer none return'd. There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named,[13] Son of Eumedes herald of the Gods, 370 Rich both in gold and brass, but in his form Unsightly; yet the man was swift of foot, Sole brother of five sisters; he his speech To Hector and the Trojans thus address'd. My spirit, Hector, prompts me, and my mind 375 Endued with manly vigor, to approach Yon gallant ships, that I may tidings hear. But come. For my assurance, lifting high Thy sceptre, swear to me, for my reward, The horses and the brazen chariot bright 380 Which bear renown'd Achilles o'er the field. I will not prove a useless spy, nor fall Below thy best opinion; pass I will Their army through, 'till I shall reach the ship Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance, 385 Now sit consulting, or to fight, or fly.[14] Then raising high his sceptre, Hector sware Know, Jove himself, Juno's high-thundering spouse! That Trojan none shall in that chariot ride By those steeds drawn, save Dolon; on my oath 390 I make them thine; enjoy them evermore. He said, and falsely sware, yet him assured. Then Dolon, instant, o'er his shoulder slung His bow elastic, wrapp'd himself around With a grey wolf-skin, to his head a casque 395 Adjusted, coated o'er with ferret's felt, And seizing his sharp javelin, from the host Turn'd right toward the fleet, but was ordain'd To disappoint his sender, and to bring No tidings thence. The throng of Trojan steeds 400 And warriors left, with brisker pace he moved, When brave Ulysses his approach perceived, And thus to Diomede his speech address'd. Tydides! yonder man is from the host; Either a spy he comes, or with intent 405 To spoil the dead. First, freely let him pass Few paces, then pursuing him with speed, Seize on him suddenly; but should he prove The nimbler of the three, with threatening spear Enforce him from his camp toward the fleet, 410 Lest he elude us, and escape to Troy. So they; then, turning from the road oblique, Among the carcases each laid him down. Dolon, suspecting nought, ran swiftly by. [15]But when such space was interposed as mules 415 Plow in a day (for mules the ox surpass Through fallows deep drawing the ponderous plow) Both ran toward him. Dolon at the sound Stood; for he hoped some Trojan friends at hand From Hector sent to bid him back again. 420 But when within spear's cast, or less they came, Knowing them enemies he turn'd to flight Incontinent, whom they as swift pursued. As two fleet hounds sharp fang'd, train'd to the chase, Hang on the rear of flying hind or hare, 425 And drive her, never swerving from the track, Through copses close; she screaming scuds before; So Diomede and dread Ulysses him Chased constant, intercepting his return. And now, fast-fleeting to the ships, he soon 430 Had reach'd the guard, but Pallas with new force Inspired Tydides, lest a meaner Greek Should boast that he had smitten Dolon first, And Diomede win only second praise. He poised his lifted spear, and thus exclaim'd. 435 Stand! or my spear shall stop thee. Death impends At every step; thou canst not 'scape me long. He said, and threw his spear, but by design, Err'd from the man. The polish'd weapon swift O'er-glancing his right shoulder, in the soil 440 Stood fixt, beyond him. Terrified he stood, Stammering, and sounding through his lips the clash Of chattering teeth, with visage deadly wan. They panting rush'd on him, and both his hands Seized fast; he wept, and suppliant them bespake. 445 Take me alive, and I will pay the price Of my redemption. I have gold at home, Brass also, and bright steel, and when report Of my captivity within your fleet Shall reach my father, treasures he will give 450 Not to be told, for ransom of his son. To whom Ulysses politic replied. Take courage; entertain no thought of death.[16] But haste! this tell me, and disclose the truth. Why thus toward the ships comest thou alone 455 From yonder host, by night, while others sleep? To spoil some carcase? or from Hector sent A spy of all that passes in the fleet? Or by thy curiosity impell'd? Then Dolon, his limbs trembling, thus replied. 460 To my great detriment, and far beyond My own design, Hector trepann'd me forth, Who promised me the steeds of Peleus' son Illustrious, and his brazen chariot bright. He bade me, under night's fast-flitting shades 465 Approach our enemies, a spy, to learn If still as heretofore, ye station guards For safety of your fleet, or if subdued Completely, ye intend immediate flight, And worn with labor, have no will to watch. 470 To whom Ulysses, smiling, thus replied. Thou hadst, in truth, an appetite to gifts Of no mean value, coveting the steeds Of brave AEacides; but steeds are they Of fiery sort, difficult to be ruled 475 By force of mortal man, Achilles' self Except, whom an immortal mother bore. But tell me yet again; use no disguise; Where left'st thou, at thy coming forth, your Chief, The valiant Hector? where hath he disposed 480 His armor battle-worn, and where his steeds? What other quarters of your host are watch'd? Where lodge the guard, and what intend ye next? Still to abide in prospect of the fleet? Or well-content that ye have thus reduced 485 Achaia's host, will ye retire to Troy? To whom this answer Dolon straight returned Son of Eumedes. With unfeigning truth Simply and plainly will I utter all. Hector, with all the Senatorial Chiefs, 490 Beside the tomb of sacred Ilius sits Consulting, from the noisy camp remote. But for the guards, Hero! concerning whom Thou hast inquired, there is no certain watch And regular appointed o'er the camp; 495 The native[17] Trojans (for _they_ can no less) Sit sleepless all, and each his next exhorts To vigilance; but all our foreign aids, Who neither wives nor children hazard here, Trusting the Trojans for that service, sleep. 500 To whom Ulysses, ever wise, replied. How sleep the strangers and allies?--apart? Or with the Trojans mingled?--I would learn. So spake Ulysses; to whom Dolon thus, Son of Eumedes. I will all unfold, 505 And all most truly. By the sea are lodged The Carians, the Paeonians arm'd with bows, The Leleges, with the Pelasgian band, And the Caucones. On the skirts encamp Of Thymbra, the Maeonians crested high, 510 The Phrygian horsemen, with the Lycian host, And the bold troop of Mysia's haughty sons. But wherefore these inquiries thus minute? For if ye wish to penetrate the host, These who possess the borders of the camp 515 Farthest removed of all, are Thracian powers Newly arrived; among them Rhesus sleeps, Son of Eioneus, their Chief and King. His steeds I saw, the fairest by these eyes Ever beheld, and loftiest; snow itself 520 They pass in whiteness, and in speed the winds, With gold and silver all his chariot burns, And he arrived in golden armor clad Stupendous! little suited to the state Of mortal man--fit for a God to wear! 525 Now, either lead me to your gallant fleet, Or where ye find me leave me straitly bound Till ye return, and after trial made, Shall know if I have spoken false or true. But him brave Diomede with aspect stern 530 Answer'd. Since, Dolon! thou art caught, although Thy tidings have been good, hope not to live; For should we now release thee and dismiss, Thou wilt revisit yet again the fleet A spy or open foe; but smitten once 535 By this death-dealing arm, thou shall return To render mischief to the Greeks no more. He ceased, and Dolon would have stretch'd his hand Toward his beard, and pleaded hard for life, But with his falchion, rising to the blow, 540 On the mid-neck he smote him, cutting sheer Both tendons with a stroke so swift, that ere His tongue had ceased, his head was in the dust.[18] They took his helmet clothed with ferret's felt, Stripp'd off his wolf-skin, seized his bow and spear, 545 And brave Ulysses lifting in his hand The trophy to Minerva, pray'd and said: Hail Goddess; these are thine! for thee of all Who in Olympus dwell, we will invoke First to our aid. Now also guide our steps, 550 Propitious, to the Thracian tents and steeds. He ceased, and at arm's-length the lifted spoils Hung on a tamarisk; but mark'd the spot, Plucking away with handful grasp the reeds And spreading boughs, lest they should seek the prize 555 Themselves in vain, returning ere the night, Swift traveller, should have fled before the dawn. Thence, o'er the bloody champain strew'd with arms Proceeding, to the Thracian lines they came. They, wearied, slept profound; beside them lay, 560 In triple order regular arranged, Their radiant armor, and their steeds in pairs. Amid them Rhesus slept, and at his side His coursers, to the outer chariot-ring Fasten'd secure. Ulysses saw him first, 565 And, seeing, mark'd him out to Diomede. Behold the man, Tydides! Lo! the steeds By Dolon specified whom we have slain. Be quick. Exert thy force. Arm'd as thou art, Sleep not. Loose thou the steeds, or slaughter thou 570 The Thracians, and the steeds shall be my care. He ceased; then blue-eyed Pallas with fresh force Invigor'd Diomede. From side to side He slew; dread groans arose of dying men Hewn with the sword, and the earth swam with blood. 575 As if he find a flock unguarded, sheep Or goats, the lion rushes on his prey, With such unsparing force Tydides smote The men of Thrace, till he had slaughter'd twelve; And whom Tydides with his falchion struck 580 Laertes' son dragg'd by his feet abroad, Forecasting that the steeds might pass with ease, Nor start, as yet uncustom'd to the dead. But when the son of Tydeus found the King, Him also panting forth his last, last, breath, 585 He added to the twelve; for at his head An evil dream that night had stood, the form Of Diomede, by Pallas' art devised. Meantime, the bold Ulysses loosed the steeds, Which, to each other rein'd, he drove abroad, 590 Smiting them with his bow (for of the scourge He thought not in the chariot-seat secured) And as he went, hiss'd, warning Diomede. But he, projecting still some hardier deed, Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw 595 The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms, Or whether heaving it on high, to bear The burthen off, or whether yet to take More Thracian lives; when him with various thoughts Perplex'd, Minerva, drawing near, bespake. 600 Son of bold Tydeus! think on thy return To yonder fleet, lest thou depart constrain'd. Some other God may rouse the powers of Troy. She ended, and he knew the voice divine. At once he mounted. With his bow the steeds 605 Ulysses plyed, and to the ships they flew. Nor look'd the bender of the silver bow, Apollo, forth in vain, but at the sight Of Pallas following Diomede incensed, Descended to the field where numerous most 610 He saw the Trojans, and the Thracian Chief And counsellor, Hippocooen aroused,[19] Kinsman of Rhesus, and renown'd in arms. He, starting from his sleep, soon as he saw The spot deserted where so lately lay 615 Those fiery coursers, and his warrior friends Gasping around him, sounded loud the name Of his loved Rhesus. Instant, at the voice, Wild stir arose and clamorous uproar Of fast-assembling Trojans. Deeds they saw-- 620 Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform'd, But not their authors--they had sought the ships. Meantime arrived where they had slain the spy Of Hector, there Ulysses, dear to Jove, The coursers stay'd, and, leaping to the ground, 625 The son of Tydeus in Ulysses' hands The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood, Then vaulted light into his seat again. He lash'd the steeds, they, not unwilling, flew To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home. 630 First Nestor heard the sound, and thus he said. Friends! Counsellors! and leaders of the Greeks! False shall I speak, or true?