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Title: The Iliad of Homer (1873)

Author: Homer

Translator: Theodore Alois Buckley

Release Date: August 23, 2007 [EBook #22382]

Language: English

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[Illustration: Homer by Hinchliff]

                                 THE
                           ILIAD OF HOMER,


                       Literally Translated,
                      WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES.

                                 BY

                   THEODORE ALOIS BUCKLEY, B.A.
                         OF CHRIST CHURCH.


                              LONDON:
          BELL AND DALDY, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
                               1873.

    LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET
                        AND CHARING CROSS.




                             PREFACE.


The present translation of the Iliad will, it is hoped, be found to
convey, more accurately than any which has preceded it, the words and
thoughts of the original. It is based upon a careful examination of
whatever has been contributed by scholars of every age towards the
elucidation of the text, including the ancient scholiasts and
lexicographers, the exegetical labours of Barnes and Clarke, and the
elaborate criticisms of Heyne, Wolf, and their successors.

The necessary brevity of the notes has prevented the full discussion of
many passages where there is great room for difference of opinion, and
hence several interpretations are adopted without question, which, had
the editor's object been to write a critical commentary, would have
undergone a more lengthened examination. The same reason has compelled
him, in many instances, to substitute references for extracts,
indicating rather than quoting those storehouses of information, from
whose abundant contents he would gladly have drawn more copious
supplies. Among the numerous works to which he has had recourse, the
following deserve particular mention-Alberti's invaluable edition of
Hesychius, the Commentary of Eustathius, and Buttmann's Lexilogus.

In the succeeding volume, the Odyssey, Hymns, and minor poems will be
produced in a similar manner.


THEODORE ALOIS BUCKLEY,
_Ch. Ch., Oxford._




                        THE ILIAD OF HOMER.




                          BOOK THE FIRST.


                             ARGUMENT.

Apollo, enraged at the insult offered to his priest, Chryses, sends a
pestilence upon the Greeks. A council is called, and Agamemnon, being
compelled to restore the daughter of Chryses, whom he had taken from
him, in revenge deprives Achilles of Hippodameia. Achilles resigns her,
but refuses to aid the Greeks in battle, and at his request, his mother,
Thetis, petitions Jove to honour her offended son at the expense of the
Greeks. Jupiter, despite the opposition of Juno, grants her request.


Sing, O goddess, the destructive wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus, which
brought countless woes upon the Greeks,[1] and hurled many valiant souls
of heroes down to Hades, and made themselves[2] a prey to dogs and to
all birds [but the will of Jove was being accomplished], from the time
when Atrides, king of men, and noble Achilles, first contending, were
disunited.

   [Footnote 1: Although, as Ernesti observes, the verb [Greek:
   proiapsen] does not necessarily contain the idea of a _premature_
   death, yet the ancient interpreters are almost unanimous in
   understanding it so. Thus Eustathius, p. 13, ed. Bas.: [Greek:
   meta blazês eis Aioên pro to deontos epemphen, ôs tês protheseôs]
   (_i.e._ pro) [Greek: kairikon ti dêlousês, ê aplôs epemphen, ôs
   pleonazousês tês protheseôs.] Hesych. t. ii. p. 1029, s. n.:
   [Greek: proiapsen--dêloi de dia tês lezeos tên met' odunês autôn
   apoleian]. Cf. Virg. Æn. xii. 952: "Vitaque cum gemitu fugit
   _indignata_ sub umbras," where Servius well observes, "quia
   discedebat a juvene: nam volunt philosophi, invitam animam
   discedere a corpore, cum quo adhuc habitare legibus naturæ
   poterat." I have, however, followed Ernesti, with the later
   commentators.]

   [Footnote 2: _I.e._ their bodies. Cf. Æ. i. 44, vi. 362, where
   there is a similar sense of the pronoun.]

Which, then, of the gods, engaged these two in strife, so that they
should fight?[3] The son of Latona and Jove; for he, enraged with the
king, stirred up an evil pestilence through the army [and the people
kept perishing][4]; because the son of Atreus had dishonoured the
priest Chryses: for he came to the swift ships of the Greeks to ransom
his daughter, and bringing invaluable ransoms, having in his hands the
fillets of far-darting Apollo on his golden sceptre. And he supplicated
all the Greeks, but chiefly the two sons of Atreus, the leaders of the
people:

"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye other well-greaved Greeks, to you indeed may
the gods, possessing the heavenly dwellings, grant to destroy the city
of Priam, and to return home safely: but for me, liberate my beloved
daughter, and accept the ransoms, reverencing the son of Jove,
far-darting Apollo."

   [Footnote 3: Rut see Anthon.]

   [Footnote 4: Observe the full force of the imperfect tense.]

Upon this, all the other Greeks shouted assent, that the priest should
be reverenced, and the splendid ransoms accepted; yet was it not
pleasing in his mind to Agamemnon, son of Atreus; but he dismissed him
evilly, and added a harsh mandate:

"Let me not find thee, old man, at the hollow barks, either now
loitering, or hereafter returning, lest the staff and fillet of the god
avail thee not.[5] For her I will not set free; sooner shall old age
come upon her, at home in Argos, far away from her native land, employed
in offices of the loom, and preparing[6] my bed. But away! irritate me
not, that thou mayest return the safer."

   [Footnote 5: Of [Greek: chraismein], Buttmann, Lexil. p. 546,
   observes that "it is never found in a positive sense, but
   remained in ancient usage in negative sentences only; as, '_it is
   of no use to thee_,' or, '_it helps thee not_,' and similar
   expressions."]

   [Footnote 6: The old mistake of construing [Greek: antioôsan]
   "sharing," which still clings to the translations, is exploded by
   Buttm. Lex. p. 144. Eust. and Heysch. both give [Greek:
   eutrepizonsan] as one of the interpretations; and that such is
   the right one is evident from the collateral phrase [Greek:
   porsynein lechos] in Od. iii. 403. [Greek: Lyphizezkas] is the
   perfect tense, but with the force of the present.]

Thus he spoke; but the old man was afraid, and obeyed the command. And
he went in silence along the shore of the loud-resounding sea; but then,
going apart, the aged man prayed much to king Apollo, whom fair-haired
Latona bore:

"Hear me, god of the silver bow, who art wont to protect Chrysa and
divine Cilla, and who mightily rulest over Tenedos: O Sminthius,[7] if
ever I have roofed[8] thy graceful temple, or if, moreover, at any time
I have burned to thee the fat thighs of bulls or of goats, accomplish
this entreaty for me. Let the Greeks pay for my tears, by thy arrows."

   [Footnote 7: An epithet derived from [Greek: sminthos], the
   Phrygian name for a _mouse_: either because Apollo had put an end
   to a plague of mice among that people, or because a mouse was
   thought emblematical of augury.--Grote, Hist. of Greece, vol. i.
   p. 68, observes that this "worship of Sminthian Apollo, in
   various parts of the Troad and its neighbouring territory, dates
   before the earliest period of Æolic colonization." On the Homeric
   description of Apollo, see Müller, Dorians, vol. i. p. 315.]

   [Footnote 8: Not "crowned," as Heyne says; for this was a later
   custom.--See Anthon and Arnold.]

Thus he spoke praying; but to him Phoebus Apollo hearkened. And he
descended from the summits of Olympus, enraged in heart, having upon his
shoulders his bow and quiver covered on all sides. But as he moved, the
shafts rattled forthwith[9] upon the shoulders of him enraged; but he
went along like unto the night. Then he sat down apart from the ships,
and sent among them an arrow, and terrible arose the clang of the silver
bow. First he attacked the mules, and the swift[10] dogs; but afterwards
despatching a pointed arrow against [the Greeks] themselves, he smote
them, and frequent funeral-piles of the dead were continually burning.
Nine days through the army went the arrows of the god; but on the tenth,
Achilles called the people to an assembly; for to his mind the
white-armed goddess Juno had suggested it; for she was anxious
concerning the Greeks, because she saw them perishing. But when they
accordingly were assembled, and were met together, swift-footed footed
Achilles, rising up amidst them, [thus] spoke:

"O son of Atreus! now do I think that we would consent to return, having
been defeated in our purpose, if we should but escape death, since at
the same time[11] war and pestilence subdue the Greeks. But come now,
let us consult some prophet, or priest, or even one who is informed by
dreams (for dream also is from Jove),[12] who would tell us on what
account Phoebus Apollo is so much enraged with us: whether he blames us
on account of a vow [unperformed], or a hecatomb [unoffered]; and
whether haply he may be willing, having partaken of the savour of lambs
and unblemished goats, to avert from us the pestilence."

   [Footnote 9: The force of [Greek: ara] is noticed by Nägelsbach.]

   [Footnote 10: Or "white." Hesych. [Greek: tacheis, leykous].]

   [Footnote 11: Ammonius, p. 14, foolishly supposes that [Greek:
   amou] here denotes place, [Greek: in Troia]. Valcknaer justly
   supports the ordinary interpretation.]

   [Footnote 12: Cf. Plin. Ep. i. 18, and Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 3,
   sq.]

He indeed, thus having spoken, sat down; but to them there arose by far
the best of augurs, Calchas, son of Thestor, who knew the present, the
future, and the past,[13] and who guided the ships of the Greeks to
Ilium, by his prophetic art, which Phoebus Apollo gave him, who, being
well disposed,[14] addressed them, and said:

"O Achilles, dear to Jove, thou biddest me to declare the wrath of
Apollo, the far-darting king. Therefore will I declare it; but do thou
on thy part covenant, and swear to me, that thou wilt promptly assist me
in word and hand. For methinks I shall irritate a man who widely rules
over all the Argives, and whom the Greeks obey. For a king is more
powerful[15] when he is enraged with an inferior man; for though he may
repress his wrath[16] for that same day, yet he afterwards retains his
anger in his heart, until he accomplishes it; but do thou consider
whether thou wilt protect me."

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Taking full
confidence, declare the divine oracle, whatsoever thou knowest. For, by
Apollo, dear to Jove, to whom thou, praying, O Calchas, dost disclose
predictions to the Greeks, no one of all the Greeks, while I am alive
and have sight upon the earth, shall lay heavy hands upon thee at the
hollow ships; not even if thou wast to name Agamemnon, who now boasts
himself to be much the most powerful of the Greeks." [17]

   [Footnote 13: A common formula in the ancient poets to express
   the eternity of things. Empedocles apud Pseud. Arist. de Mundo:
   [Greek: Panth' osa t' ên, osa t' esti, kai ossa te estai opisô].
   Virg. Georg. iv. 392: "Novit namque omnia vates, Quæ sint, quæ
   fuerint, quæ mox ventura trahantur."]

   [Footnote 14: See Abresch. on Æschyl. p. 287. Ernesti.]

   [Footnote 15: [Greek: anagaktousi gar dia tên yperochen].
   A--rist. Rhet. ii. 2, quoting this verse.]

   [Footnote 16: Lit. "digest his bile". Homer's distinction between
   [Greek: cholos] and [Greek: kotos] is observed by Nemesius, de
   Nat. Hom. § 21.]

   [Footnote 17: I have used "Greeks" wherever the whole army is
   evidently meant. In other instances I have retained the specific
   names of the different confederate nations.]

And upon this, the blameless prophet then took confidence, and spoke:
"Neither is he enraged on account of a vow [unperformed], nor of a
hecatomb [unoffered], but on account of his priest, whom Agamemnon
dishonoured; neither did he liberate his daughter, nor did he receive
her ransom. Wherefore has the Far-darter given woes, and still will he
give them; nor will he withhold his heavy hands from the pestilence,
before that [Agamemnon] restore to her dear father the bright-eyed[18]
maid, unpurchased, unransomed, and conduct a sacred hecatomb to Chrysa;
then, perhaps, having appeased, we might persuade him."

   [Footnote 18: See Arnold.]

He indeed, having thus spoken, sat down. But to them arose the hero, the
son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon,[19] agitated; and his all-gloomy
heart was greatly filled with wrath, and his eyes were like unto
gleaming fire. Sternly regarding Calchas most of all, he addressed
[him]:

"Prophet of ills, not at any time hast thou spoken anything good for me;
but evils are always gratifying to thy soul to prophesy,[20] and never
yet hast thou offered one good word, nor accomplished [one]. And now,
prophesying amongst the Greeks, thou haranguest that forsooth the
Far-darter works griefs to them upon this account, because I was
unwilling to accept the splendid ransom of the virgin daughter of
Chryses, since I much prefer to have her at home; and my reason is, I
prefer her even to Clytemnestra, my lawful wife; for she is not inferior
to her, either in person, or in figure, or in mind, or by any means in
accomplishments. But even thus I am willing to restore her, if it be
better; for I wish the people to be safe rather than to perish. But do
thou immediately prepare a prize for me, that I may not alone, of the
Argives, be without a prize; since it is not fitting. For ye all see
this, that my prize is going elsewhere."

   [Footnote 19: "In the assembly of the people, as in the courts of
   justice, the nobles alone speak, advise, and decide, whilst the
   people merely listen to their ordinances and decisions, in order
   to regulate their own conduct accordingly; being suffered,
   indeed, to follow the natural impulse of evincing, to a certain
   extent, their approbation or disapprobation of their superiors,
   but without any legal means of giving validity to their opinion."
   Müller, Gk. Lit. p. 30.]

   [Footnote 20: But we must not join [Greek: manteyesthai] with
   [Greek: kika].--Nägelsbach.]

But him swift-footed godlike Achilles then answered: "Most noble son of
Atreus, most avaricious of all! for how shall the magnanimous Greeks
assign thee a prize? Nor do we know of many common stores laid up
anywhere. But what we plundered[21] from the cities, these have been
divided, and it is not fitting that the troops should collect these
brought together again. But do thou now let her go to the God, and we
Greeks will compensate thee thrice, or four-fold, if haply Jove grant to
us to sack the well-fortified city of Troy."

   [Footnote 21: More closely: "took from the cities, when we
   destroyed them."]

But him answering, king Agamemnon addressed: "Do not thus, excellent
though thou be, godlike Achilles, practise deceit in thy mind; since
thou shalt not overreach, nor yet persuade me. Dost thou wish that thou
thyself mayest have a prize, whilst I sit down idly,[22] wanting one?
And dost thou bid me to restore her? If, however, the magnanimous Greeks
will give me a prize, having suited it to my mind, so that it shall be
an equivalent, [it is well]. But if they will not give it, then I myself
coming, will seize your prize, or that of Ajax,[23] or Ulysses,[24] and
will bear it away; and he to whom I may come shall have cause for anger.
On these things, however, we will consult afterwards. But now come, let
us launch a sable ship into the boundless sea, and let us collect into
it rowers in sufficient number, and place on board a hecatomb; and let
us make the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses to embark, and let some one
noble man be commander, Ajax or Idomeneus, or divine Ulysses; or
thyself, son of Peleus, most terrible of all men, that thou mayest
appease for us the Far-darter, having offered sacrifices."

   [Footnote 22: Buttmann would take [Greek: autôs] as = frustra.]

   [Footnote 23: Tecmessa.]

   [Footnote 24: Laodice, daughter of Cyenus.]

But him swift-footed Achilles sternly regarding, addressed: "Ha![25]
thou clad in impudence, thou bent on gain, how can any of the Greeks
willingly obey thy orders, either to undertake a mission, or to fight
bravely with men? For I did not come hither to fight on account of the
warlike Trojans, seeing that they are blameless as respects me. Since
they have never driven away my oxen, nor my horses either nor ever
injured my crops in fertile and populous Phthia: for very many shadowy
mountains, and the resounding sea, are between us. But thee, O most
shameless man, we follow, that thou mayest rejoice; seeking satisfaction
from the Trojans for Menelaus, and for thy pleasure, shameless one! for
which things thou hast neither respect nor care. And now thou hast
threatened that thou wilt in person wrest from me my prize, for which I
have toiled much, and which the sons of the Greeks have given me.
Whenever the Greeks sacked a well-inhabited city of the Trojans, I never
have had a prize equal to thine; although my hands perform the greater
portion of the tumultuous conflict, yet when the division [of spoil] may
come, a much greater prize is given to thee, while I come to my ships,
when I am fatigued with fighting, having one small and agreeable. But
now I will go to Phthia, for it is much better to return home with our
curved ships; for I do not think that thou shalt amass wealth and
treasures while I am dishonoured here."

   [Footnote 25: See my note on Od. i. p. 2, n. 11, ed. Bohn.]

But him, the king of men, Agamemnon, then answered: "Fly, by all means,
if thy mind urges thee; nor will I entreat thee to remain on my account:
there are others with me who will honour me, but chiefly the all-wise
Jove. For to me thou art the most odious of the Jove-nourished princes,
for ever is contention agreeable to thee, and wars and battles. If thou
be very bold, why doubtless a deity has given this to thee. Going home
with thy ships and thy companions, rule over the Myrmidons; for I do not
regard thee, nor care for thee in thy wrath; but thus will I threaten
thee: Since Phoebus Apollo is depriving me of the daughter of
Chryses,[26] her indeed I will send, with my own ship, and with my own
friends; but I myself, going to thy tent, will lead away the
fair-cheeked daughter of Brises,[27] thy prize; that thou mayest well
know how much more powerful I am than thou, and that another may dread
to pronounce himself equal to me, and to liken himself openly [to me]."

   [Footnote 26: Astynome. Cf. Eustath. fol. 58]

   [Footnote 27: Hippodameia.]

Thus he spoke, and grief arose to the son of Peleus, and the heart
within, in his hairy breast, was pondering upon two courses; whether,
drawing his sharp sword from his thigh, he should dismiss them,[28] and
should kill the son of Atreus, or should put a stop to his wrath, and
restrain his passion. While he was thus pondering in his heart and soul,
and was drawing his mighty sword from the scabbard, came Minerva from
heaven; for her the white-armed goddess Juno had sent forward, equally
loving and regarding both from her soul. And she stood behind, and
caught the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, appearing to him alone; but
none of the others beheld her. But Achilles was amazed, and turned
himself round, and immediately recognized Pallas Minerva; and
awe-inspiring her eyes appeared to him. And addressing her, he spoke
winged words:

"Why, O offspring of ægis-bearing Jove, hast thou come hither? Is it
that thou mayest witness the insolence of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus?
But I tell thee, what I think will be accomplished, that he will
probably soon lose his life by his haughtiness."

   [Footnote 28: The princes assembled.]

But him in turn the azure-eyed goddess Minerva addressed: "I came from
heaven to assuage thy wrath, if thou wilt obey me; for the white-armed
goddess Juno sent me forward, equally loving and regarding both from her
soul. But come, cease from strife, nor draw the sword with thine hand.
But reproach by words, as the occasion may suggest; for thus I declare,
and it shall be accomplished, that thrice as many splendid gifts shall
be presented to thee, because of this insolent act; only restrain
thyself, and obey us."

But her answering,[29] swift-footed Achilles addressed: "It behoves me
to observe the command of you both, O goddess, although much enraged in
my soul; for so it is better. Whosoever obeys the gods, to him they
hearken propitiously."

   [Footnote 29: Columna on Ennius, p. 17, ed. Hessel., compares
   "Ollei respondet Rex Albaï longaï," and "Ollei respondet suavis
   sonus Egeriäi," observing that this formula was probably as
   common in the heroic annals of Ennius as [Greek: ton d'
   apameixomenos] is in Homer.]

He spoke, and held still his heavy hand upon the silvery hilt, and
thrust back the great sword into the scabbard, nor did he disobey the
mandate of Minerva; but she had gone to Olympus, to the mansions of
ægis-bearing Jove, amongst the other deities. But the son of Peleus
again addressed Atrides with injurious[30] words, nor as yet ceased from
anger:

"Wine-bibber, having the countenance of a dog, but the heart of a stag,
never hast thou at any time dared in soul to arm thyself with the
people for war, nor to go to ambuscade with the chiefs of the Greeks;
for this always appears to thee to be death. Certainly it is much better
through the wide army of the Achæans, to take away the rewards of
whoever may speak against thee. A people-devouring king [art thou],
since thou rulest over fellows of no account; for assuredly, son of
Atreus, thou [otherwise] wouldst have insulted now for the last time.
But I will tell thee, and I will further swear a great oath: yea, by
this sceptre, which will never bear leaves and branches, nor will bud
again, after it has once left its trunk on the mountains; for the axe
has lopped it all around of its leaves and bark; but now the sons of the
Greeks, the judges, they who protect the laws [received] from Jove, bear
it in their hands; and this will be a great oath to thee; surely will a
longing desire for Achilles come upon all the sons of the Achæans at
some future day, and thou, although much grieved, wilt be unable to
assist them, when many dying shall fall by the hand of man-slaying
Hector. Then enraged, wilt thou inwardly fret thy soul, that thou didst
in no way honour the bravest of the Greeks."

   [Footnote 30: Epimerism. Hom. in Cramer's Anecdott. vol. i. p.
   24. [Greek: atartêros, ê para tên atên, o sêmainei tên blaxên,
   atêros].--Hesych. [Greek: blaxros, atêros].]

Thus spoke the son of Peleus; and he cast upon the earth his sceptre
studded with golden nails, and sat down. But on the other hand, the son
of Atreus was enraged; therefore to them arose the sweet-voiced
Nestor,[31] the harmonious orator of the Pylians, from whose tongue
flowed language sweeter than honey. During his life two generations of
articulately-speaking men had become extinct, who, formerly, were reared
and lived with him in divine Pylus, but he was now ruling over the
third; who, wisely counselling, addressed them, and said:

   [Footnote 31: I must refer the reader to a most happy sketch of
   Nestor's exploits and character in Crete's Hist, of Greece, vol.
   i. p. 153.]

"O gods! surely a great sorrow comes upon the Grecian land. Verily,
Priam would exult, and the sons of Priam, and the other Trojans, would
greatly rejoice in their souls, if they were to hear these things of you
twain contending: you who in council and in fighting surpass the Greeks.
But be persuaded; for ye are both younger than I am. For already, in
former times, I have associated with men braver than you, and they
never disdained me. I never saw, nor shall I see, such men as Pirithous,
and Dryas, shepherd of the people, and Cæneus, and Exadius, and god-like
Polyphemus,[32] and Theseus, the son of Ægeus, like unto the immortals.
Bravest indeed were they trained up of earthly men; bravest they were,
and they fought with the bravest Centaurs of the mountain caves, and
terribly slew them. With these was I conversant, coming from Pylus, far
from the Apian land; for they invited me, and I fought to the best of my
power; but with them none of these who now are mortals upon the earth
could fight. And even they heard my counsels, and obeyed my words. But
do ye also obey, since it is better to be obedient; nor do thou,
although being powerful, take away the maid from him, but leave it so,
seeing that the sons of the Greeks first gave [her as] a prize on him.
Nor do thou, O son of Peleus, feel inclined to contend against the king;
since never yet has any sceptre-bearing king, to whom Jove has given
glory, been allotted an equal share of dignity. But though thou be of
superior strength, and a goddess mother has given thee birth, yet he is
superior in power, inasmuch as he rules more people. Do thou, son of
Atreus, repress thine anger; for it is I that[33] entreat thee to forego
thy resentment on behalf of Achilles, who is the great bulwark of
destructive war to all the Achæans."

   [Footnote 32: A prince of the Lapithæ, not the Cyclops.]

   [Footnote 33: See Anthon, who has well remarked the force of the
   particles.]

But him king Agamemnon answering addressed: "Of a truth thou hast said
all these things, old man, according to what is right. But this man is
desirous to be above all other men; he wishes to have the mastery, and
lord it over all, and to prescribe to all; with which his desires I
think some one will not comply. But if the ever-existing gods have made
him a warrior, do they therefore give him the right to utter insults?"

But him noble Achilles interruptingly answered: "Yea, forsooth,[34] I
may be called a coward and a man of no worth, if now I yield to thee in
everything, whatever thou mayest say. Enjoin these things to other men;
for dictate not to me, for I think that I shall no longer obey thee. But
another thing will I tell thee, and do thou store it in thy mind: I
will not contend with my hands, neither with thee, nor with others, on
account of this maid, since ye, the donors, take her away. But of the
other effects, which I have at my swift black ship, of those thou shalt
not remove one, taking them away, I being unwilling. But if [thou wilt],
come, make trial, that these also may know: quickly shall thy black
blood flow around my lance."

   [Footnote 34: Properly elliptical--_I have done right; for_,
   &c.--Crusius.]

Thus these twain, striving with contrary words, arose, and they broke up
the assembly at the ships of the Greeks. The son of Peleus on his part
repaired to his tents and well-proportioned[35] ships, with the son of
Menoetius,[36] and his companions. But the son of Atreus[37] launched
his swift ship into the sea, and selected and put into it twenty rowers,
and embarked a hecatomb for the god. And he led the fair daughter of
Chryses and placed her on board, and the very wise Ulysses embarked as
conductor. They then embarking, sailed over the watery paths. But the
son of Atreus ordered the armies to purify themselves;[38] and they were
purified, and cast forth the ablutions into the sea. And they sacrificed
to Apollo perfect hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of the
barren sea; and the savour involved in[39] smoke ascended to heaven.
Thus were they employed in these things through the army. Nor did
Agamemnon cease from the contention which at first he threatened against
Achilles. But he thus addressed Talthybius and Eurybates, who were his
heralds and zealous attendants:[40]

   [Footnote 35: Equal on both sides, so as to preserve a balance.
   But Blomfield, Obs. on Matth. Gr. § 124, prefers to render it
   "ships of due size," as [Greek: dais eisê], ver. 468, "an
   equalized meal."]

   [Footnote 36: Patroclus.]

   [Footnote 37: So Anthon, comparing ver. 142.]

   [Footnote 38: Not a mere medicinal measure, but a symbolical
   putting away of the guilt, which, through Agamemnon's
   transgression, was brought upon the army also.--Wolf.]

   [Footnote 39: Not _about_ the smoke, but _in_ the smoke; for
   [Greek: peri] denotes also the staying within the compass of an
   object.--Nägelsbach.]

   [Footnote 40: [Greek: therapôn] is a voluntary servant, as
   opposed to [Greek: doulos].--See Arnold.]

"Going to the tent of Achilles, the son of Peleus, lead away fair
Brisëis, having taken her by the hand; but if he will not give her, then
I myself, coming with great numbers, will take her, and this will be
more grievous[41] to him."

Thus speaking, he despatched them, having added[42] a harsh command. But
they reluctantly went along the shore of the barren sea, and came to the
tents and ships of the Myrmidons. And they found him sitting at his tent
and his black ship: nor did Achilles, seeing them, rejoice. But they,
confused, and reverencing the king, stood still, nor addressed him at
all, nor spoke [their bidding]. But he perceived [it] in his mind, and
said:

"Hail, heralds, messengers of Jove,[43] and also of men, come near, for
ye are not blamable to me in the least, but Agamemnon, who has sent you
on account of the maid Brisëis. However, come, noble Patroclus, lead
forth the maid, and give her to them to conduct; but let these be
witnesses [of the insult offered me], both before the blessed gods, and
before mortal men, and before the merciless king. But if ever again
there shall be need of me to avert unseemly destruction from the rest,
[appeal to me shall be in vain],[44] for surely he rages with an
infatuated mind, nor knows at all how to view the future and the past,
in order that the Greeks may fight in safety at their ships."

Thus he spoke. And Patroclus obeyed his dear companion, and led forth
fair-cheeked Brisëis from the tent, and gave her to them to conduct; and
they returned along by the ships of the Greeks. But the woman went with
them reluctantly, whilst Achilles, weeping,[45] immediately sat down,
removed apart from his companions, upon the shore of the hoary sea,
gazing on the darkling main; and much he be sought his dear mother,
stretching forth his hands:

   [Footnote 41: Hesych. [Greek: rigion phoberôteron chalepôteron].]

   [Footnote 42: "Misit eos, minaci jusso dato."--Heyne.]

   [Footnote 43: So called from their inviolability,--[Greek: asylon
   gar kai theion to genos tô kêrykôn].--Schol. [Greek: Kai ezên
   antois pantachose adeôs ienai].--Pollux, viii. They were properly
   sacred to Mercury (id. iv. 9. Cf. Feith, Antiq. Homer, iv. 1),
   but are called the messengers of Jove, as being under his special
   protection, with a reference to the supporting of regal
   authority.]

   [Footnote 44: Observe the aposiopesis.]

   [Footnote 45: Not for the loss of Briseïs, but on account of the
   affront.]

"O mother, since thou hast borne me, to be but short-lived, at least
then ought high-thundering Olympian Jove to have vouchsafed honour to
me; but now he has not honoured me ever so little; for the son of
Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, has dishonoured me; for he, taking away
my prize, possesses it, himself having wrested it [from me]."

Thus he spoke, weeping. But to him his venerable mother hearkened,
sitting in the depths of the ocean beside her aged sire. And immediately
she rose up from the hoary deep, like a mist. And then she sat before
him weeping, and soothed him with her hand, and addressed him, and spoke
aloud:

"Son, why weepest thou--on account of what has grief come upon thy mind?
Declare it, nor hide it in thy soul, that we both may know it."

But her, sighing deeply, swift-footed Achilles addressed: "Thou knowest;
why should I tell all these things to thee, already knowing [them]? We
went against Thebe,[46] the sacred city of Eëtion; and this we
plundered, and brought hither all [the spoil]. And these things indeed
the sons of the Greeks fairly divided among themselves, and selected for
Agamemnon the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses. But Chryses, priest of
the far-darting Apollo, came afterwards to the fleet ships of the
brazen-mailed Greeks, about to ransom his daughter, and bringing
invaluable ransoms, having in his hand the fillets of far-darting
Apollo, on his golden sceptre. And he supplicated all the Greeks, but
chiefly the two sons of Atreus, the leaders of the people. Upon this all
the other Greeks shouted assent, that the priest should be reverenced,
and the splendid ransoms accepted: yet it was not pleasing to Agamemnon,
son of Atreus, in his mind; but he dismissed him evilly, and added a
harsh mandate. The old man therefore went back enraged; but Apollo
hearkened to him praying, for he was very dear tohim. And he sent a
destructive arrow against the Greeks; and the forces were now dying one
upon another, and the shafts of the god went on all sides through the
wide army of the Greeks. But to us the skilful seer unfolded the divine
will of the Far-darter. Straightway I first exhorted that we should
appease the god; but then rage seized upon the son of Atreus, and
instantly rising, he uttered a threatening speech, which is now
accomplished; for the rolling-eyed Greeks attend her to Chrysa with a
swift bark, and bring presents to the king; but the heralds have just
now gone from my tent, conducting the virgin daughter of Brisëis, whom
the sons of the Greeks gave to me. But do thou, if thou art able, aid
thy son. Going to Olympus, supplicate Jove, if ever thou didst delight
the heart of Jove as to anything, by word or deed; for I frequently
heard thee boasting in the palaces of my sire, when thou saidest that
thou alone, amongst the immortals, didst avert unworthy destruction from
the cloud-collecting son of Saturn, when the other Olympian inhabitants,
Juno, and Neptune, and Pallas Minerva, wished to bind him. But thou, O
goddess, having approached, freed him from his chains, having quickly
summoned to lofty Olympus, the hundred-handed, whom the gods call
Briareus, and all men Ægeon, because he was superior to his father in
strength,[47] who then sat by the son of Saturn, exulting in renown. Him
then the blessed gods dreaded, nor did they bind [Jove]. Of these things
now reminding him, sit beside him, and embrace his knees, if in anywise
he may consent to aid the Trojans, and hem in[48] at their ships, and
along the sea, the Greeks [while they get] slaughtered, that all may
enjoy their king, and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may
know his baleful folly,[49] when he in no wise honoured the bravest of
the Greeks."

   [Footnote 46: Thebe was situated on the border of Mysia, on the
   mountain Placus, in the district afterwards called Adramyttium.
   The inhabitants were Cilicians.--See Heyne, and De Pinedo on
   Steph. Byz. s.v. p. 307, n. 58.]

   [Footnote 47: There is some doubt whether Homer considered
   Briareus as the son of Neptune or of Uranus and Terra.--See
   Arnold. The fable is ridiculed by Minucius Felix, § 22.]

   [Footnote 48: See Buttm. Lexil. pp. 257, 261, Fishlake's
   translation.]

   [Footnote 49: The idea of infatuation is not, however,
   necessarily implied in [Greek: atê]. See Buttm. Lex. p. 5, sq.]

But him Thetis then answered, shedding down a tear: "Alas! my son,
wherefore have I reared thee, having brought thee forth in an evil hour.
Would that thou wert seated at the ships tearless and uninjured; for thy
destined life is but for a very short period, nor very long; but now art
thou both swift-fated and wretched above all mortals: therefore have I
brought thee forth in my palace under an evil fate. However, to tell thy
words to thunder-delighting Jove, I myself will go to snow-clad Olympus,
if by chance he will be persuaded. But do thou, now sitting at the
swift ships, wage resentment against the Greeks, and totally abstain
from war. For yesterday Jove went to Oceanus,[50] to the blameless
Æthiopians, to a banquet, and with him went all the gods. But on the
twelfth day he will return to Olympus; and then will I go to the
brazen-floored palace of Jove, and suppliantly embrace his knees, and I
think that he will be persuaded."

   [Footnote 50: According to Homer, the earth is a circular plane,
   and Oceanus is an immense stream encircling it, from which the
   different rivers run inward.]

Thus having said, she departed, and left him there wrathful in his soul
for his well-girded maid, whom they had taken from him against his will.
But Ulysses, meantime, came to Chrysa, bringing the sacred hecatomb. But
they, when they had entered the deep haven, first furled their sails,
and stowed them in the sable bark; they next brought the mast to its
receptacle, lowering it quickly by its stays, and they rowed the vessel
forwards with oars into its moorage; they heaved out the sleepers, and
tied the hawsers. They themselves then went forth on the breakers of the
sea, and disembarked the hecatomb to far-darting Apollo, and then they
made the daughter of Chryses descend from the sea-traversing bark. Then
wise Ulysses, leading her to the altar, placed her in the hands of her
dear father, and addressed him:

"O Chryses, Agamemnon, king of men, sent me forth to conduct to thee thy
daughter, and to sacrifice a sacred hecatomb to Phoebus for the Greeks,
that we may appease the king, who now has sent evils fraught with
groanings upon the Argives."

Thus having spoken, he placed her in his hands; but he rejoicing
received his beloved daughter. Then they immediately placed in order the
splendid hecatomb for the god around the well-built altar. After that
they washed their hands, and held up the pounded barley.[51] But for
them, Chryses, uplifting his hands, prayed with loud voice:

   [Footnote 51: "Salted barley meal,"--Anthon; "whole
   barley,"--Voss; but Buttmann, Lexil. p. 454, in a highly amusing
   note, observes, "no supposition of a regular and constant
   distinction between the Greeks and Romans, the one using barley
   whole and the other coarsely ground, possible as the thing may
   be in itself, is to be entertained without the express testimony
   of the ancients."]

"Hear me, O thou of the silver bow, who art wont to protect Chrysa and
divine Cilla, and who mightily rulest over Tenedos! already indeed at a
former time didst thou hear me praying, and didst honour me, and didst
very much afflict the people of the Greeks, now also accomplish for me
this further request: even now avert from the Greeks this unseemly
pestilence."

Thus he spoke praying, and him Phoebus Apollo heard. But after they had
prayed, and sprinkled the pounded barley, they first bent back [the neck
of the victims], killed them, and flayed them, and cut out the thighs,
and wrapped them round with the fat, having arranged it in double folds;
then laid the raw flesh upon them. Then the old man burned them on
billets, and poured sparkling wine upon them; and near him the youths
held five-pronged spits in their hands. But after the thighs were
roasted, and they had tasted the entrails, they then cut the rest of
them into small pieces, and fixed them on spits, and roasted them
skilfully, and drew all the viands [off the spits].

But when they had ceased from their labour, and had prepared the
banquet, they feasted; nor did their soul in anywise lack a due
allowance of the feast: but when they had dismissed the desire of drink
and food, the youths on the one hand filled the goblets with wine to the
brim,[52] and handed round the wine to all, having poured the first of
the wine into the cups.[53] But the Grecian youths throughout the day
were appeasing the god by song, chanting the joyous Pæan,[54] hymning
the Far-darter, and he was delighted in his mind as he listened. But
when the sun had set, and darkness came on, then they slept near the
hawsers of their ships. But when the mother of dawn,[55] rosy-fingered
morning, appeared, straightway then they set sail for the spacious camp
of the Achæans, and to them far-darting Apollo sent a favourable gale.
But they erected the mast and expanded the white sails. The wind
streamed[56] into the bosom of the sail; and as the vessel briskly ran,
the dark wave roared loudly around the keel; but she scudded through the
wave, holding on her way. But when they reached the wide armament of the
Greeks, they drew up the black ship on the continent, far upon the sand,
and stretched long props under it; but they dispersed themselves through
their tents and ships.

   [Footnote 52: See Buttm. Lexil. p. 291, sqq. The custom of
   crowning the goblets with flowers was of later origin.]

   [Footnote 53: See Battm. p. 168. The customary libation is
   meant.]

   [Footnote 54: On the Pæan, see Müller, Gk. Lit. iii. § 4. and
   Dorians, vol. i. p. 370.]

   [Footnote 55: See Loewe on Odyss. ii. 1, and my translation.
   Kennedy renders it "ushering in the dawn."]

   [Footnote 56: See Buttm. p. 484. I am partly indebted to Anthon
   in rendering this expression.]

But the Jove-sprung son of Peleus, swift-footed Achilles, continued his
wrath, sitting at his swift ships, nor ever did he frequent the assembly
of noble heroes, nor the fight, but he pined away his dear heart,
remaining there, although he longed for the din and the battle.

Now when the twelfth morning from that time arose,[57] then indeed all
the gods who are for ever went together to Olympus, but Jupiter
preceded. But Thetis was not forgetful of the charges of her son, but
she emerged from the wave of the sea, and at dawn ascended lofty heaven
and Olympus;[58] and she found the far-seeing son of Saturn sitting
apart from the others, on the highest summit of many-peaked Olympus, and
then she sat down before him, and embraced his knees with her left hand,
but with the right taking him by the chin, imploring, she thus addressed
king Jove, the son of Saturn:

"O father Jove, if ever I have aided thee among the immortals, either in
word or deed, accomplish for me this desire: honour my son, who is the
most short-lived of others; for now indeed Agamemnon, the king of men,
has disgraced him; for he possesses his prize, he himself having borne
it away. Do thou at least, Olympian Jove all counselling, honour him:
and so long grant victory to the Trojans, until the Greeks shall
reverence my son, and shall advance him in honour."

   [Footnote 57: Cf. ver. 425.]

   [Footnote 58: [Greek: Ouranos] is here the upper clear region of
   air,--the ether, into which Olympus soared up.--Voss.]

Thus she spoke; but cloud-compelling Jove answered her nothing, but sat
silent for a long time. And as Thetis seized his knees, fast clinging
she held them, and thus again entreated: "Do but now promise to me
explicitly, and grant or refuse, (for in thee there is no dread,) that I
may well know how far I am the most dishonoured goddess amongst all."

But her cloud-compelling Jove, deeply moved, addressed: "Truly now this
[will be] a grievous matter, since thou wilt cause me to give offence to
Juno, when she shall irritate me with reproachful words. For, even
without reason, she is perpetually chiding me amongst the immortal gods,
and also says that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do thou on thy part
now depart, lest Juno behold thee: but these things shall be my care,
until I perform them. But if [thou wilt have it thus], so be it; I will
nod to thee with my head, that thou mayest feel confidence. For this
from me is the greatest pledge among the immortals: for my pledge, even
whatsoever I shall sanction by nod, is not to be retracted, neither
fallacious nor unfulfilled."

The son of Saturn spoke, and nodded thereupon with his dark eyebrows.
And then the ambrosial locks of the king were shaken over him from his
immortal head; and he made mighty Olympus tremble. Thus having
conferred, they separated. She at once plunged from splendid Olympus
into the profound sea. But Jove on the other hand [returned] to his
palace. But all the gods rose up together from their seats to meet their
sire; nor did any dare to await[59] him approaching, but all rose in his
presence. Thus indeed he sat there on his throne; nor was Juno
unconscious, having seen that silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of the
marine old man, had joined in deliberation with him. Forthwith with
reproaches she accosted Saturnian Jove:

"Which of the gods again, O deceitful one, has been concerting measures
with thee? Ever is it agreeable to thee, being apart from me, plotting
secret things, to decide thereon; nor hast thou ever yet deigned
willingly to tell me one word of what thou dost meditate."

   [Footnote 59: Heyne supplies "sedendo."]

To her then replied the father of men and gods: "O Juno, build up no
hopes of knowing all my counsels; difficult would they be for thee,
although thou art my consort. But whatever it may be fit for thee to
hear, none then either of gods or men shall know it before thee: but
whatever I wish to consider apart from the gods, do thou neither inquire
into any of these things, nor investigate them."

But him the large-eyed, venerable Juno then answered: "Most dread son
of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Heretofore have I ever
questioned thee much, nor pryed [into thy secrets]; but thou mayest very
quietly deliberate on those things which thou desirest. But at present I
greatly fear in my soul, lest silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of the
marine old man, may have influenced thee: for at dawn she sat by thee
and embraced thy knees: to her I suspect thou didst plainly promise that
thou wouldest honour Achilles, and destroy many at the ships of the
Greeks."

But her answering, cloud-compelling Jove addressed: "Perverse one! thou
art always suspecting, nor do I escape thee. Nevertheless thou shalt
produce no effect at all, but thou shalt be farther from my heart: and
this will be more bitter to thee. But granted this be so, it appears to
be my pleasure.[60] But sit down in peace, and obey my mandate, lest as
many deities as are in Olympus avail thee not against me, I drawing
near,[61] when I shall lay my resistless hands upon thee."

   [Footnote 60: _I.e._, say that what you suspect is correct; well
   then, such is my will.]

   [Footnote 61: I prefer taking [Greek: ionth'] for [Greek: ionta],
   not for [Greek: ionte], as Buttmann wished.--See Anthon.]

Thus he spoke: but venerable, large-eyed Juno feared, and sat down
silent, having bent her heart to submission. But the heavenly gods
murmured throughout the palace of Jove. And the renowned artificer,
Vulcan, began to harangue them, doing kind offices to his beloved
mother, white-armed Juno:

"Truly now these will be grievous matters, and no longer tolerable, if
ye twain contend thus on account of mortals, and excite uproar among the
deities. Nor will there be any enjoyment in the delightful banquet,
since the worse things prevail.[62] But to my mother I advise, she
herself being intelligent, to gratify my dear father Jove, lest my sire
may again reprove her, and disturb our banquet. For if the Olympian
Thunderer wishes to hurl [us] from our seats[63]--for he is much the
most powerful. But do thou soothe him with gentle words; then will the
Olympian king straightway be propitious to us."

   [Footnote 62: Cf. Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 9. The saying is almost
   proverbial.]

   [Footnote 63: An aposiopesis; understand, "he can easily do so."]

Thus then he spoke, and rising, he placed the double cup[64] in the hand
of his dear mother, and addressed her:

"Be patient, my mother, and restrain thyself, although grieved, lest
with my own eyes I behold thee beaten, being very dear to me; nor then
indeed should I be able, though full of grief, to assist thee; for
Olympian Jove is difficult to be opposed. For heretofore, having seized
me by the foot, he cast me, desiring at one time to assist you, down
from the heavenly threshold. All day was I carried down through the air,
and I fell on Lemnos[65] with the setting sun: and but little life was
in me by that time. There the Sintian[66] men forthwith received and
tended[67] me, having fallen."

Thus he spoke: but the white-armed goddess Juno smiled; and smiling she
received the cup from the hand of her son. But he, beginning from left
to right,[68] kept pouring out for all the other gods, drawing nectar
from the goblet. And then inextinguishable laughter arose among the
immortal gods, when they saw Vulcan bustling about[69] through the
mansion.

   [Footnote 64: See my note on Od. iii. p. 30, n. 13, ed. Bohn. It
   was "a double cup with a common bottom in the middle."--Crusius.]

   [Footnote 65: Hercules having sacked Troy, was, on his return,
   driven to Cos by a storm raised by Juno, who was hostile to him,
   and who had contrived to cast Jupiter into a sleep, that he might
   not interrupt her purpose. Jupiter awaking, in resentment of the
   artifice practised upon him, bound her feet to iron anvils, which
   Vulcan attempting to loose, was cast headlong down to Lemnos by
   his enraged sire.]

   [Footnote 66: A race of robbers, of Tyrrhenian origin (according
   to Müller), and the ancient inhabitants of Lemnos. This island
   was ever after sacred to Vulcan. Cf. Lactant. i. 15; Milton, P.L.
   i. 740, sqq.]

   [Footnote 67: See Arnold.]

   [Footnote 68: This meaning of [Greek: endexia] is due to Buttmann.]

   [Footnote 69: See Buttmann, Lexil. p. 481.]

Thus, then, they feasted[70] the entire day till the setting sun; nor
did the soul want anything of the equal feast, nor of the beautiful
harp, which Apollo held, nor of the Muses, who accompanied him,
responding in turn, with delicious voice.

   [Footnote 70: "The gods formed a sort of political community of
   their own, which had its hierarchy, its distribution of ranks and
   duties, its contentions for power and occasional revolutions, its
   public meetings in the agora of Olympus, and its multitudinous
   banquets or festivals."--Grote, vol. i. p. 463. Cf. Müller, Gk.
   Lit. ii. § 2.]

But when the splendid light of the sun was sunk, they retired to repose,
each one to his home, where renowned Vulcan, lame of both legs, with
cunning skill had built a house for each. But the Olympian thunderer
Jove went to his couch, where he lay before, when sweet sleep came upon
him. There, having ascended, he lay down to rest, and beside him
golden-throned Juno.




                           BOOK THE SECOND.


                              ARGUMENT.

Jove sends a dream to Agamemnon, in consequence of which he re-assembles
the army. Thersites is punished for his insolent speech, and the troops
are restrained from seeking a return homewards. The catalogue of the
ships and the forces of the confederates follows.


The rest, then, both gods and horse-arraying men,[71] slept all the
night: but Jove sweet sleep possessed not; but he was pondering in his
mind how he might honour Achilles, and destroy many at the ships of the
Greeks. But this device appeared best to him in his mind, to send a
fatal dream[72] to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. And addressing him, he
spoke winged words:

"Haste away, pernicious dream, to the swift ships of the Greeks. Going
into the tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, utter very accurately
everything as I shall command thee. Bid him arm the long-haired
Achæans[73] with all their array; for now perhaps he may[74] take the
wide-wayed city of the Trojans; for the immortals who possess the
Olympian mansions no longer think dividedly, for Juno, supplicating,
hath bent all [to her will]. And woes are impending over the Trojans."

Thus he spake: and the dream[75] accordingly departed, as soon as it
heard the mandate. And quickly it came to the swift ships of the Greeks,
and went unto Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. But him it found sleeping in
his tent, and ambrosial slumber was diffused around. And he stood over
his head, like unto Nestor, the son of Neleus, him, to wit, whom
Agamemnon honoured most of the old men. To him assimilating himself, the
divine dream addressed him:

   [Footnote 71: See Anthon, who observes that "fighting from on
   horseback was not practised in the Homeric times."]

   [Footnote 72: Some would personify Oneirus, as god of dreams.]

   [Footnote 73: Observe the distinction, for the Abantes, ver. 542,
   and the Thracians, iv. 533, wore their hair differently.]

   [Footnote 74: [Greek: ken] limits the assertion to _probability_,
   so that Jupiter does not utter a _direct_ falsehood.]

   [Footnote 75: In defence of this cheating conduct of Jove, at
   which Plato was much scandalized, Coleridge, p. 154, observes:
   "The [Greek: oulos oneiros] was a lying spirit, which the father
   of gods and men had a supreme right to commission for the purpose
   of working out his ultimate will."]

"Sleepest thou, son of the warrior, horse-taming Atreus? It becomes not
a counsel-giving man, to whom the people have been intrusted, and to
whom so many things are a care, to sleep all the night. But now quickly
attend to me; for I am a messenger to thee from Jove, who, although far
distant, greatly regards and pities thee. He orders thee to arm the
long-haired Greeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take the
wide-wayed city of the Trojans, since the immortals, who possess the
Olympian mansions, no longer think dividedly; for Juno, supplicating,
hath bent all [to her will], and woes from Jove are impending over the
Trojans. But do thou preserve this in thy recollection, nor let
forgetfulness possess thee, when sweet sleep shall desert thee."

Thus then having spoken, he departed, and left him there pondering these
things in his mind, which were not destined to be accomplished. For he,
foolish, thought that he would take the city of Priam on that day; nor
knew he the deeds which Jupiter was really devising; for even he was
about yet to impose additional hardships and sorrows upon both Trojans
and Greeks, through mighty conflicts. But he awoke from his sleep, and
the heavenly voice was diffused around him. He sat up erect, and put on
his soft tunic, beautiful, new; and around him he threw his large cloak.
And he bound his beautiful sandals on his shining feet, and slung from
his shoulders the silver-studded sword. He also took his paternal
sceptre, ever imperishable, with which he went to the ships of the
brazen-mailed Greeks.

The goddess Aurora now[76] ascended wide Olympus, announcing the dawn to
Jove and the other immortals. But he[77] on his part ordered the
clear-voiced heralds to summon the long-haired Achæans[78] to an
assembly. They therefore summoned them, and the people were very
speedily assembled. First the assembly of magnanimous elders sat at the
ship of Nestor, the Pylus-born king. Having called them together, he
propounded a prudent counsel:

   [Footnote 76: [Greek: oa] appears to mark the regular transition
   from one event to another.]

   [Footnote 77: Agamemnon.]

   [Footnote 78: See on ver. 11.]

"Hear me, my friends: a divine dream came to me in sleep, during the
ambrosial night, very like unto the noble Nestor, in form, in stature,
and in mien. And it stood above my head, and addressed me: 'Sleepest
thou, son of the warrior, horse-taming Atreus? It becomes not a
counsellor, to whom the people have been intrusted, and to whom so many
things are a care, to sleep all the night. But now quickly attend to me;
for I am a messenger to thee from Jove, who, although far distant,
greatly regards and pities thee. He orders thee to arm the long-haired
Greeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take the wide-wayed
city of the Trojans; for the immortals, who possess the Olympian
mansions, no longer think dividedly, for Juno, supplicating, has bent
all [to her will], and woes from Jove are impending over the Trojans;
but do thou preserve this in thy thoughts.' Thus having spoken, flying
away, it departed; but sweet sleep resigned me. But come, [let us try]
if by any means we can arm the sons of the Greeks. But first with words
will I sound their inclinations, as is right, and I will command them to
fly with their many-benched ships; but do you restrain them with words,
one in one place, another in another."

He indeed having thus spoken, sat down; but Nestor, who was king of
sandy Pylus, rose up, who wisely counselling, harangued them, and said:

"O friends, generals and counsellors of the Argives, if any other of the
Greeks had told this dream, we should have pronounced it a fabrication,
and withdrawn ourselves [from the reciter]. But now he has seen it, who
boasts himself [to be] by far the greatest man in the army. But come on,
if by any means we can arm the sons of the Greeks."

Thus then having spoken, he began to depart from the assembly; and they,
the sceptre-bearing princes, arose, and obeyed the shepherd of the
tribes, and the hosts rushed forward. Even as the swarms of clustering
bees,[79] issuing ever anew from the hollow rock, go forth, and fly in
troops over the vernal[80] flowers, and some have flitted in bodies
here, and some there; thus of these [Greeks] many nations from the ships
and tents kept marching in troops in front of the steep shore to the
assembly. And in the midst of them blazed Rumour, messenger of Jove,
urging them to proceed; and they kept collecting together. The assembly
was tumultuous, and the earth groaned beneath, as the people seated
themselves, and there was a clamour; but nine heralds vociferating
restrained them, if by any means they would cease from clamour, and
hear the Jove-nurtured princes. With difficulty at length the people sat
down, and were kept to their respective[81] seats, having desisted from
their clamour, when king Agamemnon arose, holding the sceptre, which
Vulcan had laboriously wrought. Vulcan in the first place gave it to
king Jove, the son of Saturn, and Jove in turn gave it to his messenger,
the slayer of Argus.[82] But king Mercury gave it to steed-taming
Pelops, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus, shepherd of the people. But
Atreus, dying, left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks; but Thyestes again
left it to Agamemnon to be borne, that he might rule over many
islands,[83] and all Argos.[84] Leaning upon this, he spoke words
amongst the Greeks:

   [Footnote 79: The dative here implies direction, [Greek: epi]
   increasing its force, according to Stadelmann and Kühner, who are
   followed by Anthon. I have restored the old interpretation, which
   is much less far-fetched, and is placed beyond doubt by Virgil's
   imitations.--"_per_ florea rura," Æn. i. 430; "floribus insidunt
   variis." Æn. vi. 708. "Among fresh dews and flowers, Fly to and
   fro."--Milton. P.L. i. 771.]

   [Footnote 80: _I. e._ over the flowers in the spring-time, when
   bees first appear. See Virg. l. c. Eurip. Hipp. 77, [Greek:
   melissa leimôn' êrinon oierchetai].--Nicias, Anthol. i. 31,
   [Greek: era phainousa melissa].--Longus, i. 4.]

   [Footnote 81: Observe the distributive use of [Greek: kata]. Cf.
   Od. iii. 7.]

   [Footnote 82: Mercury. Cf. Ovid. Met. i. 624. sqq.]

   [Footnote 83: On the extended power of Agamemnon, see Thucyd. i.
   9.]

   [Footnote 84: On this sceptre, the type of the wealth and
   influence of the house of the Atrides, see Grote. vol. i. p.
   212.]

"O friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, Jove, the son of Saturn,
has entangled me in a heavy misfortune. Cruel, who before indeed
promised to me, and vouchsafed by his nod, that I should return home,
having destroyed well-fortified Ilium. But now he has devised an evil
deception, and commands me to return to Argos, inglorious, after I have
lost many of my people. So forsooth it appears to be agreeable to
all-powerful Jove, who has already overthrown the citadels of many
cities, yea, and will even yet overthrow them, for transcendent is his
power. For this were disgraceful even for posterity to hear, that so
brave and so numerous a people of the Greeks warred an ineffectual war,
and fought with fewer men; but as yet no end has appeared. For if we,
Greeks and Trojans, having struck a faithful league,[85] wished that
both should be numbered, and [wished] to select the Trojans, on the one
hand, as many as are townsmen; and if we Greeks, on the other hand, were
to be divided into decades, and to choose a single man of the Trojans to
pour out wine [for each decade], many decades would be without a
cupbearer.[86] So much more numerous, I say, the sons of the Greeks are
than the Trojans who dwell in the city. But there are spear-wielding
auxiliaries from many cities, who greatly stand in my way, and do not
permit me wishing to destroy the well-inhabited city. Already have nine
years of mighty Jove passed away, and now the timbers of our ships have
rotted, and the ropes have become untwisted.[87] Our wives and infant
children sit in our dwellings expecting us; but to us the work for which
we came hither remains unaccomplished, contrary to expectation. But
come, as I shall recommend, let us all obey; let us fly with the ships
to our dear native land, for at no future time shall we take wide-wayed
Troy."

   [Footnote 85: [Greek: Orkia] is probably used as an adjective,
   understanding [Greek: iereia], the victims that were slain in
   order to ratify the oath. See however Buttm. Lexil. p. 439.]

   [Footnote 86: The Greeks doubled the Trojans in number. See
   Anthon.]

   [Footnote 87: Observe the change of construction in [Greek:
   leluntai] with the neuter plural. Apollon. de Syntaxi, iii. 11.
   [Greek: Ta sparta leluntai katallêloteron tou doura sesêpe].]

Thus he spoke; and to them he aroused the heart in their breasts, to all
throughout the multitude, whoever had not heard his scheme.[88] And the
assembly was moved, as the great waves of the Icarian Sea, which,
indeed, both the south-east wind and the south are wont to raise,[89]
rushing from the clouds of father Jove. And as when the west wind[90]
agitates the thick-standing corn, rushing down upon it impetuous, and it
[the crop] bends with its ears; so was all the assembly agitated. Some
with shouting rushed to the ships, but from beneath their feet the dust
stood suspended aloft; and some exhorted one another to seize the
vessels, and drag them to the great ocean; and they began to clear the
channels. The shout of them, eager [to return] home, rose to the sky,
and they withdrew the stays from beneath the vessels. Then truly a
return had happened to the Argives, contrary to destiny, had not Juno
addressed herself to Minerva:

   [Footnote 88: _I. e._ his real object. Cf. vs. 75, sqq.]

   [Footnote 89: Spitzner and the later editors unite in reading
   [Greek: kinêsê] for [Greek: kinêsei] from the Venice MS. See
   Arnold.]

   [Footnote 90:

                     ----"As thick as when a field
            Of Ceres, ripe for harvest, waving bends
            Her bearded grove of ears, which way the wind
            Sways them."--Paradise Lost, iv. 980.]

"Alas! indomitable daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, thus now shall the
Argives fly home to their dear native land, over the broad back of the
deep, and leave to Priam glory, and to the Trojans Argive Helen, on
whose account many Greeks have perished at Troy, far from their dear
native land? But go now to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and
restrain each man with thy own flattering words, nor suffer them to
launch to the sea their evenly-plied[91] barks." Thus she spoke, nor did
the azure-eyed goddess Minerva refuse compliance. But she, hastening,
descended down from the summits of Olympus, and quickly reached the
swift ships of the Achæans. Then she found Ulysses, of equal weight with
Jove in counsel, standing still; nor was he touching his well-benched,
sable bark, since regret affected him in heart and mind. But standing
near him, azure-eyed Minerva said:

   [Footnote 91: _I.e._ rowed on both sides. But Rost and Liddell
   (s.v.) prefer "swaying, rocking on both sides."]

