[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 toconvey, more accurately than any which has preceded it, the words andthoughts of the original. It is based upon a careful examination ofwhatever has been contributed by scholars of every age towards theelucidation of the text, including the ancient scholiasts andlexicographers, the exegetical labours of Barnes and Clarke, and theelaborate criticisms of Heyne, Wolf, and their successors. 

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

In the succeeding volume, the Odyssey, Hymns, and minor poems will beproduced 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 apestilence upon the Greeks. A council is called, and Agamemnon, beingcompelled to restore the daughter of Chryses, whom he had taken fromhim, 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 theGreeks. Jupiter, despite the opposition of Juno, grants her request. 

Sing, O goddess, the destructive wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus, whichbrought countless woes upon the Greeks, [1] and hurled many valiant soulsof heroes down to Hades, and made themselves[2] a prey to dogs and toall birds [but the will of Jove was being accomplished], from the timewhen Atrides, king of men, and noble Achilles, first contending, weredisunited. 

 [Footnote 1: Although, as Ernesti observes, the verb προίαψεν 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. : μετὰ βλάζης είς Αιδην πρὁ το δέοντος ἔπεμφεν, ὡς τῆς προθέσεως (_i. E. _ προ) καιρικόν τι δηλούσης, ἢ ἁπλὡς ἔπεμψεν, ώς πλεοναζούσης τἤς προθέσεως. Hesych. T. Ii. P. 1029, s. ν. : προίαψεν--δηλοῖ δε διὰ τἤς λέξεως τὴν μετ' ỏδὑνης αὐτῶν ἀπώλειαν. 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 theyshould fight?[3] The son of Latona and Jove; for he, enraged with theking, stirred up an evil pestilence through the army [and the peoplekept perishing][4]; because the son of Atreus had dishonoured thepriest Chryses: for he came to the swift ships of the Greeks to ransomhis daughter, and bringing invaluable ransoms, having in his hands thefillets of far-darting Apollo on his golden sceptre. And he supplicatedall the Greeks, but chiefly the two sons of Atreus, the leaders of thepeople:

"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye other well-greaved Greeks, to you indeed maythe gods, possessing the heavenly dwellings, grant to destroy the cityof Priam, and to return home safely: but for me, liberate my beloveddaughter, 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 shouldbe reverenced, and the splendid ransoms accepted; yet was it notpleasing in his mind to Agamemnon, son of Atreus; but he dismissed himevilly, and added a harsh mandate:

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

 [Footnote 5: Of χραισμεῖν, 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 ἀντιόωσαν "sharing, " which still clings to the translations, is exploded by Buttm. Lex. P. 144. Eust. And Heysch. Both give εὺτρεπίζονσαν as one of the interpretations; and that such is the right one is evident from the collateral phrase πορσύνειν λέχος in Od. Iii. 403. Λμφιζέζηκας is the perfect tense, but with the force of the present. ]

Thus he spoke; but the old man was afraid, and obeyed the command. Andhe 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-hairedLatona bore:

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

 [Footnote 7: An epithet derived from σμίνθος, 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 hedescended from the summits of Olympus, enraged in heart, having upon hisshoulders his bow and quiver covered on all sides. But as he moved, theshafts rattled forthwith[9] upon the shoulders of him enraged; but hewent 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 silverbow. First he attacked the mules, and the swift[10] dogs; but afterwardsdespatching a pointed arrow against [the Greeks] themselves, he smotethem, 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 thewhite-armed goddess Juno had suggested it; for she was anxiousconcerning the Greeks, because she saw them perishing. But when theyaccordingly were assembled, and were met together, swift-footed footedAchilles, rising up amidst them, [thus] spoke:

"O son of Atreus! now do I think that we would consent to return, havingbeen defeated in our purpose, if we should but escape death, since atthe 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 bydreams (for dream also is from Jove), [12] who would tell us on whataccount Phoebus Apollo is so much enraged with us: whether he blames uson account of a vow [unperformed], or a hecatomb [unoffered]; andwhether haply he may be willing, having partaken of the savour of lambsand unblemished goats, to avert from us the pestilence. "

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

 [Footnote 10: Or "white. " Hesych. ταχεῖς, λευκούς. ]

 [Footnote 11: Ammonius, p. 14, foolishly supposes that ἁμοῦ here denotes place, ἰν Τροίᾳ. 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 farthe best of augurs, Calchas, son of Thestor, who knew the present, thefuture, and the past, [13] and who guided the ships of the Greeks toIlium, by his prophetic art, which Phoebus Apollo gave him, who, beingwell disposed, [14] addressed them, and said:

"O Achilles, dear to Jove, thou biddest me to declare the wrath ofApollo, the far-darting king. Therefore will I declare it; but do thouon thy part covenant, and swear to me, that thou wilt promptly assist mein word and hand. For methinks I shall irritate a man who widely rulesover all the Argives, and whom the Greeks obey. For a king is morepowerful[15] when he is enraged with an inferior man; for though he mayrepress his wrath[16] for that same day, yet he afterwards retains hisanger in his heart, until he accomplishes it; but do thou considerwhether thou wilt protect me. "

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Taking fullconfidence, declare the divine oracle, whatsoever thou knowest. For, byApollo, dear to Jove, to whom thou, praying, O Calchas, dost disclosepredictions to the Greeks, no one of all the Greeks, while I am aliveand have sight upon the earth, shall lay heavy hands upon thee at thehollow ships; not even if thou wast to name Agamemnon, who now boastshimself 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: Πάνθ' ὅσα τ' ὴν, ὅσα τ' εστὶ, καὶ ὄσσα τε ἔσται ὀπίσσω. 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: ἀγανακτοῦσί γἀρ διὰ τὴν ὑπεροχήν. A--rist. Rhet. Ii. 2, quoting this verse. ]

 [Footnote 16: Lit. "digest his bile". Homer's distinction between χόλος and κότος 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 ahecatomb [unoffered], but on account of his priest, whom Agamemnondishonoured; neither did he liberate his daughter, nor did he receiveher ransom. Wherefore has the Far-darter given woes, and still will hegive 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, theson of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, [19] agitated; and his all-gloomyheart was greatly filled with wrath, and his eyes were like untogleaming 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 neveryet hast thou offered one good word, nor accomplished [one]. And now, prophesying amongst the Greeks, thou haranguest that forsooth theFar-darter works griefs to them upon this account, because I wasunwilling to accept the splendid ransom of the virgin daughter ofChryses, since I much prefer to have her at home; and my reason is, Iprefer her even to Clytemnestra, my lawful wife; for she is not inferiorto her, either in person, or in figure, or in mind, or by any means inaccomplishments. But even thus I am willing to restore her, if it bebetter; for I wish the people to be safe rather than to perish. But dothou immediately prepare a prize for me, that I may not alone, of theArgives, be without a prize; since it is not fitting. For ye all seethis, 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 μαντεύεσθαι with κικά. --Nägelsbach. ]

But him swift-footed godlike Achilles then answered: "Most noble son ofAtreus, most avaricious of all! for how shall the magnanimous Greeksassign thee a prize? Nor do we know of many common stores laid upanywhere. But what we plundered[21] from the cities, these have beendivided, and it is not fitting that the troops should collect thesebrought together again. But do thou now let her go to the God, and weGreeks will compensate thee thrice, or four-fold, if haply Jove grant tous 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, excellentthough thou be, godlike Achilles, practise deceit in thy mind; sincethou shalt not overreach, nor yet persuade me. Dost thou wish that thouthyself mayest have a prize, whilst I sit down idly, [22] wanting one?And dost thou bid me to restore her? If, however, the magnanimous Greekswill give me a prize, having suited it to my mind, so that it shall bean equivalent, [it is well]. But if they will not give it, then I myselfcoming, will seize your prize, or that of Ajax, [23] or Ulysses, [24] andwill 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, letus launch a sable ship into the boundless sea, and let us collect intoit rowers in sufficient number, and place on board a hecatomb; and letus make the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses to embark, and let some onenoble man be commander, Ajax or Idomeneus, or divine Ulysses; orthyself, son of Peleus, most terrible of all men, that thou mayestappease for us the Far-darter, having offered sacrifices. "

 [Footnote 22: Buttmann would take αὔτως 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 Greekswillingly obey thy orders, either to undertake a mission, or to fightbravely with men? For I did not come hither to fight on account of thewarlike Trojans, seeing that they are blameless as respects me. Sincethey have never driven away my oxen, nor my horses either nor everinjured my crops in fertile and populous Phthia: for very many shadowymountains, and the resounding sea, are between us. But thee, O mostshameless man, we follow, that thou mayest rejoice; seeking satisfactionfrom the Trojans for Menelaus, and for thy pleasure, shameless one! forwhich things thou hast neither respect nor care. And now thou hastthreatened that thou wilt in person wrest from me my prize, for which Ihave toiled much, and which the sons of the Greeks have given me. Whenever the Greeks sacked a well-inhabited city of the Trojans, I neverhave had a prize equal to thine; although my hands perform the greaterportion of the tumultuous conflict, yet when the division [of spoil] maycome, 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. Butnow I will go to Phthia, for it is much better to return home with ourcurved ships; for I do not think that thou shalt amass wealth andtreasures 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-wiseJove. 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 thoube very bold, why doubtless a deity has given this to thee. Going homewith thy ships and thy companions, rule over the Myrmidons; for I do notregard thee, nor care for thee in thy wrath; but thus will I threatenthee: Since Phoebus Apollo is depriving me of the daughter ofChryses, [26] her indeed I will send, with my own ship, and with my ownfriends; but I myself, going to thy tent, will lead away thefair-cheeked daughter of Brises, [27] thy prize; that thou mayest wellknow how much more powerful I am than thou, and that another may dreadto 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 heartwithin, in his hairy breast, was pondering upon two courses; whether, drawing his sharp sword from his thigh, he should dismiss them, [28] andshould kill the son of Atreus, or should put a stop to his wrath, andrestrain his passion. While he was thus pondering in his heart and soul, and was drawing his mighty sword from the scabbard, came Minerva fromheaven; for her the white-armed goddess Juno had sent forward, equallyloving and regarding both from her soul. And she stood behind, andcaught the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, appearing to him alone; butnone of the others beheld her. But Achilles was amazed, and turnedhimself round, and immediately recognized Pallas Minerva; andawe-inspiring her eyes appeared to him. And addressing her, he spokewinged words:

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

 [Footnote 28: The princes assembled. ]

But him in turn the azure-eyed goddess Minerva addressed: "I came fromheaven to assuage thy wrath, if thou wilt obey me; for the white-armedgoddess Juno sent me forward, equally loving and regarding both from hersoul. 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 shallbe presented to thee, because of this insolent act; only restrainthyself, and obey us. "

But her answering, [29] swift-footed Achilles addressed: "It behoves meto observe the command of you both, O goddess, although much enraged inmy soul; for so it is better. Whosoever obeys the gods, to him theyhearken 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 τὸν δ' ὰπαμειξόμενος is in Homer. ]

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

"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 thepeople 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 betterthrough the wide army of the Achæans, to take away the rewards ofwhoever may speak against thee. A people-devouring king [art thou], since thou rulest over fellows of no account; for assuredly, son ofAtreus, thou [otherwise] wouldst have insulted now for the last time. But I will tell thee, and I will further swear a great oath: yea, bythis sceptre, which will never bear leaves and branches, nor will budagain, after it has once left its trunk on the mountains; for the axehas lopped it all around of its leaves and bark; but now the sons of theGreeks, the judges, they who protect the laws [received] from Jove, bearit in their hands; and this will be a great oath to thee; surely will alonging desire for Achilles come upon all the sons of the Achæans atsome future day, and thou, although much grieved, wilt be unable toassist them, when many dying shall fall by the hand of man-slayingHector. Then enraged, wilt thou inwardly fret thy soul, that thou didstin no way honour the bravest of the Greeks. "

 [Footnote 30: Epimerism. Hom. In Cramer's Anecdott. Vol. I. P. 24. άταρτηρός, η παρά την άτην, ο σημαίνει την βλάξην, άτηρός. --Hesych. βλαξρός, άτηρός. ]

Thus spoke the son of Peleus; and he cast upon the earth his sceptrestudded with golden nails, and sat down. But on the other hand, the sonof Atreus was enraged; therefore to them arose the sweet-voicedNestor, [31] the harmonious orator of the Pylians, from whose tongueflowed language sweeter than honey. During his life two generations ofarticulately-speaking men had become extinct, who, formerly, were rearedand lived with him in divine Pylus, but he was now ruling over thethird; 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, wouldgreatly rejoice in their souls, if they were to hear these things of youtwain contending: you who in council and in fighting surpass the Greeks. But be persuaded; for ye are both younger than I am. For already, informer times, I have associated with men braver than you, and theynever 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-likePolyphemus, [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, andterribly slew them. With these was I conversant, coming from Pylus, farfrom the Apian land; for they invited me, and I fought to the best of mypower; but with them none of these who now are mortals upon the earthcould fight. And even they heard my counsels, and obeyed my words. Butdo 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 givenglory, been allotted an equal share of dignity. But though thou be ofsuperior strength, and a goddess mother has given thee birth, yet he issuperior in power, inasmuch as he rules more people. Do thou, son ofAtreus, repress thine anger; for it is I that[33] entreat thee to foregothy resentment on behalf of Achilles, who is the great bulwark ofdestructive 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 saidall these things, old man, according to what is right. But this man isdesirous to be above all other men; he wishes to have the mastery, andlord it over all, and to prescribe to all; with which his desires Ithink some one will not comply. But if the ever-existing gods have madehim a warrior, do they therefore give him the right to utter insults?"

But him noble Achilles interruptingly answered: "Yea, forsooth, [34] Imay be called a coward and a man of no worth, if now I yield to thee ineverything, 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. Butanother thing will I tell thee, and do thou store it in thy mind: Iwill not contend with my hands, neither with thee, nor with others, onaccount of this maid, since ye, the donors, take her away. But of theother effects, which I have at my swift black ship, of those thou shaltnot remove one, taking them away, I being unwilling. But if [thou wilt], come, make trial, that these also may know: quickly shall thy blackblood 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 upthe assembly at the ships of the Greeks. The son of Peleus on his partrepaired to his tents and well-proportioned[35] ships, with the son ofMenoetius, [36] and his companions. But the son of Atreus[37] launchedhis 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 ofChryses and placed her on board, and the very wise Ulysses embarked asconductor. They then embarking, sailed over the watery paths. But theson of Atreus ordered the armies to purify themselves;[38] and they werepurified, and cast forth the ablutions into the sea. And they sacrificedto Apollo perfect hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of thebarren sea; and the savour involved in[39] smoke ascended to heaven. Thus were they employed in these things through the army. Nor didAgamemnon cease from the contention which at first he threatened againstAchilles. But he thus addressed Talthybius and Eurybates, who were hisheralds 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 [δαις ειση], 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 περί denotes also the staying within the compass of an object. --Nägelsbach. ]

 [Footnote 40: θεράπων is a voluntary servant, as opposed to δούλος. --See Arnold. ]

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

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

"Hail, heralds, messengers of Jove, [43] and also of men, come near, forye are not blamable to me in the least, but Agamemnon, who has sent youon account of the maid Brisëis. However, come, noble Patroclus, leadforth the maid, and give her to them to conduct; but let these bewitnesses [of the insult offered me], both before the blessed gods, andbefore mortal men, and before the merciless king. But if ever againthere 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 aninfatuated 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 forthfair-cheeked Brisëis from the tent, and gave her to them to conduct; andthey returned along by the ships of the Greeks. But the woman went withthem 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. ρίγιον, φοβερώτερον, χαλεπώτερον. ]

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

 [Footnote 43: So called from their inviolability, --άσνλον γαρ και θείον το γένος των κηρύκων. --Schol. Και εζήν αντοίς πανταχόσε άδεώς ίεναι. --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 leastthen ought high-thundering Olympian Jove to have vouchsafed honour tome; but now he has not honoured me ever so little; for the son ofAtreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, has dishonoured me; for he, taking awaymy 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 immediatelyshe rose up from the hoary deep, like a mist. And then she sat beforehim weeping, and soothed him with her hand, and addressed him, and spokealoud:

"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]? Wewent against Thebe, [46] the sacred city of Eëtion; and this weplundered, and brought hither all [the spoil]. And these things indeedthe sons of the Greeks fairly divided among themselves, and selected forAgamemnon the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses. But Chryses, priest ofthe far-darting Apollo, came afterwards to the fleet ships of thebrazen-mailed Greeks, about to ransom his daughter, and bringinginvaluable ransoms, having in his hand the fillets of far-dartingApollo, on his golden sceptre. And he supplicated all the Greeks, butchiefly the two sons of Atreus, the leaders of the people. Upon this allthe 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 aharsh mandate. The old man therefore went back enraged; but Apollohearkened to him praying, for he was very dear tohim. And he sent adestructive arrow against the Greeks; and the forces were now dying oneupon another, and the shafts of the god went on all sides through thewide army of the Greeks. But to us the skilful seer unfolded the divinewill of the Far-darter. Straightway I first exhorted that we shouldappease the god; but then rage seized upon the son of Atreus, andinstantly rising, he uttered a threatening speech, which is nowaccomplished; for the rolling-eyed Greeks attend her to Chrysa with aswift bark, and bring presents to the king; but the heralds have justnow gone from my tent, conducting the virgin daughter of Brisëis, whomthe sons of the Greeks gave to me. But do thou, if thou art able, aidthy son. Going to Olympus, supplicate Jove, if ever thou didst delightthe heart of Jove as to anything, by word or deed; for I frequentlyheard thee boasting in the palaces of my sire, when thou saidest thatthou alone, amongst the immortals, didst avert unworthy destruction fromthe cloud-collecting son of Saturn, when the other Olympian inhabitants, Juno, and Neptune, and Pallas Minerva, wished to bind him. But thou, Ogoddess, having approached, freed him from his chains, having quicklysummoned to lofty Olympus, the hundred-handed, whom the gods callBriareus, and all men Ægeon, because he was superior to his father instrength, [47] who then sat by the son of Saturn, exulting in renown. Himthen the blessed gods dreaded, nor did they bind [Jove]. Of these thingsnow reminding him, sit beside him, and embrace his knees, if in anywisehe may consent to aid the Trojans, and hem in[48] at their ships, andalong the sea, the Greeks [while they get] slaughtered, that all mayenjoy their king, and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, mayknow his baleful folly, [49] when he in no wise honoured the bravest ofthe 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 ἄτη. 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 thydestined life is but for a very short period, nor very long; but now artthou both swift-fated and wretched above all mortals: therefore have Ibrought thee forth in my palace under an evil fate. However, to tell thywords 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 theswift ships, wage resentment against the Greeks, and totally abstainfrom war. For yesterday Jove went to Oceanus, [50] to the blamelessÆthiopians, to a banquet, and with him went all the gods. But on thetwelfth day he will return to Olympus; and then will I go to thebrazen-floored palace of Jove, and suppliantly embrace his knees, and Ithink 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 soulfor his well-girded maid, whom they had taken from him against his will. But Ulysses, meantime, came to Chrysa, bringing the sacred hecatomb. Butthey, when they had entered the deep haven, first furled their sails, and stowed them in the sable bark; they next brought the mast to itsreceptacle, lowering it quickly by its stays, and they rowed the vesselforwards with oars into its moorage; they heaved out the sleepers, andtied the hawsers. They themselves then went forth on the breakers of thesea, and disembarked the hecatomb to far-darting Apollo, and then theymade the daughter of Chryses descend from the sea-traversing bark. Thenwise Ulysses, leading her to the altar, placed her in the hands of herdear father, and addressed him:

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

Thus having spoken, he placed her in his hands; but he rejoicingreceived his beloved daughter. Then they immediately placed in order thesplendid hecatomb for the god around the well-built altar. After thatthey washed their hands, and held up the pounded barley. [51] But forthem, 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 anddivine Cilla, and who mightily rulest over Tenedos! already indeed at aformer time didst thou hear me praying, and didst honour me, and didstvery much afflict the people of the Greeks, now also accomplish for methis further request: even now avert from the Greeks this unseemlypestilence. "

Thus he spoke praying, and him Phœbus Apollo heard. But after they hadprayed, and sprinkled the pounded barley, they first bent back [the neckof 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 onbillets, and poured sparkling wine upon them; and near him the youthsheld five-pronged spits in their hands. But after the thighs wereroasted, and they had tasted the entrails, they then cut the rest ofthem into small pieces, and fixed them on spits, and roasted themskilfully, and drew all the viands [off the spits]. 

But when they had ceased from their labour, and had prepared thebanquet, they feasted; nor did their soul in anywise lack a dueallowance of the feast: but when they had dismissed the desire of drinkand food, the youths on the one hand filled the goblets with wine to thebrim, [52] and handed round the wine to all, having poured the first ofthe wine into the cups. [53] But the Grecian youths throughout the daywere appeasing the god by song, chanting the joyous Pæan, [54] hymningthe Far-darter, and he was delighted in his mind as he listened. Butwhen the sun had set, and darkness came on, then they slept near thehawsers of their ships. But when the mother of dawn, [55] rosy-fingeredmorning, appeared, straightway then they set sail for the spacious campof the Achæans, and to them far-darting Apollo sent a favourable gale. But they erected the mast and expanded the white sails. The windstreamed[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 thewave, holding on her way. But when they reached the wide armament of theGreeks, they drew up the black ship on the continent, far upon the sand, and stretched long props under it; but they dispersed themselves throughtheir 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 hiswrath, sitting at his swift ships, nor ever did he frequent the assemblyof 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 allthe gods who are for ever went together to Olympus, but Jupiterpreceded. But Thetis was not forgetful of the charges of her son, butshe emerged from the wave of the sea, and at dawn ascended lofty heavenand Olympus;[58] and she found the far-seeing son of Saturn sittingapart from the others, on the highest summit of many-peaked Olympus, andthen 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 addressedking Jove, the son of Saturn:

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

 [Footnote 57: Cf. Ver. 425. ]

 [Footnote 58: Οὐρανός 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 satsilent for a long time. And as Thetis seized his knees, fast clingingshe held them, and thus again entreated: "Do but now promise to meexplicitly, and grant or refuse, (for in thee there is no dread, ) that Imay 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 toJuno, when she shall irritate me with reproachful words. For, evenwithout 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 partnow 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 willnod to thee with my head, that thou mayest feel confidence. For thisfrom me is the greatest pledge among the immortals: for my pledge, evenwhatsoever I shall sanction by nod, is not to be retracted, neitherfallacious 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 hisimmortal head; and he made mighty Olympus tremble. Thus havingconferred, they separated. She at once plunged from splendid Olympusinto the profound sea. But Jove on the other hand [returned] to hispalace. But all the gods rose up together from their seats to meet theirsire; nor did any dare to await[59] him approaching, but all rose in hispresence. Thus indeed he sat there on his throne; nor was Junounconscious, having seen that silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of themarine old man, had joined in deliberation with him. Forthwith withreproaches she accosted Saturnian Jove:

"Which of the gods again, O deceitful one, has been concerting measureswith thee? Ever is it agreeable to thee, being apart from me, plottingsecret things, to decide thereon; nor hast thou ever yet deignedwillingly 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 nohopes of knowing all my counsels; difficult would they be for thee, although thou art my consort. But whatever it may be fit for thee tohear, none then either of gods or men shall know it before thee: butwhatever I wish to consider apart from the gods, do thou neither inquireinto any of these things, nor investigate them. "

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

But her answering, cloud-compelling Jove addressed: "Perverse one! thouart always suspecting, nor do I escape thee. Nevertheless thou shaltproduce no effect at all, but thou shalt be farther from my heart: andthis will be more bitter to thee. But granted this be so, it appears tobe my pleasure. [60] But sit down in peace, and obey my mandate, lest asmany deities as are in Olympus avail thee not against me, I drawingnear, [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 ίονθ' for ίοντα, not for ίοντε, as Buttmann wished. --See Anthon. ]

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

"Truly now these will be grievous matters, and no longer tolerable, ifye twain contend thus on account of mortals, and excite uproar among thedeities. Nor will there be any enjoyment in the delightful banquet, since the worse things prevail. [62] But to my mother I advise, sheherself being intelligent, to gratify my dear father Jove, lest my siremay again reprove her, and disturb our banquet. For if the OlympianThunderer wishes to hurl [us] from our seats[63]--for he is much themost powerful. But do thou soothe him with gentle words; then will theOlympian 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 handof his dear mother, and addressed her:

"Be patient, my mother, and restrain thyself, although grieved, lestwith my own eyes I behold thee beaten, being very dear to me; nor thenindeed should I be able, though full of grief, to assist thee; forOlympian Jove is difficult to be opposed. For heretofore, having seizedme by the foot, he cast me, desiring at one time to assist you, downfrom 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 wasin me by that time. There the Sintian[66] men forthwith received andtended[67] me, having fallen. "

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

 [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 ένδέξια is due to Buttmann. ]

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

Thus, then, they feasted[70] the entire day till the setting sun; nordid the soul want anything of the equal feast, nor of the beautifulharp, 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, withcunning skill had built a house for each. But the Olympian thundererJove went to his couch, where he lay before, when sweet sleep came uponhim. There, having ascended, he lay down to rest, and beside himgolden-throned Juno. 

 BOOK THE SECOND. 

 ARGUMENT. 

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

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

"Haste away, pernicious dream, to the swift ships of the Greeks. Goinginto the tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, utter very accuratelyeverything as I shall command thee. Bid him arm the long-hairedAchæans[73] with all their array; for now perhaps he may[74] take thewide-wayed city of the Trojans; for the immortals who possess theOlympian 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 itheard 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 inhis tent, and ambrosial slumber was diffused around. And he stood overhis head, like unto Nestor, the son of Neleus, him, to wit, whomAgamemnon honoured most of the old men. To him assimilating himself, thedivine 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: κεν 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 οὖλος ὄνειρος 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 nota counsel-giving man, to whom the people have been intrusted, and towhom so many things are a care, to sleep all the night. But now quicklyattend to me; for I am a messenger to thee from Jove, who, although fardistant, greatly regards and pities thee. He orders thee to arm thelong-haired Greeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take thewide-wayed city of the Trojans, since the immortals, who possess theOlympian mansions, no longer think dividedly; for Juno, supplicating, hath bent all [to her will], and woes from Jove are impending over theTrojans. But do thou preserve this in thy recollection, nor letforgetfulness possess thee, when sweet sleep shall desert thee. "

Thus then having spoken, he departed, and left him there pondering thesethings 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; norknew he the deeds which Jupiter was really devising; for even he wasabout yet to impose additional hardships and sorrows upon both Trojansand Greeks, through mighty conflicts. But he awoke from his sleep, andthe heavenly voice was diffused around him. He sat up erect, and put onhis soft tunic, beautiful, new; and around him he threw his large cloak. And he bound his beautiful sandals on his shining feet, and slung fromhis shoulders the silver-studded sword. He also took his paternalsceptre, ever imperishable, with which he went to the ships of thebrazen-mailed Greeks. 

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

 [Footnote 76: ῥα 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 theambrosial night, very like unto the noble Nestor, in form, in stature, and in mien. And it stood above my head, and addressed me: 'Sleepestthou, son of the warrior, horse-taming Atreus? It becomes not acounsellor, to whom the people have been intrusted, and to whom so manythings 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-hairedGreeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take the wide-wayedcity of the Trojans; for the immortals, who possess the Olympianmansions, no longer think dividedly, for Juno, supplicating, has bentall [to her will], and woes from Jove are impending over the Trojans;but do thou preserve this in thy thoughts. ' Thus having spoken, flyingaway, 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 wordswill I sound their inclinations, as is right, and I will command them tofly 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 ofsandy Pylus, rose up, who wisely counselling, harangued them, and said:

"O friends, generals and counsellors of the Argives, if any other of theGreeks had told this dream, we should have pronounced it a fabrication, and withdrawn ourselves [from the reciter]. But now he has seen it, whoboasts 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 thetribes, and the hosts rushed forward. Even as the swarms of clusteringbees, [79] issuing ever anew from the hollow rock, go forth, and fly introops over the vernal[80] flowers, and some have flitted in bodieshere, and some there; thus of these [Greeks] many nations from the shipsand tents kept marching in troops in front of the steep shore to theassembly. And in the midst of them blazed Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging them to proceed; and they kept collecting together. The assemblywas tumultuous, and the earth groaned beneath, as the people seatedthemselves, and there was a clamour; but nine heralds vociferatingrestrained them, if by any means they would cease from clamour, andhear the Jove-nurtured princes. With difficulty at length the people satdown, and were kept to their respective[81] seats, having desisted fromtheir clamour, when king Agamemnon arose, holding the sceptre, whichVulcan had laboriously wrought. Vulcan in the first place gave it toking 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-tamingPelops, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus, shepherd of the people. ButAtreus, dying, left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks; but Thyestes againleft it to Agamemnon to be borne, that he might rule over manyislands, [83] and all Argos. [84] Leaning upon this, he spoke wordsamongst the Greeks:

 [Footnote 79: The dative here implies direction, ἐπὶ 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, μέλισσα λειμῶν' ᾐρινὸν ὂιέρχεται. --Nicias, Anthol. I. 31, ἔαρ φαίνουσα μέλισσα. --Longus, i. 4. ]

 [Footnote 81: Observe the distributive use of κατά. 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 indeedpromised to me, and vouchsafed by his nod, that I should return home, having destroyed well-fortified Ilium. But now he has devised an evildeception, and commands me to return to Argos, inglorious, after I havelost many of my people. So forsooth it appears to be agreeable toall-powerful Jove, who has already overthrown the citadels of manycities, yea, and will even yet overthrow them, for transcendent is hispower. For this were disgraceful even for posterity to hear, that sobrave 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 thatboth should be numbered, and [wished] to select the Trojans, on the onehand, as many as are townsmen; and if we Greeks, on the other hand, wereto be divided into decades, and to choose a single man of the Trojans topour out wine [for each decade], many decades would be without acupbearer. [86] So much more numerous, I say, the sons of the Greeks arethan the Trojans who dwell in the city. But there are spear-wieldingauxiliaries from many cities, who greatly stand in my way, and do notpermit me wishing to destroy the well-inhabited city. Already have nineyears of mighty Jove passed away, and now the timbers of our ships haverotted, and the ropes have become untwisted. [87] Our wives and infantchildren sit in our dwellings expecting us; but to us the work for whichwe came hither remains unaccomplished, contrary to expectation. Butcome, as I shall recommend, let us all obey; let us fly with the shipsto our dear native land, for at no future time shall we take wide-wayedTroy. "

 [Footnote 85: Ὂρκια is probably used as an adjective, understanding ὶερεῖα, 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 λέλυνται with the neuter plural. Apollon. De Syntaxi, iii. 11. Τὰ σπάρτα λέλυνται καταλληλότερον τοῦ δοῦρα σέσηπε. ]

Thus he spoke; and to them he aroused the heart in their breasts, to allthroughout the multitude, whoever had not heard his scheme. [88] And theassembly 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. Somewith shouting rushed to the ships, but from beneath their feet the duststood suspended aloft; and some exhorted one another to seize thevessels, and drag them to the great ocean; and they began to clear thechannels. The shout of them, eager [to return] home, rose to the sky, and they withdrew the stays from beneath the vessels. Then truly areturn had happened to the Argives, contrary to destiny, had not Junoaddressed herself to Minerva:

 [Footnote 88: _I. E. _ his real object. Cf. Vs. 75, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 89: Spitzner and the later editors unite in reading κινήση for κινήσει 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 theArgives fly home to their dear native land, over the broad back of thedeep, and leave to Priam glory, and to the Trojans Argive Helen, onwhose account many Greeks have perished at Troy, far from their dearnative land? But go now to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks, andrestrain each man with thy own flattering words, nor suffer them tolaunch to the sea their evenly-plied[91] barks. " Thus she spoke, nor didthe azure-eyed goddess Minerva refuse compliance. But she, hastening, descended down from the summits of Olympus, and quickly reached theswift ships of the Achæans. Then she found Ulysses, of equal weight withJove in counsel, standing still; nor was he touching his well-benched, sable bark, since regret affected him in heart and mind. But standingnear 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 yefly 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 dearnative land? But go now to the people of the Greeks, delay not; andrestrain each man by thy own flattering words, nor suffer them to launchto the sea their evenly-plied barks. "

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

 [Footnote 92: This is an instance of the σχῆμα Σικελικόν, as in H. O. 88, γίνεται δε παραλαμξανομένης δοτικῆς πτώσεως άντι γενικῆς και κατὰ παράλειψιν τού παρἁ προθέσεως. --Lesbonax, περί σχημ. ρ. 181, ed. Valck. ]

Whatsoever king, indeed, or distinguished man he chanced to findstanding 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 thouhast not as yet clearly ascertained what the intention of Atrides is. Heis 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, beingincensed, do some mischief to the sons of the Greeks. For the anger of aJove-nurtured king is great; his honour too is from Jove, andgreat-counselling Jove loves him. "

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

"Fellow, sit quietly, and listen to the voice of others, who are betterthan thou; for thou art unwarlike and weak, nor ever of any accounteither in war or in council. We Greeks cannot all by any means governhere, for a government of many is not a good thing;[93] let there be butone chief, one king, [94] to whom the son of wily Saturn has given asceptre, 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 rushedwith tumult from the ships and tents to an assembly, as when the wavesof the much-resounding sea roar against the lofty beach, and the deepresounds. 

The others indeed sat down, and were kept to their respective seats. ButThersites alone, immediate in words, was wrangling; who, to wit, knew inhis mind expressions both unseemly and numerous, so as idly, and notaccording to discipline, to wrangle with the princes, but [to blurt out]whatever seemed to him to be matter of laughter to the Greeks. And hewas the ugliest man who came to Ilium. He was bandy-legged, [95] and lameof one foot; his shoulders were crooked, and contracted towards hisbreast; and his head was peaked[96] towards the top, and thin woollyhair was scattered over it. To Achilles and Ulysses he was particularlyhostile, for these two he used to revile. But on this occasion, shoutingout shrilly, he uttered bitter taunts against noble Agamemnon; but theGreeks were greatly irritated against him, and were indignant in theirminds. But vociferating aloud, he reviled Agamemnon with words:

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

 [Footnote 96: See Buttm. P. 537, who derives φοζος from φώγειν, _to dry_, as if φωξός, _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 acity. Dost thou still require gold, which some one of the horse-tamingTrojans shall bring from Troy, as a ransom for his son, whom I, or someother of the Greeks, having bound, may lead away? Or a young maid, thatthou mayest be mingled in dalliance, and whom thou for thyself mayestretain apart[97] [from the rest]? Indeed it becomes not a man who ischief in command, to lead the sons of the Greeks into evil. O ye softones, vile disgraces, Grecian dames, no longer Grecian men, [98] let usreturn home, home![99] with our ships, and let us leave him here todigest his honours at Troy, that he may know whether we really aid himin anything or not. He, who but just now has dishonoured Achilles, a manmuch more valiant than himself; for, taking away, he retains his prize, he himself having seized it. But assuredly there is not much anger inthe 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 οίκαδε περ. ]

Thus spoke Thersites, reviling Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people. But godlike Ulysses immediately stood beside him, and eyeing him withscowling 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 isnot another mortal more base than thou, as many as came with the son ofAtreus to Ilium. Wherefore do not harangue, having kings in thy mouth, nor cast reproaches against them, nor be on the watch for a return. Notas yet indeed do we certainly know how these matters will turn out, whether we sons of the Greeks shall return to our advantage ordisadvantage. Wherefore, now thou sittest reviling Agamemnon, son ofAtreus, the leader of the people, because the Grecian heroes give himvery many gifts, whilst thou, insulting, dost harangue. But I declare tothee, which shall also be accomplished: if ever again I catch theeraving, as now thou art, no longer may the head of Ulysses rest upon hisshoulders, and no longer may I be called the father of Telemachus, unless I seizing thee divest thee of thy very garments, thy coat, thycloak, and those which cover thy loins; and send thyself weeping to theswift ships, having beaten thee out of the assembly with severe blows. "

Thus he spoke, and smote him with the sceptre upon the back and theshoulders; but he writhed, and plenteous tears fell from him, and abloody weal arose under the sceptre upon his back. But he sat down andtrembled; 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 alreadyperformed, both originating good counsels, and arousing the war. But nowhas he done this by far the best deed amongst the Greeks, in that he hasrestrained this foul-mouthed reviler from his harangues. Surely hispetulant mind will not again urge him to chide the kings with scurrilouslanguage. "

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

"O son of Atreus, the Greeks wish to render thee now, O king, themeanest amongst articulately-speaking men; nor perform their promise tothee, [100] which they held forth, coming hither from steed-nourishingArgos, that thou shouldest return home, having destroyed well-fortifiedIlium. For, like tender boys, or widowed women, they bewail unto oneanother 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 singlemonth from his wife, remaining with his many-benched ship, [101] thoughwintry storms and the boisterous sea may be hemming in;[102] but to usit is [now] the ninth revolving year since we have been lingering here. Wherefore I am not indignant that the Greeks are growing impatient bytheir curved ships; but still it would be disgraceful both to remainhere so long, and to return ineffectually. Endure, my friends, andremain yet awhile, that we may know whether Calchas prophesies truly ornot. For this we well know, and ye are all witnesses, whom the Fates ofdeath carried not off yesterday and the day before, when the ships ofthe Greeks were collected at Aulis, bearing evils to Priam and theTrojans, and we round about the fountain, at the sacred altars, offeredperfect hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a beauteous plane-tree, whence flowed limpid water. [103] There a great prodigy appeared; aserpent, spotted on the back, horrible, which the Olympian himself hadsent forth into the light, having glided out from beneath the altar, proceeded forthwith to the plane-tree. And there were the young of asparrow, an infant offspring, on a topmost branch, cowering amongst thefoliage, eight in number; but the mother, which had brought forth theyoung ones, was the ninth. Thereupon he devoured them, twitteringpiteously, while the mother kept fluttering about, lamenting her dearyoung; 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, standingby, were astonished at what happened. Thus, therefore, the dreadfulportents of the gods approached the hecatombs. Calchas, then, immediately addressed us, revealing from the gods: 'Why are ye becomesilent, ye waving-crested Greeks? For us, indeed, provident Jove hasshown a great sign, late, of late accomplishment, the renown of whichshall never perish. As this [serpent] has devoured the young of thesparrow, eight in number, and herself, the mother which brought out thebrood, 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 thusharangued: and all these things are now in course of accomplishment. Butcome, ye well-greaved Greeks, remain all here, until we shall take thegreat city of Priam. "

 [Footnote 100: See Grote, vol. I. P. 392, n. 2. ]

 [Footnote 101: I have followed Wolf, taking σὺν υνὶ πολυζύγῳ in connection with μενών. Others most awkwardly make σὺν=παρά. ]

 [Footnote 102: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. S. V. εἰλεῖν. ]

 [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 thespeech of divine Ulysses; but all around the ships echoed fearfully, byreason of the Greeks shouting. Then the Gerenian[105] knight Nestoraddressed them:

"O strange! assuredly now ye are talking like infant children, with whomwarlike achievements are of no account. Whither then will your compactsand oaths depart? Into the fire now must the counsels and thoughts ofmen have sunk, and the unmixed libations, and the right hands in whichwe trusted; for in vain do we dispute with words, nor can we discoverany resource, although we have been here for a long time. But do thou, Oson of Atreus, maintaining, as before, thy purpose firm, command theGreeks in the hard-fought conflicts; and abandon those to perish, oneand both, [106] who, separated from the Greeks, are meditating [butsuccess shall not attend them] to return back to Argos, before they knowwhether the promise of ægis-bearing Jove be false or not. For I say thatthe powerful son of Saturn assented on that day, when the Argivesembarked 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 sleptwith 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 handsupon his well-benched black ship, that he may draw on death and fatebefore others. But do thou thyself deliberate well, O king, and attendto 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, andthe Greeks obey, thou wilt then ascertain which of the generals andwhich of the soldiers is a dastard, and which of them may be brave, forthey will fight their best, [109] and thou wilt likewise learn whether itis by the divine interposition that thou art destined not to dismantlethe city, or by the cowardice of the troops, and their unskilfulness inwar. "

 [Footnote 105: Nestor took this name from a city of Messena (_Gerenium_, _a_, or _ia_. See Arnold, and Pinedo on Steph. Byz. S. V. Γερηνία), 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. ὁρμήματα, μερίμναι. Etym. Μ. ἐνθυμήματα, φροντίδες. 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 atother times, dost thou excel the sons of the Greeks in council. For, would, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I were possessed of tensuch fellow-counsellors among the Greeks! So should the city of Priamquickly fall, captured and destroyed by our hands. But upon me hathægis-bearing Jove, the son of Saturn, sent sorrow, who casts me intounavailing strifes and contentions. For I and Achilles have quarrelledon account of a maid with opposing words: but I began quarrelling. Butif ever we shall consult in common, no longer then shall there be arespite from evil to the Trojans, no, not for ever so short a time. Nowgo to your repast, that we may join battle. Let each one well sharpenhis spear, and well prepare[110] his shield. Let him give fodder to hisswift-footed steeds, and let each one, looking well to his chariot, getready for war; that we may contend all day in the dreadful battle. Norshall there be a cessation, not for ever so short a while, until nightcoming on shall part the wrath of the heroes. The belt of theman-protecting[111] shield shall be moist with sweat around the breastsof each one, and he shall weary his hand round his spear; and each one'shorse shall sweat, dragging the well-polished chariot. But whomsoever Ishall perceive desirous to remain at the beaked ships, apart from thebattle, it will not be possible for him afterwards to escape the dogsand 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 anout-jutting rock; for this the billows from all kinds of winds neverforsake, when they may be here or there. And rising up, the peoplehastened forth, scattered from ship to ship, and raised up smoke amongthe tents, and took repast. And one sacrificed to some one of theimmortal gods, and [another to another, ] praying to escape death and theslaughter of war. But king Agamemnon offered up a fat ox, of five yearsold, to the powerful son of Saturn, and summoned the elder chiefs of allthe Greeks, Nestor first of all, and king Idomeneus, but next the twoAjaxes, [112] and the son of Tydeus, and sixth Ulysses, of equal weightwith Jove in council. But Menelaus, valiant in the din[113] of war, cameof his own accord, [114] for he knew his brother in his heart, how he wasoppressed. Then they stood around the ox, and raised up the poundedbarley cakes: and king Agamemnon, praying amidst them, said:

 [Footnote 110: Schol. εύτρεπισάτω. ]

 [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. " Βοῂ contains the whole idea of the tumultuous noise heard in the heat of battle, and thence the battle itself. Thus the Schol. ὁ ἐv τῷ πολἐμω γενναἲος; and Hesych. κατὰ τῂν μάχην ανδρεἲος. ]

 [Footnote 114: Opposed to κλητὸς, as in Oppian, Hal. Iii. 360, κλητοί τ' αύτό μολοί τε. 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 theair, may not the sun set, nor darkness come on, before I have laidprostrate Priam's hall, blazing, and consumed its gates with the hostilefire; and cut away Hector's coat of mail around his breast, splitasunder with the brass; and around him may many comrades, prone in thedust, seize the earth with their teeth. "

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

"Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, let us now nolonger sit prating[115] here, nor let us long defer the work which thedeity now delivers into our hands. But come, let the heralds of thebrazen-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, thatwe 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 thewaving-crested Greeks to battle. These then gave the summons, and theywere hastily assembled, and the Jove-nurtured kings, who were with theson of Atreus, kept hurrying about arranging them. But amongst them wasazure-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, incitingthem to advance, and kindled strength in the breast of each to fight andcontend unceasingly. Thus war became instantly sweeter to them than toreturn in the hollow ships to their dear native land. 

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

 [Footnote 116: See Liddell and Scott. ]

 [Footnote 117: Literally "invisible. " Hence "making invisible, destructive. " Cf. Buttm. Lex. S. V. ἀΐδηλος. ]

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

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

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

 [Footnote 118: In τοὺς δὲ 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 thecollected 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 aregoddesses, and are [ever] present, and ken all things, whilst we hearbut a rumour, nor know anything[119]), who were the leaders and chiefsof the Greeks. For I could not recount nor tell the multitude, not evenif ten tongues, and ten mouths were mine, [not though] a voiceunwearied, [120] and a brazen heart were within me; unless the OlympicMuses, daughters of ægis-bearing Jove, reminded me of how many came toIlium. However, I will rehearse the commanders of the ships, and all theships. 

 [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 Bœotians; both those who tilled Hyrie, and rocky Aulis, and Schœnos, and Scholos, and hilly Eteonus, Thespia, Græa, and theample plain of Mycalessus; and those who dwelt about Harma, and Ilesius, and Erythræ; and those who possessed Elion, Hyle, Peteon, Ocalea, andthe well-built city Medeon, Copæ, Eutressis, and Thisbe abounding indoves; and those who possessed Coronæa, and grassy Haliartus, andPlatæa; and those who inhabited Glissa, and those who dwelt inHypothebæ, the well-built city, and in sacred Onchestus, the beauteousgrove of Neptune; and those who inhabited grape-clustered Arne, andthose [who inhabited] Midea, and divine Nissa, and remote Anthedon:fifty ships of these went to Troy, and in each embarked a hundred andtwenty Bœotian youths. 

Those who inhabited Aspledon, and Minyean Orchomenus, these Ascalaphusand Ialmenus, the sons of Mars, led, whom Astyoche bore to powerful Marsin the house of Actor, son of Azis: a modest virgin, when she ascendedthe 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 sonof Naubolus, led the Phoceans, who possessed Cyparissus, and rockyPython, and divine Crissa, and Daulis, and Panopea; and those who dweltround Anemoria and Hyampolis, and near the sacred river Cephissus, andthose who possessed Lilæa, at the sources of Cephissus: with these fortydark ships followed. They indeed, [121] going round, arranged the linesof the Phoceans; and they were drawn up in array near the Bœotians, andtowards the left wing. 

 [Footnote 121: Schedius and Epistrophus. ]

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

The Abantes, breathing strength, who possessed Eubœa, and Chalcis, andEretria, and grape-clustered Histiæa, and maritime Cerinthus, and thetowering city of Dium, and those who inhabited Carystus and Styra: theleader of these was Elephenor, of the line of Mars, the son ofChalcodon, the magnanimous prince of the Abantes. With him the swiftAbantes followed, with flowing locks behind, warriors skilled withprotended spears of ash, to break the corslets on the breasts of theirenemies. With him forty dark ships followed. 

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

But Ajax[123] led twelve ships from Salamis, and leading arranged themwhere 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, andwhich encircle the Asine deep bay, Trœzene, and Eionæ, and vine-plantedEpidaurus, and those who possessed Ægina, and Mases, Achæan youths. Their leader then was Diomede, brave in war, and Sthenelus, the dear sonof much-renowned Capaneus; and with these went Euryalus the third, god-like man, the son of king Mecisteus, Talaus' son; and all theseDiomede brave in war commanded. With these eighty dark ships followed. 

Those who possessed Mycenæ, the well-built city, and wealthyCorinth, [124] and well-built Cleonæ, and those who inhabited Ornia, andpleasant Aræthyrea, and Sicyon, where Adrastus first reigned: and thosewho possessed Hyperesia, and lofty Gonoessa, and Pellene, and those who[inhabited] Ægium, and all along the sea-coast, [125] and about spaciousHelice. Of these, king Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, commanded ahundred 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 mosteminent, 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 andSparta, and dove-abounding Messa, and Brysiæ, and pleasant Augeiæ; andthose who possessed Amyclæ, and Helos, a maritime city; and those whopossessed Laas, and dwelt round Œtylus. Of these his brother Menelaus, brave in battle, commanded sixty ships, but they were armed apart [fromAgamemnon's forces]. Amidst them he himself went, confiding in hisvalour, inciting them to war; but especially he desired in his soul toavenge the remorse of Helen and her groans. 

Those who inhabited Pylos and pleasant Arene, and Thryos, by the fordsof Alphœus, and well-built Æpy, and Cyparesseis and Amphigenia, andPteleum, and Helos, and Dorium: and there it was the Muses, meeting theThracian Thamyris, as he was coming from Œchalia, from Œchalian Eurytus, caused him to cease his song; for he averred, boasting, that he couldobtain the victory, [127] even though the Muses themselves, the daughtersof ægis-bearing Jove, should sing. But they, enraged, made him blind, and moreover deprived him of his power of singing, and caused him toforget 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 whoinhabited 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 kingAgapenor, the son of Ancæus, commanded sixty ships; but aboard each shipwent 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, anddistant Myrsinus, and the Olenian rock, and Alisium, contain within; ofthese the leaders were four; but ten swift ships followed each hero, andmany Epeans went aboard them. Amphimachus and Thalpius, sons, the one ofCteatus, the other of Eurytus, Actor's son, commanded some: braveDiores, son of Amarynceus, commanded others: and god-like Polyxenus, sonof Agasthenes, the son of king Augeas, commanded the fourth division. 

Those from Dulichium, and the Echinades, sacred islands, which liebeyond the sea, facing Elis. [129] Over these presided Meges, son ofPhyleus, 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 possessedIthaca and leaf-quivering Neritos, and who dwelt in Crocylea and ruggedÆgilips, and those who possessed Zacynthus, and those who inhabitedSamos, and those who possessed the continent, and dwelt in the placeslying opposite; these Ulysses commanded, equal to Jove in council. Withhim 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 thesons of magnanimous Œneus 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 himforty 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 possessedGnossus and well-walled Gortyna and Lyctos, and Miletus, and whiteLycastus and Phæstus, and Rhytium, well-inhabited cities; and others whoinhabited the hundred-towned Crete. These spear-famed Idomeneuscommanded, and Meriones, equal to man-slaying Mars: with these followedeighty dark ships. 

But Tlepolemus, the brave and great descendant of Hercules, led fromRhodes nine ships of the haughty Rhodians, those who inhabited Rhodes, arranged in three bands, Lindus, and Ialyssus, and white Camirus. Thesespear-famed Tlepolemus led, he whom Astyochea brought forth to the mightof Hercules, [131] whom [Astyochea] he [Hercules] carried out of Ephyre, from the river Selleis, after having laid waste many cities ofnobly-descended youths. Now Tlepolemus, after he had been trained up inthe well-built palaces, straightway slew the beloved uncle of hisfather, Licymnius, now grown old, a branch of Mars; and instantly hebuilt a fleet; and having collected many troops, he departed, [132]flying over the ocean; for him the sons and grandsons of the might ofHercules had threatened. And he indeed came wandering to Rhodes, suffering woes. And they, divided into three parts, dwelt in tribes, andwere beloved of Jove, who rules over gods and men: and on them the sonof 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 allthe other Greeks, next to the unblemished son of Peleus. But he wasfeeble, and few troops followed him. 

But those who possessed Nisyrus, and Crapathus, and Casus, and Cos, thecity of Eurypylus, and the Calydnæ isles, Phidippus and Antiphus, bothsons of the Thessalian king, the son of Hercules, commanded. Thirtyhollow 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 whopossessed Phthia, and Hellas famous for fair dames. But they are calledMyrmidons, and Hellenes, and Achæans: of fifty ships of these wasAchilles chief. But they remembered not dire-sounding war, for there wasno one who might lead them to their ranks. For swift-footed Achilles layat the ships, enraged on account of the fair-haired maid Brisëis, whomhe carried away from Lyrnessus, after having suffered many labours, andhaving laid waste Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebes; and he killedMynetes and spear-skilled Epistrophus, sons of king Evenus, the son ofSelepius. On her account he lay grieving, but speedily was he about tobe roused. 

Those who possessed Phylace and flowery Pyrrhasus, the consecratedground of Ceres, and Iton the mother of sheep, maritime Antron, andgrassy 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 manslew him, as he leaped ashore from his ship much the first of theGreeks. Nor were they, however, without a leader, although they longedfor their own leader; for gallant Podarces marshalled them, Podarces, son of sheep-abounding Iphiclus, the son of Phylacis, own brother ofmagnanimous Protesilaus, younger by birth; but the warlike heroProtesilaus was older and braver. His troops wanted not a leader, butlamented him, being brave; with him forty dark ships followed. 

Those who inhabited Phære by the lake Bœbeïs, Bœbe, and Glaphyræ, andwell-built Iaolcus; these Eumeles, the beloved son of Admetus, commandedin eleven ships, whom Alcestis, divine amongst women, most beautiful inform of the daughters of Pelias, brought forth by Admetus. 

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

Those who possessed Tricca, and hilly Ithome, and those who possessedŒchalia, the city of Œchalian Eurytus; Podalirius and Machaon, twoexcellent physicians, [133] both sons of Æsculapius, led these. With themthirty 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 whopossessed Asterium and the white tops of Titanus; these Eurypylus, thebrave son of Evæmon, commanded. With him forty dark ships followed. 

Those who possessed Argissa, and inhabited Gyrtone, and Orthe, andElone, and the white city Oloosson: these the stout warrior Polypœtes, son of Pirithous, whom immortal Jove begat, commanded. Him renownedHippodamia brought forth by Pirithous, on the day when he took vengeanceon the shaggy Centaurs, and drove them from Mount Pelion, and chasedthem to the Æthiceans. He was not the only leader; with him commandedwarlike Leonteus, son of magnamimous Coronus, the son of Cœneus. Withthese forty dark ships followed. 

But Gyneus led two-and-twenty ships from Cyphus. Him the Enienesfollowed, and the Peræbi, stout warriors, who placed their habitationsby chilly Dodona, and those who tilled the fields about delightfulTitaresius, which pours its fair-flowing stream into the Peneus; nor isit mingled with silver-eddied Peneus, but flows on the surface of itlike 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 thePeneus, and leaf-quivering Pelion: these swift Prothoüs led; and withhim 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 andtheir steeds, who followed the son of Atreus to Troy. The steeds of thedescendant of Pheres were indeed by far the most excellent, whichEumelus 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 theterror of Mars, both mares, silver-bowed Apollo fed in Pieria. [135] Ofthe heroes Telamonian Ajax was by far the best, whilst Achillescontinued wrathful, for he was by far the bravest; and the steeds whichbore the irreproachable son of Peleus surpassed those of Eumelus. But heon his part lay in his dark sea-traversing ships, breathing wrathagainst the son of Atreus, Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people. Buthis forces meantime amused themselves with quoits and javelins, hurling[them, ] and with their bows; and their steeds stood, each near hischariot, feeding on lotus and lake-fed parsley. And the well-fastenedchariots lay in the tents of their lords. But they, longing for theirwarlike chief, wandered hither and thither through the camp, and did notfight. 

But they went along, as if the whole earth was being fed upon byfire, [136] and the earth groaned beneath, as in honour ofthunder-rejoicing Jove when angry, [137] when he strikes the earth aroundTyphœus in Arimæ, [138] where they say is the tomb of Typhœus; thusindeed beneath their feet the earth groaned mightily, as they went, andvery 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 theTrojans, with a woeful announcement. They all, collected together, bothyoung and old, were holding councils at the gates of Priam. Butswift-footed Iris standing near, accosted them: and she likened herselfin voice to Polites, son of Priam, who, trusting to the swiftness of hisfeet, sat at watch for the Trojans on the top of the tomb[139] of oldÆsyetus, watching when the Greeks should set forth from the ships. Tohim having likened herself, swift-footed Iris addressed them:

"Old man, ever are injudicious words pleasing to thee, as formerly intime of peace: but now has an inevitable war arisen. Truly I havealready very often been present at the conflicts of heroes, but neverhave I beheld such brave and numerous forces. For very like unto theleaves or the sand proceed they through the plain, about to fight forthe city. Hector, for it is to thee in particular I give advice: and dothou 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 theneach 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 theportals were opened, and the troops rushed out, both foot and horse; andmuch 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 theimmortals, the tomb of nimbly-springing Myrinna. There the Trojans andtheir 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 ofPriam, commanded. With him far the most numerous and the bravest troopswere 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 withhim a mortal on the tops of Ida): not alone, but with him the two sonsof Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, skilled in every kind of fight. 