--but speak I must. The echoing sound of hoofs alarms my ear. Oh, that Ulysses, and brave Diomede 635 This moment might arrive drawn into camp By Trojan steeds! But, ah, the dread I feel! Lest some disaster have for ever quell'd In yon rude host those noblest of the Greeks. He hath not ended, when themselves arrived, 640 Both quick dismounted; joy at their return Fill'd every bosom; each with kind salute Cordial, and right-hand welcome greeted them, And first Gerenian Nestor thus inquired. Oh Chief by all extoll'd, glory of Greece, 645 Ulysses! how have ye these steeds acquired? In yonder host? or met ye as ye went Some God who gave them to you? for they show A lustre dazzling as the beams of day. Old as I am, I mingle yet in fight 650 With Ilium's sons--lurk never in the fleet-- Yet saw I at no time, or have remark'd Steeds such as these; which therefore I believe Perforce, that ye have gained by gift divine; For cloud-assembler Jove, and azure-eyed 655 Minerva, Jove's own daughter, love you both. To whom Ulysses, thus, discreet, replied. Neleian Nestor, glory of the Greeks! A God, so willing, could have given us steeds Superior, for their bounty knows no bounds. 660 But, venerable Chief! these which thou seest Are Thracians new-arrived. Their master lies Slain by the valiant Diomede, with twelve The noblest of his warriors at his side, A thirteenth[20] also, at small distance hence 665 We slew, by Hector and the Chiefs of Troy Sent to inspect the posture of our host. He said; then, high in exultation, drove The coursers o'er the trench, and with him pass'd The glad Achaians; at the spacious tent 670 Of Diomede arrived, with even thongs They tied them at the cribs where stood the steeds Of Tydeus' son, with winnow'd wheat supplied. Ulysses in his bark the gory spoils Of Dolon placed, designing them a gift 675 To Pallas. Then, descending to the sea, Neck, thighs, and legs from sweat profuse they cleansed, And, so refresh'd and purified, their last Ablution in bright tepid baths perform'd. Each thus completely laved, and with smooth oil 680 Anointed, at the well-spread board they sat, And quaff'd, in honor of Minerva, wine Delicious, from the brimming beaker drawn. * * * * * The vividness of the scenes presented to us in this Book constitute its chief beauty. The reader sees the most natural night-scene in the world. He is led step by step with the adventurers, and made the companion of all their expectations and uncertainties. We see the very color of the sky; know the time to a minute; are impatient while the heroes are arming; our imagination follows them, knows all their doubts, and even the secret wishes of their hearts sent up to Minerva. We are alarmed at the approach of Dolon, hear his very footsteps, assist the two chiefs in pursuing him, and stop just with the spear that arrests him. We are perfectly acquainted with the situation of all the forces, with the figure in which they lie, with the disposition of Rhesus and the Thracians, with the posture of his chariot and horses. The marshy spot of ground where Dolon is killed, the tamarisk, or aquatic plant upon which they hung his spoils, and the reeds that are heaped together to mark the place, are circumstances the most picturesque imaginable. THE ILIAD. BOOK XI. ARGUMENT OF THE ELEVENTH BOOK. Agamemnon distinguishes himself. He is wounded, and retires. Diomede is wounded by Paris; Ulysses by Socus. Ajax with Menelaus flies to the relief of Ulysses, and Eurypylus, soon after, to the relief of Ajax. While he is employed in assisting Ajax, he is shot in the thigh by Paris, who also wounds Machaon. Nestor conveys Machaon from the field. Achilles dispatches Patroclus to the tent of Nestor, and Nestor takes that occasion to exhort Patroclus to engage in battle, clothed in the armor of Achilles. BOOK XI. Aurora from Tithonus' side arose With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch'd Discord, the fiery signal in her hand Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet. High on Ulysses' huge black ship she stood 5 The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear, The tent of Telamon's huge son between, And of Achilles; for confiding they In their heroic fortitude, their barks Well-poised had station'd utmost of the line. 10 There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused Of battle ceaseless into every breast. All deem'd, at once, war sweeter, than to seek Their native country through the waves again. 15 Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks Gird on their armor, and himself his arms Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp'd His shining greaves with silver studs secured, Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift 20 Of Cynyras long since;[1] for rumor loud Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian host Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy: Wherefore, to gratify the King of men, He made the splendid ornament his own. 25 Ten rods of steel coerulean all around Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin; Six[2] spiry serpents their uplifted heads Coerulean darted at the wearer's throat, Splendor diffusing as the various bow 30 Fix'd by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds, A sign to mortal men.[3] He slung his sword Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone With gold emboss'd, and silver was the sheath Suspended graceful in a belt of gold. 35 His massy shield o'ershadowing him whole, High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed. Ten circles bright of brass around its field Extensive, circle within circle, ran; The central boss was black, but hemm'd about 40 With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin. There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark Of Gorgon scowl'd, border'd by Flight and Fear. The loop was silver, and a serpent form Coerulean over all its surface twined, 45 Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads Together wreath'd into a stately crown. His helmet quatre-crested,[4] and with studs Fast riveted around he to his brows Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest 50 Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash'd to heaven. Sounds[5] like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove And by Minerva raised to extol the King Of opulent Mycenae, roll'd around. 55 At once each bade his charioteer his steeds Hold fast beside the margin of the trench In orderly array; the foot all arm'd Rush'd forward, and the clamor of the host Rose infinite into the dawning skies. 60 First, at the trench, the embattled infantry[6] Stood ranged; the chariots follow'd close behind; Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove Excited, and from ether down he shed Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant 65 That day to send full many a warrior bold To Pluto's dreary realm, slain premature. Opposite, on the rising-ground, appear'd The Trojans; them majestic Hector led, Noble Polydamas, AEneas raised 70 To godlike honors in all Trojan hearts, And Polybus, with whom Antenor's sons Agenor, and young Acamas advanced. Hector the splendid orb of his broad shield Bore in the van, and as a comet now 75 Glares through the clouds portentous, and again, Obscured by gloomy vapors, disappears, So Hector, marshalling his host, in front Now shone, now vanish'd in the distant rear. All-cased he flamed in brass, and on the sight 80 Flash'd as the lightnings of Jove AEgis-arm'd. As reapers, toiling opposite,[7] lay bare Some rich man's furrows, while the sever'd grain, Barley or wheat, sinks as the sickle moves, So Greeks and Trojans springing into fight 85 Slew mutual; foul retreat alike they scorn'd, Alike in fierce hostility their heads Both bore aloft, and rush'd like wolves to war. Discord, spectatress terrible, that sight Beheld exulting; she, of all the Gods, 90 Alone was present; not a Power beside There interfered, but each his bright abode Quiescent occupied wherever built Among the windings of the Olympian heights; Yet blamed they all the storm-assembler King 95 Saturnian, for his purposed aid to Troy. The eternal father reck'd not; he, apart, Seated in solitary pomp, enjoy'd His glory, and from on high the towers survey'd Of Ilium and the fleet of Greece, the flash 100 Of gleaming arms, the slayer and the slain. While morning lasted, and the light of day Increased, so long the weapons on both sides Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell. But, what time his repast the woodman spreads 105 In some umbrageous vale, his sinewy arms Wearied with hewing many a lofty tree, And his wants satisfied, he feels at length The pinch of appetite to pleasant food,[8] Then was it, that encouraging aloud 110 Each other, in their native virtue strong, The Grecians through the phalanx burst of Troy. Forth sprang the monarch first; he slew the Chief Bianor, nor himself alone, but slew Oileus also driver of his steeds. 115 Oileus, with a leap alighting, rush'd On Agamemnon; he his fierce assault Encountering, with a spear met full his front. Nor could his helmet's ponderous brass sustain That force, but both his helmet and his skull 120 It shatter'd, and his martial rage repress'd. The King of men, stripping their corselets, bared Their shining breasts, and left them. Isus, next, And Antiphus he flew to slay, the sons Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne, 125 This spurious, genuine that. The bastard drove, And Antiphus, a warrior high-renown'd, Fought from the chariot; them Achilles erst Feeding their flocks on Ida had surprised And bound with osiers, but for ransom loosed. 130 Of these, imperial Agamemnon, first, Above the pap pierced Isus; next, he smote Antiphus with his sword beside the ear, And from his chariot cast him to the ground. Conscious of both, their glittering arms he stripp'd, 135 For he had seen them when from Ida's heights Achilles led them to the Grecian fleet. As with resistless fangs the lion breaks The young in pieces of the nimble hind, Entering her lair, and takes their feeble lives; 140 She, though at hand, can yield them no defence, But through the thick wood, wing'd with terror, starts Herself away, trembling at such a foe; So them the Trojans had no power to save, Themselves all driven before the host of Greece. 145 Next, on Pisandrus, and of dauntless heart Hippolochus he rush'd; they were the sons Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts By Paris bought, inflexible withheld From Menelaus still his lovely bride. 