"Jove-sprung son of Laertes, Ulysses of many wiles, thus then will ye
fly home to your dear native land, embarking in your many-benched ships?
And will ye then leave to Priam glory, and to the Trojans Argive Helen,
on whose account many Greeks have fallen at Troy, far from their dear
native land? But go now to the people of the Greeks, delay not; and
restrain each man by thy own flattering words, nor suffer them to launch
to the sea their evenly-plied barks."

Thus she spoke, but he knew the voice of the goddess speaking. Then he
hastened to run, and cast away his cloak, but the herald Eurybates, the
Ithacensian, who followed him, took it up. But he, meeting Agamemnon,
son of Atreus, received from him[92] the ever-imperishable paternal
sceptre, with which he went through the ships of the brazen-mailed
Greeks.

   [Footnote 92: This is an instance of the [Greek: schêma
   Sikelikon], as in H. O. 88, [Greek: ginetai de paralamxanomenês
   dotikês ptôseôs anti genikês kai kata paraleipsin tou para
   protheseôs].--Lesbonax, [Greek: peri schêm.] r. 181, ed. Valck.]

Whatsoever king, indeed, or distinguished man he chanced to find
standing beside him, he checked him with gentle words:

"Strange man! it ill becomes thee, coward-like, to be in trepidation;
but both sit down thyself, and make the other people sit down, for thou
hast not as yet clearly ascertained what the intention of Atrides is. He
is now making trial of, and will quickly punish the sons of the Greeks.
We have not all heard what he said in council. Take care lest he, being
incensed, do some mischief to the sons of the Greeks. For the anger of a
Jove-nurtured king is great; his honour too is from Jove, and
great-counselling Jove loves him."

But on the other hand, whatever man of the common people he chanced to
see, or find shouting out, him would he strike with the sceptre, and
reprove with words:

"Fellow, sit quietly, and listen to the voice of others, who are better
than thou; for thou art unwarlike and weak, nor ever of any account
either in war or in council. We Greeks cannot all by any means govern
here, for a government of many is not a good thing;[93] let there be but
one chief, one king,[94] to whom the son of wily Saturn has given a
sceptre, and laws, that he may govern among them."

   [Footnote 93: See Aristot. Polit. iv. 4, and Cicer. de Off. i. 8.
   This true maxim has been often abused by tyrants, as by Dion
   (Corn. Nepos, Dion, § 6, 4), Caligula (Sueton. Cal. 22), and
   Domitian (id. 12).]

   [Footnote 94: On the aristocratic character of Homer's poetry,
   see Müller, Gk Lit. iv. § 2.]

Thus he, acting as chief, was arranging the army. But they again rushed
with tumult from the ships and tents to an assembly, as when the waves
of the much-resounding sea roar against the lofty beach, and the deep
resounds.

The others indeed sat down, and were kept to their respective seats. But
Thersites alone, immediate in words, was wrangling; who, to wit, knew in
his mind expressions both unseemly and numerous, so as idly, and not
according to discipline, to wrangle with the princes, but [to blurt out]
whatever seemed to him to be matter of laughter to the Greeks. And he
was the ugliest man who came to Ilium. He was bandy-legged,[95] and lame
of one foot; his shoulders were crooked, and contracted towards his
breast; and his head was peaked[96] towards the top, and thin woolly
hair was scattered over it. To Achilles and Ulysses he was particularly
hostile, for these two he used to revile. But on this occasion, shouting
out shrilly, he uttered bitter taunts against noble Agamemnon; but the
Greeks were greatly irritated against him, and were indignant in their
minds. But vociferating aloud, he reviled Agamemnon with words:

   [Footnote 95: See Buttm. Lexil. p. 540, § 8.]

   [Footnote 96: See Buttm. p. 537, who derives [Greek: phozos] from
   [Greek: phogein], _to dry_, as if [Greek: phôxos], _warped by
   heat_.]

"Son of Atreus, of what dost thou now complain, or what dost thou want?
Thy tents are full of brass, and many chosen women are in thy tents,
whom we Greeks bestow on thee the first of all, whenever we capture a
city. Dost thou still require gold, which some one of the horse-taming
Trojans shall bring from Troy, as a ransom for his son, whom I, or some
other of the Greeks, having bound, may lead away? Or a young maid, that
thou mayest be mingled in dalliance, and whom thou for thyself mayest
retain apart[97] [from the rest]? Indeed it becomes not a man who is
chief in command, to lead the sons of the Greeks into evil. O ye soft
ones, vile disgraces, Grecian dames, no longer Grecian men,[98] let us
return home, home![99] with our ships, and let us leave him here to
digest his honours at Troy, that he may know whether we really aid him
in anything or not. He, who but just now has dishonoured Achilles, a man
much more valiant than himself; for, taking away, he retains his prize,
he himself having seized it. But assuredly there is not much anger in
the heart of Achilles; but he is forbearing; for truly, were it not so,
O son of Atreus, thou wouldest have insulted now for the last time."

   [Footnote 97: Not being compelled to restore her, like the
   daughter of Chryses.]

   [Footnote 98: Virg. Æn. ix. 617: "O vere Phrygiæ, neque enim
   Phryges!"]

   [Footnote 99: This is Nägelsbach's spirited rendering of [Greek:
   oikade per].]

Thus spoke Thersites, reviling Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people.
But godlike Ulysses immediately stood beside him, and eyeing him with
scowling brow, reproached him with harsh language:

"Thersites, reckless babbler! noisy declaimer though thou be, refrain,
nor be forward singly to strive with princes; for I affirm that there is
not another mortal more base than thou, as many as came with the son of
Atreus to Ilium. Wherefore do not harangue, having kings in thy mouth,
nor cast reproaches against them, nor be on the watch for a return. Not
as yet indeed do we certainly know how these matters will turn out,
whether we sons of the Greeks shall return to our advantage or
disadvantage. Wherefore, now thou sittest reviling Agamemnon, son of
Atreus, the leader of the people, because the Grecian heroes give him
very many gifts, whilst thou, insulting, dost harangue. But I declare to
thee, which shall also be accomplished: if ever again I catch thee
raving, as now thou art, no longer may the head of Ulysses rest upon his
shoulders, and no longer may I be called the father of Telemachus,
unless I seizing thee divest thee of thy very garments, thy coat, thy
cloak, and those which cover thy loins; and send thyself weeping to the
swift ships, having beaten thee out of the assembly with severe blows."

Thus he spoke, and smote him with the sceptre upon the back and the
shoulders; but he writhed, and plenteous tears fell from him, and a
bloody weal arose under the sceptre upon his back. But he sat down and
trembled; and grieving, looking foolish, he wiped away the tears. They,
although chagrined, laughed heartily at him, and thus one would say,
looking towards the person next him:

"O strange! surely ten thousand good deeds has Ulysses already
performed, both originating good counsels, and arousing the war. But now
has he done this by far the best deed amongst the Greeks, in that he has
restrained this foul-mouthed reviler from his harangues. Surely his
petulant mind will not again urge him to chide the kings with scurrilous
language."

Thus spake the multitude; but Ulysses, the sacker of cities, arose,
holding the sceptre, and beside him azure-eyed Minerva, likened unto a
herald, ordered the people to be silent, that at the same time the sons
of the Greeks, both first and last, might hear his speech, and weigh his
counsel. He wisely counselling, addressed them, and said:

"O son of Atreus, the Greeks wish to render thee now, O king, the
meanest amongst articulately-speaking men; nor perform their promise to
thee,[100] which they held forth, coming hither from steed-nourishing
Argos, that thou shouldest return home, having destroyed well-fortified
Ilium. For, like tender boys, or widowed women, they bewail unto one
another to return home. And truly it is a hardship to return [so],
having been grieved. For he is impatient who is absent even for a single
month from his wife, remaining with his many-benched ship,[101] though
wintry storms and the boisterous sea may be hemming in;[102] but to us
it is [now] the ninth revolving year since we have been lingering here.
Wherefore I am not indignant that the Greeks are growing impatient by
their curved ships; but still it would be disgraceful both to remain
here so long, and to return ineffectually. Endure, my friends, and
remain yet awhile, that we may know whether Calchas prophesies truly or
not. For this we well know, and ye are all witnesses, whom the Fates of
death carried not off yesterday and the day before, when the ships of
the Greeks were collected at Aulis, bearing evils to Priam and the
Trojans, and we round about the fountain, at the sacred altars, offered
perfect hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a beauteous plane-tree,
whence flowed limpid water.[103] There a great prodigy appeared; a
serpent, spotted on the back, horrible, which the Olympian himself had
sent forth into the light, having glided out from beneath the altar,
proceeded forthwith to the plane-tree. And there were the young of a
sparrow, an infant offspring, on a topmost branch, cowering amongst the
foliage, eight in number; but the mother, which had brought forth the
young ones, was the ninth. Thereupon he devoured them, twittering
piteously, while the mother kept fluttering about, lamenting her dear
young; but then, having turned himself about, he seized her by the wing,
screaming around. But after he had devoured the young of the sparrow,
and herself, the god who had displayed him rendered him very portentous,
for the son of wily Saturn changed him into a stone; but we, standing
by, were astonished at what happened. Thus, therefore, the dreadful
portents of the gods approached the hecatombs. Calchas, then,
immediately addressed us, revealing from the gods: 'Why are ye become
silent, ye waving-crested Greeks? For us, indeed, provident Jove has
shown a great sign, late, of late accomplishment, the renown of which
shall never perish. As this [serpent] has devoured the young of the
sparrow, eight in number, and herself, the mother which brought out the
brood, was the ninth, so must we for as many years[104] wage war here,
but in the tenth we shall take the wide-wayed city.' He indeed thus
harangued: and all these things are now in course of accomplishment. But
come, ye well-greaved Greeks, remain all here, until we shall take the
great city of Priam."

   [Footnote 100: See Grote, vol. i. p. 392, n. 2.]

   [Footnote 101: I have followed Wolf, taking [Greek: oun uni
   polyzygô] in connection with [Greek: menôn]. Others most
   awkwardly make [Greek: sun=para].]

   [Footnote 102: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. s. v. [Greek: eilein].]

   [Footnote 103: Pausanias, ix. 20, says that both the spring and
   the remains of the tree were shown in his time. The whole of this
   fable has been translated into verse by Cicero, de Div. ii. 30.
   Compare the following passage of Apuleius de Deo Socr. p. 52, ed.
   Elm. "Calchas longe præstabilis ariolari, simul alites et arborem
   contemplatus est, actutum sua divinitate et tempestates flexit,
   et classem deduxit, et decennium prædixit."]

   [Footnote 104: _I. e._ for nine. It is remarkable that so little
   notice has been taken of this story by the later poets. But the
   sacrifice of Iphigenia was a more attractive subject for tragedy
   or episode, and took the place of the Homeric legend.]

Thus he [Ulysses] spoke, and the Greeks loudly shouted, applauding the
speech of divine Ulysses; but all around the ships echoed fearfully, by
reason of the Greeks shouting. Then the Gerenian[105] knight Nestor
addressed them:

"O strange! assuredly now ye are talking like infant children, with whom
warlike achievements are of no account. Whither then will your compacts
and oaths depart? Into the fire now must the counsels and thoughts of
men have sunk, and the unmixed libations, and the right hands in which
we trusted; for in vain do we dispute with words, nor can we discover
any resource, although we have been here for a long time. But do thou, O
son of Atreus, maintaining, as before, thy purpose firm, command the
Greeks in the hard-fought conflicts; and abandon those to perish, one
and both,[106] who, separated from the Greeks, are meditating [but
success shall not attend them] to return back to Argos, before they know
whether the promise of ægis-bearing Jove be false or not. For I say that
the powerful son of Saturn assented on that day, when the Argives
embarked in their swift ships, bearing death and fate to the Trojans,
flashing[107] his lightning on the right, and showing propitious signs.
Let not any one, therefore, hasten to return home before each has slept
with a Trojan wife, and has avenged the cares[108] and griefs of Helen.
But if any one is extravagantly eager to return home, let him lay hands
upon his well-benched black ship, that he may draw on death and fate
before others. But do thou thyself deliberate well, O king, and attend
to another; nor shall the advice which I am about to utter be discarded.
Separate the troops, Agamemnon, according to their tribes and clans,
that kindred may support kindred, and clan. If thou wilt thus act, and
the Greeks obey, thou wilt then ascertain which of the generals and
which of the soldiers is a dastard, and which of them may be brave, for
they will fight their best,[109] and thou wilt likewise learn whether it
is by the divine interposition that thou art destined not to dismantle
the city, or by the cowardice of the troops, and their unskilfulness in
war."

   [Footnote 105: Nestor took this name from a city of Messena
   (_Gerenium_, _a_, or _ia_. See Arnold, and Pinedo on Steph. Byz.
   s.v. [Greek: Gerênia]), where he was brought up, probably after
   Pylos had been destroyed by Hercules.]

   [Footnote 106: Proverbially meaning a few, but probably referring
   to Achilles and Thersites. See the Scholiast.]

   [Footnote 107: Observe this bold change of construction, and
   compare Valck. on Lesbonax, at the end of his edition of
   Ammonius, p. 188.]

   [Footnote 108: Hesych. [Greek: ormêmata, merimnai]. Etym. M.
   [Greek: enthymêmata, phrontides]. See Buttm. Lexil. p. 440, sqq.
   Helen certainly shows some repentance in iii. 176.]

   [Footnote 109: "Pro virili parte," Wolf. Cf. i. 271.]

But him answering, king Agamemnon addressed: "Old man, now indeed, as at
other times, dost thou excel the sons of the Greeks in council. For,
would, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I were possessed of ten
such fellow-counsellors among the Greeks! So should the city of Priam
quickly fall, captured and destroyed by our hands. But upon me hath
ægis-bearing Jove, the son of Saturn, sent sorrow, who casts me into
unavailing strifes and contentions. For I and Achilles have quarrelled
on account of a maid with opposing words: but I began quarrelling. But
if ever we shall consult in common, no longer then shall there be a
respite from evil to the Trojans, no, not for ever so short a time. Now
go to your repast, that we may join battle. Let each one well sharpen
his spear, and well prepare[110] his shield. Let him give fodder to his
swift-footed steeds, and let each one, looking well to his chariot, get
ready for war; that we may contend all day in the dreadful battle. Nor
shall there be a cessation, not for ever so short a while, until night
coming on shall part the wrath of the heroes. The belt of the
man-protecting[111] shield shall be moist with sweat around the breasts
of each one, and he shall weary his hand round his spear; and each one's
horse shall sweat, dragging the well-polished chariot. But whomsoever I
shall perceive desirous to remain at the beaked ships, apart from the
battle, it will not be possible for him afterwards to escape the dogs
and the birds."

Thus he spoke, but the Argives shouted aloud, as when a wave [roars]
against the steep shore, when the south wind urges it, coming against an
out-jutting rock; for this the billows from all kinds of winds never
forsake, when they may be here or there. And rising up, the people
hastened forth, scattered from ship to ship, and raised up smoke among
the tents, and took repast. And one sacrificed to some one of the
immortal gods, and [another to another,] praying to escape death and the
slaughter of war. But king Agamemnon offered up a fat ox, of five years
old, to the powerful son of Saturn, and summoned the elder chiefs of all
the Greeks, Nestor first of all, and king Idomeneus, but next the two
Ajaxes,[112] and the son of Tydeus, and sixth Ulysses, of equal weight
with Jove in council. But Menelaus, valiant in the din[113] of war, came
of his own accord,[114] for he knew his brother in his heart, how he was
oppressed. Then they stood around the ox, and raised up the pounded
barley cakes: and king Agamemnon, praying amidst them, said:

   [Footnote 110: Schol. [Greek: eutrepisatô].]

   [Footnote 111: These shields were so large, that they covered
   nearly the whole person.]

   [Footnote 112: One the son of Telamon, the other the son of
   Oïleus.]

   [Footnote 113: This translation is, I think, far bolder than
   "loud-voiced," or "good in the battle-shout." [Greek: Boê]
   contains the whole idea of the tumultuous noise heard in the heat
   of battle, and thence the battle itself. Thus the Schol. [Greek:
   o en tô polemô gennaios]; and Hesych. [Greek: kata tên machên
   andreios].]

   [Footnote 114: Opposed to [Greek: klêtos], as in Oppian, Hal.
   iii. 360, [Greek: klêtoi t' auto moloi te]. See Plato Sympos. p.
   315, G. Læm. Why Menelaus did so, is no matter to us, and
   probably was no mystery to his brother.]

"O Jove, most glorious, most great dark-cloud-collector, dwelling in the
air, may not the sun set, nor darkness come on, before I have laid
prostrate Priam's hall, blazing, and consumed its gates with the hostile
fire; and cut away Hector's coat of mail around his breast, split
asunder with the brass; and around him may many comrades, prone in the
dust, seize the earth with their teeth."

Thus he spoke, nor as yet did the son of Saturn assent, but he accepted
the offering, and increased abundant toil. But after they had prayed,
and thrown forward the bruised barley, they first drew back [the neck of
the victim,] slew it, and flayed it, then cut out the thighs, and
covered them in the fat, having arranged it in a double fold, and then
laid the raw flesh upon them. And they roasted them upon leafless
billets. Next, having pierced the entrails with spits, they held them
over the fire. But then, after the thighs were roasted, and they had
tasted the entrails, they cut the rest of them into small pieces, and
fixed them on spits, and roasted them skilfully, and drew them all off
[the spits]. But when they had ceased from labour, and had prepared the
banquet, they feasted; nor did their soul in anywise lack a due
allowance of the feast. But when they had dismissed the desire of drink
and food, them the Gerenian knight Nestor began to address:

"Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, let us now no
longer sit prating[115] here, nor let us long defer the work which the
deity now delivers into our hands. But come, let the heralds of the
brazen-mailed Greeks, summoning the people, assemble them at the ships,
and let us thus in a body pass through the wide army of the Greeks, that
we may the sooner awaken keen warfare."

   [Footnote 115: See Buttm. Lexil. p. 398, Anthon, and Arnold.]

Thus he spoke, nor did Agamemnon, king of men, refuse compliance.
Immediately he ordered the clear-voiced heralds to summon the
waving-crested Greeks to battle. These then gave the summons, and they
were hastily assembled, and the Jove-nurtured kings, who were with the
son of Atreus, kept hurrying about arranging them. But amongst them was
azure-eyed Minerva, holding the inestimable ægis, which grows not old,
and is immortal: from which one hundred golden fringes were suspended,
all well woven, and each worth a hundred oxen in price. With this she,
looking fiercely about,[116] traversed the host of the Greeks, inciting
them to advance, and kindled strength in the breast of each to fight and
contend unceasingly. Thus war became instantly sweeter to them than to
return in the hollow ships to their dear native land.

As when a destructive[117] fire consumes an immense forest upon the tops
of a mountain, and the gleam is seen from afar: so, as they advanced,
the radiance from the beaming brass glittering on all sides reached
heaven through the air.

   [Footnote 116: See Liddell and Scott.]

   [Footnote 117: Literally "invisible." Hence "making invisible,
   destructive." Cf. Buttm. Lex. s. v. [Greek: aidêlos].]

And of these--like as the numerous nations of winged fowl, of geese, or
cranes, or long-necked swans, on the Asian mead, by the waters of
Cayster, fly on this side and on that, disporting with their wings,
alighting beside each other clamorously, and the meadow resounds--so the
numerous nations of these [the Greeks] from the ships and tents poured
themselves forth into the plain of Scamander, countless as the flowers
and leaves are produced in spring.

As the numerous swarms of clustering flies which congregate round the
shepherd's pen in the spring season, when too the milk overflows the
pails; so numerous stood the head-crested Greeks upon the plain against
the Trojans, eager to break [their lines].

And these,[118] as goat-herds easily separate the broad flocks of the
goats, when they are mingled in the pasture, so did the generals here
and there marshal them to go to battle; and among them commander
Agamemnon, resembling, as to his eyes and head, the thunder-delighting
Jove, as to his middle, Mars, and as to his breast, Neptune.

   [Footnote 118: In [Greek: tous de] there is an anacoluthon
   similar to the one in vs. 459]

As a bull in the herd is greatly eminent above all, for he surpasses the
collected cattle, such on that day did Jove render Agamemnon,
distinguished amongst many, and conspicuous amongst heroes.

Tell me now, ye Muses, who possess the Olympian mansions (for ye are
goddesses, and are [ever] present, and ken all things, whilst we hear
but a rumour, nor know anything[119]), who were the leaders and chiefs
of the Greeks. For I could not recount nor tell the multitude, not even
if ten tongues, and ten mouths were mine, [not though] a voice
unwearied,[120] and a brazen heart were within me; unless the Olympic
Muses, daughters of ægis-bearing Jove, reminded me of how many came to
Ilium. However, I will rehearse the commanders of the ships, and all the
ships.

   [Footnote 119: Cf. Æn. vii. 644:--

       "Et meministis enim, Divæ, et memorare potestis:
        Ad nos vix tenuis famæ perlabitur aura."

   Milton, Par. Lost, i. 27:--

       "Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view,
        Nor the deep tract of Hell----"]

   [Footnote 120: Cf. Æn. vi. 625 sqq.; Georg. ii. 42; Valer. Flacc,
   vi. 36; Silius, iv. 527; Claudian, 6 Cons. Hon. 436. This
   hyperbolical mode of excusing poetic powers is ridiculed by
   Persius, Sat. vi. 1.]

                      THE CATALOGUE OF THE SHIPS.

Peneleus, and Leïtus, and Arcesilaus, and Prothoënor, and Clonius,
commanded the Boeotians; both those who tilled Hyrie, and rocky Aulis,
and Schoenos, and Scholos, and hilly Eteonus, Thespia, Græa, and the
ample plain of Mycalessus; and those who dwelt about Harma, and Ilesius,
and Erythræ; and those who possessed Elion, Hyle, Peteon, Ocalea, and
the well-built city Medeon, Copæ, Eutressis, and Thisbe abounding in
doves; and those who possessed Coronæa, and grassy Haliartus, and
Platæa; and those who inhabited Glissa, and those who dwelt in
Hypothebæ, the well-built city, and in sacred Onchestus, the beauteous
grove of Neptune; and those who inhabited grape-clustered Arne, and
those [who inhabited] Midea, and divine Nissa, and remote Anthedon:
fifty ships of these went to Troy, and in each embarked a hundred and
twenty Boeotian youths.

Those who inhabited Aspledon, and Minyean Orchomenus, these Ascalaphus
and Ialmenus, the sons of Mars, led, whom Astyoche bore to powerful Mars
in the house of Actor, son of Azis: a modest virgin, when she ascended
the upper part of her father's house; but the god secretly embraced her.
Of these thirty hollow ships went in order.

Moreover, Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of magnanimous Iphitus, the son
of Naubolus, led the Phoceans, who possessed Cyparissus, and rocky
Python, and divine Crissa, and Daulis, and Panopea; and those who dwelt
round Anemoria and Hyampolis, and near the sacred river Cephissus, and
those who possessed Lilæa, at the sources of Cephissus: with these forty
dark ships followed. They indeed,[121] going round, arranged the lines
of the Phoceans; and they were drawn up in array near the Boeotians, and
towards the left wing.

   [Footnote 121: Schedius and Epistrophus.]

Swift-footed Ajax, the son of Oileus, was leader of the Locrians; less
in stature than, and not so tall as Ajax, the son of Telamon, but much
less. He was small indeed, wearing a linen corslet, but in [the use of]
the spear he surpassed all the Hellenes and Achæans, who inhabited
Cynus, Opus, Calliarus, Bessa, Scarpha, and pleasant Augeia, and Tarpha,
and Thronium, around the streams of Boagrius. But with him forty dark
ships of the Locrians followed, who dwell beyond sacred Euboea.

The Abantes, breathing strength, who possessed Euboea, and Chalcis, and
Eretria, and grape-clustered Histiæa, and maritime Cerinthus, and the
towering city of Dium, and those who inhabited Carystus and Styra: the
leader of these was Elephenor, of the line of Mars, the son of
Chalcodon, the magnanimous prince of the Abantes. With him the swift
Abantes followed, with flowing locks behind, warriors skilled with
protended spears of ash, to break the corslets on the breasts of their
enemies. With him forty dark ships followed.

Those besides who possessed Athens, the well-built city, the state of
magnanimous Erechtheus, whom Minerva, the daughter of Jove, formerly
nursed (but him the bounteous earth brought forth), and settled at
Athens in her own rich temple: there the sons of the Athenians, in
revolving years, appease her with [sacrifices of] bulls and
lambs[122]--them Menestheus, son of Peteus, commanded. "No man upon the
earth was equal to him in marshalling steeds and shielded warriors in
battle; Nestor alone vied with him, for he was elder. With him fifty
dark ships followed."

But Ajax[123] led twelve ships from Salamis, and leading arranged them
where the phalanxes of the Athenians were drawn up.

   [Footnote 122: Grote, Hist. of Greece, vol. i. p. 75, observes,
   "Athene is locally identified with the soil and people of Athens,
   even in the Iliad: Erechtheus, the Athenian, is born of the
   earth, but Athene brings him up, nourishes him, and lodges him in
   her own temple, where the Athenians annually worship him with
   sacrifice and solemnities. It was altogether impossible to make
   Erechtheus son of Athene,--the type of the goddess forbade it;
   but the Athenian myth-creators, though they found this barrier
   impassable, strove to approach to it as near as they could."
   Compare also p. 262, where he considers Erechtheus "as a divine
   or heroic, certainly a superhuman person, and as identified with
   the primitive germination of Attic man."]

   [Footnote 123: The son of Telamon.]

Those who possessed Argos, and well-fortified Tiryns, Hermione, and
which encircle the Asine deep bay, Troezene, and Eionæ, and vine-planted
Epidaurus, and those who possessed Ægina, and Mases, Achæan youths.
Their leader then was Diomede, brave in war, and Sthenelus, the dear son
of much-renowned Capaneus; and with these went Euryalus the third,
god-like man, the son of king Mecisteus, Talaus' son; and all these
Diomede brave in war commanded. With these eighty dark ships followed.

Those who possessed Mycenæ, the well-built city, and wealthy
Corinth,[124] and well-built Cleonæ, and those who inhabited Ornia, and
pleasant Aræthyrea, and Sicyon, where Adrastus first reigned: and those
who possessed Hyperesia, and lofty Gonoessa, and Pellene, and those who
[inhabited] Ægium, and all along the sea-coast,[125] and about spacious
Helice. Of these, king Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, commanded a
hundred ships: and with him by far the most and bravest troops followed;
and he had clothed himself in dazzling brass, exulting in his glory,
that he shone conspicuous amongst all heroes; for he was the most
eminent, and led by far the most numerous troops.[126]

   [Footnote 124: An anachronism, as Corinth, before its capture by
   the Dorians, was called Ephyra (as in II. vi. 152). "Neque est,
   quod miremur ab Homero nominari Corinthum, nam ex persona poetæ
   et hanc urbem, et quasdam Ionum colonias iis nominibus appellat,
   quibus vocabantur ætate ejus, multo post Ilium captum
   conditæ."--Vell. Paterc. i. 3.]

   [Footnote 125. I. e. the later Achaia.--Arnold.]

   [Footnote 126: On the superior power of Agamemnon, see Grote,
   vol. i. p. 211 and compare II. ix. 69.]

But those who possessed great Lacedæmon, full of clefts, and Pharis and
Sparta, and dove-abounding Messa, and Brysiæ, and pleasant Augeiæ; and
those who possessed Amyclæ, and Helos, a maritime city; and those who
possessed Laas, and dwelt round oetylus. Of these his brother Menelaus,
brave in battle, commanded sixty ships, but they were armed apart [from
Agamemnon's forces]. Amidst them he himself went, confiding in his
valour, inciting them to war; but especially he desired in his soul to
avenge the remorse of Helen and her groans.

Those who inhabited Pylos and pleasant Arene, and Thryos, by the fords
of Alphoeus, and well-built Æpy, and Cyparesseis and Amphigenia, and
Pteleum, and Helos, and Dorium: and there it was the Muses, meeting the
Thracian Thamyris, as he was coming from oechalia, from oechalian Eurytus,
caused him to cease his song; for he averred, boasting, that he could
obtain the victory,[127] even though the Muses themselves, the daughters
of ægis-bearing Jove, should sing. But they, enraged, made him blind,
and moreover deprived him of his power of singing, and caused him to
forget the minstrel-art. These the Gerenian horseman Nestor commanded:
and with him ninety hollow ships proceeded in order.

Those who possessed Arcadia, under the breezy[128] mountain of Cyllene,
near the tomb of Æpytus, where are close-fighting heroes; those who
inhabited Pheneus, and sheep-abounding Orchomenus, and Ripe and Stratie,
and wind-swept Enispe, and who possessed Tegea and pleasant Mantinea;
and those who held Stymphalus, and dwelt in Parrhasie; of these king
Agapenor, the son of Ancæus, commanded sixty ships; but aboard each ship
went many Arcadian heroes skilled in war. But the son of Atreus,
Agamemnon himself, the king of heroes, gave them the well-benched ships,
to pass over the dark sea; since they had no care of naval works.

   [Footnote 127: Respecting the connection of this story with the
   early poetic contests, see Müller, Gk. Lit. iv. 2, whose
   interesting remarks are, unfortunately, too long for a note.]

   [Footnote 128: i. e. lofty.]

Those who inhabited Buprasium and noble Elis, as much as Hyrmine, and
distant Myrsinus, and the Olenian rock, and Alisium, contain within; of
these the leaders were four; but ten swift ships followed each hero, and
many Epeans went aboard them. Amphimachus and Thalpius, sons, the one of
Cteatus, the other of Eurytus, Actor's son, commanded some: brave
Diores, son of Amarynceus, commanded others: and god-like Polyxenus, son
of Agasthenes, the son of king Augeas, commanded the fourth division.

Those from Dulichium, and the Echinades, sacred islands, which lie
beyond the sea, facing Elis.[129] Over these presided Meges, son of
Phyleus, equal to Mars, whom the knight Phyleus, beloved by Jove, begat,
who, enraged against his father, once on a time removed to Dulichium.
With him forty dark ships followed.

Moreover Ulysses led the magnanimous Cephallenians, those who possessed
Ithaca and leaf-quivering Neritos, and who dwelt in Crocylea and rugged
Ægilips, and those who possessed Zacynthus, and those who inhabited
Samos, and those who possessed the continent, and dwelt in the places
lying opposite; these Ulysses commanded, equal to Jove in council. With
him followed twelve red-sided ships.

Thoas, son of Andræmon, led the Ætolians, those who inhabited Pleuron,
and Olenus, and Pylene, and maritime Chalcis, and rocky Calydon. For the
sons of magnanimous oeneus were no more, nor was he himself surviving;
moreover, fair-haired Meleager was dead.[130] To him [Thoas,] therefore,
was intrusted the chief command, to rule the Ætolians, and with him
forty dark ships followed.

   [Footnote 129: "This description of the Echinades has something
   equivocal in it, which is cleared up, if we suppose it addressed
   to the inhabitants of the Asiatic side of the Archipelago. But
   if, with Pope, we understand the words 'beyond the sea' to relate
   to Elis, I think we adopt an unnatural construction to come at a
   forced meaning; for the old Greek historians tell us, that those
   islands are so close upon the coast of Elis, that in their time
   many of them had been joined to it by means of the
   Achelous."--Wood on Homer, p. 8, sq.]

   [Footnote 130: Grote, Hist, of Greece, vol. i. p. 197, after
   referring to the Homeric legend respecting Meleager in II. xi.
   525, sqq., remarks that "though his death is here indicated only
   indirectly, there seems little doubt that Homer must have
   conceived the death of the hero as brought about by the maternal
   curse: the unrelenting Erinnys executed to the letter the
   invocations of Althæa, though she herself must have been willing
   to retract them."]

Spear-renowned Idomeneus commanded the Cretans, those who possessed
Gnossus and well-walled Gortyna and Lyctos, and Miletus, and white
Lycastus and Phæstus, and Rhytium, well-inhabited cities; and others who
inhabited the hundred-towned Crete. These spear-famed Idomeneus
commanded, and Meriones, equal to man-slaying Mars: with these followed
eighty dark ships.

But Tlepolemus, the brave and great descendant of Hercules, led from
Rhodes nine ships of the haughty Rhodians, those who inhabited Rhodes,
arranged in three bands, Lindus, and Ialyssus, and white Camirus. These
spear-famed Tlepolemus led, he whom Astyochea brought forth to the might
of Hercules,[131] whom [Astyochea] he [Hercules] carried out of Ephyre,
from the river Selleis, after having laid waste many cities of
nobly-descended youths. Now Tlepolemus, after he had been trained up in
the well-built palaces, straightway slew the beloved uncle of his
father, Licymnius, now grown old, a branch of Mars; and instantly he
built a fleet; and having collected many troops, he departed,[132]
flying over the ocean; for him the sons and grandsons of the might of
Hercules had threatened. And he indeed came wandering to Rhodes,
suffering woes. And they, divided into three parts, dwelt in tribes, and
were beloved of Jove, who rules over gods and men: and on them the son
of Saturn poured down immense wealth.

   [Footnote 131: As in the Odyssey, I prefer preserving the quaint
   simplicity of these antiquated periphrases.]

   [Footnote 132: Grote, History of Greece, vol. i. p. 33, has
   collected the Homeric instances of exile "for private or
   involuntary homicide," observing, however, from the Schol. on Il.
   xi. 690, "that Homer never once describes any of them to have
   either received or required purification for the crime."]

Nireus moreover led three equal ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaea,
and king Charopus, Nireus, the fairest of men that came to Ilium, of all
the other Greeks, next to the unblemished son of Peleus. But he was
feeble, and few troops followed him.

But those who possessed Nisyrus, and Crapathus, and Casus, and Cos, the
city of Eurypylus, and the Calydnæ isles, Phidippus and Antiphus, both
sons of the Thessalian king, the son of Hercules, commanded. Thirty
hollow ships of these went in order.

But now, [O muse, recount] those, as many as inhabited Pelasgian Argos,
both those who dwelt in Alos and Alope, and Trechin, and those who
possessed Phthia, and Hellas famous for fair dames. But they are called
Myrmidons, and Hellenes, and Achæans: of fifty ships of these was
Achilles chief. But they remembered not dire-sounding war, for there was
no one who might lead them to their ranks. For swift-footed Achilles lay
at the ships, enraged on account of the fair-haired maid Brisëis, whom
he carried away from Lyrnessus, after having suffered many labours, and
having laid waste Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebes; and he killed
Mynetes and spear-skilled Epistrophus, sons of king Evenus, the son of
Selepius. On her account he lay grieving, but speedily was he about to
be roused.

Those who possessed Phylace and flowery Pyrrhasus, the consecrated
ground of Ceres, and Iton the mother of sheep, maritime Antron, and
grassy Ptelon. These warlike Protesilaus, whilst he lived, commanded;
but him the black earth then possessed. His wife, lacerated all around,
had been left at Phylace, and his palace half finished. For a Trojan man
slew him, as he leaped ashore from his ship much the first of the
Greeks. Nor were they, however, without a leader, although they longed
for their own leader; for gallant Podarces marshalled them, Podarces,
son of sheep-abounding Iphiclus, the son of Phylacis, own brother of
magnanimous Protesilaus, younger by birth; but the warlike hero
Protesilaus was older and braver. His troops wanted not a leader, but
lamented him, being brave; with him forty dark ships followed.

Those who inhabited Phære by the lake Boebeïs, Boebe, and Glaphyræ, and
well-built Iaolcus; these Eumeles, the beloved son of Admetus, commanded
in eleven ships, whom Alcestis, divine amongst women, most beautiful in
form of the daughters of Pelias, brought forth by Admetus.

Those who inhabited Methone and Thaumacia, and possessed Meliboea, and
rugged Olizon; these Philoctetes, well skilled in archery, commanded in
seven ships. Fifty sailors, well skilled in archery, went on board each
to fight valiantly. But he lay in an island enduring bitter pangs, in
divine Lemnos, where the sons of the Greeks had left him suffering with
the evil sting of a deadly serpent. There he lay grieving; but soon were
the Argives at the ships destined to remember their king Philoctetes.
Nor were they however without a leader, though they longed for their own
leader; but Medon, the bastard son of Oïleus, whom Rhina brought forth
by city-wasting Oïleus, marshalled them.

Those who possessed Tricca, and hilly Ithome, and those who possessed
oechalia, the city of oechalian Eurytus; Podalirius and Machaon, two
excellent physicians,[133] both sons of Æsculapius, led these. With them
thirty hollow ships went in order.

   [Footnote 133: Grote, vol. i. p. 348, remarks that the "renown of
   Podalirius and Machaon was further prolonged in the subsequent
   poem of Arctinus, the Iliu-Persis, wherein the one was
   represented as unrivalled in surgical operations, the other as
   sagacious in detecting and appreciating morbid symptoms. It was
   Podalirius who first noticed the glaring eyes and disturbed
   deportment which preceded the suicide of Ajax."]

Those who possessed Ormenium, and the fountain Hyperia, and those who
possessed Asterium and the white tops of Titanus; these Eurypylus, the
brave son of Evæmon, commanded. With him forty dark ships followed.

Those who possessed Argissa, and inhabited Gyrtone, and Orthe, and
Elone, and the white city Oloosson: these the stout warrior Polypoetes,
son of Pirithous, whom immortal Jove begat, commanded. Him renowned
Hippodamia brought forth by Pirithous, on the day when he took vengeance
on the shaggy Centaurs, and drove them from Mount Pelion, and chased
them to the Æthiceans. He was not the only leader; with him commanded
warlike Leonteus, son of magnamimous Coronus, the son of Coeneus. With
these forty dark ships followed.

But Gyneus led two-and-twenty ships from Cyphus. Him the Enienes
followed, and the Peræbi, stout warriors, who placed their habitations
by chilly Dodona, and those who tilled the fields about delightful
Titaresius, which pours its fair-flowing stream into the Peneus; nor is
it mingled with silver-eddied Peneus, but flows on the surface of it
like oil. For it is a streamlet of the Stygian wave, the dreadful
[pledge of] oath.

Prothoüs, son of Tenthredon, commanded the Magnetes, who dwell about the
Peneus, and leaf-quivering Pelion: these swift Prothoüs led; and with
him forty dark ships followed.

These then were the leaders and chieftains of the Greeks. Do thou, then,
O muse, tell me who was the most excellent of these, of the kings and
their steeds, who followed the son of Atreus to Troy. The steeds of the
descendant of Pheres were indeed by far the most excellent, which
Eumelus drove, swift as birds, like in hair, like in age, and level in
[height of] back by the plumb-line.[134] These, bearing with them the
terror of Mars, both mares, silver-bowed Apollo fed in Pieria.[135] Of
the heroes Telamonian Ajax was by far the best, whilst Achilles
continued wrathful, for he was by far the bravest; and the steeds which
bore the irreproachable son of Peleus surpassed those of Eumelus. But he
on his part lay in his dark sea-traversing ships, breathing wrath
against the son of Atreus, Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people. But
his forces meantime amused themselves with quoits and javelins, hurling
[them,] and with their bows; and their steeds stood, each near his
chariot, feeding on lotus and lake-fed parsley. And the well-fastened
chariots lay in the tents of their lords. But they, longing for their
warlike chief, wandered hither and thither through the camp, and did not
fight.

But they went along, as if the whole earth was being fed upon by
fire,[136] and the earth groaned beneath, as in honour of
thunder-rejoicing Jove when angry,[137] when he strikes the earth around
Typhoeus in Arimæ,[138] where they say is the tomb of Typhoeus; thus
indeed beneath their feet the earth groaned mightily, as they went, and
very swift they passed over the plain.

   [Footnote 134: I. e. exactly equal in height, as if they had been
   measured.]

   [Footnote 135: This degradation of Apollo used to be commemorated
   in the theoria in honour of the god. See Müller Dor. vol. i. p.
   233.]

   [Footnote 136: Such was the glitter of their arms.]

   [Footnote 137: See Arnold.]

   [Footnote 138: A volcanic district of Mysia.]

But swift-footed Iris came from aegis-bearing Jove, a messenger to the
Trojans, with a woeful announcement. They all, collected together, both
young and old, were holding councils at the gates of Priam. But
swift-footed Iris standing near, accosted them: and she likened herself
in voice to Polites, son of Priam, who, trusting to the swiftness of his
feet, sat at watch for the Trojans on the top of the tomb[139] of old
Æsyetus, watching when the Greeks should set forth from the ships. To
him having likened herself, swift-footed Iris addressed them:

"Old man, ever are injudicious words pleasing to thee, as formerly in
time of peace: but now has an inevitable war arisen. Truly I have
already very often been present at the conflicts of heroes, but never
have I beheld such brave and numerous forces. For very like unto the
leaves or the sand proceed they through the plain, about to fight for
the city. Hector, for it is to thee in particular I give advice: and do
thou act thus; for many are the allies through the great city of Priam;
and different are the languages[140] of the widely-spread men. Let then
each hero command those of whom he is the chief: but do thou,
marshalling the citizens, be leader of them."

Thus she said. But Hector was not ignorant of the voice of the goddess;
and he instantly dismissed the council, and they rushed to arms. And the
portals were opened, and the troops rushed out, both foot and horse; and
much tumult arose.

Now there is a certain lofty mound before the city, far in the plain,
that may be run round,[141] which men indeed call Batiea, but the
immortals, the tomb of nimbly-springing Myrinna. There the Trojans and
their allies were then marshalled separately.

   [Footnote 139: On the height of the ancient tombs, see my note on
   Odyss. ii. p. 21, n. 35, ed. Bohn.]

   [Footnote 140: Cf. iv. 437, where this variety of dialects is
   again mentioned, and Müller, Greek Lit. i. § 4.]

   [Footnote 141: _I. e._ standing clear on all sides.]

The Trojans, in the first place, great helmet-nodding Hector, son of
Priam, commanded. With him far the most numerous and the bravest troops
were armed, ardent with their spears.

The Dardanians, in the next place, Æneas, the gallant son of Anchises,
commanded (him to Anchises the divine goddess Venus bore, couched with
him a mortal on the tops of Ida): not alone, but with him the two sons
of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, skilled in every kind of fight.

But the Trojans who inhabited Zeleia,[142] beneath the lowest foot of
Ida, wealthy and drinking the dark water of Æsepus, these Pandarus, the
valiant son of Lycaon, commanded, to whom even Apollo himself gave his
bow.

   [Footnote 142: Cf. iv. 119. "The inhabitants of Zeleia worshipped
   Apollo, and Zeleia was also called Lycia; facts which show that
   there was a real connection between the name of Lycia and the
   worship of Apollo, and that it was the worship of Apollo which
   gave the name to this district of Troy, as it had done to the
   country of the Solymi."--Müller, Dor. vol. i. p. 248.]

Those who possessed Adrestæ, and the city of Apæsus, and possessed
Pityea, and the lofty mountain Tercia; these Adrastus and linen-mailed
Amphius commanded, the two sons of Percosian Merops, who was skilled in
prophecy above all others; nor was he willing to suffer his sons to go
into the man-destroying fight. But they did not obey him, for the fates
of sable death impelled them.

Those who dwelt around Percote and Practius, and possessed Sestos and
Abydos, and divine Arisbe; these Asius, son of Hyrtacus, prince of
heroes, commanded: Asius, son of Hyrtacus, whom large and fiery steeds
bore from Arisbe, from the river Selleïs.

Hippothoüs led the tribes of the spear-skilled Pelasgians, of those who
inhabited fertile Larissa; Hippothoüs and Pylæus of the line of Mars,
the two sons of Pelasgian Lethus, son of Teutamus, commanded these.

But Acamus and the hero Piroüs led the Thracians, all that the rapidly
flowing Hellespont confines within.

Euphemus, son of heaven-descended Troezenus, son of Ceas, was commander
of the warlike Cicones.

But Pyræchmes led the Pæonians, who use darts fastened by a thong, far
from Amydon, from wide-flowing Axius, from Axius, whose stream is
diffused the fairest over the earth.

But the sturdy heart of Pylæmenes from the Eneti, whence is the race of
wild mules, led the Paphlagonians, those who possessed Cytorus, and
dwelt around Sesamus, and inhabited the famous dwellings around the
river Parthenius, and Cromna, Ægialus, and the lofty Erythine hills.

But Hodius and Epistrophus, far from Alybe, whence is a rich product of
silver, commanded the Halizonians. Chromis and the augur Ennomus
commanded the Mysians, but he avoided not sable death through his skill
in augury, for he was laid low by the hands of Achilles in the river,
where he made havoc of the other Trojans also.

Phorcys and godlike Ascanius far from Ascania, led the Phrygians, and
they eagerly desired to engage in battle.

But Mesthles and Antiphus led the Mæonians, both sons of Talæmeneus,
whom the lake Gygæa bore; these led the Mæonians, born beneath Mount
Tmolus.

Nastes commanded the barbarous-voiced Carians, who possessed Miletus,
and the leaf-topped mountain of Pethiri, and the streams of Mæander, and
the lofty tops of Mycale. These indeed Amphimachus and Nastes commanded,
Nastes and Amphimachus the famous sons of Nomion, who foolish went to
battle decked with gold like a young girl[143]; nor did this by any
means ward off bitter death; but he was laid low by the hands of the
swift-footed son of Æacus at the river, and warlike Achilles took away
the gold.

   [Footnote 143: It was customary for virgins to wear golden
   ornaments in great profusion. See Porson on Eur. Hec. 153.]

But Sarpedon and gallant Glaucus from Lycia afar, from
the eddying Xanthus, led the Lycians.




                             BOOK THE THIRD


                                ARGUMENT.

Just as the armies are on the point of engaging, Paris proposes a single
combat, but, on Menelaus advancing, retires in affright. Being rebuked
by Hector, he consents to engage Menelaus, and a treaty is arranged.
Paris is vanquished, but is brought back safe to Ilium by Venus, who
appeases the anger of Helen. Menelaus, as conqueror, calls upon the
Trojans to fulfil the conditions of the challenge.


But after they had each been marshalled along with their leaders, the
Trojans, on the one hand, moved along with both clamour and
battle-shout, like birds; just as is the noise of cranes forth under
heaven, which, after they have escaped the winter and immeasurable[144]
shower, with a clamour do these wing their way towards the streams of
the ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pygmæan men; and they then
at early dawn bring fatal strife. But the Greeks, on the other hand,
breathing might,[145] advanced in silence, anxious in mind to aid one
another.

   [Footnote 144: See Alberti on Hesych. s. v., t. i. p. 126; lit.
   "what even a god would not say."--Buttm. Lexil. p. 359.]

   [Footnote 145: Par. Lost, i. 559:

                              "----thus they,
            Breathing united force with fixed thought,
            Moved on in silence."]

As when the south wind sheds a mist over the top of a mountain, by no
means friendly to the shepherds, but more serviceable even than night
to the robber, and one can see [only] so far as he hurls a stone. So
under the feet of them proceeding an eddying dust kept rising: and very
speedily they traversed the plain.

But when they now were near, approaching each other, godlike Alexander
advanced in front of the Trojans, having a panther's skin on his
shoulders, and his crooked bow, and a sword; but he brandishing two
spears tipped with brass, challenged all the bravest of the Greeks to
fight against him in grievous conflict.

But when Mars-beloved Menelaus perceived him advancing before the host,
taking long strides, as a hungering lion exults, when happening on a
carcase of large size, having found either a horned stag or a wild goat.
For he greedily devours it, although swift hounds and vigorous youths
pursue him. Thus Menelaus rejoiced, having beheld with his eyes godlike
Alexander. For he thought he would be revenged upon the guilty wretch:
forthwith, therefore, with his arms he leaped from his chariot to the
earth.

But when, therefore, godlike Alexander perceived him appearing among the
foremost warriors, he was smitten in his heart, and gave way back into
the band of his companions, avoiding death. And as when any one having
seen a serpent in the thickets of a mountain, has started back, and
tremor has seized his limbs under him, and he has retired backwards, and
paleness seizes his cheeks: thus godlike Alexander shrank back into the
band of the haughty Trojans, dreading the son of Atreus.

But Hector having seen him, upbraided him with opprobrious words:
"Cursed Paris,[146] most excellent in form, thou woman-raving seducer,
would that thou hadst either not been born, or that thou hadst perished
unmarried. This, indeed, I would wish, and indeed it would be much
better, than that thou shouldst thus be a disgrace and scandal to
others. In truth the long-haired Achæans may laugh, having suspected
that thou wast a noble champion, because a fine person belongs [to
thee]; but there is not strength in thy soul, nor any nerve. Didst thou,
being such a one, having sailed over the ocean in sea-traversing ships,
having collected congenial associates, and mingled with foreigners, take
away a beauteous lady, from the Apian land, the spouse of martial men, a
great detriment to thy father, to the city, and to all the people; a joy
indeed to our enemies, but a disgrace to thyself? Couldst thou not have
awaited warlike Menelaus? Then shouldst thou have known of how brave a
man thou dost possess the blooming spouse. Nor will thy harp, and the
gifts of Venus, and thy hair, and thy figure avail thee, when thou shalt
be mingled with the dust.[147] But the Trojans are very pusillanimous;
else wouldst thou have been arrayed in a garment of stone, on account of
the evils which thou hast done." [148]

Him then godlike Alexander in turn addressed: "Hector, since thou hast
reproached me justly, and not unjustly, [I will submit]. Ever is thy
spirit unwearied, like an axe, which penetrates the wood, [driven] by
the man who with art cuts out the naval plank, and it increases the
force of the man: so in thy breast is there an intrepid heart. Reproach
me not with the lovely gifts of golden Venus: the distinguished gifts of
the gods are by no means to be rejected, whatever indeed they give; for
no one can choose them at his own pleasure. Now, however, if thou
desirest me to wage war and to fight, cause the other Trojans and all
the Greeks to sit down, but match me and Mars-beloved Menelaus to
contend in the midst for Helen and all the treasures. And whichever of
us shall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the
treasures without reserve, and the woman, let him conduct them home. But
let the rest of you, striking a friendship and faithful league, inhabit
fertile Troy; and let them return to the steed-nourishing Argos, and
fair-damed Achaia."

   [Footnote 146: [Greek: Dys] here denotes the evils which fatally
   resulted to Paris and his friends (so [Greek: dyselenas],
   "baleful Helen," Eur. Or. 1388. Cf. Æsch. Ag. 689, sqq.) in
   consequence of his having been preserved, despite the omens
   attending his birth. See Hygin. Fab. xci. Hence the Schol. on Il.
   x. i. 96, derive his name of Paris, [Greek: oti ton monon pao
   paoêlthen].]

   [Footnote 147: Cf. Hor. Od. i. 15, 13:--

            "Nequicquam, Veneris præsidio ferox,
            Pectes cæsariem, grataque feminis
            Imbelli cithara carmina divides: . . .
            . . . tamen, heu! sorus adulteros
            Crines pulvere collines."]

   [Footnote 148: _I. e._ thou wouldst have been stoned to death.]

Thus he spoke, but Hector on the other hand rejoiced greatly, having
heard his speech; and having advanced into the centre, holding his spear
by the middle, he restrained the phalanxes of the Trojans, and they all
sat down. Against him the waving-haired Achæans were directing their
bows, and taking aim, were going to hurl with shafts and with stones.
But Agamemnon, he,[149] the king of men, exclaimed aloud:

   [Footnote 149: Mark the force of the pronoun.]

"Withhold, Argives! cast not, ye sons of the Aenæans; for helm-nodding
Hector stands as if intending to propose something."

Thus he spoke; but they abstained from battle, and instantly became
silent. But Hector between both [armies] spoke thus:

"Hear from me, ye Trojans, and well-greaved Greeks, the proposal of
Alexander, on whose account this strife has arisen. He advises that the
other Trojans and all the Greeks should lay down their beauteous arms
upon the bounteous earth; but that he and Mars-beloved Menelaus alone
should fight in the midst for Helen and all the treasures; and whichever
shall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the treasures
without reserve, and the woman, let him conduct them home: but let the
rest of us strike a friendship and faithful league."

Thus he said, and all became mute in silence. But amidst them Menelaus,
valiant in the din of war, thus spoke:

"Now hear me also; for anguish has invaded my soul most: but I purpose
that the Greeks and Trojans should now be separated, since ye have
suffered many evils on account of my quarrel and the beginning of [this
strife through] Alexander. And to whichever of us death and fate has
been ordained, let him die; but do the rest of you be very speedily
separated. And bring lambs--one white, the other black--to the Earth and
to the Sun; and we will bring another to Jove. Moreover ye shall bring
the might of Priam, that he may strike the league himself, for his sons
are overbearing and faithless; lest any one, by transgression, violate
the covenant of Jove. For the minds of younger men are ever fluctuating;
but for those among whom a senior is present, he looks at the same time
both backward and forward, in order that the best results may accrue to
both parties."

Thus he spoke. But both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced, hoping to have
respite from grievous war. And they accordingly reined back their horses
to the ranks [of the foot], but dismounted themselves, and put off
their arms, and laid them down on the ground near each other; and around
[each pile of arms] there was a little space.

But Hector despatched two heralds to the city with speed, to bring the
lambs, and to call Priam. While, on the other hand, king Agamemnon sent
Talthybius to go to the hollow ships, and ordered him to bring a lamb.
And he did not disobey noble Agamemnon.

And meantime came Iris a messenger to white-armed Helen, likening
herself to her husband's sister, the wife of Antenor's son, most
excelling in beauty of the daughters of Priam, Laodice, whom the son of
Antenor, king Helicaon, possessed. But she found her in her palace, and
she was weaving an ample web, a double [mantle],[150] resplendent, and
on it was working many labours both of the horse-taming Trojans and the
brazen-mailed Greeks, which on her account they suffered at the hands of
Mars. Standing near, the swift-footed Iris accosted her thus:

"Come hither, dear lady,[151] that thou mayest view the wondrous deeds
of the horse-taming Trojans, and of the brazen-mailed Greeks, who
formerly against each other waged tearful war in the plain, eager for
destructive battle. Now, however, they sit in silence (and the war has
ceased), leaning on their shields, and near them their long spears are
fixed. But Alexander and Mars-beloved Menelaus are about to fight for
thy sake with their long spears, and thou shalt be called the dear wife
of him who conquers."

Thus having spoken, the goddess infused a tender desire into her mind
both of her former husband, and of her city, and her parents. And
instantly veiling herself in white linen robes,[152] she rushed from her
chamber, shedding a tender tear: not alone, for two domestics
accompanied her, oethra, daughter of Pittheus, and large-eyed Clymene.
Then they quickly came to where the Scæan gates were. But Priam and
Panthous, and Thymoetes, Lampus, Clytius, Hicetaon, an offshoot of Mars,
Ucalegon, and Antenor, both prudent, elders of the people, sat at the
Scæan gates, long since desisting from war, through old age: but good
orators, like unto the Cicadæ,[153] which, in the woods, sitting on a
tree, send forth a delicate voice; such leaders of the Trojans at that
time were sitting on the tower. But when they saw Helen coming to the
tower, in low tone they addressed to each other winged words:

   [Footnote 150: By [Greek: chlainan] is understood a mantle which
   could be worn doubled. Others suppose it means cloth of double
   tissue.]

   [Footnote 151: An affectionate use of the word [Greek: vympha],
   which properly means a bride or young wife.]

   [Footnote 152: The plural is used to denote a long, flowing
   robe.]

   [Footnote 153: some the cicada or [Greek: tettix], this is to be
   considered to be the balm-cricket.]

"It is not a subject for indignation, that Trojans and well-greaved
Greeks endure hardships for a long time on account of such a woman. In
countenance she is wondrous like unto the immortal goddess, but even so,
although being such, let her return in the ships, nor be left a
destruction to us and to our children hereafter."

Thus they spoke. But Priam called Helen,--"Coming hither before us, dear
daughter, sit by me, that thou mayest see thy former husband, thy
kindred, and thy friends--(thou art not at all in fault towards me; the
gods, in truth, are in fault towards me, who have sent against me the
lamentable war of the Greeks)--that thou mayest name for me this mighty
man, who is this gallant and tall Grecian hero. Certainly there are
others taller in height; but so graceful a man have I never yet beheld
with my eyes, nor so venerable; for he is like unto a kingly man."

But him Helen, one of the divine women, answered in [these] words:
"Revered art thou and feared by me, dear father-in-law; would that an
evil death had pleased me, when I followed thy son hither, having left
my marriage-bed, my brothers, my darling[154] daughter, and the
congenial company of my equals. But these things were not done:
therefore I pine away with weeping. But this will I tell thee, which
thou seekest of me and inquirest. This is wide-ruling Agamemnon, son of
Atreus, in both characters,[155] a good king and a brave warrior. He was
the brother-in-law, moreover, of shameless me, if ever indeed he
was." [156]

   [Footnote 154: See Buttm. Lexil. s. v. and Arnold.]

   [Footnote 155: Observe the force of the neuter.]

   [Footnote 156: "_Si unquam fuit, quod nunc non est ampleus_. i.e.
   _si recte dici potest fuisse, quod ita sui factum est dissimile,
   ut fuisse unquam vix credas_."--Herm. on Vig. p. 946, quoted by
   Anthon.]

Thus she spoke. But him the old man admired, and said "O blessed son of
Atreus, happy-born, fortunate, truly indeed were many Achæan youths made
subject to thee. Before now I entered vine-bearing Phrygia, where I
beheld many Phrygians, heroes on fleet horses, the forces of Otreus and
godlike Mygdon, who encamped there near the banks of the Sangarius. For
I also, being an ally, was numbered with them on that day, when the
man-opposing Amazons came. But not even these were so numerous as the
black-eyed Greeks."