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

 [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 possessedPityea, and the lofty mountain Tercia; these Adrastus and linen-mailedAmphius commanded, the two sons of Percosian Merops, who was skilled inprophecy above all others; nor was he willing to suffer his sons to gointo the man-destroying fight. But they did not obey him, for the fatesof sable death impelled them. 

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

Hippothoüs led the tribes of the spear-skilled Pelasgians, of those whoinhabited 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 rapidlyflowing Hellespont confines within. 

Euphemus, son of heaven-descended Trœzenus, son of Ceas, was commanderof the warlike Cicones. 

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

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

But Hodius and Epistrophus, far from Alybe, whence is a rich product ofsilver, commanded the Halizonians. Chromis and the augur Ennomuscommanded the Mysians, but he avoided not sable death through his skillin 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, andthey 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 MountTmolus. 

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

 BOOK THE THIRD

 ARGUMENT. 

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

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

 [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 nomeans friendly to the shepherds, but more serviceable even than nightto the robber, and one can see [only] so far as he hurls a stone. Sounder the feet of them proceeding an eddying dust kept rising: and veryspeedily they traversed the plain. 

But when they now were near, approaching each other, godlike Alexanderadvanced in front of the Trojans, having a panther's skin on hisshoulders, and his crooked bow, and a sword; but he brandishing twospears tipped with brass, challenged all the bravest of the Greeks tofight 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 acarcase of large size, having found either a horned stag or a wild goat. For he greedily devours it, although swift hounds and vigorous youthspursue him. Thus Menelaus rejoiced, having beheld with his eyes godlikeAlexander. For he thought he would be revenged upon the guilty wretch:forthwith, therefore, with his arms he leaped from his chariot to theearth. 

But when, therefore, godlike Alexander perceived him appearing among theforemost warriors, he was smitten in his heart, and gave way back intothe band of his companions, avoiding death. And as when any one havingseen a serpent in the thickets of a mountain, has started back, andtremor has seized his limbs under him, and he has retired backwards, andpaleness seizes his cheeks: thus godlike Alexander shrank back into theband 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 perishedunmarried. This, indeed, I would wish, and indeed it would be muchbetter, than that thou shouldst thus be a disgrace and scandal toothers. In truth the long-haired Achæans may laugh, having suspectedthat thou wast a noble champion, because a fine person belongs [tothee]; 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, takeaway a beauteous lady, from the Apian land, the spouse of martial men, agreat detriment to thy father, to the city, and to all the people; a joyindeed to our enemies, but a disgrace to thyself? Couldst thou not haveawaited warlike Menelaus? Then shouldst thou have known of how brave aman thou dost possess the blooming spouse. Nor will thy harp, and thegifts of Venus, and thy hair, and thy figure avail thee, when thou shaltbe mingled with the dust. [147] But the Trojans are very pusillanimous;else wouldst thou have been arrayed in a garment of stone, on account ofthe evils which thou hast done. " [148]

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

 [Footnote 146: Δὑς here denotes the evils which fatally resulted to Paris and his friends (so δυσελένας, "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, ὅτι τὸν μόνον παοῆλθεν. ]

 [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, havingheard his speech; and having advanced into the centre, holding his spearby the middle, he restrained the phalanxes of the Trojans, and they allsat down. Against him the waving-haired Achæans were directing theirbows, 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-noddingHector stands as if intending to propose something. "

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

"Hear from me, ye Trojans, and well-greaved Greeks, the proposal ofAlexander, on whose account this strife has arisen. He advises that theother Trojans and all the Greeks should lay down their beauteous armsupon the bounteous earth; but that he and Mars-beloved Menelaus aloneshould fight in the midst for Helen and all the treasures; and whichevershall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the treasureswithout reserve, and the woman, let him conduct them home: but let therest 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 purposethat the Greeks and Trojans should now be separated, since ye havesuffered many evils on account of my quarrel and the beginning of [thisstrife through] Alexander. And to whichever of us death and fate hasbeen ordained, let him die; but do the rest of you be very speedilyseparated. And bring lambs--one white, the other black--to the Earth andto the Sun; and we will bring another to Jove. Moreover ye shall bringthe might of Priam, that he may strike the league himself, for his sonsare overbearing and faithless; lest any one, by transgression, violatethe 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 timeboth backward and forward, in order that the best results may accrue toboth parties. "

Thus he spoke. But both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced, hoping to haverespite from grievous war. And they accordingly reined back their horsesto the ranks [of the foot], but dismounted themselves, and put offtheir 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 thelambs, and to call Priam. While, on the other hand, king Agamemnon sentTalthybius 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, likeningherself to her husband's sister, the wife of Antenor's son, mostexcelling in beauty of the daughters of Priam, Laodice, whom the son ofAntenor, king Helicaon, possessed. But she found her in her palace, andshe was weaving an ample web, a double [mantle], [150] resplendent, andon it was working many labours both of the horse-taming Trojans and thebrazen-mailed Greeks, which on her account they suffered at the hands ofMars. Standing near, the swift-footed Iris accosted her thus:

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

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

 [Footnote 150: By χλαιναν 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 νύμϕα, 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 τεττιξ, this is to be considered to be the balm-cricket. ]

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

Thus they spoke. But Priam called Helen, --"Coming hither before us, deardaughter, sit by me, that thou mayest see thy former husband, thykindred, and thy friends--(thou art not at all in fault towards me; thegods, in truth, are in fault towards me, who have sent against me thelamentable war of the Greeks)--that thou mayest name for me this mightyman, who is this gallant and tall Grecian hero. Certainly there areothers taller in height; but so graceful a man have I never yet beheldwith 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 anevil death had pleased me, when I followed thy son hither, having leftmy marriage-bed, my brothers, my darling[154] daughter, and thecongenial company of my equals. But these things were not done:therefore I pine away with weeping. But this will I tell thee, whichthou seekest of me and inquirest. This is wide-ruling Agamemnon, son ofAtreus, in both characters, [155] a good king and a brave warrior. He wasthe brother-in-law, moreover, of shameless me, if ever indeed hewas. " [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 ofAtreus, happy-born, fortunate, truly indeed were many Achæan youths madesubject to thee. Before now I entered vine-bearing Phrygia, where Ibeheld many Phrygians, heroes on fleet horses, the forces of Otreus andgodlike Mygdon, who encamped there near the banks of the Sangarius. ForI also, being an ally, was numbered with them on that day, when theman-opposing Amazons came. But not even these were so numerous as theblack-eyed Greeks. "

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

 [Footnote 157: This whole passage may be compared with the similar enumeration and description of the seven Argive chieftains in Eurip. Phœn. 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 theson of Laertes, much-scheming Ulysses, who was bred in the country ofIthaca, rugged though it be, skilled in all kinds of stratagems andprudent counsels. "

Her then the sage Antenor addressed in reply: "O lady, assuredly hastthou spoken this word very truly: for already in former times divineUlysses came hither also, on an embassy concerning thee, withMars-beloved Menelaus. I received them as guests, and entertained themin my palace, and became acquainted with the genius of both, and theirprudent 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 whenthey 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 youngerin age. But when much-counselling Ulysses arose, he stood and lookeddown, fixing his eyes on the earth, but he neither moved his sceptrebackwards nor forwards, but held it unmoved like an unskilful man: youwould say indeed that he was a very irritable man, as well as devoid ofreason. But when he did send forth the mighty voice from his breast, andwords like unto wintry flakes of snow, no longer then would anothermortal contend with Ulysses. And beholding, we then marvelled not somuch 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, περὶ σχημ. 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 isthat other Achæan hero, valiant and great, out-topping the Argives byhis head and broad shoulders?"

But him long-robed Helen answered, divine of women: "This indeed ismighty Ajax, the bulwark of the Achæans: on the other side, amongst theCretans, stands Idomeneus like unto a god: but around him the leaders ofthe Cretans are collected. Often did Mars-beloved Menelaus entertain himin our palace, when he would come from Crete. But now I behold all theother rolling-eyed Greeks, whom I could easily recognize, and pronouncetheir names; but two leaders of the people I cannot see: horse-tamingCastor, and Pollux skilled in boxing, twin brothers, whom the samemother brought forth with me. Either they have not followed frompleasant Lacedæmon, or they indeed have followed hither in thesea-traversing ships, but now are reluctant to enter the fight of theheroes, 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-skinflagon. But the herald Idæus also brought a splendid goblet, and goldencups; and standing by him, incited the old man in these words:

"Arise, son of Laomedon; the chiefs of the horse-breaking Trojans, andof the brazen-mailed Greeks, call thee to descend into the plain, thatthou mayest ratify a faithful league. For Alexander and Mars-belovedMenelaus are about to fight with long spears for the woman. But let thewoman 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 forfair dames. "

Thus he said, but the old man shuddered, and ordered his attendants toyoke his horses; and they briskly obeyed. Priam then mounted hischariot, and drew back the reins: and beside him Antenor mounted thebeautiful chariot. So they guided their fleet steeds through the Scæangates, 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 intothe midst of the Trojans and Greeks. Then Agamemnon, king of heroes, immediately arose, and much-counselling Ulysses arose. But theillustrious 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 wasalways suspended at the huge sheath of his sword, cut off hairs from theheads of the lambs: and then the heralds distributed them to the chiefsof the Trojans and the Greeks. Amongst them the son of Atreus prayedearnestly, 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 swearswith perjury, be ye witnesses and preserve the faithful league. If, onthe one hand, Alexander should slay Menelaus, let him thenceforth retainHelen and all her possessions; but let us return in our sea-traversingships. But if, on the contrary, yellow-haired Menelaus slay Alexander, let the Trojans then restore Helen and all her treasures, and pay a fineto the Argives such as is just, and which may be [recorded] amongstposterity. 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 thefine, remaining here till I find an end of the war. "

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

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

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

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

He spoke, and the godlike man placed the lambs in the chariot, andascended himself, and drew back the reins; and beside him Antenormounted the very beautiful chariot. They on their part returning wentback 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 thebrazen helmet, [to decide] which should hurl the brazen spear first. Butthe people meantime supplicated, and stretched forth their hands to thegods; and thus some one of the Greeks and Trojans said:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, whicheverhas 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, theremay be friendship and a faithful league. "

Thus then they spoke, and now mighty helm-quivering Hector shook thelots, looking backward; and quickly the lot of Paris leaped forth. Theythen sat down in their ranks, where the fleet steeds of each stood, andtheir varied arms lay. But divine Alexander, the husband of fair-hairedHelen, put on his beauteous armour around his shoulders. In the firstplace, around his legs he placed his beautiful greaves fitted withsilver clasps; then again he put on his breast the corslet of hisbrother Lycaon, for it fitted him; but around his shoulders he slung hisbrazen, silver-studded sword and then his huge and solid shield. But onhis valiant head he placed a well-wrought helmet, crested withhorse-hair, and the crest nodded dreadfully from above; and he graspedhis doughty spear, which fitted to his hands. In this same manner themartial Menelaus put on his arms. 

But they, when they were armed from each side of the throne, advanced tothe middle between the Trojans and Greeks, looking dreadfully; andamazement seized the beholders, both the horse-breaking Trojans and thewell-greaved Greeks. They then stood near in the measured-out space, brandishing their spears, incensed against each other. Alexander anderfirst hurled his long-shadowed spear, and smote the shield of the son ofAtreus, equal on all sides, nor did the brass break, for the point wasbent upon the strong shield: but next Menelaus, son of Atreus, commencedthe 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 offuture 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 smotethe shield of the son of Priam, equal on all sides; and through theglittering shield went the impetuous spear, and was stuck firmly intothe deftly-wrought corslet: and the spear pierced right through his softtunic beside the flank: but he bent sideways, and evaded black death. Next the son of Atreus having drawn his silver-studded sword, raisingit, struck the cone[161] of his helmet, but it fell from his handshivered round about into three or four pieces. And the son of Atreusgroaned aloud, looking towards the wide heaven:

 [Footnote 161: Buttmann, Lexil. P. 521, makes φαλος to be the same as κωνος, 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: butnow my sword has been broken in my hands, and my spear has been hurledfrom 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 therichly-embroidered band under his tender throat was choking him, whichwas drawn under his chin as the strap of his helmet. And now he haddragged him away, and obtained infinite glory, had not Venus, thedaughter of Jove, quickly perceived it, who broke for him[162] thethong, [made] from the hide of an ox slaughtered by violence: andthereupon the empty helmet followed with his strong hand. It, then, thehero whirling round, cast to the well-greaved Greeks, and his dearcompanions took it up. And he [Menelaus] again rushed on, desiring toslay him with his brazen spear: but him [Paris] Venus very easily, asbeing a goddess, rescued, and covered him in a thick mist; then placedhim 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 foundher on the lofty tower, and many Trojan dames around her. Then with herhand catching her by the fragrant mantle, she shook her: and likeningherself to an ancient dame, a spinner of wool, who used to comb fairwool for her when dwelling at Lacedæmon, and she loved her much: to herhaving likened herself, divine Venus accosted [Helen]:

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

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

"Strange one! why dost thou desire to deceive me in these things? Wiltthou lead me anywhere farther on to one of the well-inhabited cities, either of Phrygia or pleasant Mæonia, if there be any ofarticulately-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 thouno more return on thy feet to Olympus: but always grieve beside him, andwatch him, until he either make thee his consort, or he indeed [makethee] his handmaid. But there I will not go to adorn his couch, for itwould be reprehensible: all the Trojan ladies henceforth will reproachme. But I shall have woes without measure in my soul. "

But her, divine Venus, incensed, thus addressed: "Wretch, provoke menot, lest in my wrath I abandon thee, and detest thee as much asheretofore I have wonderfully loved thee, and lest I scatter destructivehate in the midst of the Trojans and Greeks, and thou perish by an evilfate. "

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

But when they reached the very beautiful palace of Alexander, then themaids, on their part, turned themselves speedily to their tasks; butshe, divine of women, ascended into her lofty-roofed chamber: and thenlaughter-loving Venus, carrying, placed a seat for her oppositeAlexander: there Helen, daughter of the ægis-bearing Jove, sat, avertingher 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, thoudidst formerly boast, that thou wast superior to Mars-beloved Menelaus, in might, in hands, and at the spear. But go now, challenge Mars-belovedMenelaus to fight once more against thee! But I advise thee to refrain, nor unadvisedly wage war and fight against fair-haired Menelaus, lestperchance thou mayest be subdued beneath his spear. "

But her Paris answering addressed in words: "Woman! assail me not insoul with reproachful taunts; for now indeed has Menelaus conquered byMinerva's aid; but I in turn will vanquish him, for gods are with usalso. But come, let us delight in dalliance, reclining together, fornever before did love so fondly enwrap my soul, not even when formerly, having borne thee away from pleasant Lacedæmon, I sailed in thesea-traversing ships, and was united with thee in love and in the couchin the island Cranaë; so now am I enamoured of thee, and sweet desirepossesses me. "

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

Meanwhile the son of Atreus was wandering through the crowd like to asavage beast, if anywhere he could perceive godlike Alexander. But noneof the Trojans or their illustrious allies could then point outAlexander to Mars-beloved Menelaus; for neither through friendship wouldthey have concealed him, if any one did see him; for he was hateful tothem all, like sable death. But amongst them spoke Agamemnon, king ofheroes:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, Greeks, and allies: the victory indeed appears [tobelong to] Mars-beloved Menelaus. Do ye therefore restore Argive Helenand her treasures with her, and pay the fine which is fitting, and whichshall 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 shouldbe returned or not; but Juno extorts a promise from Jove of the finaldestruction of Troy. Minerva then persuades Pandarus to break the truceby aiming an arrow at Menelaus. The wound is, however, cured by Machaon. The Trojans proceed to the battle, while Agamemnon exhorts thechieftains of the Greeks. The fight then commences, Mars and Apolloencouraging the Trojans, Minerva and the other deities the Greeks. _

Now they, the gods, sitting on the golden floor[163] with Jove, wereengaged in consultation, and amidst them venerable Hebe poured out thenectar: but they pledged[164] one another with golden cups, lookingtowards the city of the Trojans. Forthwith the son of Saturn attemptedto irritate Juno, speaking with a covert allusion, with reproachfulwords:[165]

"Two goddesses, indeed, are auxiliaries to Menelaus, Argive[166] Junoand 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 fatefrom him. Even now has she saved him, thinking that he was about to die. But the victory, indeed, belongs to Mars-beloved Menelaus: let ustherefore consult how these things shall be, whether we shall againexcite the destructive war, and dreadful battle-din, or promotefriendship between both parties. And if, moreover, this shallperchance[169] be grateful and pleasing to all, the city of king Priam, indeed, may be inhabited, but let Menelaus lead back again ArgiveHelen. "

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

 [Footnote 164: Athenæus, i. Ll, εδεξιουντο, προπινοντες εαυτοις, ταις δεξιαις. Cf. Xi. 14. Hesych. δειδεκτο, εδεξιουτο, δια φιλιας ησπαζετο και λογων. ]

 [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 Bœotia. Cf. Pausan. Ix. 33; Steph. Byz. ν. αλαλκομενιον. ]

 [Footnote 168: On the affinity of βλωσκειν and μολεΐν, see Buttm. Lexil. P. 84. ]

 [Footnote 169: Read αυ πως for αυτως, with Aristarchus, Wolf, Spitzner. ]

Thus he spoke: but Minerva and Juno murmured with closed lips, for theywere 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 inher breast, but addressed him:

"Most baleful son of Saturn! what a sentence hast thou uttered! How dostthou wish to render my labour vain, and my sweat fruitless, which I havesweated through with toil? For the steeds are tired to me assembling thehost, evils to Priam and to his sons. Do so: but all we the other godsdo 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 devouralive[170] Priam and the sons of Priam, and the other Trojans, thenperhaps thou mightst satiate thy fury. Do as thou wilt, lest thiscontention be in future a great strife between thee and me. But anotherthing 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 tothee are born, retard not my rage, but suffer me; for I have given theethis of free will, though with unwilling mind. For of those cities ofearthly men, which are situated under the sun and the starry heaven, sacred Ilion was most honoured by me in my heart, and Priam and thepeople of Priam skilled in the ashen spear. For there my altars neverlacked a due banquet and libation, and savour; for this honour were weallotted. "

 [Footnote 170: Literally, "eat raw. " Cf. Xenoph. Anab. Iv. 8, 14. Τουτους ην πως δυνωμεθα, και ωμους δει καταφαγειν. --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 ofthese I neither stand forth, nor do I grudge them to thee: for evenwere I to grudge them, and not suffer thee to destroy them, by grudgingI 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 thencemy race, whence thine; and wily Saturn begat me, very venerable on twoaccounts, both by my parentage, and because I have been called thyspouse. Moreover, thou rulest amongst all the immortals. But truly letus make these concessions to each other: I, on my part, to thee, andthou to me; and the other immortal gods will follow. Do thou withoutdelay bid Minerva go to the dreadful battle-din of the Trojans andGreeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the mostrenowned 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 headdressed Minerva in winged words:

"Go very quickly to the army, among the Trojans and Greeks, and contrivethat 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 hasteningdescended the heights of Olympus; such as the star which the son of wilySaturn sends, a sign either to mariners, or to a wide host of nations, and from it many sparks are emitted. Like unto this Pallas Minervahastened to the earth, and leaped into the midst [of the army]; andastonishment seized the horse-breaking Trojans and the well-greavedGreeks, looking on. And thus would one say, looking at some other nearhim:

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

 [Footnote 172: Duport, Gnom. Hom. P. 20, compares the words of Belisarius in Procop. Vandal. I. Μαχονται μεν ανθρωποι, βραζευει δε ο Θεος οπως ποτε αυτω δοκει, και το του πολεμου δίδωσι κρατος. ]

Thus then did some one of the Greeks and Trojans say; but she like ahero entered the host of the Trojans, the brave warrior Laodocus, son ofAntenor, seeking godlike Pandarus, if anywhere she might find him. Shefound the blameless and valiant son of Lycaon standing, and around himthe brave ranks of shielded warriors, who had followed him from thestreams of Æsepus; and standing near, she thus to him spoke wingedwords:

"Wouldst thou now hearken to me in anything, O warlike son of Lycaon?Thou wouldst venture then to aim a swift arrow at Menelaus. Doubtlessthou wouldst bear away both thanks and glory from all the Trojans, butof all, chiefly from the prince Alexander, from whom, indeed, first ofall, thou wouldst receive splendid gifts, if he should see martialMenelaus, the son of Atreus, subdued by this weapon, ascending the sadpile. But come, aim an arrow at renowned Menelaus; and vow toLycian-born[173] Apollo, the renowned archer, that thou wilt sacrifice asplendid hecatomb of firstling lambs, having returned home to the cityof 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 επειδη του κατα την ορθριον ωραν λυκαυγους εστιν αιτιοι, η οτι λυκαζαντα γεννα, τουτεστι τον ενιαυτον. 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] awild, bounding goat, which he indeed surprising once on a time inambush, as it was coming out of a cavern, struck, aiming at it beneaththe breast; but it fell supine on the rock. Its horns had grown sixteenpalms from its head; and these the horn-polishing artist, having dulyprepared, fitted together, and when he had well smoothed all, added agolden tip. And having bent the bow, he aptly lowered it, havinginclined it against the ground; but his excellent companions held theirshields before him, lest the martial sons of the Greeks should riseagainst him, before warlike Menelaus, the chief of the Greeks, waswounded. Then he drew off the cover of his quiver, and took out anarrow, fresh, winged, a cause of gloomy ills. Forthwith he fitted thebitter arrow to the string, and vowed to Lycian-born Apollo, therenowned archer, that he would sacrifice a splendid hecatomb offirstling lambs, having returned home to the city of sacred Zeleia. Having seized them, he drew together the notch [of the arrow] and theox-hide string; the string, indeed, he brought near to his breast, andthe 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 shaftbounded forth, impatient to wing its flight through the host. 

Nor did the blessed immortal gods forget thee, O Menelaus;[174] butchiefly the spoil-hunting daughter of Jove, who, standing before thee, averted the deadly weapon. She as much repelled it from thy body, as amother repels a fly from her infant, when it shall have laid itself downin sweet sleep. But she herself guided it to that part where the goldenclasps of the girdle bound it, and the double-formed corslet met. [175]The bitter arrow fell on his well-fitted belt, and through thedeftly-wrought belt was it driven, and it stuck in the variegatedcorslet and the brazen-plated belt which he wore, the main defence ofhis body, a guard against weapons, which protect him most; through eventhis did it pass onwards, and the arrow grazed the surface of the hero'sskin, and straightway black gore flowed from the wound. And as when someMæonian[176] or Carian woman tinges ivory with purple colour, to be acheek-trapping for steeds; in her chamber it lies, and many charioteersdesire to bear it, but it lies by as an ornament for the king, both as adecoration to the steed, and a glory to the rider: so, Menelaus, werethy well-proportioned thighs, and legs, and fair feet below, stainedwith 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 ζωμα. "--Arnold. ]

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

Then Agamemnon, the king of men, shuddered, as he beheld the black goreflowing from the wound, and Mars-beloved Menelaus himself shuddered. Butwhen he saw the string[177] and the barbs still outside, his courage wasonce more collected in his breast. But Agamemnon, deeply sighing, andholding Menelaus with his hand, spoke thus amidst them, and all hiscompanions 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 thydeath, exposing thee alone to fight with the Trojans for the Greeks;since the Trojans have thus wounded thee, and trampled on the faithfulleague. But by no means shall the league and the blood of the lambs bein vain, and the pure libations, and the right hands in which weconfided. For even although Olympian Jove has not immediately broughtthem to pass, he will however bring them to pass at last; and at a greatprice have they paid the penalty, [178] to wit, with their own heads, andtheir wives and children. For this I know well in mind and soul. A daywill be, when sacred Ilium shall perish, and Priam, and the people ofashen-speared Priam; and when Saturnian Jove, lofty-throned, dwelling inthe æther, will himself shake his gloomy ægis over all, wrathful onaccount of this treachery. These things, indeed, shall not beunaccomplished; but to me there will be grief on thy account, OMenelaus, if thou shalt die and fulfil the fate of life; then, indeed, branded with shame, shall I return to much longed-for Argos. For quicklythe Greeks will bethink themselves of their fatherland, and we shallleave Argive Helen a boast to Priam and to the Trojans, and the earthwill rot thy bones lying in Troy, near to an unfinished work. And thuswill some one of the haughty Trojans exclaim, leaping upon the tomb ofglorious Menelaus: 'Would that Agamemnon thus wreaked his vengeanceagainst all, as even now he has led hither an army of the Greeks invain, and has now returned home into his dear native land, with emptyships, having left behind him brave Menelaus. ' Thus will some onehereafter 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, norin anywise frighten the people of the Achæans. The sharp arrow has notstuck in a vital part, but before [it reached a vital part], thevariegated belt, and the girdle beneath, and the plate whichbrass-working men forged, warded it off. "

King Agamemnon answering him replied: "Would that it were so, O belovedMenelaus; 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 blamelessphysician Æsculapius, that he may see martial Menelaus, the chief of theGreeks, whom some skilful archer of the Trojans, or of the Lycians, haswounded 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 proceededto go through the forces of the brazen-mailed Greeks, looking around forthe hero Machaon: him he saw standing, and round him the brave ranks ofthe 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, thatthou mayest see martial Menelaus, the son of Atreus, whom some skilfularcher of the Trojans or of the Lycians has wounded with a dart; a gloryindeed to him, but a grief to us. "

Thus he spoke, and incited his soul within his breast. And theyproceeded to go through the host, through the wide army of the Greeks;but when they had now arrived where fair-haired Menelaus had beenwounded (but around him were collected as many as were bravest, in acircle, while the godlike hero stood in the midst), instantly thereuponhe extracted the arrow from the well-fitted belt. But while it was beingextracted, the sharp barbs were broken. Then he loosed the variegatedbelt, and the girdle beneath, and the plated belt which brass-workershad forged. But when he perceived the wound, where the bitter shaft hadfallen, having sucked out the blood, he skilfully sprinkled on itsoothing remedies, [179] which, benevolent Chiron had formerly given tohis 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 theranks of the shielded Trojans advanced; and these again put on theirarms, and were mindful of battle. Then would you not see divineAgamemnon slumbering, nor trembling nor refusing to fight; but hasteningquickly to the glorious fight. He left his steeds, indeed, and hisbrass-variegated chariot; and these his servant Eurymedon, son ofPtolymæus, the son of Piräis, held apart panting. Him he strictlyenjoined to keep them near him, against the time when weariness shouldseize his limbs, commanding over many. But he on foot traversed theranks of the heroes, and whichever of the swift-horsed Greeks he sawhastening, them standing beside, he encouraged with words:

"Argives! remit nought of your fierce ardour, for father Jove will notbe an abettor to falsehoods, but certainly vultures will devour thetender bodies of those very persons, who first offered injury, contraryto the league; and we, after we shall have taken the city, will carryoff in our ships their dear wives, and their infant children. "

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

"Argives, ye arrow-fighters, [180] subjects for disgrace, are ye notashamed? Why stand ye here astounded, like fawns, which, when they arewearied, running through the extensive plain, stand, and have nostrength in their hearts? Thus do ye stand amazed, nor fight. Do yeawait the Trojans until they come near, where your fair-prowed galleysare moored on the shore of the hoary sea, that ye may know whether theson 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 ἰόμωροι (οἱ περὶ τοὺς ἰοὺς μεμορημένοι, 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 theywere armed around warlike Idomeneus. Idomeneus, on his part, [commanded]in the van, like a boar in strength; but Meriones urged on the hindmostphalanxes 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, aswell in war, as in any other work, and at the banquet, when the noblesof the Argives mix in their cups the dark-red honourable[181] wine: forthough the other crested Greeks drink by certain measures, thy cupalways stands full, as [mine] to me, that thou mayest drink when thymind desires it. But hasten into war, such as formerly thou didst boastto be. "

 [Footnote 181: See my note on Od. ]

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

Thus he spoke: and the son of Atreus passed on, joyous at heart, and hecame to the Ajaces, going through the troops of the heroes. But theywere armed, and with them followed a cloud of infantry. As when agoat-herd from a hill-top perceives a cloud traversing the deep, beneaththe north-western blast; and to him, standing at a distance, it appearswhile coming over the ocean, darker than pitch, and brings with it amighty whirlwind;[182] he both shudders on seeing it, and drives hisflock into a cave. Such, with the Ajaces, moved into hostile battle thedense dark phalanxes of Jove-nurtured youths, bristling with shields andspears. 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 itbecomes me not, I in no respect desire to incite; for ye yourselvesmightily instigate the people to fight valiantly. Would that, O fatherJove, Minerva, and Apollo, such courage were in the breasts of all; soonthen would the city of king Priam bend to its fall, taken and destroyedby our hands. "

Thus having said, he left them there and went to the others; there hefound Nestor, the harmonious orator of the Pylians, marshalling hisassociates, and exhorting them to battle, mighty Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, and prince Hæmon, and Bias the shepherd of the people. Infront, indeed, he placed the cavalry[183] with their horses andchariots, but the foot, both numerous and brave, in the rear, to be thestay of the battle; but the cowards he drove into the middle, thatevery man, even unwilling, might fight from necessity. At first, indeed, he gave orders to the horsemen; these he commanded to rein in theirhorses, nor to be confused with the crowd. "And let no person, relyingon his skill in horsemanship, and on his strength, desire alone, beforethe 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 reachthat of another, let him stretch out with his spear;[184] for so it ismuch better: for thus the ancients overturned cities and walls, keepingthis 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, andking Agamemnon rejoiced when he saw him; and accosting him, spoke wingedwords:

"O old man, would that thy knees could so follow thee, and thy strengthwere firm as is the courage in thy breast. But old age, common alike toall, wearies thee. Would that some other man had thy age, and that thouwert amongst the more youthful. "

Him then the Gerenian knight Nestor answered: "Son of Atreus, I myselfwould much wish to be so, as when I killed Eruthalion. But the godsnever give all things at the same time to men. If I were a young manthen, now in turn old age invades me. Yet even so, I will be with thehorse, and will exhort them with counsel and words: for this is theoffice of old men. But let the youths, who are younger than I am, andconfide 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, andaround him the Athenians skilled in the war-shout: but crafty Ulyssesstood near; and round him stood the ranks of the Cephallenians notfeeble; for not yet had the troops of these heard the shout, sincelately the roused phalanxes of the horse-subduing Trojans and of theGreeks moved along; but they stood waiting till another division of theGreeks, 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 evilwiles, crafty-minded [Ulysses], why trembling do ye refrain from battle, and wait for others? It became you, indeed, being amongst the first, tostand and meet the ardent battle. For ye are the first invited by me tothe feast when we Greeks prepare a banquet for the chiefs. Then it ispleasant to you to eat the roasted meats, and to quaff cups of sweetwine, as long as ye please. But now would ye in preference bespectators, though ten divisions of the Greeks should fight in yourpresence 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 saythat we are remiss in fighting? Whenever we Greeks stir up fierceconflict against the horse-taming Trojans, thou shalt see, if thoudesirest, and if these things are a care to thee, the beloved father ofTelemachus mingled with the foremost of the horse-taming Trojans. Butthou 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 interms above measure, nor exhort thee. For I am aware that thy mind inthy breast kens friendly counsels: for thou thinkest the same that I do. But come, we shall settle these disputes at a future time, shouldanything evil have now been uttered. But may the gods render all thesethings vain. "

Thus having spoken, he left them there, and went to others; he foundmagnanimous Diomede, son of Tydeus, standing by his horses andbrass-mounted[185] chariot. Near him stood Sthenelus, son of Capaneus. And having seen him too, king Agamemnon reproved him, and accosting himthus, 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 withTydeus thus customary to tremble, but to fight with the enemy far beforehis dear companions. So they have said, who beheld him toiling: for Inever met, nor have I beheld him: but they say that he excelled allothers. For certainly with godlike Polynices he entered Mycenæ withoutwarlike array, a guest, collecting forces: they[187] were then preparingan expedition against the sacred walls of Thebes, and supplicated muchthat they would give renowned auxiliaries. But they [the Mycenæans] werewilling to give them, and approved of it, as they urged; but Jovechanged [their design], showing unpropitious omens. But, after theydeparted, 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. Thenthe knight Tydeus, though being a stranger, feared not, being aloneamongst many Cadmeans: but challenged them to contend [in games], andeasily conquered in all, so mighty a second was Minerva to him. But theCadmeans, goaders of steeds, being enraged, leading fifty youths, laid acrafty ambuscade for him returning: but there were two leaders, Mæon, son of Hæmon, like unto the immortals, and Lycophontes, persevering infight, the son of Autophonus. Tydeus, however, brought cruel death uponthem. He killed them all, but sent one only to return home: for hedismissed Mæon, obeying the portents of the gods. Such was ÆtolianTydeus. But he begat a son, inferior to himself in battle, but superiorin 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 therebuke 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 ourfathers. We too have taken the citadel of seven-gated Thebes, leadingfewer troops under the wall sacred to Mars, confiding in the portents ofthe gods, and in the aid of Jove: but they perished through their owninfatuation. Wherefore, never place my ancestors in the same rank withme. "

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 Greeksto fight. Glory shall attend him, if, indeed, the Greeks shall conquerthe Trojans, and take sacred Ilium; but great grief shall be his, on theother hand, the Greeks being cut off. But come now, and let us bemindful of impetuous valour. "

 [Footnote 189: Τέττα is an affectionate phrase applied to an elder, like _papa_. Compare Alberti on Hesych. V. ἀπφία, t. I. P. 505, and on ἅττα, p. 606; Helladius, Chrestom. P. 9, ed. Meurs. ]

He spoke, and from his chariot leaped with his arms upon the earth, anddreadfully sounded the brass on the breast of the prince, as he movedrapidly 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 incontinuous succession beneath the north-west wind which has set it inmotion; at first indeed it raises itself aloft in the deep, but thendashed against the land, it roars mightily; and being swollen it riseshigh around the projecting points, and spits from it the foam of thesea: thus then the thick phalanxes of the Greeks moved incessantly on tobattle. Each leader commanded his own troops. The rest went in silence(nor would you have said that so numerous an army followed, having thepower 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 sheepof a rich man stand countless in the fold, whilst they are milked oftheir white milk, continually bleating, having heard the voice of theirlambs--thus was the clamour of the Trojans excited through the widearmy. For there was not the same shout of all, nor the same voice, buttheir language was mixed, for the men were called from many climes. These Mars urged on, but those blue-eyed Minerva, [190] and Terror, andRout, and Strife, insatiably raging, the sister and attendant ofhomicide Mars, she raises her head, small indeed at first, butafterwards she has fixed her head in heaven, and stalks along the earth. Then also she, going through the crowd, increasing the groaning of themen, 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 oncejoined their ox-hide shields, and their spears, and the might ofbrazen-mailed warriors; and the bossy shields met one another, and muchbattle-din arose. There at the same time were heard both the groans andshouts of men slaying and being slain; and the earth flowed with blood. As when wintry torrents flowing down from the mountains, mix in a basinthe impetuous water from their great springs in a hollow ravine, and theshepherd in the mountains hears the distant roar--so arose the shoutingand 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-plumedhelmet, and the brazen point fixed itself in his forehead, then piercedthe bone, and darkness veiled his eyes; and he fell, like a tower, infierce conflict. Him fallen, king Elephenor, the offspring of Chalcodon, chief of the magnanimous Abantes, seized by the feet, and was drawinghim beyond the reach of darts in haste, that with all haste he mightdespoil him of his armour: but that attempt was short; for magnanimousAgenor having descried him dragging the body, wounded him with a brazenspear in the side, which, as he stooped, appeared from beneath thecovert of his shield, and he relaxed his limbs [in death]. His soultherefore left him. But over him arose a fierce conflict of Trojans andof Greeks. But they like wolves rushed on each other, and man bore downman. Then Telamonian Ajax smote the blooming youth Simoïsius, son ofAnthemion, whom formerly his mother, descending from Ida, brought forthon the banks of Simois, when, to wit, she followed her parents to viewthe flocks; wherefore they called him Simoïsius. Nor did he repay to hisdear parents the price of his early nurture, for his life was short, hebeing slain with a spear by magnanimous Ajax. For him advancing first, he [Ajax] struck on the breast, near the right pap: and the brazenspear passed out through his shoulder on the opposite side. He fell onthe ground in the dust, like a poplar, winch has sprung up in the moistgrass-land of an extensive marsh, --branches grow smooth, yet upon thevery top, which the chariot-maker lops with the shining steel, that hemight bend [it as] a felloe for a beauteous chariot. Drying, it liesindeed on the banks of the river. So did the high-born Ajax spoilSimoïsius, the descendant of Anthemion. But at him Antiphus, of thevaried corslet, the son of Priam, took aim through the crowd with asharp spear. From whom, indeed, it erred: but he struck Leucus, thefaithful companion of Ulysses, in the groin, as he was drawing the bodyaside; but he fell near it, and the body dropped from his hand. For himslain, Ulysses was much enraged in mind; and he rushed through the van, armed in shining brass; and advancing very near, he stood, and castinghis eyes all around him, hurled with his glittering spear. But theTrojans 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 thebrazen point penetrated through the other temple, and darkness veiledhis eyes. Falling he made a crash, and his arms resounded upon him. Boththe foremost bands and illustrious Hector fell back. The Argives shoutedaloud, 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 theGreeks; since their flesh is not of stone, nor of iron, that when theyare struck, it should withstand the flesh-rending brass; neither doesAchilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, fight, but at the ships henourishes his vexatious spleen. "

Thus spoke the dreadful god from the city. But most glorious TritonianPallas, the daughter of Jove, going through the host, roused the Greekswherever she saw them relaxing. 

Then fate ensnared Diores, son of Amarynceus; for he was struck with ajagged hand-stone, at the ankle, on the right leg; but Pirus, son ofImbrasus, 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 dearcompanions, and breathing forth his soul. But Pirus, he who struck him, ran up, and pierced him in the navel with his spear; and thereupon allhis entrails poured forth upon the ground, and darkness veiled his eyes. 

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

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

 [Footnote 192: Pirus. ]

 [Footnote 193: Observe the distinction between ἄϑλητος and ἀκούτατος. Sec Anthon; Ammonius, p. 29; Valck. Βεϑλῆσθαι μεν ἐστι τὸ ἐκ βολης ετρὼσθαί, καἰ ἐκ τῶν ἐναντίων οὐτᾶσθαι δὲ, τὸ ἐκ χειρὸς τετρῶσθαι. ]

 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 wereaiding the Trojans. 

Then, moreover, Pallas Minerva gave strength and daring to Diomede, theson of Tydeus, that he might become conspicuous amongst all the Argives, and might bear off for himself excellent renown. And she kindled fromhis 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 himinto the midst, where the greatest numbers were in commotion. 

 [Footnote 194: _I. E. _ the dog star, Sirius, whose rising marked the beginning of the ὀπώρα, 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: Ὅς δή τοι καλὸς μὲν ἀρίζηλός τ' ἐσιδέσθαί Ἀντέλλει. ]

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

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

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

But next Idomeneus killed Phæstus, the son of Mæonian Borus, who hadcome from fertile Tarne. Him, just as he was mounting his chariot, [198]spear-famed Idomeneus, with his long lance, wounded in the rightshoulder: 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: τὼ κασιγνήτω, τὸν μὲν προτίσας, τὸν δ' ἀτιμάσας ἔχει. --561: τὼ παῖδε φημὶ τώδε τὴν μὲν ἀρτίως ἄνουν πεϕάνθαι, τὴν δ' ἀϕ' οὗ τὰ πρῶτ' ἔϕυ. ]

 [Footnote 197: see buttm. Lexil. P. 324, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 198: i shall generally adopt this translation of ϊπποι, 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 Dianaherself taught him to shoot all kinds of beasts, which the wood in themountains nurtures. But then at least arrow-rejoicing Diana availed himnot, nor his skill in distant shooting, in which he had been formerlyinstructed. But spear-renowned Menelaus, son of Atreus, wounded him, flying before him, with a spear in the back, between the shoulders, anddrove [the spear] through his breast. Prone he fell, and his armsresounded upon him. 

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

 [Footnote 199: Apoll. Lex. Hom. P. 604, ed. Villois: ὀξυόεντι. Ὸ μὲν Ἀπίων, όξεῖ ἔγχει, ὀξυόεντι δὲ, ὀξυΐνῳ. 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 spuriousson, yet noble Theano brought him up with care, equally with her owndear children, gratifying her husband. Him the spear-famed son ofPhyleus, on his part, coming near, smote on the back of the head withhis sharp spear; the steel cut through his teeth under his tongue. Inthe dust he fell, and caught the cold steel in his teeth. 

But Eurypylus, son of Evæmon, slew noble Hypsenor, son of magnanimousDolopion, who was priest of Scamander, and was honoured as a god by thepeople; him, as he was flying before him, Eurypylus, then, theillustrious son of Evæmon, struck in the shoulder in his flight, rushingon with his sword, and cut off his heavy hand: then the gory hand fellin 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 nothave known the son of Tydeus, to which side he belonged, whether he wasmixed with the Trojans or with the Greeks. For he rushed through theplain, like unto a river swollen by mountain-streams, which flowingrapidly throws down bridges: and this, neither the fortified dams canrestrain, nor the fences of the richly-blooming fields check, as itcomes suddenly, when the rain-storm of Jove bears down heavily: manyhopeful works of vigorous youths are wont to fall by it. Thus by the sonof 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 himrushing through the field, discomfiting the phalanxes before him, hedrew his crooked bow, and smote him rushing on, striking him upon theright shoulder [on] the cavity of the corslet: the bitter shaft flew onand broke through to the other side; and the corslet was stained withblood. Whereupon the illustrious son of Lycaon exclaimed aloud:

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

Thus he spoke, vaunting; but him [Diomede] the swift arrow did notsubdue: 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 mayestdraw 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 hisshoulder, and the blood spurted out through the twisted mail. ThenDiomede, brave in battle, prayed:

"Hear me, O daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, unwearied, if ever favouringthou stoodest by me and my sire in the hostile fight, now in turnbefriend me, O Minerva. And grant me to slay this man, and that he mayapproach 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 ofthe sun. "

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

"With confidence, now, O Diomede, fight against the Trojans; for intothy soul have I sent that intrepid ancestral might, such as theshield-brandishing knight Tydeus was wont to possess: and moreover Ihave taken away the darkness from thine eyes, which before was uponthem, that thou mayest discern a god and also a man. Wherefore now, ifany divinity come hither, making trial of thee, do thou by no meansfight 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 sonof Tydeus, returning again, was mixed with the van; and ardent as hebefore was in spirit to fight against the Trojans, then, indeed, thriceas much courage possessed him. Like as a lion, whom the shepherd in thecountry, by his fleecy sheep, has grazed indeed, while overleaping thecourt-yard, but has not killed; he [the shepherd] has merely roused hisardour; but afterwards he ventures no farther aid, but on the contraryretires within the fold, while the sheep, deserted, fly inconsternation. These, indeed, are huddled in masses one upon another, but he [the lion] leaps joyfully from the lofty fold. [201] So was braveDiomede joyfully mixed with the Trojans. 

Then he slew Astynoüs, and Hypenor the shepherd of the people: havingsmote the one above the pap with the brazen lance, but the other hesmote with his huge sword on the collar-bone at the shoulder, andseparated the shoulder from the neck and back. These, indeed, he left, but rushed on Abas and Polyïdus, the sons of Eurydamas, the agedinterpreter of dreams; to whom going to the war, the old man did notinterpret their dreams; but brave Diomede spoiled them when slain. Thenhe went against Xanthus and Thoon, the sons of Phænops, both dearlycherished;[202] but he was worn by sad old age, and did not begetanother son to leave over his possessions. These, then, Diomede slew, and took their life from both, but to their father left grief andmournful cares, since he did not receive them returning alive frombattle; 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. : Χηρωσταὶ, οὶ τὸν χῆρον οῖκον διανεμόμενοι κληρονόμοι. Apoll. Lex. P. 854: Οὶ μακρόθεν προσήκοντες κατὰ γένος, καὶ χῆρα ὄντα τῶν σύνεγγυς τὰ χρήματα κληρονομοῦντες. ]

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

But him Æneas beheld devastating the ranks of men, and he hastened to goboth through the battle and the din o spears, seeking godlike Pandarus, if anywhere he might find him. He found the blameless and valiant son ofLycaon, 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 personin Lycia boast to be braver than thou? But come, having raised thy handsto Jove, aim an arrow against this man, (whoever he be, who is thusprevailing, and who has already wrought many ills against the Trojans, since he has relaxed the knees of many and of brave), unless he be somegod, wrathful against the Trojans, angry on account of sacrifices [notoffered]: and unless the severe wrath of a deity be upon us. "

Him the illustrious son of Lycaon answered in turn: "Æneas, counsellorof the brazen-mailed Trojans, I assimilate him in all respects to thewarlike 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 agod. But if this man, whom I speak of, be the warlike son of Tydeus, hedoes not perform these frantic deeds without divine aid, but some one ofthe immortals stands near, wrapped round as to his shoulders[204] in acloud, who has turned into another course the swift shaft just about tohit him. For but just now I aimed an arrow at him, and struck him on theright shoulder, entirely through the cavity of his corslet; and Ithought I should hurl him down to Plato; yet did I not altogether subduehim; some god, of a truth, is wrathful. And steeds and chariots are notpresent, which I might ascend: but somewhere in the palaces of Lycaon[are] eleven chariots, beautiful, newly-built, lately made: coveringsare spread around them: and beside each of them stand steeds yoked inpairs, eating white barley and wheat. Of a truth the aged warrior Lycaongave me, on setting out, very many commands in his well-built palaces:he ordered me, having ascended my steeds and my chariot, to command theTrojans in the fierce conflicts; but I heeded him not (and truly itwould have been much better), sparing my steeds, lest they, accustomedto feed largely, should want food, to my cost[205], the men being shutup [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 theson of Atreus; and having struck, I drew blood manifestly from both; butI roused them the more. Therefore, with evil fate I took down my curvedbow 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 withthese eyes behold my country, and my wife, and my lofty-roofed greatpalace, immediately may some hostile man cut off my head, if I do notput this bow into the shining fire, having broken it with my hands; forit attends on me to no purpose. "

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

 [Footnote 205: Observe the force of μοι. ]

Him then Æneas, the leader of the Trojans, addressed in turn: "Speak notso: but it will not be otherwise, before that we twain, with horses andchariot, 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 ofTros, skilful in the plain to pursue rapidly here and there, and toretreat; they also shall bring us safe again to the city, if Jove will asecond time afford glory to Diomede, the son of Tydeus. But come, takethe whip now, and the shining reins, and I will descend from thechariot, that I may fight; or do thou await this man, and the steedsshall be my care. "

Him then the illustrious son of Lycaon answered in turn: "Æneas, do thouthyself hold the reins and thy own steeds: the better will they bearalong the curved chariot under their accustomed charioteer, if we shallfly back from the son of Tydeus; lest they, taking fright, should becomerestive, and be unwilling to bear us away from the war, missing thyvoice, and the son of magnanimous Tydeus, rushing on us, should slayourselves, and drive away thy solid-hoofed steeds. But do thou thyselfdrive the chariot and thy own steeds, but with my sharp spear will Ireceive him advancing. "

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

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

But him sternly regarding, brave Diomede thus addressed: "Talk not to meof retreat, [207] since I think thou wilt not persuade me. It becomes notmy nature to fight in a skulking manner, nor to tremble; as yet mystrength is unimpaired. I am averse to mount the chariot, but even as Iam will I advance to meet them: spear-brandishing Minerva does notsuffer me to tremble. Never shall the swift horses bear these twain bothback again from us, supposing even one of them shall escape. But anotherthing I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy soul, if most prudentMinerva should grant me the glory to kill both, then do thou detain herethese swift steeds, stretching forth the reins from the rim, and, mindful, rush upon the horses of Æneas, and drive them from the Trojansto the well-greaved Greeks. For they are of that breed which far-seeingJove gave as a price to Tros for his son Ganymede; wherefore they arethe best of steeds, as many as are under the east and the sun. From thisbreed Anchises, king of men, stole them, having supplied mares withoutthe knowledge of Laomedon: of the breed of these six were foaled in hiscourts. Reserving four himself, he nourished them at the manger, andtwo, 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 τὸν μὲν, τὸν, δὲ, 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 soondrew near, urging onward their swift steeds. The illustrious son ofLycaon first accosted Diomede:

"Stout-hearted, warlike-minded, son of illustrious Tydeus, certainly myswift shaft, my bitter arrow has not slain thee. Now again will I trywith 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 straightthrough, approached the corslet. Then the son of Lycaon shouted loudlyover him:

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

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

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

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

Thus having spoken, he hurled forth [his lance], and Minerva directedthe weapon to his nose, near the eye; and it passed quite through hiswhite 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 hefell, and his variegated, shining [210] arms resounded upon him; but hisswift-footed steeds started aside through fright, and there were hissoul and strength dissolved. Æneas then bounded down with his shield andlong spear, fearing lest the Greeks by any means should take the bodyaway from him. He walked round it, therefore, like a lion, confiding inhis strength: and before him he stretched out his lance, and his shieldequal on all sides, shouting dreadfully, eager to slay him, whoevermight come against him. But the son of Tydeus seized in his grasp ahand-stone, a huge affair, such as no two men could carry, such at leastas mortals are now; but he even alone easily wielded it. With it hestruck Æneas on the hip, where the thigh is turned in the hip;--theycall it the socket;--the socket he smote violently, and broke besidesboth tendons, and the rugged stone tore off the skin. But the herohaving fallen on his knees, remained so, and supported himself with hisstrong 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, unlessVenus, the daughter of Jove, had quickly perceived him, his mother, whobrought him forth to Anchises as he fed his oxen;[211] but around herown dear son she spread her white arms, and before him she extended thefolds of her shining robe, as a fence against arrows, lest any of theswift-horsed Greeks having cast the steel into his breast, should takeaway his life. She, indeed, stealthily bore off her beloved son from thebattle. Nor was the son of Capaneus forgetful of those commands whichwarlike Diomede gave him: but he detained his own solid-hoofed steedsapart from the tumult, having stretched forth the reins from the rim;and rushing forward, drove from the Trojans to the well-greaved Greeksthe beautiful-maned steeds of Æneas, and gave them to Deipylus, hisbeloved companion (whom he honoured above all his coevals, because hepossessed in his mind sentiments congenial with himself), to drive themto the hollow ships: but the hero himself, having ascended his chariot, took the splendid reins; and instantly drove his solid-hoofed steedsafter the son of Tydeus with ardour; but Diomede pursued Venus with thecruel steel, [212] knowing that she was an unwarlike goddess, nor [one]of those goddesses who administer the war of men, neither Minerva, norcity-destroying Bellona. But when he had now overtaken her, havingpursued her through a great crowd, then the son of magnanimous Tydeus, having stretched forward, wounded the feeble [goddess] in the extremityof the hand, bounding on with the sharp brass. Instantly the spearpierced through the skin, through her ambrosial robe (which the Gracesthemselves had wrought), at the extremity [of the hand] above the palm. Immortal blood flowed from the goddess, ichor, such, to wit, as flowsfrom the blessed gods. For they eat not bread, nor drink dark wine;therefore are they bloodless, and are called immortal. But she screamingaloud, cast her son from her: and him Phoebus Apollo rescued in hishands in a sable cloud, lest any of the swift-horsed Greeks, casting thesteel into his breast, should take away his life. But warlike Diomedeshouted loudly after her:

 [Footnote 211: Cf. Theocrit. I. 105: Ού λέγεται τὰν Κύπριν ὸ βουκόλος, ἕρπε ποτ' Ἰδὰν, Ἔρπε ποτ' Ἀγχίσαν. 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 sufficientthat thou dost practise deception upon feeble women? But if thou wilt goto the war, I certainly think thou wilt hereafter dread battle, eventhough thou but hearest of it elsewhere. "

Thus he spoke: but she departed, distracted [with pain], for she wasgrievously exhausted. But swift-footed Iris having taken her, led heroutside the crowd, oppressed with griefs; but she began to turn livid asto her beauteous skin. Then she found impetuous Mars sitting at the leftof the battle; and his spear and swift horses had been enveloped indarkness. But she, falling on her knees, with many entreaties besoughtfrom her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds:

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

Thus she spoke: but Mars gave her the golden-frontleted steeds. But shemounted 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 theyflew not unwillingly. And immediately then they reached the seat of thegods, the lofty Olympus. There nimble, swift-footed Iris stayed thesteeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and set before themambrosial fodder. But the goddess Venus fell at the knees of her motherDione; and she embraced her daughter in her arms, and soothed her withher hand, and addressed her, and said:

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

But her laughter-loving Venus answered: "The son of Tydeus, haughtyDiomede, has wounded me, because I was withdrawing from battle mybeloved son Æneas, who is by far most dear to me of all. For it is nolonger the destructive contest of Trojans and of Greeks; but now theGreeks 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 Olympianhabitations, have in times past endured pains at the hand of men, [213]imposing heavy griefs on one another. Mars, in the first place, enduredit, when Otus and valiant Ephialtes, the sons of Aloëus, bound him in astrong chain. He was chained in a brazen prison for thirteen months: andperhaps Mars, insatiate of war, had perished there, had not hisstepmother, all-fair Eëribæa, told it to Mercury; but he stole Marsaway, already exhausted, for the cruel chain subdued him. Juno alsosuffered, when the brave son of Amphitryon smote her in the rightbreast with a three-pronged shaft. Then most irremediable pain seizedher. Amongst these Pluto also endured a swift shaft, when the same hero, the son of ægis-bearing Jove, afflicted him with pains at Pylos amongstthe dead, having wounded him. But he went to the palace of Jove, and thelofty Olympus, grieving in his heart, and transfixed with pains; for theshaft had pierced into his huge shoulder, and tortured his soul. ButPæon healed him, sprinkling pain-assuaging remedies, for he was not atall mortal. Audacious, regardless one! who felt no compunction in doinglawless deeds, --who with his bow violated the gods that dwell inOlympus. But against thee azure-eyed goddess Minerva has excited thisman. Infatuate! nor does the son of Tydeus know this in his mind, thathe is by no means long-lived who fights with the immortals, nor ever athis knees will sons lisp a father's name, as he returns from war anddreadful battle. Therefore, let the son of Tydeus now, though he be verybrave, have a care, lest a better than thou fight with him: lest at afuture time Ægialëa, the very prudent daughter of Adrastus, the noblespouse of horse-taming Diomede, grieving, should rouse her servants fromsleep, 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: thehand was healed, and the severe pains mitigated. But then Minerva andJuno looking on, provoked Saturnian Jove with heart-cutting words; butamidst them azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus began speaking:

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

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

"Not to thee, daughter mine, are intrusted warlike works; but do thouconfine thyself to the desirable offices of marriage, and all thesethings 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 Apollohimself held over him his hands. But he revered not the mighty god, forhe always longed to slay Æneas, and despoil him of his glorious armour. Thrice then, immediately, he rushed on, eager to slay him, and thriceApollo repelled his shield with violence; but when at length the fourthtime he rushed on, like a god, the far-darting Apollo menacing terribly, addressed him: "Consider, O son of Tydeus, and retire, nor wish to thinkthings equal with the gods; for the race of the immortal gods and of menwalking on the earth is in nowise similar. "

Thus he spoke: but the son of Tydeus retired a little, biding the wrathof far-darting Apollo. But Apollo placed Æneas apart from the crowd, insacred Pergamus, where his temple was. [214] Latona and shaft-rejoicingDiana healed him in the mighty shrine, and adorned him with glory. Butsilver-bowed Apollo formed a phantom like unto Æneas himself and such inarms. Around the phantom the Trojans and the noble Greeks smote on eachothers' breasts the well-battered ox-hide shields, and the lightbucklers. Then at length Phœbus 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. "--Μüller, Dorians, vol. I. P. 248. ]

"Mars! Mars! man-slaughterer, gore-tainted, wall-batterer! wouldst notthou now, meeting this man, the son of Venus, withdraw him from thebattle, who would even now cope with father Jove? First, indeed, inclose combat, he wounded Venus in the hand, at the wrist; but then heassailed me, like unto a god. "

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

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

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

Hector, where now has that strength gone, which thou didst formerlypossess? Thou saidst, I ween, that thou, with thy kindred and thybrothers, couldst defend the city without the forces and allies. Now Ican neither see nor perceive any of these; but they crouch down, likedogs but a lion: we, on the contrary, who are here mere allies, bear thebrunt of the fight. Even I, being thine ally, have come from a verygreat distance; for far off is Lycia, at lying Xanthus, where I left mybeloved wife and my infant son, and many possessions, which he who ispoor covets: but I, nevertheless, exhort the Lycians, and ready myselfto fight with that hero; and yet there is here to me such store as theGreeks can carry or let. But thou standest still, and dost not exhorteven 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 preyand a spoil to hostile for quickly will they destroy thy well-inhabitedcity. As it behoves thee, both night and day, to interest thyself inthese matters, beseeching the chiefs of thy far-summoned force topersevere with ardour, and forego their violent strife. 