150 His sons, the monarch, in one chariot borne Encounter'd; they (for they had lost the reins) With trepidation and united force Essay'd to check the steeds; astonishment Seized both; Atrides with a lion's rage 155 Came on, and from the chariot thus they sued. Oh spare us! son of Atreus, and accept Ransom immense. Antimachus our sire Is rich in various treasure, gold and brass, And temper'd steel, and, hearing the report 160 That in Achaia's fleet his sons survive, He will requite thee with a glorious price. So they, with tears and gentle terms the King Accosted, but no gentle answer heard. Are ye indeed the offspring of the Chief 165 Antimachus, who when my brother once With godlike Laertiades your town Enter'd ambassador, his death advised In council, and to let him forth no more? Now rue ye both the baseness of your sire. 170 He said, and from his chariot to the plain Thrust down Pisandrus, piercing with keen lance His bosom, and supine he smote the field. Down leap'd Hippolochus, whom on the ground He slew, cut sheer his hands, and lopp'd his head, 175 And roll'd it like a mortar[9] through the ranks. He left the slain, and where he saw the field With thickest battle cover'd, thither flew By all the Grecians follow'd bright in arms. The scatter'd infantry constrained to fly, 180 Fell by the infantry; the charioteers, While with loud hoofs their steeds the dusty soil Excited, o'er the charioteers their wheels Drove brazen-fellied, and the King of men Incessant slaughtering, called his Argives[10] on. 185 As when fierce flames some ancient forest seize, From side to side in flakes the various wind Rolls them, and to the roots devour'd, the trunks Fall prostrate under fury of the fire, So under Agamemnon fell the heads 190 Of flying Trojans. Many a courser proud The empty chariots through the paths of war Whirl'd rattling, of their charioteers deprived; They breathless press'd the plain, now fitter far To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives. 195 Conceal'd, meantime, by Jove, Hector escaped The dust, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field; And Agamemnon to the swift pursuit Call'd loud the Grecians. Through the middle plain Beside the sepulchre of Ilus, son 200 Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree stood, The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town, While Agamemnon pressing close the rear, Shout after shout terrific sent abroad, And his victorious hands reek'd, red with gore. 205 But at the beech-tree and the Scaean gate Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there The rearmost fugitives; they o'er the field Came like a herd, which in the dead of night A lion drives; all fly, but one is doom'd 210 To death inevitable; her with jaws True to their hold he seizes, and her neck Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood; So, Atreus' royal son, the hindmost still Slaying, and still pursuing, urged them on. 215 Many supine, and many prone, the field Press'd, by the son of Atreus in their flight Dismounted; for no weapon raged as his. But now, at last, when he should soon have reach'd The lofty walls of Ilium, came the Sire 220 Of Gods and men descending from the skies, And on the heights of Ida fountain-fed, Sat arm'd with thunders. Calling to his foot Swift Iris golden-pinion'd, thus he spake. Iris! away. Thus speak in Hector's ears. 225 While yet he shall the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down The Trojan ranks, so long let him abstain From battle, leaving to his host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks. 230 But soon as Atreus' son by spear or shaft Wounded shall climb his chariot, with such force I will endue Hector, that he shall slay Till he have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all. 235 He spake, nor rapid Iris disobey'd Storm-wing'd ambassadress, but from the heights Of Ida stoop'd to Ilium. There she found The son of royal Priam by the throng Of chariots and of steeds compass'd about 240 She, standing at his side, him thus bespake. Oh, son of Priam! as the Gods discreet! I bring thee counsel from the Sire of all. While yet thou shalt the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down 245 The warrior ranks, so long he bids thee pause From battle, leaving to thy host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks. But soon as Atreus' son, by spear or shaft Wounded, shall climb his chariot, Jove will then 250 Endue thee with such force, that thou shalt slay Till thou have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all. So saying, swift-pinion'd Iris disappear'd. Then Hector from his chariot at a leap 255 Came down all arm'd, and, shaking his bright spears, Ranged every quarter, animating loud The legions, and rekindling horrid war. Back roll'd the Trojan ranks, and faced the Greeks; The Greeks their host to closer phalanx drew; 260 The battle was restored, van fronting van They stood, and Agamemnon into fight Sprang foremost, panting for superior fame. Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell! What Trojan first, or what ally of Troy 265 Opposed the force of Agamemnon's arm? Iphidamas, Antenor's valiant son, Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace Mother of flocks was nourish'd, Cisseus him His grandsire, father of Theano praised 270 For loveliest features, in his own abode Rear'd yet a child, and when at length he reach'd The measure of his glorious manhood firm Dismiss'd him not, but, to engage him more, Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride 275 As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve Following the rumor'd voyage of the Greeks, The same course steer'd; but at Percope moor'd, And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy. He first opposed Atrides. They approach'd. 280 The spear of Agamemnon wander'd wide; But him Iphidamas on his broad belt Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet He pierced the broider'd zone, his point, impress'd 285 Against the silver, turn'd, obtuse as lead. Then royal Agamemnon in his hand The weapon grasping, with a lion's rage Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck 290 Smote full, and stretch'd him lifeless at his foot. So slept Iphidamas among the slain; Unhappy! from his virgin bride remote, Associate with the men of Troy in arms He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy'd. 295 He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves, And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged; But Agamemnon, son of Atreus, him Slew and despoil'd, and through the Grecian host 300 Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms. Cooen that sight beheld, illustrious Chief, Antenor's eldest born, but with dim eyes Through anguish for his brother's fall. Unseen Of noble Agamemnon, at his side 305 He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm, Where thickest flesh'd, below his elbow, pierced, Till opposite the glittering point appear'd. A thrilling horror seized the King of men So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight 310 He ceased not, but on Cooen rush'd, his spear Grasping, well-thriven growth[11] of many a wind. He by the foot drew off Iphidamas, His brother, son of his own sire, aloud Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid; 315 When him so occupied with his keen point Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath. Expiring on Iphidamas he fell Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp'd his head. Thus, under royal Agamemnon's hand, 320 Antenor's sons their destiny fulfill'd, And to the house of Ades journey'd both. Through other ranks of warriors then he pass'd, Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm'd, And now with missile force of massy stones, 325 While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound. But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased, Anguish intolerable undermined Then all the might of Atreus' royal son. As when a laboring woman's arrowy throes 330 Seize her intense, by Juno's daughters dread The birth-presiding Ilithyae deep Infixt, dispensers of those pangs severe; So, anguish insupportable subdued Then all the might of Atreus' royal son. 335 Up-springing to his seat, instant he bade His charioteer drive to the hollow barks, Heart-sick himself with pain; yet, ere he went, With voice loud-echoing hail'd the Danai. Friends! counsellors and leaders of the Greeks! 340 Now drive, yourselves, the battle from your ships. For me the Gods permit not to employ In fight with Ilium's host the day entire. He ended, and the charioteer his steeds Lash'd to the ships; they not unwilling flew, 345 Bearing from battle the afflicted King With foaming chests and bellies grey with dust. Soon Hector, noting his retreat, aloud Call'd on the Trojans and allies of Troy. Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting sons 350 Of Dardanus! oh summon all your might; Now, now be men! Their bravest is withdrawn! Glory and honor from Saturnian Jove On me attend; now full against the Greeks Drive all your steeds, and win a deathless name. 355 He spake--and all drew courage from his word. As when his hounds bright-tooth'd some hunter cheers Against the lion or the forest-boar, So Priameian Hector cheer'd his host Magnanimous against the sons of Greece, 360 Terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Among The foremost warriors, with success elate He strode, and flung himself into the fight Black as a storm which sudden from on high Descending, furrows deep the gloomy flood. 365 Then whom slew Priameian Hector first, Whom last, by Jove, that day, with glory crown'd? Assaeus, Dolops, Orus, Agelaues, Autonoues, Hipponoues, AEsymnus, Opheltius and Opites first he slew, 370 All leaders of the Greeks, and, after these, The people. As when whirlwinds of the West A storm encounter from the gloomy South, The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam Upswept by wandering gusts fills all the air, 375 So Hector swept the Grecians. Then defeat Past remedy and havoc had ensued, Then had the routed Grecians, flying, sought Their ships again, but that Ulysses[12] thus Summon'd the brave Tydides to his aid. 380 Whence comes it, Diomede, that we forget Our wonted courage? Hither, O my friend! And, fighting at my side, ward off the shame That must be ours, should Hector seize the fleet. To whom the valiant Diomede replied. 385 I will be firm; trust me thou shalt not find Me shrinking; yet small fruit of our attempts Shall follow, for the Thunderer, not to us, But to the Trojan, gives the glorious day. The Hero spake, and from his chariot cast 390 Thymbraeus to the ground pierced through the pap, While by Ulysses' hand his charioteer Godlike Molion, fell. The warfare thus Of both for ever closed, them there they left, And plunging deep into the warrior-throng 395 Troubled the multitude. As when two boars Turn desperate on the close-pursuing hounds, So they, returning on the host of Troy, Slew on all sides, and overtoil'd with flight From Hector's arm, the Greeks meantime respired. 400 Two warriors, next, their chariot and themselves They took, plebeians brave, sons of the seer Percosian Merops in prophetic skill Surpassing all; he both his sons forbad The mortal field, but disobedient they 405 Still sought it, for their destiny prevail'd. Spear-practised Diomede of life deprived Both these, and stripp'd them of their glorious arms, While by Ulysses' hand Hippodamus Died and Hypeirochus. And now the son 410 Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poised The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt. Tydides plunged his spear into the groin Of the illustrious son of Paeon, bold Agastrophus. No steeds at his command 415 Had he, infatuate! but his charioteer His steeds detain'd remote, while through the van Himself on foot rush'd madly till he fell. But Hector through the ranks darting his eye Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced 420 Against them, follow'd by the host of Troy. The son of Tydeus, shuddering, his approach Discern'd, and instant to Ulysses spake.