But next perceiving[157] Ulysses, the old man asked her: "Come, tell me
of this one also, dear daughter, who he is? he is less indeed in
height[158] than Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, but is broader to behold
in shoulders and breast. His arms lie up on the fertile earth, but he
himself, like a ram, goes round the ranks of the men. I for my part
compare him to a thick-fleeced ram, which wanders through a great flock
of snowy sheep."

   [Footnote 157: This whole passage may be compared with the
   similar enumeration and description of the seven Argive
   chieftains in Eurip. Phoen. 119, sqq.]

   [Footnote 158: Not "a head less" in height; for line 169 would
   then mean that Agamemnon was a head less than others, and
   consequently Ulysses would be two heads under the ordinary size.
   Anthon has adopted this common mistake, although Wolf had pointed
   it out.]

But him Helen, sprung from Jove, answered: "Now, this one again is the
son of Laertes, much-scheming Ulysses, who was bred in the country of
Ithaca, rugged though it be, skilled in all kinds of stratagems and
prudent counsels."

Her then the sage Antenor addressed in reply: "O lady, assuredly hast
thou spoken this word very truly: for already in former times divine
Ulysses came hither also, on an embassy concerning thee, with
Mars-beloved Menelaus. I received them as guests, and entertained them
in my palace, and became acquainted with the genius of both, and their
prudent counsels; but when they were mingled with the assembled Trojans,
Menelaus indeed overtopped him, as they stood by his broad shoulders;
but when both were sitting, Ulysses was more majestic.[159] But when
they began to weave words and counsels for all, Menelaus, on his part,
would harangue very fluently; a few [words] indeed, but very sweetly,
since he was not loquacious, nor a random talker, though he was younger
in age. But when much-counselling Ulysses arose, he stood and looked
down, fixing his eyes on the earth, but he neither moved his sceptre
backwards nor forwards, but held it unmoved like an unskilful man: you
would say indeed that he was a very irritable man, as well as devoid of
reason. But when he did send forth the mighty voice from his breast, and
words like unto wintry flakes of snow, no longer then would another
mortal contend with Ulysses. And beholding, we then marvelled not so
much at the aspect of Ulysses, [as at his words]."

   [Footnote 159: Observe the Attic construction, where the genitive
   would have been expected. So Od. M. 73. Il. ii 317. Compared by
   Lesbonax, [Greek: peri schêm]. p. 183, sq. ed. Valck. See, also,
   my note on Æsch. Prom, p. 8, ed. Bohn; intpp. on Theocrit. i.
   48.]

Then in the third place, having beheld Ajax, the old man asked: "Who is
that other Achæan hero, valiant and great, out-topping the Argives by
his head and broad shoulders?"

But him long-robed Helen answered, divine of women: "This indeed is
mighty Ajax, the bulwark of the Achæans: on the other side, amongst the
Cretans, stands Idomeneus like unto a god: but around him the leaders of
the Cretans are collected. Often did Mars-beloved Menelaus entertain him
in our palace, when he would come from Crete. But now I behold all the
other rolling-eyed Greeks, whom I could easily recognize, and pronounce
their names; but two leaders of the people I cannot see: horse-taming
Castor, and Pollux skilled in boxing, twin brothers, whom the same
mother brought forth with me. Either they have not followed from
pleasant Lacedæmon, or they indeed have followed hither in the
sea-traversing ships, but now are reluctant to enter the fight of the
heroes, fearing the disgrace, and the many reproaches which are mine."

Thus she spoke; but them the life-bestowing earth already possessed:
there in Lacedæmon, in their dear native land.[160]

   [Footnote 160: They had fallen in combat with Lynceus and Idas,
   whilst besieging Sparta.--Hygin. Poet. Ast. ii. 22. According,
   however, to other mythologists, they shared immortality in turns.
   See Od. xi. 302. Virg. Æu. vi. 121; with Servius, and Apollodor.
   iii. ll. 2.]

But heralds through the city were bearing the firm pledges of the gods,
two lambs and joyous wine, the fruit of the earth, in a goat-skin
flagon. But the herald Idæus also brought a splendid goblet, and golden
cups; and standing by him, incited the old man in these words:

"Arise, son of Laomedon; the chiefs of the horse-breaking Trojans, and
of the brazen-mailed Greeks, call thee to descend into the plain, that
thou mayest ratify a faithful league. For Alexander and Mars-beloved
Menelaus are about to fight with long spears for the woman. But let the
woman and the effects attend the conqueror; but let the rest of us,
having struck a friendship and faithful league, inhabit fruitful Troy,
and they shall return to horse-feeding Argos, and to Achaia, famed for
fair dames."

Thus he said, but the old man shuddered, and ordered his attendants to
yoke his horses; and they briskly obeyed. Priam then mounted his
chariot, and drew back the reins: and beside him Antenor mounted the
beautiful chariot. So they guided their fleet steeds through the Scæan
gates, towards the plain.

But when they had now come between the Trojans and the Greeks,
descending from their steeds to the fruitful earth, they advanced into
the midst of the Trojans and Greeks. Then Agamemnon, king of heroes,
immediately arose, and much-counselling Ulysses arose. But the
illustrious heralds collected together the faithful pledges of the gods,
and mixed wine in a bowl, and poured water upon the hands of the kings.
And the son of Atreus, drawing with his hands his dagger, which was
always suspended at the huge sheath of his sword, cut off hairs from the
heads of the lambs: and then the heralds distributed them to the chiefs
of the Trojans and the Greeks. Amongst them the son of Atreus prayed
earnestly, having stretched forth his hands:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty,--and thou,
O sun, who beholdest all things, and nearest all things--and ye rivers,
and thou earth, and ye below who punish men deceased, whosoever swears
with perjury, be ye witnesses and preserve the faithful league. If, on
the one hand, Alexander should slay Menelaus, let him thenceforth retain
Helen and all her possessions; but let us return in our sea-traversing
ships. But if, on the contrary, yellow-haired Menelaus slay Alexander,
let the Trojans then restore Helen and all her treasures, and pay a fine
to the Argives such as is just, and which may be [recorded] amongst
posterity. But if Priam and the sons of Priam will not pay me the fine,
on Alexander falling, then will I afterwards fight on account of the
fine, remaining here till I find an end of the war."

He spoke, and cut the throats of the lambs with the cruel steel, and he
laid them on the earth panting, wanting life; for the brass had taken
away their [vital] strength. Then having drawn wine from the goblet,
they poured it into the cups, and prayed to the immortal gods. But thus
some one of the Greeks and Trojans said:

"O Jove, most glorious, most mighty, and ye other immortal gods, whoever
first shall offend against the leagues, so let the brain of themselves
and of their children stream upon the ground like this wine, and let
their wives be mingled with other men."

Thus they said, nor yet did the son of Saturn ratify [their vows]. Then
Priam, the son of Dardanus, addressed them:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks: I, indeed, return
again to wind-swept Ilion, since I can by no means endure to behold with
these eyes my dear son fighting with Mars-beloved Menelaus. Jove,
certainly, knows this, and the other immortal gods, to which of them the
event of death is destined."

He spoke, and the godlike man placed the lambs in the chariot, and
ascended himself, and drew back the reins; and beside him Antenor
mounted the very beautiful chariot. They on their part returning went
back towards Ilion.

But Hector on the other hand, the son of Priam, and divine Ulysses,
first measured the ground; then taking the lots, they shook them in the
brazen helmet, [to decide] which should hurl the brazen spear first. But
the people meantime supplicated, and stretched forth their hands to the
gods; and thus some one of the Greeks and Trojans said:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, whichever
has caused these evil works to both sides, grant that he, being slain,
may enter the house of Pluto, but that to us, on the other hand, there
may be friendship and a faithful league."

Thus then they spoke, and now mighty helm-quivering Hector shook the
lots, looking backward; and quickly the lot of Paris leaped forth. They
then sat down in their ranks, where the fleet steeds of each stood, and
their varied arms lay. But divine Alexander, the husband of fair-haired
Helen, put on his beauteous armour around his shoulders. In the first
place, around his legs he placed his beautiful greaves fitted with
silver clasps; then again he put on his breast the corslet of his
brother Lycaon, for it fitted him; but around his shoulders he slung his
brazen, silver-studded sword and then his huge and solid shield. But on
his valiant head he placed a well-wrought helmet, crested with
horse-hair, and the crest nodded dreadfully from above; and he grasped
his doughty spear, which fitted to his hands. In this same manner the
martial Menelaus put on his arms.

But they, when they were armed from each side of the throne, advanced to
the middle between the Trojans and Greeks, looking dreadfully; and
amazement seized the beholders, both the horse-breaking Trojans and the
well-greaved Greeks. They then stood near in the measured-out space,
brandishing their spears, incensed against each other. Alexander ander
first hurled his long-shadowed spear, and smote the shield of the son of
Atreus, equal on all sides, nor did the brass break, for the point was
bent upon the strong shield: but next Menelaus, son of Atreus, commenced
the attack with his brazen spear, praying to father Jove:

"O king Jove, grant [me] to avenge myself [on him] who first injured me,
and subdue impious Alexander under my hands, that every one, even of
future men, may shudder to offer injury to a guest who may have afforded
[him] an hospitable reception."

He spoke; and brandishing, he hurled his long-shadowed spear, and smote
the shield of the son of Priam, equal on all sides; and through the
glittering shield went the impetuous spear, and was stuck firmly into
the deftly-wrought corslet: and the spear pierced right through his soft
tunic beside the flank: but he bent sideways, and evaded black death.
Next the son of Atreus having drawn his silver-studded sword, raising
it, struck the cone[161] of his helmet, but it fell from his hand
shivered round about into three or four pieces. And the son of Atreus
groaned aloud, looking towards the wide heaven:

   [Footnote 161: Buttmann, Lexil. p. 521, makes [Greek: phalos] to
   be the same as [Greek: kônos], a metal ridge in which the plume
   was fixed.]

"O father Jove, none other of the gods is more baleful than thou.
Certainly I hoped to be revenged upon Alexander for his wickedness: but
now my sword has been broken in my hands, and my spear has been hurled
from my hand in vain, nor have I smote him."

He spoke; and rushing on, he seized him by the horse-hair tufted helmet,
and turning, began to drag him to the well-greaved Greeks: but the
richly-embroidered band under his tender throat was choking him, which
was drawn under his chin as the strap of his helmet. And now he had
dragged him away, and obtained infinite glory, had not Venus, the
daughter of Jove, quickly perceived it, who broke for him[162] the
thong, [made] from the hide of an ox slaughtered by violence: and
thereupon the empty helmet followed with his strong hand. It, then, the
hero whirling round, cast to the well-greaved Greeks, and his dear
companions took it up. And he [Menelaus] again rushed on, desiring to
slay him with his brazen spear: but him [Paris] Venus very easily, as
being a goddess, rescued, and covered him in a thick mist; then placed
him down in his fragrant chamber, exhaling perfumes.

   [Footnote 162: _I.e._ Menelaus.--to his confusion.]

But she herself, on the other hand, went to call Helen, and she found
her on the lofty tower, and many Trojan dames around her. Then with her
hand catching her by the fragrant mantle, she shook her: and likening
herself to an ancient dame, a spinner of wool, who used to comb fair
wool for her when dwelling at Lacedæmon, and she loved her much: to her
having likened herself, divine Venus accosted [Helen]:

"Come hither, Alexander calls thee to return home. He himself is in his
chamber and turned bed, shining both in beauty and attire; nor wouldst
thou say that he had returned after having fought with a hero, but that
he was going to the dance, or that just ceasing from the dance, he sat
down."

Thus she said, and agitated the heart in her breast: and when she beheld
the all-beauteous neck of the goddess, and her lovely bosom, and her
flashing eyes, she was awe-struck, and spoke a word, and said:

"Strange one! why dost thou desire to deceive me in these things? Wilt
thou lead me anywhere farther on to one of the well-inhabited cities,
either of Phrygia or pleasant Mæonia, if there be any of
articulately-speaking men dear to thee there? Is it because Menelaus,
having now conquered noble Alexander, wishes to bring hated me home,
that therefore with artful purpose thou now standest near me? Going,
sit with him thyself, and renounce the path of the gods. And mayest thou
no more return on thy feet to Olympus: but always grieve beside him, and
watch him, until he either make thee his consort, or he indeed [make
thee] his handmaid. But there I will not go to adorn his couch, for it
would be reprehensible: all the Trojan ladies henceforth will reproach
me. But I shall have woes without measure in my soul."

But her, divine Venus, incensed, thus addressed: "Wretch, provoke me
not, lest in my wrath I abandon thee, and detest thee as much as
heretofore I have wonderfully loved thee, and lest I scatter destructive
hate in the midst of the Trojans and Greeks, and thou perish by an evil
fate."

Thus she spoke: but Helen, sprung from Jove, dreaded, and she went
covered with a white transparent robe, in silence; and escaped the
notice of all the Trojan dames, for the goddess led the way.

But when they reached the very beautiful palace of Alexander, then the
maids, on their part, turned themselves speedily to their tasks; but
she, divine of women, ascended into her lofty-roofed chamber: and then
laughter-loving Venus, carrying, placed a seat for her opposite
Alexander: there Helen, daughter of the ægis-bearing Jove, sat, averting
her eyes, and reproached her husband with these words:

"Thou hast come from the war: would that thou hadst perished there,
slain by that brave hero, who was my former husband. Certainly, thou
didst formerly boast, that thou wast superior to Mars-beloved Menelaus,
in might, in hands, and at the spear. But go now, challenge Mars-beloved
Menelaus to fight once more against thee! But I advise thee to refrain,
nor unadvisedly wage war and fight against fair-haired Menelaus, lest
perchance thou mayest be subdued beneath his spear."

But her Paris answering addressed in words: "Woman! assail me not in
soul with reproachful taunts; for now indeed has Menelaus conquered by
Minerva's aid; but I in turn will vanquish him, for gods are with us
also. But come, let us delight in dalliance, reclining together, for
never before did love so fondly enwrap my soul, not even when formerly,
having borne thee away from pleasant Lacedæmon, I sailed in the
sea-traversing ships, and was united with thee in love and in the couch
in the island Cranaë; so now am I enamoured of thee, and sweet desire
possesses me."

He spoke, and led the way, ascending the couch; but his wife followed
with him: they therefore rested upon their perforated couch.

Meanwhile the son of Atreus was wandering through the crowd like to a
savage beast, if anywhere he could perceive godlike Alexander. But none
of the Trojans or their illustrious allies could then point out
Alexander to Mars-beloved Menelaus; for neither through friendship would
they have concealed him, if any one did see him; for he was hateful to
them all, like sable death. But amongst them spoke Agamemnon, king of
heroes:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, Greeks, and allies: the victory indeed appears [to
belong to] Mars-beloved Menelaus. Do ye therefore restore Argive Helen
and her treasures with her, and pay the fine which is fitting, and which
shall be remembered by future men."

Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the other Greeks approved.




                           BOOK THE FOURTH


                              ARGUMENT.

_Paris not being slain, the combat left it doubtful whether Helen should
be returned or not; but Juno extorts a promise from Jove of the final
destruction of Troy. Minerva then persuades Pandarus to break the truce
by aiming an arrow at Menelaus. The wound is, however, cured by Machaon.
The Trojans proceed to the battle, while Agamemnon exhorts the
chieftains of the Greeks. The fight then commences, Mars and Apollo
encouraging the Trojans, Minerva and the other deities the Greeks._


Now they, the gods, sitting on the golden floor[163] with Jove, were
engaged in consultation, and amidst them venerable Hebe poured out the
nectar: but they pledged[164] one another with golden cups, looking
towards the city of the Trojans. Forthwith the son of Saturn attempted
to irritate Juno, speaking with a covert allusion, with reproachful
words:[165]

"Two goddesses, indeed, are auxiliaries to Menelaus, Argive[166] Juno
and Minerva of Alalcomenæ:[167] and yet these, forsooth, sitting apart,
amuse themselves with looking on; but to the other, on the contrary
[Paris], laughter-loving Venus is ever present,[168] and averts fate
from him. Even now has she saved him, thinking that he was about to die.
But the victory, indeed, belongs to Mars-beloved Menelaus: let us
therefore consult how these things shall be, whether we shall again
excite the destructive war, and dreadful battle-din, or promote
friendship between both parties. And if, moreover, this shall
perchance[169] be grateful and pleasing to all, the city of king Priam,
indeed, may be inhabited, but let Menelaus lead back again Argive
Helen."

   [Footnote 163: "On the golden floor of Jove's abode."--Cowper.]

   [Footnote 164: Athenæus, i. ll, [Greek: edexiounto, propinonies
   eautois, tais dexiais]. Cf. xi. 14. Hesych. [Greek: deidecto,
   edexioto, dia philias êspazeto kai logôn].]

   [Footnote 165: I am indebted to Arnold for this version.]

   [Footnote 166: So called from her temple at Argos. See Pausan.
   ii. 17; Apul. Met. vi. p. 458; Servius on Æn. i. 28.]

   [Footnote 167: She had a temple at Alalcomenæ, in Boeotia. Cf.
   Pausan. ix. 33; Steph. Byz. n. [Greek: alalkomenion].]

   [Footnote 168: On the affinity of [Greek: blôskein] and [Greek:
   poleini], see Buttm. Lexil. p. 84.]

   [Footnote 169: Read [Greek: pôs] for [Greek: autôs], with
   Aristarchus, Wolf, Spitzner.]

Thus he spoke: but Minerva and Juno murmured with closed lips, for they
were sitting near, and were devising evils for the Trojans. Minerva,
indeed, was silent, nor said anything, indignant with her father Jove,
for dreadful rage possessed her. But Juno could not retain her fury in
her breast, but addressed him:

"Most baleful son of Saturn! what a sentence hast thou uttered! How dost
thou wish to render my labour vain, and my sweat fruitless, which I have
sweated through with toil? For the steeds are tired to me assembling the
host, evils to Priam and to his sons. Do so: but all we the other gods
do not approve."

But her cloud-compelling Jove, in great wrath, answered: "Strange one!
how now do Priam and the sons of Priam work so many wrongs against thee,
that thou desirest implacably to overturn the well-built city of Ilion?
But if thou, entering the gates and the lofty walls, couldst devour
alive[170] Priam and the sons of Priam, and the other Trojans, then
perhaps thou mightst satiate thy fury. Do as thou wilt, lest this
contention be in future a great strife between thee and me. But another
thing I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy soul: whenever haply I,
anxiously desiring, shall wish to destroy some city, where men dear to
thee are born, retard not my rage, but suffer me; for I have given thee
this of free will, though with unwilling mind. For of those cities of
earthly men, which are situated under the sun and the starry heaven,
sacred Ilion was most honoured by me in my heart, and Priam and the
people of Priam skilled in the ashen spear. For there my altars never
lacked a due banquet and libation, and savour; for this honour were we
allotted."

   [Footnote 170: Literally, "eat raw." Cf. Xenoph. Anab. iv. 8, 14.
   [Greek: Toutous ên pôs dynômetha, kai ômous dei
   kataphagein].--Clarke.]

Him then the venerable full-eyed Juno answered: "There are three cities,
indeed, most dear to me: Argos, and Sparta, and wide-wayed Mycenæ;[171]
destroy these whenever they become hateful to thy soul. In behalf of
these I neither stand forth, nor do I grudge them to thee: for even
were I to grudge them, and not suffer thee to destroy them, by grudging
I avail nothing, since thou art much more powerful. And yet it becomes
[thee] to render my labour not fruitless; for I am a goddess, and thence
my race, whence thine; and wily Saturn begat me, very venerable on two
accounts, both by my parentage, and because I have been called thy
spouse. Moreover, thou rulest amongst all the immortals. But truly let
us make these concessions to each other: I, on my part, to thee, and
thou to me; and the other immortal gods will follow. Do thou without
delay bid Minerva go to the dreadful battle-din of the Trojans and
Greeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most
renowned Greeks, contrary to the leagues."

   [Footnote 171: "It certainly seems to me, that, in a reference so
   distinct to the three great Peloponnesian cities which the
   Dorians invaded and possessed, Homer makes as broad an allusion
   to the conquests of the Heraclidæ, not only as would be
   consistent with the pride of an Ionic Greek in attesting the
   triumphs of the national Dorian foe, but as the nature of a theme
   cast in a distant period, and remarkably removed, in its general
   conduct, from the historical detail of subsequent events, would
   warrant to the poet."--Bulwer, Athens, i. 8. The correctness of
   this view, however, depends upon the true date of Homer's
   existence.]

Thus she spoke; nor did the father of gods and men disobey. Instantly he
addressed Minerva in winged words:

"Go very quickly to the army, among the Trojans and Greeks, and contrive
that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most renowned Greeks,
contrary to the league."

Thus having spoken, he urged on Minerva already inclined; she hastening
descended the heights of Olympus; such as the star which the son of wily
Saturn sends, a sign either to mariners, or to a wide host of nations,
and from it many sparks are emitted. Like unto this Pallas Minerva
hastened to the earth, and leaped into the midst [of the army]; and
astonishment seized the horse-breaking Trojans and the well-greaved
Greeks, looking on. And thus would one say, looking at some other near
him:

"Doubtless evil war and dreadful battle-din will take place again, or
Jove is establishing friendship between both sides, he who has been
ordained the arbiter of war amongst men." [172]

   [Footnote 172: Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 20, compares the words of
   Belisarius in Procop. Vandal. i. [Greek: Machontai men anthropoi,
   brazeyei de o theos opôs pote autô dokei, kai to tou molemou
   didôsi kratos].]

Thus then did some one of the Greeks and Trojans say; but she like a
hero entered the host of the Trojans, the brave warrior Laodocus, son of
Antenor, seeking godlike Pandarus, if anywhere she might find him. She
found the blameless and valiant son of Lycaon standing, and around him
the brave ranks of shielded warriors, who had followed him from the
streams of Æsepus; and standing near, she thus to him spoke winged
words:

"Wouldst thou now hearken to me in anything, O warlike son of Lycaon?
Thou wouldst venture then to aim a swift arrow at Menelaus. Doubtless
thou wouldst bear away both thanks and glory from all the Trojans, but
of all, chiefly from the prince Alexander, from whom, indeed, first of
all, thou wouldst receive splendid gifts, if he should see martial
Menelaus, the son of Atreus, subdued by this weapon, ascending the sad
pile. But come, aim an arrow at renowned Menelaus; and vow to
Lycian-born[173] Apollo, the renowned archer, that thou wilt sacrifice a
splendid hecatomb of firstling lambs, having returned home to the city
of sacred Zeleia."

   [Footnote 173: This is probably the true interpretation, and is
   given by the Scholiast, Hesychius, and others. But Heraclides,
   Alleg. § 6, says that Apollo is so called [Greek: epeidê tou kata
   tên orthrion ôran lykaugous estin aitioi, ê oti likazania genna,
   toutesti tono eniauton]. Cf. Macrob. Sat. i. 17; Serv. on Æn. iv.
   377.]

Thus spoke Minerva, and she persuaded his mind for him, unthinking one.
Straightway he uncased his well-polished bow, made from [the horn of] a
wild, bounding goat, which he indeed surprising once on a time in
ambush, as it was coming out of a cavern, struck, aiming at it beneath
the breast; but it fell supine on the rock. Its horns had grown sixteen
palms from its head; and these the horn-polishing artist, having duly
prepared, fitted together, and when he had well smoothed all, added a
golden tip. And having bent the bow, he aptly lowered it, having
inclined it against the ground; but his excellent companions held their
shields before him, lest the martial sons of the Greeks should rise
against him, before warlike Menelaus, the chief of the Greeks, was
wounded. Then he drew off the cover of his quiver, and took out an
arrow, fresh, winged, a cause of gloomy ills. Forthwith he fitted the
bitter arrow to the string, and vowed to Lycian-born Apollo, the
renowned archer, that he would sacrifice a splendid hecatomb of
firstling lambs, having returned home to the city of sacred Zeleia.
Having seized them, he drew together the notch [of the arrow] and the
ox-hide string; the string, indeed, he brought near to his breast, and
the barb to the bow. But after he had bent the great bow into a circle,
the bow twanged, the bowstring rang loudly, and the sharp-pointed shaft
bounded forth, impatient to wing its flight through the host.

Nor did the blessed immortal gods forget thee, O Menelaus;[174] but
chiefly the spoil-hunting daughter of Jove, who, standing before thee,
averted the deadly weapon. She as much repelled it from thy body, as a
mother repels a fly from her infant, when it shall have laid itself down
in sweet sleep. But she herself guided it to that part where the golden
clasps of the girdle bound it, and the double-formed corslet met.[175]
The bitter arrow fell on his well-fitted belt, and through the
deftly-wrought belt was it driven, and it stuck in the variegated
corslet and the brazen-plated belt which he wore, the main defence of
his body, a guard against weapons, which protect him most; through even
this did it pass onwards, and the arrow grazed the surface of the hero's
skin, and straightway black gore flowed from the wound. And as when some
Mæonian[176] or Carian woman tinges ivory with purple colour, to be a
cheek-trapping for steeds; in her chamber it lies, and many charioteers
desire to bear it, but it lies by as an ornament for the king, both as a
decoration to the steed, and a glory to the rider: so, Menelaus, were
thy well-proportioned thighs, and legs, and fair feet below, stained
with gore.

   [Footnote 174: It is elegantly observed by Coleridge, p. 160,
   that "it is principally owing to our sense of the dramatic
   probability of the action of the divinities in the Iliad that the
   heroes do not seem dwarfed by their protectors; on the contrary,
   the manifest favourite of the gods stands out in a dilated and
   more awful shape before our imagination, and seems, by the
   association, to be lifted up into the demigod."]

   [Footnote 175: "Occurrebat sagittæ, obvius erat ei
   penetranti."--Heyne. But it is better to understand, "where the
   plates of the cuirass meet and overlay the [Greek: zôma]."--Arnold.]

   [Footnote 176: _I.e._ Lydian.]

Then Agamemnon, the king of men, shuddered, as he beheld the black gore
flowing from the wound, and Mars-beloved Menelaus himself shuddered. But
when he saw the string[177] and the barbs still outside, his courage was
once more collected in his breast. But Agamemnon, deeply sighing, and
holding Menelaus with his hand, spoke thus amidst them, and all his
companions kept groaning with him:

   [Footnote 177: With which the iron head was fastened to the
   shaft.]

"O dear brother, now have I ratified a treaty which will prove thy
death, exposing thee alone to fight with the Trojans for the Greeks;
since the Trojans have thus wounded thee, and trampled on the faithful
league. But by no means shall the league and the blood of the lambs be
in vain, and the pure libations, and the right hands in which we
confided. For even although Olympian Jove has not immediately brought
them to pass, he will however bring them to pass at last; and at a great
price have they paid the penalty,[178] to wit, with their own heads, and
their wives and children. For this I know well in mind and soul. A day
will be, when sacred Ilium shall perish, and Priam, and the people of
ashen-speared Priam; and when Saturnian Jove, lofty-throned, dwelling in
the æther, will himself shake his gloomy ægis over all, wrathful on
account of this treachery. These things, indeed, shall not be
unaccomplished; but to me there will be grief on thy account, O
Menelaus, if thou shalt die and fulfil the fate of life; then, indeed,
branded with shame, shall I return to much longed-for Argos. For quickly
the Greeks will bethink themselves of their fatherland, and we shall
leave Argive Helen a boast to Priam and to the Trojans, and the earth
will rot thy bones lying in Troy, near to an unfinished work. And thus
will some one of the haughty Trojans exclaim, leaping upon the tomb of
glorious Menelaus: 'Would that Agamemnon thus wreaked his vengeance
against all, as even now he has led hither an army of the Greeks in
vain, and has now returned home into his dear native land, with empty
ships, having left behind him brave Menelaus.' Thus will some one
hereafter say: then may the wide earth yawn for me."

   [Footnote 178: The past tense for the future: implying that the
   hour of retribution is so certain, that it may be considered
   already arrived.]

But him fair-haired Menelaus accosted, cheering him: "Have courage, nor
in anywise frighten the people of the Achæans. The sharp arrow has not
stuck in a vital part, but before [it reached a vital part], the
variegated belt, and the girdle beneath, and the plate which
brass-working men forged, warded it off."

King Agamemnon answering him replied: "Would that it were so, O beloved
Menelaus; but the physician shall probe the wound, and apply remedies,
which may ease thee of thy acute pains."

He spoke; and thus accosted Talthybius, the divine herald: "Talthybius,
summon hither with all speed the hero Machaon, son of the blameless
physician Æsculapius, that he may see martial Menelaus, the chief of the
Greeks, whom some skilful archer of the Trojans, or of the Lycians, has
wounded with a shaft; a glory, indeed, to him, but a grief to us."

He spoke; nor did the herald disobey when he had heard. But he proceeded
to go through the forces of the brazen-mailed Greeks, looking around for
the hero Machaon: him he saw standing, and round him the brave ranks of
the shield-bearing hosts, who followed him from steed-nourishing Tricca.
Standing near, he spoke winged words:

"Come, O son of Æsculapius, Agamemnon, king of men, calls thee, that
thou mayest see martial Menelaus, the son of Atreus, whom some skilful
archer of the Trojans or of the Lycians has wounded with a dart; a glory
indeed to him, but a grief to us."

Thus he spoke, and incited his soul within his breast. And they
proceeded to go through the host, through the wide army of the Greeks;
but when they had now arrived where fair-haired Menelaus had been
wounded (but around him were collected as many as were bravest, in a
circle, while the godlike hero stood in the midst), instantly thereupon
he extracted the arrow from the well-fitted belt. But while it was being
extracted, the sharp barbs were broken. Then he loosed the variegated
belt, and the girdle beneath, and the plated belt which brass-workers
had forged. But when he perceived the wound, where the bitter shaft had
fallen, having sucked out the blood, he skilfully sprinkled on it
soothing remedies,[179] which, benevolent Chiron had formerly given to
his father.

   [Footnote 179: Celsus, Pref. "Podalirius et Machaon, bello
   Trajano ducem Agamemnonem secuti, non mediocrem opem
   commilitonibus suis attulerunt. Quos tamen Homerus non in
   pestilentia neque in variis generibus morborum aliquid attulisse
   auxilii, sed vulneribus tantummodo ferro et medicamentis mederi
   solitos esse proposuit. Ex quo apparet, has partes medicinæ solas
   ab his esse tentatas, easque esse vetustissimas."]

Whilst they were thus occupied around warlike Menelaus, meantime the
ranks of the shielded Trojans advanced; and these again put on their
arms, and were mindful of battle. Then would you not see divine
Agamemnon slumbering, nor trembling nor refusing to fight; but hastening
quickly to the glorious fight. He left his steeds, indeed, and his
brass-variegated chariot; and these his servant Eurymedon, son of
Ptolymæus, the son of Piräis, held apart panting. Him he strictly
enjoined to keep them near him, against the time when weariness should
seize his limbs, commanding over many. But he on foot traversed the
ranks of the heroes, and whichever of the swift-horsed Greeks he saw
hastening, them standing beside, he encouraged with words:

"Argives! remit nought of your fierce ardour, for father Jove will not
be an abettor to falsehoods, but certainly vultures will devour the
tender bodies of those very persons, who first offered injury, contrary
to the league; and we, after we shall have taken the city, will carry
off in our ships their dear wives, and their infant children."

But whomsoever on the other hand he saw declining hateful battle, them
he much rebuked with angry words:

"Argives, ye arrow-fighters,[180] subjects for disgrace, are ye not
ashamed? Why stand ye here astounded, like fawns, which, when they are
wearied, running through the extensive plain, stand, and have no
strength in their hearts? Thus do ye stand amazed, nor fight. Do ye
await the Trojans until they come near, where your fair-prowed galleys
are moored on the shore of the hoary sea, that ye may know whether the
son of Saturn will stretch forth his hand over you."

   [Footnote 180: If it be remembered that archery, in comparison
   with fighting close-handed, handed, was much despised (cf. Soph.
   Aj. 1120, sqq.; Eur. Herc. Fur. 160), the term [Greek: iomôroi]
   ([Greek: oi peri tous ious memorêmenoi], Apoll. Lex. and Hesych.)
   need not be forced into any of the out-of-the-way meanings which
   Anthon and others have assigned to it.]

Thus he, acting as commander, kept going through the ranks of heroes,
and he came to the Cretans, going through the throng of men. But they
were armed around warlike Idomeneus. Idomeneus, on his part, [commanded]
in the van, like a boar in strength; but Meriones urged on the hindmost
phalanxes for him. Seeing these, Agamemnon, the king of men, rejoiced,
and instantly accosted Idomeneus, in bland words:

"O Idomeneus, I honour thee, indeed, above the swift-horsed Greeks, as
well in war, as in any other work, and at the banquet, when the nobles
of the Argives mix in their cups the dark-red honourable[181] wine: for
though the other crested Greeks drink by certain measures, thy cup
always stands full, as [mine] to me, that thou mayest drink when thy
mind desires it. But hasten into war, such as formerly thou didst boast
to be."

   [Footnote 181: See my note on Od.]

But him Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn answered: "Son of
Atreus, a very congenial ally will I be to thee, as first I promised and
assented. But exhort the other crested Greeks that we may fight with all
haste, since the Trojans have confounded the league: death and griefs
shall be theirs hereafter, since they first offered injury, contrary to
the league."

Thus he spoke: and the son of Atreus passed on, joyous at heart, and he
came to the Ajaces, going through the troops of the heroes. But they
were armed, and with them followed a cloud of infantry. As when a
goat-herd from a hill-top perceives a cloud traversing the deep, beneath
the north-western blast; and to him, standing at a distance, it appears
while coming over the ocean, darker than pitch, and brings with it a
mighty whirlwind;[182] he both shudders on seeing it, and drives his
flock into a cave. Such, with the Ajaces, moved into hostile battle the
dense dark phalanxes of Jove-nurtured youths, bristling with shields and
spears. And king Agamemnon seeing them, rejoiced, and accosting them,
spoke winged words:

   [Footnote 182: The _waterspout_, which is often followed by
   hurricanes, is meant. See Arnold.]

"Ye Ajaces, leaders of the brazen-mailed Argives, ye two, indeed, for it
becomes me not, I in no respect desire to incite; for ye yourselves
mightily instigate the people to fight valiantly. Would that, O father
Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, such courage were in the breasts of all; soon
then would the city of king Priam bend to its fall, taken and destroyed
by our hands."

Thus having said, he left them there and went to the others; there he
found Nestor, the harmonious orator of the Pylians, marshalling his
associates, and exhorting them to battle, mighty Pelagon, Alastor,
Chromius, and prince Hæmon, and Bias the shepherd of the people. In
front, indeed, he placed the cavalry[183] with their horses and
chariots, but the foot, both numerous and brave, in the rear, to be the
stay of the battle; but the cowards he drove into the middle, that
every man, even unwilling, might fight from necessity. At first, indeed,
he gave orders to the horsemen; these he commanded to rein in their
horses, nor to be confused with the crowd. "And let no person, relying
on his skill in horsemanship, and on his strength, desire alone, before
the rest, to fight with the Trojans, nor let him retreat: for [if so],
ye will be weaker. And whatever man, from his own chariot, can reach
that of another, let him stretch out with his spear;[184] for so it is
much better: for thus the ancients overturned cities and walls, keeping
this purpose and resolution in their breasts."

   [Footnote 183: _I. e._ those who fought from chariots.]

   [Footnote 184: With Arnold and Anthon, I follow Köppen's
   interpretation. The meaning is, whoever, without leaping from his
   own chariot, can reach that of another, should commence the
   attack. This was less dangerous than dismounting.]

Thus the old man, long since well skilled in wars, exhorted them, and
king Agamemnon rejoiced when he saw him; and accosting him, spoke winged
words:

"O old man, would that thy knees could so follow thee, and thy strength
were firm as is the courage in thy breast. But old age, common alike to
all, wearies thee. Would that some other man had thy age, and that thou
wert amongst the more youthful."

Him then the Gerenian knight Nestor answered: "Son of Atreus, I myself
would much wish to be so, as when I killed Eruthalion. But the gods
never give all things at the same time to men. If I were a young man
then, now in turn old age invades me. Yet even so, I will be with the
horse, and will exhort them with counsel and words: for this is the
office of old men. But let the youths, who are younger than I am, and
confide in their strength, brandish their spears."

Thus he spoke; and the son of Atreus passed him by, rejoicing at heart.
Next he found the horseman Menestheus, son of Peteus, standing, and
around him the Athenians skilled in the war-shout: but crafty Ulysses
stood near; and round him stood the ranks of the Cephallenians not
feeble; for not yet had the troops of these heard the shout, since
lately the roused phalanxes of the horse-subduing Trojans and of the
Greeks moved along; but they stood waiting till another division of the
Greeks, coming on, should charge the Trojans and begin the battle.
Having seen these, therefore, Agamemnon, the king of men, reproved them,
and, accosting them, spoke winged words:

"O son of Peteus, Jove-nurtured king, and thou, accomplished in evil
wiles, crafty-minded [Ulysses], why trembling do ye refrain from battle,
and wait for others? It became you, indeed, being amongst the first, to
stand and meet the ardent battle. For ye are the first invited by me to
the feast when we Greeks prepare a banquet for the chiefs. Then it is
pleasant to you to eat the roasted meats, and to quaff cups of sweet
wine, as long as ye please. But now would ye in preference be
spectators, though ten divisions of the Greeks should fight in your
presence with the ruthless brass."

But him sternly regarding, crafty Ulysses answered thus: "Son of Atreus,
what a word has escaped the barrier of thy teeth! How canst thou say
that we are remiss in fighting? Whenever we Greeks stir up fierce
conflict against the horse-taming Trojans, thou shalt see, if thou
desirest, and if these things are a care to thee, the beloved father of
Telemachus mingled with the foremost of the horse-taming Trojans. But
thou sayest these things rashly."

But him king Agamemnon, when he perceived that he was angry, smiling,
addressed, and he retracted his words:

"Noble son of Laertes, much-contriving Ulysses, I neither chide thee in
terms above measure, nor exhort thee. For I am aware that thy mind in
thy breast kens friendly counsels: for thou thinkest the same that I do.
But come, we shall settle these disputes at a future time, should
anything evil have now been uttered. But may the gods render all these
things vain."

Thus having spoken, he left them there, and went to others; he found
magnanimous Diomede, son of Tydeus, standing by his horses and
brass-mounted[185] chariot. Near him stood Sthenelus, son of Capaneus.
And having seen him too, king Agamemnon reproved him, and accosting him
thus, spoke winged words:

"Alas! O son of warlike horse-breaking Tydeus, why dost thou tremble?
Why dost thou explore the intervals of the ranks?[186] It was not with
Tydeus thus customary to tremble, but to fight with the enemy far before
his dear companions. So they have said, who beheld him toiling: for I
never met, nor have I beheld him: but they say that he excelled all
others. For certainly with godlike Polynices he entered Mycenæ without
warlike array, a guest, collecting forces: they[187] were then preparing
an expedition against the sacred walls of Thebes, and supplicated much
that they would give renowned auxiliaries. But they [the Mycenæans] were
willing to give them, and approved of it, as they urged; but Jove
changed [their design], showing unpropitious omens. But, after they
departed, and proceeded on their way, they came to rushy, grassy Asopus.
Then the Achæans sent Tydeus upon an embassy.[188] Accordingly he went,
and found many Cadmeans feasting in the palace of brave Eteocles. Then
the knight Tydeus, though being a stranger, feared not, being alone
amongst many Cadmeans: but challenged them to contend [in games], and
easily conquered in all, so mighty a second was Minerva to him. But the
Cadmeans, goaders of steeds, being enraged, leading fifty youths, laid a
crafty ambuscade for him returning: but there were two leaders, Mæon,
son of Hæmon, like unto the immortals, and Lycophontes, persevering in
fight, the son of Autophonus. Tydeus, however, brought cruel death upon
them. He killed them all, but sent one only to return home: for he
dismissed Mæon, obeying the portents of the gods. Such was Ætolian
Tydeus. But he begat a son, inferior to himself in battle, but superior
in council."

   [Footnote 185: Properly, "fastened, soldered."]

   [Footnote 186: Lit. "the bridges of the war." He was looking to
   see where there was a chance of escape by running between the
   ranks.]

   [Footnote 187: Polynices and Adrastus. The reader will do well to
   compare Grote vol. i. p. 371.]

   [Footnote 188: To Thebes.]

Thus he spoke; but brave Diomede answered nothing, reverencing the
rebuke of the venerable king.

But him the son of renowned Capaneus answered: "Son of Atreus, lie not,
knowing how to tell truth. We, indeed, boast to be far better than our
fathers. We too have taken the citadel of seven-gated Thebes, leading
fewer troops under the wall sacred to Mars, confiding in the portents of
the gods, and in the aid of Jove: but they perished through their own
infatuation. Wherefore, never place my ancestors in the same rank with
me."

Him sternly regarding, brave Diomede accosted thus: "My friend[189]
Sthenelus, sit in silence, and obey my words; for I blame not Agamemnon,
the shepherd of the people, for thus exhorting the well-greaved Greeks
to fight. Glory shall attend him, if, indeed, the Greeks shall conquer
the Trojans, and take sacred Ilium; but great grief shall be his, on the
other hand, the Greeks being cut off. But come now, and let us be
mindful of impetuous valour."

   [Footnote 189: [Greek: Tetta] is an affectionate phrase applied
   to an elder, like _papa_. Compare Alberti on Hesych. v. [Greek:
   apphia], t. i. p. 505, and on [Greek: atta], p. 606; Helladius,
   Chrestom. p. 9, ed. Meurs.]

He spoke, and from his chariot leaped with his arms upon the earth, and
dreadfully sounded the brass on the breast of the prince, as he moved
rapidly along: then truly would fear have seized even a brave spirit.

As when on the loud-resounding shore a wave of the sea is impelled in
continuous succession beneath the north-west wind which has set it in
motion; at first indeed it raises itself aloft in the deep, but then
dashed against the land, it roars mightily; and being swollen it rises
high around the projecting points, and spits from it the foam of the
sea: thus then the thick phalanxes of the Greeks moved incessantly on to
battle. Each leader commanded his own troops. The rest went in silence
(nor would you have said that so numerous an army followed, having the
power of speech in their breasts), silently reverencing their leaders.
And around them all their arms of various workmanship shone brightly;
clad with which, they proceeded in order. But the Trojans, as the sheep
of a rich man stand countless in the fold, whilst they are milked of
their white milk, continually bleating, having heard the voice of their
lambs--thus was the clamour of the Trojans excited through the wide
army. For there was not the same shout of all, nor the same voice, but
their language was mixed, for the men were called from many climes.
These Mars urged on, but those blue-eyed Minerva,[190] and Terror, and
Rout, and Strife, insatiably raging, the sister and attendant of
homicide Mars, she raises her head, small indeed at first, but
afterwards she has fixed her head in heaven, and stalks along the earth.
Then also she, going through the crowd, increasing the groaning of the
men, cast into the midst upon them contention alike destruction to all.

   [Footnote 190:

    "On th' other side, Satan alarm'd
    Collecting all his might dilated stood,
    Like Teneriff or Atlas unremoved:
    His stature reach'd the sky."--Paradise Lost, iv. 985.]

But they, when now meeting, they had reached the same place, at once
joined their ox-hide shields, and their spears, and the might of
brazen-mailed warriors; and the bossy shields met one another, and much
battle-din arose. There at the same time were heard both the groans and
shouts of men slaying and being slain; and the earth flowed with blood.
As when wintry torrents flowing down from the mountains, mix in a basin
the impetuous water from their great springs in a hollow ravine, and the
shepherd in the mountains hears the distant roar--so arose the shouting
and panic of them, mixed together.

Antilochus first killed a Trojan warrior, Echepolus, son of Thalysias,
valiant in the van. Him he first struck on the cone of his horse-plumed
helmet, and the brazen point fixed itself in his forehead, then pierced
the bone, and darkness veiled his eyes; and he fell, like a tower, in
fierce conflict. Him fallen, king Elephenor, the offspring of Chalcodon,
chief of the magnanimous Abantes, seized by the feet, and was drawing
him beyond the reach of darts in haste, that with all haste he might
despoil him of his armour: but that attempt was short; for magnanimous
Agenor having descried him dragging the body, wounded him with a brazen
spear in the side, which, as he stooped, appeared from beneath the
covert of his shield, and he relaxed his limbs [in death]. His soul
therefore left him. But over him arose a fierce conflict of Trojans and
of Greeks. But they like wolves rushed on each other, and man bore down
man. Then Telamonian Ajax smote the blooming youth Simoïsius, son of
Anthemion, whom formerly his mother, descending from Ida, brought forth
on the banks of Simois, when, to wit, she followed her parents to view
the flocks; wherefore they called him Simoïsius. Nor did he repay to his
dear parents the price of his early nurture, for his life was short, he
being slain with a spear by magnanimous Ajax. For him advancing first,
he [Ajax] struck on the breast, near the right pap: and the brazen
spear passed out through his shoulder on the opposite side. He fell on
the ground in the dust, like a poplar, winch has sprung up in the moist
grass-land of an extensive marsh,--branches grow smooth, yet upon the
very top, which the chariot-maker lops with the shining steel, that he
might bend [it as] a felloe for a beauteous chariot. Drying, it lies
indeed on the banks of the river. So did the high-born Ajax spoil
Simoïsius, the descendant of Anthemion. But at him Antiphus, of the
varied corslet, the son of Priam, took aim through the crowd with a
sharp spear. From whom, indeed, it erred: but he struck Leucus, the
faithful companion of Ulysses, in the groin, as he was drawing the body
aside; but he fell near it, and the body dropped from his hand. For him
slain, Ulysses was much enraged in mind; and he rushed through the van,
armed in shining brass; and advancing very near, he stood, and casting
his eyes all around him, hurled with his glittering spear. But the
Trojans retired in confusion, as the hero hurled; he did not, however,
hurl the spear in vain, but struck Democoon, the spurious son of Priam,
who came from Abydos, from [tending] the swift mares.[191] Him Ulysses,
enraged for his companion, struck with his spear in the temple, and the
brazen point penetrated through the other temple, and darkness veiled
his eyes. Falling he made a crash, and his arms resounded upon him. Both
the foremost bands and illustrious Hector fell back. The Argives shouted
aloud, and dragged the bodies away: then they rushed farther forward;
and Apollo was enraged, looking down from Pergamus; and, shouting out,
exhorted the Trojans:

   [Footnote 191: Priam had a stud at Abydos, on the Asiatic coast
   of the Hellespont.--Scholiast.]

"Arouse ye, ye horse-breaking Trojans, nor yield the battle to the
Greeks; since their flesh is not of stone, nor of iron, that when they
are struck, it should withstand the flesh-rending brass; neither does
Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, fight, but at the ships he
nourishes his vexatious spleen."

Thus spoke the dreadful god from the city. But most glorious Tritonian
Pallas, the daughter of Jove, going through the host, roused the Greeks
wherever she saw them relaxing.

Then fate ensnared Diores, son of Amarynceus; for he was struck with a
jagged hand-stone, at the ankle, on the right leg; but Pirus, son of
Imbrasus, who came from Ænos, the leader of the Thracian warriors,
struck him. The reckless stone entirely crushed both tendons and bones;
supine in the dust he fell, stretching forth both hands to his dear
companions, and breathing forth his soul. But Pirus, he who struck him,
ran up, and pierced him in the navel with his spear; and thereupon all
his entrails poured forth upon the ground, and darkness veiled his eyes.

But him[192] Ætolian Thoas struck, rushing on with his spear, in the
breast over the pap, and the brass was fastened in his lungs: Thoas came
near to him, and drew the mighty spear out of his breast; then he
unsheathed his sharp sword, and with it smote him in the midst of the
belly, and took away his life. But he did not spoil him of his armour,
for his companions stood round him, the hair-tufted Thracians, holding
long spears in their hands, who drove him from them, though being
mighty, and valiant, and glorious; but he, retreating, was repulsed with
force. Thus these two were stretched in the dust near to each other;
Pirus, indeed, the leader of the Thracians, and Diores, the leader of
the brazen-mailed Epeans; and many others also were slain around.

Then no longer could any man, having come into the field, find fault
with the action, who, even as yet neither wounded from distant
blows,[193] nor pierced close at hand with the sharp brass, might be
busied in the midst, and whom spear-brandishing Minerva might lead,
taking him by the hand, and might avert from him the violence of the
darts; for many of the Trojans and of the Greeks on that day were
stretched prone in the dust beside one another.

   [Footnote 192: Pirus.]

   [Footnote 193: Observe the distinction between [Greek: aylêtos]
   and [Greek: akoutatos]. Sec Anthon; Ammonius, p. 29; Valck.
   [Greek: Beylêsthai men esti to ek bolês etrôsthai, kai ek tôn
   enantiôn de, to ek cheiros tetrôsthai].]




                            BOOK THE FIFTH.


                               ARGUMENT.

The exploits of Diomedes, who, irritated by a wound from Pandarus,
fights with unremitted fury, and even wounds Venus and Mars, who were
aiding the Trojans.


Then, moreover, Pallas Minerva gave strength and daring to Diomede, the
son of Tydeus, that he might become conspicuous amongst all the Argives,
and might bear off for himself excellent renown. And she kindled from
his helmet and his shield an unwearied fire, like unto the summer[194]
star, which shines[195] very brightly, having been bathed in the ocean.
Such a fire she kindled from his head and shoulders, and she urged him
into the midst, where the greatest numbers were in commotion.

   [Footnote 194: _I. e._ the dog star, Sirius, whose rising marked
   the beginning of the [Greek: opôra], or season extending from the
   middle of July to the middle of September. It is said to be most
   brilliant at its time of rising. Cf. Apoll. iii. 956: [Greek: Os
   dê toi kalos men arizêlos t' esidesthai Antellei].]

   [Footnote 195: This use of the subjunctive mood is called the
   [Greek: schêma Iukeion] by Lesbonax, p. 179, ed. Valck.]

Now there was amongst the Trojans one Dares, rich, blameless, the priest
of Vulcan; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idæus, well skilled in all
kinds of battle: these twain, apart [from their companions], rushed to
meet [Diomede]; they on their part, from their two-horse chariot, but
he, from the ground, made the attack on foot. When these, therefore,
advancing against each other, were now near, Phegeus first hurled forth
his long-shadowed spear, and the point of the spear went over the left
shoulder of the son of Tydeus, nor did it strike him. But the son of
Tydeus next rushed on with his brazen javelin; nor did the weapon fly in
vain from his hand, but struck his [Phegeus's] breast between the paps,
and forced him from his chariot. Then Idæus leaped down, having left the
very beautiful chariot, nor ventured to protect his slain brother. [In
vain,] for not even he would have escaped gloomy fate, but Vulcan
snatched him away, and saved him, having enveloped him in darkness, that
the old man might not be altogether sad. But the son of magnanimous
Tydeus having taken the horses, gave them to his companions to lead to
the hollow ships. When the magnanimous Trojans beheld the sons of Dares,
the one[196] flying, the other slain at the chariot, the hearts of all
were discomfited. But azure-eyed Minerva, seizing him by the hand, thus
addressed impetuous Mars: "Mars, Mars, man-slayer, gore-stained, stormer
of walls, should we not suffer the Trojans and the Greeks to fight, to
which side soever father Jove may give glory; but let us retire, and
avoid the wrath of Jove?"

Thus having said, she led impetuous Mars from the battle, and afterwards
seated him on grassy[197] Scamander. Then the Greeks turned the Trojans
to flight, and each of the leaders slew his man. First Agamemnon, king
of men, hurled from his chariot huge Hodius, chief of the Halizonians.
For in the back of him first turned [in flight], between his shoulders
he fixed the spear, and drove it through his breast; and falling, he
made a crash, and his arms resounded upon him.

But next Idomeneus killed Phæstus, the son of Mæonian Borus, who had
come from fertile Tarne. Him, just as he was mounting his chariot,[198]
spear-famed Idomeneus, with his long lance, wounded in the right
shoulder: he fell from his chariot, and hateful darkness seized him.
Then the attendants of Idomeneus despoiled him of his arms.

   [Footnote 196: observe the construction by apposition, soph. ant.
   21: [Greek: tô kasignêtô, ton men protisas, ton d' atimasas
   echei].--561: tô paide phêmi tôde tên men artiôs anoun pephathai,
   tên d' aph' ou ta prôt' ephy.]

   [Footnote 197: see buttm. lexil. p. 324, sqq.]

   [Footnote 198: i shall generally adopt this translation of
   [Greek: ippoi], with anthon.]

Menelaus, the son of Atreus, slew with his sharp[199] spear Scamandrius,
son of Strophius, clever in the chase, an excellent huntsman; for Diana
herself taught him to shoot all kinds of beasts, which the wood in the
mountains nurtures. But then at least arrow-rejoicing Diana availed him
not, nor his skill in distant shooting, in which he had been formerly
instructed. But spear-renowned Menelaus, son of Atreus, wounded him,
flying before him, with a spear in the back, between the shoulders, and
drove [the spear] through his breast. Prone he fell, and his arms
resounded upon him.

Meriones slew Phereclus, son of the artist Harmon, who knew how to form
with his hands all ingenious things (for Pallas Minerva loved him
exceedingly): who also for Alexander had built the equal ships, source
of woes, which were a bane to all the Trojans and to himself, since he
did not understand the oracles of the gods.[200] Meriones, indeed, when
following he overtook him, struck him in the right hip; but the point
went right through beneath the bone, near the bladder; and on his knees
he fell lamenting, and death overshadowed him.

   [Footnote 199: Apoll. Lex. Hom. p. 604, ed. Villois: [Greek:
   oxyoenti. O men Apiôn, oxei enchei, oxyoenti de, oxyinô]. With
   Anthon, I prefer Apion's interpretation. Others explain it
   "beechen," or "thorn-wood." Cf. Alberti on Hesych. p. 766.]

   [Footnote 200: A doubtful line, but probably referring to an
   oracle by which the Trojans were recommended to avoid maritime
   affairs. Cf. Procl. Chrestom. p. 472, ed. Gaisf.]

But Meges next slew Pedæus, son of Antenor, who, indeed, was a spurious
son, yet noble Theano brought him up with care, equally with her own
dear children, gratifying her husband. Him the spear-famed son of
Phyleus, on his part, coming near, smote on the back of the head with
his sharp spear; the steel cut through his teeth under his tongue. In
the dust he fell, and caught the cold steel in his teeth.

But Eurypylus, son of Evæmon, slew noble Hypsenor, son of magnanimous
Dolopion, who was priest of Scamander, and was honoured as a god by the
people; him, as he was flying before him, Eurypylus, then, the
illustrious son of Evæmon, struck in the shoulder in his flight, rushing
on with his sword, and cut off his heavy hand: then the gory hand fell
in the field; but blood-red death and stern fate seized his eyes.

Thus they on their part laboured in the violent fight. But you would not
have known the son of Tydeus, to which side he belonged, whether he was
mixed with the Trojans or with the Greeks. For he rushed through the
plain, like unto a river swollen by mountain-streams, which flowing
rapidly throws down bridges: and this, neither the fortified dams can
restrain, nor the fences of the richly-blooming fields check, as it
comes suddenly, when the rain-storm of Jove bears down heavily: many
hopeful works of vigorous youths are wont to fall by it. Thus by the son
of Tydeus were the close phalanxes of the Trojans thrown into confusion;
nor did they withstand him, although being numerous.

When, therefore, Pandarus, the illustrious son of Lycaon, saw him
rushing through the field, discomfiting the phalanxes before him, he
drew his crooked bow, and smote him rushing on, striking him upon the
right shoulder [on] the cavity of the corslet: the bitter shaft flew on
and broke through to the other side; and the corslet was stained with
blood. Whereupon the illustrious son of Lycaon exclaimed aloud:

"Rush on, ye magnanimous Trojans, spurrers of steeds, for the bravest
of the Greeks is wounded; nor do I think that he will long endure the
violent arrow, if king Apollo, the son of Jove, really urged me
proceeding from Lycia."

Thus he spoke, vaunting; but him [Diomede] the swift arrow did not
subdue: but having retreated, he stood before his horses and chariot,
and thus accosted Sthenelus, son of Capaneus:

"Haste, dear son of Capaneus, descend from thy chariot, that thou mayest
draw from my shoulder the bitter shaft."

Thus he spoke, and Sthenelus leaped from his chariot to the ground, and,
standing by him, drew the swift, deeply-piercing arrow forth from his
shoulder, and the blood spurted out through the twisted mail. Then
Diomede, brave in battle, prayed:

"Hear me, O daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, unwearied, if ever favouring
thou stoodest by me and my sire in the hostile fight, now in turn
befriend me, O Minerva. And grant me to slay this man, and that he may
approach within the aim of my spear, who being beforehand has struck me,
and boasts, and says that I shall not long behold the brilliant light of
the sun."

Thus he spoke, praying, and Pallas Minerva heard him, and made light his
limbs, his feet, and his hands above, and standing near him, spoke
winged words:

"With confidence, now, O Diomede, fight against the Trojans; for into
thy soul have I sent that intrepid ancestral might, such as the
shield-brandishing knight Tydeus was wont to possess: and moreover I
have taken away the darkness from thine eyes, which before was upon
them, that thou mayest discern a god and also a man. Wherefore now, if
any divinity come hither, making trial of thee, do thou by no means
fight against any other immortal gods; but if Venus, daughter of Jove,
should come into battle, wound her at all events with the sharp brass."