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

And as the wind scatters the chaff about the threshing-floors, when menare winnowing [it], and yellow Ceres is separating both the grain andthe chaff, the winds rush along; and the chaff-heaps[215] grow whitebeneath; thus then the Greeks became white with the chaff from above, which indeed through them, as they again mingled in the combat, the feetof the steeds struck up [the ground] to the brazen heaven; for thecharioteers turning back. But they directed the strength of theirsstraight forward; and fierce Mars spread a vapour over the battle, aiding the Trojans, going about everywhere, echoing the commands ofgolden-sworded Phœbus Apollo and ordered him to excite the courage ofthe Trojans, whenever he should see Pallas Minerva departing; for shewas an ally of the Greeks. But he sent forth Æneas from his very richshrine and infused strength into the breast of the shepherd of thepeople. 

 [Footnote 215: But cf. Schol. οἱ τόποι εἰς οὓς τὰ ἄχυρα ἐκπίπτει. ]

Then Æneas placed himself amidst his companions and they rejoiced whenthey saw him approaching alive, unhurt and having excellent strength. They did not ever, ask any questions; for a different labour did notpale which the silver-bowed god and man-slaughtering war and Strifeinsatiably raging, had excited. But then Greeks, the two Ajaces, andUlysses and Diomede, urged on to fight. But they, even by themselves, feared neither the violent attacks[216] of the Trojans, nor theirshouts: but remained firm, like unto clouds, which the son of Saturn, during a calm, has placed upon the lofty mountains, at rest, when themight of Boreas sleeps, [217] and of the other impetuous winds, which, blowing with shrill blasts, disperse the shadowy clouds. Thus the Greeksawaited the Trojans, standing firm, nor fled. But the son of Atreus kepthurrying 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 menwho dread shame are safe, than are slain; but from fugitives neitherdoes any glory arise, nor any assistance. "

He spoke, and darted with his spear quickly, and struck Dëicoon, son ofPergasis, a warrior chief, the companion of magnanimous Æneas, whom theTrojans honoured equally with the sons of Priam; since he was prompt tofight amidst the van. Him then king Agamemnon struck in the shield withhis spear, but it [the shield] did not repel the spear, for even throughthis it passed onwards, and pierced him through the belt, at the lowerpart of the stomach. And he made a crash as he fell, and his armsrattled over him. 

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

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

 [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, amidthe thickets of a deep wood, on a mountain's heights; they in process oftime seizing oxen and fat sheep, lay waste the stalls of men, till atlength they are themselves killed by the hands of men with the sharpbrass; such these two, subdued by the hands of Æneas, fell like loftyfirs. Then Menelaus, brave in the din of war, pitied them fallen, andwent through the van, equipped in shining brass, brandishing his spear;for Mars kindled his strength, with the design that he should be subduedby the hands of Æneas. 

But him Antilochus, son of magnanimous Nestor, beheld, and proceededthrough the van, for he feared much for the shepherd of the people, lesthe should suffer anything, and greatly disappoint them of [the fruitsof] their labour. And now they were stretching forth their hands andsharp spears against each other, eager to fight; but Antilochus stoodvery near the shepherd[221] of the people. But Æneas, though a briskwarrior, remained not, when he beheld the two heroes standing near eachother. When, therefore, they had drawn the dead bodies[222] to thepeople of the Greeks, they gave the miserable pair into the hands oftheir companions; and they themselves, returning back, fought in thevan. 

 [Footnote 220: The order is, τώγε, οἴω λέοντε δύω. 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 magnanimousshielded Paphlagonians. Him indeed the son of Atreus, spear-renownedMenelaus, wounded with a spear as he stood, having smote him on thecollar-bone. But Antilochus on his part smote the charioteer Mydon, hisbrave attendant, the son of Atymnias (now he was in the act of turninghis solid-hoofed steeds), having struck him with a hand-stone on theelbow; immediately the reins, white with ivory, fell from his hands onthe ground in the dust. But Antilochus, rushing on, smote him with hissword 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 himto the ground in the dust: but Antilochus lashed them on, and drove themto 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 withher tumultuous Din, but Mars, on the other, brandished a huge spear inhis hands. At one time, indeed, he paced before Hector, at another afterhim. 

But him Diomede, brave in fight, seeing, trembled. As when a man, uncertain of his course, passing over a great plain, has stopped at aswift-flowing river, running into the sea, beholding it boiling withfoam, 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 aspearman and a daring warrior! But with him one at least of the gods isever present, who wards off death; even now Mars in person stands by himlike unto a mortal man. But retreat back, [with your faces] turnedalways to the Trojans, nor desire to fight valiantly against the gods. "

Thus then he said: but the Trojans advanced very near them. There Hectorslew two heroes skilled in battle, Menesthes and Anchialus, being in onechariot. But mighty Telamonian Ajax pitied them falling; and advancinghe stood very near them, and launched with his shining spear, and smoteAmphius, 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 wasfixed in the pit of his stomach. Falling, he made a crash, andillustrious Ajax ran up to him, about to spoil [him of] his armour; butthe Trojans poured upon him sharp spears, shining all around, and hisshield received many. But he, pressing on him with his heel, drew fromthe body his brazen spear; however, he was not able to take off from hisshoulders any other beautiful armour, for he was pressed upon withweapons. 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. : ἀγέρωχος, σεμνὸς, ὑπερόπτης, ϑρασύς. 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. Butviolent fate urged on Tlepolemus, the brave and great son of Hercules, against godlike Sarpedon. But when they, the son and grandson ofcloud-collecting Jove, were now rushing against one another, Tlepolemusfirst addressed him [Sarpedon]:

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

But him Sarpedon, leader of the Lycians, in return accosted:"Tlepolemus, he indeed overturned sacred Ilium, through the folly of thehero, famous Laomedon, who reproved with harsh language him who haddeserved well, nor did he give back the steeds, on account of which hecame from afar. But I tell thee that here slaughter and gloomy deathwill befall thee at my hands; and that, subdued by my spear, thou wiltgive 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 fromtheir hands, at the same moment, flew the long spears. Sarpedon, on hispart, struck the centre of [his adversary's] neck, and the grievousweapon passed right through; and gloomy night overspread his eyes. ButTlepolemus in the meantime had struck Sarpedon in the left thigh withhis 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 longspear, trailed along with him, pained him; but this no one of themhastening noticed, nor thought of extracting from his thigh the ashenspear, that he might ascend the chariot; for such anxiety did hisattendants entertain for him. But on the other side the well-greavedGreeks carried Tlepolemus from the fight; and divine Ulysses, possessingan enduring heart, perceived them, and his soul was stirred within him. And then he anxiously pondered in his mind and soul, whether he shouldpursue farther the son of loud-thundering Jove, or should take away thelives of many more Lycians. But it was not fated for magnanimous Ulyssesto slay the brave son of Jove with the sharp spear. Therefore Minervaturned his thoughts towards the multitude of the Lycians. Then he slewCœranus, and Alastor, and Chromius, and Alcander, and Halius, andNoëmon, and Prytanis. And yet more Lycians would noble Ulysses haveslain, had not mighty crest-tossing Hector quickly perceived him. Hetherefore went through the van, armed in shining brass, bearing terrorto the Greeks: then Sarpedon, the son of Jove, rejoiced at himapproaching, 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 wasnot destined to gladden my dear wife and infant son, returning home tomy 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 flewpast him, in order that he might repel the Greeks with all haste, andtake away the lives of many. His noble companions meantime placedgodlike Sarpedon under a very beautiful beech of ægis-bearing Jove. Stout Pelagon then, who was his beloved companion, forced out the ashenspear from his thigh. Thereupon animation left him, and darkness waspoured over his eyes; but he again revived, for the breeze of Boreas, breathing upon him around, refreshed in spirit him panting withdifficulty. 

But the Greeks, on account of Mars and brazen-helmed Hector, neitherwere driven at any time back to their sable ships, nor did they advanceforward to battle; but always kept giving ground, since they had heardthat Mars was with the Trojans. 

Then whom first, whom last did Hector, the son of Priam, and brazen Marsslay? The godlike Teuthras, and moreover the knight Orestes, the Ætolianspearman Trechus, and Œnomaus, and Helenus of the race of Œnops, andOresbius of flexible[226] belt, who dwelt in Hyla, near the lakeCephissus, very intent on wealth: and near him dwelt other Bœotians, 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 Greeksperishing in the violent engagement, straightway to Minerva sheaddressed winged words:

"Strange! O daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, unwearied one, certainly wehave made a vain promise to Menelaus, that he should return after havingdestroyed 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, quicklymoving, harnessed her gold-caparisoned steeds; but Hebe speedily appliedto 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, wonderfulto be seen; but the circular naves on both sides are of silver; and thebody[227] was stretched on with gold and silver thongs (there was adouble circular rim); from this projected a silver pole; at itsextremity she bound the golden, beauteous yoke, and to it attached thebeautiful golden poitrels. But Juno, longing for conquest and battle, led the swift-footed steeds under the yoke. 

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

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

"O father Jove, art thou not indignant at Mars for these bolddeeds, --how numerous and how choice a multitude of Greeks he hasdestroyed rashly, nor as became him: a grief indeed to me; but Venus andsilver-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 Idrive Mars from the battle, having dreadfully wounded him?"

 [Footnote 228: Compare Προίωξις and Παλίωξις, 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 tocause him to approach grievous woes. "

Thus he spoke: nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but shelashed on her steeds. They flew, not unwillingly, midway between theearth and the starry heaven. Now, as much haze[230] as a man sees withhis eyes, sitting upon some lofty point, and looking over the darklingocean, so far do the high-sounding steeds of the gods clear at onebound. But when they now reached Troy, and the two flowing rivers, whereSimois and Scamander unite their streams, there the white-armed goddessJuno stayed her steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and shed adense mist around them. But to them Simois afforded ambrosial food tofeed on. 

But they went on, like unto timid doves in their pace, hastening toassist the Grecian heroes. But when they had now arrived where the mostnumerous[231] and the bravest stood collected in dense array roundhorse-breaking Diomede, like raw-devouring lions or wild boars, whosestrength is not feeble, there standing, the white-armed goddess Junoshouted aloud, having likened herself to great-hearted, brazen-voicedStentor, 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 hollowships, far away from the city. "

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

"Little like himself has Tydeus begotten a son. Tydeus was certainlysmall 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, anambassador to Thebes to the numerous Cadmeans, I commanded him to feastquietly in the palaces; but he, retaining his doughty spirit, as before, challenged the youths, the Cadmeans, and easily conquered them ineverything; so great an auxiliary was I to him. But thee, indeed, Istand by and preserve, and I exhort thee freely to fight against theTrojans. But either weariness, from great toil, has entered thy limbs, or at least disheartening fear in some manner possesses thee. Thou artnot henceforth to be deemed at least the son of Tydeus, the gallant sonof Æneus. "

But her valiant Diomede answering addressed: "I know thee, O goddess, daughter of ægis-bearing Jove; therefore will I willingly tell this wordto thee, nor will I conceal it. Neither does any disheartening fearpossess 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 theother happy gods; but if Venus, the daughter of Jove, should come intothe battle, to wound her at least with the sharp steel. Wherefore now Imyself retire, and have ordered all the other Greeks to be collectedhere: for I perceive Mars dispensing the battle. "

But him the azure-eyed goddess Minerva then answered: "Diomede, son ofTydeus, most dear to my soul, neither fear this Mars at all, nor anyother of the immortals; such an auxiliary am I to thee. But come, firstdirect thy solid-hoofed steeds against Mars, strike him in close combat, nor regard impetuous Mars, this frenzied and unnatural pest, shifterfrom one to another; who lately haranguing promised me and Juno, that hewould fight against the Trojans, and aid the Greeks; but now he mixeswith 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 thegoddess herself, infuriate, ascended the chariot beside noble Diomede, and greatly did the beechen axle groan under the weight; for it bore adreadful goddess and a very brave hero. Then Pallas Minerva seized thescourge and the reins. Straightway she drove the solid-hoofed steedsagainst Mars first. He, indeed, had just slain huge Periphas, theillustrious son of Ochesius, by far the bravest of the Ætolians. Himindeed gore-stained Mars slew; but Minerva put on the helmet of Plutothat impetuous Mars might not see her. 

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

And as when from the clouds, a gloomy haze appears, a heavy-blowing windarising from heat; such did brazen Mars appear to Diomede, son ofTydeus, going amid the clouds into the broad heaven. Quickly he reachedlofty Olympus, the seat of the gods, and sat near Saturnian Jove, grieving in his heart, and showed the immortal blood flowing down fromthe 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 themachinations of each other, and [whilst] conferring favour upon men. Weall are indignant with thee;[232] for thou hast begotten a mad, pernicious daughter, to whom evil works are ever a care. For all theother gods, as many as are in Olympus, obey thee, and unto thee each ofus is subject. But her thou restrainest not by words, nor by any act, but dost indulge her, since thou thyself didst beget this destructivedaughter. Who now has urged on Diomede, the overbearing son of Tydeus, to rage against the immortal gods. Venus he first wounded, in closefight, in the hand at the wrist; and, equal to a god, he afterwardsrushed on myself; but my swift feet withdrew me; [otherwise] I shouldcertainly for a long time have endured woes there amidst the dreadfulheaps of slain, or living should have been exhausted by the strokes ofthe brass. "

 [Footnote 232: Or, "through thee we are all at variance, " taking σοί as put for διά σέ with Lesbonax, πεοί σχημ. P. 186; Hesychius, t. Ii. P. 1234, and the Scholiast. ]

Him sternly regarding, cloud-compelling Jove addressed: "Complain not tome, inconstant one, sitting by me: for thou art most hateful to me, ofall the gods that possess Olympus: for to thee discord is ever grateful, and wars and battles: thou hast thy mother Juno's insufferable andunbending disposition, which I myself can scarcely repress with words. Wherefore I think thou sufferest these things by her instigation. Yet nolonger can I endure thy suffering pain, for thou art my offspring, andto me thy mother brought thee forth. But hadst thou, destructive as thouart, been born of any other of the gods, even long since hadst thou beenfar 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 anymeans 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 impetuousMars. 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 tothe palace of mighty Jove, after having stayed man-slaying Mars from hisdeeds of slaughter. 

 [Footnote 233: Used as rennet. ]

 BOOK THE SIXTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

The gods having left the field, victory now inclines to the side of theGreeks, and Helenus counsels Hector to order a public supplication toMinerva in the citadel. While Hector is gone to the city for thatpurpose, Diomedes and Glaucus recognize the friendship which hadformerly existed between their fathers, and exchange armour in token ofamity. Hecuba and the Trojan matrons present a robe to Minerva, andoffer up prayers for their country. Hector reproves Paris, and bringshim back to the field, having first taken an affecting farewell of hiswife 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, [thecombatants] 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 thephalanx of the Trojans, and gave light[234] to his companions, smitingthe good and mighty hero Acamas, son of Eyssorus, who was the bravestamongst the Thracians. First he struck him on the ridge of thehorse-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. Έπεὶ σύ μοι ὶερoν ᾗμαρ, καὶ ϕάος ὴελίοιο πέλες. ]

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 bymen, for dwelling in a house near the public way, he was wont to affordentertainment to all. But none of them [his guests] coming up beforehim, warded off sad death; but [Diomede] deprived both of life, himselfand 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 againstÆsepus and Pedasus, whom formerly the Naiad nymph Abarbarea broughtforth to blameless Bucolion. Bucolion was the son of illustriousLaomedon, eldest by birth, but him his mother brought forth secretly. While [Bucolion] was a shepherd, he was mingled in love and nuptialswith her amongst the sheep; but she becoming pregnant, brought forthtwin sons. And truly the son of Mecisteus[235] relaxed their strengthand their illustrious limbs, and tore the armour from their shoulders. And next warlike Polypœtes slew Astyalus. Ulysses killed PercosianPidytes with his brazen spear; and Agamemnon, king of men, slew Elatus. He dwelt at lofty Pedasus, on the banks of fair-flowing Satniois. Thehero Leïtus slew Phylacus flying; and Eurypylus killed and spoiledMelanthius. 

 [Footnote 235: Euryalus. ]

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

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

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

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

 [Footnote 236: Supply οϊκῳ or δόμω. ]

 [Footnote 237: Ironically spoken. ]

Thus having said, the hero changed his brother's mind, having advisedright things: but he, with his hand, thrust back the hero Adrastus fromhim; 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 theashen spear. 

Then Nestor exhorted the Greeks, exclaiming aloud: "O friends, Grecianheroes, servants of Mars, let no one now, desirous of spoil, lingerbehind, that he may return bringing abundance to the ships; but let usslay the men, and afterwards at your leisure, shall ye spoil the deadbodies through the plain. "

Thus having said, he aroused the might and courage of each. And thentruly had the Trojans retreated into Ilium, under the influence of theMars-beloved Greeks, conquered through their own cowardice, had notHelenus, son of Priam, by far the best of augurs, standing near, spokenthese words to Æneas and to Hector:

"Æneas and Hector, since upon you chiefly of the Trojans and Lydians thelabour devolves, because ye are the bravest for every purpose, both tofight and to take counsel, stand here, and stay the forces before thegates, running in all directions, before that, on the contrary, flyingthey fall into the arms of their wives, and become a triumph to theenemies. But after ye have exhorted all the phalanxes, we remaining herewill fight against the Greeks, though much pressed, for necessity urgesus. But Hector, do thou go to the city, and then speak to thy motherand mine; and let her, collecting together the matrons ofdistinction[238] into the temple of azure-eyed Minerva, on the loftycitadel, [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 seemsto her the most beautiful, and the largest in her palace, and which ismuch the most dear to her. And let her promise to sacrifice to thatgoddess in her temple twelve yearling heifers, as yet ungoaded, if shewill take compassion on the city and on the wives and infant children ofthe Trojans: if indeed she will avert from sacred Ilium the son ofTydeus, that ferocious warrior, the dire contriver of flight: whom Ideclare to be the bravest of the Greeks; nor have we ever to such adegree dreaded Achilles, chiefest of men, whom they say is from agoddess: but this man rages excessively, nor can any equal him inmight. "

 [Footnote 238: Hesych. Γεραιάς ἐντίμους γυναὶκας, τὰς γέρας τι ἐχούσας. ]

Thus he said, but Hector was by no means disobedient to his brother; andinstantly from his chariot he leaped to the ground with his arms, andbrandishing his sharp spears, he went in all directions through thearmy, inciting them to fight: and he stirred up dreadful battle. Butthey rallied round, and stood opposite the Greeks. But the Greeksretreated, and desisted from slaughter; for they thought that some ofthe 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 tothe aged counsellors, and to our wives, to pray to the gods, and to vowthem hecatombs. "

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

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

But Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, and the son of Tydeus met in the midstof both armies, eager to fight. But when now they were near, goingagainst each other, Diomede, brave in the din of war, first addressedhim:

"Who of mortal men art thou, O most brave? For never yet have I beheldthee in the glorious fight: but now indeed thou hast far surpassed allin thy confidence, since thou hast awaited my long-shadowed spear. Certainly they are sons of the hapless who meet my strength. But, if oneof the immortals, thou art come from heaven, I would not fight with thecelestial gods. For valiant Lycurgus, the son of Dryas, did not livelong, who contended with the heavenly gods; he who once pursued thenurses of raving Bacchus through sacred Nyssa; but they all at once casttheir sacred implements[240] on the ground, smitten by man-slayingLycurgus with an ox-goad; but Bacchus, too, terrified, sunk under thewave of the sea, and Thetis received him affrighted in her bosom; fordreadful trembling had seized him, on account of the threat of the man. With him the peaceful-living gods were afterwards enraged, and the sonof Saturn rendered him blind, nor did he live much longer, for he becamean object of aversion to all the immortal gods. Wherefore I should notwish 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 speedilyreach the goal of death. "

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

Him then the renowned son of Hippolochus addressed in turn: "Magnanimousson of Tydeus, why dost thou inquire of my race? As is the race ofleaves, even such is the race of men. [241] Some leaves the wind shedsupon the ground, but the fructifying wood produces others, and thesegrow up in the season of spring. Such is the generation of men; oneproduces, another ceases [to do so]. But if thou wouldst learn eventhese 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 dweltSisyphus, who was the most cunning of mortals, Sisyphus, son of Æolus;and he begat a son, Glaucus. But Glaucus begat blameless Bellerophon; towhom the gods gave beauty and agreeable manliness. But against himPrœtus devised evils in his soul: who accordingly banished him from thestate (since he was far the best of the Greeks; for Jove had subjectedthem to his sceptre). With him the wife of Prœtus, noble Antea, [242]passionately longed to be united in secret love; but by no means couldshe persuade just-minded, wise-reflecting Bellerophon. She, therefore, telling a falsehood, thus addressed king Prœtus: 'Mayest thou be dead, OPrœtus! or do thou slay Bellerophon, who desired to be united in lovewith me against my will. ' Thus she said: but rage possessed the king atwhat he heard. He was unwilling, indeed, to slay him, for he scrupledthis in his mind; but he sent him into Lycia, and gave to him fatalcharacters, 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 hemight perish. He therefore went into Lycia, under the blameless escortof the gods; but when now he had arrived at Lycia and at the riverXanthus, the king of wide Lycia honoured him with a willing mind. Ninedays did he entertain him hospitably, and sacrificed nine oxen; but whenthe tenth rosy-fingered morn appeared, then indeed he interrogated him, and desired to see the token, [243] whatever it was, that he brought fromhis son-in-law Prœtus. But after he had received the fatal token of hisson-in-law, first he commanded him to slay the invincible Chimæra; butshe was of divine race, not of men, in front a lion, behind a dragon, inthe middle a goat, [244] breathing forth the dreadful might of gleamingfire. And her indeed he slew, relying on the signs of the gods. Next hefought with the illustrious Solymi: and he said that he entered on thisas the fiercest fight among men. Thirdly, he slew the man-opposingAmazons. But for him returning the king wove another wily plot. Selecting the bravest men from wide Lycia, he placed an ambuscade; butthey never returned home again, for blameless Bellerophon slew them all. But when [Iobates] knew that he was the offspring of a god, he detainedhim there, and gave him his daughter:[245] he also gave him half of allhis regal honour. The Lycians also separated for him an enclosure ofland, excelling all others, pleasant, vine-bearing, and arable, that hemight cultivate it. But this woman brought forth three children towarlike Bellerophon, Isandrus, Hippolochus, and Laodamia. ProvidentJove, indeed, had clandestine intercourse with Laodamia, and she broughtforth 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 sonIsandrus, fighting against the illustrious Solymi. And golden-reinedDiana, being enraged, slew his daughter. But Hippolochus begat me, andfrom him I say that I am born; me he sent to Troy, and gave me very manycommands, always to fight bravely, and to be superior to others; and notto disgrace the race of my fathers, who were by far the bravest inEphyra, 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 Sthenobœa, or Sthenebœa, 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, ἔδωκεν έπιστολὰς αὐτῷ πρὸς Ίοζάτην κομίσειν, 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. Κεῖθι δὲ καὶ πεδίον τὸ Ἀλήϊον, οὗ κατὰ νῶτα Ἀνθρώπων ἀπάνευθεν ἀλώμενος ίνδιάασκε. ]

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

"Certainly thou art my father's ancient guest; for in his halls nobleŒneus once entertained blameless Bellerophon, having detained him fortwenty days; and they bestowed valuable gifts of hospitality on eachother. Œneus on his part gave a belt shining with purple; andBellerophon in turn a golden double cup; and this I left in my hallswhen I was coming hither. But Tydeus I remember not, for he left mewhilst I was yet young, when the people of the Greeks perished atThebes. Wherefore I am a guest friend to thee in the midst of Argos, andthou 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 thereare many Trojans and illustrious allies for me to slay, whomsoever thedeity shall present, and I shall overtake with my feet. And there aremany Greeks in turn for thee to slay, whomsoever thou canst. But let usexchange arms with each other, that even these may know that we professto be friends by our ancestors. "

Thus then having spoken, leaping down from their steeds, they took eachother's hand, and plighted faith. Then Saturnian Jove took away prudencefrom 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, aroundhim ran the Trojan wives and daughters inquiring for their sons, theirbrothers, their friends, and husbands. But he then ordered all in orderto 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 Priamwith their lawful wives; and opposite, on the other side, within thehall, were the twelve roofed chambers of his daughters, of polishedmarble, built near to one another, where the sons-in-law of Priam sleptwith their chaste wives. There his fond mother met him, as she was goingto Laodice, the most excellent in form of her daughters: and she hungupon 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 theabominable sons of the Greeks harass thee much, fighting around thycity: thy mind hath urged thee to come hither, to uplift thy hands toJove from the lofty citadel. But wait till I bring thee genial wine, that first thou mayest make a libation to Jove, and to the otherimmortal gods, and then thou shalt refresh thyself, if thou wilt drink. For to a wearied man wine greatly increases strength; since thou artwearied aiding thy kinsmen. "

But her mighty crest-tossing Hector then answered: "Bring me not genialwine, venerable mother, lest thou enervate me, and I forget my might andvalour. But I dread to pour out dark-red wine to Jove with unwashedhands: 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 thetemple of Minerva the pillager, with victims, having assembled thematrons of distinction. And the robe which is the most beautiful and thelargest in the palace, and by far the most esteemed by thyself, thatplace on the knees of the fair-haired goddess, and vow that thou wiltsacrifice to her, in her temple, twelve heifers, yearlings, ungoaded, ifshe will take compassion on the city, and the wives and infant childrenof 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 thatthe earth might there open for him, for him hath Olympian Jove reared asa 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 hadforgotten 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 shedescended into her fragrant chamber, where were hervariously-embroidered robes, the works of Sidonian females, whichgodlike Alexander himself had brought from Sidon, sailing over the broadocean, in that voyage in which he carried off Helen, sprung from a noblesire. Hecuba, taking one of these which was most beauteous with varioushues, and largest, brought it as a gift to Minerva; and it glitteredlike 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-breakingAntenor, opened to them the gates; for the Trojans had made herpriestess of Minerva. They all, with a loud wailing, upraised theirhands to Minerva. But fair-cheeked Theano having received the garment, placed it on the knees of fair-haired Minerva, and making vows, thusprayed to the daughter of mighty Jove:

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

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

But Hector had gone to the beautiful halls of Alexander, which hehimself had built with the aid of men, who then were the most skilfulartificers in fruitful Troy: who made for him a chamber, adwelling-room, and hall, in the lofty citadel, near the palaces of Priamand Hector. There Jove-beloved Hector entered, and in his hand he held aspear of eleven cubits; the brazen point of the spear shone in front, and a golden ring encircled it. But him he found in his chamberpreparing his very beauteous armour, his shield and corslet, and fittinghis curved bow. Argive Helen sat amongst her female servants, andassigned 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. Trulythou wouldst thyself reprove another, if ever thou sawest any personremiss in the hateful battle. But arise, lest perchance the city shouldquickly blaze with hostile fire. "

But him godlike Alexander then addressed: "Hector, since thou hast withreason 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 somuch from anger nor indignation against the Trojans, but [because] Iwished to give way to grief. But now my wife, advising me with soothingwords, hath urged me to the battle, and to myself also it seems to bebetter: for victory alternates to men. But come now, wait, let me put onmy martial arms; or go on, and I will follow, and I think that I shallovertake thee. "

Thus he said, but crest-tossing Hector did not answer him. But Helenaddressed him [Hector] with soothing words: "Brother-in-law of me, shameless authoress of mischief-devising, fearful wretch, would that, onthe day when first my mother brought me forth, a destructive tempest ofwind had seized and borne me to a mountain, or into the waves of themuch-resounding ocean, where the billow would have swept me away beforethese doings had occurred. But since the gods have thus decreed theseevils, I ought at least to have been the wife of a braver man, whounderstood both the indignation and the many reproaches of men. But thisman'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 greatlyencompassed thy mind, on account of shameless me, and of the guilt ofAlexander; on whom Jove hath imposed an unhappy lot, that, even in timeto 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 mymind urged on, that I may aid the Trojans, who have great regret for meabsent. But do thou arouse him [Paris], and let him hasten, that he mayovertake me being within the city. For I will go home, that I may see mydomestics, my beloved wife, and my infant son. For I know not whether Ishall ever again return to them, or whether the gods will now subdue meunder the hands of the Greeks. "

Thus having said, crest-tossing Hector departed; and immediately he thenarrived at his well-situated palace, nor did he find white-armedAndromache in the halls; but she stood lamenting and weeping on thetower, with her son and her well-robed maid. But Hector, when he foundnot his blameless wife within, went and stood at the threshold, and saidto the female servants:

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

Him then the active housewife in turn addressed: "Hector, since thoubiddest me to tell the truth, she has not gone to any of her husband'ssisters, nor to any of her well-robed brother-in-laws' wives, nor to thetemple of Minerva, where the other fair-haired Trojan matrons areappeasing the dreadful goddess. But she went to the lofty tower ofIlium, when she heard that the Trojans were worn out, and that thevalour of the Greeks was great. She is now on her way, hastening to thewall, like unto one frenzied, and the nurse, along with her, bears thechild. "

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

"Strange man! this thy valour will destroy thee; nor dost thou pity thyinfant child and unhappy me, who very soon will be bereft of thee, forpresently the Greeks will slay thee, all attacking thee at once. For memuch better it were to sink into the earth, when bereft of thee; forthere will no longer be any other comfort for me when thou shalt draw onthy destruction; but sorrows only. Nor have I father or venerablemother. For divine Achilles slew my father, and laid waste thewell-inhabited city of the Cilicians, lofty-gated Thebes. He slewEetion, but spoiled him not, he scrupled in his mind [to do] that; buthe burned him together with his well-wrought arms, and heaped a tombover him, and around [him] the mountain nymphs, daughters ofægis-bearing Jove, planted elms. Moreover, the seven brothers besides, whom I had at home, all these indeed departed to Hades in one day. Fordivine, swift-footed Achilles slew them all, amidst their crooked hoofedoxen and their snowy sheep. And my mother, who ruled in woodyHypoplacus, after that he had led her hither with other treasures, hesent back at liberty, having received countless ransom-gifts. But herthe shaft-rejoicing Diana slew in my father's hall. But, O Hector, to methou art both father and venerable mother and brother; thou art also myblooming 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 companyat the wild fig-tree, where the city is chiefly easy of ascent, and thewall can be scaled. For going to this very quarter, the bravest [of theGreeks] have thrice assaulted, the two Ajaces, and most renownedIdomeneus, and the sons of Atreus, and the brave son of Tydeus. Certainly some person well skilled in prophecy mentioned it to them, ortheir 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, dearwife, but I am exceedingly ashamed of the Trojans and the long-robedTrojan dames, if I, like a dastard, [keeping] aloof, should avoid thebattle: nor does my mind incline me thus, for I have learned to bealways brave, and to fight in the foremost among the Trojans, seeking togain both my father's great glory and mine own. For well I know this inmy mind and soul; a day will arrive when sacred Ilium shall perish, andPriam, and the people of Priam skilled in the ashen spear. But to me thegrief 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 beneathhostile men, as for thee, when some one of the brazen-mailed Greeksshall lead thee away weeping, having deprived thee of the day offreedom. And, perchance, being in Argos, thou mayest weave the web atthe command of some other dame, and bear water from the fountain ofMesseïs, or Hyperia, very unwillingly; and hard necessity will oppressthee; whilst some one, hereafter beholding thee pouring forth tears, will say, 'This was the wife of Hector, who was the bravest in battle ofthe horse-breaking Trojans, when they fought round Ilium. ' Thus willsome one hereafter say; but fresh anguish will be thine, from the wantof such a husband, to avert the day of servitude. But may the heapedearth cover me dead, before I hear of this lamentation and abduction. "

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

"Jove, and ye other gods, grant that this my son also may become, evenas I am, distinguished amongst the Trojans, so powerful in might, andbravely to rule over Ilium. And may some one hereafter say [concerninghim], returning from the fight, 'He indeed is much braver than hissire. ' 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. Herhusband regarding her, pitied her, and soothed her with his hand, andaddressed her, and said:

"Beloved, be not at all too sad in thine heart on my account. For no manshall send me prematurely to the shades. But I think there is no one ofmen who has escaped fate, neither the coward nor the brave man, after hehas 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; butwar shall be a care to all the men who are born in Ilium, andparticularly 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, andshedding copious tears. Then immediately she reached the very commodiouspalace of man-slaying Hector, and within she found many maids, and inall of them she excited grief. They, indeed, bewailed in his own palaceHector still alive, for they thought that he would never return backagain 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 hisfamous arms, variegated with brass, then hastened through the city, relying on his swift feet. And as[250] when a stabled courser, fed withbarley at the stall, having broken his cord, runs prancing over theplain, elate with joy, being accustomed to bathe in some fair-flowingriver. He bears aloft his head, and his mane is tossed about on hisshoulders: but he, relying on his beauty, [251] his knees easily bear himto the accustomed pastures[252] of the mares. Thus Paris, the son ofPriam, shining in arms like the sun, exulting descended down from thecitadel of Pergamus, but his swift feet bore him, and immediately afterhe found his noble brother Hector, when he was now about to depart fromthe 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 nowI am altogether detaining thee, although hastening, nor have I come indue time as thou didst order. "

Him then crest-tossing Hector answering addressed: "Strange man! not anyman indeed, who is just, could dispraise thy deeds of war, for thou artbrave. But willingly art thou remiss, and dost not wish [to fight]; andmy heart is saddened in my breast, when I hear dishonourable things ofthee from the Trojans, who have much toil on thy account. But let usaway, these things we shall arrange hereafter, if ever Jove shall grantus 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 nineof the chiefs having cast lots, Ajax is appointed to meet him. Havingprotracted the contest till night, the combatants exchange gifts, andseparate. A truce is then made for the purpose of burying the dead, andthe Greeks fortify their camp. 

Thus having said, illustrious Hector rushed forth from the gates, andwith him went his brother Alexander, for both were eager in soul to wagewar and to fight. As when the deity hath given a prosperous wind toexpecting mariners, after they have become weary, agitating the deepwith well-polished oars, and their limbs are relaxed with toil; thusthen did those two appear to the expecting Trojans. Then they slew, theone, [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 hiswell-wrought brazen helmet, [254] and relaxed his limbs. And Glaucus, sonof Hippolochus, leader of the Lycian heroes, in fierce engagement smoteIphinous, son of Dexias, upon the shoulder with his spear, as he vaultedon his swift mares. 

 [Footnote 253: _I. E_. Paris. The construction is an instance of the σχήμα καθ' όλον και μέρος. 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 στεφάνη 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 εξοχάς, id quod in galea eminentissimum est. Et vero apud Plutarchum distinguitur το κράνος galea από της στεφάνης, 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 thetops of Olympus to sacred Ilium. Then Apollo hastened to meet her, having perceived her from Pergamus, for he wished victory to theTrojans. And they met each other at the beech-tree. Her first kingApollo, the son of Jove, addressed:

"Why again dost thou, O daughter of mighty Jove, come ardently fromOlympus, and why has thy mighty soul impelled thee? It is that thoumightst give to the Greeks the doubtful victory of battle, for thou dostnot pity the Trojans perishing. But if thou obeyest me in aught, whichindeed would be much better, let us now make the war and conflict tocease this day, afterwards shall they fight until they find an end ofIlium; since it is pleasing to the mind of you goddesses to overthrowthis city. " [255]

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

 "Ιλιον, ἣν ἐπόλισσε Ποσειδάων καἰ Απόλλων, Ιλιον, ἣν ἀλάπαζαν Ἀθηναίη τε καἰ Ἣρη". 

 See Grote's Hist, of Greece, vol. I. P. 68. ]

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

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

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

"Hector, son of Priam, equal to Jove in wisdom, wilt thou obey me inaught? for I am thy brother. Cause all the rest of the Trojans and theGreeks to sit down, but do thou thyself challenge whoever is the bravestof the Greeks to fight against thee in grievous combat. For it is notyet thy fate to die, and draw on fate; for to this effect have I heardthe voice of the immortal gods. "

Thus he spoke. But Hector in turn rejoiced exceedingly, having heard hisadvice, and accordingly advancing into the midst, grasping his spear inthe middle, he restrained the phalanxes of the Trojans; and they all satdown. Agamemnon also caused the well-greaved Greeks to sit down; andMinerva also, and silver-bowed Apollo, sat like unto vulture birds, on alofty beech-tree of their sire, the ægis-bearing Jove, delighted withthe heroes; of these the ranks sat thick, horribly bristling withshields, 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 underit, such sat the ranks of the Greeks and Trojans in the plain: butHector thus spoke in the midst of both armies:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks, whilst I speak whatthe mind in my breast commands me. Saturnian Jove, indeed, sittingaloft, has not ratified the leagues, but devising evils against bothsides, ordains them, till either ye take well-turreted Troy, oryourselves fall at your sea-traversing ships. Amongst you, indeed, thereare the bravest of all the Greeks, of whom whomsoever his mind orders tofight with me, let him come hither from amongst all, to be a championagainst noble Hector. This then do I propose, but let Jove be ourwitness; if, on the one hand, he shall slay me with his long-pointedspear, having stripped off my armour, let him bear it to the hollowships, but send my body home, that the Trojans and the wives of theTrojans 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 Iwill hang it up on the temple of far-darting Apollo: but his body I willsend back to the well-benched ships, that the long-haired Greeks mayperform his exsequies, and pile up for him a tomb on the wideHellespont. And hereafter will some one of future men say, as he sailsover the sea in his many-benched ship: 'This, indeed, is the tomb of ahero long since deceased, whom once, bearing himself doughtily, illustrious Hector slew. ' Thus hereafter will some one say; but this myglory shall never perish. "

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

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

Thus having spoken, he put on his beautiful arms. Then, indeed, OMenelaus, would the end of life have befallen thee at the hands ofHector, since he was much the better man, had not the princes of theGreeks, starting up suddenly, restrained thee, and the son of Atreushimself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, seized thee by the right hand, andaddressed thee, and spoke:

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

 [Footnote 256: Lesbonax, περί σχημ. P. 182, reads τούτόν γε--άντιολήσαι, which Valckenaer, and with reason, thinks a more _recherché_ and genuine reading than τούτῳ. Lesbonax compares the Attic phrase άρέσκει με for μοι 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 himrightly; and he obeyed. His joyful attendants then stripped the armourfrom his shoulders. Then Nestor arose amidst the Greeks, and said:

"O gods, surely great grief comes upon the Grecian land. Certainly theaged knight Peleus, the excellent counsellor and adviser of theMyrmidons, will greatly lament, who formerly interrogated me, greatlyrejoiced in his palace, inquiring the race and offspring of all theGreeks. If he now heard of them all crouching down under Hector, oftenindeed would he uplift his hands to the immortals, [praying] that hissoul, [separated] from his limbs, might depart into the house of Pluto. For would, O father Jove, and Minerva, and Apollo, I were young, as whenthe assembled Pylians and the spear-skilled Arcadians fought by therapid Celadon, at the walls of Phæa, about the streams of Jardan. Withthem Ereuthalion, god-like hero, stood in the van, bearing on hisshoulders the armour of king Areïthous, of noble Areïthous, whom men andbeauteous-girt women called by surname Corynetes, since he fought notwith a bow, nor with a long spear, but used to break the phalanxes withan iron club. Him Lycurgus slew by stratagem, not by strength, in anarrow defile, where his iron club did not ward off destruction fromhim; for Lycurgus, anticipating, pierced him right through the waistwith his spear, and he was dashed to the ground on his back; and hespoiled him of the armour which brazen Mars had given him, and he indeedafterwards bore them himself in the battle of Mars. But when Lycurgushad grown old in his palaces, he gave them to his beloved attendantEreuthalion, to be borne: and he, having his armour, challenged all thebravest: 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 tofight 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 shouldcrest-tossing Hector meet with a contest. But those of you who are thebravest of all the Greeks, not even you promptly desire to go againstHector. "

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

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

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

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

Thus they spake, and the Gerenian knight Nestor shook [the lots], andthe lot of Ajax, which indeed they wished for, leaped forth from thehelmet. Then a herald bearing it around through the multitude, beginningat the right, showed it to all the chiefs of the Greeks. But they, notrecognizing 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 forthhis hand, and the herald standing near, placed it in it. Havinginspected it, he knew his own mark, and rejoiced in his soul. He cast iton 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 puton my warlike arms, do ye meantime pray to Jove, the Saturnian king, silently within yourselves, that the Trojans may not hear; or evenopenly, since we fear no one at all. For no one willingly shall, byforce, overcome me against my will, nor through my inexperience; since Ihope 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 thuswould one of them say looking towards the wide heaven:

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

Thus they spake, and Ajax was arming himself in splendid brass. But whenhe had put on all his armour around his body, then he rushed forward: asmoves mighty Mars, who goes to war amidst men, whom the son of Saturnhas engaged to fight with the strength of soul-gnawing strife, suchmighty Ajax advanced, the bulwark of the Greeks, smiling with grimcountenance; but he advanced, taking long strides with his feet beneath, brandishing his long-shadowed spear. The Greeks, on their part, rejoicedmuch on beholding him, but dire dismay seized the Trojans, each one asto his limbs, and the soul panted in the breast of Hector himself. Butnow he could not in anywise retract through fear, nor retire back intothe crowd of the people, since he had challenged to the fight. But Ajaxdrew near, bearing a shield, like a tower, brazen, covered with sevenox-hides, which for him the artist Tychius labouring had wrought, dwelling at his home in Hyla, by far the most excellent ofleather-cutters, who for him had made a moveable shield, of seven hidesof 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 kindof chiefs are present with the Greeks, even besides Achilles, thebreaker of ranks, the lion-hearted. But he, indeed, abides at hishigh-beaked sea-traversing ships, enraged against Agamemnon, theshepherd of the people. Yet we are such, even many of us, who can goagainst thee; but begin the battle and the strife. "

Him then in turn the mighty crest-tossing Hector addressed: "ThouJove-sprung Ajax, son of Telamon, ruler of forces, tamper not with me aswith a weak boy, or a woman, who knows not warlike deeds. But I wellknow both battles and man-slaughterings. I know how to shift my dryshield to the right and to the left; wherefore to me it belongs to tightunwearied. I am also skilled to rush to the battle of swift steeds. Iknow too, how, in hostile array, to move skilfully in honour of glowingMars. But I do not desire to wound thee, being such, watchingstealthily, but openly, if haply I may strike thee. "

He spoke, and brandishing hurled forth his long-shadowed spear, andsmote the mighty seven-hided shield of Ajax on the outside brass, whichwas 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 theall-equal shield of Priam's son. Through the shining shield passed theimpetuous spear, and was fastened in his very ingeniously-wroughtcorslet, and from the opposite side the spear cut his tunic near theflank. But he inclined himself, and avoided black death. Then they both, having drawn out their long spears with their hands, joined battle, likeunto raw-devouring lions, or wild boars, whose strength is not feeble. Then indeed the son of Priam struck the midst of his [Ajax's] shieldwith his spear; it broke not through the brass, but the point of it wasbent. But Ajax, bounding forward, pierced his shield: and the spear wentright through, and repelled him as he rushed on: it glanced over hisneck, cutting it, and black gore gushed forth. But not even thus didcrest-tossing Hector cease from the battle: but retiring back, he seizedin his hand, a black, rough, huge stone, lying in the plain. With it hestruck 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 brokethrough the shield, having struck with a rock like unto a millstone, andhe wounded him in the knee; and he was stretched supine, having comeinto violent contact with his shield; but Apollo quickly raised him. Andnow in close combat hand to hand, they would have wounded each otherwith 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 theyheld their sceptres, but the herald Idæus, skilled in prudent counsels, said:

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

 [Footnote 259: Cf. Æn. Ii. 8:--

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

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

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

 [Footnote 260: Ἀγών is defined by Apollonius, p. 26, ό τόπος είς ὃν συνάγονται. Hesychius, p. 79, makes it equivalent to ἄθροισμα, and also calls it the place where combatants fight. Porphyry, Quæst. Hom. P. Cvii. Ed. Barnes, τὸν ναόν ἤτοι ϑεῖον τόπον ὄντα, ἢ ϑεῖον ἄθροισμα περιέχοντα. So, also, the Scholiast. ]

Thus then having spoken, he gave him a silver-studded sword, presentingit with the sheath and the well-wrought belt. But Ajax gave [to him] abelt, splendid with purple. Then they twain being separated, the onewent to the people of the Greeks, and the other to the crowd of theTrojans: and they rejoiced when they saw him coming alive and safe, having escaped the strength and the invincible hands of Ajax; and ledhim to the city, not having had any hopes that he was safe. But thewell-greaved Greeks, on the other hand, led away Ajax, rejoicing invictory, to divine Agamemnon. When now they were in the tents of the sonof Atreus, then Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed for them an ox, amale, five years old, to the most powerful son of Saturn. This theyflayed, and dressed it; made divisions of the whole of it, and skilfullydivided these into smaller portions, and fixed them on spits, androasted them very cleverly, and drew off all. But when they had ceasedfrom labour, and had prepared the banquet, they feasted, nor did theirsoul in anywise lack a due proportion of the feast. The valiant son ofAtreus, far-ruling Agamemnon, honoured Ajax with an entire chine. [261]But when they had dismissed the desire of drink and of food, for themthe aged man Nestor first of all began to frame advice, whose counselbefore also had appeared the best, who, wisely counselling, haranguedthem, 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 thelong-haired Achæans have perished, whose black blood fierce Mars has nowshed near fair-flowing Scamander, and their souls have descended to theshades! Therefore it behoves you to cause the battle of the Greeks tocease with the dawn, and let us, collected together, carry the bodieshither on chariots, with oxen and mules, and burn them at a littledistance from the ships, that each may carry home the bones [of thedeceased] 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 abulwark of our ships and of ourselves; and in it let us make awell-fitted gate, that through it there may be a passage for thechariots. 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 atany time the war of the haughty Trojans should press sorely. "

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

"Hear me, ye Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you whatthe soul in my breast commands me. Come then, let us restore ArgiveHelen, 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, thehusband of fair-haired Helen, who answering him spoke winged words:

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

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

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and Dardanians, and allies, that I may tell youwhat 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 ofguard. But in the morning let Idæus proceed to the hollow ships, toannounce to the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus, the resolutionof Alexander, on whose account the contention has arisen; and let himadd this prudent request also, whether they wish to desist fromhorrid-sounding war, until we burn the dead; afterwards will we fightagain till fate separate us, and give the victory to one or other ofus. "

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

"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye other chiefs of all the Greeks, Priam and theother illustrious Trojans command me to tell you, if it be agreeable andpleasing to you, the determination of Alexander, on whose account thiscontention 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, (wouldthat he first had perished, ) all these is he willing to give up, andeven to add others from his own home: but he says that he will notrestore 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 weshall burn the dead: afterwards we shall fight again, till fate separateus, 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 isplain, even [to him] who is a mere infant, that the issues ofdestruction impend over the Trojans. "

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

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

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

Thus having said, he raised his sceptre to all the gods. But Idæusreturned to sacred Ilium. And the Trojans and Dardanians all satassembled in council, expecting when Idæus might return. He came, anddeclared his message, standing in the midst of them. But they preparedthemselves very speedily for both purposes, some to carry away thebodies, and others to gather wood. The Greeks also on the other sidehastened 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 theymet one another. Then was it difficult to distinguish each man [amongstthe slain]; but washing off with water the bloody gore, and pouring overthem warm tears, they placed them upon the chariots; nor did mightyPriam suffer them to give way to grief. In silence, therefore, theyheaped the bodies on the pile, grieving at heart. But when they hadburned them in the fire, they returned to sacred Ilium. In like manneralso, on the other side, the well-greaved Greeks heaped the bodies onthe pile, grieving in their heart; and having burned them with fire, they returned to the hollow ships. And when it was not yet morning, butstill twilight, then a chosen band of Greeks arose about the pile; andgoing out from the plain, they made around it one common tomb, and nearit they built a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark of their ships and ofthemselves. In them they made well-fitted gates, that through them theremight be a passage for the chariots. Without they dug a deep ditch, nearit, broad and large, and in it fixed palisades. Thus the long-hairedGreeks on their part laboured. 

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

"O father Jove, is there any mortal on the boundless earth, who will anymore disclose his mind and counsel to the immortals? Dost thou notperceive how the long-haired Greeks have built a wall before theirshipping, and have drawn a ditch all round, nor have they given splendidhecatombs to the gods? The fame of this [work] will certainly bewherever light is diffused: but they will forget that [wall] which I andPhœbus Apollo, toiling, built round the city for the heroLaomedon. " [264]

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

"Ha! thou far-ruling earth-shaker, what hast thou said? Another of thegods, who is much weaker than thou in hands and in might might havedreaded this idea; but thy glory shall assuredly extend as far as lightis diffused. Howbeit, when the crest-waving Greeks shall have departedwith their ships into their dear fatherland, do thou, overthrowing thiswall, sink it all in the deep, and again cover the great shore withsand. 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 sunhad set, and the work of the Greeks was finished. They slaughtered oxenthrough the tents, and took their repast. Many ships (which Euneüs, sonof Jason, whom Hypsipyle bore to Jason, shepherd of the people, sent, )arrived from Lemnos, bringing wine. The son of Jason gave of wine athousand measures, to be brought separately, as a gift to the sons ofAtreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus. Thence the long-haired Greeksbought[265] wine, some for brass, some for shining iron, others forhides, some for the oxen themselves, and some for slaves; and theyprepared an abundant feast. Through the whole night, indeed, thelong-haired Greeks feasted; and the Trojans too, and their allies, through the city. And all night thundering fearfully, provident Jove wasdevising evils for both parties; but pale fear seized them. And theypoured wine from their cups on the earth, nor did any one dare to drinkbefore he had made a libation to the supreme son of Saturn. They thenlay down, and enjoyed the boon of sleep. 

 [Footnote 265: Theophilus Jctus. Iii. Tit. Xxiii. § 1. Καὶ τοῦτό ἐστι τὸ ἐν τῷ πλήθει θρυλλούμενον τῇ τῶν πραγμάτων ἐναλλαγῇ πρᾶσιν καὶ ἀγορασίαν συνίστασθαι, καὶ τοῦτο τὸ εῖδος πράσεως ἀρχαιότατον εἶναι. 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 theGreeks and Trojans. He then repairs to Ida, where, having consulted thescales of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Greeks. Nestor, in the chariot of Diomede, goes against Hector, whose charioteer isslain by Diomede. Jove again interposes his thunders, and the Greeksseek refuge within the rampart. Upon a favourable omen accompanying theprayer of Agamemnon, Diomede and the rest set out, and Teucer performsgreat exploits, but is disabled by Hector. Juno and Minerva areprevented interfering by Jove, and Hector takes measures to insure thesafety of Troy during the night. 

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

"Hear me, all ye gods and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you what thesoul in my breast prompts me. Let no female deity, therefore, nor anymale, attempt to infringe this my injunction; but do ye all at onceassent, that I may very speedily bring these matters to their issue. Whomsoever of the gods I shall discover, having gone apart from [therest], wishing to aid either the Trojans or the Greeks, disgracefullysmitten shall he return to Olympus: or seizing, I will hurl him intogloomy Tartarus, very far hence, where there is a very deep gulf beneaththe earth, and iron portals, and a brazen threshold, as far below Hadesas heaven is from earth;[267] then shall he know by how much I am themost powerful of all the gods. But come, ye gods, and try me, that yemay all know. Having suspended a golden chain from heaven, do all yegods and goddesses suspend yourselves therefrom; yet would ye not drawdown from heaven to earth your supreme counsellor Jove, not even if yelabour ever so much: but whenever I, desiring, should wish to pull it, Icould draw it up together, earth, and ocean, and all: then, indeed, would I bind the chain around the top of Olympus, and all these shouldhang 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 hisspeech; for he spoke very menacingly. But at length the azure-eyedgoddess Minerva thus spoke in the midst:

"O sire of ours! son of Saturn! most supreme of kings! well do we allknow that thy strength is irresistible: yet do we truly mourn for thewarlike Greeks, who are now perishing, fulfilling their evil fate. Butnevertheless, we will refrain from war, since thus thou commandest. Yetwill we suggest counsel to the Greeks, which will avail them, that theymay 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 amwilling 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 goldabout his person, and took his golden well-made whip, and ascended thechariot; and lashed them on to proceed, and they, not unwilling, flewmidway between the earth and starry heaven. He came to spring-fed Ida, the mother of wild beasts, to Gargarus, where he had a consecratedenclosure, and a fragrant altar. There the father of gods and menstopped his steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and poured athick 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 hurriedmanner through the tents, and after that they put on their armour. Butthe 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 chariotwarriors and foot, and much tumult arose. But when these collectingtogether came into one place, they clashed together shields and spears, and the might of brazen-mailed men; but the bossy shields approached oneanother, and much tumult arose. There at the same time were bothlamentation and boasting of men destroying and destroyed, and the earthflowed with blood. As long as the forenoon lasted, and the sacred daywas in progress, so long did the weapons touch both, and the peoplefell. But when the sun had ascended the middle heaven, then at lengthdid Father Jove raise the golden scales, and placed in them twodestinies of long-reposing death, [the destinies] both of thehorse-breaking Trojans and of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and holding themin the middle, he poised them; but the fatal day of the Greeks inclinedlow. The destinies of the Greeks, indeed, rested on the bounteous earth, but those of the Trojans on the contrary were elevated to the wideheaven. 