[13] Now comes the storm! This way the mischief rolls! Stand and repulse the Trojan. Now be firm. 425 He said, and hurling his long-shadow'd beam Smote Hector. At his helmet's crown he aim'd, Nor err'd, but brass encountering brass, the point Glanced wide, for he had cased his youthful brows In triple brass, Apollo's glorious gift. 430 Yet with rapidity at such a shock Hector recoil'd into the multitude Afar, where sinking to his knees, he lean'd On his broad palm, and darkness veil'd his eyes. But while Tydides follow'd through the van 435 His stormy spear, which in the distant soil Implanted stood, Hector his scatter'd sense Recovering, to his chariot sprang again, And, diving deep into his host, escaped. The noble son of Tydeus, spear in hand, 440 Rush'd after him, and as he went, exclaim'd. Dog! thou hast now escaped; but, sure the stroke Approach'd thee nigh, well-aim'd. Once more thy prayers Which ever to Apollo thou prefer'st Entering the clash of battle, have prevail'd, 445 And he hath rescued thee. But well beware Our next encounter, for if also me Some God befriend, thou diest. Now will I seek Another mark, and smite whom next I may. He spake, and of his armor stripp'd the son 450 Spear-famed of Paeon. Meantime Paris, mate Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow against Tydides; by a pillar of the tomb Of Ilus, ancient senator revered, Conceal'd he stood, and while the Hero loosed 455 His corselet from the breast of Paeon's son Renown'd, and of his helmet and his targe Despoil'd him; Paris, arching quick his bow, No devious shaft dismiss'd, but his right foot Pierced through the sole, and fix'd it to the ground. 460 Transported from his ambush forth he leap'd With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim'd: Oh shaft well shot! it galls thee. Would to heaven That it had pierced thy heart, and thou hadst died! So had the Trojans respite from their toils 465 Enjoy'd, who, now, shudder at sight of thee Like she-goats when the lion is at hand. To whom, undaunted, Diomede replied. Archer shrew-tongued! spie-maiden! man of curls![14] Shouldst thou in arms attempt me face to face, 470 Thy bow and arrows should avail thee nought. Vain boaster! thou hast scratch'd my foot--no more-- And I regard it as I might the stroke Of a weak woman or a simple child. The weapons of a dastard and a slave 475 Are ever such. More terrible are mine, And whom they pierce, though slightly pierced, he dies. His wife her cheeks rends inconsolable, His babes are fatherless, his blood the glebe Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots 480 More birds of prey than women haunt the place. He ended, and Ulysses, drawing nigh, Shelter'd Tydides; he behind the Chief Of Ithaca sat drawing forth the shaft, But pierced with agonizing pangs the while. 485 Then, climbing to his chariot-seat, he bade Sthenelus hasten to the hollow ships, Heart-sick with pain. And now alone was seen Spear-famed Ulysses; not an Argive more Remain'd, so universal was the rout, 490 And groaning, to his own great heart he said. Alas! what now awaits me? If, appall'd By multitudes, I fly, much detriment; And if alone they intercept me here, Still more; for Jove hath scatter'd all the host, 495 Yet why these doubts! for know I not of old That only dastards fly, and that the voice Of honor bids the famed in battle stand, Bleed they themselves, or cause their foes to bleed? While busied in such thought he stood, the ranks 500 Of Trojans fronted with broad shields, enclosed The hero with a ring, hemming around Their own destruction. As when dogs, and swains In prime of manhood, from all quarters rush Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts, 505 The bright tusk whetting in his crooked jaws: They press him on all sides, and from beneath Loud gnashings hear, yet firm, his threats defy; Like them the Trojans on all sides assail'd Ulysses dear to Jove. First with his spear 510 He sprang impetuous on a valiant chief, Whose shoulder with a downright point he pierced, Deiopites; Thooen next he slew, And Ennomus, and from his coursers' backs Alighting quick, Chersidamas; beneath 515 His bossy shield the gliding weapon pass'd Right through his navel; on the plain he fell Expiring, and with both hands clench'd the dust. Them slain he left, and Charops wounded next, Brother of Socus, generous Chief, and son 520 Of Hippasus; brave Socus to the aid Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began. Illustrious chief, Ulysses! strong to toil And rich in artifice! Or boast to-day Two sons of Hippasus, brave warriors both, 525 Of armor and of life bereft by thee, Or to my vengeful spear resign thy own! So saying, Ulysses' oval disk he smote. Through his bright disk the stormy weapon flew, Transpierced his twisted mail, and from his side 530 Drove all the skin, but to his nobler parts Found entrance none, by Pallas turn'd aslant.[15] Ulysses, conscious of his life untouch'd, Retired a step from Socus, and replied. Ah hapless youth; thy fate is on the wing; 535 Me thou hast forced indeed to cease a while From battle with the Trojans, but I speak Thy death at hand; for vanquish'd by my spear, This self-same day thou shalt to me resign Thy fame, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd. 540 He ceased; then Socus turn'd his back to fly, But, as he turn'd, his shoulder-blades between He pierced him, and the spear urged through his breast. On his resounding arms he fell, and thus Godlike Ulysses gloried in his fall. 545 Ah, Socus, son of Hippasus, a chief Of fame equestrian! swifter far than thou Death follow'd thee, and thou hast not escaped. Ill-fated youth! thy parents' hands thine eyes Shall never close, but birds of ravenous maw 550 Shall tear thee, flapping thee with frequent wing, While me the noble Grecians shall entomb! So saying, the valiant Socus' spear he drew From his own flesh, and through his bossy shield. The weapon drawn, forth sprang the blood, and left 555 His spirit faint. Then Ilium's dauntless sons, Seeing Ulysses' blood, exhorted glad Each other, and, with force united, all Press'd on him. He, retiring, summon'd loud His followers. Thrice, loud as mortal may, 560 He call'd, and valiant Menelaus thrice Hearing the voice, to Ajax thus remark'd. Illustrious son of Telamon! The voice Of Laertiades comes o'er my ear With such a sound, as if the hardy chief, 565 Abandon'd of his friends, were overpower'd By numbers intercepting his retreat. Haste! force we quick a passage through the ranks. His worth demands our succor, for I fear Lest sole conflicting with the host of Troy, 570 Brave as he is, he perish, to the loss Unspeakable and long regret of Greece. So saying, he went, and Ajax, godlike Chief, Follow'd him. At the voice arrived, they found Ulysses Jove-beloved compass'd about 575 By Trojans, as the lynxes in the hills, Adust for blood, compass an antler'd stag Pierced by an archer; while his blood is warm And his limbs pliable, from him he 'scapes; But when the feather'd barb hath quell'd his force, 580 In some dark hollow of the mountain's side, The hungry troop devour him; chance, the while, Conducts a lion thither, before whom All vanish, and the lion feeds alone; So swarm'd the Trojan powers, numerous and bold, 585 Around Ulysses, who with wary skill Heroic combated his evil day. But Ajax came, cover'd with his broad shield That seem'd a tower, and at Ulysses' side Stood fast; then fled the Trojans wide-dispersed, 590 And Menelaus led him by the hand Till his own chariot to his aid approach'd. But Ajax, springing on the Trojans, slew Doryclus, from the loins of Priam sprung, But spurious. Pandocus he wounded next, 595 Then wounded Pyrasus, and after him Pylartes and Lysander. As a flood Runs headlong from the mountains to the plain After long showers from Jove; many a dry oak And many a pine the torrent sweeps along, 600 And, turbid, shoots much soil into the sea, So, glorious Ajax troubled wide the field, Horse and man slaughtering, whereof Hector yet Heard not; for on the left of all the war He fought beside Scamander, where around 605 Huge Nestor, and Idomeneus the brave, Most deaths were dealt, and loudest roar'd the fight. There Hector toil'd, feats wonderful of spear And horsemanship achieving, and the lines Of many a phalanx desolating wide. 610 Nor even then had the bold Greeks retired, But that an arrow triple-barb'd, dispatch'd By Paris, Helen's mate, against the Chief Machaon warring with distinguish'd force, Pierced his right shoulder. For his sake alarm'd, 615 The valor-breathing Grecians fear'd, lest he In that disast'rous field should also fall.[16] At once, Idomeneus of Crete approach'd The noble Nestor, and him thus bespake. Arise, Neleian Nestor! Pride of Greece! 620 Ascend thy chariot, and Machaon placed Beside thee, bear him, instant to the fleet. For one, so skill'd in medicine, and to free The inherent barb, is worth a multitude. He said, nor the Gerenian hero old 625 Aught hesitated, but into his seat Ascended, and Machaon, son renown'd Of AEsculapius, mounted at his side. He lash'd the steeds, they not unwilling sought The hollow ships, long their familiar home. 630 Cebriones, meantime, the charioteer Of Hector, from his seat the Trojan ranks Observing sore discomfited, began. Here are we busied, Hector! on the skirts Of roaring battle, and meantime I see 635 Our host confused, their horses and themselves All mingled. Telamonian Ajax there Routs them; I know the hero by his shield. Haste, drive we thither, for the carnage most Of horse and foot conflicting furious, there 640 Rages, and infinite the shouts arise. He said, and with shrill-sounding scourge the steeds Smote ample-maned; they, at the sudden stroke Through both hosts whirl'd the chariot, shields and men Trampling; with blood the axle underneath 645 All redden'd, and the chariot-rings with drops From the horse-hoofs, and from the fellied wheels. Full on the multitude he drove, on fire To burst the phalanx, and confusion sent Among the Greeks, for nought[17] he shunn'd the spear. 650 All quarters else with falchion or with lance, Or with huge stones he ranged, but cautious shunn'd The encounter of the Telamonian Chief. But the eternal father throned on high With fear fill'd Ajax; panic-fixt he stood, 655 His seven-fold shield behind his shoulder cast, And hemm'd by numbers, with an eye askant, Watchful retreated. As a beast of prey Retiring, turns and looks, so he his face Turn'd oft, retiring slow, and step by step. 660 As when the watch-dogs and assembled swains Have driven a tawny lion from the stalls, Then, interdicting him his wish'd repast, Watch all the night, he, famish'd, yet again Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof 665 By frequent spears from daring hands, but more By flash of torches, which, though fierce, he dreads, Till, at the dawn, sullen he stalks away; So from before the Trojans Ajax stalk'd Sullen, and with reluctance slow retired. 