Thus on her part having spoken, azure-eyed Minerva departed: but the son
of Tydeus, returning again, was mixed with the van; and ardent as he
before was in spirit to fight against the Trojans, then, indeed, thrice
as much courage possessed him. Like as a lion, whom the shepherd in the
country, by his fleecy sheep, has grazed indeed, while overleaping the
court-yard, but has not killed; he [the shepherd] has merely roused his
ardour; but afterwards he ventures no farther aid, but on the contrary
retires within the fold, while the sheep, deserted, fly in
consternation. These, indeed, are huddled in masses one upon another,
but he [the lion] leaps joyfully from the lofty fold.[201] So was brave
Diomede joyfully mixed with the Trojans.

Then he slew Astynoüs, and Hypenor the shepherd of the people: having
smote the one above the pap with the brazen lance, but the other he
smote with his huge sword on the collar-bone at the shoulder, and
separated the shoulder from the neck and back. These, indeed, he left,
but rushed on Abas and Polyïdus, the sons of Eurydamas, the aged
interpreter of dreams; to whom going to the war, the old man did not
interpret their dreams; but brave Diomede spoiled them when slain. Then
he went against Xanthus and Thoon, the sons of Phænops, both dearly
cherished;[202] but he was worn by sad old age, and did not beget
another son to leave over his possessions. These, then, Diomede slew,
and took their life from both, but to their father left grief and
mournful cares, since he did not receive them returning alive from
battle; but his next of kin[203] divided the inheritance amongst them.

   [Footnote 201: A very doubtful line.]

   [Footnote 202: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 511.]

   [Footnote 203: Schol.: [Greek: Chêrôstai, oi ton chêron oikon
   dianemomenoi klêronomoi]. Apoll. Lex. p. 854: [Greek: Oi
   macrothen prosêkontes kata genos, kai chêra onta tôn syngus ta
   chrêmata klêronomountes].]

Then he seized Echemon and Chromius, two sons of Dardanian Priam, being
in one chariot. As when a lion, leaping amidst the herd, has broken the
neck of a heifer or of an ox pasturing in a thicket; so did the son of
Tydeus forcibly dislodge them both from the chariot against their wills,
and then spoiled them of their arms. But the steeds he gave to his
companions, to drive to the ships.

But him Æneas beheld devastating the ranks of men, and he hastened to go
both through the battle and the din o spears, seeking godlike Pandarus,
if anywhere he might find him. He found the blameless and valiant son of
Lycaon, and stood before him, and spoke [this] word to him:

"O Pandarus, where are thy bow and thy winged shafts, and thy renown,
with which no man here at least contends with thee, nor does any person
in Lycia boast to be braver than thou? But come, having raised thy hands
to Jove, aim an arrow against this man, (whoever he be, who is thus
prevailing, and who has already wrought many ills against the Trojans,
since he has relaxed the knees of many and of brave), unless he be some
god, wrathful against the Trojans, angry on account of sacrifices [not
offered]: and unless the severe wrath of a deity be upon us."

Him the illustrious son of Lycaon answered in turn: "Æneas, counsellor
of the brazen-mailed Trojans, I assimilate him in all respects to the
warlike son of Tydeus, recognizing him by his shield and oblong helmet,
and looking on his steeds: but I do not know certainly whether he be a
god. But if this man, whom I speak of, be the warlike son of Tydeus, he
does not perform these frantic deeds without divine aid, but some one of
the immortals stands near, wrapped round as to his shoulders[204] in a
cloud, who has turned into another course the swift shaft just about to
hit him. For but just now I aimed an arrow at him, and struck him on the
right shoulder, entirely through the cavity of his corslet; and I
thought I should hurl him down to Plato; yet did I not altogether subdue
him; some god, of a truth, is wrathful. And steeds and chariots are not
present, which I might ascend: but somewhere in the palaces of Lycaon
[are] eleven chariots, beautiful, newly-built, lately made: coverings
are spread around them: and beside each of them stand steeds yoked in
pairs, eating white barley and wheat. Of a truth the aged warrior Lycaon
gave me, on setting out, very many commands in his well-built palaces:
he ordered me, having ascended my steeds and my chariot, to command the
Trojans in the fierce conflicts; but I heeded him not (and truly it
would have been much better), sparing my steeds, lest they, accustomed
to feed largely, should want food, to my cost[205], the men being shut
up [in the city]. Thus I left them; but I have come on foot to Troy,
relying on my bow and arrows, but these were not destined to profit me.
For lately I aimed [a shaft] at two chiefs, at the son of Tydeus and the
son of Atreus; and having struck, I drew blood manifestly from both; but
I roused them the more. Therefore, with evil fate I took down my curved
bow from the peg, on that day when I led the Trojans to pleasant Ilium,
doing a favour to divine Hector. But if I shall return, and shall with
these eyes behold my country, and my wife, and my lofty-roofed great
palace, immediately may some hostile man cut off my head, if I do not
put this bow into the shining fire, having broken it with my hands; for
it attends on me to no purpose."

   [Footnote 204: Cf. Hor. Od. i. 2, 31: "Nube candentes humeros
   amictus."]

   [Footnote 205: Observe the force of [Greek: moi].]

Him then Æneas, the leader of the Trojans, addressed in turn: "Speak not
so: but it will not be otherwise, before that we twain, with horses and
chariot, going against this man, make trial of him with arms. But come,
ascend my chariot; that thou mayest see of what kind are the steeds of
Tros, skilful in the plain to pursue rapidly here and there, and to
retreat; they also shall bring us safe again to the city, if Jove will a
second time afford glory to Diomede, the son of Tydeus. But come, take
the whip now, and the shining reins, and I will descend from the
chariot, that I may fight; or do thou await this man, and the steeds
shall be my care."

Him then the illustrious son of Lycaon answered in turn: "Æneas, do thou
thyself hold the reins and thy own steeds: the better will they bear
along the curved chariot under their accustomed charioteer, if we shall
fly back from the son of Tydeus; lest they, taking fright, should become
restive, and be unwilling to bear us away from the war, missing thy
voice, and the son of magnanimous Tydeus, rushing on us, should slay
ourselves, and drive away thy solid-hoofed steeds. But do thou thyself
drive the chariot and thy own steeds, but with my sharp spear will I
receive him advancing."

Thus having said, ascending the variegated chariot, they directed the
swift steeds impetuously against the son of Tydeus. But Sthenelus, the
illustrious son of Capaneus, perceived them, and immediately to the son
of Tydeus he spoke winged words:

"Diomede, son of Tydeus, most dear to my soul, I perceive two valiant
men eager to fight against thee, possessing immense might; one, indeed,
well-skilled in the bow,[206] Pandarus, and moreover he boasts to be the
son of Lycaon, and Æneas, [who] boasts to be born the son of magnanimous
Anchises; but Venus is his mother. But come, let us now retire, having
ascended our horses, nor thus, I pray thee, run furiously through the
van, lest thou shouldst lose thy dear life."

But him sternly regarding, brave Diomede thus addressed: "Talk not to me
of retreat,[207] since I think thou wilt not persuade me. It becomes not
my nature to fight in a skulking manner, nor to tremble; as yet my
strength is unimpaired. I am averse to mount the chariot, but even as I
am will I advance to meet them: spear-brandishing Minerva does not
suffer me to tremble. Never shall the swift horses bear these twain both
back again from us, supposing even one of them shall escape. But another
thing I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy soul, if most prudent
Minerva should grant me the glory to kill both, then do thou detain here
these swift steeds, stretching forth the reins from the rim, and,
mindful, rush upon the horses of Æneas, and drive them from the Trojans
to the well-greaved Greeks. For they are of that breed which far-seeing
Jove gave as a price to Tros for his son Ganymede; wherefore they are
the best of steeds, as many as are under the east and the sun. From this
breed Anchises, king of men, stole them, having supplied mares without
the knowledge of Laomedon: of the breed of these six were foaled in his
courts. Reserving four himself, he nourished them at the manger, and
two, skilled in rousing terror, he gave to Æneas. If we can take these,
we shall have borne away excellent glory."

   [Footnote 206: This bold change of construction, where one would
   have expected [Greek: ton men, ton de], has been noticed by
   Lesbonax, p. 186.]

   [Footnote 207: But Anthon, I think, with more spirit, renders
   this, "Speak not at all fearward."]

Thus they were speaking such things to each other; but the others soon
drew near, urging onward their swift steeds. The illustrious son of
Lycaon first accosted Diomede:

"Stout-hearted, warlike-minded, son of illustrious Tydeus, certainly my
swift shaft, my bitter arrow has not slain thee. Now again will I try
with my spear, whether I can hit my mark." [208]

He said, and brandishing [it], he sent forth his long-shadowed spear,
and struck the shield of Tydides: but the brazen spear flying straight
through, approached the corslet. Then the son of Lycaon shouted loudly
over him:

"Thou art wounded in the flank, through and through, nor do I think thou
wilt endure it much longer: but to me hast thou given great glory."

But him the valiant son of Tydeus, undisturbed, addressed: "Thou hast
erred, nor hast thou reached thine aim;[209] but I certainly think thou
wilt not cease, till one of you at least, having fallen, shall satiate
Mars, the warrior of the bull's-hide shield, with his blood."

   [Footnote 208: This is the best manner of expressing the full
   meaning of [Greek: tychomi].]

   [Footnote 209: _I. e._ given a mortal wound.]

Thus having spoken, he hurled forth [his lance], and Minerva directed
the weapon to his nose, near the eye; and it passed quite through his
white teeth: and then unwearied, the brass cut the root of his tongue,
and the point came out at the bottom of his chin. From his chariot he
fell, and his variegated, shining [210] arms resounded upon him; but his
swift-footed steeds started aside through fright, and there were his
soul and strength dissolved. Æneas then bounded down with his shield and
long spear, fearing lest the Greeks by any means should take the body
away from him. He walked round it, therefore, like a lion, confiding in
his strength: and before him he stretched out his lance, and his shield
equal on all sides, shouting dreadfully, eager to slay him, whoever
might come against him. But the son of Tydeus seized in his grasp a
hand-stone, a huge affair, such as no two men could carry, such at least
as mortals are now; but he even alone easily wielded it. With it he
struck Æneas on the hip, where the thigh is turned in the hip;--they
call it the socket;--the socket he smote violently, and broke besides
both tendons, and the rugged stone tore off the skin. But the hero
having fallen on his knees, remained so, and supported himself with his
strong hand upon the ground, and dark night veiled his eyes.

   [Footnote 210: But Buttm. Lexil. p. 65 prefers "agile," _i. e._
   easily-wielded.]

And there, of a truth, Æneas, the king of men, had perished, unless
Venus, the daughter of Jove, had quickly perceived him, his mother, who
brought him forth to Anchises as he fed his oxen;[211] but around her
own dear son she spread her white arms, and before him she extended the
folds of her shining robe, as a fence against arrows, lest any of the
swift-horsed Greeks having cast the steel into his breast, should take
away his life. She, indeed, stealthily bore off her beloved son from the
battle. Nor was the son of Capaneus forgetful of those commands which
warlike Diomede gave him: but he detained his own solid-hoofed steeds
apart from the tumult, having stretched forth the reins from the rim;
and rushing forward, drove from the Trojans to the well-greaved Greeks
the beautiful-maned steeds of Æneas, and gave them to Deipylus, his
beloved companion (whom he honoured above all his coevals, because he
possessed in his mind sentiments congenial with himself), to drive them
to the hollow ships: but the hero himself, having ascended his chariot,
took the splendid reins; and instantly drove his solid-hoofed steeds
after the son of Tydeus with ardour; but Diomede pursued Venus with the
cruel steel,[212] knowing that she was an unwarlike goddess, nor [one]
of those goddesses who administer the war of men, neither Minerva, nor
city-destroying Bellona. But when he had now overtaken her, having
pursued her through a great crowd, then the son of magnanimous Tydeus,
having stretched forward, wounded the feeble [goddess] in the extremity
of the hand, bounding on with the sharp brass. Instantly the spear
pierced through the skin, through her ambrosial robe (which the Graces
themselves had wrought), at the extremity [of the hand] above the palm.
Immortal blood flowed from the goddess, ichor, such, to wit, as flows
from the blessed gods. For they eat not bread, nor drink dark wine;
therefore are they bloodless, and are called immortal. But she screaming
aloud, cast her son from her: and him Phoebus Apollo rescued in his
hands in a sable cloud, lest any of the swift-horsed Greeks, casting the
steel into his breast, should take away his life. But warlike Diomede
shouted loudly after her:

   [Footnote 211: Cf. Theocrit. i. 105: [Greek: Ou legetai tan Kyprin o
   boukolos, erpe pot' idan, Erpe not' Anchisan]. See Hymn, in Vener.
   54, sqq.; and Grote, Hist. of Greece, vol. i. p. 73.]

   [Footnote 212: It is well known that these battles and woundings
   of the gods gave so much scandal to Plato, that he wished to cast
   Homer out of his republic, much to the indignation of Heraclides
   Ponticus, Alleg. Hom. p. 511. The fathers of the early church
   made no small use of Plato's opinion on this head. Cf. Euseb. P.
   E. ii. 10; Tertull. Apol. § xiv.; Augustin, C. D. ii. 14;
   Minucius Felix, 22; who all make use of his testimony as an
   argument against Paganism. See Coleridge, Classic Poets, p. 64.]

"Withdraw, O daughter of Jove, from war and battle. Is it not sufficient
that thou dost practise deception upon feeble women? But if thou wilt go
to the war, I certainly think thou wilt hereafter dread battle, even
though thou but hearest of it elsewhere."

Thus he spoke: but she departed, distracted [with pain], for she was
grievously exhausted. But swift-footed Iris having taken her, led her
outside the crowd, oppressed with griefs; but she began to turn livid as
to her beauteous skin. Then she found impetuous Mars sitting at the left
of the battle; and his spear and swift horses had been enveloped in
darkness. But she, falling on her knees, with many entreaties besought
from her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds:

"Dear brother, render me a service, and give me thy steeds, that I may
go to Olympus, where is the seat of the immortals. I am grievously
oppressed with a wound which a mortal man, the son of Tydeus, inflicted
on me, who now would fight even with father Jove."

Thus she spoke: but Mars gave her the golden-frontleted steeds. But she
mounted the chariot, grieving in her heart; and Iris mounted beside her,
and took the reins in her hands, and scourged them to go on, and they
flew not unwillingly. And immediately then they reached the seat of the
gods, the lofty Olympus. There nimble, swift-footed Iris stayed the
steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and set before them
ambrosial fodder. But the goddess Venus fell at the knees of her mother
Dione; and she embraced her daughter in her arms, and soothed her with
her hand, and addressed her, and said:

"Which of the heavenly gods, beloved daughter, has wantonly done such
things to thee, as if thou hadst openly wrought some evil?"

But her laughter-loving Venus answered: "The son of Tydeus, haughty
Diomede, has wounded me, because I was withdrawing from battle my
beloved son Æneas, who is by far most dear to me of all. For it is no
longer the destructive contest of Trojans and of Greeks; but now the
Greeks fight even with the immortals."

But her Dione, divine one of goddesses, answered: "Endure, my daughter,
and bear up, although grieved; for many of us, possessing Olympian
habitations, have in times past endured pains at the hand of men,[213]
imposing heavy griefs on one another. Mars, in the first place, endured
it, when Otus and valiant Ephialtes, the sons of Aloëus, bound him in a
strong chain. He was chained in a brazen prison for thirteen months: and
perhaps Mars, insatiate of war, had perished there, had not his
stepmother, all-fair Eëribæa, told it to Mercury; but he stole Mars
away, already exhausted, for the cruel chain subdued him. Juno also
suffered, when the brave son of Amphitryon smote her in the right
breast with a three-pronged shaft. Then most irremediable pain seized
her. Amongst these Pluto also endured a swift shaft, when the same hero,
the son of ægis-bearing Jove, afflicted him with pains at Pylos amongst
the dead, having wounded him. But he went to the palace of Jove, and the
lofty Olympus, grieving in his heart, and transfixed with pains; for the
shaft had pierced into his huge shoulder, and tortured his soul. But
Pæon healed him, sprinkling pain-assuaging remedies, for he was not at
all mortal. Audacious, regardless one! who felt no compunction in doing
lawless deeds,--who with his bow violated the gods that dwell in
Olympus. But against thee azure-eyed goddess Minerva has excited this
man. Infatuate! nor does the son of Tydeus know this in his mind, that
he is by no means long-lived who fights with the immortals, nor ever at
his knees will sons lisp a father's name, as he returns from war and
dreadful battle. Therefore, let the son of Tydeus now, though he be very
brave, have a care, lest a better than thou fight with him: lest at a
future time Ægialëa, the very prudent daughter of Adrastus, the noble
spouse of horse-taming Diomede, grieving, should rouse her servants from
sleep, longing for the husband of her youth, the bravest of the Greeks."

   [Footnote 213: Speaking of these humiliations of the gods, Grote,
   Hist. t. i. p. 78, well observes: "The god who serves is for a
   time degraded; but the supreme god who commands the servitude is
   in the like proportion exalted, whilst the idea of some sort of
   order and government among these super-human beings was never
   lost sight of."]

She spoke, and with her palms wiped off the ichor from her hand: the
hand was healed, and the severe pains mitigated. But then Minerva and
Juno looking on, provoked Saturnian Jove with heart-cutting words; but
amidst them azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus began speaking:

"Father Jove, wilt thou indeed be angry with me on account of what I
shall say? Surely it must be that Venus, inspiring some one of the
Grecian women with a desire of accompanying the Trojans, whom now she
exceedingly loves, while caressing one of those fair-robed Grecian
women, has torn her delicate hand against a golden buckle."

Thus she spoke: but the father of men and gods smiled, and having
called, he thus accosted golden Venus:

"Not to thee, daughter mine, are intrusted warlike works; but do thou
confine thyself to the desirable offices of marriage, and all these
things shall be a care to swift Mars and to Minerva."

Thus they, indeed, were speaking such things to each other. But Diomede,
doughty in the din of battle, rushed upon Æneas, conscious that Apollo
himself held over him his hands. But he revered not the mighty god, for
he always longed to slay Æneas, and despoil him of his glorious armour.
Thrice then, immediately, he rushed on, eager to slay him, and thrice
Apollo repelled his shield with violence; but when at length the fourth
time he rushed on, like a god, the far-darting Apollo menacing terribly,
addressed him: "Consider, O son of Tydeus, and retire, nor wish to think
things equal with the gods; for the race of the immortal gods and of men
walking on the earth is in nowise similar."

Thus he spoke: but the son of Tydeus retired a little, biding the wrath
of far-darting Apollo. But Apollo placed Æneas apart from the crowd, in
sacred Pergamus, where his temple was.[214] Latona and shaft-rejoicing
Diana healed him in the mighty shrine, and adorned him with glory. But
silver-bowed Apollo formed a phantom like unto Æneas himself and such in
arms. Around the phantom the Trojans and the noble Greeks smote on each
others' breasts the well-battered ox-hide shields, and the light
bucklers. Then at length Phoebus Apollo addressed impetuous Mars:

   [Footnote 214: "On the Trojan citadel of Pergamus itself was a
   temple of Apollo, Diana and Latona; and hence Homer represents
   these three deities protecting the falling city."--Müller,
   Dorians, vol. i. p. 248.]

"Mars! Mars! man-slaughterer, gore-tainted, wall-batterer! wouldst not
thou now, meeting this man, the son of Venus, withdraw him from the
battle, who would even now cope with father Jove? First, indeed, in
close combat, he wounded Venus in the hand, at the wrist; but then he
assailed me, like unto a god."

Thus having spoken, he sat down on lofty Pergamus; but destructive Mars
aroused the ranks of the Trojans, going through them, assimilating
himself to Acamus, the swift leader of the Thracians, and thus he
harangued the Jove-nourished sons of Priam:

"Ye sons of Priam, Jove-nourished king, how long will ye suffer the
people to be slain by the Greeks? Is it until they fight around the
well-made gates? A hero lies prostate, whom we honoured equally with
noble Hector, the son of magnanimous Anchises. But come, let us rescue
from the assault our excellent companion."

Thus having spoken, he excited the might and courage of heart. Then
Sarpedon much rebuked noble Hector:

Hector, where now has that strength gone, which thou didst formerly
possess? Thou saidst, I ween, that thou, with thy kindred and thy
brothers, couldst defend the city without the forces and allies. Now I
can neither see nor perceive any of these; but they crouch down, like
dogs but a lion: we, on the contrary, who are here mere allies, bear the
brunt of the fight. Even I, being thine ally, have come from a very
great distance; for far off is Lycia, at lying Xanthus, where I left my
beloved wife and my infant son, and many possessions, which he who is
poor covets: but I, nevertheless, exhort the Lycians, and ready myself
to fight with that hero; and yet there is here to me such store as the
Greeks can carry or let. But thou standest still, and dost not exhort
even the forces to stand and to defend their wives. Beware perchance,
as though ensnared in the meshes of an a turing net, thou become a prey
and a spoil to hostile for quickly will they destroy thy well-inhabited
city. As it behoves thee, both night and day, to interest thyself in
these matters, beseeching the chiefs of thy far-summoned force to
persevere with ardour, and forego their violent strife.

Thus spoke Sarpedon, but his speech gnawed the heart of Hector, and
immediately he leaped from his chariot with his armour to the ground,
and brandishing his sharp spear, went in all directions through the
army, exhorting the battle; and he stirred up a grievous conflict. The
Trojans rallied and stood against the Greeks; but the Greeks stood in
close array, withstood them, nor fled.

And as the wind scatters the chaff about the threshing-floors, when men
are winnowing [it], and yellow Ceres is separating both the grain and
the chaff, the winds rush along; and the chaff-heaps[215] grow white
beneath; thus then the Greeks became white with the chaff from above,
which indeed through them, as they again mingled in the combat, the feet
of the steeds struck up [the ground] to the brazen heaven; for the
charioteers turning back. But they directed the strength of theirs
straight forward; and fierce Mars spread a vapour over the battle,
aiding the Trojans, going about everywhere, echoing the commands of
golden-sworded Phoebus Apollo and ordered him to excite the courage of
the Trojans, whenever he should see Pallas Minerva departing; for she
was an ally of the Greeks. But he sent forth Æneas from his very rich
shrine and infused strength into the breast of the shepherd of the
people.

   [Footnote 215: But cf. Schol. [Greek: oi tonoi eis ous ta achyra
   ekpiptei].]

Then Æneas placed himself amidst his companions and they rejoiced when
they saw him approaching alive, unhurt and having excellent strength.
They did not ever, ask any questions; for a different labour did not
pale which the silver-bowed god and man-slaughtering war and Strife
insatiably raging, had excited. But then Greeks, the two Ajaces, and
Ulysses and Diomede, urged on to fight. But they, even by themselves,
feared neither the violent attacks[216] of the Trojans, nor their
shouts: but remained firm, like unto clouds, which the son of Saturn,
during a calm, has placed upon the lofty mountains, at rest, when the
might of Boreas sleeps,[217] and of the other impetuous winds, which,
blowing with shrill blasts, disperse the shadowy clouds. Thus the Greeks
awaited the Trojans, standing firm, nor fled. But the son of Atreus kept
hurrying through the host, exhorting them much:

"O friends, be men, and assume a valiant heart, and feel shame[218]
towards each other through the fierce engagements: for more of those men
who dread shame are safe, than are slain; but from fugitives neither
does any glory arise, nor any assistance."

He spoke, and darted with his spear quickly, and struck Dëicoon, son of
Pergasis, a warrior chief, the companion of magnanimous Æneas, whom the
Trojans honoured equally with the sons of Priam; since he was prompt to
fight amidst the van. Him then king Agamemnon struck in the shield with
his spear, but it [the shield] did not repel the spear, for even through
this it passed onwards, and pierced him through the belt, at the lower
part of the stomach. And he made a crash as he fell, and his arms
rattled over him.

Here then Æneas slew some brave heroes of the Greeks,--Crethon and
Orsilochus, the sons of Diocles: their father, indeed, rich in
sustinence,[219] dwelt in well-built Pheræ; but his origin was from the
river Alpheus, which flows widely through the land of the Pylians.
Alpheus begat Orsilochus, a prince over many men; but Orsilochus begat
magnanimous Diocles; and of Diocles were born two sons, Crethon and
Orsilochus, well skilled in all kinds of battle. These, indeed, in the
bloom of youth, in their sable ships followed with the Argives to Ilium
famed for noble steeds, seeking honour for the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon
and Menelaus: but there the end of death overshadowed them.

   [Footnote 216: Such seems to be the force of the plural [Greek:
   bias].]

   [Footnote 217: "Ascending, while the north wind sleeps."--Milton,
   P. L. ii. 489.]

   [Footnote 218: I. e. be ashamed to fly or give way. Compare
   Plato, Sympos. p. 317, F. G. ed. Læm., where he dwells upon the
   advantages of friends fighting together, as rendering men ashamed
   of any cowardly action.]

   [Footnote 219: This construction with the genitive is very common
   in Latin. Virg. Georg. ii. 468: "dives opum." Æn. i. 18; Hor. Ep.
   ii. 2, 31; Od. iv. 8, 5; Silius, i. 393.]

They two,[220] just as two lions have been reared under their dam, amid
the thickets of a deep wood, on a mountain's heights; they in process of
time seizing oxen and fat sheep, lay waste the stalls of men, till at
length they are themselves killed by the hands of men with the sharp
brass; such these two, subdued by the hands of Æneas, fell like lofty
firs. Then Menelaus, brave in the din of war, pitied them fallen, and
went through the van, equipped in shining brass, brandishing his spear;
for Mars kindled his strength, with the design that he should be subdued
by the hands of Æneas.

But him Antilochus, son of magnanimous Nestor, beheld, and proceeded
through the van, for he feared much for the shepherd of the people, lest
he should suffer anything, and greatly disappoint them of [the fruits
of] their labour. And now they were stretching forth their hands and
sharp spears against each other, eager to fight; but Antilochus stood
very near the shepherd[221] of the people. But Æneas, though a brisk
warrior, remained not, when he beheld the two heroes standing near each
other. When, therefore, they had drawn the dead bodies[222] to the
people of the Greeks, they gave the miserable pair into the hands of
their companions; and they themselves, returning back, fought in the
van.

   [Footnote 220: The order is, [Greek: tôge, oiô leonte dyô].
   Anthon refers to Kühner 1. 443, 4, p. 97, Jelf's Translation.]

   [Footnote 221: See note on ver. 50.]

   [Footnote 222: Of the sons of Diocles.]

Then they slew Pylæmenes, equal to Mars, general of the magnanimous
shielded Paphlagonians. Him indeed the son of Atreus, spear-renowned
Menelaus, wounded with a spear as he stood, having smote him on the
collar-bone. But Antilochus on his part smote the charioteer Mydon, his
brave attendant, the son of Atymnias (now he was in the act of turning
his solid-hoofed steeds), having struck him with a hand-stone on the
elbow; immediately the reins, white with ivory, fell from his hands on
the ground in the dust. But Antilochus, rushing on, smote him with his
sword in the temple, and panting he fell from the well-made chariot,
headlong in the dust, on his head and his shoulders. Very long he stood
(for he fell on deep sand), till the two horses, striking him, cast him
to the ground in the dust: but Antilochus lashed them on, and drove them
to the army of the Greeks.

But them Hector discerned through the ranks, and rushed on them,
vociferating, and with him followed the brave phalanxes of the Trojans.
Mars and venerable Bellona led them; she, on the one hand, bearing with
her tumultuous Din, but Mars, on the other, brandished a huge spear in
his hands. At one time, indeed, he paced before Hector, at another after
him.

But him Diomede, brave in fight, seeing, trembled. As when a man,
uncertain of his course, passing over a great plain, has stopped at a
swift-flowing river, running into the sea, beholding it boiling with
foam, and retreats back in haste: so then did the son of Tydeus retire,
and he said to the host:

"O friends, how do we all admire noble Hector, that he is both a
spearman and a daring warrior! But with him one at least of the gods is
ever present, who wards off death; even now Mars in person stands by him
like unto a mortal man. But retreat back, [with your faces] turned
always to the Trojans, nor desire to fight valiantly against the gods."

Thus then he said: but the Trojans advanced very near them. There Hector
slew two heroes skilled in battle, Menesthes and Anchialus, being in one
chariot. But mighty Telamonian Ajax pitied them falling; and advancing
he stood very near them, and launched with his shining spear, and smote
Amphius, son of Selagus, who, exceedingly rich in property and crops,
dwelt in Pæsus. But fate had led him as an ally to Priam and his sons.
Him Telamonian Ajax smote on the belt, and the long-shadowed spear was
fixed in the pit of his stomach. Falling, he made a crash, and
illustrious Ajax ran up to him, about to spoil [him of] his armour; but
the Trojans poured upon him sharp spears, shining all around, and his
shield received many. But he, pressing on him with his heel, drew from
the body his brazen spear; however, he was not able to take off from his
shoulders any other beautiful armour, for he was pressed upon with
weapons. He also dreaded the stout defence of haughty Trojans,[223] who,
both numerous and doughty, stood around, stretching forth their spears,
and who drove him away from them, although being mighty, and valiant,
and renowned. But he, retiring, was repelled by force.

   [Footnote 223: Cf. Lex. Seg. 6, p. 336. Bekk.: [Greek: agerôchos
   semnos, yperopiês, yrasus]. On the different and doubtful
   etymologies of this word, see Alberti on Hesych. t. i. p, 44, and
   Buttm. Lexil. p. 19, sq.]

Thus they, on the one hand, toiled through the violent conflict. But
violent fate urged on Tlepolemus, the brave and great son of Hercules,
against godlike Sarpedon. But when they, the son and grandson of
cloud-collecting Jove, were now rushing against one another, Tlepolemus
first addressed him [Sarpedon]:

"Sarpedon, chief of the Lycians, what necessity is there for thee, being
a man unskilled in war, to tremble here? Falsely do they say that thou
art the offspring of ægis-bearing Jove, since thou art far inferior to
those heroes, who were of Jove, in the time of ancient men. But what
sort do they say that Hercules was, my bold-minded, lion-hearted father?
who formerly coming hither, on account of the steeds of Laomedon, with
six ships only, and with a few men, laid waste the city of Ilium, and
widowed its streets. But thou hast an ignoble mind, and thy forces are
perishing away; nor do I think that thou wilt be an assistance to the
Trojans, having come from Lycia, not even if thou be exceedingly
valiant; but that, slain by me, thou wilt pass through the gates of
Hades."

But him Sarpedon, leader of the Lycians, in return accosted:
"Tlepolemus, he indeed overturned sacred Ilium, through the folly of the
hero, famous Laomedon, who reproved with harsh language him who had
deserved well, nor did he give back the steeds, on account of which he
came from afar. But I tell thee that here slaughter and gloomy death
will befall thee at my hands; and that, subdued by my spear, thou wilt
give glory to me, and a spirit to steed-famed[224] Pluto."

   [Footnote 224: An epithet probably derived from the steeds
   ("inferni raptoris equos," Claudian, de R. P. i. 1) employed in
   the abduction of Proserpine.]

Thus spoke Sarpedon: but Tlepolemus raised his ashen spear, and from
their hands, at the same moment, flew the long spears. Sarpedon, on his
part, struck the centre of [his adversary's] neck, and the grievous
weapon passed right through; and gloomy night overspread his eyes. But
Tlepolemus in the meantime had struck Sarpedon in the left thigh with
his long spear; and the spear, rushing with violence, passed through,
grazing the bone: but his father as yet averted death.

His noble companions bore godlike Sarpedon from the battle; but the long
spear, trailed along with him, pained him; but this no one of them
hastening noticed, nor thought of extracting from his thigh the ashen
spear, that he might ascend the chariot; for such anxiety did his
attendants entertain for him. But on the other side the well-greaved
Greeks carried Tlepolemus from the fight; and divine Ulysses, possessing
an enduring heart, perceived them, and his soul was stirred within him.
And then he anxiously pondered in his mind and soul, whether he should
pursue farther the son of loud-thundering Jove, or should take away the
lives of many more Lycians. But it was not fated for magnanimous Ulysses
to slay the brave son of Jove with the sharp spear. Therefore Minerva
turned his thoughts towards the multitude of the Lycians. Then he slew
Coeranus, and Alastor, and Chromius, and Alcander, and Halius, and
Noëmon, and Prytanis. And yet more Lycians would noble Ulysses have
slain, had not mighty crest-tossing Hector quickly perceived him. He
therefore went through the van, armed in shining brass, bearing terror
to the Greeks: then Sarpedon, the son of Jove, rejoiced at him
approaching, and spoke [this] mournful address:

"O son of Priam, I pray thee, suffer me not to lie a prey to the Greeks,
but aid me. Even then[225] let life forsake me in thy city; since I was
not destined to gladden my dear wife and infant son, returning home to
my dear fatherland."

   [Footnote 225: I. e. when you have rescued my body from the foe,
   I will die content in Troy.--Anthon.]

Thus he spoke: but him plume-waving Hector answered nought, but flew
past him, in order that he might repel the Greeks with all haste, and
take away the lives of many. His noble companions meantime placed
godlike Sarpedon under a very beautiful beech of ægis-bearing Jove.
Stout Pelagon then, who was his beloved companion, forced out the ashen
spear from his thigh. Thereupon animation left him, and darkness was
poured over his eyes; but he again revived, for the breeze of Boreas,
breathing upon him around, refreshed in spirit him panting with
difficulty.

But the Greeks, on account of Mars and brazen-helmed Hector, neither
were driven at any time back to their sable ships, nor did they advance
forward to battle; but always kept giving ground, since they had heard
that Mars was with the Trojans.

Then whom first, whom last did Hector, the son of Priam, and brazen Mars
slay? The godlike Teuthras, and moreover the knight Orestes, the Ætolian
spearman Trechus, and oenomaus, and Helenus of the race of oenops, and
Oresbius of flexible[226] belt, who dwelt in Hyla, near the lake
Cephissus, very intent on wealth: and near him dwelt other Boeotians,
having a very rich territory.

   [Footnote 226: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 66. I. e. "a belt which he
   could easily move, and which, from its suppleness and
   flexibility, yielded to the pressure of his person."--Anthon.]

When therefore the white-armed goddess Juno perceived these Greeks
perishing in the violent engagement, straightway to Minerva she
addressed winged words:

"Strange! O daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, unwearied one, certainly we
have made a vain promise to Menelaus, that he should return after having
destroyed well-walled Ilium, if we suffer destructive Mars thus to rage.
But come, let us too bethink ourselves of some powerful aid."

Thus she spoke; nor did the azure-eyed goddess Minerva disobey her.
Juno, on her part, venerable goddess, daughter of mighty Saturn, quickly
moving, harnessed her gold-caparisoned steeds; but Hebe speedily applied
to the chariot, to the iron axletree on both sides, the curved wheels,
golden, with eight spokes. Of these, indeed, the felloe is of gold,
imperishable: but above [are] brazen tires fastened on them, wonderful
to be seen; but the circular naves on both sides are of silver; and the
body[227] was stretched on with gold and silver thongs (there was a
double circular rim); from this projected a silver pole; at its
extremity she bound the golden, beauteous yoke, and to it attached the
beautiful golden poitrels. But Juno, longing for conquest and battle,
led the swift-footed steeds under the yoke.

   [Footnote 227: [Greek: diôros] is properly the seat, but is here
   put for the whole chariot.]

Minerva, on the other hand, the daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, let flow
down on her father's floor her dainty robe of variegated hue, which she
herself had wrought and worked with her own hands: then she, having put
on her tunic, equipped herself for the tearful war in the armour of
cloud-compelling Jove, and around her shoulders she then threw the
fringed ægis, dreadful, around which on all sides Terror appears plumed.
Thereon was Strife, thereon Fortitude, and thereon was chilling
Pursuit;[228] on it was the Gorgonian head of the dreadful monster,
dire, horrible, a portent of ægis-bearing Jove. On her head she placed
her four-crested helmet, with a spreading metal ridge,[229] golden,
sufficient for the heavy-armed of a hundred cities. She then stepped
into her shining chariot with her feet; and took her spear, heavy, huge,
and sturdy, with which she, sprung from a dread sire, subdues the ranks
of heroic men, with whomsoever she is wroth. But Juno with the lash
quickly urged on the steeds. The gates of heaven creaked spontaneously,
the gates which the Hours guarded, to whom are intrusted the mighty
heaven and Olympus, as well to open the dense cloud as to close it. In
this way, indeed, through these gates, they drove their steeds, urged on
with the goad: and they found the son of Saturn sitting apart from the
other gods on the highest summit of many-peaked Olympus. There staying
her steeds, the white-armed goddess Juno interrogated supreme Saturnian
Jove, and thus addressed him:

"O father Jove, art thou not indignant at Mars for these bold
deeds,--how numerous and how choice a multitude of Greeks he has
destroyed rashly, nor as became him: a grief indeed to me; but Venus and
silver-bowed Apollo in quiet are delighted, having let slip this frantic
[god], who knows no rights. Father Jove, wilt thou be angry with me if I
drive Mars from the battle, having dreadfully wounded him?"

   [Footnote 228: Compare [Greek: Proiôxis] and [Greek: Paliôxis],
   similarly personified, in Hesiod, Scut. Herc. 134, and Virg. Æn.
   viii. 701:

              "--tristesque ex æthere Diræ,
              Et scissâ gaudens vadit Discordia pallâ;
              Quam cum sanguineo sequitur Bellona flagello."]

   [Footnote 229: See note on iii. 362.]

But her answering, cloud-compelling Jove addressed:

"Come, incite the pillaging Minerva against him, who is very wont to
cause him to approach grievous woes."

Thus he spoke: nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but she
lashed on her steeds. They flew, not unwillingly, midway between the
earth and the starry heaven. Now, as much haze[230] as a man sees with
his eyes, sitting upon some lofty point, and looking over the darkling
ocean, so far do the high-sounding steeds of the gods clear at one
bound. But when they now reached Troy, and the two flowing rivers, where
Simois and Scamander unite their streams, there the white-armed goddess
Juno stayed her steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and shed a
dense mist around them. But to them Simois afforded ambrosial food to
feed on.

But they went on, like unto timid doves in their pace, hastening to
assist the Grecian heroes. But when they had now arrived where the most
numerous[231] and the bravest stood collected in dense array round
horse-breaking Diomede, like raw-devouring lions or wild boars, whose
strength is not feeble, there standing, the white-armed goddess Juno
shouted aloud, having likened herself to great-hearted, brazen-voiced
Stentor, who was accustomed to shout as loud as fifty other men:

   [Footnote 230: Opposed to the pure air of æther. See Buttm.
   Lexil. p. 37, sqq.]

   [Footnote 231: Observe the elegant position of the plural verb
   between two singular substantives, according to the Schema
   Alemanicum. Compare Od. K, 513, and Il. Y, 138, which have been
   pointed out by Lesbonax, p. 179, ed. Valck.]

"Shame! ye Greeks! foul subjects of disgrace! admirable in form [alone].
As long, indeed, as divine Achilles was wont to be engaged in the war,
the Trojans were not in the habit of advancing beyond the Dardan gates;
for they dreaded his mighty spear; but now they fight at the hollow
ships, far away from the city."

Thus saying, she aroused the strength and courage of each. The
azure-eyed goddess Minerva rushed towards the son of Tydeus; but she
found that prince by his steeds and chariot, cooling the wound which
Pandarus had inflicted on him with a shaft. For perspiration had
afflicted him beneath the broad belt of his well-orbed shield: with this
was he afflicted, and he was fatigued as to his hand; and raising the
belt, he wiped away the black gore. Then the goddess touched the yoke of
the horses, and said:

"Little like himself has Tydeus begotten a son. Tydeus was certainly
small in body, but a warrior. And even when I suffered him not to fight,
nor to rush furiously to battle, when he came far from the Greeks, an
ambassador to Thebes to the numerous Cadmeans, I commanded him to feast
quietly in the palaces; but he, retaining his doughty spirit, as before,
challenged the youths, the Cadmeans, and easily conquered them in
everything; so great an auxiliary was I to him. But thee, indeed, I
stand by and preserve, and I exhort thee freely to fight against the
Trojans. But either weariness, from great toil, has entered thy limbs,
or at least disheartening fear in some manner possesses thee. Thou art
not henceforth to be deemed at least the son of Tydeus, the gallant son
of Æneus."

But her valiant Diomede answering addressed: "I know thee, O goddess,
daughter of ægis-bearing Jove; therefore will I willingly tell this word
to thee, nor will I conceal it. Neither does any disheartening fear
possess me, nor any sloth: but as yet I am mindful of thy mandates,
which thou didst enjoin. Thou didst not suffer me to fight with the
other happy gods; but if Venus, the daughter of Jove, should come into
the battle, to wound her at least with the sharp steel. Wherefore now I
myself retire, and have ordered all the other Greeks to be collected
here: for I perceive Mars dispensing the battle."

But him the azure-eyed goddess Minerva then answered: "Diomede, son of
Tydeus, most dear to my soul, neither fear this Mars at all, nor any
other of the immortals; such an auxiliary am I to thee. But come, first
direct thy solid-hoofed steeds against Mars, strike him in close combat,
nor regard impetuous Mars, this frenzied and unnatural pest, shifter
from one to another; who lately haranguing promised me and Juno, that he
would fight against the Trojans, and aid the Greeks; but now he mixes
with the Trojans, and has forgotten these."

Thus having said, she forced Sthenelus from his horses to the ground,
dragging him back with her hand; but he promptly leaped down. Then the
goddess herself, infuriate, ascended the chariot beside noble Diomede,
and greatly did the beechen axle groan under the weight; for it bore a
dreadful goddess and a very brave hero. Then Pallas Minerva seized the
scourge and the reins. Straightway she drove the solid-hoofed steeds
against Mars first. He, indeed, had just slain huge Periphas, the
illustrious son of Ochesius, by far the bravest of the Ætolians. Him
indeed gore-stained Mars slew; but Minerva put on the helmet of Pluto
that impetuous Mars might not see her.

But when man-slaughtering Mars saw noble Diomede, he suffered huge
Periphas to lie there, where first slaying him he had taken away his
life, but he went straight against horse breaking Diomede. And when
these came near, advancing against each other, Mars first, over the yoke
and the reins of the steeds, stretched himself forward with his brazen
spear, eager to take away his life. It then the azure-eyed goddess
Minerva having caught in her hand, turned from the chariot, so as to be
borne away in vain. But next Diomede, valiant in the din of war, made
the attack with his brazen spear; and Pallas Minerva firmly fastened it
in his lowest flank, where he was girt with his belt. In that very part
striking, she wounded him, and tore his beautiful skin, and drew out the
spear again. Then roared brazen Mars, as loud as nine or ten thousand
men roar in war, joining the strife of battle. And then fear seized the
terrified Greeks and Trojans, so loud bellowed Mars, insatiate of war.

And as when from the clouds, a gloomy haze appears, a heavy-blowing wind
arising from heat; such did brazen Mars appear to Diomede, son of
Tydeus, going amid the clouds into the broad heaven. Quickly he reached
lofty Olympus, the seat of the gods, and sat near Saturnian Jove,
grieving in his heart, and showed the immortal blood flowing down from
the wound, and complaining, he spoke winged words:

"Father Jove, art thou not incensed beholding these violent deeds? Ever,
of a truth, are we deities suffering most grievous woes from the
machinations of each other, and [whilst] conferring favour upon men. We
all are indignant with thee;[232] for thou hast begotten a mad,
pernicious daughter, to whom evil works are ever a care. For all the
other gods, as many as are in Olympus, obey thee, and unto thee each of
us is subject. But her thou restrainest not by words, nor by any act,
but dost indulge her, since thou thyself didst beget this destructive
daughter. Who now has urged on Diomede, the overbearing son of Tydeus,
to rage against the immortal gods. Venus he first wounded, in close
fight, in the hand at the wrist; and, equal to a god, he afterwards
rushed on myself; but my swift feet withdrew me; [otherwise] I should
certainly for a long time have endured woes there amidst the dreadful
heaps of slain, or living should have been exhausted by the strokes of
the brass."

   [Footnote 232: Or, "through thee we are all at variance," taking
   [Greek: soi] as put for [Greek: dia se] with Lesbonax, [Greek:
   peoi schêm]. p. 186; Hesychius, t. ii. p. 1234, and the
   Scholiast.]

Him sternly regarding, cloud-compelling Jove addressed: "Complain not to
me, inconstant one, sitting by me: for thou art most hateful to me, of
all the gods that possess Olympus: for to thee discord is ever grateful,
and wars and battles: thou hast thy mother Juno's insufferable and
unbending disposition, which I myself can scarcely repress with words.
Wherefore I think thou sufferest these things by her instigation. Yet no
longer can I endure thy suffering pain, for thou art my offspring, and
to me thy mother brought thee forth. But hadst thou, destructive as thou
art, been born of any other of the gods, even long since hadst thou been
far lower than the sons of Uranus."

Thus he spoke, and ordered Pæon to heal him: and Pæon healed him,
spreading [on his wound] pain-assuaging medicines; for he was not by any
means mortal. As when fig-tree juice,[233] on being stirred about,
curdles the white milk, fluid before, and it very rapidly coagulates,
while one is mixing it; thus at that time did he speedily heal impetuous
Mars. Hebe then washed him, and put on him beautiful garments. Then,
exulting in glory, near Saturnian Jove he sat down.

And now again Argive Juno and the powerful assistant Minerva returned to
the palace of mighty Jove, after having stayed man-slaying Mars from his
deeds of slaughter.

   [Footnote 233: Used as rennet.]




                            BOOK THE SIXTH.

                               ARGUMENT.


The gods having left the field, victory now inclines to the side of the
Greeks, and Helenus counsels Hector to order a public supplication to
Minerva in the citadel. While Hector is gone to the city for that
purpose, Diomedes and Glaucus recognize the friendship which had
formerly existed between their fathers, and exchange armour in token of
amity. Hecuba and the Trojan matrons present a robe to Minerva, and
offer up prayers for their country. Hector reproves Paris, and brings
him back to the field, having first taken an affecting farewell of his
wife and child.


And now the dreadful battle of the Trojans and the Greeks was abandoned.
Often here and there the battle raged through the plain, [the
combatants] directing against each other their brass-tipped spears,
between the rivers of Simois and Xanthus.

First Telamonian Ajax, the bulwark of the Greeks, broke through the
phalanx of the Trojans, and gave light[234] to his companions, smiting
the good and mighty hero Acamas, son of Eyssorus, who was the bravest
amongst the Thracians. First he struck him on the ridge of the
horse-haired helmet; and the brazen spear fixed itself in his forehead,
and passed on within the bone; but darkness veiled his eyes.

   [Footnote 234: _I. e._ the light of hope. Cf. Virg. Æn. ii, 281:
   "O _lux_ Dardaniæ, _spes_ ô fidissima Teucrûm." Quintus Calab.
   iii. 561. [Greek: Epei su moi ieron ymar, kai phaos êelioio
   peles].]

But Diomede, brave in the din of war, slew Axylus, the son of Teuthras,
who dwelt in well-built Arisba, rich in wealth, and he was beloved by
men, for dwelling in a house near the public way, he was wont to afford
entertainment to all. But none of them [his guests] coming up before
him, warded off sad death; but [Diomede] deprived both of life, himself
and his attendant Calesius, who then was the charioteer of his steeds,
and both these entered the earth.

And Euryalus slew Dresus and Opheltius; and afterwards went against
Æsepus and Pedasus, whom formerly the Naiad nymph Abarbarea brought
forth to blameless Bucolion. Bucolion was the son of illustrious
Laomedon, eldest by birth, but him his mother brought forth secretly.
While [Bucolion] was a shepherd, he was mingled in love and nuptials
with her amongst the sheep; but she becoming pregnant, brought forth
twin sons. And truly the son of Mecisteus[235] relaxed their strength
and their illustrious limbs, and tore the armour from their shoulders.
And next warlike Polypoetes slew Astyalus. Ulysses killed Percosian
Pidytes with his brazen spear; and Agamemnon, king of men, slew Elatus.
He dwelt at lofty Pedasus, on the banks of fair-flowing Satniois. The
hero Leïtus slew Phylacus flying; and Eurypylus killed and spoiled
Melanthius.

   [Footnote 235: Euryalus.]

In the next place Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, took Adrastus
alive; for his two steeds, flying bewildered over the plain, coming in
violent contact with a branch of tamarisk, and having broken the curved
chariot at the extremity of the pole, themselves flew towards the city,
whither others also fled terrified. But he was rolled from his chariot
near the wheel, prone in the dust on his mouth: but near him stood
Menelaus, the son of Atreus, holding his long-shadowed spear. Adrastus
then embracing his knees supplicated him:

"Take me alive, O son of Atreus, and receive a worthy ransom; in my
wealthy father's [house][236] lie abundant stores, brass and gold, and
well-wrought steel; out of which my sire will bestow on thee countless
ransom-gifts, if he shall hear that I am alive at the ships of the
Greeks."

Thus he spoke; and persuaded his mind in his breast, and already he was
on the point of consigning him to the care of his attendant to conduct
him to the ships of the Greeks: but Agamemnon running up, met him, and
shouting in a chiding tone, spoke:

"O soft one, O Menelaus, why art thou thus so much concerned for these
men? In sooth very kind offices were done to thee in thy family by the
Trojans.[237] Of whom let none escape utter destruction, and our hands;
not even him whom the mother carries, being an infant in her womb, let
not even him escape; but let all the inhabitants of Ilium perish
totally, without burial-rites, and obscure."

   [Footnote 236: Supply [Greek: oikô] or [Greek: domô].]

   [Footnote 237: Ironically spoken.]

Thus having said, the hero changed his brother's mind, having advised
right things: but he, with his hand, thrust back the hero Adrastus from
him; and him king Agamemnon smote in the belly, and he was cast supine.
But the son of Atreus planting his heel upon his breast, drew out the
ashen spear.

Then Nestor exhorted the Greeks, exclaiming aloud: "O friends, Grecian
heroes, servants of Mars, let no one now, desirous of spoil, linger
behind, that he may return bringing abundance to the ships; but let us
slay the men, and afterwards at your leisure, shall ye spoil the dead
bodies through the plain."

Thus having said, he aroused the might and courage of each. And then
truly had the Trojans retreated into Ilium, under the influence of the
Mars-beloved Greeks, conquered through their own cowardice, had not
Helenus, son of Priam, by far the best of augurs, standing near, spoken
these words to Æneas and to Hector:

"Æneas and Hector, since upon you chiefly of the Trojans and Lydians the
labour devolves, because ye are the bravest for every purpose, both to
fight and to take counsel, stand here, and stay the forces before the
gates, running in all directions, before that, on the contrary, flying
they fall into the arms of their wives, and become a triumph to the
enemies. But after ye have exhorted all the phalanxes, we remaining here
will fight against the Greeks, though much pressed, for necessity urges
us. But Hector, do thou go to the city, and then speak to thy mother
and mine; and let her, collecting together the matrons of
distinction[238] into the temple of azure-eyed Minerva, on the lofty
citadel, [and] having opened the doors of the sacred house with the key,
let her place on the knees of fair-haired Minerva the robe which seems
to her the most beautiful, and the largest in her palace, and which is
much the most dear to her. And let her promise to sacrifice to that
goddess in her temple twelve yearling heifers, as yet ungoaded, if she
will take compassion on the city and on the wives and infant children of
the Trojans: if indeed she will avert from sacred Ilium the son of
Tydeus, that ferocious warrior, the dire contriver of flight: whom I
declare to be the bravest of the Greeks; nor have we ever to such a
degree dreaded Achilles, chiefest of men, whom they say is from a
goddess: but this man rages excessively, nor can any equal him in
might."

   [Footnote 238: Hesych. [Greek: Geraias entimous, tus geras ti
   echysas].]

Thus he said, but Hector was by no means disobedient to his brother; and
instantly from his chariot he leaped to the ground with his arms, and
brandishing his sharp spears, he went in all directions through the
army, inciting them to fight: and he stirred up dreadful battle. But
they rallied round, and stood opposite the Greeks. But the Greeks
retreated, and desisted from slaughter; for they thought that some of
the immortals, from the starry heaven, had descended to aid the Trojans,
in such a way did they rally. But Hector exhorted the Trojans,
exclaiming aloud:

"Courageous Trojans and far-summoned[239] allies, be men, my friends,
and recall to mind your daring valour, whilst I go to Ilium, and tell to
the aged counsellors, and to our wives, to pray to the gods, and to vow
them hecatombs."

   [Footnote 239: Or [Greek: têlekleitoi], far-famed. See Anthon on
   v. 491.]

Thus having spoken, crest-tossing Hector departed; but about him the
black hide, the border which surrounded his bossy shield, kept striking
his ankles and his neck.

But Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, and the son of Tydeus met in the midst
of both armies, eager to fight. But when now they were near, going
against each other, Diomede, brave in the din of war, first addressed
him:

"Who of mortal men art thou, O most brave? For never yet have I beheld
thee in the glorious fight: but now indeed thou hast far surpassed all
in thy confidence, since thou hast awaited my long-shadowed spear.
Certainly they are sons of the hapless who meet my strength. But, if one
of the immortals, thou art come from heaven, I would not fight with the
celestial gods. For valiant Lycurgus, the son of Dryas, did not live
long, who contended with the heavenly gods; he who once pursued the
nurses of raving Bacchus through sacred Nyssa; but they all at once cast
their sacred implements[240] on the ground, smitten by man-slaying
Lycurgus with an ox-goad; but Bacchus, too, terrified, sunk under the
wave of the sea, and Thetis received him affrighted in her bosom; for
dreadful trembling had seized him, on account of the threat of the man.
With him the peaceful-living gods were afterwards enraged, and the son
of Saturn rendered him blind, nor did he live much longer, for he became
an object of aversion to all the immortal gods. Wherefore I should not
wish to fight with the blessed gods. But if thou art any one of mortals,
who eat the fruit of the earth, come hither, that thou mayest speedily
reach the goal of death."

   [Footnote 240: Not merely the thyrsi. See Anthon.]

Him then the renowned son of Hippolochus addressed in turn: "Magnanimous
son of Tydeus, why dost thou inquire of my race? As is the race of
leaves, even such is the race of men.[241] Some leaves the wind sheds
upon the ground, but the fructifying wood produces others, and these
grow up in the season of spring. Such is the generation of men; one
produces, another ceases [to do so]. But if thou wouldst learn even
these things, that thou mayest well know my lineage (for many know it),
there is a city, Ephyra, in a nook of horse-pasturing Argos; there dwelt
Sisyphus, who was the most cunning of mortals, Sisyphus, son of Æolus;
and he begat a son, Glaucus. But Glaucus begat blameless Bellerophon; to
whom the gods gave beauty and agreeable manliness. But against him
Proetus devised evils in his soul: who accordingly banished him from the
state (since he was far the best of the Greeks; for Jove had subjected
them to his sceptre). With him the wife of Proetus, noble Antea,[242]
passionately longed to be united in secret love; but by no means could
she persuade just-minded, wise-reflecting Bellerophon. She, therefore,
telling a falsehood, thus addressed king Proetus: 'Mayest thou be dead, O
Proetus! or do thou slay Bellerophon, who desired to be united in love
with me against my will.' Thus she said: but rage possessed the king at
what he heard. He was unwilling, indeed, to slay him, for he scrupled
this in his mind; but he sent him into Lycia, and gave to him fatal
characters, writing many things of deadly purport on a sealed tablet;
and ordered him to show it to his father-in-law, to the end that he
might perish. He therefore went into Lycia, under the blameless escort
of the gods; but when now he had arrived at Lycia and at the river
Xanthus, the king of wide Lycia honoured him with a willing mind. Nine
days did he entertain him hospitably, and sacrificed nine oxen; but when
the tenth rosy-fingered morn appeared, then indeed he interrogated him,
and desired to see the token,[243] whatever it was, that he brought from
his son-in-law Proetus. But after he had received the fatal token of his
son-in-law, first he commanded him to slay the invincible Chimæra; but
she was of divine race, not of men, in front a lion, behind a dragon, in
the middle a goat,[244] breathing forth the dreadful might of gleaming
fire. And her indeed he slew, relying on the signs of the gods. Next he
fought with the illustrious Solymi: and he said that he entered on this
as the fiercest fight among men. Thirdly, he slew the man-opposing
Amazons. But for him returning the king wove another wily plot.
Selecting the bravest men from wide Lycia, he placed an ambuscade; but
they never returned home again, for blameless Bellerophon slew them all.
But when [Iobates] knew that he was the offspring of a god, he detained
him there, and gave him his daughter:[245] he also gave him half of all
his regal honour. The Lycians also separated for him an enclosure of
land, excelling all others, pleasant, vine-bearing, and arable, that he
might cultivate it. But this woman brought forth three children to
warlike Bellerophon, Isandrus, Hippolochus, and Laodamia. Provident
Jove, indeed, had clandestine intercourse with Laodamia, and she brought
forth godlike, brazen-helmed Sarpedon. But when now even he
[Bellerophon] was become odious to all the gods, he, on his part,
wandered alone[246] through the Aleïan plain,[247] pining in his soul,
and shunning the path of men. But Mars, insatiable of war, slew his son
Isandrus, fighting against the illustrious Solymi. And golden-reined
Diana, being enraged, slew his daughter. But Hippolochus begat me, and
from him I say that I am born; me he sent to Troy, and gave me very many
commands, always to fight bravely, and to be superior to others; and not
to disgrace the race of my fathers, who were by far the bravest in
Ephyra, and ample Lycia. From this race and blood do I boast to be."