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

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

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

Thus he spoke: but much-enduring, noble Ulysses heard him not, butpassed 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 steedsof the aged son of Neleus, and addressing him, spoke winged words:

"O old man, certainly the youthful warriors greatly oppress thee: butthy strength is relaxed, and tiresome old age attends thee: thy servantis exhausted, and thy steeds are slow. But come, ascend my chariot, thatthou mayest see what kind are the steeds of Tros, skilled to fly and topursue very rapidly, here and there, through the plain; which lately Itook from Æneas, authors of flight. Let the attendants take care ofthose steeds [of thine], but let us direct these against thehorse-breaking Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear alsorages madly in my hands. " Thus he said: but the Gerenian knight Nestordisobeyed him not. Accordingly, at once their attendants, braveSthenelus and valorous Eurymedon, took care of Nestor's steeds: and thetwo chiefs ascended the chariot of Diomede. Nestor took the shiningreins in his hands, and lashed the steeds, and soon they came nearHector. At him rushing impetuously forward, the son of Tydeus launched aspear; but the weapon missed him, and struck his attendant charioteer inthe 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 strengthwere dissolved. But excessive grief overshadowed Hector in his mind, onaccount of [the loss of] his charioteer. There, though grieving for hiscompanion, he let him lie, and sought a bold charioteer: nor did hissteeds 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 thefather of both men and gods quickly perceived it. Therefore, dreadfullythundering he sent forth his glowing thunderbolt, and cast it into theearth before the steeds of Diomede: but there arose a terrible flame ofburning sulphur, and the two frightened steeds crouched tremblingbeneath the chariot. Moreover, the beautiful reins fell from the handsof Nestor, and he feared in his soul, and addressed Diomede:

"Son of Tydeus, come now, turn thy solid-hoofed steeds to flight. Dostthou not perceive that victory from Jove does not attend thee? For now, this very day, of a truth, Saturnian Jove awards him glory; afterwardsagain will he give it to us, if he shall be willing. By no means can aman impede the will of Jove, not even a very mighty one; since he is byfar 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 sorrowinvades my heart and my soul: for Hector at some time will say, haranguing amongst the Trojans, 'The son of Tydeus, routed by me, fledto his ships. ' Thus at some time will he boast: but then may the earthyawn wide for me. "

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

Thus having said, he turned the solid-hoofed steeds to flight, back intothe crowd. But the Trojans and Hector, with a mighty shout, poureddestructive missiles upon them. And then after him loud roared mightycrest-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 theydishonour thee; for thou hast become like a woman. Away! timorous girl!since thou shalt never climb our towers, I giving way, nor bear away ourwomen 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 theIdæan mountains, giving a signal to the Trojans, the alternating successof battle. But Hector exhorted the Trojans, vociferating aloud:

"Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, myfriends, and be mindful of impetuous might! I know the son of Saturnhath willingly accorded me victory and great renown, but to the Greeksdestruction. Fools, who indeed built those weak, worthless walls, whichshall not check my strength; but our steeds will easily overleap the dugtrench. But when, indeed, I come to their hollow ships, then let therebe some memory of burning fire, that I may consume their fleet with theflame, and slay the Argives themselves at the ships, bewildered by thesmoke. "

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

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

"Alas! far-ruling Earth-shaker, dost thou not in thy soul pity theperishing Greeks? But they bring thee many and grateful gifts to Heliceand Ægæ. Do thou, therefore, will to them the victory. For if we werewilling, as many of us as are assistants to the Greeks, to repulse theTrojans and restrain far-sounding Jove, then might he grieve sittingalone 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 isby far most powerful. "

 [Footnote 270: Compare the phrase καθάπτεσθαι επεεσσιν. --Od. Ii. 240. Suidas: Απτοεπής' απτόητος εν τᾤ λέγειν. Apollon. Lex. P. 188: "Απτωτε, ή απτόητε τοις λόγοις, ή καθαπτομενη δια των λόγων. "]

Thus indeed were they holding such converse with each other. Butwhatever space before the ships the trench belonging to the towerenclosed, was filled with horses and shielded men crowded together. [271]But Hector, the son of Priam, equal to swift Mars, had crowded themthus, when Jupiter awarded him glory. And now would he have burned theequal ships with blazing fire, had not venerable Juno put it into thesoul of Agamemnon, himself actively engaged, briskly to urge on theGreeks. He therefore hastened to go along the tents and ships of theGreeks, holding in his stout hand his great purple robe. But in the hugeblack ship of Ulysses he stood, which was in the midst, that he mightshout audibly to either side, as well to the tent of Telamonian Ajax, asto that of Achilles, for they had drawn up their equal ships at theextremities of the line, relying on their valour and the strength oftheir 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 muchflesh of horned oxen, and drinking-goblets crowned with wine, [272] thateach would in battle be equivalent to a hundred and even two hundred ofthe Trojans? But now, indeed, we are not equal to Hector alone, whoshortly will burn our ships with flaming fire. O father Jove, hast thouindeed 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 bythy 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 sackwell-walled Troy. But, O Jove, accomplish for me this vow, at leastpermit us to escape and get away; nor suffer the Greeks to be thussubdued by the Trojans. "

 [Footnote 271: Observe that των belongs to ίππων and ανδρών, and that όσον εκ νηών από πύργου τάφρος εεργε, means that "the space between the rampart and the sea was enclosed. " Από does not govern πυργου, but is compounded with εεργε. ]

 [Footnote 272: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. P. 292, sqq. Who has, however, been long since anticipated by Paschal. De Coron. I. 4. ]

 [Footnote 273: Schol. Έρρων, επί φθορ παοαγενόμενος. See Alberti on Hesych, s. V. T. I. P. 1445. So, also, Apollon. P. 364: Έπΐ φθορᾴ πορενόμενος. ]

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

When, therefore, they saw that the bird had come from Jove, they rushedthe more against the Trojans, and were mindful of battle. Then none ofthe Greeks, numerous as they were, could have boasted that he had drivenhis swift steeds before Diomede, and urged them beyond the ditch, andfought against [the enemy]; for far the first he slew a helmeted Trojanhero, Agelaus, son of Phradmon. He, indeed, was turning his horses forflight; but as he was turning, Diomede fixed his spear in his back, between his shoulders, and drove it through his breast. He fell from hischariot, 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, theillustrious son of Evæmon. Teucer came the ninth, stretching hisbent[277] bow, and stood under the shield of Telamonian Ajax. Then Ajax, indeed, kept moving the shield aside, and the hero looking around, whenshooting, 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 splendidshield. Then what Trojan first did blameless Teucer slay? Orsilochusfirst, and Ormenus, and Ophelestes, and Dætor, and Chromius, and godlikeLycophontes, and Amopaon, son of Polyæmon, and Melanippus--all, oneafter the other, he stretched upon the bounteous earth. But Agamemnon, king of men, rejoiced at seeing him destroying the phalanxes of theTrojans with his stout bow. And advancing near him he stood, and thusaddressed 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 επιτελεστικώτατον (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, ifperchance thou mayest become a light[280] to the Greeks, and to thyfather Telamon, who brought thee up carefully, being a little one, andtreated 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 shallgrant me to sack the well-built city of Ilium, next to myself I willplace an honourable reward in thy hands, either a tripod, or two steedswith their chariot, or some fair one, who may ascend the same couch withthee. "

 [Footnote 280: See on vi. 6. ]

But him blameless Teucer answering, addressed: "Most glorious son ofAtreus, why dost thou urge on me hastening; nor, as far as I have anystrength, do I loiter: but from the time we have driven the Trojanstowards Ilium, since that period have I slain men, intercepting themwith my shafts. Already have I discharged eight long-bearded arrows, andthey have all been fixed in the bodies of warlike youths; but I cannotstrike 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 inthe breast he struck blameless Gorgythion with an arrow, the brave sonof Priam. Him his fair mother Castianira, like unto a goddess in person, brought forth, being wedded from Æsyma. And as a poppy, which in thegarden is weighed down with fruit and vernal showers, droops its head toone side, so did his head incline aside, depressed by the helmet. ButTeucer discharged another arrow from the string against Hector, for hismind longed to strike him. Yet even then he missed, for Apollo wardedoff the shaft: but he struck in the breast, near the pap, Archeptolemus, the bold charioteer of Hector, rushing to battle: and he fell from hischariot, and his swift steeds sprang back. There his soul and strengthwere dissolved. But sad grief darkened the mind of Hector, on account ofhis charioteer. Then indeed he left him, although grieved for hiscompanion, and ordered his brother Cebriones, being near, to take thereins 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 wentstraight against Teucer, for his mind encouraged him to strike him. Heon his part took out a bitter arrow from his quiver, and applied it tothe string: but him, on the other hand, near the shoulder, where thecollar-bone separates the neck and breast, and it is a particularlyfatal spot, there, as he was drawing back [the bow], the active warriorHector[281] with a rugged stone struck him earnestly rushing againsthim. 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. ButAjax did not neglect his fallen brother; for running up, he protectedhim, and stretched his shield before him. Afterwards his two dearcompanions, 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 theydrove back the Greeks straight to the deep foss. But Hector went in thevan, looking grim through ferocity; as when some dog, relying on hisswift feet, seizes from the rear a wild boar or lion on the haunch andbuttocks, and marks him as he turns: so Hector hung on the rear of thelong-haired Greeks, always slaying the hindmost: and they fled. But whenthey flying had passed through the stakes and the foss, and many weresubdued 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 loudvoice. But, on the other hand, Hector, having the eyes of a Gorgon, orof man-slaughtering Mars, drove round his beauteous-maned steeds in alldirections. 

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

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

But her the azure-eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed: "And beyonddoubt this warrior would have lost his vigour and his life, destroyed bythe hands of the Greeks in his fatherland, were it not that this my sirerages with no sound mind; cruel, ever unjust, a counteractor of myefforts. Nor does he remember aught of my services, that I have veryoften preserved his son, when oppressed by the labours of Eurystheus. Hetruly wept to heaven; but me Jove sent down from heaven to aid him. Buthad I known this in my prudent[282] mind, when he sent me to [thedwelling] of the gaoler Pluto to drag from Erebus the dog of hatefulPluto, he had not escaped the profound stream of the Stygian wave. Butnow, indeed, he hates me, and prefers the wish of Thetis, who kissed hisknees, and took his beard in her hand, beseeching him to honourcity-destroying Achilles, The time will be when he will again call mehis dear Minerva. But do thou now harness for us thy solid-hoofedsteeds, while I, having entered the palace of ægis-bearing Jove, equipmyself 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] ofwar. Certainly also some one of the Trojans will satiate the dogs andbirds with his fat and flesh, having fallen at the ships of the Greeks. "

 [Footnote 282: The Scholiast, and Apollon. Lex. P. 658, interpret πευκαλίμσι, πικραΐς και δυνεταἴς. 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 inhaste, caparisoned the golden-bridled steeds. But Minerva, the daughterof ægis-bearing Jove, let fall upon the pavement of her father herbeauteous variegated robe, which she had wrought and laboured with herown hands. But she, having put on the coat of mail of cloud-compellingJove, was equipped in armour for the tearful war. She mounted herflaming chariot on her feet, and took her heavy, huge, sturdy spear, with which she is wont to subdue the ranks of heroic men, withwhomsoever she, sprung from a powerful sire, is enraged. But Juno withthe lash speedily urged on the steeds. The portals of heaven openedspontaneously, which the Hours[284] guarded, to whom are intrusted thegreat heaven and Olympus, either to open the dense cloud, or to closeit. 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 comeagainst me; for we shall not advantageously engage in battle. For thus Ispeak, and it shall moreover be accomplished, I will lame their swiftsteeds under their chariot, dislodge them from the chariot, and breakthe chariot; nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of thewounds which the thunderbolt shall inflict: that Minerva may know whenshe may be fighting with her sire. But with Juno I am neither soindignant nor so angry; for she is ever accustomed to counteract me, inwhatever I intend. "

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

"Where do ye go? Why does your soul rage in your breasts? The sun ofSaturn does not suffer you to aid the Greeks. For thus has the son ofSaturn threatened, and he will assuredly perform it, to lame your swiftsteeds under your chariot, and dislodge yourselves from the chariot, andbreak the chariot; nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of thewounds which his thunderbolt shall inflict: that thou, O Azure-eyed, mayest know when thou art fighting with thy sire. But with Juno he isneither so indignant nor so angry; for she is always accustomed tocounteract him in whatever he devises. But thou, most insolent andaudacious hound! if thou in reality shalt dare to raise thy mighty spearagainst Jove--" [285]

 [Footnote 285: Observe the aposiopesis. ]

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

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

Thus then having said, she turned back the solid-hoofed steeds. TheHours unyoked for them the fair-maned steeds, and bound them to theambrosial mangers; but they tilted the chariots against the splendidwalls. But they themselves sat, mingled with the other deities, on theirgolden couches, sad at heart. 

Then father Jove drove his beauteous-wheeled chariot and steeds from Idato Olympus, and came to the seats of the gods. His horses, indeed, theillustrious Earth-shaker loosed, but he laid the chariot on its support, spreading a linen coverlet [over it]. But loud-sounding Jove himself saton his golden throne, and mighty Olympus was shaken under his feet. ButMinerva and Juno by themselves sat apart from Jove, nor did they at alladdress 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 longin glorious battle to destroy the Trojans, against whom ye have takengrievous hatred. Not all the gods in Olympus could altogether turn me toflight, such are my strength and my invincible hands. But tremblingseized the shining limbs of both of you, before ye saw battle, and thedestructive deeds of war. For so I tell you, which would also have beenperformed: no more should ye, stricken with my thunder, have returned inyour 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 herbreast, but addressed him:

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

But her cloud-compelling Jove answering, addressed: "To-morrow, if thouwilt, O venerable, large-eyed Juno, thou shalt behold the very powerfulson of Saturn even with greater havoc destroying the mighty army of thewarlike Greeks. For warlike Hector will not cease from battle beforethat 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, forPatroclus fallen. For thus is it fated. But I do not make account ofthee enraged, not if thou shouldst go to the furthest limits of land andocean, where Iapetus and Saturn sitting, are delighted neither with thesplendour of the sun that journeys on high, nor with the winds; butprofound Tartarus [is] all around--not even if wandering, thou shouldstgo there, have I regard for thee enraged, since there is nothing moreimpudent than thou. "

Thus he said: but white-armed Juno answered nought. And the bright lightof the sun fell into the ocean, drawing dark night over the fruitfulearth. [286] The light set to the Trojans indeed unwilling; but gloomyand 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 Εnn. P. 113, ed. Hessel. ]

But illustrious Hector then formed a council of the Trojans, having ledthem apart from the ships, at the eddying river, in a clear space, wherethe place appeared free from dead bodies. But alighting to the groundfrom their horses, they listened to the speech which Hector, beloved ofJove, uttered. In his hand he held a spear of eleven cubits: and beforehim shone the golden point of the spear, and a golden ring surroundedit. Leaning on this, he spoke winged words:

"Hear me, ye Trojans, and Dardanians, and allies: I lately thought thathaving destroyed the ships and all the Greeks, I should return back towind-swept Ilium. But darkness has come on first, which has now beenthe chief means of preserving the Greeks and their ships on the shore ofthe sea. But, however, let us now obey dark night, and make ready ourrepasts; and do ye loose from your chariots your beautiful-maned steeds, and set fodder before them: and quickly bring from the city oxen and fatsheep; bring sweet wine and bread from your homes; and besides collectmany fagots, that all night till Aurora, mother of dawn, we may kindlemany fires, and the splendour may ascend to heaven: lest haply in thenight the long-haired Greeks attempt to fly over the broad ridge of theocean. That they may not at all events without toil and without harmascend their ships: but [let us] take care that each of them may have toheal a wound[287] at home, being stricken either with an arrow, or witha sharp spear, bounding into his ship; that every other too may dread towage tearful war against the horse-breaking Trojans. Let the heralds, dear to Jove, proclaim through the city, that the youths at the age ofpuberty, and the hoary-templed sages, keep watch around the city, in thegod-built turrets; and let the females also, the feebler sex, in theirhalls 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 itbe, magnanimous Trojans, as I say: and let the speech, which is now mostsalutary, be thus spoken. But for that which will be [most expedient] inthe morning, I will [then] speak amongst the horse-breaking Trojans. Making vows both to Jove and to the other gods, I hope to banish hencethose dogs borne hither by the fates, whom the fates bear in their blackships. [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 hollowships. I will see whether valiant Diomede, the son of Tydeus, will forceme back from the ships to our walls, or whether I shall bear away hisbloody spoils, having slain him with my brazen spear. To-morrow shall hemake manifest his valour, if he shall withstand my assaulting spear. ButI 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 Apolloare honoured, as [I am certain] that this day will bring evil upon theGreeks. "

 [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 κηρεσσιφορητους. ]

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

But they, greatly elated, sat all night in the ranks of war, and manyfires blazed for them. As when in heaven the stars appear veryconspicuous[289] around the lucid moon, when the æther is wont to bewithout a breeze, and all the pointed rocks and lofty summits and grovesappear, but in heaven the immense æther is disclosed, and all the starsare seen, and the shepherd rejoices in his soul. Thus did many fires ofthe Trojans kindling them appear before Ilium, between the ships and thestreams of Xanthus. A thousand fires blazed in the plain, and by eachsat fifty men, at the light of the blazing fire. But their steeds eatingwhite barley and oats, standing by the chariots, awaitedbeautiful-throned Aurora. 

 [Footnote 289: Cf. Æsch. Ag. 6: Λαμπρούς δυνάστας, ἐμπρεποντας αίθέρι. ]

 BOOK THE NINTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

By advice of Nestor, Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phœnix, and Ajax, to thetent of Achilles to sue for a reconciliation. Notwithstanding theearnest appeal of Phœnix, their errand proves fruitless. 

Thus the Trojans indeed kept guard: but a mighty[290] Flight, thecompanion of chill Fear, seized upon the Greeks; and all the chiefs wereafflicted 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 dashmuch sea-weed out of the ocean; so was the mind of the Greeks distractedwithin their bosoms. 

 [Footnote 290: "In Il. 1, 2, the θεσπεσίη φυζα 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 toan assembly, but not to call aloud; and he himself toiled among thefirst. And they sat in council, grieved, and Agamemnon arose, sheddingtears, like a black-water fountain, which pours its gloomy stream from alofty rock. Thus he, deeply sighing, spoke words to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders and chieftains over the Greeks, Jove, the son ofSaturn, has greatly entangled me in a grievous calamity: cruel, who oncepromised me, and assented, that I should return, having destroyedwell-built Ilium. But now has he plotted an evil fraud, and orders me toreturn inglorious to Argos, after I have lost much people. Thus, doubtless, will it be agreeable to almighty Jove, who has alreadyoverthrown 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 usfly with the ships to our dear fatherland, for now we shall not takewide-wayed Troy. "

Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence, and the sons of theGreeks being sad, kept silent long: at length Diomede, brave in the dinof battle, spoke:

"Son of Atreus, thee will I first oppose, speaking inconsiderately, asis lawful, in the assembly; but be not thou the least offended. Firstamong the Greeks didst thou disparage my valour, saying that I wasunwarlike and weak;[292] and all this, as well the young as the old ofthe Greeks know. One of two things hath the son of crafty Saturn giventhee: he has granted that thou shouldst be honoured by the sceptre aboveall; but valour hath he not given thee, which is the greatest strength. Strange man, dost thou then certainly think that the sons of the Greeksare 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 shipsstand near the sea, which very many followed thee from Mycenæ. But theother long-haired Greeks will remain until we overthrow Troy: but ifthey also [choose], let them fly with their ships to their dearfatherland. But we twain, I and Sthenelus, [293] will fight, until wefind 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 thespeech of steed-breaking Diomede. But them the knight Nestor, rising up, addressed:

"Son of Tydeus, pre-eminently indeed art thou brave in battle, and thebest in council amongst all thine equals. No one has censured thydiscourse, nor contradicts it, as many as are the Greeks; but thoucomest not to an end of discussion. [294] Assuredly thou art youthful, and mightst be my youngest son for age, yet thou speakest prudent wordsto the kings of the Greeks, for thou hast said aright. But come, I whoboast to be older than thou, will speak out, and discuss everything: norwill 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 respectiveguards lie down beside the trench, dug without the wall. To the youth, indeed, I enjoin these things; but next, Atrides, do thou begin, forthou art supreme. Give a banquet to the elders; it becomes thee, and isnot unseemly. Full are thy tents of wine, which the ships of the Greeksdaily bring over the wide sea from Thrace. Thou hast everyaccommodation, and rulest over many people. But when many are assembled, do thou obey him who shall give the best advice; for there is great needof good and prudent [advice] to all the Greeks, since the enemy areburning 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 theguards rushed forth with their arms, [those around] Thrasymedes, the sonof Nestor, the shepherd of the people, Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons ofMars, Meriones, Aphareus, and Deïpyrus, as well as the son of Creon, noble Lycomedes. There were seven leaders of the guards, and a hundredyouths marched along with each, holding long spears in their hands. Proceeding to the space between the trench and the wall, there they satdown, 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 theirhands upon the viands placed before them. But when they had dismissedthe 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 thoumayest consult for their advantage. Therefore is it necessary that thouin particular shouldst deliver and hear an opinion, and also accomplishthat 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 speakas appears to me to be best. For no other person will propound a betteropinion than that which I meditate, both of old and also now, from thatperiod when thou, O nobly born, didst depart, carrying off the maidBriseïs from the tent of the enraged Achilles; by no means according tomy judgment; for I very strenuously dissuaded thee from it: but havingyielded to thy haughty temper, thou didst dishonour the bravest hero, whom even the immortals have honoured; for, taking away his reward, thoustill retainest it. Yet even now let us deliberate how we may succeed inpersuading him, appeasing him with agreeable gifts and soothing words. "

But him the king of men, Agamemnon, again addressed: "Old man, thou hastnot 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 hisheart, as now he hath honoured this man, and subdued the people of theGreeks. But since I erred, having yielded to my wayward disposition, Idesire again to appease him, and to give him invaluable presents. Beforeyou all will I enumerate the distinguished gifts: seven tripodsuntouched by fire, [295] and ten talents of gold, and twenty shiningcaldrons, and twelve stout steeds, victorious in the race, which haveborne off prizes by their feet. No pauper would the man be, nor in wantof precious gold, to whom as many prizes belong as [these] solid-hoofedsteeds have brought to me. I will likewise give seven beautiful Lesbianwomen, skilful in faultless works; whom I selected when he himself tookwell-inhabited Lesbos, who excel the race of women in beauty. These willI give him, and amongst them will be her whom then I took away, thedaughter of Briseïs; and I will swear moreover a mighty oath, that Inever ascended her bed, nor embraced her, as is the custom of humanbeings--of men and women. All these shall immediately be ready; and if, moreover, the gods grant that we destroy the great city of Priam, lethim fill his ships abundantly with gold and brass, entering in when wethe 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 willhonour him equally with Orestes, who is nurtured as my darling son, ingreat affluence. Now, I have three daughters in my well-builtpalace, --Chrysothemis, Laodice, and Iphianassa. Of these let him leadthe beloved one, whichsoever he may choose, without marriage-dower, tothe house of Peleus; but I will give very many dowries, so many as noman ever yet gave to his daughter. I will, moreover, give him sevenwell-inhabited cities, --Cardamyle, Enope, and grassy Ira, gloriousPheræ, with deep-pastured Anthea, fair Æpeia, and vine-bearing Pedasus;which are all near the sea, the last towards sandy Pylus. But in themdwell men rich in flocks and herds, who will honour him like a god withgifts, and beneath his sceptre will pay rich tributes. These will Ibestow upon him, ceasing from his anger. Let him be prevailed upon. Pluto indeed is implacable and inexorable, wherefore he is the mosthateful of all the gods to men. Let him likewise yield to me, inasmuchas I am more kingly, and because I boast to be older [than he]. "

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "Most glorious son ofAtreus, king of men, Agamemnon, thou indeed offerest gifts by no meansdespicable to king Achilles. But come, let us urge chosen men, who maygo 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 Phœnix, 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 bringwater for the hands, and command to observe well-omened words, [297] thatwe 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 νησοιο μαστός 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 εύφημήσαι. 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 theyouths crowned the goblets with wine; then they distributed them to all, having poured the first of the wine into the cups. But when they hadmade libations, and drunk as much as their mind desired, they hastenedfrom the tent of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. To them the Gerenianknight Nestor gave many charges, looking wistfully upon each, particularly upon Ulysses, that they should endeavour to persuade theblameless son of Peleus. 

They twain then went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, prayingearnestly to earth-shaking [Neptune], who encompasses the earth, thatthey might easily persuade the great mind of the grandson of Æacus. Butthey came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons, and they found himdelighting his soul with his clear-toned harp, beautiful, curiouslywrought, and upon it was a silver comb. This he had taken from amongstthe spoils, having destroyed the city of Eëtion, and with it he wasdelighting his soul, and singing the glorious deeds[298] of heroes. Patroclus alone sat opposite to him in silence, waiting upon thedescendant of Æacus when he should cease to sing. Then they advancedfarther, and divine Ulysses preceded; and they stood before him; whilstAchilles, astonished, leaped up, with his lyre, quitting the seat wherehe had been sitting. In like manner Patroclus, when he beheld theheroes, arose, and swift-footed Achilles taking them by the hand, addressed them:

"Hail, warriors, ye indeed have come as friends. Surely [there is] somegreat necessity [when ye come], who are to me, although enraged, dearestof the Greeks. "

 [Footnote 298: Or the renown of heroes. So Apollon. I. 1: Παλαιγενεων κλεα φώτων Μνησομαι. ]

Thus having spoken, divine Achilles led them forward, and seated themupon couches and purple coverlets; then straightway he addressedPatroclus, who was near:

"Place a larger goblet, O son of Menœtius, mix purer wine, [299] andprepare 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, andupon it he laid the chine of a sheep and of a fat goat, with the back ofa fatted sow, abounding in fat. Automedon then held them for him, andnoble Achilles cut them up; and divided them skilfully into smallpieces, and transfixed them with spits; whilst the son of Menœtius, agodlike hero, kindled a large fire. But when the fire had burned away, and the flame grew languid, strewing the embers, he extended the spitsover them, and sprinkled them with sacred salt, raising them up from theracks. But when he had dressed them, and had thrown them upon kitchentables, Patroclus, taking bread, served it out upon the board inbeautiful baskets: but Achilles distributed the flesh. But he himselfsat opposite to noble Ulysses, against the other wall, and orderedPatroclus, his companion, to sacrifice to the gods; and he accordinglycast the first morsels[300] into the fire. And they stretched forththeir hands to the prepared viands which lay before them. But when theyhad 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), θνηλάς' άπαρχάς των τεθυμἑνων. ]

"Health, Achilles. We are not wanting of a complete feast, either in thetent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, or even here also, for manystrength-recruiting dainties are here; but the business of an agreeablefeast 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 thewell-benched ships be saved or destroyed, unless thou puttest on thymight. For near the ships and the wall the high-minded Trojans and theirfar-summoned allies have pitched their camp, kindling many firesthroughout the host; and they say that they will no longer restrainthemselves, but that they will fall upon our black vessels. [301] AndSaturnian Jove exhibiting to them propitious signs, darts his lightning;and Hector, looking fiercely round in valour, rages terribly, trustingin Jove, nor reverences at all either men or gods, but great madnesshath come upon him. He prays that divine morn may speedily come. For hedeclares that he will cut off the poop-ends[302] of the ships, and burn[the ships] themselves with ravaging fire, and slaughter the Greeksbeside them, discomforted by the smoke. Wherefore do I greatly fear inmy mind lest the gods may fulfil his threats, and it be destined for usto perish in Troy, far from steed-nourishing Argos. Rise then, if thouhast the intention, although late, to defend the harassed sons of theGreeks from the violent onslaught of the Trojans. To thyself it willhereafter be a cause of sorrow, nor is it possible in any manner todiscover a remedy for a disaster when received; wherefore reflect muchbeforehand, how thou mayest avert the evil day from the Greeks. O myfriend, surely thy father Peleus charged thee, on that day when he sentthee from Phthia to Agamemnon, 'My son, Minerva and Juno will bestowvalour, if they choose; but restrain thy great-hearted soul within thybreast, because humanity is better; and abstain from injuriouscontention, that both the youth and elders of the Greeks may honour theethe more. ' Thus did the old man give charge, but thou art forgetful. Yeteven now desist, and lay aside thy mind-corroding wrath. To theeAgamemnon gives worthy gifts, ceasing from indignation. But if [thouwilt] hear from me, and I will repeat to thee how many presentsAgamemnon in his tents hath promised thee: seven tripods, untouched bythe fire, and ten talents of gold, twenty shining caldrons, and twelvestout steeds, victorious in the race, which have borne off prizes bytheir feet. No pauper, nor in want of precious gold, would that man beto whom so many prizes belonged as the steeds of Agamemnon have borneoff by their fleetness. He will likewise give seven beautiful women, skilful in faultless works, Lesbians, whom he selected when thou thyselfdidst take well-inhabited Lesbos, who then excelled the race of women inbeauty. These will he give thee, and amongst them will be her whom oncehe took away, the daughter of Briseïs; and he will moreover swear amighty oath, that he never ascended her bed, nor embraced her, as is thecustom. O king, both of men and women. All these shall immediately be inwaiting; and if, moreover, the gods grant that we pillage the vast cityof Priam, entering, thou mayest fill thy ships abundantly with gold andbrass, when we, the Greeks, divide the spoil. Thou shalt also choosetwenty Trojan women, who may be fairest next to Argive Helen. But if wereach Achæan Argos, the udder of the land, thou mayest become hisson-in-law, and he will honour thee equally with Orestes, who isnurtured as his darling son, in great affluence. But he has threedaughters in his well-built palace, --Chrysothemis, Laodice, andIphianassa. Of these thou shalt conduct the most beloved whomsoever thoumayest choose, without marriage-gifts, to the house of Peleus; but hewill give very many dowries, such as no man yet gave his daughter. Hewill 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 towardssandy Pylus. But in them dwell men abounding in flocks and herds, whowill honour thee with gifts like a god, and under thy sceptre pay richtributes. These will he fulfil to thee ceasing from thy wrath. But ifindeed the son of Atreus himself and his gifts be more hateful to theefrom thine heart, at least have pity upon all the other Greeks, harassedthroughout the army, who will honour thee as a god; for surely thou wiltobtain 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 conveyedhither 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 άκροστόλια, or _figure-heads_, are not meant here. ]

But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "Most noble son ofLaertes, much-scheming Ulysses, it behoves me indeed to speak my opinionwithout reserve, even as I think, and as will be accomplished, that yemay not, sitting beside me, keep whining[303] one after another. Hatefulto me as the gates of Hades is he who conceals one thing in his mind andutters another. But I will speak as appears to me to be best; and Ithink that neither Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, nor the other Greekswill persuade me; since there is no gratitude to him who fights everceaselessly with hostile men. An equal portion [falls] to him wholoiters, as if one continually fight; and the coward is in equal honourwith the brave. The man of no deeds, and the man of many, are wontequally to die; nor does anything lie by me as a store, [304] because Ihave suffered sorrows in my soul, ever risking my life to fight. And asthe bird brings food to her unfledged young when she hath found it, although she fares badly herself; so have I too spent many sleeplessnights, and gone through bloody days in combat, fighting with heroes fortheir wives' sakes. Twelve cities indeed of men have I wasted with myships, and on foot I say eleven throughout the fertile Troad. [305] Fromall these have I carried off many and precious spoils, and bearing them, have given all to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus; whilst he, remainingbehind at the swift ships, receiving them, hath distributed but few, butretained many. To the chiefs and kings hath he given other prizes; towhom indeed they remain entire: but from me alone of the Greeks hath hetaken it away, and he possesses my spouse, dear to my soul, with whomreclining, let him delight himself. But why is it necessary that theGreeks wage war with the Trojans? Or from what necessity did the son ofAtreus, assembling an army, lead it hither? Was it not on account offair-haired Helen? Do the sons of Atreus alone, of articulate-speakingmen, love their wives? [Surely not], since whatever man is good andprudent loves and cherishes his spouse; thus I too loved her from mysoul, though the captive of my spear. And now since he hath snatched myreward 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 considerwith thee, O Ulysses, and the other kings, how he may repel the hostilefire from the ships. Assuredly he has already accomplished many labourswithout me. He has already built a rampart, and drawn a trench broad[and] large beside it; and planted in it palisades; but not even thuscan he restrain the might of man-slaughtering Hector. Whilst I indeedfought amongst the Greeks, Hector chose not to arouse the battle at adistance 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 difficultyescaped 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 tothe sea, thou shalt behold, if thou wilt, and if such things be a careto thee, my ships early in the morn sailing upon the fishy Hellespont, and men within them, eager for rowing; and if glorious Neptune grant buta prosperous voyage, on the third day I shall surely reach fertilePhthia. [307] Now there I have very many possessions, which I left, coming hither, to my loss. [308] And I will carry hence other gold andruddy brass, well-girdled women, and hoary iron, which I have obtainedby 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 thingsas 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 neitherjoin in counsels nor in any action with him; for he hath alreadydeceived and offended me, nor shall he again overreach me with words. Itis enough for him [to do so once]: but in quiet[309] let him perish, forprovident 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 andtwenty times as many gifts as he now has, and if others were to be addedfrom any other quarter; nor as many as arrive at Orchomenos, orEgyptian Thebes, [311] where numerous possessions are laid up in themansions, and where are one hundred gates, [312] from each of which rushout two hundred men with horses and chariots. Nor if he were to give meas many as are the sands and dust, not even thus shall Agamemnon owpersuade my mind, until he indemnify me for all his mind-grievinginsult. 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 wereequal in accomplishments to azure-eyed Minerva; not even thus will I wedher. Let him then select another of the Greeks who may suit him, and whois more the king; for if the gods preserve me, and I reach home, thenwill Peleus himself hereafter bestow upon me a lady in marriage. Thereare many Grecian women throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters ofchieftains who defend the cities. Whomsoever of these I may choose, Iwill make my beloved wife; and there my generous soul very much desiresthat I, wedding a betrothed spouse, a fit partner of my bed, shouldenjoy the possessions which aged Peleus hath acquired. For not worth mylife are all the [treasures] which they say the well-inhabited cityIlium possessed, whilst formerly at peace, before the sons of the Greeksarrived; nor all which the stony threshold of the archer Phœbus Apollocontains within it, in rocky Pytho. [313] By plunder, oxen and fat sheepare to be pro-cured, tripods are to be procured, and the yellow heads ofsteeds; but the life of man cannot be obtained nor seized, so as toreturn again, when once it has passed the enclosure of the teeth. For mygoddess mother, silver-footed Thetis, declares that double destinieslead me on to the end of death. If, on the one hand, remaining here, Iwage war around the city of the Trojans, return is lost to me, but myglory will be immortal; but if, on the other hand, I return home to mydear fatherland, my excellent glory is lost, but my life will belasting, nor will the end of death speedily seize upon me. And to othersalso would I give advice to sail home, for ye will not find an end oflofty Ilium; for far-sounding Jove hath stretched over it his hand, andthe people have taken courage. But do ye, departing, bear back thismessage to the chiefs of the Greeks, for such is the office ofambassadors, that they devise within their minds some other better plan, which for them may preserve their ships, and the army of the Greeks inthe hollow barks; since this, which they have now devised, is notexpedient for them, while I cherish my wrath. But let Phœnix, remaininghere, recline beside us, that to-morrow, if he will, he may follow mein the ships to my dear fatherland, although I will by no means lead himaway by compulsion. "

 [Footnote 303: This word is etymologically connected with τρνγών. It properly signifies the moaning of the dove. ]

 [Footnote 304: Schol. περισσόν τί εστι. 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: "Εῤῥων, ἐπί φθορᾷ. " (ita etym. Magn. ) παραγενόμενος. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. T. I. P. 1445. ]

 [Footnote 309: "Εκηλος 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 hisspeech, for he answered with much vehemence. At length, however, theaged knight, Phœnix, addressed him, shedding tears, for he greatlyfeared for the ships of the Greeks:

"If indeed, O illustrious Achilles, thou dost now meditate a returnwithin thy mind, nor art at all willing to repel the destructive firefrom the swift ships, because indignation hath fallen upon thy soul; howthen 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 hedespatched thee from Phthia to Agamemnon, a boy, not yet skilled eitherin equally-destroying war, nor in counsels where men also becomeillustrious. On which account he sent me forth to teach thee all thesethings, that thou mightest become both an orator in words and aperformer in deeds. Thus then, my dear child, I wish not at length to beleft 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 waswhen first I quitted fair-damed Hellas, flying the contentions of myfather Amyntor, son of Ormenus; who was enraged with me on account of afair-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 mightloathe the old man. Her I obeyed, and did so; but my father immediatelyperceiving it, uttered many execrations, and invoked the hatefulErinnys, that no dear son, sprung from me, should ever be placed uponhis knees; and the gods ratified his execrations, both infernal Jove anddread Proserpine. Then my soul within my mind could no longer endurethat I should sojourn in the palace whilst my father was enraged. Myfriends, indeed, and relations, being much about me, detained me therewithin the halls, entreating [me to stay]. Many fat sheep andstamping-footed, crooked-horned oxen they slaughtered; many swineabounding in fat were stretched out to be roasted in the flame ofVulcan, 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, theykept watch; nor was the fire ever extinguished, one in the portico ofthe well-fenced hall, and another in the vestibule, before thechamber-doors. But when at length the tenth shady night had come uponme, then indeed I rushed forth, having burst the skilfully-joined doorsof the apartment, and I easily overleaped the fence of the hall, escaping the notice of the watchmen and the female domestics. AfterwardsI fled thence through spacious Hellas, and came to fertile Phthia, themother of sheep, to king Peleus; who kindly received me, and loved meeven as a father loves his only son, born in his old age[314] to amplepossessions. He made me opulent, and bestowed upon me much people, and Iinhabited the extreme shores of Phthia, ruling over the Dolopians. Theetoo, O godlike Achilles, have I rendered what thou art, [315] loving theefrom my soul; since thou wouldst not go with another to the feast, nortake food in the mansion, until I, placing thee upon my knees, satisfiedthee with viands, previously carving them, and supplied thee with wine. Often hast thou wetted the tunic upon my breast, ejecting the wine ininfant peevishness. [316] Thus have I borne very many things from thee, and much have I laboured, thinking this, that since the gods have notgranted an offspring to me from myself, I should at least make thee myson, O Achilles, like unto the gods, that thou mightst yet repel from meunworthy destiny. But O Achilles, subdue thy mighty rage; it is by nomeans necessary for thee to have a merciless heart. Flexible are eventhe gods themselves, whose virtue, honour, and might are greater [thanthine]. Even these, when any one transgresses and errs, do men divert[from their wrath] by sacrifices and appeasing vows, and frankincenseand savour. For Prayers also are the daughters of supreme Jove, [317]both halt, and wrinkled, and squint-eyed; which following on Ate frombehind, are fall of care. But Ate is robust and sound in limb, whereforeshe far outstrips all, and arrives first at every land, doing injury tomen; whilst these afterwards cure them. [318] Whosoever will reverencethe daughters of Jove approaching, him they are wont greatly to aid, andhear when praying. But whosoever will deny and obstinately refuse them, then indeed, drawing near, they entreat Saturnian Jove, that Ate mayfollow along with him, that being injured [in turn], he may pay thepenalty. But O Achilles, do thou too yield honour to accompany thedaughters of Jove, which bends the minds of other brave men; for ifAtrides brought not gifts, and did not mention others in futurity, butwould ever rage vehemently, I for my part would not advise that, castingaway wrath, thou shouldst defend the Greeks, although greatly in need. But now he at once gives both many immediately, and promises othershereafter; moreover, he hath despatched the best men to supplicate thee, having selected throughout the Grecian army those who are dearest tothyself; whose entreaty do not thou despise, nor their mission, althoughformerly fault was not to be found with thee, because thou wert enraged. Thus also have we heard the renown of heroes of former days, whenvehement wrath came upon any, [that] they were both appeasable by gifts, and to be reconciled by words. I remember this ancient and by no meansmodern deed, of what sort it was; and I will repeat it among you all, being friends. The Curetes and Ætolians, obstinate in battle, foughtaround the city of Calydon, and slaughtered each other; the Ætolians, indefence of lofty Calydon, the Curetes, eager to lay it waste in war; forbetween them had golden-throned Diana excited mischief, indignantbecause Œneus had not offered the first-fruits in sacrifice in thefertile spot of ground:[319] whilst the other gods feasted on hecatombs, but to the daughter of mighty Jove alone he sacrificed not. Either heforgot, [320] or did not think of it, but he did greatly err in mind. Butshe, the daughter of Jove, delighting in arrows, enraged, sent against[him] a sylvan wild boar, with white tusks, which did much detriment, asis the wont [of boars], to the land of Œneus. And many tall trees, oneafter another, did he prostrate on the ground, with their very roots andthe blossom of their fruit. But him Meleager, son of Œneus, slew, assembling huntsmen and dogs from many cities; for he would not havebeen subdued by a few mortals: so mighty was he, and he caused many toascend the sad funeral-pile. Still she (Diana) excited around him[321] agreat tumult and war between the Curetes and magnanimous Ætolians, forthe head and bristly skin of the boar. [322] Whilst warlike Meleagerfought, so long were the Curetes unsuccessful; nor were they able, although numerous, to remain without the wall. But when wrath, whichswells 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 ofMarpessa, the handsome-footed child of Evenus and Idas, who was then thebravest of earthly men, and even lifted a bow against king PhœbusApollo, for the sake of his fair-ankled spouse. Her [Cleopatra] then herfather and venerable mother in the palace were accustomed to call by thesurname of Alcyone, because her mother, having the plaintive note of sadAlcyone, [323] lamented when far-darting Phœbus Apollo stole her away. Beside her he [Meleager] remained inactive, brooding[324] over his sadanger, enraged because of the curses of his mother, who, much grieving, prayed to the gods on account of the murder of her brethren. [325] Oftenwith her hands did she strike the fruitful earth, calling upon Pluto anddread Proserpine, reclining upon her knees, whilst her bosom was bedewedwith tears, to give death to her son: but her the Erinnys, wandering ingloom, possessing an implacable heart, heard from Erebus. Thenimmediately was there noise and tumult of these[326] excited round thegates, the towers being battered. Then did the elders of the Ætoliansentreat him, and sent chosen priests to the gods, that he would comeforth and defend them, promising a great gift. Where the soil of fertileCalydon was richest, there they ordered him to choose a beautifulenclosure of fifty acres; the one half, of land fit for vines, to cutoff the other half of plain land, free from wood, for tillage. Much didaged Œneus, breaker of steeds, beseech him, having ascended to thethreshold of his lofty-roofed chamber, shaking the well-glued door-post, supplicating his son. And much also his sisters and venerable motherentreated him, but he the more refused; and much [prayed] the companionswho were dearest and most friendly of all; but not even thus did theypersuade the soul within his breast, until his chamber was violentlyassailed, and the Curetes were in the act of scaling the ramparts, andfiring the great city. Then indeed at length his fair-girdled spouse, weeping, supplicated Meleager, and recounted all the disasters, as manyas happen to men whose city may be taken. In the first place, they slaythe men, [327] whilst fire reduces the city to ashes; and others carryoff the children and deep-zoned women. Then was his soul disturbed whenhe heard of evil deeds, and he hasted to go and gird the all-glitteringarmour 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 themany and pleasing gifts; but he nevertheless warded off evil. Butrevolve not such things within thy mind, O my friend, nor let thedeity[328] thus turn thee, since it would be more dishonourable toassist the ships [when already] set on fire. Rather come for the gifts, for the Greeks will honour thee equally with a god. If again withoutgifts thou enter the man-destroying battle, thou wilt not receive equalhonour, although warding off the war. "

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Phœnix, respectedfather, 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, whichwill 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 somethingelse, and do thou revolve it in thy mind. Disturb not my soul, weepingand lamenting, gratifying the hero Atrides; it is not at all necessarythat 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 annoyedme. Rule equally with me, and receive my honour in half. [329] These willbear back my message; but do thou, remaining here, recline upon a softbed, and with morn appearing let us consult whether we shall return toour native land or remain. "

 [Footnote 314: See, however, Buttm. Lexil. P. 510, sqq. , who considers that τηλύγετος 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. Μνημοσύνη, γουνοῖσιν ἐλευθῆρος μεδέουσα. Like οὖθαρ ἀρούρης, in ver. 141, it is an expression denoting excessive fertility. ]

 [Footnote 320: So Xenoph. De Venat. § 1. Οἴνεως δ' ἐν γήρᾳ ἐπιλαθομένου τῆς ϑεοῦ. 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, δαίμων nihil aliud erat, quam deus. Horn. Od. γ, 165, 160; Il. γ, 420; II. λ, 791. Neque in eo vocabuli discrimen est, si aut prosunt hominibus, aut iis nocent; utroque enim modo δαίμονες dicuntur. " Kennedy and some of the translators have erred on this point. ]

 [Footnote 329: _I. E. _ καϑ' ἥμισυ. See Heyne. ]

He said, and in silence nodded to Patroclus from beneath his brows, thathe should strew a thick bed for Phœnix, whilst they were meditating towithdraw as quickly as possible from the tent. But them godlikeTelamonian Ajax addressed:

"O Jove-born son of Laertes, crafty Ulysses, let us go, for the objectof 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 itbe not good. They now sit expecting us; but Achilles stores up withinhis breast a fierce and haughty soul, unyielding; nor does he regard thefriendship of his companions, with which we have honoured him at theships beyond others. Merciless one! and truly some one hath acceptedcompensation even for a brother's death, or his own son slain, whilst[the murderer] remains at home among his people, having paid manyexpiations: and the mind and noble soul of the other is appeased uponhis having received compensation. But in thy breast the gods have put anunyielding and evil mind, for the sake of a maid only; whereas we nowoffer thee seven far excelling, and many other gifts beside them. Dothou then assume a propitious disposition; and have respect to thyhouse, for we are guests beneath thy roof from the multitude of theGreeks, and desire to be most dear and friendly to thee beyond all theAchæans, 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 saidall this from thy soul, yet does my heart swell with indignation asoften as I recollect those things, how the son of Atreus hath renderedme dishonoured among the Greeks, as if it were some contemptiblestranger. But go ye, and carry back my message, for I shall not think ofbloody war, before the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector, slaughteringthe Greeks, shall reach the ships of the Myrmidons, and burn the shipswith fire. But about my tent and black ship, however, I think thatHector, although eager, will desist from combat. "

Thus he spake; but they, each having seized a double goblet, having madelibations, went back by the side of the fleet, and Ulysses led the way. But Patroclus gave orders to his companions and female domestics tostrew, with all haste, a thick couch for Phœnix; and they, obedient, spread a bed as he desired, --sheep-skins, coverlets, and the fine fabricof flax: there lay the old man, and awaited heavenly Morn. But Achillesslept in the recess of his well-made tent; and beside him lay a lady, fair-cheeked Diomede, daughter of Phorbas, whom he had brought fromLesbos. And Patroclus on the other side reclined: and by him also layfair-waisted Iphis, whom noble Achilles gave him, having taken loftyScyros, 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, andinterrogated 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 hashe refused, and does wrath still posses his haughty soul?"

But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses then addressed: "Most glorious sonof 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 thygifts. He bids thee thyself consult with the Greeks, in what manner thoumayest preserve both the ships and the army of the Greeks, but hashimself threatened, that with the rising dawn he will launch into themain his well-benched, equally-plied vessels. And he has declared thathe would advise others also to sail home, since ye will not now effectthe destruction of lofty Ilium; for far-resounding Jove hath greatlystretched forth his hand [over it], and the people have taken courage. Thus he spoke; and here are these who followed me, Ajax, and the twoheralds, both prudent men, to tell these things. But aged Phœnix hathlain 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 byno means carry him off against his will. "

Thus he spake; and they all became mute in silence, marvelling at hisspeech, for he harangued with great vehemence. Long were the sorrowingsons of the Greeks mute, till at length Diomede, valiant in the din ofbattle, addressed them:

"Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, would that thouhadst not supplicated the illustrious son of Peleus, offering countlessgifts, for he is haughty even otherwise:[330] now again hast thouexcited 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 hismind within his breast urges, and the Deity incites him. But come, letus all obey as I shall advise: go now to rest, having satisfied yourhearts with food and wine, for this is force and vigour. But when fairrosy-fingered morn has shone forth, draw up the infantry and cavalrywith all haste before the ships, cheering them: and do thou thyselflikewise fight in the foremost ranks. "

Thus he spake, but all the kings approved, admiring the speech ofDiomede, the breaker of steeds. Having then offered libations, theydeparted each to his tent; there they lay do to to rest, and enjoyed theboon 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 bynight, and first entrap and slay Dolon, who had set out on the sameerrand for the Trojans. Having obtained from him the desiredinformation, they then attack the Thracians, and slay their king, Rhesus, while asleep. At the suggestion of Minerva, they then return tothe camp. 

The other chiefs, indeed, of all the Greeks were sleeping the wholenight at the ships, overcome by soft slumber; but sweet sleep possessednot Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people, revolving manythings in his mind. As when the husband of fair-haired Juno thunders, preparing either an abundant, immense shower, or hail or snow, when thesnow whitens the fields; or somewhere [preparing] the wide mouth[332] ofbitter war; so frequently groaned Agamemnon in his breast from thebottom of his heart, and his mind was troubled within him. As oftenindeed as he looked towards the Trojan plain, he wondered at the manyfires 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 ofthe 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 nobleheart. But this plan appeared best to him in his judgment; to repairfirst to Neleian Nestor, [and see] whether with him he might contrivesome blameless counsel, which might be an averter of evil. Rising, therefore, he wrapped his coat around his breast, and beneath his smoothfeet bound the beautiful sandals; next he threw around him theblood-stained skin of a huge, tawny[334] lion, stretching to his ankles, and grasped his spear. In like manner, a tremor possessed Menelaus, forneither did sleep rest upon his eyelids, [through fear] lest the Greeksshould suffer aught, who on his account had come over the wide sea toTroy, waging daring war. First with a spotted leopard's skin he coveredhis broad back; and next, lifting his brazen helmet, placed it upon hishead, and grasped a spear in his stout hand. But he went to awaken hisbrother, who had the chief command of all the Greeks, and was honouredby the people like a god. Him he found by the prow of his ship, puttinghis bright armour around his shoulders; and arriving, he was welcome tohim. Him first Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, addressed: "Why armthus, my respected brother? Or whom dost thou urge of thy companions togo as a spy amongst the Trojans? In truth I very much fear that no onewill undertake this deed, going alone through the dead of night toreconnoitre the enemy. Any one [who does so] will be bold-heartedindeed. "

 [Footnote 332: Cicero pro Arch. § 5, "Totius belli ore ac faucibus. "]

 [Footnote 333: Or "one after another. " Schol. : ἐπ' ἀλλήλους, ἢ προῤῥίζους. 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 willprotect and preserve the Greeks and their ships, since the mind of Joveis altered. Surely he has rather given his attention to the Hectoreansacrifices; 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 amanner, [although] the dear child neither of a goddess nor of a god. Butsuch deeds hath he done as I conceive will long and for many a day be acause of care to the Greeks; so many evils hath he wrought against theGreeks. But go now, call Ajax and Idomeneus, running quickly to theirships, but I will go to noble Nestor, and exhort him to arise, if he bewilling to go to the sacred company[335] of guards and give orders; forto him will they most attentively listen, because his son commands theguards, along with Meriones, the armour-bearer of Idomeneus; for to themwe intrusted the chief charge. "

 [Footnote 335: Some picked troop chosen for the especial purpose of keeping watch. Heyne compares Σ, 504: ἱερὸς κύκλος; Ω, 681: λαθὼν ἱεροὺς πυλαωρούς. Compare, also, the ἱερὸς λόχος 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 whatmanner dost thou command and exhort me in thy speech? Shall I remainthere with them, waiting till thou come, or shall I run back again tothee, 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 throughthe camp. But shout aloud whithersoever thou goest, and enjoin them tobe watchful, accosting each man by a name from his paternal race, [337]honourably addressing all; nor be thou haughty in thy mind. Nay, leteven us ourselves labour, whatever be our station, so heavy a calamityhath Jove laid upon us at our birth. "

Thus saying, he dismissed his brother, having duly charged him. But hehastened to go to Nestor, the shepherd of the people. Him he found onhis soft couch beside his tent and black ship, and by him lay hisvariegated arms, a shield, two spears, and a glittering helmet: besidehim also lay a flexible belt, with which the old man girded himself, when he was arming for man-destroying war, leading on his people; sincehe by no means yielded to sad old age. Being supported on hiselbow, [338] and lifting up his head, he addressed the son of Atreus, andquestioned him in [these] words:

 [Footnote 336: Buttmann, Lexil. P. 85, comes to the conclusion that "we must include ἀθροτάζειν among the forms of άμαρτάνω, 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. Διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη. 86: Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη. ]

 [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, duringthe gloomy night, when other mortals are asleep? Whether seeking any ofthe 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 ofAtreus, whom beyond all Jove hath plunged into toils continually, whilstbreath remains in my breast, or my knees have the power of motion. Iwander[339] thus, because sweet sleep sits not on mine eyes, but war andthe calamities of the Greeks are my care. For I greatly fear for theGreeks, neither is my heart firm, but I am confounded. [340] My heartleaps without my breast, and my fair limbs tremble beneath. But if thoucanst do aught (since neither doth sleep come upon thee), come, let usgo down to the guards, that we may see whether, worn out by toil and[overpowered][341] by sleep, they slumber, and are altogether forgetfulof the watch. And hostile men are encamped near, nor do we at all knowbut that they perhaps meditate in their minds to engage even during thenight. " [342]

But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: "Agamemnon, mostglorious son of Atreus, king of men, assuredly provident Jove will notaccomplish to Hector all those devices, which now, perhaps, he expects;but I think that he will labour under even more cares if Achilles shallbut turn away his heart from heavy wrath. Yet will I willingly followthee; and let us moreover incite others, both spear-renowned Diomede, and Ulysses, swift Ajax, and the valiant son of Phyleus. But if any onegoing, would call godlike Ajax, and king Idomeneus; for their ships arethe farthest off, [343] and by no means near at hand. But I will chideMenelaus, dear and respected though he be, nor will I conceal, even ifthou shouldst be displeased with me, since thus he sleeps, and haspermitted thee alone to labour. For now ought he to labour, supplicatingamong all the chiefs, for a necessity, no longer tolerable, invades us. "

 [Footnote 339: Æsch. Ag. 12: Εὐτ' ἂν δὲ νυκτίπλαγκτον ἔνδροσόν τ' ἔχω Ευνὴν ὀνείροις οὐκ ἐπισκοπουμένην Ἑμὴν, ϕόθος γὰρ ἀνθ' ὄπνου παραστατεῖ. ]

 [Footnote 340: Cicero ad Attic, ix. 6: "Non angor, sed ardeo dolore; οὐδέ μοι ἦτορ ἔμπεδον, ἀλλ' ἀλαλύκτημαι. 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: Λέγει μεγίστην προσζολὴν Ἀχαΐδα Νυκτηγορεῖσθαι κἀπιθουλεύειν πόλει. ]

 [Footnote 343: Soph. Aj. 3: Καὶ νῦν ἐπὶ sκηναῖϛ σε ναυτικαῖϛ ὁρῶ Αἴαντος, ἔνθα τάξιν ἐσχάτην ἔχει. ]

But him Agamemnon, king of men, in turn addressed: "Old man, at othertimes I would even bid thee blame him, for he is frequently remiss, andis not willing to labour, yielding neither to sloth, nor thoughtlessnessof mind, but looking to me, and awaiting my commencement. But now hearose long before me, and stood beside me; him I have sent before tocall those whom thou seekest. But let us go, and we shall find thembefore the gates among the guards; for there I bade them be assembled. "

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "If so, none of theGreeks will be angry, nor disobey when he may exhort or give orders toany. "

Thus saying, he put on his tunic around his breast, and beneath hisshining feet he placed the beautiful sandals, and fastened about him hispurple cloak with a clasp, double, ample;[344] and the shaggy pile wasthick upon it: and he seized a doughty spear, pointed with sharp brass. He proceeded first to the ships of the brazen-mailed Achæans; then theGerenian 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 theships, through the army; what so great necessity now comes upon you?"