670 His brave heart trembling for the fleet of Greece. As when (the boys o'erpower'd) a sluggish ass, On whose tough sides they have spent many a staff, Enters the harvest, and the spiry ears Crops persevering; with their rods the boys 675 Still ply him hard, but all their puny might Scarce drives him forth when he hath browsed his fill, So, there, the Trojans and their foreign aids With glittering lances keen huge Ajax urged, His broad shield's centre smiting.[18] He, by turns, 680 With desperate force the Trojan phalanx dense Facing, repulsed them, and by turns he fled, But still forbad all inroad on the fleet. Trojans and Greeks between, alone, he stood A bulwark. Spears from daring hands dismiss'd 685 Some, piercing his broad shield, there planted stood, While others, in the midway falling, spent Their disappointed rage deep in the ground. Eurypylus, Evaemon's noble son, Him seeing, thus, with weapons overwhelmed 690 Flew to his side, his glittering lance dismiss'd, And Apisaon, son of Phausias, struck Under the midriff; through his liver pass'd The ruthless point, and, falling, he expired. Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoil; 695 Whom soon as godlike Alexander saw Despoiling Apisaon of his arms, Drawing incontinent his bow, he sent A shaft to his right thigh; the brittle reed Snapp'd, and the rankling barb stuck fast within. 700 Terrified at the stroke, the wounded Chief To his own band retired, but, as he went, With echoing voice call'd on the Danai-- Friends! Counsellors, and leaders of the Greeks! Turn ye and stand, and from his dreadful lot 705 Save Ajax whelm'd with weapons; 'scape, I judge, He cannot from the roaring fight, yet oh Stand fast around him; if save ye may, Your champion huge, the Telamonian Chief! So spake the wounded warrior. They at once 710 With sloping bucklers, and with spears erect, To his relief approach'd. Ajax with joy The friendly phalanx join'd, then turn'd and stood. Thus burn'd the embattled field as with the flames Of a devouring fire. Meantime afar 715 From all that tumult the Neleian mares Bore Nestor, foaming as they ran, with whom Machaon also rode, leader revered. Achilles mark'd him passing; for he stood Exalted on his huge ship's lofty stern, 720 Spectator of the toil severe, and flight Deplorable of the defeated Greeks. He call'd his friend Patroclus. He below Within his tent the sudden summons heard And sprang like Mars abroad, all unaware 725 That in that sound he heard the voice of fate. Him first Menoetius' gallant son address'd. What would Achilles? Wherefore hath he call'd? To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift: Brave Menoetiades! my soul's delight! 730 Soon will the Grecians now my knees surround Suppliant, by dread extremity constrain'd. But fly Patroclus, haste, oh dear to Jove! Inquire of Nestor, whom he hath convey'd From battle, wounded? Viewing him behind, 735 I most believed him AEsculapius' son Machaon, but the steeds so swiftly pass'd My galley, that his face escaped my note.[19] He said, and prompt to gratify his friend, Forth ran Patroclus through the camp of Greece. 740 Now when Neleian Nestor to his tent Had brought Machaon, they alighted both, And the old hero's friend Eurymedon Released the coursers. On the beach awhile Their tunics sweat-imbued in the cool air 745 They ventilated, facing full the breeze, Then on soft couches in the tent reposed. Meantime, their beverage Hecamede mix'd, The old King's bright-hair'd captive, whom he brought From Tenedos, what time Achilles sack'd 750 The city, daughter of the noble Chief Arsinoues, and selected from the rest For Nestor, as the honorable meed Of counsels always eminently wise. She, first, before them placed a table bright, 755 With feet coerulean; thirst-provoking sauce She brought them also in a brazen tray, Garlic[20] and honey new, and sacred meal. Beside them, next, she placed a noble cup Of labor exquisite, which from his home 760 The ancient King had brought with golden studs Embellish'd; it presented to the grasp Four ears; two golden turtles, perch'd on each, Seem'd feeding, and two turtles[21] form'd the base. That cup once fill'd, all others must have toil'd 765 To move it from the board, but it was light In Nestor's hand; he lifted it with ease.[22] The graceful virgin in that cup a draught Mix'd for them, Pramnian wine and savory cheese Of goat's milk, grated with a brazen rasp, 770 Then sprinkled all with meal. The draught prepared, She gave it to their hand; they, drinking, slaked Their fiery thirst, and with each other sat Conversing friendly, when the godlike youth By brave Achilles sent, stood at the door. 775 Him seeing, Nestor from his splendid couch Arose, and by the hand leading him in, Entreated him to sit, but that request Patroclus, on his part refusing, said, Oh venerable King! no seat is here 780 For me, nor may thy courtesy prevail. He is irascible, and to be fear'd Who bade me ask what Chieftain thou hast brought From battle, wounded; but untold I learn; I see Machaon, and shall now report 785 As I have seen; oh ancient King revered! Thou know'st Achilles fiery, and propense Blame to impute even where blame is none. To whom the brave Gerenian thus replied. Why feels Achilles for the wounded Greeks 790 Such deep concern? He little knows the height To which our sorrows swell. Our noblest lie By spear or arrow wounded in the fleet. Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds, Gall'd by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief, 795 And Agamemnon[23] suffer by the spear; Eurypylus is shot into the thigh, And here lies still another newly brought By me from fight, pierced also by a shaft. What then? How strong soe'er to give them aid, 800 Achilles feels no pity of the Greeks. Waits he till every vessel on the shore Fired, in despite of the whole Argive host, Be sunk in its own ashes, and ourselves All perish, heaps on heaps? For in my limbs 805 No longer lives the agility of my youth. Oh, for the vigor of those days again, When Elis, for her cattle which we took, Strove with us and Itymoneus I slew, Brave offspring of Hypirochus; he dwelt 810 In Elis, and while I the pledges drove, Stood for his herd, but fell among the first By a spear hurl'd from my victorious arm. Then fled the rustic multitude, and we Drove off abundant booty from the plain, 815 Herds fifty of fat beeves, large flocks of goats As many, with as many sheep and swine, And full thrice fifty mares of brightest hue, All breeders, many with their foals beneath. All these, by night returning safe, we drove 820 Into Neleian Pylus, and the heart Rejoiced of Neleus, in a son so young A warrior, yet enrich'd with such a prize. At early dawn the heralds summon'd loud The citizens, to prove their just demands 825 On fruitful Elis, and the assembled Chiefs Division made (for numerous were the debts Which the Epeans, in the weak estate Of the unpeopled Pylus, had incurr'd; For Hercules, few years before, had sack'd[24] 830 Our city, and our mightiest slain. Ourselves The gallant sons of Neleus, were in all Twelve youths, of whom myself alone survived; The rest all perish'd; whence, presumptuous grown, The brazen-mail'd Epeans wrong'd us oft). 835 A herd of beeves my father for himself Selected, and a numerous flock beside, Three hundred sheep, with shepherds for them all. For he a claimant was of large arrears From sacred Elis. Four unrivall'd steeds 840 With his own chariot to the games he sent, That should contend for the appointed prize A tripod; but Augeias, King of men, Detain'd the steeds, and sent the charioteer Defrauded home. My father, therefore, fired 845 At such foul outrage both of deeds and words, Took much, and to the Pylians gave the rest For satisfaction of the claims of all. While thus we busied were in these concerns, And in performance of religious rites 850 Throughout the city, came the Epeans arm'd, Their whole vast multitude both horse and foot On the third day; came also clad in brass The two Molions, inexpert as yet In feats of arms, and of a boyish age. 855 There is a city on a mountain's head, Fast by the banks of Alpheus, far remote, The utmost town which sandy Pylus owns, Named Thryoessa, and, with ardor fired To lay it waste, that city they besieged. 860 Now when their host had traversed all the plain, Minerva from Olympus flew by night And bade us arm; nor were the Pylians slow To assemble, but impatient for the fight. Me, then, my father suffer'd not to arm, 865 But hid my steeds, for he supposed me raw As yet, and ignorant how war is waged. Yet, even thus, unvantaged and on foot, Superior honors I that day acquired To theirs who rode, for Pallas led me on 870 Herself to victory. There is a stream Which at Arena falls into the sea, Named Minueius; on that river's bank The Pylian horsemen waited day's approach, And thither all our foot came pouring down. 875 The flood divine of Alpheus thence we reach'd At noon, all arm'd complete; there, hallow'd rites We held to Jove omnipotent, and slew A bull to sacred Alpheus, with a bull To Neptune, and a heifer of the herd 880 To Pallas; then, all marshall'd as they were, From van to rear our legions took repast, And at the river's side slept on their arms. Already the Epean host had round Begirt the city, bent to lay it waste, 885 A task which cost them, first, both blood and toil, For when the radiant sun on the green earth Had risen, with prayer to Pallas and to Jove, We gave them battle. When the Pylian host And the Epeans thus were close engaged, 890 I first a warrior slew, Mulius the brave, And seized his coursers. He the eldest-born Of King Augeias' daughters had espoused The golden Agamede; not an herb The spacious earth yields but she knew its powers, 895 Him, rushing on me, with my brazen lance I smote, and in the dust he fell; I leap'd Into his seat, and drove into the van. A panic seized the Epeans when they saw The leader of their horse o'erthrown, a Chief 900 Surpassing all in fight. Black as a cloud With whirlwind fraught, I drove impetuous on, Took fifty chariots, and at side of each Lay two slain warriors, with their teeth the soil Grinding, all vanquish'd by my single arm. 905 I had slain also the Molions, sons Of Actor, but the Sovereign of the deep Their own authentic Sire, in darkness dense Involving both, convey'd them safe away. Then Jove a victory of prime renown 910 Gave to the Pylians; for we chased and slew And gather'd spoil o'er all the champain spread With scatter'd shields, till we our steeds had driven To the Buprasian fields laden with corn, To the Olenian rock, and to a town 915 In fair Colona situate, and named Alesia. There it was that Pallas turn'd Our people homeward; there I left the last Of all the slain, and he was slain by me. Then drove the Achaians from Buprasium home 920 Their coursers fleet, and Jove, of Gods above, Received most praise, Nestor of men below. Such once was I. But brave Achilles shuts His virtues close, an unimparted store; Yet even he shall weep, when all the host, 925 His fellow-warriors once, shall be destroy'd. But recollect, young friend! the sage advice Which when thou earnest from Phthia to the aid Of Agamemnon, on that selfsame day Menoetius gave thee. We were present there, 930 Ulysses and myself, both in the house, And heard it all; for to the house we came Of Peleus in our journey through the land Of fertile Greece, gathering her states to war. We found thy noble sire Menoetius there, 935 Thee and Achilles; ancient Peleus stood To Jove the Thunderer offering in his court Thighs of an ox, and on the blazing rites Libation pouring from a cup of gold. While ye on preparation of the feast 940 Attended both, Ulysses and myself Stood in the vestibule; Achilles flew Toward us, introduced us by the hand, And, seating us, such liberal portion gave To each, as hospitality requires. 