   [Footnote 241: On this popular Homeric proverb, see Duport, Gnom.
   Hom. p. 31, sq.]

   [Footnote 242: She is more frequently called Sthenoboea, or
   Stheneboea, as by Apollodor. ii. 3,1; Serv. on Æn. v. 118.
   Fulgentius, iii. præf., agrees with Homer, giving a ridiculously
   philosophical explanation of the whole story.]

   [Footnote 243: Although Apollodorus, l. c. says, [Greek: deôken
   epistolas autô pros Iochatên komisein], and Hygin. Fab. lvii.
   "Scripsit tabellas, et mittit eum ad Iobaten regem," there is no
   reason to believe that letters, properly so called, were yet
   invented. See Knight, Prolegg. p. lxxiv. lxxxii.; Wood, on the
   original genius of Homer, p. 249, sqq.; Müller, Lit. of Greece,
   iv. 5 (Bulwer, Athens, i. 8, boldly advocates the contrary
   opinion); and Anthon's note. Compare the similar story of Phædra
   and Hippolytus.]

   [Footnote 244: For the different descriptions of the Chimæra, the
   mythological student may compare Muncker on Hygin. Fab. lvii. p.
   104.]

   [Footnote 245: Philonoë, the sister of Antea.]

   [Footnote 246: This "melancholy madness" of Bellerophon has been
   well illustrated by Duport, p. 31. Burton, Anatomy, p. 259,
   observes, "They delight in floods and waters, desert places, to
   walk alone in orchards, gardens, private walks, back lanes,
   averse from company, as Diogenes in his tub, or Timon
   Misanthropus; they abhor all companions at last, even their
   nearest acquaintances and most familiar friends; confining
   themselves therefore to their private houses or chambers, they
   will diet themselves, feed and live alone." Hence melancholy was
   called the "morbus Bellerophonteus." See Bourdelot on Heliodor.
   p. 25.]

   [Footnote 247: Properly, "the Plain of Wandering." It lay between
   the rivers Pyramus and Pinarus, in Cilicia. Cf. Dionys. Perieg.
   872. [Greek: Keithi de kai pedion to, ou kata nôta Anthrôpôn
   apaneythen alômenos indiaaske].]

Thus he said: and Diomede, valiant in the din of war, rejoiced. His
spear indeed he fixed in the all-nurturing earth, and next addressed the
shepherd of the people in courteous words:

"Certainly thou art my father's ancient guest; for in his halls noble
oeneus once entertained blameless Bellerophon, having detained him for
twenty days; and they bestowed valuable gifts of hospitality on each
other. oeneus on his part gave a belt shining with purple; and
Bellerophon in turn a golden double cup; and this I left in my halls
when I was coming hither. But Tydeus I remember not, for he left me
whilst I was yet young, when the people of the Greeks perished at
Thebes. Wherefore I am a guest friend to thee in the midst of Argos, and
thou art the same to me in Lycia, whenever I shall visit their state.
But let us also in the crowd avoid even each other's spears. For there
are many Trojans and illustrious allies for me to slay, whomsoever the
deity shall present, and I shall overtake with my feet. And there are
many Greeks in turn for thee to slay, whomsoever thou canst. But let us
exchange arms with each other, that even these may know that we profess
to be friends by our ancestors."

Thus then having spoken, leaping down from their steeds, they took each
other's hand, and plighted faith. Then Saturnian Jove took away prudence
from Glaucus, who exchanged armour with Diomede, the son of Tydeus,
[giving] golden [arms] for brazen; the value of a hundred beeves[248]
for the value of nine.

But when Hector arrived at the Scæan gates and the beech-tree, around
him ran the Trojan wives and daughters inquiring for their sons, their
brothers, their friends, and husbands. But he then ordered all in order
to supplicate the gods, for evils were impending over many.

But when now he had arrived at the very beautiful dwelling of Priam,
built with well-polished porticoes; but in it were fifty chambers[249]
of polished marble, built near one another, where lay the sons of Priam
with their lawful wives; and opposite, on the other side, within the
hall, were the twelve roofed chambers of his daughters, of polished
marble, built near to one another, where the sons-in-law of Priam slept
with their chaste wives. There his fond mother met him, as she was going
to Laodice, the most excellent in form of her daughters: and she hung
upon his hand, and addressed him, and spoke:

   [Footnote 248: See Gellius, ii. 23. It must be remembered that in
   the ancient times, when there was no money, cattle formed the
   standard of barter.]

   [Footnote 249: Cf. Virg. Æn. ii. 503; Eur. Hec. 421.]

"My son, why hast thou come, having left the bold fight? Certainly the
abominable sons of the Greeks harass thee much, fighting around thy
city: thy mind hath urged thee to come hither, to uplift thy hands to
Jove from the lofty citadel. But wait till I bring thee genial wine,
that first thou mayest make a libation to Jove, and to the other
immortal gods, and then thou shalt refresh thyself, if thou wilt drink.
For to a wearied man wine greatly increases strength; since thou art
wearied aiding thy kinsmen."

But her mighty crest-tossing Hector then answered: "Bring me not genial
wine, venerable mother, lest thou enervate me, and I forget my might and
valour. But I dread to pour out dark-red wine to Jove with unwashed
hands: nor is it by any means lawful for me, denied with blood and gore,
to offer vows to the cloud-compelling son of Saturn. But go thou to the
temple of Minerva the pillager, with victims, having assembled the
matrons of distinction. And the robe which is the most beautiful and the
largest in the palace, and by far the most esteemed by thyself, that
place on the knees of the fair-haired goddess, and vow that thou wilt
sacrifice to her, in her temple, twelve heifers, yearlings, ungoaded, if
she will take compassion on the city, and the wives and infant children
of the Trojans; if she will avert from sacred Ilium the son of Tydeus,
that fierce warrior, the valiant author of terror. Do thou, on thy part,
go to the temple of the pillager Minerva; but I will go after Paris,
that I may call him, if he is willing to hear me speaking. Would that
the earth might there open for him, for him hath Olympian Jove reared as
a great bane to the Trojans, to magnanimous Priam, and to his sons.
Could I but behold him descending to Hades, I might say that my soul had
forgotten its joyless woe."

Thus he spoke: but she, going to her palace, gave orders to her maids:
and they assembled through the city the matrons of distinction. But she
descended into her fragrant chamber, where were her
variously-embroidered robes, the works of Sidonian females, which
godlike Alexander himself had brought from Sidon, sailing over the broad
ocean, in that voyage in which he carried off Helen, sprung from a noble
sire. Hecuba, taking one of these which was most beauteous with various
hues, and largest, brought it as a gift to Minerva; and it glittered
like a star, and lay the undermost of all. But she hastened to set out,
and many venerable matrons hurried along with her.

But when they arrived at the temple of Minerva, in the lofty citadel,
fair-cheeked Theano, the daughter of Cisseus, wife of horse-breaking
Antenor, opened to them the gates; for the Trojans had made her
priestess of Minerva. They all, with a loud wailing, upraised their
hands to Minerva. But fair-cheeked Theano having received the garment,
placed it on the knees of fair-haired Minerva, and making vows, thus
prayed to the daughter of mighty Jove:

"Venerable Minerva, guardian of the city, divine one of goddesses, break
now the spear of Diomede, and grant that he may fall prostrate before
the Scæan gates, that we may forthwith sacrifice to thee in thy temple
twelve yearling untamed heifers, if thou wilt pity the city, and the
wives of the Trojans, and their infant children."

So she spake in prayer, but Pallas Minerva refused. Thus they, on their
part, offered vows to the daughter of mighty Jove.

But Hector had gone to the beautiful halls of Alexander, which he
himself had built with the aid of men, who then were the most skilful
artificers in fruitful Troy: who made for him a chamber, a
dwelling-room, and hall, in the lofty citadel, near the palaces of Priam
and Hector. There Jove-beloved Hector entered, and in his hand he held a
spear of eleven cubits; the brazen point of the spear shone in front,
and a golden ring encircled it. But him he found in his chamber
preparing his very beauteous armour, his shield and corslet, and fitting
his curved bow. Argive Helen sat amongst her female servants, and
assigned their tasks to her maids of renowned work. But Hector, seeing,
reproached him with foul words:

"Infatuate; not befittingly hast thou conceived this rage in thy mind:
the people are perishing, fighting around the city and the lofty wall:
and on thy account the battle and war are blazing around the city. Truly
thou wouldst thyself reprove another, if ever thou sawest any person
remiss in the hateful battle. But arise, lest perchance the city should
quickly blaze with hostile fire."

But him godlike Alexander then addressed: "Hector, since thou hast with
reason reproved me, and not without reason, therefore will I tell thee;
but do thou attend and hear me. I was sitting in my chamber, neither so
much from anger nor indignation against the Trojans, but [because] I
wished to give way to grief. But now my wife, advising me with soothing
words, hath urged me to the battle, and to myself also it seems to be
better: for victory alternates to men. But come now, wait, let me put on
my martial arms; or go on, and I will follow, and I think that I shall
overtake thee."

Thus he said, but crest-tossing Hector did not answer him. But Helen
addressed him [Hector] with soothing words: "Brother-in-law of me,
shameless authoress of mischief-devising, fearful wretch, would that, on
the day when first my mother brought me forth, a destructive tempest of
wind had seized and borne me to a mountain, or into the waves of the
much-resounding ocean, where the billow would have swept me away before
these doings had occurred. But since the gods have thus decreed these
evils, I ought at least to have been the wife of a braver man, who
understood both the indignation and the many reproaches of men. But this
man's sentiments are neither constant now, nor will they be hereafter;
wherefore I think he will reap the fruits [of them]. But come now,
enter, and sit on this seat, brother-in-law, since toils have greatly
encompassed thy mind, on account of shameless me, and of the guilt of
Alexander; on whom Jove hath imposed an unhappy lot, that, even in time
to come, we should be a subject of song to future men."

But her mighty crest-tossing Hector then answered: "Do not bid me sit,
Helen, though courteous, for thou wilt not persuade me. For now is my
mind urged on, that I may aid the Trojans, who have great regret for me
absent. But do thou arouse him [Paris], and let him hasten, that he may
overtake me being within the city. For I will go home, that I may see my
domestics, my beloved wife, and my infant son. For I know not whether I
shall ever again return to them, or whether the gods will now subdue me
under the hands of the Greeks."

Thus having said, crest-tossing Hector departed; and immediately he then
arrived at his well-situated palace, nor did he find white-armed
Andromache in the halls; but she stood lamenting and weeping on the
tower, with her son and her well-robed maid. But Hector, when he found
not his blameless wife within, went and stood at the threshold, and said
to the female servants:

"I pray you, maids, tell me truly whither went white-armed Andromache
from the palace? Has she gone anywhere [to the dwellings] of her
husband's sisters, or [to those] of any of her well-robed
brother-in-laws' wives, or to the temple of Minerva, where the other
fair-haired Trojan matrons are appeasing the dreadful goddess?"

Him then the active housewife in turn addressed: "Hector, since thou
biddest me to tell the truth, she has not gone to any of her husband's
sisters, nor to any of her well-robed brother-in-laws' wives, nor to the
temple of Minerva, where the other fair-haired Trojan matrons are
appeasing the dreadful goddess. But she went to the lofty tower of
Ilium, when she heard that the Trojans were worn out, and that the
valour of the Greeks was great. She is now on her way, hastening to the
wall, like unto one frenzied, and the nurse, along with her, bears the
child."

Thus spoke the housewife, but Hector hastened away from the palace, back
the same way through the well-built streets. When he had arrived at the
Scæan gates, after passing through the great city (for by this way he
was about to pass out into the plain), there met him his richly-dowered
spouse running, Andromache, daughter of magnanimous Eetion: Eetion, who
dwelt in woody Hypoplacus, in Hypoplacian Thebes, reigning over Cilician
men. His daughter then was possessed by brazen-helmed Hector. She then
met him; and with her came a maid, carrying in her bosom the tender
child, an infant quite, the only son of Hector, like unto a beauteous
star. Him Hector had named Scamandrius, but others Astyanax; for Hector
alone protected Ilium. He indeed, gazing in silence upon his son,
smiled. But Andromache stood near to him, weeping, and she hung upon his
hand, and addressed him, and spoke:

"Strange man! this thy valour will destroy thee; nor dost thou pity thy
infant child and unhappy me, who very soon will be bereft of thee, for
presently the Greeks will slay thee, all attacking thee at once. For me
much better it were to sink into the earth, when bereft of thee; for
there will no longer be any other comfort for me when thou shalt draw on
thy destruction; but sorrows only. Nor have I father or venerable
mother. For divine Achilles slew my father, and laid waste the
well-inhabited city of the Cilicians, lofty-gated Thebes. He slew
Eetion, but spoiled him not, he scrupled in his mind [to do] that; but
he burned him together with his well-wrought arms, and heaped a tomb
over him, and around [him] the mountain nymphs, daughters of
ægis-bearing Jove, planted elms. Moreover, the seven brothers besides,
whom I had at home, all these indeed departed to Hades in one day. For
divine, swift-footed Achilles slew them all, amidst their crooked hoofed
oxen and their snowy sheep. And my mother, who ruled in woody
Hypoplacus, after that he had led her hither with other treasures, he
sent back at liberty, having received countless ransom-gifts. But her
the shaft-rejoicing Diana slew in my father's hall. But, O Hector, to me
thou art both father and venerable mother and brother; thou art also my
blooming consort. But come now, pity me, and abide here in the tower,
nor make thy child an orphan and thy wife a widow. And place a company
at the wild fig-tree, where the city is chiefly easy of ascent, and the
wall can be scaled. For going to this very quarter, the bravest [of the
Greeks] have thrice assaulted, the two Ajaces, and most renowned
Idomeneus, and the sons of Atreus, and the brave son of Tydeus.
Certainly some person well skilled in prophecy mentioned it to them, or
their own mind impels and orders them."

But her then in turn the mighty crest-tossing Hector addressed:
"Assuredly to me also are all these things a subject of anxiety, dear
wife, but I am exceedingly ashamed of the Trojans and the long-robed
Trojan dames, if I, like a dastard, [keeping] aloof, should avoid the
battle: nor does my mind incline me thus, for I have learned to be
always brave, and to fight in the foremost among the Trojans, seeking to
gain both my father's great glory and mine own. For well I know this in
my mind and soul; a day will arrive when sacred Ilium shall perish, and
Priam, and the people of Priam skilled in the ashen spear. But to me the
grief that is to come will not be so great on account of the Trojans,
neither for Hecuba herself, nor for king Priam, nor for my brothers,
who, many and excellent, are destined to fall in the dust beneath
hostile men, as for thee, when some one of the brazen-mailed Greeks
shall lead thee away weeping, having deprived thee of the day of
freedom. And, perchance, being in Argos, thou mayest weave the web at
the command of some other dame, and bear water from the fountain of
Messeïs, or Hyperia, very unwillingly; and hard necessity will oppress
thee; whilst some one, hereafter beholding thee pouring forth tears,
will say, 'This was the wife of Hector, who was the bravest in battle of
the horse-breaking Trojans, when they fought round Ilium.' Thus will
some one hereafter say; but fresh anguish will be thine, from the want
of such a husband, to avert the day of servitude. But may the heaped
earth cover me dead, before I hear of this lamentation and abduction."

Thus having said, illustrious Hector stretched out [his arms] for his
son; but the child, screaming, shrunk back to the bosom of the
well-zoned nurse, affrighted at the aspect of his dear sire, fearing the
brass and the horse-haired crest, seeing it nodding dreadfully from the
top of the helmet: gently his loving father smiled, and his revered
mother. Instantly illustrious Hector took the helmet from his head, and
laid it all-glittering on the ground; and having kissed his beloved
child, and fondled him in his hands, thus spoke, praying to Jove and to
the other gods:

"Jove, and ye other gods, grant that this my son also may become, even
as I am, distinguished amongst the Trojans, so powerful in might, and
bravely to rule over Ilium. And may some one hereafter say [concerning
him], returning from the fight, 'He indeed is much braver than his
sire.' And let him bear away the bloody spoils, having slain the foe,
and let his mother rejoice in her soul."

Thus having said, he placed the boy in the hands of his beloved spouse;
but she smiling tearfully received him in her fragrant bosom. Her
husband regarding her, pitied her, and soothed her with his hand, and
addressed her, and said:

"Beloved, be not at all too sad in thine heart on my account. For no man
shall send me prematurely to the shades. But I think there is no one of
men who has escaped fate, neither the coward nor the brave man, after he
has once been born. But do thou, going home, take care of thy own works,
thy web and distaff, and command thy maids to perform their task; but
war shall be a care to all the men who are born in Ilium, and
particularly to me."

Thus having spoken, illustrious Hector took up the horse-haired helmet,
and his beloved wife departed home, looking back from time to time, and
shedding copious tears. Then immediately she reached the very commodious
palace of man-slaying Hector, and within she found many maids, and in
all of them she excited grief. They, indeed, bewailed in his own palace
Hector still alive, for they thought that he would never return back
again from battle, escaping the might and the hands of the Greeks.

Nor did Paris delay in his lofty halls; but he, after he had put on his
famous arms, variegated with brass, then hastened through the city,
relying on his swift feet. And as[250] when a stabled courser, fed with
barley at the stall, having broken his cord, runs prancing over the
plain, elate with joy, being accustomed to bathe in some fair-flowing
river. He bears aloft his head, and his mane is tossed about on his
shoulders: but he, relying on his beauty,[251] his knees easily bear him
to the accustomed pastures[252] of the mares. Thus Paris, the son of
Priam, shining in arms like the sun, exulting descended down from the
citadel of Pergamus, but his swift feet bore him, and immediately after
he found his noble brother Hector, when he was now about to depart from
the place where he was conversing with his spouse.

   [Footnote 250: Cf. Ennius apud Macrob. iv. 3:

    "Et tunc sicut equus, qui de præsepibus actus,
    Vincla sueis magneis animeis abrumpit, et inde
    Fert sese campi per cærula, lætaque prata,
    Celso pectore, sæpe jubam quassat simul altam;
    Spiritus ex anima calida spumas agit albas."]

   [Footnote 251: Observe the anacoluthon.]

   [Footnote 252: An instance of hendiadys.]

Him godlike Alexander first addressed: "Honoured brother, assuredly now
I am altogether detaining thee, although hastening, nor have I come in
due time as thou didst order."

Him then crest-tossing Hector answering addressed: "Strange man! not any
man indeed, who is just, could dispraise thy deeds of war, for thou art
brave. But willingly art thou remiss, and dost not wish [to fight]; and
my heart is saddened in my breast, when I hear dishonourable things of
thee from the Trojans, who have much toil on thy account. But let us
away, these things we shall arrange hereafter, if ever Jove shall grant
us to place a free goblet in our halls to the heavenly everlasting gods,
when we shall have repulsed the well-greaved Greeks from Troy."




                          BOOK THE SEVENTH.


                              ARGUMENT.

Hector challenges the bravest of the Greeks to single combat, and nine
of the chiefs having cast lots, Ajax is appointed to meet him. Having
protracted the contest till night, the combatants exchange gifts, and
separate. A truce is then made for the purpose of burying the dead, and
the Greeks fortify their camp.


Thus having said, illustrious Hector rushed forth from the gates, and
with him went his brother Alexander, for both were eager in soul to wage
war and to fight. As when the deity hath given a prosperous wind to
expecting mariners, after they have become weary, agitating the deep
with well-polished oars, and their limbs are relaxed with toil; thus
then did those two appear to the expecting Trojans. Then they slew, the
one,[253] indeed, Menesthius, son of king Areithoüs, who dwelt in Arne,
whom the club-bearer Areithoüs and large-eyed Philomedusa brought forth;
but Hector smote Eïoneus with his sharp spear upon the neck, under his
well-wrought brazen helmet,[254] and relaxed his limbs. And Glaucus, son
of Hippolochus, leader of the Lycian heroes, in fierce engagement smote
Iphinous, son of Dexias, upon the shoulder with his spear, as he vaulted
on his swift mares.

   [Footnote 253: _I. e_. Paris. The construction is an instance of
   the [Greek: schêma kath' olon kai meros]. See Jelf, Gk. Gr. §478,
   and my note on Æsch. Prom. p. 8, ed. Bohn.]

   [Footnote 254: Apollonius, Lex. p. 734. seems to regard the
   [Greek: stephanê] as a distinct kind of helmet, or cap. So, also,
   the Schol. and Hesych. t. ii. p. 186, and p. 1266. Others
   understand the rim of the helmet. Paschal, de Coronis, i. 2: "Eam
   galeæ partem quam Hesychius dicit habere [Greek: exochas], id
   quod in galea eminentissimum est. Et vero apud Plutarchum
   distinguitur [Greek: to kranos] galea [Greek: apo tês stephanês],
   ab ejus parte quæ est in ipsius summitate."]

But he fell from his mares on the ground, and his limbs were relaxed.

But when the azure-eyed goddess Minerva saw them destroying the Greeks,
in fierce engagement, she descended straightway, rushing down from the
tops of Olympus to sacred Ilium. Then Apollo hastened to meet her,
having perceived her from Pergamus, for he wished victory to the
Trojans. And they met each other at the beech-tree. Her first king
Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed:

"Why again dost thou, O daughter of mighty Jove, come ardently from
Olympus, and why has thy mighty soul impelled thee? It is that thou
mightst give to the Greeks the doubtful victory of battle, for thou dost
not pity the Trojans perishing. But if thou obeyest me in aught, which
indeed would be much better, let us now make the war and conflict to
cease this day, afterwards shall they fight until they find an end of
Ilium; since it is pleasing to the mind of you goddesses to overthrow
this city." [255]

   [Footnote 255: On the partisan deities for and against Troy, cf.
   Dionys. 817.

         [Greek: "Ilion, ên epolisse Poseidaôn kai Apollôn,
         Ilion, ên alapakên alapazan Athênaiê te kai Êrê".]

   See Grote's Hist, of Greece, vol. i. p. 68.]

But him in turn the azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus addressed: "Be it
so, Far-darter; for I myself, meditating the same things, came down from
Olympus to the Trojans and the Greeks. But come, how dost thou intend to
make the battle of men to cease?"

Her then in turn king Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed: "Let us arouse
the valiant spirit of horse-breaking Hector, if perchance he will
challenge some one of the Greeks to fight against him singly opposed in
grievous combat. And the well-greaved Greeks enraged will urge on some
single man to fight with noble Hector."

Thus he spoke, nor did the azure-eyed goddess disobey. But Helenus, the
dear son of Priam, perceived in his mind the counsel, which seemed good
to the gods deliberating. He therefore went and stood near Hector, and
thus accosted him:

"Hector, son of Priam, equal to Jove in wisdom, wilt thou obey me in
aught? for I am thy brother. Cause all the rest of the Trojans and the
Greeks to sit down, but do thou thyself challenge whoever is the bravest
of the Greeks to fight against thee in grievous combat. For it is not
yet thy fate to die, and draw on fate; for to this effect have I heard
the voice of the immortal gods."

Thus he spoke. But Hector in turn rejoiced exceedingly, having heard his
advice, and accordingly advancing into the midst, grasping his spear in
the middle, he restrained the phalanxes of the Trojans; and they all sat
down. Agamemnon also caused the well-greaved Greeks to sit down; and
Minerva also, and silver-bowed Apollo, sat like unto vulture birds, on a
lofty beech-tree of their sire, the ægis-bearing Jove, delighted with
the heroes; of these the ranks sat thick, horribly bristling with
shields, and helmets, and spears. And as the ripple of the west wind,
just risen, is poured over the ocean, and the sea begins to darken under
it, such sat the ranks of the Greeks and Trojans in the plain: but
Hector thus spoke in the midst of both armies:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks, whilst I speak what
the mind in my breast commands me. Saturnian Jove, indeed, sitting
aloft, has not ratified the leagues, but devising evils against both
sides, ordains them, till either ye take well-turreted Troy, or
yourselves fall at your sea-traversing ships. Amongst you, indeed, there
are the bravest of all the Greeks, of whom whomsoever his mind orders to
fight with me, let him come hither from amongst all, to be a champion
against noble Hector. This then do I propose, but let Jove be our
witness; if, on the one hand, he shall slay me with his long-pointed
spear, having stripped off my armour, let him bear it to the hollow
ships, but send my body home, that the Trojans and the wives of the
Trojans may make me, deceased, a partaker of the funeral pyre. But if,
on the other hand, I shall slay him, and Apollo shall give me glory,
having stripped off his armour, I will bear it to sacred Ilium, and I
will hang it up on the temple of far-darting Apollo: but his body I will
send back to the well-benched ships, that the long-haired Greeks may
perform his exsequies, and pile up for him a tomb on the wide
Hellespont. And hereafter will some one of future men say, as he sails
over the sea in his many-benched ship: 'This, indeed, is the tomb of a
hero long since deceased, whom once, bearing himself doughtily,
illustrious Hector slew.' Thus hereafter will some one say; but this my
glory shall never perish."

Thus he said, but all became mute in silence. Ashamed indeed they were
to refuse, and yet they dreaded to accept [the challenge]. At length,
however, Menelaus stood up, and spoke amongst them, rebuking them with
reproaches, and he groaned greatly in spirit:

"Alas! ye boasters! Greek dames! no longer Grecian men! certainly will
these things be a disgrace, most grievously grievous, if none of the
Greeks will now go against Hector. But may ye all become water and
earth, sitting there each of you, faint-hearted; utterly inglorious: but
I myself will be armed against him. But the issues of victory are rested
in the immortal gods."

Thus having spoken, he put on his beautiful arms. Then, indeed, O
Menelaus, would the end of life have befallen thee at the hands of
Hector, since he was much the better man, had not the princes of the
Greeks, starting up suddenly, restrained thee, and the son of Atreus
himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, seized thee by the right hand, and
addressed thee, and spoke:

"Thou art mad, O Menelaus! offspring of Jove, nor hast thou any need of
such madness: restrain thyself, although grieved, nor wish for the sake
of contention to fight with a braver man than thyself, Hector, the son
of Priam, whom others also dread. Nay, even Achilles, who is much braver
than thou, dreads to meet him[256] in the glorious fight. But now, going
to the troop of thy companions, sit down. Against him the Greeks will
set up some other champion. Although he be intrepid and insatiable of
battle, I think that he will gladly bend his knee,[257] if he shall
escape from the hostile battle and the grievous fight."

   [Footnote 256: Lesbonax, [Greek: peri schêm.] p. 182, reads
   [Greek: touton ge--antiolêsai], which Valckenaer, and with
   reason, thinks a more _recherché_ and genuine reading than
   [Greek: toutô]. Lesbonax compares the Attic phrase [Greek:
   areskei me] for [Greek: moi] Cf. Aristoph. Ran. 103, with the
   Scholiast.]

   [Footnote 257: _I.e._ sit down through fatigue, "de iis qui longo
   labore seu cuisu fessi quiescunt et vires recipiunt."--Heyne.]

Thus speaking, the hero dissuaded his brother's mind, advising him
rightly; and he obeyed. His joyful attendants then stripped the armour
from his shoulders. Then Nestor arose amidst the Greeks, and said:

"O gods, surely great grief comes upon the Grecian land. Certainly the
aged knight Peleus, the excellent counsellor and adviser of the
Myrmidons, will greatly lament, who formerly interrogated me, greatly
rejoiced in his palace, inquiring the race and offspring of all the
Greeks. If he now heard of them all crouching down under Hector, often
indeed would he uplift his hands to the immortals, [praying] that his
soul, [separated] from his limbs, might depart into the house of Pluto.
For would, O father Jove, and Minerva, and Apollo, I were young, as when
the assembled Pylians and the spear-skilled Arcadians fought by the
rapid Celadon, at the walls of Phæa, about the streams of Jardan. With
them Ereuthalion, god-like hero, stood in the van, bearing on his
shoulders the armour of king Areïthous, of noble Areïthous, whom men and
beauteous-girt women called by surname Corynetes, since he fought not
with a bow, nor with a long spear, but used to break the phalanxes with
an iron club. Him Lycurgus slew by stratagem, not by strength, in a
narrow defile, where his iron club did not ward off destruction from
him; for Lycurgus, anticipating, pierced him right through the waist
with his spear, and he was dashed to the ground on his back; and he
spoiled him of the armour which brazen Mars had given him, and he indeed
afterwards bore them himself in the battle of Mars. But when Lycurgus
had grown old in his palaces, he gave them to his beloved attendant
Ereuthalion, to be borne: and he, having his armour, challenged all the
bravest: but these trembled and feared very much: nor did any one dare
[to withstand him]. But my bold mind, by its confidence, urged me on to
fight him: now I was the youngest of them all; and I fought with him,
and Minerva gave me glory. And I slew this most mighty and valiant hero,
for vast he lay stretched out on this side and on that. Would that [now]
I were thus young, and my strength entire--so quickly should
crest-tossing Hector meet with a contest. But those of you who are the
bravest of all the Greeks, not even you promptly desire to go against
Hector."

Thus did the old man upbraid them; and nine heroes in all arose. Much
the first arose Agamemnon, the king of men; after him arose brave
Diomede, son of Tydeus, and after them the Ajaces, clad in impetuous
valour: after them Idomeneus, and Meriones, the armour-bearer of
Idomeneus, equal to man-slaughtering Mars. After them Eurypylus, the
gallant son of Evæmon. And there [also arose] Thoas, son of Andræmon,
and divine Ulysses. All these wished to fight with noble Hector. But
these again the Gerenian knight Nestor addressed:

"Decide now, exclusively by lot, who shall obtain [the accepting of the
challenge]; for he indeed will aid the well-greaved Greeks; and he will
also delight his own soul, if he shall escape safe from the hostile war
and the grievous fight."

Thus he spoke, and they marked each his own lot, and they cast them into
the helmet of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. The people supplicated, and
raised their hands to the gods, and thus would one of them say, looking
towards the wide heaven:

"O father Jove, grant that Ajax obtain the lot, or the son of Tydeus, or
the king himself of rich Mycenæ."

Thus they spake, and the Gerenian knight Nestor shook [the lots], and
the lot of Ajax, which indeed they wished for, leaped forth from the
helmet. Then a herald bearing it around through the multitude, beginning
at the right, showed it to all the chiefs of the Greeks. But they, not
recognizing it, disclaimed it severally. But, when at last the herald,
carrying it round through the multitude, came to him, illustrious Ajax,
who had inscribed and cast it into the helmet, he [Ajax] stretched forth
his hand, and the herald standing near, placed it in it. Having
inspected it, he knew his own mark, and rejoiced in his soul. He cast it
on the ground at his feet, and said:

"O friends, surely the lot is mine, and I myself rejoice in my soul,
since I think that I shall conquer noble Hector. But come, while I put
on my warlike arms, do ye meantime pray to Jove, the Saturnian king,
silently within yourselves, that the Trojans may not hear; or even
openly, since we fear no one at all. For no one willingly shall, by
force, overcome me against my will, nor through my inexperience; since I
hope I have not been so ignorantly[258] born and bred at Salamis."

   [Footnote 258: I. e. ignorant of arms.]

Thus he spoke: but they prayed to Jove, the Saturnian king; and thus
would one of them say looking towards the wide heaven:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, grant to
Ajax to bear away victory, and illustrious glory. But if thou lovest
Hector also, and carest for him, grant equal might and glory to both."

Thus they spake, and Ajax was arming himself in splendid brass. But when
he had put on all his armour around his body, then he rushed forward: as
moves mighty Mars, who goes to war amidst men, whom the son of Saturn
has engaged to fight with the strength of soul-gnawing strife, such
mighty Ajax advanced, the bulwark of the Greeks, smiling with grim
countenance; but he advanced, taking long strides with his feet beneath,
brandishing his long-shadowed spear. The Greeks, on their part, rejoiced
much on beholding him, but dire dismay seized the Trojans, each one as
to his limbs, and the soul panted in the breast of Hector himself. But
now he could not in anywise retract through fear, nor retire back into
the crowd of the people, since he had challenged to the fight. But Ajax
drew near, bearing a shield, like a tower, brazen, covered with seven
ox-hides, which for him the artist Tychius labouring had wrought,
dwelling at his home in Hyla, by far the most excellent of
leather-cutters, who for him had made a moveable shield, of seven hides
of very fat bulls, and drawn over it an eighth [layer] of brass.
Carrying this before his breast, Telamonian Ajax stood very near Hector,
and menacing addressed him:

"O Hector, now thou, alone with me alone, shalt plainly know, what kind
of chiefs are present with the Greeks, even besides Achilles, the
breaker of ranks, the lion-hearted. But he, indeed, abides at his
high-beaked sea-traversing ships, enraged against Agamemnon, the
shepherd of the people. Yet we are such, even many of us, who can go
against thee; but begin the battle and the strife."

Him then in turn the mighty crest-tossing Hector addressed: "Thou
Jove-sprung Ajax, son of Telamon, ruler of forces, tamper not with me as
with a weak boy, or a woman, who knows not warlike deeds. But I well
know both battles and man-slaughterings. I know how to shift my dry
shield to the right and to the left; wherefore to me it belongs to tight
unwearied. I am also skilled to rush to the battle of swift steeds. I
know too, how, in hostile array, to move skilfully in honour of glowing
Mars. But I do not desire to wound thee, being such, watching
stealthily, but openly, if haply I may strike thee."

He spoke, and brandishing hurled forth his long-shadowed spear, and
smote the mighty seven-hided shield of Ajax on the outside brass, which
was the eighth [layer] thereon. And the unwearied brass cutting through,
penetrated six folds, and was stuck fast in the seventh hide. Next,
Jove-sprung Ajax in turn sent forth his very long spear, and struck the
all-equal shield of Priam's son. Through the shining shield passed the
impetuous spear, and was fastened in his very ingeniously-wrought
corslet, and from the opposite side the spear cut his tunic near the
flank. But he inclined himself, and avoided black death. Then they both,
having drawn out their long spears with their hands, joined battle, like
unto raw-devouring lions, or wild boars, whose strength is not feeble.
Then indeed the son of Priam struck the midst of his [Ajax's] shield
with his spear; it broke not through the brass, but the point of it was
bent. But Ajax, bounding forward, pierced his shield: and the spear went
right through, and repelled him as he rushed on: it glanced over his
neck, cutting it, and black gore gushed forth. But not even thus did
crest-tossing Hector cease from the battle: but retiring back, he seized
in his hand, a black, rough, huge stone, lying in the plain. With it he
struck the mighty seven-hided shield of Ajax, in the midst of the boss,
and the brass rang around. Ajax next taking up a much larger stone,
whirling, discharged it, and applied immense strength. And he broke
through the shield, having struck with a rock like unto a millstone, and
he wounded him in the knee; and he was stretched supine, having come
into violent contact with his shield; but Apollo quickly raised him. And
now in close combat hand to hand, they would have wounded each other
with their swords, had not the heralds, the messengers of gods and men,
arrived, one of the Trojans, the other of the brazen-mailed Greeks,
Talthybius and Idæus, both prudent men. And between both armies they
held their sceptres, but the herald Idæus, skilled in prudent counsels,
said:

"No longer, my dear sons, war or fight, for cloud-collecting Jove loves
you both: ye both are warriors, and this we all know. Night is now
approaching, and it is good to obey night." [259]

   [Footnote 259: Cf. Æn. ii. 8:--

                        ----"et jam nox humida coelo
      Præcipitat, suadentque cadentia sidera somnos."]

But him Telamonian Ajax answering addressed: "Idæus, order Hector to
speak these words, for he challenged all the bravest [of our side] to
battle. Let him begin, and I will entirely obey, if indeed he does so."

But him crest-tossing Hector addressed in turn: "Ajax, since some god
has given thee size, and might, and prudence, and thou art the most
excellent of the Greeks at the spear, let us now cease from battle and
contest for this day; hereafter will we fight again, till the Deity
shall separate us, and give the victory to either. Now night is
approaching, and it is good to obey night, that thou mayest gladden all
the Greeks at the ships, and chiefly those friends and companions which
are thine; but I will gladden the Trojans and the train-bearing Trojan
matrons, through the great city of king Priam, the dames who, praying
for me, are entering the deities' temple.[260] But come, let us both
mutually give very glorious gifts, that some one of the Greeks and
Trojans may say thus: 'They certainly fought in a soul-gnawing strife,
but then again being reconciled, they parted in friendship.'"

   [Footnote 260: [Greek: Agôn] is defined by Apollonius, p. 26,
   [Greek: o topos eis on synagontai]. Hesychius, p. 79, makes it
   equivalent to [Greek: athroisma], and also calls it the place
   where combatants fight. Porphyry, Quæst. Hom. p. cvii. ed.
   Barnes, [Greek: ton naon êtoi topon onia, ê yeion athroisma
   periechonta]. So, also, the Scholiast.]

Thus then having spoken, he gave him a silver-studded sword, presenting
it with the sheath and the well-wrought belt. But Ajax gave [to him] a
belt, splendid with purple. Then they twain being separated, the one
went to the people of the Greeks, and the other to the crowd of the
Trojans: and they rejoiced when they saw him coming alive and safe,
having escaped the strength and the invincible hands of Ajax; and led
him to the city, not having had any hopes that he was safe. But the
well-greaved Greeks, on the other hand, led away Ajax, rejoicing in
victory, to divine Agamemnon. When now they were in the tents of the son
of Atreus, then Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed for them an ox, a
male, five years old, to the most powerful son of Saturn. This they
flayed, and dressed it; made divisions of the whole of it, and skilfully
divided these into smaller portions, and fixed them on spits, and
roasted them very cleverly, and drew off all. But when they had ceased
from labour, and had prepared the banquet, they feasted, nor did their
soul in anywise lack a due proportion of the feast. The valiant son of
Atreus, far-ruling Agamemnon, honoured Ajax with an entire chine.[261]
But when they had dismissed the desire of drink and of food, for them
the aged man Nestor first of all began to frame advice, whose counsel
before also had appeared the best, who, wisely counselling, harangued
them, and said:

   [Footnote 261: The same honour is paid to Æneas in Virg. Æn.
   viii. 181. Cf. Xenoph. Rep. Lac. XV. 4.]

"Son of Atreus, and ye other chiefs of all the Greeks, many of the
long-haired Achæans have perished, whose black blood fierce Mars has now
shed near fair-flowing Scamander, and their souls have descended to the
shades! Therefore it behoves you to cause the battle of the Greeks to
cease with the dawn, and let us, collected together, carry the bodies
hither on chariots, with oxen and mules, and burn them at a little
distance from the ships, that each may carry home the bones [of the
deceased] to their children, when we return again to our father-land.
And let us, going out, heap up in the plain one common tomb for all,
round the pyre, and beside it let us speedily erect lofty towers, as a
bulwark of our ships and of ourselves; and in it let us make a
well-fitted gate, that through it there may be a passage for the
chariots. But outside let us sink, near at hand, a deep trench, which,
being circular, may serve as a defence to both steeds and men, lest at
any time the war of the haughty Trojans should press sorely."

Thus he spoke, and all the princes approved of his counsel. But of the
Trojans also was a panic-struck and turbulent council held in the lofty
citadel of Ilium, at the gates of Priam; and to them wise Antenor thus
began to harangue:

"Hear me, ye Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you what
the soul in my breast commands me. Come then, let us restore Argive
Helen, and her treasures with her to the sons of Atreus to lead away;
for now we are fighting after having violated the faithful leagues.
Wherefore I think that nothing better will be brought to pass by us,
unless we act thus."

He, having thus said, sat down; but to them arose divine Alexander, the
husband of fair-haired Helen, who answering him spoke winged words:

"O Antenor, thou no longer speakest these things grateful to me. Thou
knowest how to devise another counsel better than this; but if, in
truth, thou speakest this seriously, the gods themselves have now
deprived thee of thy senses. But I will declare my opinion amidst the
horse-subduing Trojans; I openly declare I will not give up my wife: but
the treasures, whatever I have brought home from Argos, all these I am
willing to give, and even to add others from my own home."

Thus having spoken, he sat down; but to them arose Priam, son of
Dardanus, a counsellor equal to the gods; who thus wisely harangued
them, and said:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and Dardanians, and allies, that I may tell you
what the soul in my breast commands. Now take repast through the army,
as heretofore, and be attentive to the watch, and let each be mindful of
guard. But in the morning let Idæus proceed to the hollow ships, to
announce to the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus, the resolution
of Alexander, on whose account the contention has arisen; and let him
add this prudent request also, whether they wish to desist from
horrid-sounding war, until we burn the dead; afterwards will we fight
again till fate separate us, and give the victory to one or other of
us."

Thus he said: but they heard him very attentively, and obeyed. Then they
took their repast throughout the city, by companies. In the morning
Idæus went to the hollow ships. He found the Greeks, the servants of
Mars, in council, at the stern of[262] Agamemnon's ship: and the
clear-voiced herald, standing in the midst of them, spoke thus:

"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye other chiefs of all the Greeks, Priam and the
other illustrious Trojans command me to tell you, if it be agreeable and
pleasing to you, the determination of Alexander, on whose account this
contention has arisen."

   [Footnote 262: Dative for genitive, by the Schema Colophonium.
   See Lesbonax, p. 181, ed. Valck.]

"Whatever treasures Alexander brought in the hollow ships to Troy, (would
that he first had perished,) all these is he willing to give up, and
even to add others from his own home: but he says that he will not
restore the wedded spouse of glorious Menelaus: certainly the Trojans,
at least, advise him. They also order me to make this proposal, to wit,
whether ye are willing to desist from dreadful-sounding war, until we
shall burn the dead: afterwards we shall fight again, till fate separate
us, and give the victory to one of us."

Thus he said, but they all became mute in silence. At length Diomede,
brave in the din of war, spoke thus amongst them:

"Let none now receive the treasures of Alexander, nor Helen: for it is
plain, even [to him] who is a mere infant, that the issues of
destruction impend over the Trojans."

Thus he said, and all the sons of the Greeks shouted, admiring the words
of horse-breaking Diomede: and then Agamemnon, king of men, thus
addressed Idæus:

"Idæus, thou thyself hearest, indeed, the sentiments of the Greeks, how
they answer thee; and such also pleases me. But concerning the dead, I
grudge not that [you] should burn them; for there is no grudge towards
the dead bodies, when they are dead, hastily to perform their obsequies
with fire:[263] but let loud-resounding Jove, the husband of Juno, be
witness of the treaties."

   [Footnote 263: Literally, "to appease [the dead]."]

Thus having said, he raised his sceptre to all the gods. But Idæus
returned to sacred Ilium. And the Trojans and Dardanians all sat
assembled in council, expecting when Idæus might return. He came, and
declared his message, standing in the midst of them. But they prepared
themselves very speedily for both purposes, some to carry away the
bodies, and others to gather wood. The Greeks also on the other side
hastened from their well-benched ships, some to carry away the bodies,
and others to collect wood.

Then, indeed, the sun freshly struck the fields [with its rays],
ascending heaven from the calmly-flowing, deep-moving ocean. But they
met one another. Then was it difficult to distinguish each man [amongst
the slain]; but washing off with water the bloody gore, and pouring over
them warm tears, they placed them upon the chariots; nor did mighty
Priam suffer them to give way to grief. In silence, therefore, they
heaped the bodies on the pile, grieving at heart. But when they had
burned them in the fire, they returned to sacred Ilium. In like manner
also, on the other side, the well-greaved Greeks heaped the bodies on
the pile, grieving in their heart; and having burned them with fire,
they returned to the hollow ships. And when it was not yet morning, but
still twilight, then a chosen band of Greeks arose about the pile; and
going out from the plain, they made around it one common tomb, and near
it they built a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark of their ships and of
themselves. In them they made well-fitted gates, that through them there
might be a passage for the chariots. Without they dug a deep ditch, near
it, broad and large, and in it fixed palisades. Thus the long-haired
Greeks on their part laboured.

But the gods on the contrary sitting beside the thundering Jove, were
admiring the mighty work of the brazen-mailed Greeks; but to them
Neptune, the earth-shaker, thus began to speak:

"O father Jove, is there any mortal on the boundless earth, who will any
more disclose his mind and counsel to the immortals? Dost thou not
perceive how the long-haired Greeks have built a wall before their
shipping, and have drawn a ditch all round, nor have they given splendid
hecatombs to the gods? The fame of this [work] will certainly be
wherever light is diffused: but they will forget that [wall] which I and
Phoebus Apollo, toiling, built round the city for the hero
Laomedon." [264]

Him, greatly enraged, the cloud-compelling Jove addressed:

"Ha! thou far-ruling earth-shaker, what hast thou said? Another of the
gods, who is much weaker than thou in hands and in might might have
dreaded this idea; but thy glory shall assuredly extend as far as light
is diffused. Howbeit, when the crest-waving Greeks shall have departed
with their ships into their dear fatherland, do thou, overthrowing this
wall, sink it all in the deep, and again cover the great shore with
sand. Thus may this mighty rampart of the Greeks be wholly effaced."

   [Footnote 264: Grote, Hist. p. 78, well observes that the
   "subsequent animosity of Neptune against Troy was greatly
   determined by the sentiment of the injustice of Laomedon." On the
   discrepancy between this passage and XXI. 442, see Müller, Dor.
   vol. i. p. 249]

Thus were they conversing on such matters among themselves. But the sun
had set, and the work of the Greeks was finished. They slaughtered oxen
through the tents, and took their repast. Many ships (which Euneüs, son
of Jason, whom Hypsipyle bore to Jason, shepherd of the people, sent,)
arrived from Lemnos, bringing wine. The son of Jason gave of wine a
thousand measures, to be brought separately, as a gift to the sons of
Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus. Thence the long-haired Greeks
bought[265] wine, some for brass, some for shining iron, others for
hides, some for the oxen themselves, and some for slaves; and they
prepared an abundant feast. Through the whole night, indeed, the
long-haired Greeks feasted; and the Trojans too, and their allies,
through the city. And all night thundering fearfully, provident Jove was
devising evils for both parties; but pale fear seized them. And they
poured wine from their cups on the earth, nor did any one dare to drink
before he had made a libation to the supreme son of Saturn. They then
lay down, and enjoyed the boon of sleep.

   [Footnote 265: Theophilus Jctus. iii. tit. xxiii. § 1. [Greek:
   Kai touto esti to en tô plêthei thrylloumenon tê tôn pragmatôn
   enallagê prysin kai agorasian synistasthai, kai touto to eidos
   praseôs archaiotaton einai]. He then alleges these lines of Homer
   as the earliest known instance of barter.]




                           BOOK THE EIGHTH.


                              ARGUMENT.

Jove assembles the gods, and forbids them to interfere between the
Greeks and Trojans. He then repairs to Ida, where, having consulted the
scales of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Greeks. Nestor,
in the chariot of Diomede, goes against Hector, whose charioteer is
slain by Diomede. Jove again interposes his thunders, and the Greeks
seek refuge within the rampart. Upon a favourable omen accompanying the
prayer of Agamemnon, Diomede and the rest set out, and Teucer performs
great exploits, but is disabled by Hector. Juno and Minerva are
prevented interfering by Jove, and Hector takes measures to insure the
safety of Troy during the night.


Now did saffron-mantled morn diffuse herself over all the earth, and
thunder-rejoicing Jove made an assembly of the gods on the highest peak
of many-topped Olympus. And he himself harangued them, and all the other
deities hearkened (to his command):[266]

"Hear me, all ye gods and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you what the
soul in my breast prompts me. Let no female deity, therefore, nor any
male, attempt to infringe this my injunction; but do ye all at once
assent, that I may very speedily bring these matters to their issue.
Whomsoever of the gods I shall discover, having gone apart from [the
rest], wishing to aid either the Trojans or the Greeks, disgracefully
smitten shall he return to Olympus: or seizing, I will hurl him into
gloomy Tartarus, very far hence, where there is a very deep gulf beneath
the earth, and iron portals, and a brazen threshold, as far below Hades
as heaven is from earth;[267] then shall he know by how much I am the
most powerful of all the gods. But come, ye gods, and try me, that ye
may all know. Having suspended a golden chain from heaven, do all ye
gods and goddesses suspend yourselves therefrom; yet would ye not draw
down from heaven to earth your supreme counsellor Jove, not even if ye
labour ever so much: but whenever I, desiring, should wish to pull it, I
could draw it up together, earth, and ocean, and all: then, indeed,
would I bind the chain around the top of Olympus, and all these should
hang aloft. By so much do I surpass both gods and men." [268]

   [Footnote 266: _I. e._ dii obsequtii sunt, ut convocati
   convenirent.--Heyne.]

   [Footnote 267: See the notes of Newton on Parad. Lost, i. 74.]

   [Footnote 268: Referring to this address of Jove, Coleridge
   remarks: "Although the supremacy of Jove comes far short of the
   true conception of almighty power, the characteristic point which
   seems to be fairly established is, that he is the active and
   ruling power of the popular mythology, the supreme and despotic
   chief of an aristocracy of weaker divinities, accustomed to
   consult with them and liable to their opposition and even
   violence, yet, upon the whole, substantially aristocratic, and
   independent of any recognized permanent superior."--Classic
   Poets, p. 159.]

Thus he said. But they all became mute in silence, wondering at his
speech; for he spoke very menacingly. But at length the azure-eyed
goddess Minerva thus spoke in the midst:

"O sire of ours! son of Saturn! most supreme of kings! well do we all
know that thy strength is irresistible: yet do we truly mourn for the
warlike Greeks, who are now perishing, fulfilling their evil fate. But
nevertheless, we will refrain from war, since thus thou commandest. Yet
will we suggest counsel to the Greeks, which will avail them, that they
may not all perish because thou art wrathful."

But her the cloud-impelling Jove smiling addressed: "Be of good cheer,
Tritonia, my dear daughter--I speak not with a serious intent; but I am
willing to be lenient towards thee."

Thus having said, under his chariot he yoked his brazen-footed,
swift-flying steeds, adorned with golden manes. He himself put on gold
about his person, and took his golden well-made whip, and ascended the
chariot; and lashed them on to proceed, and they, not unwilling, flew
midway between the earth and starry heaven. He came to spring-fed Ida,
the mother of wild beasts, to Gargarus, where he had a consecrated
enclosure, and a fragrant altar. There the father of gods and men
stopped his steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and poured a
thick haze around. But he sat upon the summits, exulting in glory,
looking upon the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Greeks.

Meanwhile the long-haired Greeks were taking their repast in a hurried
manner through the tents, and after that they put on their armour. But
the Trojans, on the other side, were arming themselves through the city,
fewer in number; yet even thus, they were eager to fight in battle,
compelled by necessity, in defence of their children and their wives.
And the gates were opened wide, and the forces rushed out, both chariot
warriors and foot, and much tumult arose. But when these collecting
together came into one place, they clashed together shields and spears,
and the might of brazen-mailed men; but the bossy shields approached one
another, and much tumult arose. There at the same time were both
lamentation and boasting of men destroying and destroyed, and the earth
flowed with blood. As long as the forenoon lasted, and the sacred day
was in progress, so long did the weapons touch both, and the people
fell. But when the sun had ascended the middle heaven, then at length
did Father Jove raise the golden scales, and placed in them two
destinies of long-reposing death, [the destinies] both of the
horse-breaking Trojans and of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and holding them
in the middle, he poised them; but the fatal day of the Greeks inclined
low. The destinies of the Greeks, indeed, rested on the bounteous earth,
but those of the Trojans on the contrary were elevated to the wide
heaven.

But he himself mightily thundered from Ida, and sent his burning
lightning against the army of the Greeks: they having seen it, were
amazed, and pale fear seized them all. Then neither Idomeneus, nor
Agamemnon, nor the two Ajaces, the servants of Mars, dared to remain.
Gerenian Nestor alone, the guardian of the Greeks, remained, not
willingly, but one of his horses was disabled, which noble Alexander,
husband of fair-haired Helen, had pierced with an arrow in the top of
the forehead, where the forelocks of horses grow out of the head, and is
most fatal.[269] In torture he reared, for the arrow had entered the
brain; and he disordered the [other] horses, writhing round the brazen
barb. Whilst the old man hastening, was cutting away the side reins of
the horse with his sword, then were the swift steeds of Hector coming
through the crowd, bearing the bold charioteer Hector. And then the old
man would certainly have lost his life, if Diomede, brave in the din of
battle, had not quickly observed it; and he shouted, dreadfully
exhorting Ulysses, [thus]:

   [Footnote 269: Or "opportune" viz for inflicting a fatal
   wound.--Kennedy.]

"Jove-born son of Laërtes, much-contriving Ulysses, whither dost thou
fly, turning thy back in the throng, like a coward? [Beware], lest some
man with a spear transpierce thee in the back, flying. But stay, that we
may repel the fierce hero from the aged man."

Thus he spoke: but much-enduring, noble Ulysses heard him not, but
passed by to the hollow ships of the Greeks. But the son of Tydeus,
though being alone, was mixed with the van, and stood before the steeds
of the aged son of Neleus, and addressing him, spoke winged words:

"O old man, certainly the youthful warriors greatly oppress thee: but
thy strength is relaxed, and tiresome old age attends thee: thy servant
is exhausted, and thy steeds are slow. But come, ascend my chariot, that
thou mayest see what kind are the steeds of Tros, skilled to fly and to
pursue very rapidly, here and there, through the plain; which lately I
took from Æneas, authors of flight. Let the attendants take care of
those steeds [of thine], but let us direct these against the
horse-breaking Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also
rages madly in my hands." Thus he said: but the Gerenian knight Nestor
disobeyed him not. Accordingly, at once their attendants, brave
Sthenelus and valorous Eurymedon, took care of Nestor's steeds: and the
two chiefs ascended the chariot of Diomede. Nestor took the shining
reins in his hands, and lashed the steeds, and soon they came near
Hector. At him rushing impetuously forward, the son of Tydeus launched a
spear; but the weapon missed him, and struck his attendant charioteer in
the breast, near the pap, who was holding the reins of the steeds,
Eniopeus, the son of magnanimous Thebæus: but he fell from the chariot,
and the swift steeds started back, and there his soul and his strength
were dissolved. But excessive grief overshadowed Hector in his mind, on
account of [the loss of] his charioteer. There, though grieving for his
companion, he let him lie, and sought a bold charioteer: nor did his
steeds long want a guide; for soon he found courageous Archeptolemus,
the son of Iphitus, whom then he made to mount the swift-footed steeds,
and gave the reins into his hands.

Then, indeed, had slaughter arisen, and dreadful deeds had been done,
and [the Trojans] had been pent up in Ilium like lambs, had not the
father of both men and gods quickly perceived it. Therefore, dreadfully
thundering he sent forth his glowing thunderbolt, and cast it into the
earth before the steeds of Diomede: but there arose a terrible flame of
burning sulphur, and the two frightened steeds crouched trembling
beneath the chariot. Moreover, the beautiful reins fell from the hands
of Nestor, and he feared in his soul, and addressed Diomede:

"Son of Tydeus, come now, turn thy solid-hoofed steeds to flight. Dost
thou not perceive that victory from Jove does not attend thee? For now,
this very day, of a truth, Saturnian Jove awards him glory; afterwards
again will he give it to us, if he shall be willing. By no means can a
man impede the will of Jove, not even a very mighty one; since he is by
far the most powerful."

But him Diomede, brave in the din of war, then answered: "Old man,
certainly thou hast said all this rightly: but this grievous sorrow
invades my heart and my soul: for Hector at some time will say,
haranguing amongst the Trojans, 'The son of Tydeus, routed by me, fled
to his ships.' Thus at some time will he boast: but then may the earth
yawn wide for me."

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "Alas! warlike son of
Tydeus, what hast thou said? Even though Hector call thee coward and
unwarlike, yet the Trojans and Dardanians, and the wives of the
stout-hearted shield-bearing Trojans, whose vigorous husbands thou hast
prostrated in the dust, will not believe him."

Thus having said, he turned the solid-hoofed steeds to flight, back into
the crowd. But the Trojans and Hector, with a mighty shout, poured
destructive missiles upon them. And then after him loud roared mighty
crest-tossing Hector:

"Son of Tydeus, the swift-horsed Greeks honoured thee, indeed, above
[others] with a seat, with meat, and full cups; but now will they
dishonour thee; for thou hast become like a woman. Away! timorous girl!
since thou shalt never climb our towers, I giving way, nor bear away our
women in thy ships; first shall I give thee thy doom."

Thus he said; but the son of Tydeus debated whether to turn his steeds,
and to fight against him. Thrice, indeed, he thought in mind and soul,
but thrice, on the other hand, the provident Jove thundered from the
Idæan mountains, giving a signal to the Trojans, the alternating success
of battle. But Hector exhorted the Trojans, vociferating aloud:

"Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my
friends, and be mindful of impetuous might! I know the son of Saturn
hath willingly accorded me victory and great renown, but to the Greeks
destruction. Fools, who indeed built those weak, worthless walls, which
shall not check my strength; but our steeds will easily overleap the dug
trench. But when, indeed, I come to their hollow ships, then let there
be some memory of burning fire, that I may consume their fleet with the
flame, and slay the Argives themselves at the ships, bewildered by the
smoke."

Thus having spoken, he cheered on his steeds, and said: "Xanthus, and
thou Podargus, and Æthon, and noble Lampus, now repay to me the
attention, with which, in great abundance, Andromache, the daughter of
magnanimous Eetion, gave to you the sweet barley, mixing wine also [for
you] to drink, whenever your mind ordered it, even before me, who boast
to be her vigorous husband. But follow and hasten, that we may take the
shield of Nestor, the fame of which has now reached the heaven, that it
is entirely golden, the handles and itself: but, from the shoulders of
horse-breaking Diomede, the well-made corslet, which the artist Vulcan
wrought. If we can take these, I expect that the Greeks this very night
will ascend their swift ships."