 [Footnote 344: Schol. : Τὴν μεγάλην, ωστε καὶ διπλῇ αὐτή χρώμενον ἔχειν ἐκτεταμένην. The epithet φοινικόεσσα denotes that it was the garb of royalty. ]

But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: "Jove-sprung son ofLaertes, much-scheming Ulysses, be not indignant, for so great a sorrowhath 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. Butthey proceeded to Diomede, the son of Tydeus, and him they foundwithout, before his tent, with his arms; and his companions slept aroundhim. Beneath their heads they had their shields, and their spears werefixed erect upon the nether point;[345] and afar off glittered thebrass, like the lightning of father Jove. The hero himself howeverslumbered, and beneath him was strewed the hide of a wild bull; butunder his head was spread a splendid piece of tapestry. Standing by him, the Gerenian knight Nestor awoke him, moving him on the heel with hisfoot, [346] he roused him, and upbraided [him] openly:

"Arise, son of Tydeus, why dost thou indulge in sleep all night? Hearestthou not how the Trojans are encamped upon an eminence in the plain nearthe ships, and that now but a small space keeps them off?"

 [Footnote 345: Σαυρωτῆροι' τοῖς στύραξιν τῶν οπίσω τῶν δοράτων. Hesychius, who also, with reference to the present passage, has Σαυρωτῆρος' τοῦ σιδηρίου. Pollux, x. 31, well explains it, τὸ τοῦ δόρατος ἰστάμενον It is also called στύραξ and στυρά. ]

 [Footnote 346: Not "calce pedis movens. " See Kennedy. ]

Thus he spoke: but he leaped up very quickly from slumber, andaddressing him, spoke winged words:

"Indefatigable art thou, old man: never, indeed, dost thou cease fromlabour. Are there not even other younger sons of the Greeks, who, goingabout in every direction, might arouse each of the kings? But, O oldman, thou art impossible to be wearied. "

But him then the Gerenian knight Nestor in turn addressed: "Truly, myfriend, thou hast spoken all these things aright. I have to be sureblameless sons, and I have numerous troops, some of whom indeed, goinground, might give the summons. But a very great necessity hath oppressedthe Greeks, and now are the affairs of all balanced on a razor'sedge[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 ofPhyleus, if thou hast pity on me. "

 [Footnote 347: Herodot. Vii. 11: Επὶ ξυροῦ γὰp τῆς ἀκμῆς ἔχεται ἡμῖν τα πράγματα. Soph. Antig. 996: Φρόνει βεζὼς αὖ νῦν ἐπὶ ξυροῦ τύνη. Theocrit. Xxii. 6: Ἀνθρώπων σωτῆρες ἐπὶ ξυοοῦ ἤδη ἐόντων. ]

Thus he spake; but the other threw around his shoulders the skin of ahuge tawny lion, reaching to his feet, and took his spear. He hastenedforth, and the hero, having aroused the rest, led them thence. 

But when they now came to the assembled guards, they found not theleaders of the guards slumbering, but all were sitting vigilantly withtheir arms. As dogs with care keep watch around the sheep in a fold, hearing the furious wild beast, which comes through the wood from themountains, but much clamour of men and dogs is against it, and sleep isutterly lost to them; so was sweet slumber lost to their eyelids, keeping guard during the sad night, for they were ever turned towardsthe plain, whensoever they heard the Trojans advancing. But the old manseeing them, rejoiced, and encouraged them with a speech, and addressingthem, spoke winged words:

"Thus now, dear children, keep watch; nor let sleep seize upon any, lestwe become a mockery to the enemy. "

Thus saying, he crossed the trench; and with him followed the chiefs ofthe Greeks, as many as had been summoned to the council. Along withthese went Meriones, and the illustrious son of Nestor; for they hadinvited them, that they might consult with them. Having therefore passedover the dug trench, they sat down in a clear space, where a piece ofground appeared free from fallen dead bodies, whence impetuous Hectorhad turned back, having destroyed the Greeks, when night at lengthenveloped 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 owndaring mind as to go against the magnanimous Trojans, if perchance hemight take some of the enemy straying in the outskirts of the camp, orperhaps even learn some report among the Trojans, what they deliberateamong themselves; whether they intend to remain here by the ships at adistance, or are about to return to the city, since they have subduedthe 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 havea good reward. For as many chiefs as command the vessels, of all theseeach will give a black sheep, a ewe, having a lamb at its udders; towhich indeed no possession will be like; and he will ever be present atour 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 thehostile Trojans, which is near; but if some other man were to go alongwith me, there would be more pleasure, and it would be more encouraging. For when two go together, the one perceives before the other how theadvantage may be. But if one being alone should observe anything, hisperception is nevertheless more tardy, and his judgment weak. "

Thus he spoke: and the greater number wished to follow Diomede. The twoAjaces wished it, servants of Mars; Meriones wished it; the son ofNestor very earnestly desired it; the spear-renowned son of Atreus, Menelaus, desired it; and hardy Ulysses was eager to penetrate the crowdof the Trojans; for ever daring was his mind within his breast. Amongthem, however, Agamemnon, the king of men, spoke:

"Diomede, son of Tydeus, most dear to my soul, select the companion whomthou desirest, the bravest of those who present themselves, since manyare ready. Nor do thou, paying deference in thy mind, leave indeed thebetter, 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 amongstthem Diomede, brave in the din of battle, again spoke:

"If then ye now order me to select a companion myself, how can I nowforget godlike Ulysses, whose heart is prudent, and spirit gallant inall labours; and whom Pallas Minerva loves. He following, we should bothreturn even from burning fire, for he is skilled in planning beyond [allothers]. "

But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses in turn addressed: "Son of Tydeus, neither praise me beyond measure, nor at all blame, for thou speakestthese things amongst Argives, who are acquainted with them already. Butlet us go, for night hastens on, and morn is at hand. The stars havealready far advanced, and the greater portion of the night, by twoparts, has gone by, but the third portion remains. "

Thus having spoken, they clad themselves in their terrible arms. ToDiomede, Thrasymedes, firm in war, gave his two-edged sword, because hisown was left at the ships, and a shield. Upon his head he placed hisbull'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, thewhite teeth of an ivory-tusked boar set thick together on all sidesfenced it well, and skilfully; and in the midst a woollenhead-piece[349] was sewed. It Autolycus once brought from Eleon, thecity 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, buthe gave it to his son Meriones to be worn. Then at last, being placedaround, it covered the head of Ulysses. But they, when they had girtthemselves in dreadful arms, hastened to advance, and left all thechiefs at the same place. And to them near the way, Pallas Minerva senta heron upon the right hand: they did not discern it with their eyes, because of the gloomy night, but heard it rustling. And Ulysses wasdelighted on account of the bird, and prayed to Minerva:

"Hear me, thou daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, who standest by me in alllabours, nor do I escape thy notice, having moved. [350] Now again dothou, O Minerva, especially befriend me, and grant that, covered withglory, we may return back to the well-benched barks, having performed amighty deed, which will surely occasion care to the Trojans. "

 [Footnote 348: "The καταῖτυξ 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: Καὶ νῦν ἐπέγνως εὖ μ ἐπ' ἀνδρὶ δυσμενεῖ Βάσιν ευκλοῦντ'. ]

Then Diomede, brave in the din of battle, next prayed: "Now hear me, too, O daughter of Jove, invincible. Attend me, as once thou didstattend my sire, the noble Tydeus, to Thebes, what time he went as anambassador for the Achæans; he left the brazen-mailed Achæans at theAsopus, and he himself bore thither a mild message to the Cadmæans: butwhen returning he performed many arduous deeds, with thy aid, O noblegoddess, when thou propitious didst stand beside him. Thus now willinglystand by and protect me; and in return I will sacrifice to thee a heiferof a year old, with broad forehead, untamed, which no man hath yetbrought under the yoke. This will I sacrifice to thee, encircling itshorns with gold. "

Thus they spoke, praying; and Pallas Minerva heard them. But when theyhad supplicated the daughter of mighty Jove, they hastened to advance, like two lions, through the dark night, through slaughter, throughbodies through arms, and black blood. 

Nor did Hector allow the gallant Trojans to sleep; but he summoned allthe chiefs together, as many as were leaders and rulers over theTrojans. Having summoned them together, he framed prudent counsel:

"Who, undertaking it for me, will accomplish this deed for a greatreward? And there shall be sufficient payment for him; for I will give achariot and two rough-maned steeds, which excel in speed at the swiftsailing ships of the Greeks, to him whosoever would dare (he will alsoobtain glory for himself) to approach near the swift-sailing ships, andlearn whether the fleet ships are guarded as formerly, or whether, nowsubdued by our hands, they meditate flight among themselves, nor wish tokeep watch during the night, overcome with grievous toil. "

Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence. But among the Trojansthere 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 theswift-sailing ships, and gain information. But come, raise up thysceptre to me, and swear that thou wilt assuredly give me the horses andchariot, variegated with brass, which now bear the illustrious son ofPeleus, and I will not be a vain spy to thee, nor frustrate thyexpectation; for I will go so far into the camp till I reach the ship ofAgamemnon, where the chiefs will perchance be consulting whether to flyor 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 ofJuno, 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 heencouraged him. Immediately he threw around his shoulders his crookedbow, and put on above the hide of a grey wolf, with a casque ofweasel-skin upon his head; and seized a sharp javelin. And he set out togo from the camp towards the ships: nor was he destined to bring backintelligence to Hector, returning from the ships. But when now he hadquitted the crowd of horses and men, he eagerly held on his way. But himgodlike 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 spyupon our vessels, or to plunder some of the dead bodies. But let ussuffer him first to pass by a little through the plain, and afterwards, hastily rushing upon him, let us take him. If, however, he surpasses usin speed, attacking him with the spear, let us continually drive himfrom the camp towards the ships, lest by chance he escape towards thecity. "

Then having thus spoken, they lay down out of the pathway among thedead; but he, in thoughtlessness, ran hastily past. But when now he wasas far off as is the space ploughed at one effort[352] by mules (forthey are preferable to oxen in drawing the well-made plough through thedeep fallow), they indeed ran towards him; but he stood still, hearing anoise; for he hoped within his mind that his companions had come fromthe Trojans to turn him back, Hector having ordered. But when now theywere distant a spear's cast, or even less, he perceived that they wereenemies, and moved his active knees to fly; and they immediatelyhastened to follow. As when two rough-toothed hounds, skilled in thechase, ever incessantly pursue through the woody ground either a fawn orhare, whilst screaming it flies before; thus did Tydides and Ulysses, sacker of cities, pursue him ever steadily, having cut him off from hisown people. But when now flying towards the ships, he would speedilyhave mingled with the watch, then indeed Minerva infused strength intoTydides, that none of the brazen-mailed Greeks might be beforehand inboasting that he had wounded him, but he himself come second; thengallant Diomede, rushing on him with his spear, addressed him:

"Either stop, or I will overtake thee with my spear; nor do I think thatthou 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. Overthe right shoulder the point of the well-polished spear stuck in theground. Then indeed he stood still, and trembled, stammering (and therearose a chattering of the teeth in his mouth), pale through fear. Panting they overtook him, and seized his hands; but he weeping, spokethus:

"Take me alive, and I will ransom myself; for within [my house] I havebrass, and gold, and well-wrought iron; from which my father will bestowupon you countless ransoms, if he shall hear that I am alive at theships of the Greeks. "

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Take courage, norsuffer death at all to enter thy mind; but come, tell me this, and stateit correctly: Why comest thou thus alone from the camp towards thefleet, through the gloomy night, when other mortals sleep? Whether thatthou mightst plunder any of the dead bodies, or did Hector send theeforth to reconnoitre everything at the hollow ships? Or did thy mindurge thee on?"

But him Dolon then answered, and his limbs trembled under him: "Contraryto my wish, Hector hath brought me into great detriment, who promisedthat he would give me the solid-hoofed steeds of the illustrious son ofPeleus, and his chariot adorned with brass. And he enjoined me, goingthrough the dark and dangerous[353] night, to approach the enemy, andlearn accurately whether the swift ships be guarded as before, orwhether, 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 θοὴ νύξ 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. Θ, 259) θεῶν δμήτειρα καὶ ἀνδρῶν; and Jupiter himself, in the midst of his rage, refrains from doing what might be νυκτὶ θοὴ ἀποθύμια. Nor is the epithet less natural when the night is not personified: for as ὀξεῖς καιροί are _dangerous_ times, so by this word θοή it may be intended to mark the swiftness and imminency of dangers which threaten men who go διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν. "]

But him crafty Ulysses smiling addressed: "Assuredly thy mind aimed atmighty gifts, the horses of warlike Æacides; but these are difficult tobe governed by mortal men, and to be driven by any other than Achilles, whom an immortal mother bore. But come, tell me this, and statecorrectly; where now, when coming hither, didst thou leave Hector, theshepherd of the people? Where lie his martial arms, and where hissteeds? And how [stationed are] the watches and tents of the otherTrojans? What do they consult among themselves? Do they meditate toremain there at a short distance from the ships, or will they returnagain to the city, since, forsooth, they have subdued the Greeks?"

But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, again addressed: "Therefore will Iindeed detail these things to thee very correctly. Hector, with those, as many as are counsellors, is deliberating upon plans at the tomb ofdivine Ilus, apart from the tumult: but for the watches of which thouinquirest, O Hero, no chosen [band] defends or watches the camp. But asmany as are the hearths of fires among the Trojans, those at them arethey to whom there is compulsion;[354] and they are both wakeful, andexhort one another to keep watch. But the allies, on the contrary, summoned from afar, are sleeping; for they commit it to the Trojans tokeep watch, for their children and wives lie not near them. "

 [Footnote 354: Construe, κατὰ τόσας μὲν πυρὸς ἐσχάρας, ὅσαι ἰισὶ Τρώων, οἵδε οἶσιν ἀνάγκη ἐστὶν, ἐγρηγόρθασι, κ. τ. λ. ]

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Inwhat manner now do they sleep: mingled with the horse-breakingTrojans, or apart? Tell me, that I may know. "

But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, answered: "Therefore will I indeeddetail these things also very correctly. On the one hand, towards thesea, [are] the Carians and Pœonians, armed with crooked bows, theLelegans, and Cauconians, and noble Pelasgians. Towards Thymbra, on theother, the Lycians are allotted their place, and the haughty Mysians, the horse-breaking Phrygians, and the Mæonian cavalry[355] warriors. Butwhy inquire ye of me these things separately? For if ye are now eager topenetrate the host of the Trojans, those Thracians lately arrived areapart, 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 haveseen. They are whiter than snow, and like to the winds in speed. And hischariot is well adorned with both gold and silver; and he himself came, wearing golden armour of mighty splendour, a marvel to behold; whichdoes not indeed suit mortal men to wear, but the immortal gods. But nowremove 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 haveindeed spoken to you truly, or not. "

 [Footnote 355: _I. E. _ charioteers. ]

But him then valiant Diomede sternly regarding, addressed: "Think notwithin thy mind to escape from me, O Dolon, although thou hast reportedgood tidings, since thou hast once come into my hands. For if indeed weshall now release thee, or set thee at liberty, hereafter thou wouldstsurely return to the swift ships of the Achæans, either in order tobecome a spy, or to fight against us. But if, subdued by my hands, thoulose 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 bythe 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 thehead of him, still muttering, was mingled with the dust. From his headthey took the weasel-skin helmet, and the wolf skin, with the bent bowand long spear; and noble Ulysses raised them on high with his hand toMinerva, the goddess of plunder, and praying, spake:

"Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for thee, first of all the immortals inOlympus, do we invoke; but guide us likewise to the horses and tents ofthe Thracian men. "

Thus he said; and raising them high above himself, he hung them on atamarisk-branch. But beside it he placed a conspicuous mark, pulling uphandfuls of reeds, [356] and the wide-spreading branches of the tamarisk, lest they should escape their notice whilst they were returning throughthe dark and dangerous night. Then both advanced onwards through armsand black blood; and proceeding, they came immediately to the band ofthe Thracian heroes. But they were sleeping, overpowered with fatigue;and their beautiful armour lay upon the ground beside them, carefully inorder, 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 fastenedby the reins to the outer rim[357] of the chariot. And Ulysses firstobserving, 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 mightystrength; nor does it at all become thee to stand leisurely with thyarmour. Loose therefore the steeds, or do thou slay the men, and thehorses shall be my care. "

 [Footnote 356: Συμμάρψας. Ernesti says: "Confregit leviter arundines, et addidit similiter confractis myricæ frondibus. "]

 [Footnote 357: Ernesti regards ἐπιδιϕριάδος as an adjective, with ἄντυγος understood. ]

Thus he spoke; but into him azure-eyed Minerva breathed valour, and heslaughtered, turning himself on every side, and a dreadful groaningarose of those smitten with the sword; and the earth grew red withblood. As when a lion, coming upon unprotected flocks of goats or sheep, rushes upon them, designing evils, so fell the son of Tydeus upon theThracian men, until he had slain twelve. But much-counsellingUlysses--whomsoever Diomede standing beside struck with the sword--himUlysses dragged backwards, seizing by the foot; meditating these thingsin his mind, that the fair-maned steeds should pass through easily, norshould tremble in spirit, treading on the corses; for as yet they wereunused to them. But when now the son of Tydeus had reached the king, him, the thirteenth, he deprived of sweet life, panting; for by thecounsel of Minerva an evil dream had stood over his head during thenight, [in likeness of] the son of Œneus: but in the meantime patientUlysses was untying the solid-hoofed steeds. With the reins he boundthem together and drove them from the crowd, lashing them with his bow, because he thought not of taking with his hands the splendid lash fromthe well-wrought chariot seat; and then he whistled as a signal to nobleDiomede. But he remaining, was meditating what most daring deed heshould do; whether seizing the car, where lay the embroidered armour, heshould 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 revolvingthese 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 magnanimousTydeus, lest thou reach them, having been put to flight; or lest someother god perchance arouse the Trojans. "

 [Footnote 358: Understand κατὰ ῥυμοῦ. ]

Thus she spoke; and he understood the voice of the goddess speaking, andhe quickly ascended the chariot. And Ulysses lashed on [the horses] withhis bow, and they fled to the swift ships of the Greeks. 

Nor did silver-bowed Apollo keep a vain watch. When he beheld Minervaaccompanying the son of Tydeus, enraged with her, he descended into thevast army of the Trojans, and roused Hippocoön, a counsellor of theThracians, the gallant cousin of Rhesus. And he, leaping up from sleep, when he beheld the place empty where the fleet horses had stood, and themen panting amidst the dreadful slaughter, immediately then wept aloud, and called upon his dear companion by name. A clamour and immeasurabletumult of the Trojans running together arose, and they looked withwonder at the marvellous deeds, which men having perpetrated, hadreturned to the hollow ships. 

But when now they came where they had slain the spy of Hector, thereUlysses, dear to Jove, reined in his fleet steeds. But the son ofTydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the bloody spoils in the hands ofUlysses, and then ascended the chariot. And he lashed on the steeds, andboth, not unwilling, fled towards the hollow ships, for thither it wasagreeable to their minds [to go]. But Nestor first heard the sound, andsaid:

"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-footedsteeds strikes upon my ears. O that now Ulysses and gallant Diomedewould immediately drive some solid-hoofed steeds from the Trojans! Butgreatly do I fear in mind lest these bravest of the Greeks suffer aughtfrom the rude host of Trojans. "

Not yet was the whole speech uttered, when they themselves arrived. Thenindeed they descended to the ground, and [their friends] rejoicing, saluted them with the right hand and kind expressions. But [first] theGerenian knight Nestor asked them:

"Come, tell me, most excellent Ulysses, great glory of the Greeks, howtook ye these horses? [Whether] penetrating the camp of the Trojans; ordid some god, meeting, supply you with them? They are very like unto therays of the sun. I indeed always mingle with the Trojans, nor can I saythat I remain at the ships, although being an old warrior: yet have Inever 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 ofNeleus, great glory of the Greeks, a god indeed, if willing, couldeasily have given better horses even than these, since they (the gods)are much more powerful. But those steeds about which thou inquirest, oldman, are Thracian, lately arrived, and valiant Diomede slew their lord, and beside him twelve companions, all of the bravest. The thirteenth, aspy, we killed, near the ships, whom Hector sent forth, and the otherillustrious 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 theycame to the well-constructed tent of Diomede, they tied the steeds bythe skilfully-cut reins to the horses' stall, where stood theswift-footed steeds of Diomede, eating sweet corn. In the stern of hisvessel Ulysses laid the bloody spoils of Dolon, until they could presentthem as a sacred gift to Minerva. Then having gone into the sea, theywashed off the abundant sweat from around their legs, their neck, andthighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed away the abundant sweatfrom their bodies, and they were refreshed in their dear heart, enteringthe well-polished baths, they bathed. But having bathed and anointedthemselves with rich oil, they sat down to a repast; and drawing forthsweet 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 thefield. Diomede is wounded by Paris: Ulysses by Socus. Ajax and Menelausthen go to the relief of Ajax, and Eurypylus, who had joined them, isshot in the thigh by Paris, who also wounds Machaon. Nestor conveysMachaon from the field. Achilles sends Patroclus to the tent of Nestor, who exhorts Patroclus to engage in battle, assuming the armour ofAchilles. 

But Aurora was rising from her couch, from beside glorious Tithonus, that she might bear light to immortals and to mortals, when Jove sentforth fell Discord to the swift ships of the Greeks, bearing in herhands the portent of war. And she stood upon the huge[359] black ship ofUlysses, which was in the centre, to shout to both sides, as well to thetents of Telamonian Ajax, as to those of Achilles; who had both drawn uptheir equal ships at the very extremities, relying on their valour andstrength of hands. There standing, the goddess shouted both loudly andterribly, in Orthian strain, [360] to the Greeks, and implanted mightystrength in the heart of each, to war and fight incessantly. Andimmediately war became more sweet to them, than to return in the hollowships to their dear fatherland. Then the son of Atreus shouted aloud, and ordered the Greeks to be girded; and arrayed himself, putting on hisshining armour. First he put upon his legs his beautiful greaves, fittedwith silver clasps; next he placed around his breast a corslet whichCinyras once gave him, to be a pledge of hospitality. For a great rumourwas heard at Cyprus, that the Greeks were about to sail to Troy inships: wherefore he gave him this, gratifying the king. Ten bars indeed[of the corslet] were of dark cyanus[361], twelve of gold, and twenty oftin; and three serpents of cyanus stretched towards the neck on eachside, like unto rainbows, which the son of Saturn hath fixed in acloud[362], a sign to articulate-speaking men. Then around his shouldershe hung his sword, on which glittered golden studs; and a silverscabbard enclosed it, fitted with golden rings. Next he took up hisshield, mortal-covering[363], variously wrought, strong, beautiful, around which were ten brazen orbs. Upon it were twenty white bosses oftin, and in the midst was [one] of dark cyanus. On it a grim-visagedGorgon was placed as an ornament, looking horribly, and around [were]Terror and Flight. The belt was of silver, but round it a snake ofcyanus was twisted, and there were three heads entwined, springing fromone neck. Upon his head also he placed his helmet, adorned with studs onall sides, having four bosses, crested with horse-hair, and dreadfullynodded the tuft from above. He then took two strong spears, tipped withbrass, sharp; and the brass of them glittered afar, even to heaven: andMinerva and Juno thundered above, honouring the king of Mycenæ, rich ingold. 

Then indeed each gave orders to his own charioteer to hold there hishorses in good order by the fosse; whilst they themselves on foot[364], arrayed with their armour, rushed forth; and an inextinguishable clamourarose before morning. And they[365] were marshalled in the foregroundwith the cavalry at the trench; the cavalry followed at a littleinterval; but the son of Saturn aroused a dreadful tumult, and sent downdew-drops, moist with blood, from the air above, because he was about tohurl many brave souls on to Hades. 

On the other side, on the contrary, the Trojans [drew up] on a hill inthe plain around both mighty Hector, blameless Polydamas, and Æneas, who, among the Trojans, was honoured by the people as a god; and thethree sons of Antenor, Polybus, noble Agenor, and youthful Acamas, likeunto the immortals. And Hector in the van carried his shield, equal onall sides. And as when a pernicious star makes its appearance from theclouds, at one time shining, and dark again hath entered the clouds; soHector, giving orders, appeared now among the first, and now among thelast; and he glittered all over with brass, like the lightning ofægis-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. Μολπηδὸν ηὐϕήμησεν, ὄρθιον δ' ἄμα Άντηλάλαξε. ]

 [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 wheator barley along the field of a rich man, and the frequent handfulsfall, --so the Trojans and Greeks, rushing against one another, keptslaughtering: and neither thought of pernicious flight. And they heldtheir heads equal in combat, and rushed on like wolves; whilstlamentable Discord, looking on, exulted: for she alone of the gods waspresent with them contending. But the other gods were not present withthem, but sat quiet in their palaces, where beautiful mansions werebuilt for each, along the summits of Olympus. All however blamed theSaturnian collector of dark clouds, because he wished to afford glory tothe Trojans. But the sire did not regard them, but retiring by himself, sat down apart from the others, exulting in glory, looking both upon thecity of the Trojans, and the ships of the Greeks, and the brightness ofarmour, and the slaying, and slain. 

Whilst it was morn, and the sacred day was increasing, so long theweapons reached both sides, and the people fell. But at the time whenthe 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 comesupon his mind, and the desire of sweet food seizes his breast; then theGreeks, by their valour, broke the phalanxes, cheering their companionsalong the ranks. But Agamemnon first leaped forth, and slew the heroBianor, the shepherd of the people, and then also his companion, Oïleus, the goader of steeds. For he then, leaping from the chariot, stoodagainst him; but he (Agamemnon) smote him, as he was rushing straightforward, with his sharp spear, in the forehead; nor did the visor, heavywith brass, retard the weapon, but it penetrated both it and the bone, and all the brain within was stained with gore. Him then he subduedwhile eagerly rushing on. And Agamemnon, king of men, left them therewith their bosoms all bare, for he had stripped off their tunics. Nexthe went against Isus and Anthipus, two sons of Priam, [the one]illegitimate, and [the other] legitimate, being both in one chariot, inorder to slay them. The spurious [son] guided the chariot, whilstillustrious Antiphus fought. Them Achilles had once bound with tenderosiers 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 hisspear; and again he smote Antiphus beside the ear with his sword, andhurled him from his chariot. Hastening up, he despoiled them of theirbeautiful armour, recognizing them; for he had formerly seen them at theswift ships, when swift-footed Achilles brought them from Ida. And as alion, returning to his lair, easily crushes the little fawns of thefleet hind, seizing them in his strong teeth, and deprives them of theirtender life, whilst she, although she happen [to be] very near, cannotaid them; for a dreadful tremor comes upon herself; but hastening, sheimmediately flies through the thick oak groves and the forest, sweating, through the attack of the wild beast. Thus no one of the Trojans wasthen able to avert destruction from these, but they themselves were putto flight by the Greeks. Next [he attacked] Pisander and Hippolochus, brave in battle, the sons of warlike Antimachus, who having acceptedgold from Paris, rich gifts, would not suffer them to restore Helen toyellow-haired Menelaus. His two sons, then, Agamemnon, king of men, seized, being in one chariot, for they drove their fleet horsestogether; for the splendid reins had fallen from their hands, and theywere 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, andvariously-wrought iron. From these would our father give infiniteransoms, if he should hear that we were alive at the ships of theGreeks. "

 [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 anunsoothing reply: "If indeed ye be the sons of warlike Antimachus, whoonce in an assembly of the Trojans, ordered that they should there putto death Menelaus, coming as an ambassador along with godlike Ulysses, and not send him back to the Greeks--now surely shall ye pay the penaltyof the unmerited insolence of your father. "

He said, and hurled Pisander from his horses to the ground, striking himon the breast with his spear; and he was stretched supine upon the soil. But Hippolochus leaped down, whom next he slew upon the ground, havinglopped off his hands with his sword, and cut off his neck; and it (thehead) like a cylinder, he hurled forward, to be rolled through thecrowd. These then he left there; and where very many phalanxes werethrown into confusion, there he rushed, and at the same time otherwell-greaved Greeks. Infantry slew infantry, flying from necessity, andhorse [slew] horse, slaughtering with the brass (whilst the dust wasraised by them from the plain, which the loud-sounding feet of thehorses excited); but king Agamemnon, constantly slaying, pursued, cheering on the Greeks. And as when a destructive fire falls upon awoody forest, and the wind whirling carries it on all sides, whilst thebranches fall with the roots, overwhelmed by the violence of the flame;so fell the heads of the flying Trojans, at the hand of Agamemnon, sonof Atreus, and many lofty-necked steeds rattled their empty chariotsthrough the ranks[367] of the battle, longing for their faultlesscharioteers; but they lay upon the earth, far more agreeable to thevultures 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, ofslaughter, blood and tumult, whilst Atrides pursued, loudly cheering onthe Danai. [The Trojans] meanwhile rushed through the middle of theplain towards the wild fig-tree, near the tomb of Ilus, the descendantof ancient Dardanus, eager to reach the city; but Atrides still followedshouting, and stained his invincible hands with dusty gore. But when nowthey reached the Scæan gates and the beech-tree, there at length theyhalted, and awaited each other. Others, however, still fled through themiddle of the plain, like oxen which a lion, coming at the depth ofnight, hath put tremblingly to flight--all, but to some one dreadfuldestruction is apparent; whose neck he first completely breaks, seizingit in his strong teeth; and then laps up both the blood and all theentrails: thus did the son of Atreus, king Agamemnon, follow them, always killing the hindermost; and they kept flying. Many fell prone andsupine from their chariots, by the hands of the son of Atreus; forbefore [all others] he raged exceedingly with the spear. But when now hewas about soon to reach the city and the lofty wall, then indeed thefather both of men and gods, descending from heaven, seated himself uponthe 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 maybehold Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, raging in the van, [and]destroying the ranks of men, so long let[368] him retreat, and let himexhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy during the violentcontest. But when he (Agamemnon) shall have mounted his steeds, eithersmitten by a spear, or wounded by an arrow, then will I supply him withstrength to slay, [369] until he reach the well-benched ships, and thesun 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 sacredIlium. She found noble Hector, son of warlike Priam, standing in themidst 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 meforward to deliver to thee this message: As long as thou seestAgamemnon, the shepherd of the people, raging amongst the van, [and]destroying the ranks of men, so long do thou abstain from combat, butexhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy during the violentcontest. But when he shall have mounted his steeds, either smitten witha spear, or wounded by an arrow, then will he supply thee with strengthto slay, until thou reach the well-benched ships, and the sun set, andsacred darkness come on. "

Thus having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed. But Hector with hisarmour sprang from his chariot to the ground, and brandishing sharpspears, ranged through the army on every side, inciting them to fight, and stirred up the dreadful battle. They indeed rallied, and stoodopposite to the Greeks; but the Greeks, on the other hand, strengthenedtheir phalanxes. And the battle was renewed, and they stood front tofront. But Agamemnon first rushed on, for he wished to fight far beforeall. 

Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian dwellings, who first, eitherof the Trojans or illustrious allies, now came against Agamemnon?Iphidamas, son of Antenor, both valiant and great, who was nurtured infertile Thrace, the mother of flocks. Cisseus, his maternal grandfather, who begat fair-cheeked Theano, reared him in his house whilst yet alittle boy: but when he had attained the measure of glorious youth, hethere detained him, and gave him his own daughter. And having marriedher, he came from the bridal chamber, on the rumour of the Greeks, withtwelve curved vessels which followed him. The equal ships indeed heafterwards left at Percote, but he, proceeding on foot, had arrived atTroy; and he it was who then came against Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. When these, advancing against each other, were now near, the son ofAtreus on his part missed, and his spear was turned aside. But Iphidamassmote him upon the belt, under the corslet; and he put his strength toit, 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 ittowards him, exasperated, like a lion, and plucked it from his hand; andhe 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 ahundred oxen, and then he promised a thousand goats and sheep together, which were pastured for him in countless numbers. Him Agamemnon, son ofAtreus, at that time stripped [of his arms], and went through the armyof the Greeks, bearing his rich armour. Whom when Coon, [371] the eldestborn of Antenor, conspicuous amongst men, then beheld, violent griefdarkened his eyes, for his brother having fallen, and he stood asidewith his spear, escaping the notice of noble Agamemnon. And he woundedhim in the middle of the arm, below the elbow, and the point of theshining spear passed right through to the other side. Then indeedAgamemnon, the king of men, shuddered; but not even thus did he abstainfrom battle or from war, but he rushed upon Coon, holding hiswind-nurtured spear. [372] He on his part was eagerly dragging by thefoot Iphidamas his brother, and begotten by the same father, and wascalling upon every brave man, when [Agamemnon] wounded him with hispolished brazen spear below the bossy shield, whilst dragging himthrough the crowd, and relaxed his limbs; and, standing beside him, cutoff his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, fulfilling theirdestiny at the hands of the king, the son of Atreus, descended to theabode 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 yetoozed from his wound. When, however, the wound grew dry, and the bloodceased [to flow], sharp pains possessed the strength of Atreus's son. And as when the sharp pang seizes a woman in travail, piercing, whichthe Ilithyiæ, daughters of Juno, who preside over childbirth, sendforth, keeping bitter pangs in their possession; so did sharp anguishenter 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 wastortured at heart. And vociferating, he shouted aloud to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders, and rulers over the Argives, repel ye now thesevere battle from the sea-traversing barks, since provident Jove doesnot 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 steedstowards the hollow ships; and they, not unwilling, flew. They werecovered with foam as to their breasts, and were sprinkled beneath withdust, as they bore the afflicted king apart from the battle. But Hector, when he observed Agamemnon going apart, exhorted both the Trojans andLycians, shouting aloud:

"Ye Trojans, Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous might. The bravest hero has departed, andSaturnian Jove has given great glory to me. But straightway urge yoursolid-hoofed horses against the gallant Greeks, that ye may bear offhigher glory. "

Thus saying, he aroused the courage and spirit of each. As whenperchance some huntsman should urge his white-toothed dogs against arustic wild boar or lion; so Hector, the son of Priam, equal toman-slaughtering Mars, urged the magnanimous Trojans against the Greeks. He himself, having mighty courage, advanced among the first, and rushedinto the battle, like unto a storm blowing from above, and which rushingdown, stirs up the purple deep. 

Then whom first and whom last, did Hector, son of Priam, slay, when Jovegave him glory? Assæus indeed first, and Autonoüs, and Opites, andDolops, son of Clytis, and Opheltius, and Agelaus, and Æsymnus, andOrus, and Hipponoüs, persevering in fight. These leaders of the Greekshe then slew, and afterwards the common crowd; as when the west winddrives to and fro the clouds of the impetuous[373] south, lashing themwith 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 thewind; thus were many heads of the people subdued by Hector. Then indeedwould there have been ruin; and inevitable deeds had been done, and theflying Greeks had fallen in flight into their ships, had not Ulyssesencouraged 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 adisgrace 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, sincecloud-compelling Jove chooses to give glory to the Trojans rather thanto 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 τρόϕις=μέγας, εὐτραϕής. ]

 [Footnote 375: Hesychius: Ἦδος· ἡδονή, κα ὄϕελος. ]

He said, and hurled Thymbræus from his chariot to the ground, strikinghim with his spear upon the left pap; but Ulysses [slew] Molion, thegodlike attendant of the king. These then they left, since they causedthem to cease from war. Then both, advancing through the multitude, excited confusion; as when two boars, full of courage, rush upon thehounds; so they returning to the fight, cut down the Trojans; and theGreeks joyfully gained a respite, avoiding noble Hector. Next they tooka chariot and two warriors, the bravest of the people, the two sons ofPercosian Merops, who above all was skilled in augury, nor would permithis 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-renownedDiomede, the son of Tydeus, depriving of life and breath, despoiled oftheir splendid armour. And Ulysses slew Hippodamus and Hyperochus. 

Then the son of Saturn, looking down from Ida, stretched for them thecontest with equal tension, and they slaughtered one another. The son ofTydeus 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; buthe had erred greatly in his mind, for his attendant kept them apart, whilst he rushed on foot through the foremost combatants, till he losthis life. But Hector quickly perceived it along the ranks, and hastenedtowards them, shouting; and with him followed the phalanxes of theTrojans. 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. Butcome, let us stand firm, and awaiting, repulse [him]. "

He said, and brandishing his long-shadowed spear, hurled it, and smotehim 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 thethreefold oblong helmet stopped it, which Phœbus 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 supportedhimself with his strong hand against the earth, whilst dark nightovershadowed his eyes. But whilst the son of Tydeus was following afterthe impulse of the spear far through the foremost combatants, where itwas fixed in the earth, Hector, in the meantime, breathed again, andspringing again into his chariot, drove into the crowd, and avoidedblack death. And valiant Diomede, rushing upon him with his spear, addressed him:

"Dog, thou hast escaped indeed death at present, although destructionapproached near thee. Now again has Phœbus Apollo rescued thee, to whomthou art wont to offer prayers, advancing into the clash of spears. ButI will assuredly make an end of thee, meeting thee again, if perchanceany one of the gods be an ally to me. Now, however, I will go againstothers, whomsoever I can find. "

He said, and slew the spear-renowned son of Pæon. But Paris, the husbandof fair-haired Helen, leaning against a pillar, at the tomb of thedeceased hero, Dardanian Ilus, the aged leader of the people, bent hisbow against the son of Tydeus, the shepherd of the people. Whilst he wasremoving the variegated corslet from the breast of gallant Agastrophus, the shield from his shoulders, and his heavy casque, he (Paris) in themeantime was drawing back the horn of his bow, and struck him on thebroad part of the right foot, nor did the weapon escape in vain from hishand; and the arrow went entirely into the ground. And he, laughing veryjoyfully, 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 oflife. Thus, indeed, would the Trojans have respired from destruction, who now are thrilled with horror at thee, as bleating goats at thelion. "

But him valiant Diomede, undismayed, addressed:

"Archer, reviler, decked out with curls, woman's man, if now in armsthou wouldst make trial of me, hand to hand, thy bow should not availthee, and numerous arrows[376] whereas now, having grazed the broad partof my foot, thou boastest thus. I regard it not, as though a woman hadwounded 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 betouched but slightly, the weapon is piercing, and forthwith renders himlifeless; and the cheeks of his wife are furrowed on both sides, and hischildren are orphans; but crimsoning the earth with his blood, heputrefies, 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 ofhis foot, and severe agony darted through his body. Then he leaped intohis 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 uponall. 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 knowthat cowards indeed retire from the battle; but whosoever should bebrave 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 ofthe shielded Trojans in the meantime came upon him, and enclosed him inthe midst, placing [their] bane in the midst of them. As when dogs andvigorous youths rush against a boar on all sides, but he comes out froma deep thicket, sharpening his white tusk within his crooked jaws; onall sides they rush upon him, and a gnashing of teeth arises: but theyremain at a distance from him, terrible as he is: so the Trojans didrush round Ulysses, dear to Jove. But he wounded above the shoulderblameless Deïopites, springing upon him with his sharp spear; andafterwards he slew Thoön and Ennomous. With his spear he next woundedChersidamas, when leaping from his chariot, in the navel, below hisbossed shield; but he, falling amid the dust, grasped the earth with thehollow of his hand. These indeed he left, and next wounded with hisspear Charops, son of Hippasus, and brother of noble Socus. But Socus, godlike hero, hastened to give him aid; and approaching very near, hestood, and addressed him in these words:

"O illustrious Ulysses, insatiable in crafts and toil, to-day shaltthou either boast over the two sons of Hippasus, having slain suchheroes, 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 rapidweapon penetrated the shining shield, and was fixed through thecuriously-wrought corslet, and tore off all the skin from his sides. ButPallas Minerva suffered it not to be mingled with the entrails of thehero. And Ulysses perceived that the weapon had not come upon himmortally, 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 theTrojans, but I declare that death and black fate shall be thine thisday; 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 backbetween the shoulders, and drove it through his breast. Falling, he madea crash, and noble Ulysses boasted over him:

"O Socus, son of warlike, horse-breaking Hippasus, the end of death hasanticipated thee, nor hast thou escaped. Ah! wretch, neither thy fathernor venerable mother shall close thine eyes for thee, dead as thou art, but ravenous birds shall tear thee, flapping about thee with densewings: 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 fleshand bossy shield; and his blood gushed forth as he drew it out, andtortured his mind. But the magnanimous Trojans, when they beheld theblood of Ulysses, encouraging one another through the crowd, all rushedon against him; whilst he kept retreating backwards, and called to hiscompanions. Thrice did he then shout as much as the head of mortal couldcontain, and thrice warlike Menelaus heard him exclaiming, and instantlyaddressed Ajax, being near:

"Most noble Ajax, son of Telamon, chieftain of the people, the cry ofinvincible Ulysses has come upon me, like to that, as if the Trojanswere greatly pressing upon him, being alone, having cut him off in thesharp fight. Wherefore let us go through the crowd, as it is better toaid him. I fear lest being left alone amidst the Trojans, he sufferaught, although being brave, and there be great want [of him] to theGreeks. "

Thus speaking, he led the way, and the godlike hero followed along withhim. Then they found Ulysses, dear to Jove; and around him followed theTrojans, like tawny jackals round an an tiered stag when wounded in themountains, which a man hath stricken with an arrow from the bowstring. Him indeed, flying, it escapes on its feet, as long as the blood iswarm, and its knees have the power of motion. But when the swift arrowhath subdued it, the raw-devouring jackals destroy it in a shady groveamong the mountains. Chance, however, brings thither the destructivelion: the jackals then fly in terror, and he devours. So at that timefollowed 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 besidehim; and the Trojans fled, terrified, different ways. In the meantimewarlike Menelaus, taking him by the hand, withdrew [him] from thethrong, till his attendant drove his horses near. But Ajax, springingupon the Trojans, slew Doryclus, son of Priam, an illegitimate son; andnext wounded Pandocus. Lysander he wounded, and Pyrasus, and Pylartes. And as when an overflowing river comes down on the plain, a torrent fromthe mountains, accompanied by the shower of Jove, and bears along withit many dry oaks and many pines, and casts forth the swollen torrentinto the sea; so illustrious Ajax, routing [them], pursued [them] alongthe plain, slaughtering both horses and men. Nor as yet had Hector heardit; for he was fighting on the left of the battle, on the banks of theriver Scamander; for there chiefly fell the heads of men, and aninextinguishable clamour had arisen around mighty Nestor, and warlikeIdomeneus. Among these did Hector mingle, performing arduous deeds withhis spear and equestrian skill, and he was laying waste the phalanxes ofyouths. Nevertheless the noble Greeks would not have retired from theway, had not Paris, the husband of fair-haired Helen, disabled Machaon, the shepherd of the people, performing prodigies of valour, wounding himon the right shoulder with a triple-barbed arrow. For him then thevalour-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 horseswith all speed towards the ships, for a medical man is equivalent tomany 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 Ιλ. Λ. τὸ ἐκτάμνειν 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 heascended his chariot, and Machaon, the son of Æsculapius, blamelessphysician, mounted beside him; but he lashed on the steeds, and theyflew not unwillingly towards the hollow ships, for there it wasagreeable to their inclination [to go]. 

But Cebriones, sitting beside Hector, perceived the Trojans inconfusion, and addressed him in [these] words: "Hector, we two aremingling here with the Greeks in the outskirt of evil-sounding battle, whilst the other Trojans are thrown into confusion in crowds, both theirhorses and themselves. Telamonian Ajax is routing them, for I know himwell, for around his shoulders he bears a broad shield. But let us alsodirect our horses and chariot thither, where cavalry and infantry, having engaged in the evil strife, are slaughtering each other, andinextinguishable tumult hath arisen. "

Thus then having spoken, he lashed on the fair-maned steeds with hisshrill-cracking lash. But they, sensible of the stroke, speedily borethe swift chariot through Trojans and Greeks, trampling on both corsesand shields. With blood the whole axletree was stained beneath, and therims around the chariot-seat, which the drops from the horses' hoofs, and from the wheel-tires, spattered. But he longed to enter the crowd ofheroes, and to break through, springing upon them. And he sentdestructive tumult upon the Greeks, and abstained very little from thespear. Among the ranks of other men indeed he ranged with his spear, hissword, and with huge stones; but he shunned the conflict of TelamonianAjax. 

But lofty-throned Jove excited fear within Ajax, and he stoodconfounded, and cast behind him his shield of seven bulls' hides. Panic-struck he retired, gazing on all sides like a wild beast, turningto and fro, slowly moving knee after knee. As when dogs and rustic mendrive a ravening lion from the stall of oxen, who, keeping watch allnight, do not allow him to carry off the fat of their cattle, but he, eager for their flesh, rushes on, but profits nought, for numerousjavelins fly against him from daring hands, and blazing torches, atwhich he trembles, although furious; but in the morning he stalks awaywith saddened mind: so Ajax, sad at heart, then retired, much againsthis 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 havealready been broken, entering in, browses on the tall crop, but the boysstill beat him with sticks, although their strength is but feeble, andwith difficulty drive him out, when he is satiated with food, so then atlength the magnanimous Trojans and far-summoned allies continuallyfollowed Ajax, the mighty son of Telamon, striking the middle of hisshield with missile weapons. And Ajax, sometimes wheeling about, wasmindful of impetuous might, and checked the phalanxes of thehorse-breaking Trojans, but again he would turn himself to fly. But heprevented all from advancing to the swift ships, whilst standing himselfbetween the Trojans and Greeks he raged impetuously. And spears hurledagainst him from daring hands, stuck, some indeed in his ample shield, and many, though eager to glut themselves with his flesh, stood fixed inthe ground between, before they could reach his fair skin. 

 [Footnote 379: Such seems to be the force of ἀμϕίς]

Whom when Eurypylus, the illustrious son of Evæmon, perceived pressedhard with many darts, advancing he stood beside him, and took aim withhis shining spear; and smote Apisaon, son of Phausias, shepherd of thepeople, in the liver, under the diaphragm; and immediately relaxed hislimbs. And when godlike Alexander observed him stripping off the armourof Apisaon, he instantly bent his bow against Eurypylus, and smote himwith an arrow upon the right thigh; and the reed was broken, and painedhis thigh. Then he fell back into the column of his companions, avoidingfate, 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 withdarts; nor do I think that he will escape from the dread-resoundingbattle. But by all means stand firm round mighty Ajax, the son ofTelamon. "

So spake the wounded Eurypylus, and they stood very near him, restingtheir shields upon their shoulders, and lifting up their spears. ButAjax came to meet them, and turning about, stood firm, when he reachedthe body of his comrades. Thus they indeed combated like blazing fire. 

In the meantime the Neleian steeds, sweating, bore Nestor from thebattle, and conveyed Machaon, the shepherd of the people. And nobleAchilles, swift of foot, looking forth, beheld him; for he stood uponthe prow of his great ship, gazing at the severe labour and lamentablerout. Straightway he addressed Patroclus, his companion, calling [tohim] 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 firstthe gallant son of Menœtius addressed: "Why dost thou call me, Achilles, and what need hast thou of me?"

But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "Noble son ofMenœtius, most dear to my soul, soon I think that the Greeks will standround my knees entreating, for a necessity no longer tolerable invadesthem. But go now, Patroclus, dear to Jove, ask Nestor what man this iswhom he is carrying wounded from the battle. Behind, indeed, he whollyresembles Machaon, the son of Æsculapius, but I have not beheld thecountenance of the man: for the horses passed by me, hastening onward. "

Thus he spoke, and Patroclus was obedient to his dear comrade, andhastened to run to the tents and ships of the Greeks. 

But when they came to the tent of the son of Neleus, they themselvesdescended to the fertile earth, and Eurymedon, the attendant of the oldman, unyoked the mares from the chariot; whilst they refreshedthemselves from the sweat upon their tunics, [380] standing towards thebreeze beside the shore of the sea, and afterwards, entering the tent, they sat down upon couches. But for them fair-curled Hecamede prepared amixture, she whom the old man had brought from Tenedos, when Achilleslaid it waste, the daughter of magnanimous Arsinoüs, whom the Greeksselected for him, because he surpassed all in counsel. First she setforward for them a handsome, cyanus-footed, well-polished table; thenupon it a brazen tray, and on it an onion, a relish[381] for thedraught, 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 broughtfrom home, studded with golden nails. Its handles were four, and aroundeach 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 thewoman, like unto the goddesses, had mixed for them Pramnian wine, andgrated over it a goat's-milk cheese with a brazen rasp, and sprinkledwhite flour upon it: then bade them drink, as soon as she had preparedthe potion. But when drinking they had removed parching thirst, theyamused themselves, addressing each other in conversation. And Patroclusstood at the doors, a godlike hero. 

 [Footnote 380: "Construe ἀπεψ· κατὰ τὸν ιδρῶχιτ. _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 ἀμϕικύπελλον. 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 takinghim by the hand, led him, in, and bade him be seated. But Patroclus, onthe 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 thisman is whom thou leadest wounded; but even I myself know, for I perceiveMachaon, the shepherd of the people. Now, however, in order to delivermy message, I will return again an ambassador to Achilles; for well dostthou know, O Jove-nurtured sage, what a terrible man he is; soon wouldhe 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 doesAchilles thus compassionate the sons of the Greeks, as many as have beenwounded with weapons? Nor knows he how great sorrow hath arisenthroughout the army; for the bravest lie in the ships, smitten in thedistant or the close fight. [384] Stricken is brave Diomede, the son ofTydeus, and wounded is spear-renowned Ulysses, as well as Agamemnon. Eurypylus also has been wounded in the thigh with an arrow; and thisother have I lately brought from battle, smitten with an arrow from thebowstring: yet Achilles, being brave, regards not the Greeks, nor pitiesthem. Does he wait until the swift ships near the sea, contrary to thewill of the Greeks, be consumed with the hostile fire, and we ourselvesbe slain one after the other? For my strength is not as it formerly wasin my active members. Would that I were thus young, and my might wasfirm, as when a contest took place between the Eleans and us, about thedriving away some oxen, when, driving away in reprisal, I slewItymoneus, the valiant son of Hypeirochus, who dwelt in Elis: for he, defending his cattle, was smitten among the first by a javelin from myhand, and there fell; and his rustic troops fled on every side. And wedrove from the plain a very great booty, fifty droves of oxen, as manyflocks of sheep, as many herds of swine, and as many broad herds ofgoats, one hundred and fifty yellow steeds, all mares, and beneath manythere were colts. And these we drove within Neleian Pylus, at nighttowards the city; but Neleus was delighted in his mind, because manythings had fallen to my lot, going as a young man to the war. But withthe appearing morn, heralds cried aloud for those to approach to whom adebt was due in rich Elis; and the leading heroes of the Pyliansassembling, divided [the spoil], (because the Epeans owed a debt tomany); for we in Pylus, [being] few, were overwhelmed with evil. For theHerculean might, coming in former years, did us mischief, and as many aswere bravest were slain. For we, the sons of illustrious Neleus, weretwelve; of whom I alone am left, but all the rest have perished. Elatedat these things, the brazen-mailed Epeans, insulting us, devised wickeddeeds. But the old man chose for himself a herd of cattle and a largeflock of sheep, selecting three hundred and their shepherds; for evento him a great debt was due in rich Elis: four horses, victorious in therace, with their chariots, which had gone for the prizes; for they wereabout to run for a tripod; but Augeas, king of men, detained them there, and dismissed the charioteer, grieved on account of his steeds. At whichwords and deeds the old man, being wroth, chose out for himself mightynumbers, and gave the rest to the people to divide, that no one might goaway defrauded by him of his just proportion. We indeed accomplishedeach of these things, and were performing sacrifices to the gods throughthe city, when on the third day they all came at once, both the citizensthemselves and their solid-hoofed steeds, in full force: and with themwere armed the two Molions, being still youths, nor as yet very skilledin 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 atPylus, but one very eager to fight. Still Neieus would not allow me tobe armed, but concealed my horses, for he said that I was not at allacquainted with warlike deeds. Yet even thus was I conspicuous amongstour cavalry, even although being on foot; for thus did Minerva conductme to battle. There is a certain river, Minyeïus, emptying itself intothe sea near Arena, where we, the Pylian horsemen, awaited divine Morn, whilst the swarms of infantry poured in. Thence in full force, equippedin armour, we came at mid-day to the sacred stream of Alpheus. Therehaving offered fair victims to almighty Jove, a bull to the Alpheus, anda bull to Neptune, but an untrained heifer to blue-eyed Minerva, we thentook supper through the army by troops; and we each slept in our armsalong the river's stream. In the meantime the magnanimous Epeans stoodaround, desirous to lay waste the city; but a mighty work of Mars firstappeared to them: for as soon as the splendid sun was elevated above theearth, 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 aman, the warrior Molion, and bore away his solid-hoofed steeds: he wasthe son-in-law of Augeas, and possessed his eldest daughter, yellow-haired Agamede, who well understood as many drugs as the wideearth nourishes. Him advancing against [me], I smote with my brazenspear. He fell in the dust, and springing into his chariot, I then stoodamong the foremost combatants; but the magnanimous Epeans fledterrified in different directions when they beheld the hero fallen, theleader of their cavalry, he who was the best to fight. But I rushed uponthem like unto a black whirlwind; and I took fifty chariots, and in eachtwo men bit the ground with their teeth, vanquished by my spear. And nowindeed I should have slain the youthful Molions, the sons[385] of Actor, had not their sire, wide-ruling Neptune, covering them with a thickhaze, preserved them from the war. Then Jove delivered into the hands ofthe Pylians great strength, for so long did we follow them through thelong[386] plain, both slaying them, and gathering up rich armour, untilhe had driven our horses to Buprasium, fertile in wheat, to the rockOlenia and Alesium, where it is called Colone: whence Minerva turnedback the people. Then having killed the last man, I left him; but theGreeks guided back their swift steeds from Buprasium to Pylus; and allgave glory to Jove, of the gods, and to Nestor, of men. Thus was I, assure as ever I existed, among men: but Achilles will enjoy his valouralone: surely I think that he will hereafter greatly lament, when thepeople have bitterly perished. O my friend, Menœtius did assuredly thuscommand thee on that day when he sent thee from Phthia to Agamemnon. Forwe being both within, I and noble Ulysses, distinctly heard all thingsin the halls, as he charged you: but we were come to the well-inhabitedpalace of Peleus, collecting an army through fertile Greece. There thenwe found the hero Menœtius within, as well as thee, and Achillesbesides; but the aged horseman, Peleus, was burning the fat thighs of anox 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 westood in the vestibule; but Achilles, astonished, leaped up, and led usin, taking us by the hand, and bade us be seated: and he set in orderbefore us the offerings of hospitality which are proper for guests. Butwhen we were satiated with eating and drinking, I began discourse, exhorting you to follow along with us. Ye were both very willing, andthey both commanded you many things. Aged Peleus in the first placedirected his son Achilles ever to be the bravest, and to be conspicuousabove others; but to thee again Menœtius, the son of Actor, thus gavecharge: 'My son, Achilles indeed ia superior in birth; but thou art theelder. And he is much superior in strength: but still do thou frequentlysuggest to him proper advice, and admonish and direct him, and he willsurely be obedient in what is for [his own] good. ' Thus did the old mancommand thee; but thou art forgetful: but even now do thou mentionthese things to warlike Achilles, if perchance he may be obedient. Whoknows if, advising him, thou mayest, with the gods' assistance, arousehis mind? For the admonition of a friend is good. But if within his mindhe avoid some prophecy, and his venerable mother has told him anythingfrom Jove, let him at least send thee forth; and with thee let the otherforces of the Myrmidons follow, if indeed thou mayest be some aid to theGreeks. Let him likewise give his beautiful armour to thee, to be borneinto battle, if perchance the Trojans, assimilating thee to him, mayabstain from the conflict, and the warlike sons of the Greeks, alreadyafflicted, may respire; and there be a little respite fromfighting. [388] But you, [who are] fresh, will, with fighting, easilydrive back men wearied, towards the city, from the ships and tents. "

 [Footnote 384: Cf iv. 540, for the distinction between βεϑλημένοι and οὐτάμενοι. ]

 [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 hehastened to run to the ships to Achilles, the grandson of Æacus. Butwhen now Patroclus, running, arrived at the ships of godlike Ulysses, where were their forum and seat of justice, and there the altars oftheir 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, andfrom the grievous wound oozed the black blood; nevertheless his mind wasfirm. Seeing him, the gallant son of Menœtius pitied him, and, grieving, spoke winged words:

"Alas! unhappy men, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, are ye then thusdestined, far away from your friends and native land, to satiate theswift dogs at Troy with your white fat? But come, tell me this, OJove-nurtured hero, Eurypylus, will the Greeks still at all sustainmighty Hector, or will they now be destroyed, subdued by his spear?"