945 Our thirst, at length, and hunger both sufficed, I, foremost speaking, ask'd you to the wars, And ye were eager both, but from your sires Much admonition, ere ye went, received. Old Peleus charged Achilles to aspire 950 To highest praise, and always to excel. But thee, thy sire Menoetius thus advised. "My son! Achilles boasts the nobler birth, But thou art elder; he in strength excels Thee far; thou, therefore, with discretion rule 955 His inexperience; thy advice impart With gentleness; instruction wise suggest Wisely, and thou shalt find him apt to learn." So thee thy father taught, but, as it seems, In vain. Yet even now essay to move 960 Warlike Achilles; if the Gods so please, Who knows but that thy reasons may prevail To rouse his valiant heart? men rarely scorn The earnest intercession of a friend. But if some prophecy alarm his fears, 965 And from his Goddess mother he have aught Received, who may have learnt the same from Jove, Thee let him send at least, and order forth With thee the Myrmidons; a dawn of hope Shall thence, it may be, on our host arise. 970 And let him send thee to the battle clad In his own radiant armor; Troy, deceived By such resemblance, shall abstain perchance From conflict, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short respite; it is all that war allows. 975 Fresh as ye are, ye, by your shouts alone, May easily repulse an army spent With labor from the camp and from the fleet. Thus Nestor, and his mind bent to his words. Back to AEacides through all the camp 980 He ran; and when, still running, he arrived Among Ulysses' barks, where they had fix'd The forum, where they minister'd the laws, And had erected altars to the Gods, There him Eurypylus, Evaemon's son, 985 Illustrious met, deep-wounded in his thigh, And halting-back from battle. From his head The sweat, and from his shoulders ran profuse, And from his perilous wound the sable blood Continual stream'd; yet was his mind composed. 990 Him seeing, Menoetiades the brave Compassion felt, and mournful, thus began. Ah hapless senators and Chiefs of Greece! Left ye your native country that the dogs Might fatten on your flesh at distant Troy? 995 But tell me, Hero! say, Eurypylus! Have the Achaians power still to withstand The enormous force of Hector, or is this The moment when his spear must pierce us all? To whom Eurypylus, discreet, replied. 1000 Patroclus, dear to Jove! there is no help, No remedy. We perish at our ships. The warriors, once most strenuous of the Greeks, Lie wounded in the fleet by foes whose might Increases ever. But thyself afford 1005 To me some succor; lead me to my ship; Cut forth the arrow from my thigh; the gore With warm ablution cleanse, and on the wound Smooth unguents spread, the same as by report Achilles taught thee; taught, himself, their use 1010 By Chiron, Centaur, justest of his kind For Podalirius and Machaon both Are occupied. Machaon, as I judge, Lies wounded in his tent, needing like aid Himself, and Podalirius in the field 1015 Maintains sharp conflict with the sons of Troy. To whom Menoetius' gallant son replied. Hero! Eurypylus! how shall we act In this perplexity? what course pursue? I seek the brave Achilles, to whose ear 1020 I bear a message from the ancient chief Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks. Yet will I not, even for such a cause, My friend! abandon thee in thy distress. He ended, and his arms folding around 1025 The warrior bore him thence into his tent. His servant, on his entrance, spread the floor With hides, on which Patroclus at his length Extended him, and with his knife cut forth The rankling point; with tepid lotion, next, 1030 He cleansed the gore, and with a bitter root Bruised small between his palms, sprinkled the wound. At once, the anodyne his pain assuaged, The wound was dried within, and the blood ceased. * * * * * It will be well here to observe the position of the Greeks. All human aid is cut off by the wounds of their heroes, and all assistance from the Gods forbidden by Jupiter. On the contrary, the Trojans see their general at their head, and Jupiter himself fights on their side. Upon this hinge turns the whole poem. The distress of the Greeks occasions first the assistance of Patroclus, and then the death of that hero brings back Achilles. The poet shows great skill in conducting these incidents. He gives Achilles the pleasure of seeing that the Greeks could not carry on the war without his assistance, and upon this depends the great catastrophe of the poem. THE ILIAD. BOOK XII. ARGUMENT OF THE TWELFTH BOOK. The Trojans assail the ramparts, and Hector forces the gates. BOOK XII. So was Menoetius' gallant son employ'd Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime, And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought. Nor was the foss ordain'd long time to exclude The host of Troy, nor yet the rampart built 5 Beside it for protection of the fleet; For hecatomb the Greeks had offer'd none, Nor prayer to heaven, that it might keep secure Their ships with all their spoils. The mighty work As in defiance of the Immortal Powers 10 Had risen, and could not therefore long endure. While Hector lived, and while Achilles held His wrathful purpose; while the city yet Of royal Priam was unsack'd, so long The massy structure stood; but when the best 15 And bravest of the Trojan host were slain, And of the Grecian heroes, some had fallen And some survived, when Priam's towers had blazed In the tenth year, and to their native shores The Grecians with their ships, at length, return'd, 20 Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devised Its ruin; every river that descends From the Idaean heights into the sea They brought against it, gathering all their force. Rhesus, Caresus, Rhodius, the wide-branch'd 25 Heptaporus, AEsepus, Granicus, Scamander's sacred current, and thy stream Simoeis, whose banks with helmets and with shields Were strew'd, and Chiefs of origin divine; All these with refluent course Apollo drove 30 Nine days against the rampart, and Jove rain'd Incessant, that the Grecian wall wave-whelm'd Through all its length might sudden disappear. Neptune with his tridental mace, himself, Led them, and beam and buttress to the flood 35 Consigning, laid by the laborious Greeks, Swept the foundation, and the level bank Of the swift-rolling Hellespont restored. The structure thus effaced, the spacious beach He spread with sand as at the first; then bade 40 Subside the streams, and in their channels wind With limpid course, and pleasant as before, Apollo thus and Neptune, from the first, Design'd its fall; but now the battle raved And clamors of the warriors all around 45 The strong-built turrets, whose assaulted planks Rang, while the Grecians, by the scourge of Jove Subdued, stood close within their fleet immured, At Hector's phalanx-scattering force appall'd. He, as before, with whirlwind fury fought. 50 As when the boar or lion fiery-eyed Turns short, the hunters and the hounds among, The close-embattled troop him firm oppose, And ply him fast with spears; he no dismay Conceives or terror in his noble heart, 55 But by his courage falls; frequent he turns Attempting bold the ranks, and where he points Direct his onset, there the ranks retire; So, through the concourse on his rolling wheels Borne rapid, Hector animated loud 60 His fellow-warriors to surpass the trench. But not his own swift-footed steeds would dare That hazard; standing on the dangerous brink They neigh'd aloud, for by its breadth the foss Deterr'd them; neither was the effort slight 65 To leap that gulf, nor easy the attempt To pass it through; steep were the banks profound On both sides, and with massy piles acute Thick-planted, interdicting all assault. No courser to the rapid chariot braced 70 Had enter'd there with ease; yet strong desires Possess'd the infantry of that emprize, And thus Polydamas the ear address'd Of dauntless Hector, standing at his side. Hector, and ye the leaders of our host, 75 Both Trojans and allies! rash the attempt I deem, and vain, to push our horses through, So dangerous is the pass; rough is the trench With pointed stakes, and the Achaian wall Meets us beyond. No chariot may descend 80 Or charioteer fight there; strait are the bounds, And incommodious, and his death were sure. If Jove, high-thundering Ruler of the skies, Will succor Ilium, and nought less intend Than utter devastation of the Greeks, 85 I am content; now perish all their host Inglorious, from their country far remote. But should they turn, and should ourselves be driven Back from the fleet impeded and perplex'd In this deep foss, I judge that not a man, 90 'Scaping the rallied Grecians, should survive To bear the tidings of our fate to Troy. Now, therefore, act we all as I advise. Let every charioteer his coursers hold Fast-rein'd beside the foss, while we on foot, 95 With order undisturb'd and arms in hand, Shall follow Hector. If destruction borne On wings of destiny this day approach The Grecians, they will fly our first assault. So spake Polydamas, whose safe advice 100 Pleased Hector; from his chariot to the ground All arm'd he leap'd, nor would a Trojan there (When once they saw the Hero on his feet) Ride into battle, but unanimous Descending with a leap, all trod the plain. 