Thus he said boasting; but venerable Juno was indignant, and shook
herself on her throne, and made great Olympus tremble; and openly
accosted the mighty deity, Neptune:

"Alas! far-ruling Earth-shaker, dost thou not in thy soul pity the
perishing Greeks? But they bring thee many and grateful gifts to Helice
and Ægæ. Do thou, therefore, will to them the victory. For if we were
willing, as many of us as are assistants to the Greeks, to repulse the
Trojans and restrain far-sounding Jove, then might he grieve sitting
alone there on Ida."

But her king Neptune, greatly excited, thus addressed: "Juno,
petulant[270] in speech, what hast thou said? I would not wish, indeed,
that we, the other gods, should fight with Saturnian Jove, since he is
by far most powerful."

   [Footnote 270: Compare the phrase [Greek: kathaptesthai
   epeessin].--Od. ii. 240. Suidas: [Greek: Aptoepês aptoêtos en tô
   legein]. Apollon. Lex. p. 188: [Greek: "Aptôte, ê aptonte tois
   logois, ê kathaptomenê ota tôn logôn"].]

Thus indeed were they holding such converse with each other. But
whatever space before the ships the trench belonging to the tower
enclosed, was filled with horses and shielded men crowded together.[271]
But Hector, the son of Priam, equal to swift Mars, had crowded them
thus, when Jupiter awarded him glory. And now would he have burned the
equal ships with blazing fire, had not venerable Juno put it into the
soul of Agamemnon, himself actively engaged, briskly to urge on the
Greeks. He therefore hastened to go along the tents and ships of the
Greeks, holding in his stout hand his great purple robe. But in the huge
black ship of Ulysses he stood, which was in the midst, that he might
shout audibly to either side, as well to the tent of Telamonian Ajax, as
to that of Achilles, for they had drawn up their equal ships at the
extremities of the line, relying on their valour and the strength of
their hands. Then he shouted distinctly, calling upon the Greeks:

"Shame! ye Greeks, foul subjects of disgrace! gallant in form [alone]!
Where are those boastings gone, when we professed ourselves the bravest;
those which, once in Lemnos, vain braggarts! ye did utter, eating much
flesh of horned oxen, and drinking-goblets crowned with wine,[272] that
each would in battle be equivalent to a hundred and even two hundred of
the Trojans? But now, indeed, we are not equal to Hector alone, who
shortly will burn our ships with flaming fire. O father Jove, hast thou
indeed ever yet afflicted with such destruction any one of mighty kings,
and so deprived him of high renown? And yet I say that I never passed by
thy fair altar in my many-benched ship, coming here with ill luck.[273]
But on all I burned the fat of oxen and the thighs, desiring to sack
well-walled Troy. But, O Jove, accomplish for me this vow, at least
permit us to escape and get away; nor suffer the Greeks to be thus
subdued by the Trojans."

   [Footnote 271: Observe that [Greek: tôn] belongs to [Greek:
   ippôn] and [Greek: andrôn], and that [Greek: oson ek nêôn apo
   pyrgou taphros eerge], means that "the space between the rampart
   and the sea was enclosed." [Greek: Apo] does not govern [Greek:
   pyrgou], but is compounded with [Greek: eerge].]

   [Footnote 272: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 292, sqq. who has, however,
   been long since anticipated by Paschal. de Coron. i. 4.]

   [Footnote 273: Schol. [Greek: Errôn, epi phthor paoagenomenos].
   See Alberti on Hesych, s. v. t. i. p. 1445. So, also, Apollon. p.
   364: [Greek: Epi phthora porenomenos].]

Thus he said: and the Sire[274] pitied him weeping, and granted to him
that the army should be safe, and not perish. And forthwith he sent an
eagle, the most perfect[275] of birds, holding a fawn in his talons, the
offspring of a swift deer: and near the very beauteous altar of Jove he
cast down the fawn, where the Greeks were sacrificing to Panomphæan[276]
Jove.

When, therefore, they saw that the bird had come from Jove, they rushed
the more against the Trojans, and were mindful of battle. Then none of
the Greeks, numerous as they were, could have boasted that he had driven
his swift steeds before Diomede, and urged them beyond the ditch, and
fought against [the enemy]; for far the first he slew a helmeted Trojan
hero, Agelaus, son of Phradmon. He, indeed, was turning his horses for
flight; but as he was turning, Diomede fixed his spear in his back,
between his shoulders, and drove it through his breast. He fell from his
chariot, and his arms rattled upon him. After him the sons of Atreus,
Agamemnon and Menelaus; after them the Ajaces, clad in impetuous valour;
after them, Idomeneus and Meriones, the armour-bearer of Idomeneus,
equal to man-slaughtering Mars; and after them Eurypylus, the
illustrious son of Evæmon. Teucer came the ninth, stretching his
bent[277] bow, and stood under the shield of Telamonian Ajax. Then Ajax,
indeed, kept moving the shield aside, and the hero looking around, when
shooting, he had hit any one in the crowd, the one[278] falling there,
lost his life. But he[279] retiring like a child to his mother,
sheltered himself beneath Ajax, and he covered him with his splendid
shield. Then what Trojan first did blameless Teucer slay? Orsilochus
first, and Ormenus, and Ophelestes, and Dætor, and Chromius, and godlike
Lycophontes, and Amopaon, son of Polyæmon, and Melanippus--all, one
after the other, he stretched upon the bounteous earth. But Agamemnon,
king of men, rejoiced at seeing him destroying the phalanxes of the
Trojans with his stout bow. And advancing near him he stood, and thus
addressed him:

   [Footnote 274: See my note on Æsch. Prom. p. 3, n. 3, ed. Bohn.]

   [Footnote 275: _I. e_. with reference to augury. Hesych. p. 1360,
   explains it by [Greek: epitelestikôtaton] (see Alberti). The
   eagle is said to have foretold Jove's own sovereignty, and hence
   to have been placed among the constellations. Cf. Hygin. Poet.
   Astr. ii. 16; Eratosthen. Catast. 30; Serv. on Æn. ix. 564.]

   [Footnote 276: So called, as being the author of all augury.]

   [Footnote 277: _I. e_. prepared for action.]

   [Footnote 278: _I. e_. the wounded man.]

   [Footnote 279: Teucer.]

"Teucer, beloved one, son of Telamon, ruler of forces, shoot thus, if
perchance thou mayest become a light[280] to the Greeks, and to thy
father Telamon, who brought thee up carefully, being a little one, and
treated thee with care in his palace, though being a spurious son. Him,
though far away, do thou exalt with glory. But I will declare to thee,
as it shall be brought to pass, if ægis-bearing Jove and Minerva shall
grant me to sack the well-built city of Ilium, next to myself I will
place an honourable reward in thy hands, either a tripod, or two steeds
with their chariot, or some fair one, who may ascend the same couch with
thee."

   [Footnote 280: See on vi. 6.]

But him blameless Teucer answering, addressed: "Most glorious son of
Atreus, why dost thou urge on me hastening; nor, as far as I have any
strength, do I loiter: but from the time we have driven the Trojans
towards Ilium, since that period have I slain men, intercepting them
with my shafts. Already have I discharged eight long-bearded arrows, and
they have all been fixed in the bodies of warlike youths; but I cannot
strike this raging dog."

He said; and another arrow from the string he shot right against Hector,
for his mind was eager to strike him; and him indeed he missed: but in
the breast he struck blameless Gorgythion with an arrow, the brave son
of Priam. Him his fair mother Castianira, like unto a goddess in person,
brought forth, being wedded from Æsyma. And as a poppy, which in the
garden is weighed down with fruit and vernal showers, droops its head to
one side, so did his head incline aside, depressed by the helmet. But
Teucer discharged another arrow from the string against Hector, for his
mind longed to strike him. Yet even then he missed, for Apollo warded
off the shaft: but he struck in the breast, near the pap, Archeptolemus,
the bold charioteer of Hector, rushing to battle: and he fell from his
chariot, and his swift steeds sprang back. There his soul and strength
were dissolved. But sad grief darkened the mind of Hector, on account of
his charioteer. Then indeed he left him, although grieved for his
companion, and ordered his brother Cebriones, being near, to take the
reins of the steeds; but he was not disobedient, having heard him. Then
[Hector] himself leaped from his all-shining chariot to the ground,
roaring dreadfully: and he seized a large stone in his hand, and went
straight against Teucer, for his mind encouraged him to strike him. He
on his part took out a bitter arrow from his quiver, and applied it to
the string: but him, on the other hand, near the shoulder, where the
collar-bone separates the neck and breast, and it is a particularly
fatal spot, there, as he was drawing back [the bow], the active warrior
Hector[281] with a rugged stone struck him earnestly rushing against
him. He broke his bowstring, and his hand was numbed at the wrist-joint.
Falling on his knees he stood, and the bow dropped from his hands. But
Ajax did not neglect his fallen brother; for running up, he protected
him, and stretched his shield before him. Afterwards his two dear
companions, Mecistheus, son of Echius, and noble Alastor, coming up,
carried him, groaning heavily, to the hollow ships.

   [Footnote 281: See Buttm. Lexil. p. 64.]

But again did Olympian Jove rouse the strength of the Trojans; and they
drove back the Greeks straight to the deep foss. But Hector went in the
van, looking grim through ferocity; as when some dog, relying on his
swift feet, seizes from the rear a wild boar or lion on the haunch and
buttocks, and marks him as he turns: so Hector hung on the rear of the
long-haired Greeks, always slaying the hindmost: and they fled. But when
they flying had passed through the stakes and the foss, and many were
subdued beneath the hands of the Trojans, they, on the one hand,
remaining at the ships were restrained, and having exhorted one another,
and raised their hands to all the gods, they prayed each with a loud
voice. But, on the other hand, Hector, having the eyes of a Gorgon, or
of man-slaughtering Mars, drove round his beauteous-maned steeds in all
directions.

But them [the Greeks] white-armed goddess Juno having beheld, pitied
them, and thus straightway to Minerva addressed winged words:

"Alas! daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, shall we no longer be anxious
about the perishing Greeks, although in extremity;--who now, indeed,
fulfilling evil fate, are perishing by the violence of one man? for
Hector, the son of Priam, rages, no longer to be endured, and already
has he done many evils."

But her the azure-eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed: "And beyond
doubt this warrior would have lost his vigour and his life, destroyed by
the hands of the Greeks in his fatherland, were it not that this my sire
rages with no sound mind; cruel, ever unjust, a counteractor of my
efforts. Nor does he remember aught of my services, that I have very
often preserved his son, when oppressed by the labours of Eurystheus. He
truly wept to heaven; but me Jove sent down from heaven to aid him. But
had I known this in my prudent[282] mind, when he sent me to [the
dwelling] of the gaoler Pluto to drag from Erebus the dog of hateful
Pluto, he had not escaped the profound stream of the Stygian wave. But
now, indeed, he hates me, and prefers the wish of Thetis, who kissed his
knees, and took his beard in her hand, beseeching him to honour
city-destroying Achilles, The time will be when he will again call me
his dear Minerva. But do thou now harness for us thy solid-hoofed
steeds, while I, having entered the palace of ægis-bearing Jove, equip
myself with arms for war, that I may see whether crest-tossing Hector,
the son of Priam, will rejoice at us, as I appear in the walks[283] of
war. Certainly also some one of the Trojans will satiate the dogs and
birds with his fat and flesh, having fallen at the ships of the Greeks."

   [Footnote 282: The Scholiast, and Apollon. Lex. p. 658, interpret
   [Greek: peykalimsi, pikrais kai dynetais]. Perhaps "sharp
   devising" would be the best translation.]

   [Footnote 283: Literally, "bridges," _i. e._ the open spaces
   between the different battalions.]

Thus she said: nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey her. Juno,
on her part, venerable goddess, daughter of mighty Saturn, running in
haste, caparisoned the golden-bridled steeds. But Minerva, the daughter
of ægis-bearing Jove, let fall upon the pavement of her father her
beauteous variegated robe, which she had wrought and laboured with her
own hands. But she, having put on the coat of mail of cloud-compelling
Jove, was equipped in armour for the tearful war. She mounted her
flaming chariot on her feet, and took her heavy, huge, sturdy spear,
with which she is wont to subdue the ranks of heroic men, with
whomsoever she, sprung from a powerful sire, is enraged. But Juno with
the lash speedily urged on the steeds. The portals of heaven opened
spontaneously, which the Hours[284] guarded, to whom are intrusted the
great heaven and Olympus, either to open the dense cloud, or to close
it. Then through these they guided their goaded steeds.

   [Footnote 284: Hence the Hours also possess the office of tending
   and harnessing the horses of the sun, as is shown by Dausq. on
   Quint. Calab. i. p. 9.]

But father Jove, when he beheld them from Ida, was grievously enraged,
and roused golden-winged Iris to bear this message:

"Away, depart, swift Iris, turn them back, nor suffer them to come
against me; for we shall not advantageously engage in battle. For thus I
speak, and it shall moreover be accomplished, I will lame their swift
steeds under their chariot, dislodge them from the chariot, and break
the chariot; nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of the
wounds which the thunderbolt shall inflict: that Minerva may know when
she may be fighting with her sire. But with Juno I am neither so
indignant nor so angry; for she is ever accustomed to counteract me, in
whatever I intend."

Thus he said: but Iris, swift as the storm, hastened to bear the
message. Down from the Idsean mountains she went to great Olympus:
meeting them in the foremost gates of many-valleyed Olympus, she
restrained them, and pronounced to them the message of Jove:

"Where do ye go? Why does your soul rage in your breasts? The sun of
Saturn does not suffer you to aid the Greeks. For thus has the son of
Saturn threatened, and he will assuredly perform it, to lame your swift
steeds under your chariot, and dislodge yourselves from the chariot, and
break the chariot; nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of the
wounds which his thunderbolt shall inflict: that thou, O Azure-eyed,
mayest know when thou art fighting with thy sire. But with Juno he is
neither so indignant nor so angry; for she is always accustomed to
counteract him in whatever he devises. But thou, most insolent and
audacious hound! if thou in reality shalt dare to raise thy mighty spear
against Jove--" [285]

   [Footnote 285: Observe the aposiopesis.]

Thus indeed having said, swift-footed Iris departed. Then Juno addressed
these words to Minerva:

"Alas! daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, I cannot any longer suffer that we
ourselves shall fight against Jove, on account of mortals. Of whom let
one perish, and let another live, whoever may chance. But let him,
meditating his own affairs in his mind, adjudicate to the Trojans and
the Greeks as is fair."

Thus then having said, she turned back the solid-hoofed steeds. The
Hours unyoked for them the fair-maned steeds, and bound them to the
ambrosial mangers; but they tilted the chariots against the splendid
walls. But they themselves sat, mingled with the other deities, on their
golden couches, sad at heart.

Then father Jove drove his beauteous-wheeled chariot and steeds from Ida
to Olympus, and came to the seats of the gods. His horses, indeed, the
illustrious Earth-shaker loosed, but he laid the chariot on its support,
spreading a linen coverlet [over it]. But loud-sounding Jove himself sat
on his golden throne, and mighty Olympus was shaken under his feet. But
Minerva and Juno by themselves sat apart from Jove, nor did they at all
address him, nor question him. But he knew in his mind, and said:

"Why are ye so sad, Minerva and Juno? Indeed, ye have not laboured long
in glorious battle to destroy the Trojans, against whom ye have taken
grievous hatred. Not all the gods in Olympus could altogether turn me to
flight, such are my strength and my invincible hands. But trembling
seized the shining limbs of both of you, before ye saw battle, and the
destructive deeds of war. For so I tell you, which would also have been
performed: no more should ye, stricken with my thunder, have returned in
your chariots to Olympus, where are the seats of the immortals."

Thus he said: but Minerva and Juno murmured. They sat near each other,
and were devising evils for the Trojans.

Minerva, indeed, was silent, nor said anything, angry with father Jove,
for wild rage possessed her. But Juno contained not her wrath in her
breast, but addressed him:

"Most terrible son of Saturn, what hast thou said? Well do we know that
thy might is invincible: yet do we lament the warlike Greeks, who will
now perish, fulfilling their evil destiny. But nevertheless, we will
desist from war, if thou desirest it. But we will suggest counsel to the
Greeks, which will avail them, that they may not all perish, thou being
wrathful."

But her cloud-compelling Jove answering, addressed: "To-morrow, if thou
wilt, O venerable, large-eyed Juno, thou shalt behold the very powerful
son of Saturn even with greater havoc destroying the mighty army of the
warlike Greeks. For warlike Hector will not cease from battle before
that he arouse the swift-footed son of Peleus at the ships. On that day,
when they indeed are fighting at the ships, in a very narrow pass, for
Patroclus fallen. For thus is it fated. But I do not make account of
thee enraged, not if thou shouldst go to the furthest limits of land and
ocean, where Iapetus and Saturn sitting, are delighted neither with the
splendour of the sun that journeys on high, nor with the winds; but
profound Tartarus [is] all around--not even if wandering, thou shouldst
go there, have I regard for thee enraged, since there is nothing more
impudent than thou."

Thus he said: but white-armed Juno answered nought. And the bright light
of the sun fell into the ocean, drawing dark night over the fruitful
earth.[286] The light set to the Trojans indeed unwilling; but gloomy
and much-desired light came on, grateful to the Greeks.

   [Footnote 286: Beautifully expressed by Ennius apud Macrob. Sat.
   vi. 4: "Interea fax Occidit, Oceanumque rubra tractim obruit
   æthra." See Columna on Enn. p. 113, ed. Hessel.]

But illustrious Hector then formed a council of the Trojans, having led
them apart from the ships, at the eddying river, in a clear space, where
the place appeared free from dead bodies. But alighting to the ground
from their horses, they listened to the speech which Hector, beloved of
Jove, uttered. In his hand he held a spear of eleven cubits: and before
him shone the golden point of the spear, and a golden ring surrounded
it. Leaning on this, he spoke winged words:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and Dardanians, and allies: I lately thought that
having destroyed the ships and all the Greeks, I should return back to
wind-swept Ilium. But darkness has come on first, which has now been
the chief means of preserving the Greeks and their ships on the shore of
the sea. But, however, let us now obey dark night, and make ready our
repasts; and do ye loose from your chariots your beautiful-maned steeds,
and set fodder before them: and quickly bring from the city oxen and fat
sheep; bring sweet wine and bread from your homes; and besides collect
many fagots, that all night till Aurora, mother of dawn, we may kindle
many fires, and the splendour may ascend to heaven: lest haply in the
night the long-haired Greeks attempt to fly over the broad ridge of the
ocean. That they may not at all events without toil and without harm
ascend their ships: but [let us] take care that each of them may have to
heal a wound[287] at home, being stricken either with an arrow, or with
a sharp spear, bounding into his ship; that every other too may dread to
wage tearful war against the horse-breaking Trojans. Let the heralds,
dear to Jove, proclaim through the city, that the youths at the age of
puberty, and the hoary-templed sages, keep watch around the city, in the
god-built turrets; and let the females also, the feebler sex, in their
halls each kindle a mighty fire: and let there be some strong guard,
lest a secret band enter the city, the people being absent. Thus let it
be, magnanimous Trojans, as I say: and let the speech, which is now most
salutary, be thus spoken. But for that which will be [most expedient] in
the morning, I will [then] speak amongst the horse-breaking Trojans.
Making vows both to Jove and to the other gods, I hope to banish hence
those dogs borne hither by the fates, whom the fates bear in their black
ships.[288] But let us keep watch during the night, and in the morning,
at dawn, equipped with arms, let us stir up sharp conflict at the hollow
ships. I will see whether valiant Diomede, the son of Tydeus, will force
me back from the ships to our walls, or whether I shall bear away his
bloody spoils, having slain him with my brazen spear. To-morrow shall he
make manifest his valour, if he shall withstand my assaulting spear. But
I think that he will lie wounded amongst the first at sunrise to-morrow,
and many companions around him. Would that I were so certainly immortal,
and free from old age all my days, and honoured, as Minerva and Apollo
are honoured, as [I am certain] that this day will bring evil upon the
Greeks."

   [Footnote 287: Literally, "digest a weapon," _i.e._ have a wound
    to attend to. So _telum_ and _vulnus_ are used for each other
   in Latin.]

   [Footnote 288: Surely this line is a gloss upon [Greek:
   kêressiphorêtous].]

Thus Hector harangued them; but the Trojans applauded aloud. And they
loosed from the yoke their sweating steeds, and bound them with halters,
each to his own chariot. Quickly they brought from the city oxen and fat
sheep: and they brought sweet wine, and bread from their homes, and also
collected many fagots. But the winds raised the savour from the plain to
heaven.

But they, greatly elated, sat all night in the ranks of war, and many
fires blazed for them. As when in heaven the stars appear very
conspicuous[289] around the lucid moon, when the æther is wont to be
without a breeze, and all the pointed rocks and lofty summits and groves
appear, but in heaven the immense æther is disclosed, and all the stars
are seen, and the shepherd rejoices in his soul. Thus did many fires of
the Trojans kindling them appear before Ilium, between the ships and the
streams of Xanthus. A thousand fires blazed in the plain, and by each
sat fifty men, at the light of the blazing fire. But their steeds eating
white barley and oats, standing by the chariots, awaited
beautiful-throned Aurora.

   [Footnote 289: Cf. Æsch. Ag. 6: [Greek: Lamprous dynastas,
   emprepontas aitheri].]




                            BOOK THE NINTH.


                               ARGUMENT.

By advice of Nestor, Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phoenix, and Ajax, to the
tent of Achilles to sue for a reconciliation. Notwithstanding the
earnest appeal of Phoenix, their errand proves fruitless.


Thus the Trojans indeed kept guard: but a mighty[290] Flight, the
companion of chill Fear, seized upon the Greeks; and all the chiefs were
afflicted with intolerable grief. And as two winds, the north and south,
which both blow from Thrace,[291] rouse the fishy deep, coming suddenly
[upon it]; but the black billows are elevated together; and they dash
much sea-weed out of the ocean; so was the mind of the Greeks distracted
within their bosoms.

   [Footnote 290: "In Il. 1,2, the [Greek: thespesin phuza] of the
   Achæans is not to be explained as a supernatural flight,
   occasioned by the gods. It is a great and general flight, caused
   by Hector and the Trojans. For although this was approved of and
   encouraged by Jupiter, yet his was only that mediate influence of
   the deity without which in general nothing took place in the
   Homeric battles."--Buttm. Lexil. p. 358. Cf. Coleridge, p. 160.]

   [Footnote 291: Wood, p. 46, explains this from the situation of
   Ionia. Heyne, however, observes, "comparatio e mente poetæ
   instituitur, non ex Agamemnonis persona."]

But Atrides, wounded to the heart with great sorrow, kept going round,
giving orders to the clear-voiced heralds, to summon each man by name to
an assembly, but not to call aloud; and he himself toiled among the
first. And they sat in council, grieved, and Agamemnon arose, shedding
tears, like a black-water fountain, which pours its gloomy stream from a
lofty rock. Thus he, deeply sighing, spoke words to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders and chieftains over the Greeks, Jove, the son of
Saturn, has greatly entangled me in a grievous calamity: cruel, who once
promised me, and assented, that I should return, having destroyed
well-built Ilium. But now has he plotted an evil fraud, and orders me to
return inglorious to Argos, after I have lost much people. Thus,
doubtless, will it be agreeable to almighty Jove, who has already
overthrown the heights of many cities, and will still overthrow them,
for his power is greatest. But come, let us all obey as I advise: let us
fly with the ships to our dear fatherland, for now we shall not take
wide-wayed Troy."

Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence, and the sons of the
Greeks being sad, kept silent long: at length Diomede, brave in the din
of battle, spoke:

"Son of Atreus, thee will I first oppose, speaking inconsiderately, as
is lawful, in the assembly; but be not thou the least offended. First
among the Greeks didst thou disparage my valour, saying that I was
unwarlike and weak;[292] and all this, as well the young as the old of
the Greeks know. One of two things hath the son of crafty Saturn given
thee: he has granted that thou shouldst be honoured by the sceptre above
all; but valour hath he not given thee, which is the greatest strength.
Strange man, dost thou then certainly think that the sons of the Greeks
are unwarlike and weak, as thou sayest? If indeed thy mind impels thee,
that thou shouldst return, go: the way lies open to thee, and thy ships
stand near the sea, which very many followed thee from Mycenæ. But the
other long-haired Greeks will remain until we overthrow Troy: but if
they also [choose], let them fly with their ships to their dear
fatherland. But we twain, I and Sthenelus,[293] will fight, until we
find an end of Troy; for under the auspices of the deity we came."

   [Footnote 292: Cf. iv. 370, sqq.]

   [Footnote 293: Heyne compares Julius Cæsar, Com. B. G. i. 40. "Si
   præterea nemo sequatur (contra Ariovistum), tamen se cum sola
   decima legione iturum dicit."]

Thus he spoke; but all the sons of the Greeks applauded, admiring the
speech of steed-breaking Diomede. But them the knight Nestor, rising up,
addressed:

"Son of Tydeus, pre-eminently indeed art thou brave in battle, and the
best in council amongst all thine equals. No one has censured thy
discourse, nor contradicts it, as many as are the Greeks; but thou
comest not to an end of discussion.[294] Assuredly thou art youthful,
and mightst be my youngest son for age, yet thou speakest prudent words
to the kings of the Greeks, for thou hast said aright. But come, I who
boast to be older than thou, will speak out, and discuss everything: nor
will any one, not even king Agamemnon, disregard my speech. Tribeless,
lawless, homeless is he, who loves horrid civil war. But now, however,
let us obey dark night, and make ready suppers. But let the respective
guards lie down beside the trench, dug without the wall. To the youth,
indeed, I enjoin these things; but next, Atrides, do thou begin, for
thou art supreme. Give a banquet to the elders; it becomes thee, and is
not unseemly. Full are thy tents of wine, which the ships of the Greeks
daily bring over the wide sea from Thrace. Thou hast every
accommodation, and rulest over many people. But when many are assembled,
do thou obey him who shall give the best advice; for there is great need
of good and prudent [advice] to all the Greeks, since the enemy are
burning many fires near the ships; and who can rejoice at these things?
But this night will either ruin the army or preserve it."

   [Footnote 294: _I. e_. thou hast not said all that might have
   been said on the subject.]

Thus he spoke; and they heard him very attentively, and obeyed. But the
guards rushed forth with their arms, [those around] Thrasymedes, the son
of Nestor, the shepherd of the people, Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of
Mars, Meriones, Aphareus, and Deïpyrus, as well as the son of Creon,
noble Lycomedes. There were seven leaders of the guards, and a hundred
youths marched along with each, holding long spears in their hands.
Proceeding to the space between the trench and the wall, there they sat
down, and there kindled a fire, and prepared each his supper.

But Atrides conducted the assembled elders of the Greeks to his tent,
and set before them a strength-recruiting banquet; and they laid their
hands upon the viands placed before them. But when they had dismissed
the desire of eating and drinking, to them first of all did aged Nestor,
whose advice had previously appeared best, begin to interweave advice;
who wisely counselling, addressed them, and said:

"Most glorious Atrides, king of men, Agamemnon, with thee shall I end,
and with thee shall I commence. Since thou art a king of many nations,
and Jove hath placed in thine hands both a sceptre and laws, that thou
mayest consult for their advantage. Therefore is it necessary that thou
in particular shouldst deliver and hear an opinion, and also accomplish
that of another, when his mind urges any one to speak for the [public]
good; but on thee will depend whatever takes the lead. Yet will I speak
as appears to me to be best. For no other person will propound a better
opinion than that which I meditate, both of old and also now, from that
period when thou, O nobly born, didst depart, carrying off the maid
Briseïs from the tent of the enraged Achilles; by no means according to
my judgment; for I very strenuously dissuaded thee from it: but having
yielded to thy haughty temper, thou didst dishonour the bravest hero,
whom even the immortals have honoured; for, taking away his reward, thou
still retainest it. Yet even now let us deliberate how we may succeed in
persuading him, appeasing him with agreeable gifts and soothing words."

But him the king of men, Agamemnon, again addressed: "Old man, thou hast
not falsely enumerated my errors. I have erred, nor do I myself deny it.
That man indeed is equivalent to many troops, whom Jove loves in his
heart, as now he hath honoured this man, and subdued the people of the
Greeks. But since I erred, having yielded to my wayward disposition, I
desire again to appease him, and to give him invaluable presents. Before
you all will I enumerate the distinguished gifts: seven tripods
untouched by fire,[295] and ten talents of gold, and twenty shining
caldrons, and twelve stout steeds, victorious in the race, which have
borne off prizes by their feet. No pauper would the man be, nor in want
of precious gold, to whom as many prizes belong as [these] solid-hoofed
steeds have brought to me. I will likewise give seven beautiful Lesbian
women, skilful in faultless works; whom I selected when he himself took
well-inhabited Lesbos, who excel the race of women in beauty. These will
I give him, and amongst them will be her whom then I took away, the
daughter of Briseïs; and I will swear moreover a mighty oath, that I
never ascended her bed, nor embraced her, as is the custom of human
beings--of men and women. All these shall immediately be ready; and if,
moreover, the gods grant that we destroy the great city of Priam, let
him fill his ships abundantly with gold and brass, entering in when we
the Greeks divide the spoil. Let him also choose twenty Trojan women,
who may be fairest next to Argive Helen. But if we reach Achæan Argos,
the udder of the land,[296] he may become my son-in-law; and I will
honour him equally with Orestes, who is nurtured as my darling son, in
great affluence. Now, I have three daughters in my well-built
palace,--Chrysothemis, Laodice, and Iphianassa. Of these let him lead
the beloved one, whichsoever he may choose, without marriage-dower, to
the house of Peleus; but I will give very many dowries, so many as no
man ever yet gave to his daughter. I will, moreover, give him seven
well-inhabited cities,--Cardamyle, Enope, and grassy Ira, glorious
Pheræ, with deep-pastured Anthea, fair Æpeia, and vine-bearing Pedasus;
which are all near the sea, the last towards sandy Pylus. But in them
dwell men rich in flocks and herds, who will honour him like a god with
gifts, and beneath his sceptre will pay rich tributes. These will I
bestow upon him, ceasing from his anger. Let him be prevailed upon.
Pluto indeed is implacable and inexorable, wherefore he is the most
hateful of all the gods to men. Let him likewise yield to me, inasmuch
as I am more kingly, and because I boast to be older [than he]."

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "Most glorious son of
Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, thou indeed offerest gifts by no means
despicable to king Achilles. But come, let us urge chosen men, who may
go with all speed to the tent of Achilles, the son of Peleus. Come then,
these will I select, but let them obey. First of all indeed let Phoenix,
dear to Jove, be the leader; next then mighty Ajax and divine Ulysses:
and of the heralds, let Hodius and Eurybates follow with them. But bring
water for the hands, and command to observe well-omened words,[297] that
we may supplicate Saturnian Jove, if perchance he will take pity."

   [Footnote 295: _I. e_. not yet brought into common use.]

   [Footnote 296: A beautiful expression, denoting the fertility of
   the land. Cf. Albert. on Hesych. t. ii. p. 806. So [Greek: nêsoio
   mastos] in Callim. II. in Del. 48.]

   [Footnote 297: The translation, "favour us with their voices," is
   nonsense, while "keep silence" is by no means the meaning of
   [Greek: euphêmêsai]. Kennedy rightly explains it, "abstain from
   expressions unsuitable to the solemnity of the occasion, which,
   by offending the god, might defeat the object of their
   supplications." See Servius on Virg. Æn. v. 71; Lamb, on Hor. Od.
   iii. 1, 2; Broukhus. on Tibull. ii. 1, 1.]

Thus he spoke, and delivered an opinion agreeable to them all.
Immediately indeed the heralds poured water upon their hands, and the
youths crowned the goblets with wine; then they distributed them to all,
having poured the first of the wine into the cups. But when they had
made libations, and drunk as much as their mind desired, they hastened
from the tent of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. To them the Gerenian
knight Nestor gave many charges, looking wistfully upon each,
particularly upon Ulysses, that they should endeavour to persuade the
blameless son of Peleus.

They twain then went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, praying
earnestly to earth-shaking [Neptune], who encompasses the earth, that
they might easily persuade the great mind of the grandson of Æacus. But
they came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons, and they found him
delighting his soul with his clear-toned harp, beautiful, curiously
wrought, and upon it was a silver comb. This he had taken from amongst
the spoils, having destroyed the city of Eëtion, and with it he was
delighting his soul, and singing the glorious deeds[298] of heroes.
Patroclus alone sat opposite to him in silence, waiting upon the
descendant of Æacus when he should cease to sing. Then they advanced
farther, and divine Ulysses preceded; and they stood before him; whilst
Achilles, astonished, leaped up, with his lyre, quitting the seat where
he had been sitting. In like manner Patroclus, when he beheld the
heroes, arose, and swift-footed Achilles taking them by the hand,
addressed them:

"Hail, warriors, ye indeed have come as friends. Surely [there is] some
great necessity [when ye come], who are to me, although enraged, dearest
of the Greeks."

   [Footnote 298: Or the renown of heroes. So Apollon. i. 1:
   [Greek: Palaigeneôn klea phôtôn Mnêsomai].]

Thus having spoken, divine Achilles led them forward, and seated them
upon couches and purple coverlets; then straightway he addressed
Patroclus, who was near:

"Place a larger goblet, O son of Menoetius, mix purer wine,[299] and
prepare a cup for each, for men most dear [to me] are beneath my roof."

   [Footnote 299: _I. e_. less diluted than usual. On this quaint
   picture of ancient manners, compared with the customs of the
   Hebrew fathers, compare Coleridge, p. 151.]

Thus he spoke; and Patroclus obeyed his dear companion. But he
[Achilles] placed in the flame of the fire a large dressing-block, and
upon it he laid the chine of a sheep and of a fat goat, with the back of
a fatted sow, abounding in fat. Automedon then held them for him, and
noble Achilles cut them up; and divided them skilfully into small
pieces, and transfixed them with spits; whilst the son of Menoetius, a
godlike hero, kindled a large fire. But when the fire had burned away,
and the flame grew languid, strewing the embers, he extended the spits
over them, and sprinkled them with sacred salt, raising them up from the
racks. But when he had dressed them, and had thrown them upon kitchen
tables, Patroclus, taking bread, served it out upon the board in
beautiful baskets: but Achilles distributed the flesh. But he himself
sat opposite to noble Ulysses, against the other wall, and ordered
Patroclus, his companion, to sacrifice to the gods; and he accordingly
cast the first morsels[300] into the fire. And they stretched forth
their hands to the prepared viands which lay before them. But when they
had dismissed the desire of eating and drinking, Ajax nodded to Phoenix,
but noble Ulysses observed it, and having filled his goblet with wine,
he pledged Achilles:

   [Footnote 300: Hesych. and Phrynicus (for their glosses should
   probably be joined), [Greek: Thnêlas' aparchas tôn tethymenôn].]

"Health, Achilles. We are not wanting of a complete feast, either in the
tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, or even here also, for many
strength-recruiting dainties are here; but the business of an agreeable
feast is not our care. We, O thou Jove-nurtured one, contemplating it,
rather dread a very great disaster, as it is matter of doubt whether the
well-benched ships be saved or destroyed, unless thou puttest on thy
might. For near the ships and the wall the high-minded Trojans and their
far-summoned allies have pitched their camp, kindling many fires
throughout the host; and they say that they will no longer restrain
themselves, but that they will fall upon our black vessels.[301] And
Saturnian Jove exhibiting to them propitious signs, darts his lightning;
and Hector, looking fiercely round in valour, rages terribly, trusting
in Jove, nor reverences at all either men or gods, but great madness
hath come upon him. He prays that divine morn may speedily come. For he
declares that he will cut off the poop-ends[302] of the ships, and burn
[the ships] themselves with ravaging fire, and slaughter the Greeks
beside them, discomforted by the smoke. Wherefore do I greatly fear in
my mind lest the gods may fulfil his threats, and it be destined for us
to perish in Troy, far from steed-nourishing Argos. Rise then, if thou
hast the intention, although late, to defend the harassed sons of the
Greeks from the violent onslaught of the Trojans. To thyself it will
hereafter be a cause of sorrow, nor is it possible in any manner to
discover a remedy for a disaster when received; wherefore reflect much
beforehand, how thou mayest avert the evil day from the Greeks. O my
friend, surely thy father Peleus charged thee, on that day when he sent
thee from Phthia to Agamemnon, 'My son, Minerva and Juno will bestow
valour, if they choose; but restrain thy great-hearted soul within thy
breast, because humanity is better; and abstain from injurious
contention, that both the youth and elders of the Greeks may honour thee
the more.' Thus did the old man give charge, but thou art forgetful. Yet
even now desist, and lay aside thy mind-corroding wrath. To thee
Agamemnon gives worthy gifts, ceasing from indignation. But if [thou
wilt] hear from me, and I will repeat to thee how many presents
Agamemnon in his tents hath promised thee: seven tripods, untouched by
the fire, and ten talents of gold, twenty shining caldrons, and twelve
stout steeds, victorious in the race, which have borne off prizes by
their feet. No pauper, nor in want of precious gold, would that man be
to whom so many prizes belonged as the steeds of Agamemnon have borne
off by their fleetness. He will likewise give seven beautiful women,
skilful in faultless works, Lesbians, whom he selected when thou thyself
didst take well-inhabited Lesbos, who then excelled the race of women in
beauty. These will he give thee, and amongst them will be her whom once
he took away, the daughter of Briseïs; and he will moreover swear a
mighty oath, that he never ascended her bed, nor embraced her, as is the
custom. O king, both of men and women. All these shall immediately be in
waiting; and if, moreover, the gods grant that we pillage the vast city
of Priam, entering, thou mayest fill thy ships abundantly with gold and
brass, when we, the Greeks, divide the spoil. Thou shalt also choose
twenty Trojan women, who may be fairest next to Argive Helen. But if we
reach Achæan Argos, the udder of the land, thou mayest become his
son-in-law, and he will honour thee equally with Orestes, who is
nurtured as his darling son, in great affluence. But he has three
daughters in his well-built palace,--Chrysothemis, Laodice, and
Iphianassa. Of these thou shalt conduct the most beloved whomsoever thou
mayest choose, without marriage-gifts, to the house of Peleus; but he
will give very many dowries, such as no man yet gave his daughter. He
will moreover give thee seven well-inhabited cities,--Cardamyle, Enope,
and grassy Ira, glorious Pheræ, with deep-pastured Anthea, fair Æpeia,
and vine-bearing Pedasus; which are all near the sea, the last towards
sandy Pylus. But in them dwell men abounding in flocks and herds, who
will honour thee with gifts like a god, and under thy sceptre pay rich
tributes. These will he fulfil to thee ceasing from thy wrath. But if
indeed the son of Atreus himself and his gifts be more hateful to thee
from thine heart, at least have pity upon all the other Greeks, harassed
throughout the army, who will honour thee as a god; for surely thou wilt
obtain very great honour among them. For now mayest thou slay Hector,
since he hath already come very near thee, possessing destructive fury;
since he declares that no one of the Greeks whom the ships have conveyed
hither is his equal."

   [Footnote 301: But Heyne, "non locum tuituros [nos], sed in naves
   fugituros et discessuros."]

   [Footnote 302: This interpretation is substantiated by Heyne,
   from Il. O, 717. The [Greek: akrostolia], or _figure-heads_, are
   not meant here.]

But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "Most noble son of
Laertes, much-scheming Ulysses, it behoves me indeed to speak my opinion
without reserve, even as I think, and as will be accomplished, that ye
may not, sitting beside me, keep whining[303] one after another. Hateful
to me as the gates of Hades is he who conceals one thing in his mind and
utters another. But I will speak as appears to me to be best; and I
think that neither Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, nor the other Greeks
will persuade me; since there is no gratitude to him who fights ever
ceaselessly with hostile men. An equal portion [falls] to him who
loiters, as if one continually fight; and the coward is in equal honour
with the brave. The man of no deeds, and the man of many, are wont
equally to die; nor does anything lie by me as a store,[304] because I
have suffered sorrows in my soul, ever risking my life to fight. And as
the bird brings food to her unfledged young when she hath found it,
although she fares badly herself; so have I too spent many sleepless
nights, and gone through bloody days in combat, fighting with heroes for
their wives' sakes. Twelve cities indeed of men have I wasted with my
ships, and on foot I say eleven throughout the fertile Troad.[305] From
all these have I carried off many and precious spoils, and bearing them,
have given all to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus; whilst he, remaining
behind at the swift ships, receiving them, hath distributed but few, but
retained many. To the chiefs and kings hath he given other prizes; to
whom indeed they remain entire: but from me alone of the Greeks hath he
taken it away, and he possesses my spouse, dear to my soul, with whom
reclining, let him delight himself. But why is it necessary that the
Greeks wage war with the Trojans? Or from what necessity did the son of
Atreus, assembling an army, lead it hither? Was it not on account of
fair-haired Helen? Do the sons of Atreus alone, of articulate-speaking
men, love their wives? [Surely not], since whatever man is good and
prudent loves and cherishes his spouse; thus I too loved her from my
soul, though the captive of my spear. And now since he hath snatched my
reward from my hands, and deceived me, let him not make trial of me,
already well informed, for he will not persuade me; but let him consider
with thee, O Ulysses, and the other kings, how he may repel the hostile
fire from the ships. Assuredly he has already accomplished many labours
without me. He has already built a rampart, and drawn a trench broad
[and] large beside it; and planted in it palisades; but not even thus
can he restrain the might of man-slaughtering Hector. Whilst I indeed
fought amongst the Greeks, Hector chose not to arouse the battle at a
distance from the wall, but he came [only] as far as the Scæan gates,
and the beech-tree. There once he awaited me alone, and with difficulty
escaped my attack. But since I choose not to war with noble Hector,
to-morrow,[306] having performed sacrifices to Jove and all the gods,
[and] having well laden my ships, when I shall have drawn them down to
the sea, thou shalt behold, if thou wilt, and if such things be a care
to thee, my ships early in the morn sailing upon the fishy Hellespont,
and men within them, eager for rowing; and if glorious Neptune grant but
a prosperous voyage, on the third day I shall surely reach fertile
Phthia.[307] Now there I have very many possessions, which I left,
coming hither, to my loss.[308] And I will carry hence other gold and
ruddy brass, well-girdled women, and hoary iron, which I have obtained
by lot. But the reward which he gave, king Agamemnon, the son of Atreus,
hath himself insultingly taken from me: to whom do thou tell all things
as I charge thee, openly, that the other Greeks also may be indignant,
if he, ever clad in impudence, still hope to deceive any of the Greeks;
nor let him dare, dog-like as he is, to look in my face. I will neither
join in counsels nor in any action with him; for he hath already
deceived and offended me, nor shall he again overreach me with words. It
is enough for him [to do so once]: but in quiet[309] let him perish, for
provident Jove hath deprived him of reason. Hateful to me are his gifts,
and himself I value not a hair.[310] Not if he were to give me ten and
twenty times as many gifts as he now has, and if others were to be added
from any other quarter; nor as many as arrive at Orchomenos, or
Egyptian Thebes,[311] where numerous possessions are laid up in the
mansions, and where are one hundred gates,[312] from each of which rush
out two hundred men with horses and chariots. Nor if he were to give me
as many as are the sands and dust, not even thus shall Agamemnon ow
persuade my mind, until he indemnify me for all his mind-grieving
insult. But I will not wed the daughter of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus,
not if she were fit to contend in beauty with golden Venus, or were
equal in accomplishments to azure-eyed Minerva; not even thus will I wed
her. Let him then select another of the Greeks who may suit him, and who
is more the king; for if the gods preserve me, and I reach home, then
will Peleus himself hereafter bestow upon me a lady in marriage. There
are many Grecian women throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of
chieftains who defend the cities. Whomsoever of these I may choose, I
will make my beloved wife; and there my generous soul very much desires
that I, wedding a betrothed spouse, a fit partner of my bed, should
enjoy the possessions which aged Peleus hath acquired. For not worth my
life are all the [treasures] which they say the well-inhabited city
Ilium possessed, whilst formerly at peace, before the sons of the Greeks
arrived; nor all which the stony threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo
contains within it, in rocky Pytho.[313] By plunder, oxen and fat sheep
are to be pro-cured, tripods are to be procured, and the yellow heads of
steeds; but the life of man cannot be obtained nor seized, so as to
return again, when once it has passed the enclosure of the teeth. For my
goddess mother, silver-footed Thetis, declares that double destinies
lead me on to the end of death. If, on the one hand, remaining here, I
wage war around the city of the Trojans, return is lost to me, but my
glory will be immortal; but if, on the other hand, I return home to my
dear fatherland, my excellent glory is lost, but my life will be
lasting, nor will the end of death speedily seize upon me. And to others
also would I give advice to sail home, for ye will not find an end of
lofty Ilium; for far-sounding Jove hath stretched over it his hand, and
the people have taken courage. But do ye, departing, bear back this
message to the chiefs of the Greeks, for such is the office of
ambassadors, that they devise within their minds some other better plan,
which for them may preserve their ships, and the army of the Greeks in
the hollow barks; since this, which they have now devised, is not
expedient for them, while I cherish my wrath. But let Phoenix, remaining
here, recline beside us, that to-morrow, if he will, he may follow me
in the ships to my dear fatherland, although I will by no means lead him
away by compulsion."

   [Footnote 303: This word is etymologically connected with [Greek:
   trngôn]. It properly signifies the moaning of the dove.]

   [Footnote 304: Schol. [Greek: perisson ti esti]. Kennedy explains
   it: "nor have all the toils which I have undergone been
   productive of any superior advantage to me."]

   [Footnote 305: See a list of these cities in Heyne's note.]

   [Footnote 306: Observe the broken construction, well suited to
   the irritability of the speaker.]

   [Footnote 307: Cf. Cicero de Div. i. 25.]

   [Footnote 308: [Greek: "Errôn, epi phthora."] (ita etym. magn.)
   [Greek: paragenomenos]. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. t. i. p. 1445.]

   [Footnote 309: "[Greek: Ekêlos] forcibly expresses the condition
   of one who is advancing imperceptibly, though surely, to final
   ruin."--Kennedy].

   [Footnote 310: See Kennedy, and Duport, Gnom. p. 52, who compare
   the phrases "pilo minus amare", "pili facere." There is, however,
   much uncertainty respecting the origin and meaning of the
   proverb. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. t. i. p. 1246.]

   [Footnote 311: "Thebes was the centre of Egyptian power and
   commerce, probably long before Memphis grew into importance, or
   before the Delta was made suitable to the purposes of husbandry
   by the cutting of canals and the raising of
   embankments."--Egyptian Antiquities, vol. i. p. 66.]

   [Footnote 312: Although Denon (see Egypt. Antt. p. 62) regards
   this as an unmeaning expression, Heyne well observes: "numerus
   centenarius ponitur pro magno: et portis semel memoratis,
   multitudo hominum declaratur per numerum exeuntium."]

   [Footnote 313: Cf. Müller, Dorians, vol. i. pp. 26, 268.]

Thus he spoke; but they all became mute in silence, marvelling at his
speech, for he answered with much vehemence. At length, however, the
aged knight, Phoenix, addressed him, shedding tears, for he greatly
feared for the ships of the Greeks:

"If indeed, O illustrious Achilles, thou dost now meditate a return
within thy mind, nor art at all willing to repel the destructive fire
from the swift ships, because indignation hath fallen upon thy soul; how
then can I, my dear child, be left here alone by thee? for aged Peleus,
the breaker of steeds, sent me forth with thee on that day, when he
despatched thee from Phthia to Agamemnon, a boy, not yet skilled either
in equally-destroying war, nor in counsels where men also become
illustrious. On which account he sent me forth to teach thee all these
things, that thou mightest become both an orator in words and a
performer in deeds. Thus then, my dear child, I wish not at length to be
left by thee, not even if a god himself, having divested me of old age,
should promise that he would render me a blooming youth, such as I was
when first I quitted fair-damed Hellas, flying the contentions of my
father Amyntor, son of Ormenus; who was enraged with me on account of a
fair-haired concubine whom he himself loved, but dishonoured his wife,
my mother. But she continually would embrace my knees in supplication,
that I should first have connection with the concubine, that she might
loathe the old man. Her I obeyed, and did so; but my father immediately
perceiving it, uttered many execrations, and invoked the hateful
Erinnys, that no dear son, sprung from me, should ever be placed upon
his knees; and the gods ratified his execrations, both infernal Jove and
dread Proserpine. Then my soul within my mind could no longer endure
that I should sojourn in the palace whilst my father was enraged. My
friends, indeed, and relations, being much about me, detained me there
within the halls, entreating [me to stay]. Many fat sheep and
stamping-footed, crooked-horned oxen they slaughtered; many swine
abounding in fat were stretched out to be roasted in the flame of
Vulcan, and much of the old man's wine was drunk out of earthen vessels.
Nine nights did they sleep around me: whilst, taking it in turns, they
kept watch; nor was the fire ever extinguished, one in the portico of
the well-fenced hall, and another in the vestibule, before the
chamber-doors. But when at length the tenth shady night had come upon
me, then indeed I rushed forth, having burst the skilfully-joined doors
of the apartment, and I easily overleaped the fence of the hall,
escaping the notice of the watchmen and the female domestics. Afterwards
I fled thence through spacious Hellas, and came to fertile Phthia, the
mother of sheep, to king Peleus; who kindly received me, and loved me
even as a father loves his only son, born in his old age[314] to ample
possessions. He made me opulent, and bestowed upon me much people, and I
inhabited the extreme shores of Phthia, ruling over the Dolopians. Thee
too, O godlike Achilles, have I rendered what thou art,[315] loving thee
from my soul; since thou wouldst not go with another to the feast, nor
take food in the mansion, until I, placing thee upon my knees, satisfied
thee with viands, previously carving them, and supplied thee with wine.
Often hast thou wetted the tunic upon my breast, ejecting the wine in
infant peevishness.[316] Thus have I borne very many things from thee,
and much have I laboured, thinking this, that since the gods have not
granted an offspring to me from myself, I should at least make thee my
son, O Achilles, like unto the gods, that thou mightst yet repel from me
unworthy destiny. But O Achilles, subdue thy mighty rage; it is by no
means necessary for thee to have a merciless heart. Flexible are even
the gods themselves, whose virtue, honour, and might are greater [than
thine]. Even these, when any one transgresses and errs, do men divert
[from their wrath] by sacrifices and appeasing vows, and frankincense
and savour. For Prayers also are the daughters of supreme Jove,[317]
both halt, and wrinkled, and squint-eyed; which following on Ate from
behind, are fall of care. But Ate is robust and sound in limb, wherefore
she far outstrips all, and arrives first at every land, doing injury to
men; whilst these afterwards cure them.[318] Whosoever will reverence
the daughters of Jove approaching, him they are wont greatly to aid, and
hear when praying. But whosoever will deny and obstinately refuse them,
then indeed, drawing near, they entreat Saturnian Jove, that Ate may
follow along with him, that being injured [in turn], he may pay the
penalty. But O Achilles, do thou too yield honour to accompany the
daughters of Jove, which bends the minds of other brave men; for if
Atrides brought not gifts, and did not mention others in futurity, but
would ever rage vehemently, I for my part would not advise that, casting
away wrath, thou shouldst defend the Greeks, although greatly in need.
But now he at once gives both many immediately, and promises others
hereafter; moreover, he hath despatched the best men to supplicate thee,
having selected throughout the Grecian army those who are dearest to
thyself; whose entreaty do not thou despise, nor their mission, although
formerly fault was not to be found with thee, because thou wert enraged.
Thus also have we heard the renown of heroes of former days, when
vehement wrath came upon any, [that] they were both appeasable by gifts,
and to be reconciled by words. I remember this ancient and by no means
modern deed, of what sort it was; and I will repeat it among you all,
being friends. The Curetes and Ætolians, obstinate in battle, fought
around the city of Calydon, and slaughtered each other; the Ætolians, in
defence of lofty Calydon, the Curetes, eager to lay it waste in war; for
between them had golden-throned Diana excited mischief, indignant
because oeneus had not offered the first-fruits in sacrifice in the
fertile spot of ground:[319] whilst the other gods feasted on hecatombs,
but to the daughter of mighty Jove alone he sacrificed not. Either he
forgot,[320] or did not think of it, but he did greatly err in mind. But
she, the daughter of Jove, delighting in arrows, enraged, sent against
[him] a sylvan wild boar, with white tusks, which did much detriment, as
is the wont [of boars], to the land of oeneus. And many tall trees, one
after another, did he prostrate on the ground, with their very roots and
the blossom of their fruit. But him Meleager, son of oeneus, slew,
assembling huntsmen and dogs from many cities; for he would not have
been subdued by a few mortals: so mighty was he, and he caused many to
ascend the sad funeral-pile. Still she (Diana) excited around him[321] a
great tumult and war between the Curetes and magnanimous Ætolians, for
the head and bristly skin of the boar.[322] Whilst warlike Meleager
fought, so long were the Curetes unsuccessful; nor were they able,
although numerous, to remain without the wall. But when wrath, which
swells the minds of others, though very prudent, within their breasts,
came upon Meleager, for, enraged at heart with his dear mother Althæa,
he remained inactive beside his wedded wife, fair Cleopatra, daughter of
Marpessa, the handsome-footed child of Evenus and Idas, who was then the
bravest of earthly men, and even lifted a bow against king Phoebus
Apollo, for the sake of his fair-ankled spouse. Her [Cleopatra] then her
father and venerable mother in the palace were accustomed to call by the
surname of Alcyone, because her mother, having the plaintive note of sad
Alcyone,[323] lamented when far-darting Phoebus Apollo stole her away.
Beside her he [Meleager] remained inactive, brooding[324] over his sad
anger, enraged because of the curses of his mother, who, much grieving,
prayed to the gods on account of the murder of her brethren.[325] Often
with her hands did she strike the fruitful earth, calling upon Pluto and
dread Proserpine, reclining upon her knees, whilst her bosom was bedewed
with tears, to give death to her son: but her the Erinnys, wandering in
gloom, possessing an implacable heart, heard from Erebus. Then
immediately was there noise and tumult of these[326] excited round the
gates, the towers being battered. Then did the elders of the Ætolians
entreat him, and sent chosen priests to the gods, that he would come
forth and defend them, promising a great gift. Where the soil of fertile
Calydon was richest, there they ordered him to choose a beautiful
enclosure of fifty acres; the one half, of land fit for vines, to cut
off the other half of plain land, free from wood, for tillage. Much did
aged oeneus, breaker of steeds, beseech him, having ascended to the
threshold of his lofty-roofed chamber, shaking the well-glued door-post,
supplicating his son. And much also his sisters and venerable mother
entreated him, but he the more refused; and much [prayed] the companions
who were dearest and most friendly of all; but not even thus did they
persuade the soul within his breast, until his chamber was violently
assailed, and the Curetes were in the act of scaling the ramparts, and
firing the great city. Then indeed at length his fair-girdled spouse,
weeping, supplicated Meleager, and recounted all the disasters, as many
as happen to men whose city may be taken. In the first place, they slay
the men,[327] whilst fire reduces the city to ashes; and others carry
off the children and deep-zoned women. Then was his soul disturbed when
he heard of evil deeds, and he hasted to go and gird the all-glittering
armour around his body. Thus he repelled the evil day from the Ætolians,
yielding to his own inclination; but they did not make good to him the
many and pleasing gifts; but he nevertheless warded off evil. But
revolve not such things within thy mind, O my friend, nor let the
deity[328] thus turn thee, since it would be more dishonourable to
assist the ships [when already] set on fire. Rather come for the gifts,
for the Greeks will honour thee equally with a god. If again without
gifts thou enter the man-destroying battle, thou wilt not receive equal
honour, although warding off the war."

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Phoenix, respected
father, old man, Jove-nurtured, to me there is no need of this honour,
for I conceive that I have been honoured by the behest of Jove, which
will detain me at the crooked ships whilst breath remains in my bosom,
and my knees have the power of motion. But I will tell thee something
else, and do thou revolve it in thy mind. Disturb not my soul, weeping
and lamenting, gratifying the hero Atrides; it is not at all necessary
that thou love him, that thou mayest not be hated by me, who love thee.
It is proper for thee with me to give annoyance to him who hath annoyed
me. Rule equally with me, and receive my honour in half.[329] These will
bear back my message; but do thou, remaining here, recline upon a soft
bed, and with morn appearing let us consult whether we shall return to
our native land or remain."

   [Footnote 314: See, however, Buttm. Lexil. p. 510, sqq., who
   considers that [Greek: têlygetos] simply means "_tenderly
   beloved_; only that it is a more forcible expression for this
   idea, as is evident from the bad sense in which the word is used
   at II. v. 470, where the meaning of a child _spoiled_ by the love
   of its parents is evident."]

   [Footnote 315: _I.e._ I reared thee to thy present age. Lit. "I
   made thee so great."]

   [Footnote 316: If any one should despise these natural details as
   trifling and beneath the dignity of poetry, I can only recommend
   a comparison with Æsch. Choeph. 750, sqq., and Shakspeare's nurse
   in "Romeo and Juliet." In such passages, the age of the supposed
   speaker is the best apology for the poet.]

   [Footnote 317: See Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 57.]

   [Footnote 318: Perhaps it was from this passage that Sterne took
   his sublime idea of the Recording Angel blotting out the oath
   which the Accusing Spirit had carried up to heaven.]

   [Footnote 319: Cf. Hesiod, Theog. 54. [Greek: Mnêmosynê,
   gounoisin eleuthêros medeousa]. Like [Greek: outhar arourês], in
   ver. 141, it is an expression denoting excessive fertility.]