But him prudent Eurypylus in turn addressed: "No longer, Jove-nurturedPatroclus, will there be aid for the Greeks, but they will fall backupon the black ships. For already all, as many as were once bravest, lieat the ships, stricken or wounded by the hands of the Trojans, whosestrength ever increases. But do thou now, indeed, save me, leading me tomy black ship; and cut out the arrow from my thigh, and wash the blackblood[389] from it with warm water; then sprinkle upon it mild drugs, salubrious, which they say thou wert taught by Achilles, whom Chironinstructed, the most just of the Centaurs. For the physicians, Podalirius and Machaon, the one, I think, having a wound, lies at thetents, and himself in want of a faultless physician, and the otherawaits 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 Menœtius addressed: "How then will thesethings turn out? What shall we do, O hero Eurypylus? I go that I maydeliver a message to warlike Achilles, with which venerable Nestor, guardian of the Greeks, has intrusted me: but even thus I cannot neglectthee, afflicted. "

He said, and having laid hold of the shepherd of the people under hisbreast, bore him to the tent, and his attendant, when he saw him, spreadunder him bulls' hides. There [Patroclus] laying him at length, cut outwith a knife the bitter, sharp arrow from his thigh, and washed theblack blood from it with warm water. Then he applied a bitter, pain-assuaging root, rubbing it in his hands, which checked all hispangs: the wound, indeed, was dried up, and the bleeding ceased. 

 BOOK THE TWELFTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

The Trojans assail the rampart, and Hector, despite an omen, whichPolydamas interprets unfavourably, attacks and forces the gate, andopens a way to the ships. 

Thus then at the tents the valiant son of Menœtius was healing thewounded 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 theships; but they had drawn a foss around (nor had they given splendidhecatombs to the gods); that it enclosing within, might defend the swiftships and the great booty. But it was built against the will of theimmortal gods, therefore it remained not perfect for any longperiod. [390] As long as Hector was alive, and Achilles indignant, andthe city of king Priam unravaged, so long was the mighty wall of theGreeks firm. But when all the bravest of the Trojans were dead, and manyof the Greeks were subdued, but others left surviving, when in the tenthyear the city of Priam was sacked, and the Greeks went in their ships totheir dear fatherland; then at length Neptune and Apollo took counsel todemolish the wall, introducing the strength of rivers, as many as flowinto the sea from the Idæan mountains, both the Rhesus and theHeptaporus, the Caresus and the Rhodius, the Granicus and the Æsepus, the divine Scamander and the Simoïs, where many shields and helmets fellin the dust, and the race of demigod men. The mouths of all these PhœbusApollo turned to the same spot, and for nine days he directed theirstreams against the wall; and Jove in the meantime rained continually, that he might the sooner render the walls overwhelmed by the sea. Butthe Earth-shaker [Neptune] himself, holding the trident in his hands, led them on; and then dispersed among the billows all the foundations ofbeams and stones which the Greeks had laid with toil. And he made [all]level along the rapid Hellespont, and again covered the vast shore withsands, having demolished the wall: but then he turned the rivers to goback into their own channels, in which they had formerly poured theirsweet-flowing water. [391]

 [Footnote 390: Cf. Pseudo-Socrat. Epist. I. Πολλοῖς δὲ πολλὰ καὶ τῶν ἄλλων εἴρηται ποιητῶν περὶ θεῶν' καὶ ὅτι τὰ μὲν κατὰ τὴν αὐτῶν βούλησιν πραττόμενα ἐπὶ τὸ λώϊον ἐκθαίνει, τὰ δὲ παρὰ θεὸν ἀλυσιτελῆ ὑπάρχει τοῖς πράξασι, 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 battleand clamour burned around the well-built wall, and the stricken joistsof the towers resounded: but the Greeks, subdued by the scourge[392] ofJove, were detained, hemmed in at the hollow ships, dreading Hector, thefurious cause of flight; for he fought, as formerly, equal to awhirlwind. And as when a boar or lion is occupied amongst the dogs andhuntsmen, looking dreadfully with strength, and they, drawing themselvesup in a square form, [393] stand against him, and hurl frequent javelinsfrom their hands; but never is his noble heart alarmed, nor is he put toflight; 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 theswift-footed horses dare [it];[394] but they loudly neighed, standingupon the precipitous brink; for the wide ditch affrighted [them], norwas it easy to leap across, [by standing] near, [395] or to pass it, foroverhanging brinks stood round it on both sides, and beneath it wasfortified 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 theinfantry eagerly desired it, if they could accomplish it. Then indeedPolydamas, 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 ἐκ τοῦ σχεδὸν, "adstando prope ad fossæ oram, ut saltu facilius transilias. "--Heyne. ]

"Hector, and ye other leaders of the Trojans, and allies, unwisely do wedrive our fleet steeds through the trench, which is very difficult topass; since sharp palisades stand in it, and near them is the wall ofthe Greeks. Wherefore it is by no means possible for the cavalry todescend, or to fight, for it is a narrow place, where I think they wouldbe wounded. For if indeed lofty-thundering Jove, designing evil, destroys the Greeks, but wishes to assist the Trojans, certainly I wouldwish this to take place even immediately, that the Greeks perish hereinglorious, away from Argos. If, however, they rally, and a repulse fromthe ships take place, and we be entangled in the dug trench, I do notsuppose that then even a messenger will return back to the city from theGreeks. But come, let us all be persuaded as I shall advise. Let theservants keep our horses at the trench, and let us, all on foot, clad inarmour, follow Hector in a close body; but the Greeks will not withstandus, if indeed the end of destruction hang over them. "

Thus spake Polydamas; but the safe counsel pleased Hector; andimmediately he leaped with his armour from his chariot on the ground. Nor did the other Trojans assemble on horseback, but dismounting, theyrushed on, when they beheld noble Hector. Then each commanded his owncharioteer to rein his steeds in good order there at the trench, andthey, separating, drawing themselves up, and being arranged in fivecolumns, followed along with their leaders. Some then went with Hectorand illustrious Polydamas, who were most numerous and brave, and whowere most resolutely desirous, having broken down the wall, to fight atthe hollow ships. And Cebriones followed as a third; for Hector leftanother, inferior to Cebriones, with his chariot. Others Pariscommanded, and Alcathous, and Agenor. The third band Helenus and godlikeDeïphobus, two sons of Priam; but the third [commander] was the heroAsius, Asius son of Hyrtacus, whom fiery, tall steeds brought fromArisba, from the river Selleïs. But the fourth, Æneas, the brave son ofAnchises, led; along with him were the two sons of Antenor, Archilochusand Acamas, well skilled in every kind of fight. But Sarpedon commandedthe illustrious allies, and chose to himself Glaucus and warlikeAsteropæus; for they appeared to him, next to himself decidedly thebravest of the rest: for he, indeed, excelled among all. When they thenhad fitted each other together[396] with interlaced ox-hide bucklers, they advanced, full of courage, direct against the Greeks, nor expectedthat they would sustain them, but that they would fall in flight intotheir black ships. 

Then the other Trojans and far-summoned allies obeyed the counsel ofblameless Polydamas; but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, leader of heroes, wasunwilling to relinquish his horses and attendant charioteer, but withthem advanced to the swift ships, --foolish! Nor was he destined toreturn again, borne on his steeds and chariot from the ships towind-swept Ilium, having avoided evil destiny. For him unlucky fatefirst encircled from the spear of Idomeneus, the illustrious son ofDeucalion. For he rushed towards the left of the ships, by the way inwhich the Greeks were returning from the plain with their horses andchariots. Thither he drove his horses and his chariot, nor did he findthe gates closed[397] in the portal, or the long bar up, but the menheld them wide open, that they might safely receive at the ships any oftheir companions flying from the battle. He designedly guided his steedsright onward in that way, and [his troops], shrilly shouting, followedalong with him; for they supposed that the Greeks could no longersustain them, but would fall in flight into the black ships--fools! forat the gates they found two very brave heroes, the magnanimous sons ofthe warlike Lapithæ, the one the son of Pirithous, gallant Polypœtes, the other Leonteus, equal to man-slaughtering Mars. These two then stoodbefore the lofty gates, as tall oaks on the mountains, which abide thewind and rain at all seasons, remaining firmly fixed by their great andwide-spreading roots; so they too, trusting to their hands and strength, awaited mighty Asius coming on, nor fled. But the troops, lifting hightheir well-seasoned bucklers, advanced with loud shouting directlytowards the well-built wall, round their king Asius, and Iämenus, andOrestes, Acamas, the son of Asius, Thoon, and Œnomäus. Hitherto indeedthese, remaining within, were exhorting the well-armed Greeks to fightfor the ships; but when they perceived the Trojans rushing against thewall, and confusion and flight of the Greeks arose, both darting out, fought before the gates, like unto wild boars, which await theapproaching tumult of men and dogs in the mountains, and, advancingobliquely to the attack, break down the wood around them, cutting it tothe root; and a gnashing of teeth arises from beneath, till some one, having taken aim, deprive them of life. So resounded the shining brassupon their breasts, smitten in front, for very valiantly they fought, trusting to the troops above, and to their own valour. But they hurledstones down from the well-built towers, defending themselves, theirtents, and the swift-voyaging ships. And as snow-flakes fall upon theearth, which the violent wind, having disturbed the shady clouds, poursdown thick upon the fertile soil; thus poured the weapons from the handsas well of the Greeks as of the Trojans; and the helmets and bossyshields, smitten with large stones, sounded drily around. Then indeedAsius, son of Hyrtacus, groaned, and smote both his thighs, andindignant exclaimed:

"Father Jove, surely now at least thou also hast become utterlydeceitful; for I did not expect that the Grecian heroes would abide ourstrength and invincible hands. But they, as wasps flexible[398] in themiddle, and bees, [which] make their dwellings in a rugged path, norquit their hollow mansion; but awaiting the huntsmen, fight for theiroffspring; so are these unwilling to retire from the gates, though beingonly two, until they be either killed or taken. "

 [Footnote 396: "Put for ἄραρον τὰς ἀσπίδας ἀλλήλων, ἐπ' ἀλλήλοις, _clipeos consertos_ manibus ante se tenebant, συνασπισμῷ 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 ὀχεῖς, 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 μέσον, 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 thesethings: for his soul designed to bestow glory upon Hector. In themeantime others were waging the battle at other gates; but difficultwould 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 stoneswas aroused, [399] and the Greeks, although grieving, fought fromnecessity for their ships; and all the gods were sorrowful in theirminds; 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 Polypœtes, smote Damasus with his spear, through hisbrazen-cheeked helmet; nor did the brazen casque withstand, but thebrazen blade burst quite through the bone, and all the brain within wasshattered. Thus he subdued him, rushing on, and afterwards he slew Pylonand Ormenus. And Leonteus, a branch of Mars, wounded Hippomachus, theson 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 tothe ground; then Menon and Iämenus, and Orestes, all one over another hebrought 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 eagerto break down the wall, and burn the ships with fire, followed Polydamasand Hector, and they anxiously deliberated, standing at the trench. Foran augury had appeared on the left to them while eager to cross, ahigh-flying eagle dividing the people, [400] bearing in his talons amonstrous blood-stained serpent, alive, still panting; nor was it yetforgetful of fighting; for, while holding it, writhing backwards, itwounded him upon the breast near the neck; but he let it drop from himto the ground, afflicted with anguish, and threw it into the midst ofthe crowd, and, flapping his wings, he fled away with the breeze of thewind. And the Trojans shuddered as they beheld the spotted serpent lyingin the midst, a prodigy of ægis-bearing Jove. Then Polydamas, standingnear, 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 fora man, being a citizen, to harangue contrary to thee, either in councilor at any time in war; but ever to increase thy authority. Yet will Iagain speak as appears to me to be best. Let us not go about to fightwith the Greeks for their ships; for thus do I think it will end, assure as this augury has come to the Trojans desiring to cross, thehigh-flying eagle upon the left dividing the army, bearing in its talonsa huge blood-stained serpent, [still] living; but presently it droppedit, before it reached its dear home, nor succeeded in carrying it togive it to its young: so we, if even we shall with great force breakthrough the gates and wall of the Greeks, and the Greeks shall giveway, --not in order shall we return by the same way from the ships: forwe shall leave many Trojans, whom the Greeks, fighting for the ships, will subdue with the brass. Thus indeed would the diviner, who trulykens 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: "OPolydamas, thou dost not say things agreeable to me: besides, thouknowest how to devise other counsel better than this. If, however, thoureally speakest this with seriousness, then truly have the godsdestroyed thy judgment from thee, who advisest me to be forgetful of thecounsels of lofty-thundering Jove, which he hath himself undertaken forme, and confirmed. And thou exhortest me to obey the wing-expandingbirds; which I very little regard, nor do I care for them, whether theyfly to the right towards the Morn and the Sun, or to the left towardsthe darkening west; but let us obey the will of mighty Jove, who rulesover all mortals and immortals. There is one augury, the best, to fightfor our country. [401] Why dost thou dread the war and conflict? Foralthough 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 perseveringin the fight, nor warlike. But if thou darest to abstain from thecombat, or dissuading, dost avert another from the battle, immediatelystricken by my spear, shalt thou lose thy life. "

Thus then having spoken, he led the way, but they followed him with animmense clamour. Then thunder-delighting Jove raised a storm of windfrom the Idæan mountains, which bore the dust directly towards theships; moreover, he weakened the courage of the Greeks, but bestowedglory upon the Trojans and Hector: so that, relying upon his prodigies, and [their own] strength, they endeavoured to break through the mightywall of the Greeks. They tore down the niched battlements of the towers, and demolished the breast-works, [402] and with levers they upheaved theprojecting buttresses, which the Greeks had planted first in the earth, as supporters of the towers. These then they tore down, and hoped tobreak through the wall of the Greeks. 

Yet did not the Greeks retire as yet from the way; but fencing up theembrazures with their ox-hide shields, they wounded from behind them theenemy coming up under the wall. And both the Ajaces ranged in everydirection upon the towers, cheering on, rousing the valour of theGreeks. One [they addressed][403] with soothing, another they rebukedwith harsh expressions, whomsoever they beheld totally neglectful ofbattle:

 [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. Ω. 8, Γ. 327; Od. Ξ. 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 yeyourselves, I ween, know this. Let not any one be turned back towardsthe ships, hearing the threatener [Hector], but advance onwards, andexhort each other, if perchance Olympic Jove, the darter of lightning, may grant that, having repulsed the conflict, we may pursue the enemy tothe city. "

Thus they, shouting in front, cheered on the attack of the Greeks. Butof them--as when frequent flakes of snow fall upon a winter's day, whenprovident Jove has begun to snow, displaying his weapons in the sight ofmen, and, having lulled the winds, pours it down incessantly, till hecovers the tops and highest peaks of the lofty mountains, and the lotusplains and rich husbandry of men: and likewise it is poured out upon thehavens and shores of the hoary sea; but the approaching wave restrainsits progress, whilst all other things are covered beneath it, when theshower of Jove comes down heavily; so flew the frequent stones fromthose hurling on both sides, some indeed towards the Trojans, and othersfrom the Trojans towards the Greeks. And along the whole wall a tumultarose. 

Yet never would the Trojans and illustrious Hector have burst open thegates of the wall, and the long bolt, had not provident Jove urged onhis son, Sarpedon, against the Greeks, like a lion againstcrooked-horned oxen. But he immediately held before him his shield, equal on all sides, beautiful, brazen, plated; which the brazier indeedhad plated over, and underneath had sewed together thick bulls' hides, with successive golden wires round its orb. He then, holding this beforehim, advanced, brandishing two spears, like a lion reared in themountains, which hath been long in want of flesh, and whose valiant mindimpels him to go even to the well-fenced fold, about to make an attemptupon the sheep. And although he there find the shepherds keeping watchabout their flocks with dogs and spears, still he cannot bear to bedriven away, without having made trial of the fold, but, springing in, he either carries [one] off, or is himself wounded among the first by ajavelin from a quick hand. Thus then did his mind impel godlike Sarpedonto attack the wall, and to burst through the barriers; and instantly headdressed 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 tous as to gods? Why do we also possess a great and beautiful enclosure ofthe vine-bearing and corn-bearing land on the banks of Xanthus? Now, therefore, it behoves us, advancing among the foremost Lycians, to standfirm, and to bear the brunt of the raging fight; so that some one of theclosely-armed Lycians may say, 'By no means inglorious do our kingsgovern Lycia, and eat the fat sheep, and [drink][405] the choice sweetwine; but their valour likewise is excelling, because they fight amongthe foremost Lycians. ' O dear friend, if indeed, by escaping from thiswar, we were destined to be ever free from old age, and immortal, neither would I combat myself in the van, nor send thee into theglorious battle. But now--for of a truth ten thousand Fates of deathpress upon us, which it is not possible for a mortal to escape oravoid--let us on: either we shall give glory to some one, or some one tous. "

Thus he spake, nor did Glaucus turn aside or disobey, but both advancedstraight forward, leading a numerous band of Lycians. But Menestheus, the son of Peteus, beholding them, shuddered, for they were advancingtowards his company, bearing destruction. He looked round along the lineof the Greeks, if he might see any of the leaders who could ward off thefight from his companions, and perceived the two Ajaces, insatiable ofwar, standing, and Teucer, lately come from his tent, near at hand. Yetwas it not possible for him to be heard when shouting, so great was thedin; and the crash of stricken shields, and of horse-hair crestedhelmets, and of the gates, reached to heaven. For they had assailedall, [406] and they, standing beside them, endeavoured to enter, burstingthem open by force. But immediately he despatched the herald Thoötes toAjax:

 [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 thiswould be by far the best of all, since in a short while heavydestruction will arise here. For so vigorously do the leaders of theLycians press on, who even before were impetuous in the sharp contest. If, however, labour and contest have arisen to them there, at least letbrave Telamonian Ajax come, and with him let Teucer follow, well skilledin archery. "

Thus he spoke, nor did the herald, having heard him, disobey, but hehastened to run along the wall of the brazen-mailed Greeks, andproceeding, he stood beside the Ajaces and immediately addressed them:

"Ye Ajaces, leaders of the brazen-mailed Greeks, the beloved son ofJove-nourished Peteus adjures you to come thither, that ye mayparticipate in his toil, though for a short time. Both indeed inpreference, for this would be by far the best of all things, since soonwill heavy destruction arise there. For so vigorously do the leaders ofthe Lycians press on, who even before were impetuous in the sharpcontest. But if here also war and contest have arisen, at least letbrave Telamonian Ajax come alone, and with him let Teucer follow, wellskilled in archery. "

Thus he spake, nor did mighty Telamonian Ajax disobey. Instantly headdressed to the son of Oïleus winged words:

"Ajax, do thou and gallant Lycomedes, standing here, incite the Greeksto fight bravely, whilst I go thither and oppose the battle; but I willreturn again instantly, after I shall have assisted them. "

Thus then having spoken, Telamonian Ajax departed, and with him wentTeucer, his brother, sprung from the same father; and Pandion, alongwith them, carried the bent bow of Teucer. As soon as they reached thetower of magnanimous Menestheus, going within the wall (for they came to[their friends] being hard pressed: and the brave leaders and chiefs ofthe Lycians were mounting upon the breast-works like unto a darkwhirlwind), but they engaged to fight in opposition, and a clamourarose. Telamonian Ajax first slew a man, the companion of Sarpedon, magnanimous Epicles, striking him with a rugged stone, which, mighty insize, lay highest up against a pinnacle within the wall. Not easilywould a man support it with both hands, such as mortals now are, notalthough being very youthful; but he, raising it aloft, hurled it, andburst the four-coned helmet, and along with it crushed all the bones ofthe skull: but he, like unto a diver, fell from the lofty tower, andlife deserted his bones. Teucer likewise with a shaft wounded Glaucus, the brave son of Hippolochus, as he was rushing on, against the loftywall, in a part where he perceived his arm naked; and made him ceasefrom combat. But he sprang back from the wall, concealing himself, thatnone of the Greeks might perceive him wounded, and insult him withwords. Then grief came upon Sarpedon on account of Glaucus departing, as soon as he observed it; though he nevertheless was not neglectful ofthe contest: but he taking aim, wounded Alcmaon, son of Thestor, withhis spear, and extracted the spear; but he. Following the weapon, fellprone, and his armour, variously decked with brass, resounded upon him. Sarpedon then seizing the buttress with his sturdy hands, pulled, and itall followed entirely; but the wall was stripped away from above, and heformed a way for many. Then Ajax and Teucer aiming at him together, theone smote him with an arrow in the splendid belt of his mortal-girdingshield, around his breast; but Jove averted the fate from his son, thathe might not be slain at the sterns of the ships. But Ajax, springingupon him, struck his shield, and pierced him quite through with hisspear, and forcibly checked him eager. And then he fell back for alittle from the buttress, but did not altogether retreat, because hisspirit hoped to bear off glory. And turning round, he encouraged thegodlike Lycians:

"O Lycians, why are ye thus remiss in your impetuous force? It isdifficult for me, although being brave, having alone burst through, toform a way to the ships. But follow along with me; for the labour of thegreater 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 theGreeks, on the other side, strengthened their phalanxes within the wall, because a great work presented itself to them. For neither could thegallant Lycians, bursting through the wall of the Greeks, make their wayto the ships, nor could the warlike Greeks repulse the Lycians from thewall, since first they approached it. But as two men, holding measuresin their hands, dispute, in a common field, [407] concerning theirboundaries, who in a small space contend for their equitable right; thusdid the buttresses separate these [warriors], and, for them, each smotethe well-rounded ox-hide shields around each other's breasts, and thelight bucklers of each other. And many were wounded upon the body withthe merciless brass, whether the back of any combatant, averted, waslaid bare, and many right through the shield itself. Everywhere thetowers and buttresses were sprinkled, on both sides, with the blood ofheroes, from the Trojans and the Greeks. Yet not even thus could theycause a flight of the Greeks, but they held themselves, as a just woman, who labours with her hands, does the scales, [408] who, poising both theweight and the wool, draws them on either side to equalize them, thatshe may procure a scanty pittance for the support of her children. Thusequally was their battle and war extended, before the time when Jovegave superior glory to Hector, the son of Priam, who first leaped withinthe wall of the Greeks, and shouted with a penetrating voice, callingout to the Trojans:

"Push on, ye horse-breaking Trojans, burst through the wall of theGreeks, and hurl the fiercely-blazing fire against the ships. "

Thus he spake, cheering them on; but they all heard him with their ears, and rushed against the wall in great numbers, and then mounted thebattlements, carrying their pointed spears. But Hector seizing it, tookup a stone, which stood before the gates, widening out at the base, [409]but sharp above; which two men, the strongest of the people, such asmortals now are, could not easily raise from the ground upon a waggon. He, however, brandished it easily and alone, because the son of wiseSaturn had rendered it light to him. 

 [Footnote 407: _I. E. _ a field, to part of which each lays claim. Μέτρα seem to be the lines used in measuring ground ("linea mensuralis, " Siculus Flaccus, p. 23, ed. Goes. )·]

 [Footnote 408: Milton, P. L. Vi. 245:--

 ----"long time in even scale The battle hung. "]

 [Footnote 409: See Eustathius. ]

As when a shepherd without difficulty carries the fleece of a malesheep, taking it in either hand, and but a small weight oppresses him;so Hector, raising the stone, bore it right against the beams whichstrengthened the closely-jointed gates, double and lofty; but twocross-bars secured them within, and one key fitted them. But advancing, he stood very near, and exerting his strength, struck them in themiddle, standing with his legs wide asunder, that the blow of the weaponmight not be weak. And he tore away both hinges, and the stone fellwithin with a great weight; and the gates crashed around; nor did thebars withstand it, but the beams were rent asunder in differentdirections by the impulse of the stone. There illustrious Hector rushedin, in aspect like unto the dreadful night; and he glittered interrible brass, with which he was girt around his body. And he held twospears in his hands, nor could any one, opposing, restrain him, exceptthe gods, after he had leaped within the gates; but his eyes gleamedwith fire. And turning to the crowd, he cheered on the Trojans to ascendthe wall, and they obeyed him encouraging. Straightway indeed somecrossed the wall, and others were poured in through the well-wroughtgates, but the Greeks were routed towards the hollow barks, and anunyielding[410] tumult ensued. 

 [Footnote 410: See Buttm. Lexil. P. 405, ]

 BOOK THE THIRTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Neptune engages on the Grecian side, and the battle proceeds. Deïphobusis repulsed by Meriones. Teucer kills Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, assuming the likeness of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus, who goesforth with Meriones to battle, when the former slays Othryoneus andAsius. Deïphobus attacks Idomeneus, but misses him, and slays Hypsenor. Idomeneus slays Alcathous, over whose body a sharp contest ensues. 

But after Jove, then, had brought the Trojans and Hector near the ships, he left them to endure labour and toil at them incessantly; but hehimself turned back his shining eyes apart, looking towards the land ofthe equestrian Thracians and the close-fighting Mysians, and theillustrious Hippomolgi, milk-nourished, simple in living, and most justmen. [411] But to Troy he no longer now turned his bright eyes; for hedid not suppose in his mind that any one of the immortals, going, wouldaid either the Trojans or the Greeks. 

 [Footnote 411: Arrian, Exp. Alex. Iv. P. 239, referring to this passage of Homer, observes, οἰκοῦσι δὲ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ οὗτοι αὐτόνομοι, οὐχ ἥκιστα διὰ πενίαν τε καὶ δικαιότητα. Dionysius, Perieg. 309, seems, as Hill observes, to consider the name ἱππημολγοί as applicable not to one single clan, but to the whole of the Sarmatian nomads, milk being one of the principal articles of their diet, as among the Suevi (Cæsar, B. G. Iv. 1), and the ancient Germans (id. Vi. 22). Callimachus, Hymn iii. , applies the epithet to the Cimmerians. The epithet ἀβίων (or ἀβιῶν=_bowless_, not living by archery: cf. Alberti on Hesych. T. I. Pp. 17, 794) is involved in doubt, and the ancients themselves were uncertain whether to regard it as a proper name or an epithet. (Cf. Steph. Byz. S. V. , p. 7, ed. Pined. ; Villois on Apoll. Lex. P. 14; Duport, Gnom. Horn. P. 74, sqq. ) It seems best to understand with Strabo, vii. P. 460, nations ἀπ' ὀλίγων εὐτελῶς ζὧντας. Knight wished to throw out these verses altogether, alleging that allusion is made in them to the discipline of Zamolxis, with which Homer must have been wholly unacquainted. ]

Nor did king Neptune keep a vain watch; for he sat aloft upon thehighest summit of the woody Thracian Samos, admiring the war and thebattle. For from thence all Ida was visible, and the city of Priam wasvisible, and the ships of the Greeks. Then coming out of the sea, he satdown, and he pitied the Greeks, subdued by the Trojans, and was veryindignant with Jove. But presently he descended down, from the ruggedmountain, rapidly advancing on foot, and the high hills and woodstrembled beneath the immortal feet of Neptune, advancing. Thrice indeedhe strode, advancing, and with the fourth step he reached Ægæ, hisdestined goal. There distinguished mansions, golden, glittering, everincorruptible, were erected to him in the depths of the sea. Comingthither, he yoked beneath his chariot the brazen-footed steeds, swiftlyflying, crested with golden manes. But he himself placed gold around hisperson, took his golden lash, well wrought, and ascended his chariot. Heproceeded to drive over the billows, and the monsters of the deep[412]sported beneath him on all sides from their recesses, nor were ignorantof their king. For joy the sea separated; and they flew very rapidly, nor was the brazen axle moist beneath. And his well-bounding steeds borehim to the ships of the Greeks. 

Now there is an ample cave[413] in the recesses of the deep sea, betweenTenedos and rugged Imbrus. There earth-shaking Neptune stopped hishorses, loosing them from the chariot, and cast beside [them] ambrosialfodder to eat. And round their feet he threw golden fetters, irrefragable, indissoluble, that they might there steadily await theirking returning, but he departed towards the army of the Greeks. 

 [Footnote 412: So I have ventured to render κήτεα. Nonius Marcell. V. Cetarii--"cete in mari majora sunt piscium genera. " Thus Quintus Calaber, v. 94, imitating this passage, has δελφινες, and Hesychius defines κητών by θύννων φορά, the word evidently meaning any huge fish. Cf. Buttm. Lexil. P. 378, sq. ]

 [Footnote 413: Compare the description of the cave of Nereus, in Apoll. Rhod. Iv. 771, sqq. , and of the river Peneus, in Virg. Georg. Iv. 359, sqq. , with my note on Æsch. Prom. P. 11, ed. Bohn. ]

The Trojans, however, in crowds, like unto a flame or a whirlwind, followed Hector, the son of Priam, with insatiable ardour, shoutingloudly, and exclaiming; for they hoped to capture the ships of theGreeks, and slay all the Greeks beside them. But earth-ruling, earth-shaking Neptune, coming from the deep sea, aroused the Greeks, assimilating his person and indefatigable voice to Calchas. The Ajaceshe first addressed, though themselves were earnest:

"Ye Ajaces, ye indeed, mindful of valour, not of direful flight, willpreserve the people of the Greeks. For in any other place, indeed, I donot dread the audacious hands of the Trojans, who in great numbers havesurmounted the great wall, because the well-greaved Greeks will sustainthem all. But in that place I grievously fear lest we suffer any thing, where infuriated Hector, like unto a flame, leads on who boasts to bethe son of almighty Jove. But may some of the gods thus put it in yourminds, that ye stand firmly yourselves, and exhort others; thus may yedrive him, although impetuous, from the swift-sailing ships, even ifJove himself excites him. "

He said, and earth-ruling Neptune, striking both with his sceptre, filled them with violent might, and made their limbs light and theirfeet and hands above. But he, like as a swift-winged hawk is impelled tofly, which, lifted up from a rugged, lofty rock, has hastened to pursueanother bird over the plain; so darted earth-shaking Neptune from them. But fleet Ajax, the son of Oïleus, recognized him first of the two, andstraightway addressed Ajax, the son of Telamon:

"O Ajax, since some one of the gods, who possess Olympus, likeninghimself to the soothsayer, exhorts us to fight beside the ships (neitheris this Calchas, the prophesying augur; for I readily recognized thetraces of his feet and legs when departing; for the gods are easilydistinguished), even to myself, the soul within my bosom is more incitedto war and to fight, and my feet beneath and hands above eagerly desireit. "

But him Telamonian Ajax answering, addressed: "So also to me are mystrong hands upon my spear eager, and my courage is aroused, and I amhurried along by both my feet under me; and I eagerly long, even alone, to combat with Hector, the son of Priam, insatiably raging. "

Thus they addressed these words to each other, joyful in the desire ofbattle[414] which the god had infused into their minds. In the meanwhilethe Earth-ruler (Neptune) aroused the Achæans in the rear, who wererecruiting their spirit at the swift ships; whose limbs were at the sametime relaxed with toilsome labour, and grief was arising in their minds, beholding the Trojans, who with a tumult had surmounted the vast wall. But beholding them, they poured forth tears from beneath their eyebrows, for they expected not to escape destruction: but the Earth-shakerintervening, easily aroused the brave phalanxes. To Teucer and Leius hefirst came, exhorting them, and to the hero Peneleus, and Thoas, andDeipyrus, and to Meriones and Antilochus, skilful in war. These heencouraging, spoke winged words:

 [Footnote 414: See Heyne, who compares the Latin _gestire_. Hesych. : Χάρμη, η ρετά χαράς μάχη. ]

"O shame! Argives, young men, I trust that our ships will be preservedby your fighting; but if ye be remiss in the destructive battle, the dayis now come [for us] to be subdued by the Trojans. Ye gods, surely Ibehold with my eyes a great marvel, terrible, which I never expectedwould be brought to pass, that the Trojans should approach our ships;who formerly, like unto timid stags, which through the wood are the preyof lynxes, pards, and wolves, foolishly straying about, weak, nor fitfor combat: so the Trojans formerly would not stand even for a littleagainst the might and prowess of the Greeks. But now, far away from thecity, they combat at the hollow ships, through the perverseness of ourgeneral, and the indifference of the troops; who, disputing with him, are unwilling to defend the swift ships, but are slain among them. Yetalthough in reality the hero, the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, be altogether in fault, in that he hath dishonoured the swift-footed sonof Peleus, still it is by no means our duty to be remiss in battle, butlet us the sooner repair [the mischief];[415] the minds of the brave areeasily appeased. But they by no means honourably remit your impetuousvalour, being all the bravest in the army: I indeed would not quarrelwith a man who should desist from combat, being unwarlike; but with youI am indignant from my heart. O soft ones! surely will ye soon createsome greater evil by this inertness: but do each of you in his mindponder on the shame and reproach; for certainly a mighty contest hatharisen. Now indeed brave Hector, good in the din of war, combats at theships, and hath burst through the gates and the long bar. "

 [Footnote 415: Τὸ γεγονὸς ἀμάρτημα: Schol. For the metaphorical use of άκεσταί, cf. Soph. Ant. 1026. Ὅστις ἐς κακὸν Πεσὼν ἀκεῖται μηδ' ἀκίνητος πέλει So εὐιατότερος διὰ τὸ μεταπεισθῆναι ἄν, Aristot. Eth. Vii. 2. ]

Thus then Neptune, exhorting, aroused the Greeks. But round the twoAjaces firm phalanxes stood, which not even Mars, coming amongst them, would have found fault with, nor Minerva, the confounder of armies; forthe bravest selected awaited the Trojans and noble Hector; knittingspear with spear, shield with shield, [416] one upon another, [417] sothat shield pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, and man upon man. And the horse-haired helmets of them, nodding, touched each other withtheir splendid ridges, [418] so closely stood they to one another; andspears in the act of being hurled, were brandishing from their daringhands, whilst they wished [to go] straight [against the enemy], and wereeager to fight. But the combined Trojans first made the attack, andimpetuous Hector first rushed against them: as a destructively-rollingstone from a rock, which a wintry torrent drives down the brow, havingburst with a mighty shower the stays of the rugged rock, and boundingalong, it rolls, and the forest resounds beneath it: but straightway itruns on uninterruptedly until it reach the plain, but then it rolls nolonger, though impelled; so Hector for a while threatened that he wouldeasily come as far as the sea, to the tents and ships of the Greeks, slaughtering. But when now he met the firm phalanxes, he stopped, beingcome into close contact; and the sons of the Greeks, opposing, repulsedhim from them, striking him with their swords and two-edged spears; butretiring, he was compelled to withdraw; and he cried out shoutingaudibly to the Trojans:

"Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, stand firm. Notlong will the Greeks withstand me, although they have drawn themselvesup in very dense array. [419] But, I conceive, they will retire from myspear, if in truth the most powerful of the gods, the high-thunderinghusband of Juno, hath urged me on. "

 [Footnote 416: See the learned remarks of Duport, p. 76, sq. To quote parallel passages would be endless. ]

 [Footnote 417: Literally, "from the roots. " So οίχεται--προθελυμνα, Tryphiodor. 388. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. T. Ii. P. 1029; Apoll. Lex. P. 676. ]

 [Footnote 418: See Buttm. Lexil. P. 523. The φάλος formed a socket for the plume. ]

 [Footnote 419: Lit. "tower-wise, " forming a solid square. ]

So saying, he aroused the might and courage of each. But Deïphobus, theson of Priam, walked amongst them, high-minded, and he held his shieldequal on all sides before him, proceeding with light step, and advancingunder protection of his shield. Then Meriones took aim with his shiningspear, and struck him (nor did he miss) upon the bull's-hide shield, equal on all sides, which he did not pierce; for the long spear, farbefore was broken at the socket. But Deïphobus held his bull's-hideshield far from him, for he dreaded in his mind the spear of warlikeMeriones; but that hero fell back into the column of his companions, forhe was grievously enraged on both accounts, both for [the loss] of thevictory, and of the spear which he had broken. Accordingly he proceededto pass by the tents and ships of the Greeks, to bring a long spearwhich had been left in his tent; whilst the others fought, and a mightytumult arose. 

Then Telamonian Teucer first slew a hero, the warrior Imbrius, son ofMentor, rich in steeds; and he dwelt at Pedæum before the sons of theGreeks arrived, and had married Medesicaste, the illegitimate daughterof Priam. But when the equally-plied ships of the Greeks arrived, hecame back to Ilium, and excelled among the Trojans; and dwelt withPriam, who honoured him equally with his sons. Him the son of Telamonsmote under the ear with his long javelin, and plucked out the spear;but he indeed fell, like an ash, which, on the summit of a mountainconspicuous from afar, cut down with a brazen axe, strews its tenderfoliage on the earth. Thus he fell, and his armour, variegated withbrass, rang about him. Then Teucer rushed on, eager to strip him of hisarmour; but Hector hurled his shining spear at him, hastening. He, however, seeing it from the opposite side, avoided, by a small space, the brazen spear; and [Hector] wounded with his javelin, on the breast, Amphimachus, son of Cteas, the son of Actor, advancing to the battle;and, falling, he gave a crash, and his arms rang upon him. Then Hectorrushed to tear from the head of magnanimous Amphimachus the helmetfitted to his temples, but Ajax hurled with his shining spear at Hector, rushing on. Yet it never reached his body, for he was protected all overwith terrible brass; but he smote him upon the boss of the shield, andrepulsed him with great violence; and he retired from both bodies, andthe Greeks drew them away. Then Stichius and noble Menestheus, theleaders of the Athenians, carried Amphimachus to the army of the Greeks, but the two Ajaces, eager for impetuous combat, [carried] Imbrius. Astwo lions bear a goat through the thick copse-wood, snatching it fromthe sharp-toothed dogs, holding it high above the earth in their jaws;so the two warriors, the Ajaces, holding him [Imbrius] aloft, strippedoff his armour; but the son of Oïleus, enraged on account ofAmphimachus, severed his head from his tender neck, and sent it rollinglike a ball through the crowd; but it fell before the feet of Hector inthe dust. 

Then indeed was Neptune grieved at heart for his grandson, slain in thegrievous fight; and he proceeded to go along the tents and ships of theGreeks, exhorting the Greeks, and prepared disasters for the Trojans. But spear-renowned Idomeneus then met him, returning from a companionwho had lately come to him from the battle, wounded in the ham with thesharp brass, whom his comrades had carried in, and he, having givendirections to the surgeons, was returning from his tent; for he stilldesired to participate in the fight. Him king Neptune addressed, assimilating himself, as to his voice, to Thoas, son of Andræmon, whogoverned the Ætolians throughout all Pleuron and lofty Calydon, and whowas honoured by the people as a god:

"Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the Cretans, where indeed are the threatsgone, with which the sons of the Greeks threatened the Trojans?" Whomagain in return, Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, addressed: "Noman, O Thoas, as far as I know, is at present to blame; for we are allskilled in warring. Neither does disheartening fear detain any one, nordoes any one, yielding to sloth, shirk evil strife; but thus, doubtless, it will be agreeable to the all-powerful son of Saturn, that here, faraway from Argos, the Greeks shall perish inglorious. But, Thoas--forformerly thou wast warlike, and urged on others when thou didst beholdthem negligent--so now desist not thyself, but exhort each man. "

But him earth-shaking Neptune then answered: "Never may that man, OIdomeneus, return from Troy, but let him here be the sport of the dogs, whosoever voluntarily this day shall relax from fighting. But come, taking up arms, advance hither; for it behoves us to hasten thesethings, if we may be of any service, although but two; for useful is thevalour of men, even the very pusillanimous, if combined, whereas we bothunderstand how to fight even with the brave. "

So saying, the god departed again to the toil of heroes. But Idomeneus, when now he had reached his well-made tent, put on his rich armouraround his body, and seized two spears, and hastened to go, like untothe lightning, which the son of Saturn, seizing in his hand, brandishesfrom glittering Olympus, showing a sign to mortals; and brilliant areits rays: so shone the brass around the breast of him running. ThenMeriones, his good attendant, met him yet near the tent, --for he wasgoing to fetch a brazen spear; and the strength of Idomeneus addressedhim:

"Meriones, son of Molus, swift of foot, dearest of my companions, whycomest thou thus, quitting the war and the contest? Art thou at allwounded, and does the point of a spear afflict thee? Or comest thou tome on any message? For I myself am not desirous to sit within my tent, but to fight. "

But him prudent Meriones in turn answered: "Idomeneus, thou counsellorof the brazen-mailed Cretans, I come, if there be any spear left withinthy tents, to take it: because I indeed have broken that which Iformerly had, having struck the shield of ferocious Deïphobus. " Whomagain in turn Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, addressed: "Thou wiltfind, if thou desirest [to select from them], one-and-twenty spearsstanding in my tent against the shining walls, which I have taken fromthe slain Trojans; for I affirm that I do not fight with hostile men, standing at a distance from them. Hence I have both spears, and bossyshields, and helmets, and corslets, brightly polished. "

But him again prudent Meriones addressed in turn: "At my tent also andblack ship are there many spoils of the Trojans; but they are not near, so that I might take them. For neither do I conceive that I am forgetfulof valour, but I stand among the foremost in glory-giving battle, whenever the contest of war has arisen. I am rather unobserved perhaps, when fighting by some other of the brazen-mailed Greeks; but I thinkthat thou knowest me. "

Whom again Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, addressed in turn: "I knowwhat thou art as to valour: what necessity is there for thee toenumerate these things? For if now all we the bravest at the shipsshould be selected for an ambuscade, where the courage of men isespecially distinguished, where both the coward as well as the brave manis made apparent--for the complexion of the coward on the one hand ischanged from this to that, nor is his heart calm within his bosom, sothat he can rest without trembling, but he shifts his position, and sitsupon both his feet, whilst his heart greatly palpitates within hisbreast, as he is expecting death; and a chattering of his teeth arises. But neither is the complexion of the brave man changed, nor is he at alldisturbed, after he first sits down in the ambush of heroes; but heburns to be mingled with all haste in direful fight--[no one], in thatcase, would find fault with thy courage and might. For if, labouring [inthe battle], thou wert wounded from a distance, or smitten in closefight, the weapon would not fall upon thy neck behind, nor upon thyback; but it would pierce through either thy breast, or thy stomach, asthou wast rushing forward amid the conflict[420] of foremost combatants. But come, no longer let us speak of these things, standing likeinfatuated persons, lest perhaps some one chide us inordinately; but dothou, going to the tent, take a strong spear. "

 [Footnote 420: Hesych. Όαριστυν μάχην. Etym. Μ. Fol. 131, Β. 2. 'Αντί του εv τη των τρωταγωνιστων oμιλίᾳ (which is its proper meaning, as derived from oaρ) και συναναστρoφη. ]

Thus be spake, and Meriones, equal to swift Mars, quickly took from thetent a brazen spear; and he went along with Idomeneus, very eager forwar. But as man-destroying Mars enters the battle--with whom Terror, hisdear son, at the same time powerful and undismayed, follows, who strikesfear into the warrior even of resolute soul: these indeed are armed fromThrace, along with the Ephyri or with the magnanimous Phlegyans; neitherdo they hear both, but they give glory to one or the other--so Merionesand Idomeneus, leaders of heroes, advanced to battle equipped withhelmets of glittering brass; and Meriones first addressed him in thesewords:

"Son of Deucalion, where dost thou meditate to enter the throng? To theright of all the army, or at the centre, or upon the left? Since nowhere[else][421] in the battle do I conceive that the long-haired Greeks somuch require support. "

 [Footnote 421: _I. E. _ nowhere so much as on the left. ]

But him Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn addressed: "Amongthe centre ships indeed there are others to aid them, both the Ajacesand Teucer, who is the most skilful of the Greeks in archery, and bravealso in standing fight; who will sufficiently harass, even to satiety, Hector, the son of Priam, although most urgent of battle, and althoughbeing very gallant. Hard will it be for him, although very desirous offighting, having overpowered their strength and invincible hands, tofire the ships, unless the son of Saturn himself cast a flaming torchupon the swift ships. Nor indeed will mighty Telamonian Ajax yield toany man who may be a mortal, and who may eat the fruit of Ceres, who isvulnerable by brass and by large stones. Not even to warlike Achilleswould he give way, at least in standing fight; but in speed he is by nomeans able to contend with him. Guide us, therefore, to the left of thearmy that we may quickly know whether we shall afford glory to any one, or any one to us. "

Thus he spoke. But Meriones, equal to rapid Mars, began to proceed, until he came to [that part of] the army whither he had ordered him. Butthey, when they beheld Idomeneus, like unto a flame in might, both himand his attendant, in variously-wrought armour, they all, exhorting oneanother along the crowd, advanced against him, and an equal contestarose at the sterns of their ships. And as when storms sweep along, [driven] by the shrill winds, on a day when the dust around the roads[is] very abundant, and they at the same time raise up a large cloud ofdust; so came on the battle of these together, and they were eager intheir minds to slaughter one another throughout the throng with thesharp brass. And the mortal-destroying combat bristles with the longspears which they held, flesh-rending; and the brazen splendour from thegleaming helmets, the newly-burnished corslets, and the shining shields, coming together, dazzled their eyes. Very brave-hearted would he be who, when beholding their toil, could have rejoiced, and would not bedisturbed. 

But the two powerful sons of Saturn, favouring different sides, plannedgrievous toils for the heroes. On the one hand, Jove willed victory tothe Trojans and to Hector, glorifying swift-footed Achilles; yet hedesired not entirely to destroy the Grecian people before Ilium, but washonouring Thetis and her magnanimous son. On the other hand, Neptune, coming amongst them, encouraged the Greeks, having secretly emerged fromthe hoary deep; for he grieved that they should be subdued by theTrojans, and he was greatly indignant with Jove. The same race indeedwas to both, and the same lineage, but Jove was born first, [422] andknew more. For this reason [Neptune] avoided aiding them openly, butalways kept privately inciting them through the army, assimilated to aman. They indeed alternately stretched over both the cord of vehementcontest and equally destructive war, irrefragable and indissoluble, which relaxed the knees of many. Then, although half-hoary Idomeneus, encouraging the Greeks, rushing upon the Trojans, created night; for heslew Othryoneus, who had come from Cabesus, staying within [Priam'shouse]. [423] He had lately come after the rumour of the war, anddemanded Cassandra, the most beautiful in form of the daughters ofPriam, without a dowry; and he had promised a mighty deed, to repulse inspite of themselves the sons of the Greeks from Troy. But to him agedPriam had promised her, and pledged himself[424] to give her; thereforehe fought, trusting in these promises. But Idomeneus took aim at himwith his shining spear, and hurling it, struck him, strutting proudly;nor did the brazen corslet which he wore resist it, but he fixed it inthe middle of his stomach. And falling, he gave a crash, and [theother] boasted and said:

"Othryoneus! above all men indeed do I praise thee, if thou wilt now intruth accomplish all which thou hast undertaken for Dardanian Priam: buthe also promised thee his daughter. We likewise, promising these things, will accomplish them to thee. We will give thee the most beautiful inform of the daughters of the son of Atreus to wed, bringing her fromArgos, if along with us thou wilt destroy the well-inhabited city ofIlium. But follow, that we may treat with thee respecting the marriageof the sea-traversing ships; since we are by no means badbrothers-in-law. "

 [Footnote 422: Heyne compares xiv. 204. The Erinnys were supposed to avenge any disrespect offered to an elder brother by a younger. ]

 [Footnote 423: Literally, "being within from Cabesus. "]

 [Footnote 424: Lit. "bowed assent. "]

So saying, the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot through the briskbattle. But to him Asius came as an avenger, on foot, before his steeds;which his attendant charioteer always kept breathing over hisshoulders;[425] and in his mind he longed to strike Idomeneus, but he(Idomeneus) anticipating him, smote him with his spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the brass quite through. And he fell, as whensome oak falls, or white poplar, [426] or towering[427] pine, whichtimber-workers have cut down upon the mountains with lately-whettedaxes, to become ship timber. So he lay, stretched out before his horsesand chariot, gnashing his teeth, grasping the bloody dust. But thecharioteer was deprived of the senses which he previously had, nor daredhe turn back the horses that he might escape from the hands of theenemy: but him warlike Antilochus, striking, transfixed in the middlewith his spear; nor did the brazen corslet which he wore resist, but hefixed it in the centre of his stomach. Then, panting, he fell from thewell-made chariot-seat, and Antilochus, the son of magnanimous Nestor, drove away the horses from the Trojans to the well-armed Greeks. ButDeïphobus, enraged on account of Asius, drew very near to Idomeneus, andhurled with his shining spear. Idomeneus, however, having perceived itopposite, avoided the brazen spear, for he was concealed behind hisshield equal on all sides, which he bore, constructed of the hides ofbulls, and glittering brass, fitted with two handles. Behind this hecollected himself entirely, and the brazen spear flew over him. But theshield returned a dry[428] sound, the spear grazing it obliquely. Yet he(Deïphobus) sent it not in vain from his heavy hand, but he struckHypsenor, son of Hippasus. The shepherd of the people, upon the liver, below the breast, and straightway relaxed his knees under him. ButDeïphobus vainly boasted over him, loudly exclaiming:

 [Footnote 425: _I. E. _ close by Asius (κατ' ώμων), he having descended for the purpose of rescuing the body of Othryoneus. --Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 426: "Ἠ λευκη, populus alba. "--Heyne. ]

 [Footnote 427: Βλωθρός is connected with βλώσκω, as βληχρός with βλίττω. See Buttm. Lexil. P. 194. Hesych. : Βλωθρή' εύαυζής, ή προζαίνουσα καΐ άνω θρώσκουσα. Schol. On Apoll. Rhod. I. 322: Πίτυν βλωθρήν Όμηρος, την άχρι του αιθέρος μολίσκουσαν. ]

 [Footnote 428: So v. 441: αυον άυσεν. So "aridus sonus, " in Lucret. Vi, 113; "aridus fragor, " Virg. Georg. I. 357, noticed by Quintil. I. O. Viii. 3. A dry, grating, half-crackling sound is meant. ]

"Surely not unavenged lies Asius; I rather think that he will rejoice inhis mind, though going into the strong-gated, massy [dwelling] of Hades, since I have given him a guide. "

Thus he spoke; but grief came upon the Greeks at his boasting, and itparticularly agitated the mind of warlike Antilochus. Yet, grieved as hewas, he neglected not his companion, but running, he protected him, andcovered him over with his shield. Him then his two dear companions, Mecisteus, son of Echius, and noble Alastor, supporting, bore to thehollow ships, deeply groaning. In the meantime Idomeneus ceased not hismighty valour; but always burned either to cover some of the Trojanswith pitchy night, [429] or himself to fall with a crash, repellingdestruction from the Greeks. Then the hero Alcathous, the beloved son ofÆsyetas (and he was the son-in-law of Anchises, for he had marriedHippodamia, the eldest of his daughters, whom her father and venerablemother loved from their hearts, whilst in their home, because sheexcelled all of her age in beauty, in accomplishments, and prudence, for which reason also the most distinguished man in wide Troy had weddedher), him Neptune subdued under Idomeneus, having dimmed his shiningeyes, and fettered his fair limbs. For he was able neither to fly backnor to turn aside, but him, standing motionless, like a pillar orlofty-branching tree, the hero Idomeneus wounded with his spear in themiddle of the breast, and burst the brazen coat around him, whichformerly warded off destruction from his body: but then it sent forth adry sound, severed by the spear. Falling, he gave a crash, and the spearwas fixed in his heart, which, palpitating, shook even the extremity ofthe spear; and there at length the impetuous Mars[430] spent its force. But Idomeneus boasted prodigiously over him, loudly exclaiming:

 [Footnote 429: _I. E. _ death. ]

 [Footnote 430: Here put for the weapon. ]

"Deïphobus! do we judge rightly that it is a fair return, that threeshould be slain for one, since thus thou boastest? But do thou thyselfalso, wretch, stand against me, that thou mayest know of what nature Iam, who have come hither the offspring of Jove, who first begat Minos, the guardian of Crete. Minos again begat Deucalion, his blameless son, and Deucalion begat me, king over many men in wide Crete. But now theships have brought me hither, an evil both to thee and to thy father, and the other Trojans. "

Thus he spoke, but Deïphobus hesitated between two opinions, whether, falling back, he should join to himself some one of the magnanimousTrojans, or make trial although alone. But to him, thus deliberating, itappeared preferable to go in search of Æneas; whom he found standing atthe rear of the army, for he was ever indignant with noble Priam, because he by no means honoured him, though being valiant among heroes. And, standing near, he addressed to him winged words:

"Æneas, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now does it greatly behove theeto aid thy brother-in-law, if indeed any regard reaches thee. Butfollow, let us bring aid to Alcathous, who, being thy brother-in-law, nourished thee whilst very young, in his palace, and whom spear-famedIdomeneus hath slain. "

Thus he spoke, and roused the courage in his breast, and he, greatlydesirous of battle, went to meet Idomeneus. Yet fear seized notIdomeneus like a tender boy, but he stood still, like a boar in themountains, confident in his prowess, and who abides the mighty din ofmen advancing against him, in a desert place, [431] and bristles up hisback; his eyes, too, gleam with fire, and he whets his teeth, eager tokeep at bay both dogs and men. So spear-renowned Idomeneus awaitedÆneas, swift in the battle-din, coming against him, nor retired; but heshouted to his companions, looking to Ascalaphus, and Aphareus, andDeïpyrus, and Meriones, and Antilochus, skilful in fight. Exhortingthese, he addressed to them winged words:

 [Footnote 431: Or, "in the sheep-pasture. "]

"Hither, my friends, and aid me alone, for I greatly dread swift-footedÆneas, rushing on, who is coming upon me; who is very powerful to slaymen in battle, and possesses the bloom of youth, which is the greateststrength. For if we were of the same age, with the spirit that I nowpossess, quickly would either he bear off great glory, or I would. "

Thus he spoke; but they all, having one determination in their minds, stood near him, inclining their shields upon their shoulders. Æneas, onthe other hand, animated his companions, looking towards Deïphobus, Paris, and noble Agenor, who, together with himself, were leaders of theTrojans. These also the people followed, as sheep follow from theirpasture after the ram in order to drink; and the shepherd then isrejoiced in his mind. So was the soul of Æneas gladdened in his breast, when he beheld a body of troops following himself. These thereforeengaged in close fight round Alcathous with long spears, whilst thebrass resounded horribly on the breasts of them, aiming at each otherthrough the crowd. But two warlike men, conspicuous among the rest, Æneas and Idomeneus, equal to Mars, longed to lacerate each other'sflesh with the ruthless brass. But Æneas first hurled his javelin atIdomeneus; but he, perceiving it opposite, avoided the brazen spear; andthe spear of Æneas sank quivering into the earth; for it fled in vainfrom his sturdy hand. Idomeneus next smote Œnomaus in the middle of thestomach, and the spear burst the cavity of his corslet, and penetrating, drank his entrails through; but falling amid the dust, he grasped theearth with the hollow of his hand. Then Idomeneus plucked out the longspear from his body, but was unable to tear off the other rich armourfrom his shoulders, for he was pressed hard by weapons. For no longerwere the sinews of his feet firm as he rushed, either to hasten on afterhis own dart, [432] or avoid [that of another]. Wherefore also instanding fight, he warded off the fatal day, nor did his feet any longerbear him with ease in retreating from the battle. But against him, gradually retiring, Deïphobus took aim with his glittering spear, for heever had a rooted hatred towards him. But then too he missed, and struckwith his javelin Ascalaphus, the son of Mars, and drove the stout spearthrough his shoulder; and tailing amid the dust, he grasped the earthwith his hand. 