105 Each gave command that at the trench his steeds Should stand detain'd in orderly array; Then, suddenly, the parted host became Five bands, each following its appointed chief. The bravest and most numerous, and whose hearts 110 Wish'd most to burst the barrier and to wage The battle at the ships, with Hector march'd And with Polydamas, whom follow'd, third, Cebriones; for Hector had his steeds Consign'd and chariot to inferior care. 115 Paris, Alcathoues, and Agenor led The second band, and, sons of Priam both, Deiphobus and Helenus, the third; With them was seen partner of their command; The Hero Asius; from Arisba came 120 Asius Hyrtacides, to battle drawn From the Selleis banks by martial steeds Hair'd fiery-red and of the noblest size. The fourth, Anchises' mighty son controll'd, AEneas; under him Antenor's sons, 125 Archilochus and Acamas, advanced, Adept in all the practice of the field. Last came the glorious powers in league with Troy Led by Sarpedon; he with Glaucus shared His high control, and with the warlike Chief 130 Asteropaeus; for of all his host Them bravest he esteem'd, himself except Superior in heroic might to all. And now (their shields adjusted each to each) With dauntless courage fired, right on they moved 135 Against the Grecians; nor expected less Than that beside their sable ships, the host Should self-abandon'd fall an easy prey. The Trojans, thus with their confederate powers, The counsel of the accomplish'd Prince pursued, 140 Polydamas, one Chief alone except, Asius Hyrtacides. He scorn'd to leave His charioteer and coursers at the trench, And drove toward the fleet. Ah, madly brave! His evil hour was come; he was ordain'd 145 With horse and chariot and triumphant shout To enter wind-swept Ilium never more. Deucalion's offspring, first, into the shades Dismiss'd him; by Idomeneus he died. Leftward he drove furious, along the road 150 By which the steeds and chariots of the Greeks Return'd from battle; in that track he flew, Nor found the portals by the massy bar Secured, but open for reception safe Of fugitives, and to a guard consign'd. 155 Thither he drove direct, and in his rear His band shrill-shouting follow'd, for they judged The Greeks no longer able to withstand Their foes, but sure to perish in the camp. Vain hope! for in the gate two Chiefs they found 160 Lapithae-born, courageous offspring each Of dauntless father; Polypoetes, this, Sprung from Pirithoeus; that, the warrior bold Leonteus, terrible as gore-tainted Mars. These two, defenders of the lofty gates, 165 Stood firm before them. As when two tall oaks On the high mountains day by day endure Rough wind and rain, by deep-descending roots Of hugest growth fast-founded in the soil; So they, sustain'd by conscious valor, saw, 170 Unmoved, high towering Asius on his way, Nor fear'd him aught, nor shrank from his approach Right on toward the barrier, lifting high Their season'd bucklers and with clamor loud The band advanced, King Asius at their head, 175 With whom Iaemenus, expert in arms, Orestes, Thoeon, Acamas the son Of Asius, and Oenomaeus, led them on. Till now, the warlike pair, exhorting loud The Grecians to defend the fleet, had stood 180 Within the gates; but soon as they perceived The Trojans swift advancing to the wall, And heard a cry from all the flying Greeks, Both sallying, before the gates they fought Like forest-boars, which hearing in the hills 185 The crash of hounds and huntsmen nigh at hand, With start oblique lay many a sapling flat Short-broken by the root, nor cease to grind Their sounding tusks, till by the spear they die; So sounded on the breasts of those brave two 190 The smitten brass; for resolute they fought, Embolden'd by their might who kept the wall, And trusting in their own; they, in defence Of camp and fleet and life, thick battery hurl'd Of stones precipitated from the towers; 195 Frequent as snows they fell, which stormy winds, Driving the gloomy clouds, shake to the ground, Till all the fertile earth lies cover'd deep. Such volley pour'd the Greeks, and such return'd The Trojans; casques of hide, arid and tough, 200 And bossy shields rattled, by such a storm Assail'd of millstone masses from above. Then Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a groan Indignant utter'd; on both thighs he smote With disappointment furious, and exclaim'd, 205 Jupiter! even thou art false become, And altogether such. Full sure I deem'd That not a Grecian hero should abide One moment force invincible as ours, And lo! as wasps ring-streaked,[1] or bees that build 210 Their dwellings in the highway's craggy side Leave not their hollow home, but fearless wait The hunter's coming, in their brood's defence, So these, although two only, from the gates Move not, nor will, till either seized or slain. 215 So Asius spake, but speaking so, changed not The mind of Jove on Hector's glory bent. Others, as obstinate, at other gates Such deeds perform'd, that to enumerate all Were difficult, unless to power divine. 220 For fierce the hail of stones from end to end Smote on the barrier; anguish fill'd the Greeks. Yet, by necessity constrain'd, their ships They guarded still; nor less the Gods themselves, Patrons of Greece, all sorrow'd at the sight. 225 At once the valiant Lapithae began Terrible conflict, and Pirithous' son Brave Polypoetes through his helmet pierced Damasus; his resplendent point the brass Sufficed not to withstand; entering, it crush'd 230 The bone within, and mingling all his brain With his own blood, his onset fierce repress'd. Pylon and Ormenus he next subdued. Meantime Leonteus, branch of Mars, his spear Hurl'd at Hippomachus, whom through his belt 235 He pierced; then drawing forth his falchion keen, Through all the multitude he flew to smite Antiphates, and with a downright stroke Fell'd him. Iaemenus and Menon next He slew, with brave Orestes, whom he heap'd, 240 All three together, on the fertile glebe. While them the Lapithae of their bright arms Despoil'd, Polydamas and Hector stood (With all the bravest youths and most resolved To burst the barrier and to fire the fleet) 245 Beside the foss, pondering the event. For, while they press'd to pass, they spied a bird Sublime in air, an eagle. Right between Both hosts he soar'd (the Trojan on his left) A serpent bearing in his pounces clutch'd 250 Enormous, dripping blood, but lively still And mindful of revenge; for from beneath The eagle's breast, updarting fierce his head, Fast by the throat he struck him; anguish-sick The eagle cast him down into the space 255 Between the hosts, and, clanging loud his plumes As the wind bore him, floated far away. Shudder'd the Trojans viewing at their feet The spotted serpent ominous, and thus Polydamas to dauntless Hector spake. 260 Ofttimes in council, Hector, thou art wont To censure me, although advising well; Nor ought the private citizen, I confess, Either in council or in war to indulge Loquacity, but ever to employ 265 All his exertions in support of thine. Yet hear my best opinion once again. Proceed we not in our attempt against The Grecian fleet. For if in truth the sign Respect the host of Troy ardent to pass, 270 Then, as the eagle soar'd both hosts between, With Ilium's on his left, and clutch'd a snake Enormous, dripping blood, but still alive, Which yet he dropp'd suddenly, ere he reach'd His eyry, or could give it to his young, 275 So we, although with mighty force we burst Both gates and barrier, and although the Greeks Should all retire, shall never yet the way Tread honorably back by which we came. No. Many a Trojan shall we leave behind 280 Slain by the Grecians in their fleet's defence. An augur skill'd in omens would expound This omen thus, and faith would win from all. To whom, dark-louring, Hector thus replied. Polydamas! I like not thy advice; 285 Thou couldst have framed far better; but if this Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth, Who bidd'st me disregard the Thunderer's[2] firm Assurance to myself announced, and make 290 The wild inhabitants of air my guides, Which I alike despise, speed they their course With right-hand flight toward the ruddy East, Or leftward down into the shades of eve. Consider _we_ the will of Jove alone, 295 Sovereign of heaven and earth. Omens abound, But the best omen is our country's cause.[3] Wherefore should fiery war _thy_ soul alarm? For were we slaughter'd, one and all, around The fleet of Greece, _thou_ need'st not fear to die, 300 Whose courage never will thy flight retard. But if thou shrink thyself, or by smooth speech Seduce one other from a soldier's part, Pierced by this spear incontinent thou diest. So saying he led them, who with deafening roar 305 Follow'd him. Then, from the Idaean hills Jove hurl'd a storm which wafted right the dust Into the fleet; the spirits too he quell'd Of the Achaians, and the glory gave To Hector and his host; they, trusting firm 310 In signs from Jove, and in their proper force, Assay'd the barrier; from the towers they tore The galleries, cast the battlements to ground, And the projecting buttresses adjoin'd To strengthen the vast work, with bars upheaved. 315 All these, with expectation fierce to break The rampart, down they drew; nor yet the Greeks Gave back, but fencing close with shields the wall, Smote from behind them many a foe beneath. Meantime from tower to tower the Ajaces moved 320 Exhorting all; with mildness some, and some With harsh rebuke, whom they observed through fear Declining base the labors of the fight, Friends! Argives! warriors of whatever rank! Ye who excel, and ye of humbler note! 325 And ye the last and least! (for such there are, All have not magnanimity alike) Now have we work for all, as all perceive. Turn not, retreat not to your ships, appall'd By sounding menaces, but press the foe; 330 Exhort each other, and e'en now perchance Olympian Jove, by whom the lightnings burn, Shall grant us to repulse them, and to chase The routed Trojans to their gates again. So they vociferating to the Greeks, 335 Stirr'd them to battle. As the feathery snows Fall frequent, on some wintry day, when Jove Hath risen to shed them on the race of man, And show his arrowy stores; he lulls the winds, Then shakes them down continual, covering thick 340 Mountain tops, promontories, flowery meads, And cultured valleys rich; the ports and shores Receive it also of the hoary deep, But there the waves bound it, while all beside Lies whelm'd beneath Jove's fast-descending shower, 345 So thick, from side to side, by Trojans hurl'd Against the Greeks, and by the Greeks return'd The stony vollies flew; resounding loud Through all its length the battered rampart roar'd. Nor yet had Hector and his host prevail'd 350 To burst the gates, and break the massy bar, Had not all-seeing Jove Sarpedon moved His son, against the Greeks, furious as falls The lion on some horned herd of beeves. At once his polish'd buckler he advanced 355 With leafy brass o'erlaid; for with smooth brass The forger of that shield its oval disk Had plated, and with thickest hides throughout Had lined it, stitch'd with circling wires of gold. That shield he bore before him; firmly grasp'd 360 He shook two spears, and with determined strides March'd forward. As the lion mountain-bred, After long fast, by impulse of his heart Undaunted urged, seeks resolute the flock Even in the shelter of their guarded home; 365 He finds, perchance, the shepherds arm'd with spears, And all their dogs awake, yet can not leave Untried the fence, but either leaps it light, And entering tears the prey, or in the attempt Pierced by some dexterous peasant, bleeds himself; 370 So high his courage to the assault impell'd Godlike Sarpedon, and him fired with hope To break the barrier; when to Glaucus thus, Son of Hippolochus, his speech he turn'd. Why, Glaucus, is the seat of honor ours, 375 Why drink we brimming cups, and feast in state? Why gaze they all on us as we were Gods In Lycia, and why share we pleasant fields And spacious vineyards, where the Xanthus winds? Distinguished thus in Lycia, we are call'd 380 To firmness here, and to encounter bold The burning battle, that our fair report Among the Lycians may be blazon'd thus-- No dastards are the potentates who rule The bright-arm'd Lycians; on the fatted flock 385 They banquet, and they drink the richest wines; But they are also valiant, and the fight Wage dauntless in the vanward of us all. Oh Glaucus, if escaping safe the death That threats us here, we also could escape 390 Old age, and to ourselves secure a life Immortal, I would neither in the van Myself expose, nor would encourage thee To tempt the perils of the glorious field. But since a thousand messengers of fate 395 Pursue us close, and man is born to die-- E'en let us on; the prize of glory yield, If yield we must, or wrest it from the foe. He said, nor cold refusal in return Received from Glaucus, but toward the wall 400 Their numerous Lycian host both led direct. Menestheus, son of Peteos, saw appall'd Their dread approach, for to his tower they bent; Their threatening march. An eager look he cast, On the embodied Greeks, seeking some Chief 405 Whose aid might turn the battle from his van: He saw, where never sated with exploits Of war, each Ajax fought, near whom his eye Kenn'd Teucer also, newly from his tent; But vain his efforts were with loudest call 410 To reach their ears, such was the deafening din Upsent to heaven, of shields and crested helms, And of the batter'd gates; for at each gate They thundering' stood, and urged alike at each Their fierce attempt by force to burst the bars. 415 To Ajax therefore he at once dispatch'd A herald, and Thoeotes thus enjoin'd. My noble friend, Thoeotes! with all speed Call either Ajax; bid them hither both; Far better so; for havoc is at hand. 420 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force against this tower My station. But if also there they find Laborious conflict pressing them severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come, 425 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor was Thoeotes slow to hear; Beside the rampart of the mail-clad Greeks Rapid he flew, and, at their side arrived, To either Ajax, eager, thus began. 