   [Footnote 320: So Xenoph. de Venat. § 1. [Greek: Oineôs d' en
   gêra epilathomenou tês ueou]. See an excellent sketch of the
   story in Grote, vol. i. p. 195, sqq. Cf. Hygin. Fab. clxxii.;
   Lactant. Arg. fab. Ovid. viii. 4; Antonin. Lib. Met. § 2.]

   [Footnote 321: _I. e._ the boar.]

   [Footnote 322: On the legend of this war, see Apollodor. i. 8, 2;
   Callimach. Ib. Dian. 216; Ovid, Met. viii. 260. A catalogue of
   the heroes who accompanied Meleager is given by Hyginus, Fab.
   clxxiii.]

   [Footnote 323: See Antonin. Liberal. Met. § 2. who follows Homer
   rather closely.]

   [Footnote 324: Literally, "digesting."]

   [Footnote 325: See n. 2, p. 41, and on the death of Meleager, by
   his mother burning a fatal brand, Apollodor. i. c.; Zenobius
   Cent. Adag. v. 33; Anton. Lib. Met. § 2.]

   [Footnote 326: _I. e._ the Calydonians.]

   [Footnote 327: This catalogue of the horrors of war seems to have
   been in the minds of Sallust, Cat. § 51, and Cicero, Or. iv. in
   Catil.]

   [Footnote 328: Rudolf on Ocellus Lucan. p. 266, well observes,
   "Antiquissimis temporibus, quorum repetere memoriam possumus,
   [Greek: daimôn] nihil aliud erat, quam deus. Horn. Od. g, 165,
   160; Il. g, 420; II. l, 791. Neque in eo vocabuli discrimen est,
   si aut prosunt hominibus, aut iis nocent; utroque enim modo
   [Greek: daimones] dicuntur." Kennedy and some of the translators
   have erred on this point.]

   [Footnote 329: _I. e._ [Greek: kath' êmisu]. See Heyne.]

He said, and in silence nodded to Patroclus from beneath his brows, that
he should strew a thick bed for Phoenix, whilst they were meditating to
withdraw as quickly as possible from the tent. But them godlike
Telamonian Ajax addressed:

"O Jove-born son of Laertes, crafty Ulysses, let us go, for the object
of our address appears not to me to be attainable, in this way at least,
and we must report the message to the Greeks with all haste, although it
be not good. They now sit expecting us; but Achilles stores up within
his breast a fierce and haughty soul, unyielding; nor does he regard the
friendship of his companions, with which we have honoured him at the
ships beyond others. Merciless one! and truly some one hath accepted
compensation even for a brother's death, or his own son slain, whilst
[the murderer] remains at home among his people, having paid many
expiations: and the mind and noble soul of the other is appeased upon
his having received compensation. But in thy breast the gods have put an
unyielding and evil mind, for the sake of a maid only; whereas we now
offer thee seven far excelling, and many other gifts beside them. Do
thou then assume a propitious disposition; and have respect to thy
house, for we are guests beneath thy roof from the multitude of the
Greeks, and desire to be most dear and friendly to thee beyond all the
Achæans, as many as they are."

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Most noble Ajax,
son of Telamon, chief of the people, thou appearest to me to have said
all this from thy soul, yet does my heart swell with indignation as
often as I recollect those things, how the son of Atreus hath rendered
me dishonoured among the Greeks, as if it were some contemptible
stranger. But go ye, and carry back my message, for I shall not think of
bloody war, before the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector, slaughtering
the Greeks, shall reach the ships of the Myrmidons, and burn the ships
with fire. But about my tent and black ship, however, I think that
Hector, although eager, will desist from combat."

Thus he spake; but they, each having seized a double goblet, having made
libations, went back by the side of the fleet, and Ulysses led the way.
But Patroclus gave orders to his companions and female domestics to
strew, with all haste, a thick couch for Phoenix; and they, obedient,
spread a bed as he desired,--sheep-skins, coverlets, and the fine fabric
of flax: there lay the old man, and awaited heavenly Morn. But Achilles
slept in the recess of his well-made tent; and beside him lay a lady,
fair-cheeked Diomede, daughter of Phorbas, whom he had brought from
Lesbos. And Patroclus on the other side reclined: and by him also lay
fair-waisted Iphis, whom noble Achilles gave him, having taken lofty
Scyros, a city of Enyeus.

But when they were within the tents of Atrides, the sons of the Greeks,
rising one after another, received them with golden cups, and
interrogated thus. And first the king of men, Agamemnon, inquired:

"Come, tell me, O Ulysses, much praised, great glory of the Greeks,
whether does he wish to ward off the hostile fire from the ships, or has
he refused, and does wrath still posses his haughty soul?"

But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses then addressed: "Most glorious son
of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, he wills not to extinguish his wrath,
but is the more filled with anger, and despises thee as well as thy
gifts. He bids thee thyself consult with the Greeks, in what manner thou
mayest preserve both the ships and the army of the Greeks, but has
himself threatened, that with the rising dawn he will launch into the
main his well-benched, equally-plied vessels. And he has declared that
he would advise others also to sail home, since ye will not now effect
the destruction of lofty Ilium; for far-resounding Jove hath greatly
stretched forth his hand [over it], and the people have taken courage.
Thus he spoke; and here are these who followed me, Ajax, and the two
heralds, both prudent men, to tell these things. But aged Phoenix hath
lain down there, for thus he ordered, that in the morning, if he chose,
he might follow him in the ships to his dear father-land; but he will by
no means carry him off against his will."

Thus he spake; and they all became mute in silence, marvelling at his
speech, for he harangued with great vehemence. Long were the sorrowing
sons of the Greeks mute, till at length Diomede, valiant in the din of
battle, addressed them:

"Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, would that thou
hadst not supplicated the illustrious son of Peleus, offering countless
gifts, for he is haughty even otherwise:[330] now again hast thou
excited him much more to insolence. Let us, however, leave him alone,
whether he go or remain, for he will fight again at that time when his
mind within his breast urges, and the Deity incites him. But come, let
us all obey as I shall advise: go now to rest, having satisfied your
hearts with food and wine, for this is force and vigour. But when fair
rosy-fingered morn has shone forth, draw up the infantry and cavalry
with all haste before the ships, cheering them: and do thou thyself
likewise fight in the foremost ranks."

Thus he spake, but all the kings approved, admiring the speech of
Diomede, the breaker of steeds. Having then offered libations, they
departed each to his tent; there they lay do to to rest, and enjoyed the
boon of sleep.[331]

   [Footnote 330: I am indebted to Milton.]

   [Footnote 331: Id.]




                            BOOK THE TENTH.


                               ARGUMENT.

Diomede and Ulysses, as spies, penetrate the camp of the Trojans by
night, and first entrap and slay Dolon, who had set out on the same
errand for the Trojans. Having obtained from him the desired
information, they then attack the Thracians, and slay their king,
Rhesus, while asleep. At the suggestion of Minerva, they then return to
the camp.

The other chiefs, indeed, of all the Greeks were sleeping the whole
night at the ships, overcome by soft slumber; but sweet sleep possessed
not Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people, revolving many
things in his mind. As when the husband of fair-haired Juno thunders,
preparing either an abundant, immense shower, or hail or snow, when the
snow whitens the fields; or somewhere [preparing] the wide mouth[332] of
bitter war; so frequently groaned Agamemnon in his breast from the
bottom of his heart, and his mind was troubled within him. As often
indeed as he looked towards the Trojan plain, he wondered at the many
fires which were burning before Ilium, the sound of flutes and pipes,
and the tumult of men. But when he looked towards the ships and army of
the Greeks, he tore up many hairs from his head by the roots,[333]
[enraged at] Jove who dwells aloft, and deeply he groaned in his noble
heart. But this plan appeared best to him in his judgment; to repair
first to Neleian Nestor, [and see] whether with him he might contrive
some blameless counsel, which might be an averter of evil. Rising,
therefore, he wrapped his coat around his breast, and beneath his smooth
feet bound the beautiful sandals; next he threw around him the
blood-stained skin of a huge, tawny[334] lion, stretching to his ankles,
and grasped his spear. In like manner, a tremor possessed Menelaus, for
neither did sleep rest upon his eyelids, [through fear] lest the Greeks
should suffer aught, who on his account had come over the wide sea to
Troy, waging daring war. First with a spotted leopard's skin he covered
his broad back; and next, lifting his brazen helmet, placed it upon his
head, and grasped a spear in his stout hand. But he went to awaken his
brother, who had the chief command of all the Greeks, and was honoured
by the people like a god. Him he found by the prow of his ship, putting
his bright armour around his shoulders; and arriving, he was welcome to
him. Him first Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, addressed: "Why arm
thus, my respected brother? Or whom dost thou urge of thy companions to
go as a spy amongst the Trojans? In truth I very much fear that no one
will undertake this deed, going alone through the dead of night to
reconnoitre the enemy. Any one [who does so] will be bold-hearted
indeed."

   [Footnote 332: Cicero pro Arch. § 5, "Totius belli ore ac
   faucibus."]

   [Footnote 333: Or "one after another." Schol.: [Greek: ep'
   allêlous, ê prorrizous]. See Merrick on Tryphiodor. 388; Alberti
   on Hesych. t. ii. p. 1029.]

   [Footnote 334: Or, "active, raging." The other interpretation is,
   however, favoured by Virg. Æn. ii. 721: "Fulvique insternor pelle
   leonis."]

But him king Agamemnon, answering, addressed: "O Jove-nurtured Menelaus,
need of prudent counsel [comes upon] both thee and me, which will
protect and preserve the Greeks and their ships, since the mind of Jove
is altered. Surely he has rather given his attention to the Hectorean
sacrifices; for never have I beheld, nor heard a person who related,
that one man has devised so many arduous deeds in one day as Hector,
dear to Jove, hath performed upon the sons of the Greeks in such a
manner, [although] the dear child neither of a goddess nor of a god. But
such deeds hath he done as I conceive will long and for many a day be a
cause of care to the Greeks; so many evils hath he wrought against the
Greeks. But go now, call Ajax and Idomeneus, running quickly to their
ships, but I will go to noble Nestor, and exhort him to arise, if he be
willing to go to the sacred company[335] of guards and give orders; for
to him will they most attentively listen, because his son commands the
guards, along with Meriones, the armour-bearer of Idomeneus; for to them
we intrusted the chief charge."

   [Footnote 335: Some picked troop chosen for the especial purpose
   of keeping watch. Heyne compares S, 504: [Greek: ieros kuklos];
   681: [Greek: lathôn ierous pulaôrous]. Compare, also, the [Greek:
   ieros lochos] of the Thebans, Plutarch, in Pelop. t. i. p. 285;
   E. Athen. xiii. p. 561.]

But him Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, then answered: "In what
manner dost thou command and exhort me in thy speech? Shall I remain
there with them, waiting till thou come, or shall I run back again to
thee, after I have duly given them orders?"

But him, in turn, Agamemnon, king of men, addressed: "Wait there, lest,
as we come, we miss[336] one another; for there are many ways through
the camp. But shout aloud whithersoever thou goest, and enjoin them to
be watchful, accosting each man by a name from his paternal race,[337]
honourably addressing all; nor be thou haughty in thy mind. Nay, let
even us ourselves labour, whatever be our station, so heavy a calamity
hath Jove laid upon us at our birth."

Thus saying, he dismissed his brother, having duly charged him. But he
hastened to go to Nestor, the shepherd of the people. Him he found on
his soft couch beside his tent and black ship, and by him lay his
variegated arms, a shield, two spears, and a glittering helmet: beside
him also lay a flexible belt, with which the old man girded himself,
when he was arming for man-destroying war, leading on his people; since
he by no means yielded to sad old age. Being supported on his
elbow,[338] and lifting up his head, he addressed the son of Atreus, and
questioned him in [these] words:

   [Footnote 336: Buttmann, Lexil. p. 85, comes to the conclusion
   that "we must include [Greek: athrotazein] among the forms of
   [Greek: amartanô], whose etymological connections, as long as we
   are ignorant of them, we can easily do without."]

   [Footnote 337: Instances of this complimentary style of address
   occur in ver. 144. [Greek: Diogenes Laertiadê. 86: Nestor
   Nêlêiadê].]

   [Footnote 338: Cf. Propert. 1. 3, 34. "Sic ait in molli fixa toro
   cubitum."]

"Who art thou who comest thus alone by the ships, along the army, during
the gloomy night, when other mortals are asleep? Whether seeking any of
the guards, or any of thy companions? Speak, nor approach me in silence;
of what is there need to thee?"

But him Agamemnon, king of men, then answered: "O Nestor, son of Neleus,
great glory of the Greeks, thou wilt recognize Agamemnon, the son of
Atreus, whom beyond all Jove hath plunged into toils continually, whilst
breath remains in my breast, or my knees have the power of motion. I
wander[339] thus, because sweet sleep sits not on mine eyes, but war and
the calamities of the Greeks are my care. For I greatly fear for the
Greeks, neither is my heart firm, but I am confounded.[340] My heart
leaps without my breast, and my fair limbs tremble beneath. But if thou
canst do aught (since neither doth sleep come upon thee), come, let us
go down to the guards, that we may see whether, worn out by toil and
[overpowered][341] by sleep, they slumber, and are altogether forgetful
of the watch. And hostile men are encamped near, nor do we at all know
but that they perhaps meditate in their minds to engage even during the
night." [342]

But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: "Agamemnon, most
glorious son of Atreus, king of men, assuredly provident Jove will not
accomplish to Hector all those devices, which now, perhaps, he expects;
but I think that he will labour under even more cares if Achilles shall
but turn away his heart from heavy wrath. Yet will I willingly follow
thee; and let us moreover incite others, both spear-renowned Diomede,
and Ulysses, swift Ajax, and the valiant son of Phyleus. But if any one
going, would call godlike Ajax, and king Idomeneus; for their ships are
the farthest off,[343] and by no means near at hand. But I will chide
Menelaus, dear and respected though he be, nor will I conceal, even if
thou shouldst be displeased with me, since thus he sleeps, and has
permitted thee alone to labour. For now ought he to labour, supplicating
among all the chiefs, for a necessity, no longer tolerable, invades us."

   [Footnote 339: Æsch. Ag. 12: [Greek: Eyt' an de nuktiplankton
   endroson t' echo Einên oneirois ouk episkopoumenên Emên, phothos
   gar anth' opnou parastatei].]

   [Footnote 340: Cicero ad Attic, ix. 6: "Non angor, sed ardeo
   dolore; [Greek: oude moi êtor empedon, all' alalyktêmai]. Non
   sum, inquam, mihi crede, mentis compos."]

   [Footnote 341: Observe the zeugma, which has been imitated by
   Hor. Od. III. 4, 11: "Ludo fatigatumque somno." Compare the
   learned dissertation on this subject by D'Orville on Chariton,
   iv. 4, p. 440, sqq. ed. Lips.]

   [Footnote 342: Æsch. Sept. c. Th. 28: [Greek: Legei megistên
   proszalên Achaida Nukinêgoreisthai kopithouleyein polei].]

   [Footnote 343: Soph. Aj. 3: [Greek: Kai nun epi skênais se
   nautikais orô Aiantos, entha taxin eschatên echei].]

But him Agamemnon, king of men, in turn addressed: "Old man, at other
times I would even bid thee blame him, for he is frequently remiss, and
is not willing to labour, yielding neither to sloth, nor thoughtlessness
of mind, but looking to me, and awaiting my commencement. But now he
arose long before me, and stood beside me; him I have sent before to
call those whom thou seekest. But let us go, and we shall find them
before the gates among the guards; for there I bade them be assembled."

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "If so, none of the
Greeks will be angry, nor disobey when he may exhort or give orders to
any."

Thus saying, he put on his tunic around his breast, and beneath his
shining feet he placed the beautiful sandals, and fastened about him his
purple cloak with a clasp, double, ample;[344] and the shaggy pile was
thick upon it: and he seized a doughty spear, pointed with sharp brass.
He proceeded first to the ships of the brazen-mailed Achæans; then the
Gerenian knight Nestor, vociferating, aroused from his sleep Ulysses,
equal to Jove in counsel. But the voice immediately penetrated his mind,
and he came out from the tent, and addressed them:

"Why, I pray, wander ye thus alone through the ambrosial night, near the
ships, through the army; what so great necessity now comes upon you?"

   [Footnote 344: Schol.: [Greek: Tên megalên ôste kai diplê autê
   chrômenon echein ektetamenên]. The epithet [Greek: phoinikoessa]
   denotes that it was the garb of royalty.]

But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: "Jove-sprung son of
Laertes, much-scheming Ulysses, be not indignant, for so great a sorrow
hath oppressed the Greeks. But follow, that we may arouse even another,
whomsoever it is fit, to deliberate whether to fly or fight."

Thus he spake, and much-counselling Ulysses returning into his tent,
flung around his shoulders his variegated shield, and followed them. But
they proceeded to Diomede, the son of Tydeus, and him they found
without, before his tent, with his arms; and his companions slept around
him. Beneath their heads they had their shields, and their spears were
fixed erect upon the nether point;[345] and afar off glittered the
brass, like the lightning of father Jove. The hero himself however
slumbered, and beneath him was strewed the hide of a wild bull; but
under his head was spread a splendid piece of tapestry. Standing by him,
the Gerenian knight Nestor awoke him, moving him on the heel with his
foot,[346] he roused him, and upbraided [him] openly:

"Arise, son of Tydeus, why dost thou indulge in sleep all night? Hearest
thou not how the Trojans are encamped upon an eminence in the plain near
the ships, and that now but a small space keeps them off?"

   [Footnote 345: [Greek: Saurôtêroi' tois sturaxin tôn opisô tôn
   doratôn]. Hesychius, who also, with reference to the present
   passage, has [Greek: Saurôtêros' tou sidêriou]. Pollux, x. 31,
   well explains it, [Greek: to tou doratos istamenon]. It is also
   called [Greek: styrax] and [Greek: styra].]

   [Footnote 346: Not "calce pedis movens." See Kennedy.]

Thus he spoke: but he leaped up very quickly from slumber, and
addressing him, spoke winged words:

"Indefatigable art thou, old man: never, indeed, dost thou cease from
labour. Are there not even other younger sons of the Greeks, who, going
about in every direction, might arouse each of the kings? But, O old
man, thou art impossible to be wearied."

But him then the Gerenian knight Nestor in turn addressed: "Truly, my
friend, thou hast spoken all these things aright. I have to be sure
blameless sons, and I have numerous troops, some of whom indeed, going
round, might give the summons. But a very great necessity hath oppressed
the Greeks, and now are the affairs of all balanced on a razor's
edge[347], whether there be most sad destruction to the Greeks, or life.
Yet go now, since thou art younger, arouse swift Ajax, and the son of
Phyleus, if thou hast pity on me."

   [Footnote 347: Herodot. vii. 11: [Greek: Epi xyrou gar tês akmês
   echetai ymin ta pragmata]. Soph. Antig. 996: [Greek: phronei
   bezôs au nun epi xyrou tynê]. Theocrit. xxii. 6: [Greek:
   Anthrôpôn sôtêres epi xuoou êdê eontôn].]

Thus he spake; but the other threw around his shoulders the skin of a
huge tawny lion, reaching to his feet, and took his spear. He hastened
forth, and the hero, having aroused the rest, led them thence.

But when they now came to the assembled guards, they found not the
leaders of the guards slumbering, but all were sitting vigilantly with
their arms. As dogs with care keep watch around the sheep in a fold,
hearing the furious wild beast, which comes through the wood from the
mountains, but much clamour of men and dogs is against it, and sleep is
utterly lost to them; so was sweet slumber lost to their eyelids,
keeping guard during the sad night, for they were ever turned towards
the plain, whensoever they heard the Trojans advancing. But the old man
seeing them, rejoiced, and encouraged them with a speech, and addressing
them, spoke winged words:

"Thus now, dear children, keep watch; nor let sleep seize upon any, lest
we become a mockery to the enemy."

Thus saying, he crossed the trench; and with him followed the chiefs of
the Greeks, as many as had been summoned to the council. Along with
these went Meriones, and the illustrious son of Nestor; for they had
invited them, that they might consult with them. Having therefore passed
over the dug trench, they sat down in a clear space, where a piece of
ground appeared free from fallen dead bodies, whence impetuous Hector
had turned back, having destroyed the Greeks, when night at length
enveloped them. There sitting down, they addressed words to each other,
and to them the Gerenian knight Nestor began discourse:

"O friends, would not now some man put such confidence in his own
daring mind as to go against the magnanimous Trojans, if perchance he
might take some of the enemy straying in the outskirts of the camp, or
perhaps even learn some report among the Trojans, what they deliberate
among themselves; whether they intend to remain here by the ships at a
distance, or are about to return to the city, since they have subdued
the Greeks? Could he but hear all this, and come back to us unscathed,
great glory would be his under heaven amongst all men, and he shall have
a good reward. For as many chiefs as command the vessels, of all these
each will give a black sheep, a ewe, having a lamb at its udders; to
which indeed no possession will be like; and he will ever be present at
our banquets and feasts."

Thus he spoke; and they were all mute in silence; but to them Diomede,
valiant in the din of battle, said:

"Nestor, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to enter the camp of the
hostile Trojans, which is near; but if some other man were to go along
with me, there would be more pleasure, and it would be more encouraging.
For when two go together, the one perceives before the other how the
advantage may be. But if one being alone should observe anything, his
perception is nevertheless more tardy, and his judgment weak."

Thus he spoke: and the greater number wished to follow Diomede. The two
Ajaces wished it, servants of Mars; Meriones wished it; the son of
Nestor very earnestly desired it; the spear-renowned son of Atreus,
Menelaus, desired it; and hardy Ulysses was eager to penetrate the crowd
of the Trojans; for ever daring was his mind within his breast. Among
them, however, Agamemnon, the king of men, spoke:

"Diomede, son of Tydeus, most dear to my soul, select the companion whom
thou desirest, the bravest of those who present themselves, since many
are ready. Nor do thou, paying deference in thy mind, leave indeed the
better, and select as follower the worse, through respect [for rank];
looking neither to family, nor whether one is more the king."

Thus he spake, for he feared for yellow-haired Menelaus; but amongst
them Diomede, brave in the din of battle, again spoke:

"If then ye now order me to select a companion myself, how can I now
forget godlike Ulysses, whose heart is prudent, and spirit gallant in
all labours; and whom Pallas Minerva loves. He following, we should both
return even from burning fire, for he is skilled in planning beyond [all
others]."

But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses in turn addressed: "Son of Tydeus,
neither praise me beyond measure, nor at all blame, for thou speakest
these things amongst Argives, who are acquainted with them already. But
let us go, for night hastens on, and morn is at hand. The stars have
already far advanced, and the greater portion of the night, by two
parts, has gone by, but the third portion remains."

Thus having spoken, they clad themselves in their terrible arms. To
Diomede, Thrasymedes, firm in war, gave his two-edged sword, because his
own was left at the ships, and a shield. Upon his head he placed his
bull's-hide helmet, coneless, crestless, which is called cataityx,[348]
and protects the heads of blooming youths. And Meriones gave a bow,
quiver, and sword to Ulysses, and put upon his head a casque of hide;
and within, it was firmly bound with many straps; whilst without, the
white teeth of an ivory-tusked boar set thick together on all sides
fenced it well, and skilfully; and in the midst a woollen
head-piece[349] was sewed. It Autolycus once brought from Eleon, the
city of Amyntor, son of Hormenus, having broken into his large mansion.
He gave it, however, to Amphidamas, the Cytherian, to bear to Scandea,
and Amphidamas bestowed it upon Molus, to be a gift of hospitality, but
he gave it to his son Meriones to be worn. Then at last, being placed
around, it covered the head of Ulysses. But they, when they had girt
themselves in dreadful arms, hastened to advance, and left all the
chiefs at the same place. And to them near the way, Pallas Minerva sent
a heron upon the right hand: they did not discern it with their eyes,
because of the gloomy night, but heard it rustling. And Ulysses was
delighted on account of the bird, and prayed to Minerva:

"Hear me, thou daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, who standest by me in all
labours, nor do I escape thy notice, having moved.[350] Now again do
thou, O Minerva, especially befriend me, and grant that, covered with
glory, we may return back to the well-benched barks, having performed a
mighty deed, which will surely occasion care to the Trojans."

   [Footnote 348: "The [Greek: kataityx] might be termed the undress
   helmet of the chief who wore it."--Kennedy.]

   [Footnote 349: Or, "it was stuffed with felt."--Oxford Transl.
   "Wool was inlaid between the straps, in order to protect the
   head, and make the helmet fit closer."--Kennedy.]

   [Footnote 350: Soph. Aj. 18: [Greek: Kai nun epegnôs eu m ep'
   andri ousmenei Basin eyklount'].]

Then Diomede, brave in the din of battle, next prayed: "Now hear me,
too, O daughter of Jove, invincible. Attend me, as once thou didst
attend my sire, the noble Tydeus, to Thebes, what time he went as an
ambassador for the Achæans; he left the brazen-mailed Achæans at the
Asopus, and he himself bore thither a mild message to the Cadmæans: but
when returning he performed many arduous deeds, with thy aid, O noble
goddess, when thou propitious didst stand beside him. Thus now willingly
stand by and protect me; and in return I will sacrifice to thee a heifer
of a year old, with broad forehead, untamed, which no man hath yet
brought under the yoke. This will I sacrifice to thee, encircling its
horns with gold."

Thus they spoke, praying; and Pallas Minerva heard them. But when they
had supplicated the daughter of mighty Jove, they hastened to advance,
like two lions, through the dark night, through slaughter, through
bodies through arms, and black blood.

Nor did Hector allow the gallant Trojans to sleep; but he summoned all
the chiefs together, as many as were leaders and rulers over the
Trojans. Having summoned them together, he framed prudent counsel:

"Who, undertaking it for me, will accomplish this deed for a great
reward? And there shall be sufficient payment for him; for I will give a
chariot and two rough-maned steeds, which excel in speed at the swift
sailing ships of the Greeks, to him whosoever would dare (he will also
obtain glory for himself) to approach near the swift-sailing ships, and
learn whether the fleet ships are guarded as formerly, or whether, now
subdued by our hands, they meditate flight among themselves, nor wish to
keep watch during the night, overcome with grievous toil."

Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence. But among the Trojans
there was one Dolon, the son of Eumedes, a divine herald, rich in gold,
and wealthy in brass, who in aspect indeed was deformed, but [was]
swift-footed, and he was an only [son] among five sisters. Who then,
standing by, addressed the Trojans and Hector:

"Hector, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to approach the
swift-sailing ships, and gain information. But come, raise up thy
sceptre to me, and swear that thou wilt assuredly give me the horses and
chariot, variegated with brass, which now bear the illustrious son of
Peleus, and I will not be a vain spy to thee, nor frustrate thy
expectation; for I will go so far into the camp till I reach the ship of
Agamemnon, where the chiefs will perchance be consulting whether to fly
or fight."

Thus he spoke; but he took the sceptre in his hand and swore to him:
"Let Jove himself now be my witness, the loudly-thundering spouse of
Juno, that no other man of the Trojans shall be carried by these horses:
but I declare that thou shalt entirely have the glory of them."

Thus he spoke, and indeed swore a vain oath;[351] nevertheless he
encouraged him. Immediately he threw around his shoulders his crooked
bow, and put on above the hide of a grey wolf, with a casque of
weasel-skin upon his head; and seized a sharp javelin. And he set out to
go from the camp towards the ships: nor was he destined to bring back
intelligence to Hector, returning from the ships. But when now he had
quitted the crowd of horses and men, he eagerly held on his way. But him
godlike Ulysses observed advancing, and addressed Diomede:

   [Footnote 351: "There is no necessity for supposing that Hector
   meditated any deceit. The poet contemplates the event, which
   frustrated his hopes, and rendered his oath nugatory."--Kennedy.]

"Hark! Diomede, a man comes from the camp; I know not whether as a spy
upon our vessels, or to plunder some of the dead bodies. But let us
suffer him first to pass by a little through the plain, and afterwards,
hastily rushing upon him, let us take him. If, however, he surpasses us
in speed, attacking him with the spear, let us continually drive him
from the camp towards the ships, lest by chance he escape towards the
city."

Then having thus spoken, they lay down out of the pathway among the
dead; but he, in thoughtlessness, ran hastily past. But when now he was
as far off as is the space ploughed at one effort[352] by mules (for
they are preferable to oxen in drawing the well-made plough through the
deep fallow), they indeed ran towards him; but he stood still, hearing a
noise; for he hoped within his mind that his companions had come from
the Trojans to turn him back, Hector having ordered. But when now they
were distant a spear's cast, or even less, he perceived that they were
enemies, and moved his active knees to fly; and they immediately
hastened to follow. As when two rough-toothed hounds, skilled in the
chase, ever incessantly pursue through the woody ground either a fawn or
hare, whilst screaming it flies before; thus did Tydides and Ulysses,
sacker of cities, pursue him ever steadily, having cut him off from his
own people. But when now flying towards the ships, he would speedily
have mingled with the watch, then indeed Minerva infused strength into
Tydides, that none of the brazen-mailed Greeks might be beforehand in
boasting that he had wounded him, but he himself come second; then
gallant Diomede, rushing on him with his spear, addressed him:

"Either stop, or I will overtake thee with my spear; nor do I think that
thou wilt long escape certain destruction from my hand."

   [Footnote 352: See the Scholiast, and Kennedy's note.]

He said, and hurled his spear, but intentionally missed the man. Over
the right shoulder the point of the well-polished spear stuck in the
ground. Then indeed he stood still, and trembled, stammering (and there
arose a chattering of the teeth in his mouth), pale through fear.
Panting they overtook him, and seized his hands; but he weeping, spoke
thus:

"Take me alive, and I will ransom myself; for within [my house] I have
brass, and gold, and well-wrought iron; from which my father will bestow
upon you countless ransoms, if he shall hear that I am alive at the
ships of the Greeks."

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Take courage, nor
suffer death at all to enter thy mind; but come, tell me this, and state
it correctly: Why comest thou thus alone from the camp towards the
fleet, through the gloomy night, when other mortals sleep? Whether that
thou mightst plunder any of the dead bodies, or did Hector send thee
forth to reconnoitre everything at the hollow ships? Or did thy mind
urge thee on?"

But him Dolon then answered, and his limbs trembled under him: "Contrary
to my wish, Hector hath brought me into great detriment, who promised
that he would give me the solid-hoofed steeds of the illustrious son of
Peleus, and his chariot adorned with brass. And he enjoined me, going
through the dark and dangerous[353] night, to approach the enemy, and
learn accurately whether the swift ships be guarded as before, or
whether, already subdued by our hands, ye plan flight with yourselves,
nor choose to keep watch during the night, overcome by severe toil."

   [Footnote 353: Buttm. Lexil. p. 369: "I translate [Greek: thon
   nyx] by _the quick and fearful_ night; and if this be once
   admitted as the established meaning of the Homeric epithet, it
   will certainly be always intelligible to the hearer and full of
   expression. 'Night,' says a German proverb, 'is no man's friend;'
   the dangers which threaten the nightly wanderer are formed into a
   quick, irritable, hostile goddess. Even the other deities are
   afraid of her, who is (Il. th, 259) [Greek: theôn onêteira kai
   andrôn]; and Jupiter himself, in the midst of his rage, refrains
   from doing what might be [Greek: nykti thon apothymia]. Nor is
   the epithet less natural when the night is not personified: for
   as [Greek: oxeis kairoi] are _dangerous_ times, so by this word
   [Greek: thoê] it may be intended to mark the swiftness and
   imminency of dangers which threaten men who go [Greek: dia nukta
   melainan]."]

But him crafty Ulysses smiling addressed: "Assuredly thy mind aimed at
mighty gifts, the horses of warlike Æacides; but these are difficult to
be governed by mortal men, and to be driven by any other than Achilles,
whom an immortal mother bore. But come, tell me this, and state
correctly; where now, when coming hither, didst thou leave Hector, the
shepherd of the people? Where lie his martial arms, and where his
steeds? And how [stationed are] the watches and tents of the other
Trojans? What do they consult among themselves? Do they meditate to
remain there at a short distance from the ships, or will they return
again to the city, since, forsooth, they have subdued the Greeks?"

But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, again addressed: "Therefore will I
indeed detail these things to thee very correctly. Hector, with those,
as many as are counsellors, is deliberating upon plans at the tomb of
divine Ilus, apart from the tumult: but for the watches of which thou
inquirest, O Hero, no chosen [band] defends or watches the camp. But as
many as are the hearths of fires among the Trojans, those at them are
they to whom there is compulsion;[354] and they are both wakeful, and
exhort one another to keep watch. But the allies, on the contrary,
summoned from afar, are sleeping; for they commit it to the Trojans to
keep watch, for their children and wives lie not near them."

   [Footnote 354: Construe, [Greek: kata tosas men puros escharas,
   osai isi Trôôn, oide oisin anankê estin, egrêgorthasi, k. t. l.]]

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "In
what manner now do they sleep: mingled with the horse-breaking
Trojans, or apart? Tell me, that I may know."

But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, answered: "Therefore will I indeed
detail these things also very correctly. On the one hand, towards the
sea, [are] the Carians and Poeonians, armed with crooked bows, the
Lelegans, and Cauconians, and noble Pelasgians. Towards Thymbra, on the
other, the Lycians are allotted their place, and the haughty Mysians,
the horse-breaking Phrygians, and the Mæonian cavalry[355] warriors. But
why inquire ye of me these things separately? For if ye are now eager to
penetrate the host of the Trojans, those Thracians lately arrived are
apart, the last of all the others. And among them is their king Rhesus,
son of Eioneus. And his horses are the most beautiful and largest I have
seen. They are whiter than snow, and like to the winds in speed. And his
chariot is well adorned with both gold and silver; and he himself came,
wearing golden armour of mighty splendour, a marvel to behold; which
does not indeed suit mortal men to wear, but the immortal gods. But now
remove me to the swift ships, or, having bound me with a cruel bond,
leave me here until ye return, and make trial of me, whether I have
indeed spoken to you truly, or not."

   [Footnote 355: _I.e._ charioteers.]

But him then valiant Diomede sternly regarding, addressed: "Think not
within thy mind to escape from me, O Dolon, although thou hast reported
good tidings, since thou hast once come into my hands. For if indeed we
shall now release thee, or set thee at liberty, hereafter thou wouldst
surely return to the swift ships of the Achæans, either in order to
become a spy, or to fight against us. But if, subdued by my hands, thou
lose thy life, thou wilt not ever afterwards be a bane to the Greeks."

He said; and the other was preparing to supplicate him, taking him by
the chin with his strong hand; but he, rushing at him with his sword,
smote the middle of his neck, and cut through both the tendons; and the
head of him, still muttering, was mingled with the dust. From his head
they took the weasel-skin helmet, and the wolf skin, with the bent bow
and long spear; and noble Ulysses raised them on high with his hand to
Minerva, the goddess of plunder, and praying, spake:

"Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for thee, first of all the immortals in
Olympus, do we invoke; but guide us likewise to the horses and tents of
the Thracian men."

Thus he said; and raising them high above himself, he hung them on a
tamarisk-branch. But beside it he placed a conspicuous mark, pulling up
handfuls of reeds,[356] and the wide-spreading branches of the tamarisk,
lest they should escape their notice whilst they were returning through
the dark and dangerous night. Then both advanced onwards through arms
and black blood; and proceeding, they came immediately to the band of
the Thracian heroes. But they were sleeping, overpowered with fatigue;
and their beautiful armour lay upon the ground beside them, carefully in
order, in three rows: and by each of them [stood] a yoke of horses.
Rhesus slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses were fastened
by the reins to the outer rim[357] of the chariot. And Ulysses first
observing, pointed him out to Diomede:

"This [is] the man, O Diomede, and these [are] the horses, which Dolon,
whom we slew, pointed out to us. But come now, exert thy mighty
strength; nor does it at all become thee to stand leisurely with thy
armour. Loose therefore the steeds, or do thou slay the men, and the
horses shall be my care."

   [Footnote 356: [Greek: Summarpsas]. Ernesti says: "Confregit
   leviter arundines, et addidit similiter confractis myricæ
   frondibus."]

   [Footnote 357: Ernesti regards [Greek: epidiphriados] as an
   adjective, with [Greek: antygos] understood.]

Thus he spoke; but into him azure-eyed Minerva breathed valour, and he
slaughtered, turning himself on every side, and a dreadful groaning
arose of those smitten with the sword; and the earth grew red with
blood. As when a lion, coming upon unprotected flocks of goats or sheep,
rushes upon them, designing evils, so fell the son of Tydeus upon the
Thracian men, until he had slain twelve. But much-counselling
Ulysses--whomsoever Diomede standing beside struck with the sword--him
Ulysses dragged backwards, seizing by the foot; meditating these things
in his mind, that the fair-maned steeds should pass through easily, nor
should tremble in spirit, treading on the corses; for as yet they were
unused to them. But when now the son of Tydeus had reached the king,
him, the thirteenth, he deprived of sweet life, panting; for by the
counsel of Minerva an evil dream had stood over his head during the
night, [in likeness of] the son of oeneus: but in the meantime patient
Ulysses was untying the solid-hoofed steeds. With the reins he bound
them together and drove them from the crowd, lashing them with his bow,
because he thought not of taking with his hands the splendid lash from
the well-wrought chariot seat; and then he whistled as a signal to noble
Diomede. But he remaining, was meditating what most daring deed he
should do; whether seizing the car, where lay the embroidered armour, he
should drag it out by the pole[358] or bear it away, raising it aloft;
or take away the life of more of the Thracians. Whilst he was revolving
these things within his mind, Minerva in the meantime standing near,
addressed noble Diomede:

"Be mindful now of a return to the hollow ships, O son of magnanimous
Tydeus, lest thou reach them, having been put to flight; or lest some
other god perchance arouse the Trojans."

   [Footnote 358: Understand [Greek: kata rymou].]

Thus she spoke; and he understood the voice of the goddess speaking, and
he quickly ascended the chariot. And Ulysses lashed on [the horses] with
his bow, and they fled to the swift ships of the Greeks.

Nor did silver-bowed Apollo keep a vain watch. When he beheld Minerva
accompanying the son of Tydeus, enraged with her, he descended into the
vast army of the Trojans, and roused Hippocoön, a counsellor of the
Thracians, the gallant cousin of Rhesus. And he, leaping up from sleep,
when he beheld the place empty where the fleet horses had stood, and the
men panting amidst the dreadful slaughter, immediately then wept aloud,
and called upon his dear companion by name. A clamour and immeasurable
tumult of the Trojans running together arose, and they looked with
wonder at the marvellous deeds, which men having perpetrated, had
returned to the hollow ships.

But when now they came where they had slain the spy of Hector, there
Ulysses, dear to Jove, reined in his fleet steeds. But the son of
Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the bloody spoils in the hands of
Ulysses, and then ascended the chariot. And he lashed on the steeds, and
both, not unwilling, fled towards the hollow ships, for thither it was
agreeable to their minds [to go]. But Nestor first heard the sound, and
said:

"O friends, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, shall I speak falsely,
or say the truth? Still my mind impels me. The noise of swift-footed
steeds strikes upon my ears. O that now Ulysses and gallant Diomede
would immediately drive some solid-hoofed steeds from the Trojans! But
greatly do I fear in mind lest these bravest of the Greeks suffer aught
from the rude host of Trojans."

Not yet was the whole speech uttered, when they themselves arrived. Then
indeed they descended to the ground, and [their friends] rejoicing,
saluted them with the right hand and kind expressions. But [first] the
Gerenian knight Nestor asked them:

"Come, tell me, most excellent Ulysses, great glory of the Greeks, how
took ye these horses? [Whether] penetrating the camp of the Trojans; or
did some god, meeting, supply you with them? They are very like unto the
rays of the sun. I indeed always mingle with the Trojans, nor can I say
that I remain at the ships, although being an old warrior: yet have I
never beheld nor remarked such horses, but I think that some god,
meeting you, hath given them. For cloud-compelling Jove loves you both,
and the daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, azure-eyed Minerva."

But him crafty Ulysses answering addressed: "O Nestor, offspring of
Neleus, great glory of the Greeks, a god indeed, if willing, could
easily have given better horses even than these, since they (the gods)
are much more powerful. But those steeds about which thou inquirest, old
man, are Thracian, lately arrived, and valiant Diomede slew their lord,
and beside him twelve companions, all of the bravest. The thirteenth, a
spy, we killed, near the ships, whom Hector sent forth, and the other
illustrious Trojans, to be a spy, forsooth, [of our army]."

Thus saying, he drove the solid-hoofed steeds across the ditch,
exulting, and with him went the other Greeks rejoicing. But when they
came to the well-constructed tent of Diomede, they tied the steeds by
the skilfully-cut reins to the horses' stall, where stood the
swift-footed steeds of Diomede, eating sweet corn. In the stern of his
vessel Ulysses laid the bloody spoils of Dolon, until they could present
them as a sacred gift to Minerva. Then having gone into the sea, they
washed off the abundant sweat from around their legs, their neck, and
thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed away the abundant sweat
from their bodies, and they were refreshed in their dear heart, entering
the well-polished baths, they bathed. But having bathed and anointed
themselves with rich oil, they sat down to a repast; and drawing forth
sweet wine from a full bowl, they poured it out in libation to Minerva.




                           BOOK THE ELEVENTH.


                               ARGUMENT.

Agamemnon distinguishes himself, but, being wounded, retires from the
field. Diomede is wounded by Paris: Ulysses by Socus. Ajax and Menelaus
then go to the relief of Ajax, and Eurypylus, who had joined them, is
shot in the thigh by Paris, who also wounds Machaon. Nestor conveys
Machaon from the field. Achilles sends Patroclus to the tent of Nestor,
who exhorts Patroclus to engage in battle, assuming the armour of
Achilles.


But Aurora was rising from her couch, from beside glorious Tithonus,
that she might bear light to immortals and to mortals, when Jove sent
forth fell Discord to the swift ships of the Greeks, bearing in her
hands the portent of war. And she stood upon the huge[359] black ship of
Ulysses, which was in the centre, to shout to both sides, as well to the
tents of Telamonian Ajax, as to those of Achilles; who had both drawn up
their equal ships at the very extremities, relying on their valour and
strength of hands. There standing, the goddess shouted both loudly and
terribly, in Orthian strain,[360] to the Greeks, and implanted mighty
strength in the heart of each, to war and fight incessantly. And
immediately war became more sweet to them, than to return in the hollow
ships to their dear fatherland. Then the son of Atreus shouted aloud,
and ordered the Greeks to be girded; and arrayed himself, putting on his
shining armour. First he put upon his legs his beautiful greaves, fitted
with silver clasps; next he placed around his breast a corslet which
Cinyras once gave him, to be a pledge of hospitality. For a great rumour
was heard at Cyprus, that the Greeks were about to sail to Troy in
ships: wherefore he gave him this, gratifying the king. Ten bars indeed
[of the corslet] were of dark cyanus[361], twelve of gold, and twenty of
tin; and three serpents of cyanus stretched towards the neck on each
side, like unto rainbows, which the son of Saturn hath fixed in a
cloud[362], a sign to articulate-speaking men. Then around his shoulders
he hung his sword, on which glittered golden studs; and a silver
scabbard enclosed it, fitted with golden rings. Next he took up his
shield, mortal-covering[363], variously wrought, strong, beautiful,
around which were ten brazen orbs. Upon it were twenty white bosses of
tin, and in the midst was [one] of dark cyanus. On it a grim-visaged
Gorgon was placed as an ornament, looking horribly, and around [were]
Terror and Flight. The belt was of silver, but round it a snake of
cyanus was twisted, and there were three heads entwined, springing from
one neck. Upon his head also he placed his helmet, adorned with studs on
all sides, having four bosses, crested with horse-hair, and dreadfully
nodded the tuft from above. He then took two strong spears, tipped with
brass, sharp; and the brass of them glittered afar, even to heaven: and
Minerva and Juno thundered above, honouring the king of Mycenæ, rich in
gold.

Then indeed each gave orders to his own charioteer to hold there his
horses in good order by the fosse; whilst they themselves on foot[364],
arrayed with their armour, rushed forth; and an inextinguishable clamour
arose before morning. And they[365] were marshalled in the foreground
with the cavalry at the trench; the cavalry followed at a little
interval; but the son of Saturn aroused a dreadful tumult, and sent down
dew-drops, moist with blood, from the air above, because he was about to
hurl many brave souls on to Hades.

On the other side, on the contrary, the Trojans [drew up] on a hill in
the plain around both mighty Hector, blameless Polydamas, and Æneas,
who, among the Trojans, was honoured by the people as a god; and the
three sons of Antenor, Polybus, noble Agenor, and youthful Acamas, like
unto the immortals. And Hector in the van carried his shield, equal on
all sides. And as when a pernicious star makes its appearance from the
clouds, at one time shining, and dark again hath entered the clouds; so
Hector, giving orders, appeared now among the first, and now among the
last; and he glittered all over with brass, like the lightning of
ægis-bearing Jove.

   [Footnote 359: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 378, sqq.]

   [Footnote 360: _I. e._ shrill, at the full pitch of the voice.
   Cf. Æsch. Pers. [Greek: Molpêdon nyphêmêsen, orthion d' ama
   Antêlalaxe].]

   [Footnote 361: I have retained this word, as we cannot ascertain
   what precise metal is meant.]

   [Footnote 362: Cf. Genes. ix. 13.]

   [Footnote 363: See Buttm. Lexil. p. 33.]

   [Footnote 364: Cf. Hesych. t. i. p. 1065, with Alberti's note.]

   [Footnote 365: I. e. the chiefs.]

And they,--as when reapers opposite to each other form swathes of wheat
or barley along the field of a rich man, and the frequent handfuls
fall,--so the Trojans and Greeks, rushing against one another, kept
slaughtering: and neither thought of pernicious flight. And they held
their heads equal in combat, and rushed on like wolves; whilst
lamentable Discord, looking on, exulted: for she alone of the gods was
present with them contending. But the other gods were not present with
them, but sat quiet in their palaces, where beautiful mansions were
built for each, along the summits of Olympus. All however blamed the
Saturnian collector of dark clouds, because he wished to afford glory to
the Trojans. But the sire did not regard them, but retiring by himself,
sat down apart from the others, exulting in glory, looking both upon the
city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Greeks, and the brightness of
armour, and the slaying, and slain.

Whilst it was morn, and the sacred day was increasing, so long the
weapons reached both sides, and the people fell. But at the time when
the wood-cutter[366] has prepared his repast in the dells of a mountain,
when he has wearied his hands hewing down lofty trees, and satiety comes
upon his mind, and the desire of sweet food seizes his breast; then the
Greeks, by their valour, broke the phalanxes, cheering their companions
along the ranks. But Agamemnon first leaped forth, and slew the hero
Bianor, the shepherd of the people, and then also his companion, Oïleus,
the goader of steeds. For he then, leaping from the chariot, stood
against him; but he (Agamemnon) smote him, as he was rushing straight
forward, with his sharp spear, in the forehead; nor did the visor, heavy
with brass, retard the weapon, but it penetrated both it and the bone,
and all the brain within was stained with gore. Him then he subdued
while eagerly rushing on. And Agamemnon, king of men, left them there
with their bosoms all bare, for he had stripped off their tunics. Next
he went against Isus and Anthipus, two sons of Priam, [the one]
illegitimate, and [the other] legitimate, being both in one chariot, in
order to slay them. The spurious [son] guided the chariot, whilst
illustrious Antiphus fought. Them Achilles had once bound with tender
osiers on the summits of Ida, taking them while pasturing their sheep;
and had liberated them for a ransom. Then however the son of Atreus,
wide-ruling Agamemnon, struck one upon the breast above the pap with his
spear; and again he smote Antiphus beside the ear with his sword, and
hurled him from his chariot. Hastening up, he despoiled them of their
beautiful armour, recognizing them; for he had formerly seen them at the
swift ships, when swift-footed Achilles brought them from Ida. And as a
lion, returning to his lair, easily crushes the little fawns of the
fleet hind, seizing them in his strong teeth, and deprives them of their
tender life, whilst she, although she happen [to be] very near, cannot
aid them; for a dreadful tremor comes upon herself; but hastening, she
immediately flies through the thick oak groves and the forest, sweating,
through the attack of the wild beast. Thus no one of the Trojans was
then able to avert destruction from these, but they themselves were put
to flight by the Greeks. Next [he attacked] Pisander and Hippolochus,
brave in battle, the sons of warlike Antimachus, who having accepted
gold from Paris, rich gifts, would not suffer them to restore Helen to
yellow-haired Menelaus. His two sons, then, Agamemnon, king of men,
seized, being in one chariot, for they drove their fleet horses
together; for the splendid reins had fallen from their hands, and they
were confounded. But the son of Atreus rushed against them like a lion,
and they, on the contrary, supplicated [him] from the chariot:

"Take us alive, O son of Atreus, and thou shalt receive worthy ransoms.
For many treasures lie in the houses of Antimachus, brass, gold, and
variously-wrought iron. From these would our father give infinite
ransoms, if he should hear that we were alive at the ships of the
Greeks."

   [Footnote 366: Compare the similar allusion to rustic pursuits in
   xvi. 779, with Buttm. Lexil. p. 89.]

Thus both weeping addressed the king with soothing words; but heard an
unsoothing reply: "If indeed ye be the sons of warlike Antimachus, who
once in an assembly of the Trojans, ordered that they should there put
to death Menelaus, coming as an ambassador along with godlike Ulysses,
and not send him back to the Greeks--now surely shall ye pay the penalty
of the unmerited insolence of your father."

He said, and hurled Pisander from his horses to the ground, striking him
on the breast with his spear; and he was stretched supine upon the soil.
But Hippolochus leaped down, whom next he slew upon the ground, having
lopped off his hands with his sword, and cut off his neck; and it (the
head) like a cylinder, he hurled forward, to be rolled through the
crowd. These then he left there; and where very many phalanxes were
thrown into confusion, there he rushed, and at the same time other
well-greaved Greeks. Infantry slew infantry, flying from necessity, and
horse [slew] horse, slaughtering with the brass (whilst the dust was
raised by them from the plain, which the loud-sounding feet of the
horses excited); but king Agamemnon, constantly slaying, pursued,
cheering on the Greeks. And as when a destructive fire falls upon a
woody forest, and the wind whirling carries it on all sides, whilst the
branches fall with the roots, overwhelmed by the violence of the flame;
so fell the heads of the flying Trojans, at the hand of Agamemnon, son
of Atreus, and many lofty-necked steeds rattled their empty chariots
through the ranks[367] of the battle, longing for their faultless
charioteers; but they lay upon the earth, far more agreeable to the
vultures than to their wives.

   [Footnote 367: Literally, "the bridges," _i. e._ the open spaces
   between the lines.]

But Jove withdrew Hector out of the reach of weapons, of dust, of
slaughter, blood and tumult, whilst Atrides pursued, loudly cheering on
the Danai. [The Trojans] meanwhile rushed through the middle of the
plain towards the wild fig-tree, near the tomb of Ilus, the descendant
of ancient Dardanus, eager to reach the city; but Atrides still followed
shouting, and stained his invincible hands with dusty gore. But when now
they reached the Scæan gates and the beech-tree, there at length they
halted, and awaited each other. Others, however, still fled through the
middle of the plain, like oxen which a lion, coming at the depth of
night, hath put tremblingly to flight--all, but to some one dreadful
destruction is apparent; whose neck he first completely breaks, seizing
it in his strong teeth; and then laps up both the blood and all the
entrails: thus did the son of Atreus, king Agamemnon, follow them,
always killing the hindermost; and they kept flying. Many fell prone and
supine from their chariots, by the hands of the son of Atreus; for
before [all others] he raged exceedingly with the spear. But when now he
was about soon to reach the city and the lofty wall, then indeed the
father both of men and gods, descending from heaven, seated himself upon
the tops of Ida, of many rills. And he held the lightning in his hands,
and aroused golden-winged Iris to bear his message:

"Come, swift Iris, deliver this message to Hector. As long as he may
behold Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, raging in the van, [and]
destroying the ranks of men, so long let[368] him retreat, and let him
exhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy during the violent
contest. But when he (Agamemnon) shall have mounted his steeds, either
smitten by a spear, or wounded by an arrow, then will I supply him with
strength to slay,[369] until he reach the well-benched ships, and the
sun set, and sacred darkness come on."

   [Footnote 368: Cf. ver. 204.]

   [Footnote 369: The Greeks.]

Thus he spake; nor did rapid Iris, swift as the wind on her feet,
disobey. But she descended from the mountains of Ida, towards sacred
Ilium. She found noble Hector, son of warlike Priam, standing in the
midst of the horses and well-joined chariots: and having approached,
swift-footed Iris addressed him:

"Hector, son of Priam, equal in counsel to Jove, Jove hath sent me
forward to deliver to thee this message: As long as thou seest
Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, raging amongst the van, [and]
destroying the ranks of men, so long do thou abstain from combat, but
exhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy during the violent
contest. But when he shall have mounted his steeds, either smitten with
a spear, or wounded by an arrow, then will he supply thee with strength
to slay, until thou reach the well-benched ships, and the sun set, and
sacred darkness come on."

Thus having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed. But Hector with his
armour sprang from his chariot to the ground, and brandishing sharp
spears, ranged through the army on every side, inciting them to fight,
and stirred up the dreadful battle. They indeed rallied, and stood
opposite to the Greeks; but the Greeks, on the other hand, strengthened
their phalanxes. And the battle was renewed, and they stood front to
front. But Agamemnon first rushed on, for he wished to fight far before
all.

Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian dwellings, who first, either
of the Trojans or illustrious allies, now came against Agamemnon?
Iphidamas, son of Antenor, both valiant and great, who was nurtured in
fertile Thrace, the mother of flocks. Cisseus, his maternal grandfather,
who begat fair-cheeked Theano, reared him in his house whilst yet a
little boy: but when he had attained the measure of glorious youth, he
there detained him, and gave him his own daughter. And having married
her, he came from the bridal chamber, on the rumour of the Greeks, with
twelve curved vessels which followed him. The equal ships indeed he
afterwards left at Percote, but he, proceeding on foot, had arrived at
Troy; and he it was who then came against Agamemnon, the son of Atreus.
When these, advancing against each other, were now near, the son of
Atreus on his part missed, and his spear was turned aside. But Iphidamas
smote him upon the belt, under the corslet; and he put his strength to
it, relying on his strong hand. Yet he pierced not the flexible belt,
but meeting with the silver long before, the point was turned like lead.
Then indeed wide-ruling Agamemnon, seeing it in his hand, pulled it
towards him, exasperated, like a lion, and plucked it from his hand; and
he smote him on the neck with his sword, and relaxed his limbs. Thus he,
unhappy, while aiding his citizens, falling there, slept a brazen sleep,
away from his lawful virgin wife, whose charms he had not yet known,
although he had given many presents [for her].[370] First he gave a
hundred oxen, and then he promised a thousand goats and sheep together,
which were pastured for him in countless numbers. Him Agamemnon, son of
Atreus, at that time stripped [of his arms], and went through the army
of the Greeks, bearing his rich armour. Whom when Coon,[371] the eldest
born of Antenor, conspicuous amongst men, then beheld, violent grief
darkened his eyes, for his brother having fallen, and he stood aside
with his spear, escaping the notice of noble Agamemnon. And he wounded
him in the middle of the arm, below the elbow, and the point of the
shining spear passed right through to the other side. Then indeed
Agamemnon, the king of men, shuddered; but not even thus did he abstain
from battle or from war, but he rushed upon Coon, holding his
wind-nurtured spear.[372] He on his part was eagerly dragging by the
foot Iphidamas his brother, and begotten by the same father, and was
calling upon every brave man, when [Agamemnon] wounded him with his
polished brazen spear below the bossy shield, whilst dragging him
through the crowd, and relaxed his limbs; and, standing beside him, cut
off his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, fulfilling their
destiny at the hands of the king, the son of Atreus, descended to the
abode of Hades. But he was ranging about through the ranks of other men,
with his spear, his sword, and huge stones, whilst the warm blood yet
oozed from his wound. When, however, the wound grew dry, and the blood
ceased [to flow], sharp pains possessed the strength of Atreus's son.
And as when the sharp pang seizes a woman in travail, piercing, which
the Ilithyiæ, daughters of Juno, who preside over childbirth, send
forth, keeping bitter pangs in their possession; so did sharp anguish
enter the strength of the son of Atreus. And he sprang into his chariot,
and ordered his charioteer to drive on to the hollow ships; for he was
tortured at heart. And vociferating, he shouted aloud to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders, and rulers over the Argives, repel ye now the
severe battle from the sea-traversing barks, since provident Jove does
not permit me to combat all day with the Trojans."

   [Footnote 370: On this custom, cf. ix. 146, xviii. 593.]

   [Footnote 371: The name and fate of this hero unclassically
   remind us of the "gone coon" of American celebrity, immortalized
   in the "at homes" of the late Charles Matthews.]

   [Footnote 372: "The Scholiasts and Eustathius explain this
   epithet by the received opinion that trees in exposed situations
   are usually the strongest and most vigorous from their frequent
   agitation by the wind."--Kennedy.]

Thus he spoke; and the charioteer lashed on the fair-maned steeds
towards the hollow ships; and they, not unwilling, flew. They were
covered with foam as to their breasts, and were sprinkled beneath with
dust, as they bore the afflicted king apart from the battle. But Hector,
when he observed Agamemnon going apart, exhorted both the Trojans and
Lycians, shouting aloud:

"Ye Trojans, Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends,
and be mindful of impetuous might. The bravest hero has departed, and
Saturnian Jove has given great glory to me. But straightway urge your
solid-hoofed horses against the gallant Greeks, that ye may bear off
higher glory."