 [Footnote 432: So as to recover it. ]

Not yet, however, had loudly-roaring, [433] impetuous Mars heard that hisson had fallen in the violent fight; but he sat upon the summit ofOlympus, beneath golden clouds, excluded [from the battle] by the willof Jove, where also the other immortal gods were restrained from thewar. In the meantime they engaged in close fight round Ascalaphus. Deïphobus indeed tore the shining helmet from Ascalaphus; and Meriones, equal to swift Mars, springing [upon him], smote [him] with his spear inthe arm, and the crested[434] casque, falling from his hand, rang uponthe earth. Immediately Meriones, leaping upon him like a vulture, plucked out the tough spear from the lower part of his arm, and retiredback again into the crowd of his comrades. But him Polites, his ownbrother, throwing his hands round his waist, carried out of thedread-sounding battle, till he reached his fleet steeds, which awaitedhim in the rear of the combat and the war, having both a charioteer anda variegated car; which then carried him towards the city, groaningheavily [and] afflicted; and the blood flowed from his recently-woundedhand: but the others kept fighting, and an unquenchable clamour arose. Then Æneas rushing upon Aphareus, the son of Caletor, smote him with hissharp spear upon the throat, when turned towards him. And his head wasbent to one side, then his shield clung to him, and his helmet; andaround him life-destroying death was spread. Antilochus, however, observing Thoas turning around, attacking, wounded him; and cut away allthe vein, which, running quite along the back, reaches to the neck. Allthis he cut off; but he fell on his back in the dust, stretching outboth hands to his beloved companions. Then Antilochus sprang upon him, and stripped the armour from his shoulders, looking around; for theTrojans surrounding him, struck his wide and ornamented shield withtheir darts, nor were they able to graze with the dire brass the tenderbody of Antilochus within it; because earth-shaking Neptune protectedthe son of Nestor all round, even amongst many weapons. For never indeedwas he apart from the enemy, but he turned himself about among them: nordid he hold his spear without motion, but continually moving, it waswhirled about; and he prepared within his mind, either to hurl it atsome one afar off, or to rush upon some one close at hand. Butmeditating these things amid the throng, he escaped not the notice ofAdamas, the son of Asias, who smote him in the middle of his shield withthe sharp brass, attacking him in close combat; but azure-haired Neptuneweakened the spear, grudging[435] him the life [of Antilochus]. Part ofit remained there, like a stake burned in the fire, [436] in the shieldof Antilochus, and the other half lay upon the ground; whilst he gavebackwards into the crowd of his companions, shunning death. Meriones, however, following him departing, smote him with his spear between theprivate parts and the navel, where a wound[437] is particularly painfulto miserable mortals. There he fixed the spear in him; and he falling, struggled panting around the spear, as an ox, when cowherds in themountains, forcibly binding him with twisted cords, lead [him] awayunwilling. So he, wounded, throbbed, though but for a short time, andnot very long, until the hero Meriones coming near, plucked the spearfrom his body; and darkness veiled his eyes. But Helenas, close at hand, struck Deïpyrus upon the temple with his huge Thracian sword, and cutaway the three-coned helmet; which, being dashed off, fell upon theground; and some one of the combating Greeks lifted it up, having rolledbetween his feet; whilst dim night enveloped his eyes. Then grief seizedthe son of Atreus, Menelaus, brave in the din of battle, and headvanced, threatening the hero, king Helenus; brandishing his sharpspear, whilst the other drew the horn of his bow. Together then theydarted, the one eager to launch his fir-tree spear, and the other anarrow from the string. Then indeed the son of Priam smote him in thebreast with an arrow, on the cavity of the corslet, but the bitter shaftrebounded. As when from the broad winnowing-fan in a largethreshing-floor, the black-coated beans or vetches leap at the shrillblast, and the force of the winnower; so, strongly repulsed by thecorslet of glorious Menelaus, the bitter arrow flew afar. But Menelaus, the son of Atreus, brave in the din of battle, smote him upon the handwhich held his well-polished bow; and in the bow the brazen spear wasfixed from the opposite side, through his hand. Then he retired backinto the crowd of his companions, avoiding death, hanging down his handat his side, but the ashen spear was trailed along with him. And thenmagnanimous Agenor extracted it from his hand, and bound [the hand]itself sling-ways in well-twisted sheep's wool, which his attendantcarried for the shepherd of the people. 

 [Footnote 433: Βριήπυος=έρίγδουπος. The Schol. On Apoll. Rh. Iii. 860, observes: Βρί, έπιτάσεως έστίν, ὡς τὁ Βριήπυος. ]

 [Footnote 434: The meaning of αὐλῶπις is rather uncertain. According to the Schol. And Hesychius, it means a helmet that has the openings for the eyes oblong (παραμήκεις ἔχουσα τὰς τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν ὀπάς), or a helmet with a long crest (έκτεταμένον λόφον). ]

 [Footnote 435: Φθονήσας Άδάμαντι, μὴ τὁν βίον Άντιλόχου ἀφέληται. ]

 [Footnote 436: The "præustæ sudes" of Cæsar, Β. G. ν. 40. These were among the rustic weapons of antiquity, as may be seen from Virg. Æn. Vii. 523. 

 "Non jam certamine agresti Stipitibus duris agitur, sudibusve præustis; Sed ferro ancipiti decernunt. "]

 [Footnote 437: Cf. Vs. 444. ]

But Pisander went direct against glorious Menelaus, because evil Fateled him towards the end of death, to be subdued by thee, O Menelaus, inthe dire battle. When therefore they were near, advancing against eachother, the son of Atreus indeed missed, and his spear was turned asidefrom him; but Pisander smote the shield of glorious Menelaus, nor couldhe drive the spear quite through; because the broad shield kept it off, and the spear was broken at the extremity: still he rejoiced in hismind, and hoped for victory. The son of Atreus, however, drawing hissilver-studded sword, sprang upon Pisander; but he drew from beneath hisshield a handsome battle-axe of well-wrought brass, fixed upon eitherside of an olive handle, long, well-polished; and at once they struckeach other. Then he (Pisander) cut away the cone of the helmet, thickwith horse-hair, under the very crest, but (Menelaus smote) him, approaching, upon the forehead, above the root of the nose. And thebones crashed, and his blood-stained eyes fell at his feet upon theground in the dust: and falling, he writhed. Then he (Menelaus) placinghis heel upon his breast, despoiled him of his armour, and boasting, spoke [this] speech:

"Thus, [438] then, shall ye abandon the ships of the Greeks, who possessswift steeds, ye treaty-breaking Trojans, insatiate of dire battle. Ofother injury and disgrace ye indeed lack nothing with which ye haveinjured me, vile dogs, nor have ye at all dreaded in your minds theheavy wrath of high-thundering, hospitable Jove, who will yet destroyfor you your lofty city; ye who unprovoked departed, carrying off myvirgin spouse, and much wealth, after ye had been hospitably received byher. Now again do ye eagerly desire to hurl destructive fire upon thesea-traversing ships, and to slay the Grecian heroes. But ye shall yetbe restrained, impetuous as ye be, from war. O father Jove, assuredlythey say that thou excellest all others, men and gods, in prudence, yetfrom thee do all these things proceed. How much dost thou gratify theseinsolent Trojan men, whose violence is ever pernicious, and who cannotbe satisfied with war, equally destructive to all! Of all things isthere satiety, --of sleep, of love, of sweet singing, and of faultlessdancing, with which one would much more readily satisfy his desire, thanwith war; but the Trojans are insatiate of battle. "

 [Footnote 438: _I. E. _ by being slain one after another. ]

So saying, having stripped the bloody armour from the body, illustriousMenelaus gave it to his companions, whilst he, advancing, was againmixed with the foremost combatants. Then Harpalion, the son of kingPylæmenes, who had then followed his dear father to wage war at Troy, leaped upon him; nor returned he back to his native land. [He it was]who then, close at hand, struck the middle of Atrides' shield with hislance, nor was he able to drive quite through the brass; but he retiredback into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death, looking around onall sides, lest any one should touch his body[439] with a spear. Meriones, however, shot a brazen-pointed arrow at him retreating, andstruck him upon the right hip, and the arrow penetrated to the otherside, through the bladder, below the bone. Sinking down, therefore, inthe same place, breathing out his life in the arms of his belovedcompanions, like a worm, he lay stretched upon the ground, whilst hisblack blood flowed, and moistened the earth. Around him the magnanimousPaphlagonians were employed, and, lifting him upon a chariot, they borehim to sacred Ilium, grieving; and with them went his father, sheddingtears: but no vengeance was taken for his dead son. 

 [Footnote 439: As the usual construction of έπανρεΐν is with a genitive, Heyne would supply μή τις έπαύρη αύτού κατά χρόα. ]

But Paris was greatly enraged in his soul on account of his being slain, for he had been his guest among many Paphlagonians; wherefore, enragedon his account, he sent forth a brazen arrow. Now there was oneEuchenor, son of the diviner Polyïdus, wealthy and brave, inhabiting adwelling at Corinth, who, well knowing his fatal destiny, had arrived ina ship. For often had Polyïdus, good old man, told him, that he wouldperish in his halls of a grievous disease, or be subdued by the Trojansamong the ships of the Greeks; wherefore he avoided at once the severemulct[440] of the Achæans, and odious disease, that he might not suffersorrows in his mind. Him he (Paris) smote below the jaw and the ear; andhis spirit quickly departed from his members, and hateful darknessseized him. 

Thus indeed they fought like[441] unto a burning fire. But Hector, dearto Jove, had not learned, nor knew at all, how at the left of the shipshis people were being slaughtered by the Greeks, for the victory was onthe point of being the Grecians'; so much did earth-shaking Neptuneencourage the Greeks, and moreover himself assisted with his strength;but he (Hector) pressed on where first he had sprung within the gatesand wall, breaking the thick ranks of the shielded Greeks. There werethe ships of Ajax and Protesilaus, drawn up upon the shore of the hoarysea; but above[442] them the wall was built very low; there themselvesand their horses were most impetuous in the combat. There[443] theBœotians and long-robed Iaonians, the Locrians, the Phthians, and theillustrious Epeans, restrained him from the ships, fiercely rushing on;but were unable to drive away from them noble Hector, like unto a flame. The chosen men of the Athenians stood in the van; among whomMenestheus, son of Peteus, had the command; and with him followedPhidas, Stichius, and brave Bias, Meges, the son of Phyieus, Amphion, and Dracius, led the Epeans, and over the Phthians were Medon andPodarces, steady in fight (Medon indeed was the spurious offspring ofgodlike Oïleus, and the brother of Ajax; but he dwelt at Phylace, awayfrom his native country, [444] having slain a man, the brother of hisstepmother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had married. But the other was the sonof Iphiclus, of Phylace). These in arms before the magnanimous Phthians, fought among the Bœotians, defending the ships. 

 [Footnote 440: As Corinth was under the authority of Agamemnon, he would have been compelled to pay a fine for refusing the service. Compare the ἀτιμία της ἀστραείας at Athens. See Potter, Antiq. I. 23. ]

 [Footnote 441: Cf. Xi. 595, with the note. ]

 [Footnote 442: _I. E. _ before them. ]

 [Footnote 443: _I. E. _ where Hector broke in]

 [Footnote 444: See my note on ii. P. 42, n. 2. ]

But Ajax, the swift son of Oïleus, never separated from Telamonian Ajax, not even for a little time; but as in a fallow field two black bullockspossessing equal spirit, draw a well-joined plough, --but meanwhilecopious sweat breaks forth around the roots of their horns; and them thewell-polished yoke alone separates on either side, advancing along thefurrows, and [the plough] cuts[445] up the bottom of the soil; so theytwain, joined together, stood very near to each other. And then many andbrave troops followed the son of Telamon as companions, who receivedfrom him his shield, whenever fatigue and sweat came upon his limbs. Butthe Locrians followed not the great-souled son of Oïleus, for theirheart remained not firm to them in the standing fight, because they hadnot brazen helmets crested with horse-hair, nor had they well-orbedshields and ashen spears; but they followed along with him to Ilium, trusting in the bows and the well-twisted sheep's wool, with which, frequently hurling, they broke the phalanxes of the Trojans. At thattime indeed these (the Ajaces) in the van, with their variously-wroughtarmour, fought against the Trojans and brazen-armed Hector, whilst (theLocrians) shooting from the rear, lay concealed; nor were the Trojansany longer mindful of combat, for the arrows put them in confusion. 

Then surely would the Trojans have retreated with loss from the shipsand tents to lofty Ilium, had not Polydamas, standing near, addressedbold Hector:

"Hector, thou art impossible to be persuaded by advice. [446] Becauseindeed a god hath given thee, above others, warlike deeds, for thisreason dost thou also desire to be more skilled than others in counsel?But by no means canst thou thyself obtain all things at once. [447] Toone indeed hath the deity given warlike deeds; to another dancing; andto another the harp and singing. To another again far-sounding Joveimplants a prudent mind in his bosom, of which many men reap theadvantage, as it (prudence) even preserves cities; and he himself (whopossesses it) especially knows (its value). Yet will I speak as appearsto me best; because the encircling host[448] of war burns round thee onall sides, and the magnanimous Trojans, since they have crossed thewalls, some indeed stand apart with their arms, and others fight, thefewer against the greater number, scattered amongst the ships. Butretiring back, summon hither all the chiefs. And then we can betterdiscuss the whole plan; whether we shall enter upon the many-benchedships, if indeed the deity will give us victory; or depart uninjuredfrom the barks; because of a truth I fear lest the Greeks repay theirdebt of yesterday, since a man, insatiate in war, still remains at theships, who I conceive will no longer abstain entirely from battle. " Thusspoke Polydamas, but the faultless advice pleased Hector; andimmediately he leaped with his armour from his chariot to the ground, and, addressing him, spoke winged words:

 [Footnote 445: Τέμει refers to ἄροτρον in v. 703, not to ζυγόν. ]

 [Footnote 446: Put for ἀμήχανόν ἐστι πείθειν σε. ]

 [Footnote 447: A favourite proverb. Cf. Duport, Gnom. P. 81. ]

 [Footnote 448: So "corona, " in Latin. ]

"Polydamas, do thou retain here all the bravest, whilst I will come backagain immediately after I have given proper orders to the [troops]. " Hesaid, and shouting, he rushed on, like unto a snowy mountain, and flewthrough the Trojans and the allies. But they all crowded roundvalour-loving Polydamas, the son of Panthous, as soon as they heard thevoice of Hector. He, however, ranged through the foremost combatants, seeking if he could anywhere find Deïphobus, the might of king Helenus, and Adamas, the son of Asias, and Asius, the son of Hyrtacus. Some hefound no longer quite unhurt, nor yet destroyed, whilst others again layat the sterns of the ships of the Greeks, having lost their lives by thehands of the Greeks; and others were stricken or wounded within thewall. But he quickly found noble Alexander, the husband of fair-hairedHelen, on the left of the lamentable battle, cheering of his companions, and encouraging them to fight; and, standing near, he addressed him withreproachful words:

"Accursed Paris, fine only in person, woman-mad, seducer, where areDeïphobus and the might of king Helenus, and Adamas, the son of Asias, and Asius, the son of Hyrtacus? Where also is Othryoneus? Now loftyIlium all perishes from its summit, [449] now is its final destructioncertain. "

 [Footnote 449: The Latin "a culmine, " as in Virg. Æn. Ii. 290, 603. So Æsch. ]

But him godlike Alexander in turn addressed: "Hector, since it is thyintention to find fault with me when innocent, at some other timeperhaps, I may be more neglectful of the fight; [but not now], sinceneither did my mother bear me altogether unwarlike. For from the timewhen thou didst stir up the battle of thy companions at the ships, fromthat time, remaining here, have we engaged incessantly with the Greeks;and those comrades are dead for whom thou inquirest. Deïphobus and themight of king Helenus alone have withdrawn, both wounded in the handwith long spears; but the son of Saturn hath warded off death [fromthem]. But now lead on, wheresoever thy heart and soul urge thee; and wewill follow with determined minds, nor do I think that thou wilt be atall in want of valour, as much strength as is in us. It is not possibleeven for one, although keenly desirous, to fight beyond his strength. "

So saying, the hero persuaded the mind of his brother, and they hastenedto advance towards that place where especially was the battle andcontest; round Cebriones and excellent Polydamas, Phalces and Orthæus, and godlike Polyphœtes, and Palmys, and Ascanius and Morys, the sons ofHippotion, who the day before had come as a relief guard[450] fromfertile Ascania: and Jove then urged them to fight. But they marchedlike unto the blast of boisterous winds, which rushes down to the plain, urged by the thunder of father Jove, and with a dreadful tumult[451] ismingled with the ocean; and in it [rise] many boiling billows of themuch-resounding sea, swollen, whitened with foam, first indeed some andthen others following. 

 [Footnote 450: See Buttm. Lexil. P. 358. Choeph. 679: Κατ' ἄκρας ένθάδ' ὡς πορθούμεθα. Soph. Ant. 206: Ἠθέλησε μὲν πυρὶ πρῆσαι κατ' ἄκρας. Eurip. Phœn. 1192: Κατ' ἄκρων περγάμων ἑλεῖν πόλιν. ]

 [Footnote 451: Πολέμου διάδοχοι, τοῖς προτέροις ἷσοι. --Eustathius. ]

So the Trojans, first indeed some in battle array, and then othersglittering in brass, followed along with their leaders. But Hector, theson of Priam, equal to man-slaughtering Mars, led the van, and heldbefore him his shield, equal on all sides, thick with skins; and muchbrass was laid over it: and round his temples his gleaming helmet wasshaken. Stepping forward, he tried the phalanxes around on every side, if perchance they would give way to him, advancing under cover of hisshield. Yet he disturbed not the courage of the Greeks in their breasts:but Ajax, far-striding, first challenged him:

"O noble Sir, draw nearer: why dost thou thus frighten the Greeks? WeGreeks are by no means unskilful in battle, although we are subdued bythe evil scourge[452] of Jove. Thy soul, forsooth, hopes, I suppose, toplunder the ships; but we also have hands ready to repulse theeimmediately. Assuredly, long before shall thy well-inhabited city betaken and destroyed by our hands. But to thee thyself, I say, the timedraws near, when, flying, thou shalt pray to father Jove and the otherimmortals, that thy fair-maned steeds, which shall bear thee to thecity, raising dust over the plain, may become swifter than hawks. "

 [Footnote 452: See note on xii. 37. ]

Whilst he was thus speaking, a bird flew over him on the right--alofty-flying eagle; upon which the people of the Greeks shouted, encouraged by the omen; but illustrious Hector replied:

"O babbling and vain-boasting Ajax, what hast thou said? Would that Iwere as sure of becoming for ever the child of ægis-bearing Jove, thatthe venerable Juno had borne me, and that I were honoured as Minerva andApollo are honoured, as that this day now certainly brings destructionupon all the Greeks; and among others thou shalt be slain, if thou wiltdare to abide my long spear, which shall tear for thee thy daintyperson, and thou shalt satiate the dogs and birds of the Trojans withthy fat and flesh, falling at the ships of the Greeks. "

Thus then having spoken, he led on; and they followed along with himwith a mighty shout, and the troops likewise shouted in the rear. TheGreeks, on the other side, raised a shout, nor were they forgetful oftheir valour, but they awaited the bravest of the Trojans, assaulting. But the clamour of both reached to the æther and the shiningsplendour[453] of Jove. 

 [Footnote 453: Cf. Pind. Ol. Iii. 43: Αὐγαῖς ἁλίου. So "auras ætherias, " Virg. Georg. Ii. 291. Lucret. I. 208, "Dias-luminis auras. "--Kennedy. ]

 BOOK THE FOURTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Agamemnon and the other wounded chiefs visit the battle with Nestor. Juno, having borrowed the cestus of Venus, first obtains the assistanceof Sleep, and then hastens to Ida to inveigle Jove. She prevails, Jovesleeps, and Neptune seizes the opportunity to aid the Trojans. 

But the shouting did not entirely escape the notice of Nestor, althoughdrinking, but he addressed winged words to the son of Æsculapius:"Consider, noble Machaon, how these things will be; greater, certainly, [grows] the shouting of the blooming youths at the ships. But sittinghere at present, drink indeed the dark wine, until fair-haired Hecamedehas warmed the tepid baths, and washed away the bloody gore; whilst I, going with speed to a watchtower, will gain information. "

So saying, he took the well-made shield of his own son, horse-breakingThrasymedes, [which was] lying in the tent, all shining with brass (forhe had the shield of his sire); and seized a strong spear, pointed withsharp brass; and stood without the tent, and soon beheld an unseemlydeed, --these [the Greeks] in confusion, and those, the haughty Trojans, routing them in the rear; but the wall of the Greeks had fallen. And aswhen the vast deep blackens with the noiseless[454] wave, forebodingwith no effect, the rapid courses of the shrill blasts, nor yet is itrolled forwards or backwards, before some decisive blast comes down fromJove: so meditated the old man, distracted in his mind between twoopinions: whether he should go amongst the throng of fleet-horsedGreeks, or to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people. Butto him thus reflecting, it appeared better to go in quest of the son ofAtreus. Meanwhile they kept slaughtering each other, contending, and thesolid brass around their bodies rang, as they were stricken with theswords and two-edged spears. 

 [Footnote 454: Literally, "deaf. " So "surdi fluctus, " Ovid, Epist. Xviii. 211; "Omnia surda tacent, " Propert. Iv. 3, 53; "Surdaque vota condidit Ionio, " Pers. Sat. Vi. 28. ]

But the Jove-cherished kings, coming up from the vessels, met Nestor, asmany as had been wounded with the brass, --Tydides, and Ulysses, andAgamemnon, the son of Atreus. Their ships indeed were drawn up upon theshore of the hoary deep, very far away from the battle; for they haddrawn the first as far as the plain, and had built a wall at theirsterns. For, broad as it was, the shore was by no means able to containtheir vessels, and the people were crowded. Wherefore they drew them upin rows one behind the other, and filled the wide mouth of the wholeshore, as much as the promontories enclosed. There then were theywalking together, leaning upon the spear, in order to behold the tumultand the battle; and the heart in their bosoms was grieved. But agedNestor met them, and terrified the souls in the breasts of the Greeks:whom first king Agamemnon addressing, said:

"O Neleïan Nestor, great glory of the Greeks, why, leaving theman-destroying battle, comest thou hither? Truly I fear lest impetuousHector make good his speech, as once he threatened, haranguing among theTrojans, that he would not return to Ilium from the ships, before thathe had burned the ships with fire, and slain us also: thus indeed heharangued; and now are all things fulfilling. Ye gods, surely the otherwell-greaved Greeks, as well as Achilles, store up wrath against me intheir minds; nor are they willing to fight at the sterns of the ships. "

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "Assuredly thesethings are in active accomplishment, nor could even lofty-thunderingJove himself contrive them otherwise; for the wall, in which we trustedthat it would be an impregnable defence to the ships and to ourselves, has now fallen. But they are sustaining an obstinate contest at theswift ships; nor couldst thou any longer distinguish, though examiningparticularly, on which side the Greeks, confounded, are routed; sopromiscuously are they slain, whilst the shout reaches heaven. Let us, however, deliberate how these things will be, if counsel avail anything;although I advise not that we enter the battle; for it is by no meansproper that a wounded man should fight. "

But him then answered Agamemnon, king of men. "Nestor, since they arecombating at the sterns of the ships, and the constructed rampart availsnot, nor the ditch, at which the Greeks suffered much, and hoped intheir minds that it would be an impregnable defence to the ships and tothemselves, surely it will be agreeable to all-powerful Jove that theGreeks perish here, inglorious, far away from Argos. For I was consciouswhen he willingly gave assistance to the Greeks, and I now know that hehonours those [the Trojans] equally with the happy gods, but hathfettered our courage and our hands. But come, let us all obey as I shalladvise. Let us draw down the ships, as many as are drawn up first nearthe sea, and launch them all into the vast ocean. Let us moor them atanchor in the deep, till mortal-deceiving[455] night arrive, if eventhen the Trojans may abstain from battle, and then we may perhaps drawdown all the vessels; for there is no disgrace in flying from evil, noteven during the night. It is better for a flying man to escape fromevil, than to be taken. "

 [Footnote 455: 'Αβρότη is akin to ἤμβροτον from άμαρτάνω, and therefore = "making mortals go astray, " or else = άμβροσιη in ii. 57. See Buttm. Lexil. P. 82. Or it may be regarded as the "nox intempesta, " _i. E. _ "muita nox, qua nihil agi tempestivum est, " Censorinus de Die Nat. Xxiv. ]

But him sternly regarding, wise Ulysses then addressed: "Son of Atreus, what speech hath escaped thy lips? Lost man! thou shouldst command someworthless army, and not rule over us, to whom Jove hath granted, fromyouth even unto old age, to accomplish toilsome wars, until we, each ofus, shall perish. Dost thou then desire thus to leave wide-wayed Troy, on account of which we have endured so many woes? Be silent, lest someother of the Greeks hear a speech, which a man ought not to have broughtthrough his mouth, whoever understands in his mind how to speak prudentthings, who is a sceptre-bearer, and whom so many people obey, as manyas thou dost govern among the Greeks. For now do I reprobate thyjudgment, in what thou hast said; who commandest us, whilst the war andbattle are waged, to draw down the well-benched ships to the sea, inorder that the wishes of the Trojans may be still better fulfilled, victorious though they be, and dire destruction fall upon us: for theGreeks will not maintain the fight whilst the ships are being dragged tothe sea, but will look back, and retire from the combat. Then will thycounsel be injurious, O leader of the people. "

But him Agamemnon, the king of men, then answered: "Much, O Ulysses, hast thou touched me to the soul with thy severe reproof; yet Icommanded not the sons of the Greeks against their will to draw thewell-benched ships down to the sea. But now would that there were one, either young or old, who would deliver an opinion better than this; itwould be to my joy. " [456]

But among them Diomede, valiant in the din of battle, also spoke: "Theman is near, we need not seek far, if indeed ye are willing to bepersuaded; and do not find fault each through wrath, because I am bybirth the youngest amongst you; for I boast that my race is from a noblesire, Tydeus, whom the heaped-up earth[457] covers at Thebes. For toPortheus were born three distinguished sons, and they dwelt in Pleuronand lofty Calydon: Agrius and Melas, but the third was the knight Œneus, the father of my father, who was conspicuous among them for valour. Heindeed remained there, but my father, as an exile, dwelt at Argos, forso Jove willed and the other gods. But he married [one] of thedaughters[458] of Adrastus, and he inhabited a mansion opulent inresources, and corn-bearing fields were his in abundance, and there weremany rows[459] of plants around him. Numerous were his herds, and hesurpassed the Greeks in the use of the spear; but these things ye oughtto know, since it is a truth. Do not, therefore, dispute the opinionfreely delivered, which I give advisedly, deeming that I am base bybirth, and unwarlike. Come, then, let us go to battle, wounded as weare, from necessity. There, then, let us ourselves approach the combat, out [of the reach] of weapons, lest any one receive wound upon wound;and, encouraging others, we will urge them on, who hitherto, gratifyingtheir souls, have stood apart, nor fought. "

 [Footnote 456: For this use of the dative, cf. Plato Phædon, § 24. So Tacit. Agric. "Quibus bellum volentibus erat. "--Kennedy. Cf. Æsch. Prom. S. I. , ἀσμένῳ δέ σοι Ἡ ποικιλείμων νῦζ ἀποκρύψει φάος. ]

 [Footnote 457: See my note on Od. Ii. P. 21, n. 35, ed. Bohn, and an admirable dissertation on these classic barrow-tombs in Stephen's notes on Saxo-Grammaticus, pp. 90-92. ]

 [Footnote 458: Deipyle. See Scholiast. ]

 [Footnote 459: Not "gardens. " Schol. Theocrit. I. 48. Ὄρχατον τὴν ἐπιστιχον φυτείαν ... καὶ Αριστοφάνης τὸ μεταξὺ τῶν φυτῶν μετόρχμιον ἐκάλεσεν ἐν τοῖς γεωργοῖς' καὶ Ἡσίοδος ὄρχον λέγει τὴν ἐπιστιχον τῶν ἀμπέλων φυτείαν. Cf. Schol. On Lycophr. 857; Hesych. T. Ii. P. 792. ]

Thus he spoke; and to him they all listened readily, and obeyed. Wherefore they hastened to advance, and the king of men, Agamemnon, ledthem. 

Nor did the illustrious Earth-shaker keep a negligent look-out, but hewent amongst them like unto an aged man, and he caught the right hand ofAgamemnon, the son of Atreus, and addressing him, spoke winged words:

"Son of Atreus, now perchance the revengeful heart of Achilles rejoicesin his breast, beholding the slaughter and rout of the Greeks; sincethere is no feeling in him, not even a little. May he, however, thusperish, and may a god cover him with disgrace. But with thee the blessedgods are not yet altogether enraged, but again the leaders and chiefs ofthe Trojans will perchance raise the dust upon the wide plain, and thouwilt behold them flying towards the city from the ships and the tents. "

So saying, he shouted aloud, rushing over the plain. As loud as nine orten thousand men shout, beginning the contest of Mars, so loud a cry didking Neptune send forth from his breast; and he cast great resolutioninto every heart among the Greeks, to war and to fight incessantly. 

But golden-throned Juno, standing, looked down with her eyes from thesummit of Olympus, and immediately recognized her own brother, [whowas] also her brother-in-law, exerting himself through the gloriousbattle, and she rejoiced in her mind. She also beheld Jove sitting uponthe highest top of many-rilled Ida, and he was hateful to her soul. Thenthe venerable large-eyed Juno next anxiously considered how she couldbeguile the mind of ægis-bearing Jove. And now this plan appeared bestto her mind, to proceed to Ida, having well arrayed herself, ifperchance he might desire to lie beside her form[460] in dalliance, sothat she might pour upon his eyelids and vigilant mind careless andgenial sleep. And she proceeded to her chamber, which Vulcan, her dearson, had made for her, and had fitted the thick doors to the lintelswith a secret bolt;[461] and this no other god could remove. Thereentering in, she closed the shining doors. First she washed allimpurities from her lovely person with rich oil, ambrosial, [462] andanointed herself with rich oil, ambrosial and agreeable, [463] which wasodoriferous to her; and the perfume of which, when shaken in thebrazen-floored[464] mansion of Jove, reached even to earth and toheaven. With this having anointed her body, and having also combed herhair, with her hands she arranged her shining locks, beautiful, ambrosial, [which flowed] from her immortal head. Next she threw aroundher an ambrosial robe, which Minerva had wrought[465] for her inneedlework, and had embroidered much varied work upon it, and shefastened it upon her breast with golden clasps. Then she girded herselfwith a zone, adorned with a hundred fringes, and in her well-perforatedears placed her triple-gemmed, elaborate, [466]earrings, and much graceshone from [her]. From above she, divine of goddesses, covered herselfwith a veil, beautiful, newly wrought, and it was bright as the sun; andbeneath her shining feet she fastened her beautiful sandals. But whenshe had arranged all her ornaments around her person, she proceededstraight from her chamber; and having called Venus apart from the othergods, addressed her in speech:

 [Footnote 460: Construe παραδραθέειν ᾖ χροιῇ. ]

 [Footnote 461: Respecting the different meanings of κλεὶς, see Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 462: See Buttm. Lexil. P 81, 3. ]

 [Footnote 463: Buttmann, p. 242, regards έδανὸς as "perhaps a stronger and higher meaning of ἐός, or ἒός, _good_, which may be compared with οὐτιδανός, μηκεδανός. "]

 [Footnote 464: See my note on Od. Ii. 2. ]

 [Footnote 465: "The proper sense of ἔξυσε is, _scraped_ or _rubbed over_ and its use here is best explained by supposing a reference to some process among the ancients whereby a shining appearance was given to their vestments, as by _calendering_ or _glazing_ with us. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 466: Μορόεντα, περὶ ἃ ἐμόρησεν ὁ τεχνίτης. --Schol. ]

"Wilt thou now be at all obedient to me, dear child, in what I shallsay? Or wilt thou refuse, enraged in thy mind on this account, because Iaid the Greeks whilst thou [aidest] the Trojans?"

But her Venus, the daughter of Jove, then answered: "Juno, venerablegoddess, daughter of mighty Saturn, declare whatsoever thou dostmeditate; for my mind urges me to accomplish it, if indeed I canaccomplish it, and if it be practicable. "

But her the venerable Juno, meditating guile, addressed: "Give now to methat loveliness and desire with which thou dost subdue all, immortals, and mortal men; for I go to visit the limits of the fertile earth, andOceanus, the parent of the gods, and mother Tethys; who, receiving mefrom Rhea, nurtured and educated me with care in their abodes, whenfar-resounding Jove cast down Saturn beneath the earth and the fruitlesssea. These I go to visit, and I will put an end to eternalquarrels. [467] For already have they abstained for a length of time fromthe couch and embrace of each other, since anger fell upon their mind. But if, by persuading their hearts by my words, I should lead them backto the bed, to be united in love, then should I always be called by thembeloved and revered. "

 [Footnote 467: These passages were regarded by the ancients as referring to the perpetual strife of the elements. Thus Plato, in Theætet. Says: Ὅμηρος εἰπὼν, Ὠκεανόν τε θεῶν γένεσιν, καὶ μητέρα Τηθὺν, πάντα εἴρηκεν ἔκγονα ροῆς τε καὶ κινήσεως. See Sextus Empir. Adv. Grammat. I. 13, p. 280, ed. Fabr. ; Stobæus, Ecl. I. 11. Grote, vol. I. P. 16, note, observes that, "Oceanus and Tethys seem to be presented in the Iliad as the primitive father and mother of the gods, " although he says that "Uranos and Gæa, like Oceanus, Tethys, and Nyx, are with Homer great and venerable gods, but neither the one nor the other present the character of predecessors of Kronos and Zeus. "]

But her laughter-loving Venus in turn addressed: "It is not possible norbecoming to refuse thy request, for thou reclinest in the arms ofmightiest Jove. "

She said, and loosed from her bosom the embroidered, variegatedcestus;[468] where all allurements were enclosed. In it were love, anddesire, converse, seductive speech, which steals away the mind even ofthe very prudent. This then she placed in her hands, spoke, andaddressed her:

"Take[469] this, now place in thy bosom this variegated belt, in whichall things are contained; and I think that thou wilt not return with thyobject unaccomplished, whatsoever thou desirest in thy mind. "

 [Footnote 468: I have avoided translating "cestus, " as it is very doubtful what is meant by it. It could not have been an ordinary girdle, since it was to be hidden in the bosom (ver. 219), and since its power appears to have been secret. See Heyne's note. ]

 [Footnote 469: Τῆ is an old imperative from a root ΤΑ--"formed like ζῆν, according to Doric analogy.... In all cases it stands either quite absolute, that is, with the object understood, or the accusative belongs to a verb immediately following. "--Buttm. Lexil. Pp. 505, sq. ]

Thus she spake, and the large-eyed, venerable Juno smiled, and smiling, then placed it in her bosom. But Venus, the daughter of Jove, departedto the palace; and Juno, hastening, quitted the summit of Olympus, and, having passed over Pieria and fertile Emathia, she hastened over thesnowy mountains of equestrian Thrace, most lofty summits, nor did shetouch the ground with her feet. From Athos she descended to the foamingdeep, and came to Lemnos, the city of divine Thoas, where she met Sleep, the brother of Death; to whose hand she then clung, and spoke, andaddressed him:

"O Sleep, [470] king of all gods and all men, [471] if ever indeed thoudidst listen to my entreaty, now too be persuaded; and I willacknowledge gratitude to thee all my days. Close immediately in sleepfor me the bright eyes of Jove under his eyelids, after I couch with himin love; and I will give thee, as gifts, a handsome golden throne, forever incorruptible. And my limping son, Vulcan, adorning it, shall makeit, and below thy feet he shall place a footstool, upon which thoumayest rest thy shining feet while feasting. "

 [Footnote 470: Cf. Hesiod, Theog. 214. The dying words of Gorgias of Leontium are very elegant: Ἤδε με ὁ ὕπνος ἄρχεται παρακατατίθεσθαι τῶ ἀδελφῳ. --Ælian, Var. Hist. Ii. 35. ]

 [Footnote 471: So in the Orphic hymn: Ὕπνε, ἄναξ πάντων μακάρων θνητῶν τ' άνθρώπων. ]

But her sweet Sleep answering, addressed: "Juno, venerable goddess, daughter of great Saturn, any other of the everlasting gods could Ieasily lull to sleep, and even the flowing of rapid Ocean, who is theparent of all; but I could not approach Saturnian Jove, nor lull him tosleep, unless, at least, he himself command me. For once already, atleast, has he terrified me by his threats, on that day when themagnanimous son of Jove (Hercules) sailed from Ilium, having sacked thecity of the Trojans. Then I lulled the mind of ægis-bearing Jove, beingpoured gently around him, whilst thou wast planning evils in thy mind[against the hero], rousing the blasts of bitter winds over the deep;and thou didst afterwards carry him away apart from all his friends towell-inhabited Cos. But he, when awakened, was enraged, hurling aboutthe gods through his mansion, and me chiefly of all he sought, and wouldhave cast me down, a lost one, from the æther into the deep, had notNight, vanquisher of gods and men, preserved me, to whom I came flying. So he restrained himself, angry as he was; for he dreaded lest he shoulddo things which were disagreeable to swift[472] Night. And now againdost thou urge me to perform this another dangerous deed. "

But him the venerable large-eyed Juno in turn answered: "O Sleep, whythinkest thou these things within thy mind? Canst thou suppose thatfar-sounding Jove favours the Trojans, as he was enraged on account ofHercules, his own son? But come, [do this], and I will give thee one ofthe younger Graces to wed, and to be called thy spouse, Pasithea, [473]whom thou fondly desirest day after day. "

 [Footnote 472: But see Buttm. Lexil. P. 369. Translate, "quick and fearful night. "]

 [Footnote 473: The most beautiful of the Graces, --"blandarum prima sororum, " according to Statius, Theb. Ii. 286. Cf. Virg. Æn. I. 267, sqq. ]

Thus she spoke; but Sleep was delighted, and, answering, addressed her:"Come now, swear to me by the inviolable water of the Styx, and touchwith one hand the fertile earth, and with the other the marble sea; sothat all the gods beneath, around Saturn, may be witnesses between us, that thou wilt surely give me one of the younger Graces, Pasithea, whomI will desire all my days. "

Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but sheswore as he desired, and named all gods who dwell under Tartarus, whichare called Titans. [474] When then she had sworn, and performed her oath, they both proceeded, leaving the city of Lemnos and Imbrus, mantled inhaze, quickly making their way; and they came to Ida of many rills, themother of wild beasts, to Lectos, where first they quitted the sea: butthey both advanced over the land, and the summit of the wood was shakenbeneath their feet. There Sleep on his part remained, before the eyes ofJove should perceive him; ascending a lofty fir, which then growing thehighest upon Ida, sprung up through the air to the clouds. There he sat, thickly covered with the fir branches, like unto a shrill bird, which, living in the mountains, the gods call Chalcis, and men Cymindis. 

 [Footnote 474: On this oath, see Grote, vol. I. P. 17. ]

But Juno proceeded hastily to Gargarus, the summit of lofty Ida, andcloud-compelling Jove beheld her. But the instant he beheld her, thatinstant[475] desire entirely shadowed around his august mind, just aswhen they first were united in love, retiring to the bed, without theknowledge of their dear parents. And he stood before her, and spoke, andaddressed her:

"Wherefore hastening from Olympus, Juno, comest thou hither, but thyhorses and chariot are not near, which thou mayest ascend. "

 [Footnote 475: Cf. Theocrit. Ii. 82: Ὡς ἴδον, ώς ἐμάνην, ώς μεῦ περὶ θυμὸς ἴάφθη. Iii. 42: Ὡς ἴδον, ὡς ἐμάνη. Ovid, Epist. Xii. 33: "Ut vidi, ut perii, nec notis ignibus arsi. "]

But him the venerable Juno, meditating guiles, addressed; "I go to visitthe limits of the fertile earth, and Oceanus, the parent of the gods, and mother Tethys, who nurtured and trained me with care in theirpalaces. Them I go to see, and will take away their bitter quarrels. Foralready they abstain a long while from the couch and embrace of eachother; since anger has invaded their minds. But my steeds, which willbear me over dry and wet, stand near the base of Ida with many rills. Now, however, on thy account have I come hither from Olympus, lestperchance thou shouldst afterwards be angry with me, were I to depart insecret to the abode of deep-flowing Oceanus?"

But her cloud-collecting Jove answering, addressed: "Juno, thither thoucanst go even by-and-by, but come [now], let us, reclining, be delightedwith love; for never at any time did the love of a goddess or a woman, poured around the heart within my breast, so subdue me: neither when Iloved the wife of Ixion, who bore Pirithous, a counsellor equal to thegods; nor when [I loved] fair-ankled Danaë, the daughter of Acrisius, who bore Perseus, most illustrious of all men; nor when with that of thecelebrated daughter of Phoenix, [476] who bore to me Minos and godlikeRhadamanthus:[477] nor yet when [I loved] Semele, nor Alcmena in Thebes, who brought forth my valiant son Hercules: but Semele bore [me] Bacchus, a joy to mortals: nor when [I loved] Ceres, the fair-haired queen: norwhen glorious Latona nor thyself; as I now love thee, and sweet desireseizes me. "

 [Footnote 476: But Europa is generally considered to be the daughter of Agenor. See Grote, vol. I. P. 350. ]

 [Footnote 477: On the career of Rhadamanthus, who is "after death promoted to an abode of undisturbed bliss in the Elysian plain at the extremity of the earth, " see Grote, vol. I. P. 300. ]

But him venerable Juno, meditating guiles, addressed: "Most shamelessson of Saturn, what word hast thou spoken? If now thou desire to reclinein love upon the summit of Ida, where all places are exposed, how willit be, if any of the immortal gods should perceive us sleeping, and, going amongst all the gods, disclose it? I for my part could neverreturn to thy mansion, arising from the couch; for surely it would beunbecoming. But if in truth thou desirest it, and it be agreeable to thysoul, there is a chamber of thine which Vulcan, thy beloved son, formedfor thee, and fitted its secure doors to its lintels. Thither let usrepair, about to recline, since an embrace is indeed thy desire. "

But her cloud-collecting Jove, answering, addressed:

"Fear not, O Juno, that any of either gods or men shall behold this. Such a golden cloud will I spread around, that not even the Sun may seeus through it, although his eye is very keen to behold. " [478]

Thus he spake, and the son of Saturn encircled his wife in his arms. Andthe divine earth produced[479] fresh herbage under them, the dewy lotus, and the crocus, and the hyacinth, close and soft, which elevated themfrom the earth. Upon this [couch] they reclined, and clothed themselvesabove with a beautiful golden cloud; and lucid dew-drops fell from it. 

 [Footnote 478: On the god Hêlios, and his overseeing influence, the student should compare Grote, vol. I. P. 466. ]

 [Footnote 479: So Milton, describing the couch of our first parents, P. L. Iv. 700:--

 ----"underfoot the violet, Crocus, and hyacinth with rich inlay, Broider'd the ground. "]

Thus quietly slumbered the sire upon the summit of Gargarus, subdued bysleep and love, and held his spouse in his arms. But sweet Sleephastened to run to the ships of the Greeks, that he might deliver amessage to Neptune, the shaker of the earth. And, standing near, headdressed to him winged words:

"Now, Neptune, heartily give aid to the Greeks, and bestow glory uponthem, at least for a little, whilst yet Jove sleeps; since I haveenveloped him in a veil[480] of soft slumber, and Juno hath deceived[him], that he might sleep in love. "

 [Footnote 480: Observe the force of περικάλυψα. ]

So saying, he indeed departed to the illustrious tribes of men; but hestill more impelled [Neptune] to assist the Greeks, and immediatelyspringing forward far into the van, he exhorted them:

"O Greeks, yet again do we yield the victory to Hector, the son ofPriam, that he may seize the ships and bear away glory? For so indeed hesupposes and boasts, because Achilles remains at the hollow ships, enraged at heart. However, there would not be a great need of him, ifthe rest of us were incited to assist one another. But come? let us allobey as I shall advise. Let us, clad with shields, as many as are bestand greatest in the army, who are covered as to our heads withglittering helmets, and hold the longest spears in our hands, advance, and I will lead the way; nor do I think that Hector, the son of Priam, will await us, though very eager. Whatsoever man also is obstinate inthe fight, and bears but a small shield upon his shoulder, let him giveit to an inferior man, and let him clothe himself in a larger shield. "

Thus he spoke; but they listened to him readily, and obeyed. The kingsthemselves, Tydides, Ulysses, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus, marshalled[the troops], wounded as they were; and, going about among them all, exchanged their martial arms, the brave [soldier] put on the good[armour], and the worse they gave to the inferior man. But when they hadgirded the splendid brass around their bodies, they began to advance;and earth-shaking Neptune led them on, grasping in his firm hand adreadful tapering sword, like unto a thunderbolt, with which [sword] itis not possible to engage in destructive battle, for the fear [of it]restrains men. 

On the other side again illustrious Hector drew up the Trojans. Thentruly azure-haired Neptune and illustrious Hector drew forth theseverest struggle of war, the one indeed aiding the Trojans, and theother the Greeks. But the sea was dashed up to the tents and ships ofthe Greeks and they engaged with a mighty shout. Not so loudly does thebillow of the ocean roar against the main land, when driven from thedeep by the rough blast of Boreas; nor so great is the crackling ofblazing fire in the glens of a mountain, when it is raised aloft toconsume the wood; nor so loud howls the wind amidst the high-foliagedoaks (which, in particular, loudly roars in its wrath), as was the cryof the Trojans and Greeks shouting dreadfully, when they rushed one uponthe other. 

At Ajax illustrious Hector first took aim with his spear, as he wasturned right against him; nor did he miss. [He struck him] where the twobelts were crossed upon his breast, both that of the shield and that ofthe silver-studded sword; for these protected the tender skin: butHector was enraged because his swift weapon had fled from his hand invain, and he retired back into the crowd of his companions, shunningdeath. At him then, retiring, mighty Telamonian Ajax [threw] with astone, for [stones] in great numbers were rolled about among the feet ofthe combatants, props for the fleet barks; lifting up one of these, hestruck him upon the breast, above the orb of the shield, near the neck. And, throwing, he twirled it like a top, and it (the stone) rolled roundon all sides. As when, beneath a violent stroke from father Jove, an oakfalls uprooted, and a terrible smell of sulphur arises from it; butconfidence no longer possesses the man, whosoever being near beholds it, because the thunderbolt of mighty Jove is terrible: so rapidly upon theground fell the might of Hector in the dust. And he dropped his spearfrom his hand, his shield and helmet followed above him, and his armour, variegated with brass, rang upon him. Then the sons of the Greeks, loudly shouting, rushed in, hoping to draw him off, and they hurlednumerous javelins; but no one was able either to strike from a distance, or to smite close at hand, the shepherd of the people, for the bravest[of the warriors], Polydamas, Æneas, and noble Agenor, Sarpedon, leaderof the Lycians, and illustrious Glaucus, first threw themselves roundhim. And no one of the rest neglected him, but they held theirwell-orbed shields before him. But his companions, up-raising him intheir hands, bore him out of the conflict, till they reached his fleethorses, which stood for him in rear of the combat and the war, holdingboth the charioteer and the variegated car; which then carried himtowards the city, groaning heavily. [481]

 [Footnote 481: Milton, P. L. Vi. 335:--

 "Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run By angels many and strong, who interposed Defence, while others bore him on their shields Back to his chariot, where it stood retired From off the files of war; there they him laid, Gnashing for anguish, and despite, and shame. "]

But when now they came to the ford of the rapid-flowing current ofeddying Xanthus, whom immortal Jove begat, there they removed him fromhis car to the ground, and poured water over him; but he breathed again, and looked up with his eyes; and, sitting upon his knees, disgorgedblack blood. Again he fell back upon the ground, and dark nightovershadowed his eyes; for the blow still subdued his spirits. 

But when the Greeks saw Hector going apart, they pressed the more on theTrojans, and were mindful of contest. Then swift Oïlean Ajax beforeothers, leaping forward with his fir-tree spear, wounded Satnius, son ofEnops, whom a Naiad, the fairest nymph, bore to Enops, when keeping hisflocks by the banks of Satnio. Him the spear-renowned son of Oïleus, drawing near, wounded in the flank; but he fell supine, and round himthe Trojans and Greeks engaged in a valiant battle. But to himspear-brandishing Polydamas, son of Panthous, came as an avenger, andsmote Prothoënor, son of Areïlochus, upon the right shoulder. The toughspear passed on through his shoulder, but falling in the dust, hegrasped the earth with his hand. And Polydamas boasted mightily overhim, shouting aloud:

"I do not think, indeed, that the weapon hath fled vainly from thesturdy hand of the magnanimous son of Panthous, but some one of theGreeks has received it in his body; and I think that he, leaning uponit, will descend to the mansion of Pluto. "

Thus he spoke, but grief arose among the Greeks at his boasting, andparticularly agitated the mind of warlike Ajax, the son of Telamon, forhe had fallen very near him; and he immediately hurled with his shiningspear at him departing. Polydamas himself indeed avoided black fate, springing off obliquely; but Archilochus, son of Antenor, received [theblow], for to him the gods had doomed destruction. Him then he struckupon the last vertebra, in the joining of the head and neck, and hedisjoined both tendons; but the head, the mouth, and the nostrils of himfalling, met the ground much sooner than his legs and knees. Then Ajaxin turn cried out to blameless Polydamas:

"Reflect, O Polydamas, and tell me the truth; is not this man worthy tobe slain in exchange of Prothoënor? He appears not to me indeed acoward, nor [sprung] from cowards, but [to be] the brother or the son ofhorse-breaking Antenor, for he seems most like him as to his race. "

Thus he spoke, well knowing [him], but grief possessed the minds of theTrojans. Then Acamas, stalking round his brother, wounded with his spearPromachus, the Bœotian; whilst he was dragging him off by the feet. Butover him Acamas greatly boasted, calling out aloud:

"Ye Argive archers, [482] insatiable in threats, assuredly not to usalone will toil and sorrow accrue, but thus thou also wilt at some timebe slain. Consider how your Promachus sleeps, subdued by my spear, thata requital for my brother might not be long unpaid. Therefore should aman wish a brother to be left in his family, as an avenger of hisdeath. "

 [Footnote 482: See note on iv. 242. ]

Thus he spoke; but grief arose among the Greeks as he boasted, and heparticularly agitated the mind of warlike Peneleus. Accordingly herushed upon Acamas, who awaited not the charge of king Peneleus; but hewounded Ilioneus, son of Phorbas, rich in flocks, whom Mercury lovedmost of all the Trojans, and had presented with possessions; and to whomhis mother bore Ilioneus alone. Him then he wounded below the brow, inthe socket of the eye, and he forced out the pupil: but the spear wentforward through the eye, and through the back of the head; and he satdown, stretching out both his hands. But Peneleus, drawing his sharpsword, smote him upon the middle of the neck, and lopped off his headwith its helmet to the ground, and the strong spear still remained inhis eye. But he (Peneleus), holding it up like a poppy, shouted to theTrojans, and boasting spoke thus:

"Tell for me, ye Trojans, the beloved father and mother of illustriousIlioneus, that they may lament him in their halls; for neither shall thewife of Promachus, the son of Alegenor, present herself with joy to herdear husband coming [back], when we, sons of the Greeks, return fromTroy with our ships. "

Thus he spoke; but pale fear seized upon them all, and each gazed about, [seeking] where he might escape utter destruction. 

Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian dwellings, which of theGreeks now first bore away gore-stained spoils of men, when theillustrious Earth-shaker turned the [tide of] battle. 

Telamonian Ajax then first wounded Hyrtius, son of Gyrtias, leader ofthe undaunted Mysians; and Antilochus spoiled Phalces and Mermerus;Meriones slew Morys and Hippotion; and Teucer slew Prothous andPeriphœtes. But the son of Atreus next wounded upon the flank Hyperenor, the shepherd of the people, and the spear, cutting its way, drank hisentrails; and his soul, expelled, fled in haste through the inflictedwound, and darkness veiled his eyes. But Ajax, the swift son of Oïleus, slew the most; because there was not one equal to him on foot, to followthe flying men, when Jove had excited flight amongst them. 

 BOOK THE FIFTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Jove awaking, and finding the Trojans routed, menaces Juno. He thensends Iris to desire Neptune to relinquish the battle, and Apollo torestore Hector to health. Armed with the ægis, Apollo puts the Greeks toflight; who are pursued home to their fleet, while Telamonian Ajax slaystwelve Trojans who were bringing fire to burn it. 

But after the fugitives had crossed both the ramparts and the trench, and many were subdued by the hands of the Greeks, the rest were atlength detained, waiting beside their chariots, pallid with fear, andterrified. But Jove arose on the summits of Ida, from besidegolden-throned Juno; and starting up, he stood and beheld the Trojansand Greeks, those indeed in confusion, and the Greeks throwing them intoconfusion in the rear; and amongst them king Neptune. Hector he beheldlying upon the plain, and his companions sat round him:[483] but he wasafflicted with grievous difficulty of respiration, and devoid of hissenses, [484] vomiting blood, for it was not the weakest of the Greekswho had wounded him. The father of men and gods, seeing, pitied him, andsternly regarding Juno, severely addressed her:

"O Juno, of evil arts, impracticable, thy stratagem has made nobleHector cease from battle, and put his troops to flight. Indeed I knownot whether again thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits of thypernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes. Dost thounot remember when thou didst swing from on high, and I hung two anvilsfrom thy feet, and bound a golden chain around thy hands, that could notbe broken? And thou didst hang in the air and clouds, and the godscommiserated thee throughout lofty Olympus; but standing around, theywere not able to release thee; but whomsoever I caught, seizing, Ihurled from the threshold [of heaven], till he reached the earth, hardlybreathing. Nor even thus did my vehement anger, through grief for divineHercules, leave me; whom thou, prevailing upon the storms, with thenorth wind, didst send over the unfruitful sea, designing evils, andafterwards bore him out of his course, to well-inhabited Cos. Iliberated him, indeed, and brought him back thence to steed-nourishingArgos, although having accomplished many toils. These things will Iagain recall to thy memory, that thou mayest cease from deceits; inorder that thou mayest know whether the intercourse and a couch willavail thee, in which thou wast mingled, coming apart from the gods, andhaving deceived me. "

 [Footnote 483: Δὴ here has the force of _demum_. ]

 [Footnote 484: Ἐξεστηκὼς τῇ ψυχῇ. --Scholiast. ]

Thus he spoke; but venerable large-eyed Juno shuddered, and, addressinghim, spoke winged words:

"Be witness now, Earth, and boundless Heaven above, and the water ofStyx gliding beneath, which is the greatest and most dreaded oathamongst the blessed gods; likewise thy sacred head, and our own nuptialcouch, by which I would not rashly swear at any time, that it is not bymy instigation that earth-shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans andHector, and aids the other side; but certainly his own mind incites andorders him; for, beholding the Greeks oppressed at the ships, he tookcompassion on them. And even him would I advise to go there, where thou, O Cloud-collector, mayest command. "

Thus she spoke; but the father of men and gods smiled, and answeringher, spoke winged words:

"If indeed thou from henceforth, O venerable, large-eyed Juno, wouldstsit amongst the immortals, being of the same mind with me, then trulywould Neptune, even although he very much wishes otherwise, immediatelychange his mind to the same point, to thy wish and mine. But if indeedthou speakest in sincerity and truly, go now to the assemblies of thegods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery, that she may go to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and tell kingNeptune, ceasing from battle, to repair to his own palaces; but letPhœbus Apollo excite Hector to battle, and breathe strength into himagain, and make him forgetful of the pains which now afflict him in hismind: but let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting unwarlikepanic [amongst them], and, flying, let them fall back upon themany-benched ships of Achilles, the son of Peleus. Then shall hestimulate his companion Patroclus, whom illustrious Hector shall slaywith his spear before Ilium, [Patroclus] having slain many other youths, and with them my son, noble Sarpedon; but noble Achilles shall slayHector. From this time forward will I always continually effect forthee, that there shall be a retreat [of the Trojans] from the ships, until the Greeks, by the counsels of Minerva, shall take lofty Ilium. However, I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here permit any of theimmortals to assist the Greeks, before that the request of the son ofPeleus be completed; as first I promised to him, and nodded assent withmy head, on that day when the goddess Thetis touched my knees, beseeching me that I would honour Achilles, the destroyer of cities. "

Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but wentdown from the Idæan mountains to lofty Olympus. And as when the mind ofa man flashes swiftly [in thought], who, having traversed over many aland, thinks within his prudent heart, "I was here, I was there, " anddeliberates much: thus quickly hastening, up sprung venerable Juno. Butshe reached lofty Olympus, and came in upon the immortal gods, assembledin the house of Jove but they beholding her, all rose up and welcomedher with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but received agoblet from fair-cheeked Themis; for she first running, came to meether, and addressing her, spoke winged words:

"Why, O Juno, hast thou come [hither], and art like unto one inconsternation? Has then the son of Saturn, who is thy husband, greatlyterrified thee?"