430 Ye leaders of the well-appointed Greeks, The son of noble Peteos calls; he begs With instant suit, that ye would share his toils, However short your stay; the aid of both Will serve him best, for havoc threatens there 435 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force toward the tower His station. But if also here ye find Laborious conflict pressing you severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come, 440 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor his request the towering son Of Telamon denied, but quick his speech To Ajax Oiliades address'd. Ajax! abiding here, exhort ye both 445 (Heroic Lycomedes and thyself) The Greeks to battle. Thither I depart To aid our friends, which service once perform'd Duly, I will incontinent return. So saying, the Telamonian Chief withdrew 450 With whom went Teucer, son of the same sire, Pandion also, bearing Teucer's bow. Arriving at the turret given in charge To the bold Chief Menestheus, and the wall Entering, they found their friends all sharply tried. 455 Black as a storm the senators renown'd And leaders of the Lycian host assail'd Buttress and tower, while opposite the Greeks Withstood them, and the battle-shout began. First, Ajax, son of Telamon, a friend 460 And fellow-warrior of Sarpedon slew, Epicles. With a marble fragment huge That crown'd the battlement's interior side, He smote him. No man of our puny race, Although in prime of youth, had with both hands 465 That weight sustain'd; but he the cumberous mass Uplifted high, and hurl'd it on his head. It burst his helmet, and his batter'd skull Dash'd from all form. He from the lofty tower Dropp'd downright, with a diver's plunge, and died. 470 But Teucer wounded Glaucus with a shaft Son of Hippolochus; he, climbing, bared His arm, which Teucer, marking, from the wall Transfix'd it, and his onset fierce repress'd; For with a backward leap Glaucus withdrew 475 Sudden and silent, cautious lest the Greeks Seeing him wounded should insult his pain. Grief seized, at sight of his retiring friend, Sarpedon, who forgat not yet the fight, But piercing with his lance Alcmaon, son 480 Of Thestor, suddenly reversed the beam, Which following, Alcmaon to the earth Fell prone, with clangor of his brazen arms. Sarpedon, then, strenuous with both hands Tugg'd, and down fell the battlement entire; 485 The wall, dismantled at the summit, stood A ruin, and wide chasm was open'd through. Then Ajax him and Teucer at one time Struck both; an arrow struck from Teucer's bow The belt that cross'd his bosom, by which hung 490 His ample shield; yet lest his son should fall Among the ships, Jove turn'd the death aside. But Ajax, springing to his thrust, a spear Drove through his shield. Sarpedon at the shock With backward step short interval recoil'd, 495 But not retired, for in his bosom lived The hope of glory still, and, looking back On all his godlike Lycians, he exclaim'd, Oh Lycians! where is your heroic might? Brave as I boast myself, I feel the task 500 Arduous, through the breach made by myself To win a passage to the ships, alone. Follow me all--Most laborers, most dispatch.[4] So he; at whose sharp reprimand abash'd The embattled host to closer conflict moved, 505 Obedient to their counsellor and King. On the other side the Greeks within the wall Made firm the phalanx, seeing urgent need; Nor could the valiant Lycians through the breach Admittance to the Grecian fleet obtain, 510 Nor since they first approach'd it, had the Greeks With all their efforts, thrust the Lycians back. But as two claimants of one common field, Each with his rod of measurement in hand, Dispute the boundaries, litigating warm 515 Their right in some small portion of the soil, So they, divided by the barrier, struck With hostile rage the bull-hide bucklers round, And the light targets on each other's breast. Then many a wound the ruthless weapons made. 520 Pierced through the unarm'd back, if any turn'd, He died, and numerous even through the shield. The battlements from end to end with blood Of Grecians and of Trojans on both sides Were sprinkled; yet no violence could move 525 The stubborn Greeks, or turn their powers to flight. So hung the war in balance, as the scales Held by some woman scrupulously just, A spinner; wool and weight she poises nice, Hard-earning slender pittance for her babes,[5] 530 Such was the poise in which the battle hung Till Jove himself superior fame, at length, To Priameian Hector gave, who sprang First through the wall. In lofty sounds that reach'd Their utmost ranks, he call'd on all his host. 535 Now press them, now ye Trojans steed-renown'd Rush on! break through the Grecian rampart, hurl At once devouring flames into the fleet. Such was his exhortation; they his voice All hearing, with close-order'd ranks direct 540 Bore on the barrier, and up-swarming show'd On the high battlement their glittering spears. But Hector seized a stone; of ample base But tapering to a point, before the gate It stood. No two men, mightiest of a land 545 (Such men as now are mighty) could with ease Have heaved it from the earth up to a wain; He swung it easily alone; so light The son of Saturn made it in his hand. As in one hand with ease the shepherd bears 550 A ram's fleece home, nor toils beneath the weight, So Hector, right toward the planks of those Majestic folding-gates, close-jointed, firm And solid, bore the stone. Two bars within Their corresponding force combined transvere 555 To guard them, and one bolt secured the bars. He stood fast by them, parting wide his feet For 'vantage sake, and smote them in the midst. He burst both hinges; inward fell the rock Ponderous, and the portals roar'd; the bars 560 Endured not, and the planks, riven by the force Of that huge mass, flew scatter'd on all sides. In leap'd the godlike Hero at the breach, Gloomy as night in aspect, but in arms All-dazzling, and he grasp'd two quivering spears. 565 Him entering with a leap the gates, no force Whate'er of opposition had repress'd, Save of the Gods alone. Fire fill'd his eyes; Turning, he bade the multitude without Ascend the rampart; they his voice obey'd; 570 Part climb'd the wall, part pour'd into the gate; The Grecians to their hollow galleys flew Scatter'd, and tumult infinite arose.[6] THE ILIAD. BOOK XIII. ARGUMENT OF THE THIRTEENTH BOOK. Neptune engages on the part of the Grecians. The battle proceeds. Deiphobus advances to combat, but is repulsed by Meriones, who losing his spear, repairs to his tent for another. Teucer slays Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, under the similitude of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus. Idomeneus having armed himself in his tent, and going forth to battle, meets Meriones. After discourse held with each other, Idomeneus accommodates Meriones with a spear, and they proceed to battle. Idomeneus slays Othryoneus, and Asius. Deiphobus assails Idomeneus, but, his spear glancing over him, kills Hypsenor. Idomeneus slays Alcathoues, son-in-law of Anchises. Deiphobus and Idomeneus respectively summon their friends to their assistance, and a contest ensues for the body of Alcathoues. BOOK XIII. [1]When Jove to Hector and his host had given Such entrance to the fleet, to all the woes And toils of unremitting battle there He them abandon'd, and his glorious eyes Averting, on the land look'd down remote 5 Of the horse-breeding Thracians, of the bold Close-fighting Mysian race, and where abide On milk sustain'd, and blest with length of days, The Hippemolgi,[2] justest of mankind. No longer now on Troy his eyes he turn'd, 10 For expectation none within his breast Survived, that God or Goddess would the Greeks Approach with succor, or the Trojans more. Nor Neptune, sovereign of the boundless Deep, Look'd forth in vain; he on the summit sat 15 Of Samothracia forest-crown'd, the stir Admiring thence and tempest of the field; For thence appear'd all Ida, thence the towers Of lofty Ilium, and the fleet of Greece. There sitting from the deeps uprisen, he mourn'd 20 The vanquished Grecians, and resentment fierce Conceived and wrath against all-ruling Jove. Arising sudden, down the rugged steep With rapid strides he came; the mountains huge And forests under the immortal feet 25 Trembled of Ocean's Sovereign as he strode. Three strides he made, the fourth convey'd him home To AEgae. At the bottom of the abyss, There stands magnificent his golden fane, A dazzling, incorruptible abode. 30 Arrived, he to his chariot join'd his steeds Swift, brazen-hoof'd, and maned with wavy gold; Himself attiring next in gold, he seized His golden scourge, and to his seat sublime Ascending, o'er the billows drove; the whales 35 Leaving their caverns, gambol'd on all sides Around him, not unconscious of their King; He swept the surge that tinged not as he pass'd His axle, and the sea parted for joy. His bounding coursers to the Grecian fleet 40 Convey'd him swift. There is a spacious cave Deep in the bottom of the flood, the rocks Of Imbrus rude and Tenedos between; There Neptune, Shaker of the Shores, his steeds Station'd secure; he loosed them from the yoke, 45 Gave them ambrosial food, and bound their feet With golden tethers not to be untied Or broken, that unwandering they might wait Their Lord's return, then sought the Grecian host. The Trojans, tempest-like or like a flame, 50 Now, following Priameian Hector, all Came furious on and shouting to the skies. Their hope was to possess the fleet, and leave Not an Achaian of the host unslain. But earth-encircler Neptune from the gulf 55 Emerging, in the form and with the voice Loud-toned of Calchas, roused the Argive ranks To battle--and his exhortation first To either Ajax turn'd, themselves prepared. Ye heroes Ajax! your accustomed force 60 Exert, oh! think not of disastrous flight, And ye shall save the people. Nought I fear Fatal elsewhere, although Troy's haughty sons Have pass'd the barrier with so fierce a throng Tumultu