Thus saying, he aroused the courage and spirit of each. As when
perchance some huntsman should urge his white-toothed dogs against a
rustic wild boar or lion; so Hector, the son of Priam, equal to
man-slaughtering Mars, urged the magnanimous Trojans against the Greeks.
He himself, having mighty courage, advanced among the first, and rushed
into the battle, like unto a storm blowing from above, and which rushing
down, stirs up the purple deep.

Then whom first and whom last, did Hector, son of Priam, slay, when Jove
gave him glory? Assæus indeed first, and Autonoüs, and Opites, and
Dolops, son of Clytis, and Opheltius, and Agelaus, and Æsymnus, and
Orus, and Hipponoüs, persevering in fight. These leaders of the Greeks
he then slew, and afterwards the common crowd; as when the west wind
drives to and fro the clouds of the impetuous[373] south, lashing them
with an impetuous blast, and many a swollen[374] billow is rolled along,
whilst the foam is scattered on high by the far-straying blast of the
wind; thus were many heads of the people subdued by Hector. Then indeed
would there have been ruin; and inevitable deeds had been done, and the
flying Greeks had fallen in flight into their ships, had not Ulysses
encouraged Diomede, the son of Tydeus:

"Son of Tydeus, through what cause are we forgetful of impetuous might?
But come hither, my friend, stand by me; for surely it will be a
disgrace if indeed crest-tossing Hector take the ships."

Him then valiant Diomede, answering, addressed: "I indeed will remain,
and be courageous; although there will be little use[375] for us, since
cloud-compelling Jove chooses to give glory to the Trojans rather than
to us."

   [Footnote 373: Or "serenizing, causing a clear sky." Heyne
   compares "albus notus," in Horace. But see Kennedy.]

   [Footnote 374: Neuter of the Ionic adjective [Greek: trophis=megas,
   eytraphês].]

   [Footnote 375: Hesychius: [Greek: Êdos' êdonê, ka ophelos].]

He said, and hurled Thymbræus from his chariot to the ground, striking
him with his spear upon the left pap; but Ulysses [slew] Molion, the
godlike attendant of the king. These then they left, since they caused
them to cease from war. Then both, advancing through the multitude,
excited confusion; as when two boars, full of courage, rush upon the
hounds; so they returning to the fight, cut down the Trojans; and the
Greeks joyfully gained a respite, avoiding noble Hector. Next they took
a chariot and two warriors, the bravest of the people, the two sons of
Percosian Merops, who above all was skilled in augury, nor would permit
his sons to march to the man-destroying war: yet did they not obey him,
because the destinies of black death led them on. Them spear-renowned
Diomede, the son of Tydeus, depriving of life and breath, despoiled of
their splendid armour. And Ulysses slew Hippodamus and Hyperochus.

Then the son of Saturn, looking down from Ida, stretched for them the
contest with equal tension, and they slaughtered one another. The son of
Tydeus indeed wounded on the hip, with his spear, the hero Agastrophus,
son of Pæon; for his horses were not at hand for him to take flight; but
he had erred greatly in his mind, for his attendant kept them apart,
whilst he rushed on foot through the foremost combatants, till he lost
his life. But Hector quickly perceived it along the ranks, and hastened
towards them, shouting; and with him followed the phalanxes of the
Trojans. Diomede, brave in the din of battle, beholding him, shuddered,
and immediately addressed Ulysses, who was near:

"Towards us is this great destruction, dreadful Hector, now rolled. But
come, let us stand firm, and awaiting, repulse [him]."

He said, and brandishing his long-shadowed spear, hurled it, and smote
him on the summit of the helmet on his head; nor, aiming did he miss.
But brass wandered from brass, nor did it reach the white skin; for the
threefold oblong helmet stopped it, which Phoebus Apollo had given him.
Hector hastily retired to a distance, and was mingled with the crowd.
And he (Hector) falling upon his knee, remained so, and supported
himself with his strong hand against the earth, whilst dark night
overshadowed his eyes. But whilst the son of Tydeus was following after
the impulse of the spear far through the foremost combatants, where it
was fixed in the earth, Hector, in the meantime, breathed again, and
springing again into his chariot, drove into the crowd, and avoided
black death. And valiant Diomede, rushing upon him with his spear,
addressed him:

"Dog, thou hast escaped indeed death at present, although destruction
approached near thee. Now again has Phoebus Apollo rescued thee, to whom
thou art wont to offer prayers, advancing into the clash of spears. But
I will assuredly make an end of thee, meeting thee again, if perchance
any one of the gods be an ally to me. Now, however, I will go against
others, whomsoever I can find."

He said, and slew the spear-renowned son of Pæon. But Paris, the husband
of fair-haired Helen, leaning against a pillar, at the tomb of the
deceased hero, Dardanian Ilus, the aged leader of the people, bent his
bow against the son of Tydeus, the shepherd of the people. Whilst he was
removing the variegated corslet from the breast of gallant Agastrophus,
the shield from his shoulders, and his heavy casque, he (Paris) in the
meantime was drawing back the horn of his bow, and struck him on the
broad part of the right foot, nor did the weapon escape in vain from his
hand; and the arrow went entirely into the ground. And he, laughing very
joyfully, sprang from his ambuscade, and boasting, spoke:

"Thou art struck, nor has the weapon escaped me in vain. Would that,
striking thee in the lower part of the groin, I had deprived thee of
life. Thus, indeed, would the Trojans have respired from destruction,
who now are thrilled with horror at thee, as bleating goats at the
lion."

But him valiant Diomede, undismayed, addressed:

"Archer, reviler, decked out with curls, woman's man, if now in arms
thou wouldst make trial of me, hand to hand, thy bow should not avail
thee, and numerous arrows[376] whereas now, having grazed the broad part
of my foot, thou boastest thus. I regard it not, as though a woman had
wounded me, or a silly boy: for idle is the weapon of an unwarlike,
good-for-nothing man. From me, indeed, it is otherwise; for if one be
touched but slightly, the weapon is piercing, and forthwith renders him
lifeless; and the cheeks of his wife are furrowed on both sides, and his
children are orphans; but crimsoning the earth with his blood, he
putrefies, and the birds around him are more numerous than the women."

   [Footnote 376: Cf. iii. 39, sqq.; Hor. Od. i. 15, 13.]

Thus he spoke; but spear-renowned Ulysses coming near, stood before him,
and he (Diomede) sitting down behind him, drew the swift shaft out of
his foot, and severe agony darted through his body. Then he leaped into
his chariot, and commanded his charioteer to drive to the hollow ships;
for he was grieved at heart. But spear-renowned Ulysses was left alone,
nor did any of the Greeks remain beside him, as fear had seized upon
all. Wherefore, groaning inwardly, he addressed his own mighty soul:

"Alas! what will become of me? Great would be the disgrace if I fly,
alarmed at the multitude; but worse would it be if I were taken alone:
but the son of Saturn hath struck the rest of the Greeks with terror.
But wherefore does my spirit discuss these things with me? for I know
that cowards indeed retire from the battle; but whosoever should be
brave in combat, it is altogether necessary that he stand firmly,
whether he be wounded, or wound another."

Whilst he revolved these things within his mind and soul, the ranks of
the shielded Trojans in the meantime came upon him, and enclosed him in
the midst, placing [their] bane in the midst of them. As when dogs and
vigorous youths rush against a boar on all sides, but he comes out from
a deep thicket, sharpening his white tusk within his crooked jaws; on
all sides they rush upon him, and a gnashing of teeth arises: but they
remain at a distance from him, terrible as he is: so the Trojans did
rush round Ulysses, dear to Jove. But he wounded above the shoulder
blameless Deïopites, springing upon him with his sharp spear; and
afterwards he slew Thoön and Ennomous. With his spear he next wounded
Chersidamas, when leaping from his chariot, in the navel, below his
bossed shield; but he, falling amid the dust, grasped the earth with the
hollow of his hand. These indeed he left, and next wounded with his
spear Charops, son of Hippasus, and brother of noble Socus. But Socus,
godlike hero, hastened to give him aid; and approaching very near, he
stood, and addressed him in these words:

"O illustrious Ulysses, insatiable in crafts and toil, to-day shalt
thou either boast over the two sons of Hippasus, having slain such
heroes, and stripped them of their arms, or else stricken by my spear,
thou shalt lose thy life."

Thus saying, he smote him upon the shield equal on all sides. The rapid
weapon penetrated the shining shield, and was fixed through the
curiously-wrought corslet, and tore off all the skin from his sides. But
Pallas Minerva suffered it not to be mingled with the entrails of the
hero. And Ulysses perceived that the weapon had not come upon him
mortally, and retiring, he addressed [this] speech to Socus:

"Ah! wretch; very soon indeed will dreadful destruction overtake thee.
Without doubt thou hast caused me to cease from fighting with the
Trojans, but I declare that death and black fate shall be thine this
day; and that, subdued beneath my spear, thou shalt give glory to me,
and thy soul to steed-famed Pluto." [377]

   [Footnote 377: Probably so called from the steeds ("inferni
   raptoris equos," Claud. de Rapt. Pros. i. 1) by which he stole
   away Proserpine. See the Scholiast.]

He said, and the other, turning again to flight, had begun to retreat,
but whilst he was turning, he (Ulysses) fixed his spear in his back
between the shoulders, and drove it through his breast. Falling, he made
a crash, and noble Ulysses boasted over him:

"O Socus, son of warlike, horse-breaking Hippasus, the end of death has
anticipated thee, nor hast thou escaped. Ah! wretch, neither thy father
nor venerable mother shall close thine eyes for thee, dead as thou art,
but ravenous birds shall tear thee, flapping about thee with dense
wings: but when I die, the noble Greeks will pay me funeral honours."

So saying, he plucked the strong spear of warlike Socus out of his flesh
and bossy shield; and his blood gushed forth as he drew it out, and
tortured his mind. But the magnanimous Trojans, when they beheld the
blood of Ulysses, encouraging one another through the crowd, all rushed
on against him; whilst he kept retreating backwards, and called to his
companions. Thrice did he then shout as much as the head of mortal could
contain, and thrice warlike Menelaus heard him exclaiming, and instantly
addressed Ajax, being near:

"Most noble Ajax, son of Telamon, chieftain of the people, the cry of
invincible Ulysses has come upon me, like to that, as if the Trojans
were greatly pressing upon him, being alone, having cut him off in the
sharp fight. Wherefore let us go through the crowd, as it is better to
aid him. I fear lest being left alone amidst the Trojans, he suffer
aught, although being brave, and there be great want [of him] to the
Greeks."

Thus speaking, he led the way, and the godlike hero followed along with
him. Then they found Ulysses, dear to Jove; and around him followed the
Trojans, like tawny jackals round an an tiered stag when wounded in the
mountains, which a man hath stricken with an arrow from the bowstring.
Him indeed, flying, it escapes on its feet, as long as the blood is
warm, and its knees have the power of motion. But when the swift arrow
hath subdued it, the raw-devouring jackals destroy it in a shady grove
among the mountains. Chance, however, brings thither the destructive
lion: the jackals then fly in terror, and he devours. So at that time
followed the Trojans, numerous and brave, round warlike, crafty Ulysses;
but the hero, rushing on with his spear, warded off the merciless day.
Then Ajax came near, bearing his shield, like a tower, and stood beside
him; and the Trojans fled, terrified, different ways. In the meantime
warlike Menelaus, taking him by the hand, withdrew [him] from the
throng, till his attendant drove his horses near. But Ajax, springing
upon the Trojans, slew Doryclus, son of Priam, an illegitimate son; and
next wounded Pandocus. Lysander he wounded, and Pyrasus, and Pylartes.
And as when an overflowing river comes down on the plain, a torrent from
the mountains, accompanied by the shower of Jove, and bears along with
it many dry oaks and many pines, and casts forth the swollen torrent
into the sea; so illustrious Ajax, routing [them], pursued [them] along
the plain, slaughtering both horses and men. Nor as yet had Hector heard
it; for he was fighting on the left of the battle, on the banks of the
river Scamander; for there chiefly fell the heads of men, and an
inextinguishable clamour had arisen around mighty Nestor, and warlike
Idomeneus. Among these did Hector mingle, performing arduous deeds with
his spear and equestrian skill, and he was laying waste the phalanxes of
youths. Nevertheless the noble Greeks would not have retired from the
way, had not Paris, the husband of fair-haired Helen, disabled Machaon,
the shepherd of the people, performing prodigies of valour, wounding him
on the right shoulder with a triple-barbed arrow. For him then the
valour-breathing Greeks trembled, lest perchance they should slay him,
the battle giving way, and immediately Idomeneus addressed noble Nestor:

"O Neleian Nestor, great glory of the Greeks, come, ascend thy chariot,
and let Machaon mount beside thee; and direct thy solid-hoofed horses
with all speed towards the ships, for a medical man is equivalent to
many others, both to cut out arrows, and to apply mild remedies." [378]

   [Footnote 378: Scribonius Largus, Compos. Med. cc. "Neque
   chirurgia sine diætetica, neque hæc sine chirurgia, id est, sine
   ea parte quæ medicamentorum utilium usum habeat, perfici possunt;
   sed aliæ ab aliis adjuvantur, et quasi consumantur." Where John
   Rhodius well observes: "Antiquos chirurgos Homerus Chironis
   exemplo herbarum succis vulnera sanasse memorat. Hunc et
   sectiones adhibuisse notat Pindarus Pyth. Od. iii. Neque
   ingeniorum fons [Greek: Il. L. to ektamein] omisit." Cf. Celsus, Pref.
   with the notes of Almeloveen, and lib. vii. præf., where the
   chirurgical part of ancient medicine is amusingly discussed.]

Thus he spoke, nor did the Gerenian knight Nestor disobey. Forthwith he
ascended his chariot, and Machaon, the son of Æsculapius, blameless
physician, mounted beside him; but he lashed on the steeds, and they
flew not unwillingly towards the hollow ships, for there it was
agreeable to their inclination [to go].

But Cebriones, sitting beside Hector, perceived the Trojans in
confusion, and addressed him in [these] words: "Hector, we two are
mingling here with the Greeks in the outskirt of evil-sounding battle,
whilst the other Trojans are thrown into confusion in crowds, both their
horses and themselves. Telamonian Ajax is routing them, for I know him
well, for around his shoulders he bears a broad shield. But let us also
direct our horses and chariot thither, where cavalry and infantry,
having engaged in the evil strife, are slaughtering each other, and
inextinguishable tumult hath arisen."

Thus then having spoken, he lashed on the fair-maned steeds with his
shrill-cracking lash. But they, sensible of the stroke, speedily bore
the swift chariot through Trojans and Greeks, trampling on both corses
and shields. With blood the whole axletree was stained beneath, and the
rims around the chariot-seat, which the drops from the horses' hoofs,
and from the wheel-tires, spattered. But he longed to enter the crowd of
heroes, and to break through, springing upon them. And he sent
destructive tumult upon the Greeks, and abstained very little from the
spear. Among the ranks of other men indeed he ranged with his spear, his
sword, and with huge stones; but he shunned the conflict of Telamonian
Ajax.

But lofty-throned Jove excited fear within Ajax, and he stood
confounded, and cast behind him his shield of seven bulls' hides.
Panic-struck he retired, gazing on all sides like a wild beast, turning
to and fro, slowly moving knee after knee. As when dogs and rustic men
drive a ravening lion from the stall of oxen, who, keeping watch all
night, do not allow him to carry off the fat of their cattle, but he,
eager for their flesh, rushes on, but profits nought, for numerous
javelins fly against him from daring hands, and blazing torches, at
which he trembles, although furious; but in the morning he stalks away
with saddened mind: so Ajax, sad at heart, then retired, much against
his will, from the Trojans; for he feared for the ships of the Greeks.
And as when a stubborn ass, upon whose sides[379] many sticks have
already been broken, entering in, browses on the tall crop, but the boys
still beat him with sticks, although their strength is but feeble, and
with difficulty drive him out, when he is satiated with food, so then at
length the magnanimous Trojans and far-summoned allies continually
followed Ajax, the mighty son of Telamon, striking the middle of his
shield with missile weapons. And Ajax, sometimes wheeling about, was
mindful of impetuous might, and checked the phalanxes of the
horse-breaking Trojans, but again he would turn himself to fly. But he
prevented all from advancing to the swift ships, whilst standing himself
between the Trojans and Greeks he raged impetuously. And spears hurled
against him from daring hands, stuck, some indeed in his ample shield,
and many, though eager to glut themselves with his flesh, stood fixed in
the ground between, before they could reach his fair skin.

   [Footnote 379: Such seems to be the force of [Greek: auphis].]

Whom when Eurypylus, the illustrious son of Evæmon, perceived pressed
hard with many darts, advancing he stood beside him, and took aim with
his shining spear; and smote Apisaon, son of Phausias, shepherd of the
people, in the liver, under the diaphragm; and immediately relaxed his
limbs. And when godlike Alexander observed him stripping off the armour
of Apisaon, he instantly bent his bow against Eurypylus, and smote him
with an arrow upon the right thigh; and the reed was broken, and pained
his thigh. Then he fell back into the column of his companions, avoiding
fate, and shouting, he cried with a loud voice to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders, and rulers over the Greeks, rallying, stand firm,
and ward off the merciless day from Ajax, who is hard pressed with
darts; nor do I think that he will escape from the dread-resounding
battle. But by all means stand firm round mighty Ajax, the son of
Telamon."

So spake the wounded Eurypylus, and they stood very near him, resting
their shields upon their shoulders, and lifting up their spears. But
Ajax came to meet them, and turning about, stood firm, when he reached
the body of his comrades. Thus they indeed combated like blazing fire.

In the meantime the Neleian steeds, sweating, bore Nestor from the
battle, and conveyed Machaon, the shepherd of the people. And noble
Achilles, swift of foot, looking forth, beheld him; for he stood upon
the prow of his great ship, gazing at the severe labour and lamentable
rout. Straightway he addressed Patroclus, his companion, calling [to
him] from the ship; and he, hearing him within the tent, came forth,
like unto Mars: but it was the beginning of misfortune to him. Him first
the gallant son of Menoetius addressed: "Why dost thou call me, Achilles,
and what need hast thou of me?"

But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "Noble son of
Menoetius, most dear to my soul, soon I think that the Greeks will stand
round my knees entreating, for a necessity no longer tolerable invades
them. But go now, Patroclus, dear to Jove, ask Nestor what man this is
whom he is carrying wounded from the battle. Behind, indeed, he wholly
resembles Machaon, the son of Æsculapius, but I have not beheld the
countenance of the man: for the horses passed by me, hastening onward."

Thus he spoke, and Patroclus was obedient to his dear comrade, and
hastened to run to the tents and ships of the Greeks.

But when they came to the tent of the son of Neleus, they themselves
descended to the fertile earth, and Eurymedon, the attendant of the old
man, unyoked the mares from the chariot; whilst they refreshed
themselves from the sweat upon their tunics,[380] standing towards the
breeze beside the shore of the sea, and afterwards, entering the tent,
they sat down upon couches. But for them fair-curled Hecamede prepared a
mixture, she whom the old man had brought from Tenedos, when Achilles
laid it waste, the daughter of magnanimous Arsinoüs, whom the Greeks
selected for him, because he surpassed all in counsel. First she set
forward for them a handsome, cyanus-footed, well-polished table; then
upon it a brazen tray, and on it an onion, a relish[381] for the
draught, as well as new honey, and beside it the fruit of sacred corn.
Likewise a splendid cup[382] near them, which the old man had brought
from home, studded with golden nails. Its handles were four, and around
each were two golden pigeons feeding, and under it were two bottoms.
Another indeed would have removed it with difficulty from the table,
being full; but aged Nestor raised it without difficulty. In it the
woman, like unto the goddesses, had mixed for them Pramnian wine, and
grated over it a goat's-milk cheese with a brazen rasp, and sprinkled
white flour upon it: then bade them drink, as soon as she had prepared
the potion. But when drinking they had removed parching thirst, they
amused themselves, addressing each other in conversation. And Patroclus
stood at the doors, a godlike hero.

   [Footnote 380: "Construe [Greek: apeps. kata ton idrôxit]. _I.e._
   refreshed--cooled--themselves, by standing in front of the breeze
   and drying off the perspiration with which their garments were
   saturated."--Kennedy.]

   [Footnote 381: Probably the onion acted as a stimulant to
   drinking, as anchovies and olives are now used.]

   [Footnote 382: It was an [Greek: amphikypellon]. Cf. i. 584, and
   Buttm. Lexil. p. 93. There were two doves round each handle,
   making eight in all.]

But the old man, perceiving him, rose from his splendid seat, and taking
him by the hand, led him, in, and bade him be seated. But Patroclus, on
the other side, declined, and uttered [this] reply:

"No seat [for me], O Jove-nurtured sage, nor wilt thou persuade me.
Revered and irascible[383] is he who sent me forth to inquire who this
man is whom thou leadest wounded; but even I myself know, for I perceive
Machaon, the shepherd of the people. Now, however, in order to deliver
my message, I will return again an ambassador to Achilles; for well dost
thou know, O Jove-nurtured sage, what a terrible man he is; soon would
he blame even the blameless."

   [Footnote 383: Or "respected," as the Oxford translator renders
   it.]

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "But why indeed does
Achilles thus compassionate the sons of the Greeks, as many as have been
wounded with weapons? Nor knows he how great sorrow hath arisen
throughout the army; for the bravest lie in the ships, smitten in the
distant or the close fight.[384] Stricken is brave Diomede, the son of
Tydeus, and wounded is spear-renowned Ulysses, as well as Agamemnon.
Eurypylus also has been wounded in the thigh with an arrow; and this
other have I lately brought from battle, smitten with an arrow from the
bowstring: yet Achilles, being brave, regards not the Greeks, nor pities
them. Does he wait until the swift ships near the sea, contrary to the
will of the Greeks, be consumed with the hostile fire, and we ourselves
be slain one after the other? For my strength is not as it formerly was
in my active members. Would that I were thus young, and my might was
firm, as when a contest took place between the Eleans and us, about the
driving away some oxen, when, driving away in reprisal, I slew
Itymoneus, the valiant son of Hypeirochus, who dwelt in Elis: for he,
defending his cattle, was smitten among the first by a javelin from my
hand, and there fell; and his rustic troops fled on every side. And we
drove from the plain a very great booty, fifty droves of oxen, as many
flocks of sheep, as many herds of swine, and as many broad herds of
goats, one hundred and fifty yellow steeds, all mares, and beneath many
there were colts. And these we drove within Neleian Pylus, at night
towards the city; but Neleus was delighted in his mind, because many
things had fallen to my lot, going as a young man to the war. But with
the appearing morn, heralds cried aloud for those to approach to whom a
debt was due in rich Elis; and the leading heroes of the Pylians
assembling, divided [the spoil], (because the Epeans owed a debt to
many); for we in Pylus, [being] few, were overwhelmed with evil. For the
Herculean might, coming in former years, did us mischief, and as many as
were bravest were slain. For we, the sons of illustrious Neleus, were
twelve; of whom I alone am left, but all the rest have perished. Elated
at these things, the brazen-mailed Epeans, insulting us, devised wicked
deeds. But the old man chose for himself a herd of cattle and a large
flock of sheep, selecting three hundred and their shepherds; for even
to him a great debt was due in rich Elis: four horses, victorious in the
race, with their chariots, which had gone for the prizes; for they were
about to run for a tripod; but Augeas, king of men, detained them there,
and dismissed the charioteer, grieved on account of his steeds. At which
words and deeds the old man, being wroth, chose out for himself mighty
numbers, and gave the rest to the people to divide, that no one might go
away defrauded by him of his just proportion. We indeed accomplished
each of these things, and were performing sacrifices to the gods through
the city, when on the third day they all came at once, both the citizens
themselves and their solid-hoofed steeds, in full force: and with them
were armed the two Molions, being still youths, nor as yet very skilled
in impetuous might. There is a certain city, a lofty hill, Thryoëssa,
far away at the Alpheus, the last of sandy Pylus; this they invested,
eager to overthrow it. But when they had crossed the whole plain,
Minerva, hastening from Olympus, came to us by night as a messenger,
that we should be armed; nor did she assemble an unwilling people at
Pylus, but one very eager to fight. Still Neieus would not allow me to
be armed, but concealed my horses, for he said that I was not at all
acquainted with warlike deeds. Yet even thus was I conspicuous amongst
our cavalry, even although being on foot; for thus did Minerva conduct
me to battle. There is a certain river, Minyeïus, emptying itself into
the sea near Arena, where we, the Pylian horsemen, awaited divine Morn,
whilst the swarms of infantry poured in. Thence in full force, equipped
in armour, we came at mid-day to the sacred stream of Alpheus. There
having offered fair victims to almighty Jove, a bull to the Alpheus, and
a bull to Neptune, but an untrained heifer to blue-eyed Minerva, we then
took supper through the army by troops; and we each slept in our arms
along the river's stream. In the meantime the magnanimous Epeans stood
around, desirous to lay waste the city; but a mighty work of Mars first
appeared to them: for as soon as the splendid sun was elevated above the
earth, we were engaged in the battle, praying to Jove and to Minerva.
But when now the battle of the Pylians and Eleans began, I first slew a
man, the warrior Molion, and bore away his solid-hoofed steeds: he was
the son-in-law of Augeas, and possessed his eldest daughter,
yellow-haired Agamede, who well understood as many drugs as the wide
earth nourishes. Him advancing against [me], I smote with my brazen
spear. He fell in the dust, and springing into his chariot, I then stood
among the foremost combatants; but the magnanimous Epeans fled
terrified in different directions when they beheld the hero fallen, the
leader of their cavalry, he who was the best to fight. But I rushed upon
them like unto a black whirlwind; and I took fifty chariots, and in each
two men bit the ground with their teeth, vanquished by my spear. And now
indeed I should have slain the youthful Molions, the sons[385] of Actor,
had not their sire, wide-ruling Neptune, covering them with a thick
haze, preserved them from the war. Then Jove delivered into the hands of
the Pylians great strength, for so long did we follow them through the
long[386] plain, both slaying them, and gathering up rich armour, until
he had driven our horses to Buprasium, fertile in wheat, to the rock
Olenia and Alesium, where it is called Colone: whence Minerva turned
back the people. Then having killed the last man, I left him; but the
Greeks guided back their swift steeds from Buprasium to Pylus; and all
gave glory to Jove, of the gods, and to Nestor, of men. Thus was I, as
sure as ever I existed, among men: but Achilles will enjoy his valour
alone: surely I think that he will hereafter greatly lament, when the
people have bitterly perished. O my friend, Menoetius did assuredly thus
command thee on that day when he sent thee from Phthia to Agamemnon. For
we being both within, I and noble Ulysses, distinctly heard all things
in the halls, as he charged you: but we were come to the well-inhabited
palace of Peleus, collecting an army through fertile Greece. There then
we found the hero Menoetius within, as well as thee, and Achilles
besides; but the aged horseman, Peleus, was burning the fat thighs of an
ox to thunder-rejoicing Jove, within the enclosure[387] of his palace,
and held a golden cup, pouring the dark wine over the blazing sacrifice.
Both of you were then employed about the flesh of the ox, whilst we
stood in the vestibule; but Achilles, astonished, leaped up, and led us
in, taking us by the hand, and bade us be seated: and he set in order
before us the offerings of hospitality which are proper for guests. But
when we were satiated with eating and drinking, I began discourse,
exhorting you to follow along with us. Ye were both very willing, and
they both commanded you many things. Aged Peleus in the first place
directed his son Achilles ever to be the bravest, and to be conspicuous
above others; but to thee again Menoetius, the son of Actor, thus gave
charge: 'My son, Achilles indeed ia superior in birth; but thou art the
elder. And he is much superior in strength: but still do thou frequently
suggest to him proper advice, and admonish and direct him, and he will
surely be obedient in what is for [his own] good.' Thus did the old man
command thee; but thou art forgetful: but even now do thou mention
these things to warlike Achilles, if perchance he may be obedient. Who
knows if, advising him, thou mayest, with the gods' assistance, arouse
his mind? For the admonition of a friend is good. But if within his mind
he avoid some prophecy, and his venerable mother has told him anything
from Jove, let him at least send thee forth; and with thee let the other
forces of the Myrmidons follow, if indeed thou mayest be some aid to the
Greeks. Let him likewise give his beautiful armour to thee, to be borne
into battle, if perchance the Trojans, assimilating thee to him, may
abstain from the conflict, and the warlike sons of the Greeks, already
afflicted, may respire; and there be a little respite from
fighting.[388] But you, [who are] fresh, will, with fighting, easily
drive back men wearied, towards the city, from the ships and tents."

   [Footnote 384: Cf iv. 540, for the distinction between [Greek:
   beylêmenoi] and [Greek: outamenoi].]

   [Footnote 385: _I. e._ the reputed sons.]

   [Footnote 386: See Schol. Etym. M. s.v., and Alberti on Hesych.
   t, ii. p. 1247]

   [Footnote 387: Properly, the fence or barrier of the enclosure.]

   [Footnote 388: There are several different interpretations for
   this line: 1. Schneider explains it: "They have but short time to
   respire; for if not at once assisted, they will be destroyed." 2.
   "Short will be the cessation from war." 3. "A cessation, or
   breathing-time, from war, although short, will be agreeable." 4.
   "Supply '_may be_', and translate, 'and that there _may be_ a
   short breathing-time from the battle;' although this last
   involves some tautology with the preceding line."--Ed. Dubl.]

Thus he spake, and he aroused the spirit within his breast; and he
hastened to run to the ships to Achilles, the grandson of Æacus. But
when now Patroclus, running, arrived at the ships of godlike Ulysses,
where were their forum and seat of justice, and there the altars of
their gods also were erected, there Eurypylus, the noble son of Evæmon,
wounded with an arrow in the thigh, limping from the battle, met him.
Down his back ran the copious sweat from his shoulders and head, and
from the grievous wound oozed the black blood; nevertheless his mind was
firm. Seeing him, the gallant son of Menoetius pitied him, and, grieving,
spoke winged words:

"Alas! unhappy men, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, are ye then thus
destined, far away from your friends and native land, to satiate the
swift dogs at Troy with your white fat? But come, tell me this, O
Jove-nurtured hero, Eurypylus, will the Greeks still at all sustain
mighty Hector, or will they now be destroyed, subdued by his spear?"

But him prudent Eurypylus in turn addressed: "No longer, Jove-nurtured
Patroclus, will there be aid for the Greeks, but they will fall back
upon the black ships. For already all, as many as were once bravest, lie
at the ships, stricken or wounded by the hands of the Trojans, whose
strength ever increases. But do thou now, indeed, save me, leading me to
my black ship; and cut out the arrow from my thigh, and wash the black
blood[389] from it with warm water; then sprinkle upon it mild drugs,
salubrious, which they say thou wert taught by Achilles, whom Chiron
instructed, the most just of the Centaurs. For the physicians,
Podalirius and Machaon, the one, I think, having a wound, lies at the
tents, and himself in want of a faultless physician, and the other
awaits the sharp battle of the Trojans upon the plain."

   [Footnote 389: Cf. Virg. Æn. x. 834: "Vulnera siccabat lymphis."
   The manner in which this was done is described by Celsus, v. 26:
   "Si profusionem timemus, siccis lineamentis vulnus implendum est,
   supraque imponenda gpongia ex aqua frigida expressa, ac manu
   super comprimenda." Cf. Athen. ii. 4.]

But him again the brave son of Menoetius addressed: "How then will these
things turn out? What shall we do, O hero Eurypylus? I go that I may
deliver a message to warlike Achilles, with which venerable Nestor,
guardian of the Greeks, has intrusted me: but even thus I cannot neglect
thee, afflicted."

He said, and having laid hold of the shepherd of the people under his
breast, bore him to the tent, and his attendant, when he saw him, spread
under him bulls' hides. There [Patroclus] laying him at length, cut out
with a knife the bitter, sharp arrow from his thigh, and washed the
black blood from it with warm water. Then he applied a bitter,
pain-assuaging root, rubbing it in his hands, which checked all his
pangs: the wound, indeed, was dried up, and the bleeding ceased.




                          BOOK THE TWELFTH.


                              ARGUMENT.

The Trojans assail the rampart, and Hector, despite an omen, which
Polydamas interprets unfavourably, attacks and forces the gate, and
opens a way to the ships.


Thus then at the tents the valiant son of Menoetius was healing the
wounded Eurypylus: but the Greeks and Trojans kept fighting in masses;
nor was the ditch of the Greeks destined to prove a barrier any longer,
and the wide wall from above, which they had erected in defence of the
ships; but they had drawn a foss around (nor had they given splendid
hecatombs to the gods); that it enclosing within, might defend the swift
ships and the great booty. But it was built against the will of the
immortal gods, therefore it remained not perfect for any long
period.[390] As long as Hector was alive, and Achilles indignant, and
the city of king Priam unravaged, so long was the mighty wall of the
Greeks firm. But when all the bravest of the Trojans were dead, and many
of the Greeks were subdued, but others left surviving, when in the tenth
year the city of Priam was sacked, and the Greeks went in their ships to
their dear fatherland; then at length Neptune and Apollo took counsel to
demolish the wall, introducing the strength of rivers, as many as flow
into the sea from the Idæan mountains, both the Rhesus and the
Heptaporus, the Caresus and the Rhodius, the Granicus and the Æsepus,
the divine Scamander and the Simoïs, where many shields and helmets fell
in the dust, and the race of demigod men. The mouths of all these Phoebus
Apollo turned to the same spot, and for nine days he directed their
streams against the wall; and Jove in the meantime rained continually,
that he might the sooner render the walls overwhelmed by the sea. But
the Earth-shaker [Neptune] himself, holding the trident in his hands,
led them on; and then dispersed among the billows all the foundations of
beams and stones which the Greeks had laid with toil. And he made [all]
level along the rapid Hellespont, and again covered the vast shore with
sands, having demolished the wall: but then he turned the rivers to go
back into their own channels, in which they had formerly poured their
sweet-flowing water.[391]

   [Footnote 390: Cf. Pseudo-Socrat. Epist. i. [Greek: Pollois de
   polla kai tôn allôn eirêtai poiêtôn peri theôn' kai oti ta men
   kata tên autôn boulêsin prattomena epi to lôion ekthainei, ta de
   para theon alusitelê yparchei tois praxasi], where Duport, p. 72,
   thinks there is a reference to the present passage.]

   [Footnote 391: On the present state of the Troad, which appears,
   from physical facts, to justify the mythical description of
   Homer,--see Heyne and Kennedy. Compare Virg. Æn. ii. 610, sqq.;
   Tryphiodor. 566, sqq. and 680, sqq.]

Thus were Neptune and Apollo about to act hereafter; but then the battle
and clamour burned around the well-built wall, and the stricken joists
of the towers resounded: but the Greeks, subdued by the scourge[392] of
Jove, were detained, hemmed in at the hollow ships, dreading Hector, the
furious cause of flight; for he fought, as formerly, equal to a
whirlwind. And as when a boar or lion is occupied amongst the dogs and
huntsmen, looking dreadfully with strength, and they, drawing themselves
up in a square form,[393] stand against him, and hurl frequent javelins
from their hands; but never is his noble heart alarmed, nor is he put to
flight; but his courage proves his death. And frequently he turns round,
trying the ranks of men; and wheresoever he has directed his attack,
there the ranks of men give way: so Hector, going through the crowd,
rolled along, inciting his companions to cross the trench. Nor did the
swift-footed horses dare [it];[394] but they loudly neighed, standing
upon the precipitous brink; for the wide ditch affrighted [them], nor
was it easy to leap across, [by standing] near,[395] or to pass it, for
overhanging brinks stood round it on both sides, and beneath it was
fortified with sharp palisades, which the sons of the Greeks had fixed,
close-set and large, as a defence against hostile men. There a horse,
drawing a swift-rolling chariot, could not readily enter, but the
infantry eagerly desired it, if they could accomplish it. Then indeed
Polydamas, standing near, addressed daring Hector:

   [Footnote 392: Heyne compares Il. xiii. 812; Pseud.--Eur. Rhes.
   37; Find. Pyth. iv. 390; Tryphiod. 596. The Scholiast on both
   passages, Hesychius, t. i. p. 1006, and the Schol. on Oppian.
   Hal. v. 282, suppose that the lightning is meant; but it is far
   better to understand, with Heyne, "terrore divinitus immisso."]

   [Footnote 393: See Heyne, and Alberti on Hesych. t. ii. p. 1083.]

   [Footnote 394: Cf. Statius, Theb. x. 517:--

       "----ut patulas saltu transmittere fossas
       Horror equis; hærent trepidi, atque immane paventes
       Abruptum mirantur agi."]

   [Footnote 395: Understand [Greek: ek tou schedon], "adstando
   prope ad fossæ oram, ut saltu facilius transilias."--Heyne.]

"Hector, and ye other leaders of the Trojans, and allies, unwisely do we
drive our fleet steeds through the trench, which is very difficult to
pass; since sharp palisades stand in it, and near them is the wall of
the Greeks. Wherefore it is by no means possible for the cavalry to
descend, or to fight, for it is a narrow place, where I think they would
be wounded. For if indeed lofty-thundering Jove, designing evil,
destroys the Greeks, but wishes to assist the Trojans, certainly I would
wish this to take place even immediately, that the Greeks perish here
inglorious, away from Argos. If, however, they rally, and a repulse from
the ships take place, and we be entangled in the dug trench, I do not
suppose that then even a messenger will return back to the city from the
Greeks. But come, let us all be persuaded as I shall advise. Let the
servants keep our horses at the trench, and let us, all on foot, clad in
armour, follow Hector in a close body; but the Greeks will not withstand
us, if indeed the end of destruction hang over them."

Thus spake Polydamas; but the safe counsel pleased Hector; and
immediately he leaped with his armour from his chariot on the ground.
Nor did the other Trojans assemble on horseback, but dismounting, they
rushed on, when they beheld noble Hector. Then each commanded his own
charioteer to rein his steeds in good order there at the trench, and
they, separating, drawing themselves up, and being arranged in five
columns, followed along with their leaders. Some then went with Hector
and illustrious Polydamas, who were most numerous and brave, and who
were most resolutely desirous, having broken down the wall, to fight at
the hollow ships. And Cebriones followed as a third; for Hector left
another, inferior to Cebriones, with his chariot. Others Paris
commanded, and Alcathous, and Agenor. The third band Helenus and godlike
Deïphobus, two sons of Priam; but the third [commander] was the hero
Asius, Asius son of Hyrtacus, whom fiery, tall steeds brought from
Arisba, from the river Selleïs. But the fourth, Æneas, the brave son of
Anchises, led; along with him were the two sons of Antenor, Archilochus
and Acamas, well skilled in every kind of fight. But Sarpedon commanded
the illustrious allies, and chose to himself Glaucus and warlike
Asteropæus; for they appeared to him, next to himself decidedly the
bravest of the rest: for he, indeed, excelled among all. When they then
had fitted each other together[396] with interlaced ox-hide bucklers,
they advanced, full of courage, direct against the Greeks, nor expected
that they would sustain them, but that they would fall in flight into
their black ships.

Then the other Trojans and far-summoned allies obeyed the counsel of
blameless Polydamas; but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, leader of heroes, was
unwilling to relinquish his horses and attendant charioteer, but with
them advanced to the swift ships,--foolish! Nor was he destined to
return again, borne on his steeds and chariot from the ships to
wind-swept Ilium, having avoided evil destiny. For him unlucky fate
first encircled from the spear of Idomeneus, the illustrious son of
Deucalion. For he rushed towards the left of the ships, by the way in
which the Greeks were returning from the plain with their horses and
chariots. Thither he drove his horses and his chariot, nor did he find
the gates closed[397] in the portal, or the long bar up, but the men
held them wide open, that they might safely receive at the ships any of
their companions flying from the battle. He designedly guided his steeds
right onward in that way, and [his troops], shrilly shouting, followed
along with him; for they supposed that the Greeks could no longer
sustain them, but would fall in flight into the black ships--fools! for
at the gates they found two very brave heroes, the magnanimous sons of
the warlike Lapithæ, the one the son of Pirithous, gallant Polypoetes,
the other Leonteus, equal to man-slaughtering Mars. These two then stood
before the lofty gates, as tall oaks on the mountains, which abide the
wind and rain at all seasons, remaining firmly fixed by their great and
wide-spreading roots; so they too, trusting to their hands and strength,
awaited mighty Asius coming on, nor fled. But the troops, lifting high
their well-seasoned bucklers, advanced with loud shouting directly
towards the well-built wall, round their king Asius, and Iämenus, and
Orestes, Acamas, the son of Asius, Thoon, and oenomäus. Hitherto indeed
these, remaining within, were exhorting the well-armed Greeks to fight
for the ships; but when they perceived the Trojans rushing against the
wall, and confusion and flight of the Greeks arose, both darting out,
fought before the gates, like unto wild boars, which await the
approaching tumult of men and dogs in the mountains, and, advancing
obliquely to the attack, break down the wood around them, cutting it to
the root; and a gnashing of teeth arises from beneath, till some one,
having taken aim, deprive them of life. So resounded the shining brass
upon their breasts, smitten in front, for very valiantly they fought,
trusting to the troops above, and to their own valour. But they hurled
stones down from the well-built towers, defending themselves, their
tents, and the swift-voyaging ships. And as snow-flakes fall upon the
earth, which the violent wind, having disturbed the shady clouds, pours
down thick upon the fertile soil; thus poured the weapons from the hands
as well of the Greeks as of the Trojans; and the helmets and bossy
shields, smitten with large stones, sounded drily around. Then indeed
Asius, son of Hyrtacus, groaned, and smote both his thighs, and
indignant exclaimed:

"Father Jove, surely now at least thou also hast become utterly
deceitful; for I did not expect that the Grecian heroes would abide our
strength and invincible hands. But they, as wasps flexible[398] in the
middle, and bees, [which] make their dwellings in a rugged path, nor
quit their hollow mansion; but awaiting the huntsmen, fight for their
offspring; so are these unwilling to retire from the gates, though being
only two, until they be either killed or taken."

   [Footnote 396: "Put for [Greek: araron tas apidas allêlôn ep'
   allalois], _clipeos consertos_ manibus ante se tenebant, [Greek:
   synaspismô] facto."--Heyne. Kennedy well observes that "we may
   trace here the rude outline of the celebrated phalanx, which
   formed so prominent a feature of the Macedonian tactics."]

   [Footnote 397: From this passage, Heyne observes that the gates
   must have opened inwards, being secured from within by a double
   bolt (cf. ver. 455, sqq.). See D'Orville on Chariton, i. xii. p.
   274, ed. Lips. On the [Greek: ocheis], on bars, cf. Pollux, x.
   4.]

   [Footnote 398: Or "streaked." See Porphyr. Quæst. iii. But
   Buttmann, Lexil. p. 64, dwells much upon the force of [Greek:
   meson], observing, "in no insect is _flexibility_ more evident
   than in the wasp, where the lower part of its body is joined as
   it were by a point with the upper."]

Thus he spake, nor did he persuade the mind of Jove, saying these
things: for his soul designed to bestow glory upon Hector. In the
meantime others were waging the battle at other gates; but difficult
would it be for me, as if I were a god, to enumerate all these things;
for around the wall in every direction a furiously-raging fire of stones
was aroused,[399] and the Greeks, although grieving, fought from
necessity for their ships; and all the gods were sorrowful in their
minds; as many as were allies to the Greeks in battle.

   [Footnote 399:

   "Through the long walls the stony showers were heard,
   The blaze of flames, the flash of arms appeared."--Pope.]

But the Lapithæ began the battle and contest. Then the son of Pirithous,
brave Polypoetes, smote Damasus with his spear, through his
brazen-cheeked helmet; nor did the brazen casque withstand, but the
brazen blade burst quite through the bone, and all the brain within was
shattered. Thus he subdued him, rushing on, and afterwards he slew Pylon
and Ormenus. And Leonteus, a branch of Mars, wounded Hippomachus, the
son of Antimachus, with his spear, striking him at the belt. Next,
drawing his sharp sword from the sheath, he, rushing through the crowd,
smote Antiphates first, hand to hand, and he was dashed on his back to
the ground; then Menon and Iämenus, and Orestes, all one over another he
brought to the fertile earth.

Whilst they were stripping off their glittering armour, those youths,
meantime, who were most numerous and most brave, and who were most eager
to break down the wall, and burn the ships with fire, followed Polydamas
and Hector, and they anxiously deliberated, standing at the trench. For
an augury had appeared on the left to them while eager to cross, a
high-flying eagle dividing the people,[400] bearing in his talons a
monstrous blood-stained serpent, alive, still panting; nor was it yet
forgetful of fighting; for, while holding it, writhing backwards, it
wounded him upon the breast near the neck; but he let it drop from him
to the ground, afflicted with anguish, and threw it into the midst of
the crowd, and, flapping his wings, he fled away with the breeze of the
wind. And the Trojans shuddered as they beheld the spotted serpent lying
in the midst, a prodigy of ægis-bearing Jove. Then Polydamas, standing
near, addressed gallant Hector:

"Hector, somehow or other thou art ever chiding me in the assemblies,
although proposing good counsels; because it is by no means becoming for
a man, being a citizen, to harangue contrary to thee, either in council
or at any time in war; but ever to increase thy authority. Yet will I
again speak as appears to me to be best. Let us not go about to fight
with the Greeks for their ships; for thus do I think it will end, as
sure as this augury has come to the Trojans desiring to cross, the
high-flying eagle upon the left dividing the army, bearing in its talons
a huge blood-stained serpent, [still] living; but presently it dropped
it, before it reached its dear home, nor succeeded in carrying it to
give it to its young: so we, if even we shall with great force break
through the gates and wall of the Greeks, and the Greeks shall give
way,--not in order shall we return by the same way from the ships: for
we shall leave many Trojans, whom the Greeks, fighting for the ships,
will subdue with the brass. Thus indeed would the diviner, who truly
kens omens in his mind, interpret, and the people would obey him."

   [Footnote 400: Either flying between the ranks of the Trojans, or
   between the two opposing armies. Compare Cicero's translation, de
   Divin. i. 47, and Virg. Æn. xi. 751, sqq. (with Macrob. Sat. v.
   13), and xii. 247, sqq. The event of the Trojan war proved that
   Polydamas was right in his interpretation.]

But him sternly regarding, crest-tossing Hector thus addressed: "O
Polydamas, thou dost not say things agreeable to me: besides, thou
knowest how to devise other counsel better than this. If, however, thou
really speakest this with seriousness, then truly have the gods
destroyed thy judgment from thee, who advisest me to be forgetful of the
counsels of lofty-thundering Jove, which he hath himself undertaken for
me, and confirmed. And thou exhortest me to obey the wing-expanding
birds; which I very little regard, nor do I care for them, whether they
fly to the right towards the Morn and the Sun, or to the left towards
the darkening west; but let us obey the will of mighty Jove, who rules
over all mortals and immortals. There is one augury, the best, to fight
for our country.[401] Why dost thou dread the war and conflict? For
although all the rest of us should perish round the ships of the Greeks,
there is no fear that thou wilt perish, for thy heart is not persevering
in the fight, nor warlike. But if thou darest to abstain from the
combat, or dissuading, dost avert another from the battle, immediately
stricken by my spear, shalt thou lose thy life."

Thus then having spoken, he led the way, but they followed him with an
immense clamour. Then thunder-delighting Jove raised a storm of wind
from the Idæan mountains, which bore the dust directly towards the
ships; moreover, he weakened the courage of the Greeks, but bestowed
glory upon the Trojans and Hector: so that, relying upon his prodigies,
and [their own] strength, they endeavoured to break through the mighty
wall of the Greeks. They tore down the niched battlements of the towers,
and demolished the breast-works,[402] and with levers they upheaved the
projecting buttresses, which the Greeks had planted first in the earth,
as supporters of the towers. These then they tore down, and hoped to
break through the wall of the Greeks.

Yet did not the Greeks retire as yet from the way; but fencing up the
embrazures with their ox-hide shields, they wounded from behind them the
enemy coming up under the wall. And both the Ajaces ranged in every
direction upon the towers, cheering on, rousing the valour of the
Greeks. One [they addressed][403] with soothing, another they rebuked
with harsh expressions, whomsoever they beheld totally neglectful of
battle:

   [Footnote 401: Cf. Aristot. Rhet. ii. 22; Cicero Ep. ad Attic,
   ii. 3. See, also, Duport, Gnom. Horn. p. 73.]

   [Footnote 402: Observe the zeugma, and compare Il. Ô. 8, G. 327;
   Od. 291; and the most elaborate and accurate note on this
   construction of D'Orville on Charit. iv. 4, p. 440, sqq. ed.
   Lips., with Burm. and Schwabe on Phædr. iv. 17, 31; Duker on
   Flor. iii. 21, 26.]

   [Footnote 403: Id.]

"O friends, whoever of the Greeks is excelling, or moderate, or inferior
(since all men are not alike in war), now is there work for all; and ye
yourselves, I ween, know this. Let not any one be turned back towards
the ships, hearing the threatener [Hector], but advance onwards, and
exhort each other, if perchance Olympic Jove, the darter of lightning,
may grant that, having repulsed the conflict, we may pursue the enemy to
the city."

Thus they, shouting in front, cheered on the attack of the Greeks. But
of them--as when frequent flakes of snow fall upon a winter's day, when
provident Jove has begun to snow, displaying his weapons in the sight of
men, and, having lulled the winds, pours it down incessantly, till he
covers the tops and highest peaks of the lofty mountains, and the lotus
plains and rich husbandry of men: and likewise it is poured out upon the
havens and shores of the hoary sea; but the approaching wave restrains
its progress, whilst all other things are covered beneath it, when the
shower of Jove comes down heavily; so flew the frequent stones from
those hurling on both sides, some indeed towards the Trojans, and others
from the Trojans towards the Greeks. And along the whole wall a tumult
arose.

Yet never would the Trojans and illustrious Hector have burst open the
gates of the wall, and the long bolt, had not provident Jove urged on
his son, Sarpedon, against the Greeks, like a lion against
crooked-horned oxen. But he immediately held before him his shield,
equal on all sides, beautiful, brazen, plated; which the brazier indeed
had plated over, and underneath had sewed together thick bulls' hides,
with successive golden wires round its orb. He then, holding this before
him, advanced, brandishing two spears, like a lion reared in the
mountains, which hath been long in want of flesh, and whose valiant mind
impels him to go even to the well-fenced fold, about to make an attempt
upon the sheep. And although he there find the shepherds keeping watch
about their flocks with dogs and spears, still he cannot bear to be
driven away, without having made trial of the fold, but, springing in,
he either carries [one] off, or is himself wounded among the first by a
javelin from a quick hand. Thus then did his mind impel godlike Sarpedon
to attack the wall, and to burst through the barriers; and instantly he
addressed Glaucus, son of Hippolochus:

"Glaucus,[404] why are we especially honoured in Lycia, both with the
[first] seat in banquet, and with full goblets, and why do all look to
us as to gods? Why do we also possess a great and beautiful enclosure of
the vine-bearing and corn-bearing land on the banks of Xanthus? Now,
therefore, it behoves us, advancing among the foremost Lycians, to stand
firm, and to bear the brunt of the raging fight; so that some one of the
closely-armed Lycians may say, 'By no means inglorious do our kings
govern Lycia, and eat the fat sheep, and [drink][405] the choice sweet
wine; but their valour likewise is excelling, because they fight among
the foremost Lycians.' O dear friend, if indeed, by escaping from this
war, we were destined to be ever free from old age, and immortal,
neither would I combat myself in the van, nor send thee into the
glorious battle. But now--for of a truth ten thousand Fates of death
press upon us, which it is not possible for a mortal to escape or
avoid--let us on: either we shall give glory to some one, or some one to
us."

Thus he spake, nor did Glaucus turn aside or disobey, but both advanced
straight forward, leading a numerous band of Lycians. But Menestheus,
the son of Peteus, beholding them, shuddered, for they were advancing
towards his company, bearing destruction. He looked round along the line
of the Greeks, if he might see any of the leaders who could ward off the
fight from his companions, and perceived the two Ajaces, insatiable of
war, standing, and Teucer, lately come from his tent, near at hand. Yet
was it not possible for him to be heard when shouting, so great was the
din; and the crash of stricken shields, and of horse-hair crested
helmets, and of the gates, reached to heaven. For they had assailed
all,[406] and they, standing beside them, endeavoured to enter, bursting
them open by force. But immediately he despatched the herald Thoötes to
Ajax:

   [Footnote 404: Milton, P.L. ii. 450:--

                  "---- wherefore do I assume
       These royalties, and not refuse to reign,
       Refusing to accept as great a share
       Of hazard as of honour, due alike
       To him who reigns, and so much to him due
       Of hazard more, as he above the rest
       High honoured sits?"]

   [Footnote 405: Zeugma. See on ver. 268.]

   [Footnote 406: Three interpretations are given for this line:--1.
   "All the gates were attacked." 2. "All the gates were
   bolted."--Butt. 3. Change the nominative case to the accusative,
   and translate--"They (the Lycians) had attacked all the
   gates."--Ed. Dubl.]

"Go, noble Thoötes, running, call Ajax, rather indeed both: for this
would be by far the best of all, since in a short while heavy
destruction will arise here. For so vigorously do the leaders of the
Lycians press on, who even before were impetuous in the sharp contest.
If, however, labour and contest have arisen to them there, at least let
brave Telamonian Ajax come, and with him let Teucer follow, well skilled
in archery."

Thus he spoke, nor did the herald, having heard him, disobey, but he
hastened to run along the wall of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and
proceeding, he stood beside the Ajaces and immediately addressed them:

"Ye Ajaces, leaders of the brazen-mailed Greeks, the beloved son of
Jove-nourished Peteus adjures you to come thither, that ye may
participate in his toil, though for a short time. Both indeed in
preference, for this would be by far the best of all things, since soon
will heavy destruction arise there. For so vigorously do the leaders of
the Lycians press on, who even before were impetuous in the sharp
contest. But if here also war and contest have arisen, at least let
brave Telamonian Ajax come alone, and with him let Teucer follow, well
skilled in archery."

Thus he spake, nor did mighty Telamonian Ajax disobey. Instantly he
addressed to the son of Oïleus winged words:

"Ajax, do thou and gallant Lycomedes, standing here, incite the Greeks
to fight bravely, whilst I go thither and oppose the battle; but I will
return again instantly, after I shall have assisted them."

Thus then having spoken, Telamonian Ajax departed, and with him went
Teucer, his brother, sprung from the same father; and Pandion, along
with them, carried the bent bow of Teucer. As soon as they reached the
tower of magnanimous Menestheus, going within the wall (for they came to
[their friends] being hard pressed: and the brave leaders and chiefs of
the Lycians were mounting upon the breast-works like unto a dark
whirlwind), but they engaged to fight in opposition, and a clamour
arose. Telamonian Ajax first slew a man, the companion of Sarpedon,
magnanimous Epicles, striking him with a rugged stone, which, mighty in
size, lay highest up against a pinnacle within the wall. Not easily
would a man support it with both hands, such as mortals now are, not
although being very youthful; but he, raising it aloft, hurled it, and
burst the four-coned helmet, and along with it crushed all the bones of
the skull: but he, like unto a diver, fell from the lofty tower, and
life deserted his bones. Teucer likewise with a shaft wounded Glaucus,
the brave son of Hippolochus, as he was rushing on, against the lofty
wall, in a part where he perceived his arm naked; and made him cease
from combat. But he sprang back from the wall, concealing himself, that
none of the Greeks might perceive him wounded, and insult him with
words. Then grief came upon Sarpedon on account of Glaucus departing,
as soon as he observed it; though he nevertheless was not neglectful of
the contest: but he taking aim, wounded Alcmaon, son of Thestor, with
his spear, and extracted the spear; but he. following the weapon, fell
prone, and his armour, variously decked with brass, resounded upon him.
Sarpedon then seizing the buttress with his sturdy hands, pulled, and it
all followed entirely; but the wall was stripped away from above, and he
formed a way for many. Then Ajax and Teucer aiming at him together, the
one smote him with an arrow in the splendid belt of his mortal-girding
shield, around his breast; but Jove averted the fate from his son, that
he might not be slain at the sterns of the ships. But Ajax, springing
upon him, struck his shield, and pierced him quite through with his
spear, and forcibly checked him eager. And then he fell back for a
little from the buttress, but did not altogether retreat, because his
spirit hoped to bear off glory. And turning round, he encouraged the
godlike Lycians:

"O Lycians, why are ye thus remiss in your impetuous force? It is
difficult for me, although being brave, having alone burst through, to
form a way to the ships. But follow along with me; for the labour of the
greater number is better."

Thus he spake; and they, reverencing the exhortation of their king,
pressed on with more alacrity round their counsel-giving king. And the
Greeks, on the other side, strengthened their phalanxes within the wall,
because a great work presented itself to them. For neither could the
gallant Lycians, bursting through the wall of the Greeks, make their way
to the ships, nor could the warlike Greeks repulse the Lycians from the
wall, since first they approached it. But as two men, holding measures
in their hands, dispute, in a common field,[407] concerning their
boundaries, who in a small space contend for their equitable right; thus
did the buttresses separate these [warriors], and, for them, each smote
the well-rounded ox-hide shields around each other's breasts, and the
light bucklers of each other. And many were wounded upon the body with
the merciless brass, whether the back of any combatant, averted, was
laid bare, and many right through the shield itself. Everywhere the
towers and buttresses were sprinkled, on bo