But her the white-armed goddess Juno then answered: "Do not, O goddessThemis, ask me these things; even thou thyself knowest how overbearingand cruel a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the equal feast, inthe palaces of the gods, and thou shalt hear these things along with allthe immortals, what evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all thinkthat the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to mortals nor to thegods, although some one even yet be feasting pleasantly. "

Thus having spoken, venerable Juno sat down; but the gods were grievedthroughout the palace of Jove. But she laughed with her lips [only], norwas her forehead above her dark brows exhilarated;[485] and, indignant, she spoke amongst them all:

"Senseless we, who are thus foolishly enraged with father Jove! Of atruth we still desire to restrain him, approaching near, either bypersuasion or by force; whilst he, sitting apart, does not regard, noris moved, for he says he is decidedly the most mighty in strength andpower among the immortal gods. Wherefore endure whatever evil he mayplease to send upon each of you; for now already, I think, misfortunehath been inflicted upon Mars, since his son has perished in the fight, the dearest of mortals, Ascalaphus, whom impetuous Mars calls his own. "

 [Footnote 485: Compare Virg. Æn. I. 211: "Spem vultu simulat, premit altum corde dolorem" with Seneca ad Pol. 24. Nemesian. Eclog. Iv. 17. "Quid vultu mentem premis, ac spem fronte serenas. " Liv. Xxviii. 8: "Mœrebat quidem et angebatur.... In concilio tamen dissimulans ægritudinem, elato nimo disseruit. "]

Thus she spake; but Mars smote his brawny thighs with his dropped hands, and sorrowing, addressed them:

"Do not now blame me, ye who possess the Olympic mansions, repairing tothe ships of the Greeks, to avenge the slaughter of my son, evenalthough it should be my fate, smitten with the thunderbolt of Jove, tolie together with the dead bodies in blood and dust. "

Thus he spake, and he commanded Fear and Flight to yoke his steeds, buthe himself girded on his shining armour. Then indeed some other greaterand more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the immortalsfrom Jove, had not Minerva, greatly fearing for all the gods, leapedforth from the vestibule, and left the throne where she sat. From hishead she snatched the helmet, and the shield from his shoulders, andtaking the brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it upright;and rebuked impetuous Mars with [these] words:

"Infuriated one, infatuated in mind, thou art undone! are thy earsindeed useless for hearing, and have thy sense and shame perished? Dostthou not hear what the white-armed goddess Juno says, and she has justnow come from Olympian Jove? Dost thou thyself wish, having fulfilledmany misfortunes, to return to Olympus very much grieved, and bycompulsion, and also to create a great evil to all the rest? For he willimmediately leave the Trojans and magnanimous Greeks, and will comeagainst us, about to disturb us in Olympus; and will seize us one afterthe other, whoever is culpable and who is not. Wherefore I exhort theenow to lay aside thy wrath on account of thy son, for already some one, even superior to him in strength and in hands, either is slain, or willbe hereafter; for it would be a difficult task to liberate [from death]the race and offspring of all men. "

So saying, she seated impetuous Mars upon his throne. But Juno calledApollo outside the house, and Iris, who is the messenger among theimmortal gods, and addressing them, spoke winged words:

"Jove orders you twain to repair with all haste to Ida, but when yearrive, and look upon the countenance of Jove, do whatsoever he may urgeand command. "

Then indeed, having thus spoken, venerable Juno retired, and sat downupon her throne; but they, hastening, flew and arrived at Ida of manyrills, the mother of wild beasts. They found the far-seeing son ofSaturn sitting upon lofty Gargarus, and an odoriferous cloud encircledhim around. But coming before cloud-compelling Jove, they stood; nor washe enraged in his mind, beholding them, because they quickly obeyed thecommands of his dear wife. And first to Iris he addressed winged words:

"Haste, begone, fleet Iris, tell all these things to king Neptune, norbe thou a false messenger. Order him, having ceased from the battle andthe war, to repair to the assemblies of the gods, or to the vast sea. If, however, he will not obey my words, but shall despise them, let himthen consider in his mind and soul, lest, however powerful he may be, hemay not be able to withstand me coming against him; for I say that I amsuperior to him in strength, and elder in birth; but his heart fearsriot to assert himself equal to me, whom even the others dread. "

Thus he spoke, nor was wind-footed, swift Iris disobedient: but shedescended from the Idæan mountains to sacred Ilium. And as when snowdrifts from the clouds, or cold hail, by the impulse ofcloud-dispelling[486] Boreas, so quickly swift Iris with eagerness flewalong, and standing near illustrious Neptune, she addressed him:

"O azure-haired Earth-shaker, I have come hither, bringing a certainmessage to thee from ægis-bearing Jove. He has commanded thee, havingceased from the battle and the war, to repair either to the assembliesof the gods or to the vast sea. But if thou wilt not obey his words, butshalt despise them, he threatens that he will come hither himself tofight against thee; and advises thee to avoid his hands, because heasserts that he is greatly superior to thee in strength, and elder inbirth: but thy heart does not fear to profess that thou art equal tohim, whom even the others dread. "

But her illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed: "Gods!powerful though he be, he surely has spoken proudly, if he will by forcerestrain me unwilling, who am of equal honour. For we are three brothers[descended] from Saturn, whom Rhea brought forth: Jupiter and I, andPluto, governing the infernal regions, the third; all things weredivided into three parts, and each was allotted his dignity. [487] I inthe first place, the lots being shaken, was allotted to inhabit for everthe hoary sea, and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness; but Jove inthe third place had allotted to him the wide heaven in the air and inthe clouds. Nevertheless the earth is still the common property of all, and lofty Olympus. Wherefore I shall not live according to the will ofJove, but although being very powerful, let him remain quiet in histhird part; and let him by no means terrify me as a coward with hishands. For it would be better for him to insult with terrific languagethe daughters and sons whom he hath begotten, who will also throughnecessity attend to him, exhorting them. "

But him the fleet wind-footed Iris then answered: "O[488] azure-hairedEarth-shaker, shall I really thus bear back from thee to Jove thisrelentless and violent reply? Or wilt thou change it at all? The mindsof the prudent indeed are flexible. Thou knowest that the Furies areever attendant on the elders. " [489]

 [Footnote 486: More literalty, "producing clear air. " So Eustathius, or Eumathius, Erotic. Ii. P. 14: Αἰθρηγενέτης Βοῤῥάς. Heyne prefers "in aere genitus. "]

 [Footnote 487: On this division of things, see Servius on Virg. Æn. I. 143; Fulgent Myth. I. 1, 3. The Scholiasts attempt to refer it to the ancient theory of the elements. ]

 [Footnote 488: These three verses were elegantly applied by Sostrates in mitigating the intemperate language which Antigonus would fain have addressed to Ptolemy Philadelphus. See Sextus Emp. Adv. Gramm. I. 13, p. 276. ]

 [Footnote 489: The Furies are said to wait on men in a double sense; either for evil, as upon Orestes after he had slain his mother; or else for good, as upon elders when they are injured, to protect them and avenge their wrongs. This is an instance that the pagans looked upon birthright as a right divine. Eustath. Quoted in ed. Dubl. Cf. Ix. 507. ]

But her again earth-shaking Neptune in turn addressed: "Goddess Iris, very rightly hast thou delivered this opinion; moreover, it is good whena messenger knows fitting things. But on this account severe indignationcomes upon my heart and soul, because he wishes to chide with angrywords me, equal to him by lot, and doomed to an equal destiny. Nevertheless, at present, although being indignant, I will give way. Butanother thing will I tell thee, and I will threaten this from my soul;if indeed, without me and prey-hunting Minerva, Juno, Mercury, and kingVulcan, he shall spare lofty Ilium, nor shall wish to destroy it, andgive great glory to the Greeks; let him know this, that endlessanimosity shall arise between us. "

So saying, the Earth-shaker quitted the Grecian army, and proceeding, heplunged into the deep; but the Grecian heroes longed for him. And thencloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo:

"Go now, dear Phœbus, to brazen-helmed Hector; for already hathearth-encircling Neptune departed to the vast sea, avoiding our dreadfulanger; for otherwise the rest, who are infernal gods, being aroundSaturn, would surely have heard our quarrel. This, however, is muchbetter for me as well as for himself, that he hath first yielded to myhands, accounting himself worthy of blame, because the matter would nothave been accomplished without sweat. But do thou take the fringed ægisin thy hands, with which, by violently shaking it, do thou greatlyterrify the Grecian heroes. To thyself, however, O far-darting [Apollo], let illustrious Hector be a care. So long then arouse his great mightunto him, until the Greeks in flight reach the ships and the Hellespont. Thenceforth I shall myself deliberate in deed and word, how the Greeksalso may revive from labour. "

Thus he spoke, nor did Apollo disobey his sire, but he descended fromthe Idæan mountains like unto a swift hawk the dove-destroyer, theswiftest of birds. He found the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector, sitting; for he no longer lay [on the ground], but had just collectedhis senses, recognizing his friends around him. But the panting andperspiration had ceased, since the will of ægis-bearing Jove had arousedhim. Then far-darting Apollo, standing near, addressed him:

"Hector, son of Priam, why sittest thou apart from the rest, failing instrength? Has any grief invaded thee?"

But him then crest-tossing Hector languidly addressed: "And who artthou, best of the gods, who inquirest face to face? Hast thou not heardthat Ajax, brave in the din of battle, smote me with a stone upon thebreast, and caused me to cease from impetuous valour, when slaying hiscompanions at the sterns of the Grecian ships? And truly I thought thatI should this day behold the dead, and the mansion of Pluto, since I was[on the point of] breathing out my dear life. "

But him far-darting king Apollo addressed in turn: "Be of good couragenow, so great an assistant has the son of Saturn sent forth from Ida tostand up and help thee, Phœbus Apollo, of the golden sword: who amaccustomed to defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city. Butcome, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their fleet steedstowards the hollow ships; but I, going before, will level the whole wayfor the horses, and I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes. "

Thus speaking, he inspired great strength into the shepherd of thepeople. As when some stalled horse, fed on barley[490] at the manger, having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the earth withhis feet (accustomed to bathe in the smooth-flowing river), exulting, heholds his head on high, and around his shoulders his mane isdishevelled; and, trusting to his beauty[491]--his knees easily bear himto the accustomed places and pasture of the mares: so Hector swiftlymoved his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen, after he had heardthe voice of the god. But they--as dogs and rustic men rush againsteither a horned stag or wild goat; which however a lofty rock and shadyforest protect, nor is it destined for them to catch it; but at theirclamour[492] a bushy-bearded lion appears in the way, and turns them allback, although ardently pursuing: thus the Greeks hitherto indeed everkept following in troops, striking with their swords and double-edgedspears. But when they beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, theywere troubled, and the courage of all fell at their feet. 

 [Footnote 490: Cf. Vi. 508; and on άκοστήσας, Buttm. Lexil. P. 75, sq. ]

 [Footnote 491: Observe the abrupt change of construction. ]

 [Footnote 492: Ὕπὸ ἰαχῆς, attracted by their shouting. ]

Then Thoas, the son of Andræmon, addressed them, by far the bravest ofthe Ætolians, skilled in the use of the javelin, and brave in thestanding fight; few also of the Greeks excelled him in the council whenthe youths contended in eloquence. Who wisely counselling, haranguedthem, and said:

"O gods, surely I behold with mine eyes this mighty miracle, sinceHector has thus risen again, having escaped death. Certainly the mind ofeach was in great hopes that he had died by the hands of TelamonianAjax. But some one of the gods has again liberated and preserved Hector, who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks; as I think is about[to occur] now also, for not without far-sounding Jove does he stand inthe van, thus earnest. But come, let us all obey as I shall desire. Letus order the multitude to retreat towards the ships. But let us, as manyas boast ourselves to be the best in the army, take a stand, if indeed, opposing, we may at the outset interrupt him, upraising our spears; andI think that he, although raging, will dread in mind to enter the bandof the Greeks. "

Thus he spoke; but all heard him attentively, and obeyed. Those aroundthe Ajaces and king Idomeneus, Teucer, Meriones, and Meges, equal toMars, calling the chiefs together, marshalled their lines against Hectorand the Trojans; whilst the multitude in the rear retreated to the shipsof the Greeks. But the Trojans in close array pressed forward; andHector, taking long strides, led the way; but before him walked PhœbusApollo, clad as to his shoulders with a cloud, [493] and he held themighty, dreadful, fringed, [494] dazzling ægis, which the artist Vulcanhad given to Jove, to be borne along for the routing of men. Holdingthis in his hands, he led on the people. But the Greeks remained inclose array, and a shrill shout arose on both sides. [Many] arrowsbounded from the strings, and many spears from gallant hands: some werefixed in the bodies of warlike youths, but many half way, before theyhad touched the fair body, stuck in the earth, longing to satiatethemselves with flesh. As long as Phœbus Apollo held the ægis unmoved inhis hands, so long did the weapons reach both sides, and the peoplefell. But when, looking full in the faces of the swift-horsed Greeks, heshook it, and he himself besides shouted very loudly, then he checkedthe courage in their breasts, and they became forgetful of impetuousvalour. But they, as when two wild beasts, in the depth of the darknight, [495] disturb a drove of oxen or a great flock of sheep, comingsuddenly upon them, the keeper not being present--so the enfeebledGreeks were routed; for amongst them Apollo sent terror, and gave gloryto the Trojans and to Hector. Then indeed man slew man, when the battlegave way. Hector slew Stichius and Arcesilaus; the one the leader of thebrazen-mailed Bœotians; but the other the faithful companion ofmagnanimous Menestheus. But Æneas slew Medon and Iasus: Medon indeed wasthe illegitimate son of godlike Oïleus, and brother of Ajax; and hedwelt in Phylace, away from his father-land, having slain a man, thebrother of his stepmother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had betrothed. Iasus, however, was appointed leader of the Athenians, and was called the sonof Sphelus, the son of Bucolus. But Polydamas slew Mecistis, and PolitesEchius, in the van, and noble Agenor slew Klonius. Paris also woundedDëiochous in the extremity of the shoulder from behind, whilst he wasflying amongst the foremost combatants; and drove the brass quitethrough. 

 [Footnote 493: "Nube candentes humeros amictus, Augur Apollo. "--Hor. Od. 2, 31. ]

 [Footnote 494: Cf. Ii. 448. Literally, "shaggy, rugged, with fringes around. "]

 [Footnote 495: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. P. 89, whose translation of νυκτὸς ἀμολγῷ I have followed. ]

Whilst they were spoiling these of their armour, the Greeks in themeantime falling into the dug trench and stakes, fled here and there;and from necessity entered within the rampart. But Hector, shoutingaloud, exhorted the Trojans to rush upon the ships, and to let go thebloody spoils: "And whatever person I[496] shall perceive apart from theships anywhere, there will I cause his death; nor indeed shall his maleand female relatives make him when dead partaker of a funeral pile, butdogs shall tear him before our city. "

 [Footnote 496: Observe this sudden and animated change of person, which has been noticed by Longinus, xxvii. And Dionys. Halic. De Hom. Poes. § 8. This irregularity is very common in the Greek Testament. Cf. Luke v. 14; Acts i. 4; xvii. 3; xxiii. 22; xxv. 8; with the notes of Kuinoel and Pricæus. ]

So saying, with the lash upon the shoulder he drove on his horsesagainst the ranks, cheering on the Trojans; but they all shouting alongwith him, directed their car-drawing steeds with a mighty clamour. ButPhœbus Apollo in front of them, easily overthrowing the banks of thedeep ditch with his feet, cast [them] into the middle; and bridged acauseway long and wide, as far as the cast of a spear reaches, when aman, making trial of his strength, hurls it. In that way they pouredonward by troops, and Apollo [went] before them, holding thehighly-prized ægis. But he overthrew the wall of the Greeks very easily, as when any boy does the sand from the shore; who, when amusing himselfin childishness he has made playthings, again destroys them with hisfeet and hands. Thus, O archer Phœbus, didst thou destroy the greatlabour and toil of the Greeks, and didst excite flight amongstthemselves. In this manner indeed, remaining, they were penned up at theships; animating each other, and raising up their hands to all the gods, they each loudly offered vows. But the guardian of the Greeks, GerenianNestor, most particularly prayed, stretching forth his hands to thestarry heaven: "O father Jove, if ever any one in fruitful Argos, tothee burning the fat thighs of either oxen or sheep, supplicated that hemight return, and thou didst promise and assent; be mindful of thesethings, O Olympian, and avert the cruel day; nor thus permit the Greeksto be subdued by the Trojans. "

Thus he spoke, praying: but provident Jove loudly thundered, hearing theprayers of the Neleïan old man. But the Trojans, when they understoodthe will of ægis-bearing Jove, rushed the more against the Greeks, andwere mindful of battle. And as a mighty wave of the wide-flowing oceandashes over the sides of a ship, when the force of the wind impels it(for that most of all increases waves); so the Trojans with a mightyshout mounted over the wall. And having driven in their horses, theyfought at the sterns, hand to hand with two-edged spears, the one partyfrom their chariots, but the other on high from their black ships, having ascended them with long poles which lay in their vessels, forfighting by sea, well glued, and clad on the tip with brass. 

But Patroclus, as long indeed as the Greeks and Trojans fought roundthe wall, without the swift ships, so long he sat in the tent ofvalour-loving Eurypylus, and delighted him with his discourse; and tothe severe wound he applied medicines, assuagers of dark pains. But whenhe perceived that the Trojans had burst within the walls, and moreoverthat a clamour and flight of the Greeks had arisen, then indeed hegroaned, and smote both his thighs with his downward-bent hands; andlamenting spoke:

"O Eurypylus, I cannot any longer remain here with thee, althoughneeding much, for now has a mighty contest arisen. But let thy attendantentertain thee, and I will hasten to Achilles, that I may encourage himto fight. And who knows whether, with God's assistance, persuading, Imay move his soul? for the admonition of a companion is effectual. " Buthim his feet then bore away thus speaking. Meanwhile the Greeks firmlywithstood the Trojans rushing on, nor were they able to repel them fromthe ships, although being fewer; nor could the Trojans, breaking throughthe phalanxes of the Greeks, be mingled with the tents or ships. But asa plumb-line in the hands of a skilful shipwright (who knows well thewhole art by the precepts of Minerva) correctly adjusts the naval plank, so was the battle and war equally extended. Some indeed supported theconflict round one ship, and others round another, but Hector advancedagainst glorious Ajax. Thus these two undertook the task round one ship, nor were they able, the one to drive the other away and burn the shipwith fire, nor the other to repulse him, since a divinity had broughthim near. Then illustrious Ajax smote upon the breast with his spearCaletor, son of Clytius, bearing fire against the ship; and falling, heresounded, and the torch fell from his hand. But when Hector perceivedwith his eyes his cousin fallen in the dust before the black ship, hecheered on the Trojans and Lycians, loudly exclaiming:

"Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, do not nowretire from the fight in this narrow pass. But preserve the son ofClytius, lest the Greeks despoil him of his armour, having fallen in thecontest at the ships. " Thus having spoken, he took aim with his shiningspear at Ajax, whom he missed; but [he smote] Lycophron, the son ofMastor, the servant of Ajax, a Cytherean, who dwelt with him, since hehad killed a man amongst the celebrated Cythereans. He struck him on thehead over the ear, with the sharp brass, whilst he was standing nearAjax: but he fell supine to the ground from the stern of the ship in thedust, and his limbs were relaxed. Then Ajax shuddered, and accosted hisbrother: "Dear Teucer, now is our faithful companion, the son of Mastor, whom being domesticated in Cythera, we honoured equally with our belovedparents in our palaces; but him magnanimous Hector has slain. Where noware thy death-bearing arrows and bow, which Phœbus Apollo gave thee?"

Thus he spoke; but he understood; and running, he stood near him, holding in his hand his bent bow, and arrow-bearing quiver; and veryquickly he shot his arrows amongst the Trojans. He struck Clitus, theillustrious son of Pisenor, the companion of Polydamas, the renowned sonof Panthous, holding the reins in his hands. He indeed was employed in[guiding] the horses; for he directed them there, where the mostnumerous phalanxes were thrown in confusion, gratifying Hector and theTrojans. But soon came evil upon him, which no one averted from him, although eager; for the bitter shaft fell upon his neck from behind, andhe fell from the chariot, whilst his horses started back, rattling theempty car. But king Polydamas very quickly perceived it, and first cameto meet his horses. Them he intrusted to Astynous, son of Protiaon, andexhorted him much to keep the horses near him within sight; but hehimself returning was mingled with the foremost combatants. Teucer, however, drew another arrow against brazen-armed Hector, and would havemade him cease from battle, at the ships of the Greeks, if striking himwhile bravely fighting, he had taken away his life. But it did notescape the prudent mind of Jove, who protected Hector, and deprivedTeucer, the son of Telamon, of glory; and who (Jove) broke thewell-twisted string, in his blameless bow, as he was drawing against[Hector]; but the brass-laden arrow was turned off in another direction, and the bow fell from his hand. Then Teucer shuddered, and addressed hisbrother:

"Ye gods! a deity, without doubt, cuts short the plans of our battle, who has shaken the bow from my hand, and has snapped asunder thenewly-twisted string which I tied to it this morning, that it mightsustain the shafts frequently bounding from it. "

But him the mighty Telamonian Ajax then answered: "O my friend, permitthen thy bow and numerous arrows to lie aside, since a god hasconfounded them, envying the Greeks; but, taking a long spear in thyhands, and a shield upon thy shoulder, fight against the Trojans, andencourage the other forces. Nor let them take the well-benched shipswithout labour at least, although having subdued us, but let us bemindful of the fight. "

Thus he spoke; and he placed his bow within the tents. Then around hisshoulders he hung a four-fold shield, and upon his brave head fixed awell-made helmet, crested with horse-hair, and the plume noddeddreadfully from above. And he grasped a stout spear, tipped with sharpbrass, and hastened to advance, and running very quickly, stood besideAjax. But when Hector perceived the arrows of Teucer frustrated, heencouraged the Trojans and Lycians, calling aloud:

"Ye Trojans, Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous valour at the hollow ships; for I havebeheld with my eyes the arrows of their chief warrior rendered vain byJove. Easily recognizable amongst men is the power of Jove, as wellamong those into whose hands he has delivered superior glory, as thosewhom he deteriorates, and does not wish to defend. As now he diminishesthe might of the Greeks, and aids us. But fight in close array at theships, and whichever of you, wounded or stricken, shall draw on hisdeath and fate, let him die; it is not inglorious to him to die fightingfor his country; but his wife shall be safe, and his children leftbehind him, his house and patrimony unimpaired, if indeed the Greeksdepart with their ships to their dear father-land. "

So saying, he kindled the strength and spirit of each: and Ajax again, on the other side, animated his companions:

"Shame, oh Argives! now is the moment for us either to perish, or to bepreserved and to repel destruction from the ships. Do ye expect that ifcrest-tossing Hector capture the ships, ye will reach on foot each hisnative land? Do ye not hear Hector, who now rages to fire the ships, inciting all his people? Nor indeed does he invite them to come to adance, but to battle. But for us there is no opinion or design betterthan this, to join in close fight our hands and strength. Better, eitherto perish at once, or live, rather than thus uselessly to be wastedaway[497] for a length of time in dire contention at the ships, byinferior men. "

 [Footnote 497: The verb στρεύγεσθαι, which may be compared with ἀπολιβάζειν in Od. Xii. 351, is interpreted by Apollonius καταπονεῖσθαι. Cf. Hesych. T. I. P. 1603, t. Ii. P. 1278. ]

So saying, he aroused the strength and courage of each. Then Hectorindeed slew Schedius, son of Perimedes, prince of the Phoceans; and Ajaxslew Laodamas, leader of the infantry, the illustrious son of Antenor. Polydamas slew Cyllenian Otus, the companion of the son of Phyleus, chief of the magnanimous Epeans. Meges rushed upon him, perceiving it, but Polydamas stooped obliquely, and he missed him; for Apollo did notsuffer the son of Panthous to be subdued among the foremost warriors. But he wounded Crœsmus in the middle of the breast with his spear, butfalling, he resounded; and he stripped the arms from his shoulders. Inthe meantime Dolops, the descendant of Lampus, well skilled in thespear, leaped upon him (he whom Lampus, son of Laomedon, the best ofmen, begat, skilled in impetuous fight), who then attacking him in closefight, struck the middle of Meges's shield with his spear: but the thickcorslet defended him, which he wore, compact in its cavities. ThisPhyleus formerly brought from Ephyre, from the river Selleïs: for hishost, Euphetes, king of men, had given it to him, to bear into thebattle as a defence against the enemy; and which then warded offdestruction from the body of his son. But Meges with his sharp spearsmote the base of the highest cone of his brazen horse-haired helmet, and struck off his horse-haired crest; and the whole fell on the groundin the dust, lately shining with purple. Whilst the one (Meges) standingfirm, fought with the other (Dolops), and still expected victory;meanwhile, warlike Menelaus came as an assistant to him (Meges), andstood at his side with his spear, escaping notice, and wounded him frombehind in the shoulder; but the spear, driven with violence, passedthrough his breast, proceeding farther; and he fell on his face. Boththen rushed on, about to tear the brazen armour from his shoulders; butHector strenuously exhorted all his relations, and rebuked the gallantMelanippus first, the son of Hicetaon. He till then had fed hiscurved-footed oxen at Percote, the enemy being yet at a distance; butwhen the equally-plied barks of the Greeks had arrived, he came back toTroy, and was distinguished amongst the Trojans; and he dwelt nearPriam, and he honoured him equally with his sons. But Hector rebukedhim; and spoke and addressed him:

"Shall we be thus remiss, O Melanippus? Is not thy heart moved, thykinsman being slain? Dost thou not perceive how busy they are about thearms of Dolops? But follow; for it is no longer justifiable to fight ata distance with the Greeks, before that either we slay them, or thatthey tear lofty Ilium from its summit, and slay its citizens. " Sosaying, he led on, and the godlike hero followed with him. But mightyTelamonian Ajax aroused the Greeks. 

"O my friends, be men, and set honour[498] in your hearts, and havereverence for each other during the vehement conflicts. For more ofthose men who reverence [each other] are saved than slain; but of thefugitives, neither glory arises, nor any defence. "

 [Footnote 498: Cf. V. 530, xiii. 121, with the notes. ]

Thus he spoke, but they too were eager to repel [the enemy]. And theyfixed his advice in their mind, and enclosed the ships with a brazenfence; but Jove urged on the Trojans. And Menelaus, brave in the din ofbattle, incited Antilochus:

"O Antilochus, no other of the Greeks is younger than thou, nor swifterof foot, nor strong, as thou [art], to fight. Would[499] that, attackingsome hero of the Trojans, thou couldst wound him. "

 [Footnote 499: Εἰ is put for εἴθε. ]

So saying, he on his part withdrew again, and he aroused him. But he(Antilochus) leaped forth from amongst the foremost warriors, and tookaim with his shining spear, gazing around him; but the Trojans retired, the hero hurling. But he did not cast his weapon in vain, for he struckmagnanimous Melanippus, the son of Hicetaon, in the breast, near thepap, advancing to the battle. And falling, he made a crash, and his armsrang upon him. But Antilochus sprang upon him, as a dog that rushes on awounded fawn, which the huntsman aiming at, has wounded, leaping fromits lair, and relaxed its limbs under it. Thus, O Melanippus, didwarlike Antilochus spring on thee, about to despoil thee of thy armour:but he did not escape noble Hector, who came against him, runningthrough the battle. But Antilochus did not await him, though being anexpert warrior, but he fled, like unto a wild beast that has done somemischief, which, having slain a dog or herdsman in charge of oxen, flies, before a crowd of men is assembled: so fled the son of Nestor;but the Trojans and Hector, with great clamour, poured forth theirdeadly weapons. Yet when he reached the band of his own companions, being turned round, he stood. But the Trojans, like raw-devouring lions, rushed upon the ships, and were fulfilling the commands of Jove; whoever kept exciting their great strength, and enervated the courage ofthe Greeks, and took away their glory; but encouraged those. For hismind wished to bestow glory on Hector, the son of Priam, that he mightcast the dreadfully-burning, indefatigable fire upon the crooked barks;and accomplish all the unseasonable prayer of Thetis. 

For this did provident Jove await, till he should behold with his eyesthe flame of a burning vessel; for from that time he was about to make aretreat of the Trojans from the ships, and to afford glory to theGreeks. Designing these things, he aroused Hector, the son of Priam, against the hollow ships, although himself very eager. But he raged, aswhen Mars [rages], brandishing his spear, or [when] a destructive firerages in the mountains, in the thickets of a deep wood. And foam aroseabout his mouth, and his eyes flashed from beneath his grim eyebrows;and the helm was shaken awfully upon the temples of Hector, fighting;for Jove himself from the æther was an assistant to him, and honouredand glorified him alone amongst many men; because he was destined to beshort-lived: for Pallas Minerva already impelled him towards the fatalday, by the might of the son of Peleus. And he wished to break the ranksof heroes, trying them, wheresoever he beheld the greatest crowd and thebest arms. But not thus was he able to break through them, although veryeager; for they, compact in squares, sustained his attack, as a lofty, huge cliff, being near the hoary deep, which abides the impetuousinroads of the shrill winds, and the swollen billows which are dashedagainst it. Thus the Greeks firmly awaited the Trojans, nor fled. Buthe, gleaming with fire on all sides, rushed upon the crowd; and fellupon them, as when an impetuous wave, wind-nurtured from the clouds, dashes against a swift ship, and it [the ship] is wholly enveloped withthe spray, and a dreadful blast of wind roars within the sail: but thesailors tremble in mind, fearing, because they are borne but a littleway from death: thus was the mind of the Greeks divided in theirbreasts. He, however, like a destructive lion coming upon oxen whichfeed in myriads in the moist ground of a spacious marsh, and amongstthem a keeper not very skilful in fighting with a wild beast for theslaughter of a crooked-horned ox;[500] he indeed always accompanies theforemost or the hindmost cattle, whilst [the lion] springing into themidst, devours an ox, and all the rest fly in terror; thus then were theGreeks wondrously put to flight by Hector and father Jove, all--but[Hector] slew only Mycenæan Periphetes, the dear son of Copreus, whowent with a messenger of king Eurystheus to mighty Hercules. From thisfar inferior father sprung a son superior in all kinds ofaccomplishments, as well in the race as in the combat, and who inprudence was among the first of the Mycenæans, who at that time gaveinto the hands of Hector superior glory. For, turning backwards, he trodupon the rim of his shield which he bore, a fence against javelins, which reached to his feet; by this incommoded, he fell upon his back, and the helmet terribly sounded round the temples of him fallen. ButHector quickly perceived, and running, stood near him, and fixed hisspear in his breast, and slew him near his beloved companions, norindeed were they able, although grieved for their comrade, to avail him, for they themselves greatly feared noble Hector. But they retreatedwithin the line of their ships, [501] and the extreme ships enclosedthem, which were first drawn up: and the others were poured in. TheArgives, therefore, from necessity, retreated from the foremost vessels, and remained there at their tents in close array, and were not dispersedthrough the camp, for shame and fear restrained them, and theyunceasingly exhorted one another with shouting. More particularly didGerenian Nestor, the guardian of the Greeks, adjure them by theirparents, earnestly supplicating each man:

"O my friends, be men, and place a sense of reverence[502] of other menin your minds. Call to memory, each of you, your children, wives, property, and parents, as well he to whom they survive as he to whomthey are dead; for by those not present I here supplicate you to standbravely, nor be ye turned to flight. " So saying, he aroused the mightand spirit of each. But for them Minerva removed the heaven-sent cloudof darkness from their eyes; and abundant light arose to them on bothsides, both towards the ships and towards the equally destructivebattle. Then they observed Hector, brave in the din of battle, and hiscompanions, as well whatever of them stood behind and did not fight asthose who fought the battle at the swift ships. Nor was it longerpleasing to the mind of great-hearted Ajax to stand there where theother sons of the Greeks stood together; but he went about upon thedecks of the vessels, taking long strides, and wielding in his hands agreat sea-fighting pole, studded with iron nails, twenty-two cubitslong. And as when a man well skilled in vaulting upon steeds, who, afterhe has selected four horses out of a greater number, driving them fromthe plain, urges them towards a mighty city, along the public way; andhim many men and women behold with admiration; but he, always leaping upfirmly and safely, changes alternately from one to the other, [503]whilst they are flying along: so went Ajax along many decks of swiftships, shouting loudly, and his voice reached to the sky; and, alwaysterribly shouting, he ordered the Greeks to defend their ships andtents. Nor, indeed, did Hector remain among the crowd of well-corsletedTrojans; but as the tawny eagle pounces upon a flock of winged birds, feeding on a river's bank, either geese or cranes, or long-necked swans, so did Hector direct his course towards an azure-prowed vessel, rushingagainst it; but Jove, with a very mighty hand, impelled him from behind, and animated his forces along with him. Again was a sharp contest wagedat the ships. You would have said that unwearied and indefatigable theymet each other in battle, so furiously they fought. And to them fightingthis was the opinion: the Greeks, indeed, thought that they could notescape from destruction, but must perish. But the soul of each withinhis breast, to the Trojans, hoped to burn the ships, and slay theGrecian heroes. They thinking these things, opposed one another. 

 [Footnote 500: _I. E. _ about its carcase. The Scholiast also gives another interpretation, viz. "to prevent his killing an ox;" but Kennedy, with reason, prefers the former one. ]

 [Footnote 501: "_They now held their ships in view_, which were arranged in a two-fold line, from the outermost whereof the Greeks were driven in upon their tents, disposed in the intermediate position between the lines of the vessels. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 502: Cf. V. 530. ]

 [Footnote 503: As the "desultores" (Liv. Xxiii. 29). Hence "desultor amoris, " in Ovid, Amor. I. 3, 15, to denote an inconstant lover; "desultoria scientia, " Apuleius, Met. I. Præf. , speaking of his own varied fable. ]

But Hector seized the stern of a sea-traversing bark, beautiful, swift, which had carried Protesilaus[504] to Troy, but did not bear him backagain to his father-land. Round his ship the Greeks and Trojans were nowslaying one another in close combat; nor did they indeed at a distanceawait the attacks of arrows and of javelins, but standing near, havingone mind, they fought with sharp battle-axes and hatchets, with largeswords and two-edged spears. And many fair swords, black-hilted, withmassive handles, fell to the ground, some indeed from the hands, andothers from the shoulders of the contending heroes; and the dark earthstreamed with gore. But Hector, after he had seized [the vessel] by thestern, did not let go, holding the furthest[505] edge with his hands, and he cheered on the Trojans:

"Bring fire, and at the same time do yourselves together excite thebattle. Now hath Jove vouchsafed us a day worth all, [506] to take theships, which, coming hither against the will of the gods, brought manyevils upon us through the cowardice of our elders, who kept me back whendesirous myself to fight at the sterns of the ships, and restrained thepeople. But if, indeed, far-sounding Jove then injured[507] our minds, he now impels and orders us. " Thus he spoke, but they rushed the moreagainst the Greeks. Even Ajax no longer sustained them, for he wasoverwhelmed with darts; but, thinking he should fall, retired back ashort space to the seven-feet bench, and deserted the deck of his equalship. There he stood watching, and with his spear continually repulsedthe Trojans from the ships, whoever might bring the indefatigable fire;and always shouting dreadfully, he animated the Greeks:

"O my friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, be men, my friends, andbe mindful of impetuous strength. Whether do we think that we have anyassistants in the rear, or any stronger rampart which may avertdestruction from the men? Indeed there is not any other city near, fortified with towers, where we may be defended, having a reinforcingarmy; but bordering on the sea, we sit in the plain of the well-armedTrojans, far away from our native land; therefore safety is in ourexertions, not in remission of battle. "

He said, and furious, charged with his sharp spear whoever of theTrojans was borne towards the hollow ships with burning fire, for thesake of Hector who incited them;--him Ajax wounded, receiving him withhis long spear; and he slew twelve in close fight before the ships. 

 [Footnote 504: The reader will do well to read the beautiful sketch of this hero's deification after death in Philostratus's preface to the Heroica. He was the first of the Greeks who fell, being slain by Hector as he leaped from the vessel (Hygin. Fab. Ciii. ; Auson. Epigr. Xx. ). He was buried on the Chersonese, near the city Plagusa. Hygin. P. A. Ii. 40. ]

 [Footnote 505: The Oxford translator renders ἄφλαστον "the tafferel. "]

 [Footnote 506: This is, I think, much more spirited than the Scholiast's πάντων πόνων ἰσόῤῥοπον, or πάντων τῶν τολμηθέντων. Supply, therefore, ήμάτων. ]

 [Footnote 507: _I. E. _ befooled our senses, taking away our proper spirit. So Theognισ has υοοῖ βεβλαμμένος ἐσθλοῦ. ]

 BOOK THE SIXTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Patroclus at length obtains permission from Achilles, and enters thefight, on condition that he should return after liberating the Greeksfrom their immediate peril. He comes opportunely to the assistance ofAjax, routs the Trojans, and kills Sarpedon, whose body, but without thearmour, is rescued by Hector and Glaucus. Forgetful of his promise toAchilles, Patroclus pursues the Trojans to their very walls. He isdriven back by Apollo, but slays the charioteer of Hector, Cebriones. Heis suddenly afflicted with stupor by Apollo, and dies by the hand ofHector, whose death he foretells. Hector pursues Automedon with thechariot of Achilles towards the ships. 

Thus, then, they were fighting for the well-benched ship. But Patroclusstood beside Achilles, the shepherd of the people, shedding warm[508]tears; as a black-water fountain, which pours its sable tide down from alofty rock. But swift-footed noble Achilles, seeing, pitied him, andaddressing him, spoke winged words:

"Why weepest thou, O Patroclus, as an infant girl, who, running alongwith her mother, importunes to be taken up, catching her by the robe, and detains her hastening; and weeping, looks at her [mother] till sheis taken up?--like unto her, O Patroclus, dost thou shed the tendertear. Dost thou bear any tidings to the Myrmidons, or to me myself? Orhast thou alone heard any news from Phthia? They say that, indeed, Menœtius, the son of Actor, still lives, and that Peleus, the son ofÆacus, lives amongst the Myrmidons: for deeply should we lament foreither of them dying. Or dost thou mourn for the Greeks, because theythus perish at their hollow ships, on account of their injustice? Speakout, nor conceal it in thy mind, that we both may know. "

 [Footnote 508: Longus, iv. 7: Δάκρυα ἦν ἐπὶ τούτοις θερμότερα, which Mollus, referring to Homer, thus explains: "Lacrymæ, quæ ex magno impetu, et animi affectu quasi calido, neutiquam simulatæ prosiliebant. "]

But deeply sighing, O knight Patroclus, him thou didst address: "OAchilles, son of Peleus, by far the bravest of the Greeks, be notindignant; since a grief so heavy does oppress the Greeks: for now allthey, as many as were formerly most valiant, lie in the ships, woundedor stricken. Brave Diomede, indeed, the son of Tydeus, is wounded, andspear-renowned Ulysses is stricken, as also Agamemnon; and Eurypylus isalso wounded in the thigh with an arrow. About these, indeed, physiciansskilled in many remedies are employed healing their wounds: but thou, OAchilles, art inexorable. Never may such anger seize me at least, asthee, O cruelly brave, dost preserve. What other after-born man will bedefended by thee, if thou will not avert unworthy ruin from the Greeks?merciless one! Certainly the knight Peleus was not thy father, norThetis thy mother; but the grey[509] Ocean produced thee, and the loftyrocks; for thy mind is cruel. But if thou wouldst avoid any oracle inthy mind, and thy venerable mother has told any to thee from Jove, atleast send me quickly, and at the same time give me the rest of the armyof the Myrmidons, if perchance I may become any aid to the Greeks. Grantme also to be armed on my shoulders with thy armour, if perchance theTrojans, likening me to thee, may cease from battle, and the warlikesons of the Greeks, now fatigued, breathe again; and there be a shortrespite from war. [510] But we [who are] fresh, can easily repulse menworn out with battle from our ships and tents towards the city. "

 [Footnote 509: Alluding to the colour of the ocean when ruffled by a storm. With the following passage compare Theocrit. Iii. 15, sqq. ; Eurip. Bacch. 971, sqq. ; Virg. Æn. Iv. 365, sqq. ; Eψl. Viii. 43, sqq. , with Macrob. Sat. V. 11. ]

 [Footnote 510: Cf. Xi. 800, with the note. ]

Thus he spoke, supplicating, very rash; for, assuredly, he was about tosupplicate for himself evil death and fate. Whom, deeply sighing, swift-footed Achilles addressed:

"Alas! most noble Patroclus, what hast thou said? I neither regard anyoracle which I have heard, nor has my venerable mother told anything tome from Jove. But this bitter grief comes upon my heart and soul, when aman who excels in power, wishes to deprive his equal[511] of hisportion, and to take back his reward because he excels in power. "

 [Footnote 511: _I. E. _ in dignity. ]

"This to me is a bitter grief, since I have suffered sorrows in my mind. The maid whom the sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for me, and[whom] I won by my spear, having sacked a well-fortified city, her hasking Agamemnon, son of Atreus, taken back out of my hands, as from somedishonoured alien. But we shall allow these things to be among thethings that were;[512] nor is it right, indeed, to be continuallyenraged in one's mind. Certainly I affirmed that I would not put a stopto my wrath, before that clamour and war should reach my ships. But dothou put on thy shoulders my famous armour, and lead on the war-lovingMyrmidons to battle; since now a black cloud of Trojans hath stronglysurrounded the ships, and the Greeks are hemmed in by the shore of thesea, possessing now but a small portion of land. And the whole city ofthe Trojans has rushed on, confident, because they behold not the frontof my helmet gleaming near. Certainly, quickly flying, would they havefilled the trenches with their bodies, if king Agamemnon had knownmildness to me: but now they are fighting around the army. For the speardoes not rage in the hands of Diomede, the son of Tydeus, to avertdestruction from the Greeks: nor do I at all hear the voice of Agamemnonshouting from his odious head; but [the voice] of man-slaughteringHector, animating the Trojans, resounds: whilst they with a shoutpossess the whole plain, conquering the Greeks in battle. Yet even thus, Patroclus, do thou fall on them bravely, warding off destruction fromthe ships; nor let them consume the vessels with blazing fire, and cutoff thy own return. But obey, as I shall lay the sum of my advice in thymind, in order that thou mayest obtain for me great honour and gloryfrom all the Greeks; and they may send back to me the beautiful maid, and afford [me] besides rich presents. Having repulsed the enemy fromthe ships, return back: and if, indeed, the loud-thundering husband ofJuno permit thee to obtain glory, do not be desirous of fighting withthe warlike Trojans apart from me; for thou wouldst render me moredishonoured; nor, exulting in the battle and havoc, lead on as far asIlium, slaughtering the Trojans, lest some of the immortal gods comedown from Olympus [against thee]; for far-darting Apollo greatly lovesthem. But return after thou hast given safety to the ships, and allowthe others to contend through the plain. For would that, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, not one of the Trojans, as many as there are, mayescape death, nor any of the Greeks: whilst to us two it [may begranted] to avoid destruction, that we alone might overthrow the sacredbulwarks of Troy. "

 [Footnote 512: _I. E. _ "Let bygones be bygones. "--Dublin Ed. ]

Thus they indeed discussed these matters with each other. But Ajax nolonger remained firm, [513] for he was pressed hard with weapons; becausethe counsel of Jove overpowered him, and the fierce Trojans hurling. Anda dreadful clang did his glittering helmet round his temples emit, beingstruck, and he was constantly smitten upon the well-made studs of hiscasque. He was fatigued in the left shoulder, by always firmly holdinghis moveable shield; nor could they, pressing him all around with theirweapons, drive him [from his place]. Unceasingly afflicted was he withsevere panting, and everywhere from his limbs poured copiousperspiration, nor was he able to respire; for everywhere evil was heapedupon evil. 

 [Footnote 513: Compare the splendid description in Ennius apud Macrob. Sat. Vi. 3:--

 Undique conveniunt, vel imber, tela Tribuno. Configunt parmam, tinnit hastilibus umbo, Æratæ sonitant galeæ: sed nec pote quisquam Undique nitendo corpus discerpere ferro. Semper abundanteis hastas frangitque, quatitque, Totum sudor habet corpus, multumque laborat: Nec respirandi fit copia præpete ferro. 

 Cf. Virg. Æn. Ix. 806, sqq. ; Stat. Theb. Ii. 668, sqq. ]

Declare now to me, ye Muses, possessing Olympic habitations, how firstthe fire fell upon the ships of the Greeks!

Hector, standing near, struck the ashen spear of Ajax with his greatsword, at the socket of the blade behind, and cut it quite off;Telamonian Ajax indeed vainly brandished the mutilated spear in hishand; but the brazen blade rang, falling upon the earth at a distancefrom him. Then Ajax knew in his blameless soul, and shuddered at thedeeds of the gods; because the lofty thundering Jove cut off his plansof war, and willed the victory to the Trojans. Wherefore he retired outof the reach of the weapons, and they hurled the indefatigable fire atthe swift ships, the inextinguishable flame of which was immediatelydiffused around. Thus indeed the flame surrounded the stern; butAchilles, smiting his thighs, addressed Patroclus:

"Haste, O most noble steed-directing Patroclus (I perceive, indeed, thefury of the hostile fire at the ships), lest they now take the vessels, and there be not an opportunity of flying; put on thy armour veryquickly, and I shall assemble the forces. "

Thus he spoke; but Patroclus armed himself in glittering brass. First, indeed, he put the beautiful greaves around his legs, fitted withclasps; next he placed the corslet of the swift-footed descendant ofÆacus upon his breast, variegated, and studded with stars; and suspendedfrom his shoulders his silver-studded sword, brazen, and then the greatand sturdy shield. But upon his gallant head he placed the well-madehelmet, crested with horse-hair; and dreadfully the plume nodded fromabove. He took besides two strong spears, which well fitted his hands;but the spear alone of blameless Æacides, ponderous, large, and strong, he did not take; which, indeed, no other of the Greeks could brandish, but Achilles alone knew how to wield it; a Pelian ash which Chiron hadgiven to his sire, [cut] from the tops of Pelion, about to be death toheroes. He also commanded Automedon quickly to yoke the steeds, whom, next to rank-breaking Achilles, he most honoured, because he was mostfaithful to him in battle, to stand the charge. Wherefore Automedonyoked the fleet horses, Xanthus and Balius, which kept pace with thewinds. Them the Harpy Podargé bore to Zephyrus, the wind, while feedingin the meadows by the stream of Oceanus. And in the outer harness hefastened illustrious Pedasus, whom Achilles led away long since, havingsacked the city of Eëtion; and which [steed], though being mortal, accompanied immortal steeds. But Achilles, going about, armed all theMyrmidons through the tents with their armour; but they, likecarnivorous wolves, in whose hearts is immense strength, and which, having slain a great horned stag in the mountains, tearing, devour it;but the jaws of all are red with blood: and then they rush in a pack, lapping with slender tongues the surface of the dark water from ablack-water fountain, vomiting forth clots of blood; but the courage intheir breasts is dauntless, and their stomach is distended: so rushedthe leaders and chiefs of the Myrmidons round the brave attendant ofswift-footed Æacides, and amongst them stood warlike Achilles, animatingboth the steeds and the shield-bearing warriors. 

Fifty were the swift galleys which Achilles, dear to Jove, led to Troy;and in each were fifty men, companions at the benches. But he hadappointed five leaders, in whom he put trust, to command them; and hehimself, being very powerful, governed. One troop indeed Menesthius, with flexible corslet, commanded, the son of Sperchius, a Jove-descendedriver; whom the daughter of Peleus, fair Polydora, bore to indefatigableSperchius, a woman having been embraced by a god; although, according toreport, to Borus, son of Perieres, who openly espoused her, givinginfinite marriage gifts. But warlike Eudorus commanded another[company], clandestinely begotten, whom Polymela, the daughter ofPhylas, graceful in the dance, bore. Her the powerful slayer ofArgus[514] loved, beholding her with his eyes among the dancers at achoir of golden-bowed Diana, huntress-maid; and immediately ascending toan upper chamber, pacific Mercury secretly lay with her: whence shebore to him a son, Eudorus, swift to run, and also a warrior. But afterthat birth-presiding Ilithyia had brought him into light, and he beheldthe splendour of the sun, the mighty strength of Echecleus, son ofActor, led her to his house when he had given innumerablemarriage-gifts; whilst aged Phylas carefully nurtured and educated him, tenderly loving him, as if being his own son. The third, warlikePisander led, the son of Mæmalus, who, after the companion of the son ofPeleus, surpassed all the Myrmidons in fighting with the spear. Thefourth, the aged knight Phœnix commanded; and Alcimedon, the illustriousson of Laërceus, the fifth. But when Achilles, marshalling them well, had placed all with their leaders, he enjoined this strict command:

"Ye Myrmidons, let none of you be forgetful of the threats with which, at the swift ships, ye did threaten the Trojans, during all myindignation, and blamed me, each of you [in this manner]: 'O cruel sonof Peleus! surely thy mother nurtured thee in wrath: relentless! thouwho at the ships detainest thy companions against their will. Let us atleast return home again in our sea-traversing barks, since perniciouswrath has thus fallen upon thy mind. ' These things ye frequently said tome, when assembled; and now the great task of war appears, of which yewere hitherto desirous. Let each one here, having a valiant heart, fightagainst the Trojans. "

 [Footnote 514: Mercury. ]

Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirit of each, and their rankswere condensed the more when they heard the king. As when a manconstructs the wall of a lofty mansion with closely-joined stones, guarding against the violence of the winds, so closely were theirhelmets and bossed shields linked: then shield pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, and man upon man; and the horse-hair crests upon theshining cones of [their helmets] nodding, touched each other; so closestood they to each other. Before all were armed two warriors. Patroclusand Automedon, having one mind, to fight in the front of the Myrmidons. But Achilles hastened to go into his tent; and he opened the lid of achest, beautiful, variously adorned, which silver-footed Thetis placed, to be carried in his ship, having filled it well with garments, andwind-resisting cloaks, and napped tapestry. And in it was a cupcuriously wrought, nor did any other of men drink dark wine from it, nor did he pour out [from it] libations to any of the gods, except tofather Jove. This then, taking from the coffer, he first purified withsulphur, and then washed in a crystal rivulet of water; but he himselfwashed his hands, and drew off the dark wine. Next, standing in themiddle of the area, he prayed, and offered a libation of wine, lookingup to heaven; nor did he escape the notice of thunder-rejoicing Jove:

"O king Jove, Dodonean, Pelasgian, dwelling afar off, presiding overwintry Dodona; but around dwell thy priests, the Selli, with unwashedfeet, and sleeping upon the ground; certainly thou didst formerly hearmy voice when praying: thou hast honoured me, and hast greatly injuredthe people of the Greeks; wherefore now also accomplish this additionalrequest for me; for I myself will remain in the assemblage[515] ofships, but I am sending forth my companion with the numerous Myrmidonsto battle; along with him, do thou send forth glory, O far-soundingJove! embolden his heart within his breast, that even Hector may knowwhether my attendant, even when alone, knows how to wage war, or [only]when these invincible hands rage with him, when I likewise go forth tothe slaughter of Mars. But after he has repelled the contest and thetumult from the ships, unscathed let him return to me, to the swiftbarks, with all his armour and his close-fighting companions. "

 [Footnote 515: So θεῖον ἀγῶνα, vi. 298. The Scholiast interprets it ἐν ναυστάθμῳ. ]

Thus he spoke, praying; and provident Jove heard him. One part indeedthe Sire granted him, but refused the other. He granted that he shouldrepel the conflict and tumult from the ships, but he refused that heshould return safe from the battle. He, on his part, having made alibation and prayed to father Jove, again entered his tent, and replacedthe cup in the chest. Then coming out, he stood before the tent, for hestill wished in his mind to behold the grievous conflict of Trojans andGreeks. 

But those that were armed at the same time with magnanimous Patroclus, marched orderly, till they rushed upon the Trojans, with high hopes. Immediately they were poured out, like unto wasps dwelling by theroad-side, which silly boys are wont to irritate, incessantly harassingthem, possessing cells by the way-side; and cause a common evil to many. And if by chance any traveller, passing by, unintentionally disturbthem, then they, possessing a valiant heart, all fly forth, and fightfor their young. The Myrmidons then, having the heart and courage ofthese, poured out from the ships, and an inextinguishable tumult arose. But Patroclus cheered on his companions, loudly shouting:

"Ye Myrmidons, companions of Achilles, the son of Peleus, be men, myfriends, and be mindful of impetuous valour; that we, his close-fightingservants, may honour the son of Peleus, who is by far the bravest of theGreeks at the ships; and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may know his fault, that he nothing honoured the bravest of the Greeks. "

Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirits of each: and in densearray they fell upon the Trojans: but the ships re-echoed dreadfullyaround from the Greeks shouting. But the Trojans, when they beheld thebrave son of Menœtius, himself and his attendant glittering in arms, themind to all of them was disturbed, and the phalanxes were deranged, deeming that the swift-footed son of Peleus at the ships had cast awayhis wrath, and resumed friendship: then each one gazed about where hemight escape utter destruction. 

But Patroclus first took aim with his shining spear from the oppositeside right into the midst, where they were huddled together in greatestnumbers at the stern of the ship of magnanimous Protesilaus, and woundedPyræchmes, who led the Pæonian equestrian warriors from Amydon, from thewide-flowing Axius. Him he smote upon the right shoulder, and he fell onhis back in the dust groaning; but the Pæonians, his companions, wereput to flight around him, for Patroclus caused fear to them all, havingslain their leader, who was very brave to fight. And he drove them fromthe ships, and extinguished the blazing fire. But the ship was leftthere half-burnt, whilst the Trojans were routed with a prodigioustumult: and the Greeks were poured forth amongst the hollow ships; andmighty confusion was created. And as when, from the lofty summit of agreat mountain, [516] lightning-driving Jove dislodges a dense cloud, andall the eminences and highest ridges and glens appear, whilst theboundless æther is burst open[517] throughout the heaven; so the Greeksrespired for a little, having repelled the hostile fire from theirvessels. But of battle there was no cessation: for the Trojans were byno means yet totally routed from the black ships by the warlike Greeks, but still resisted, and retreated from the ships from necessity. Then ofthe generals, man slew man, the fight being scattered; and first, thebrave son of Menœtius forthwith with his sharp spear smote the thigh ofAreïlochus when turned about, and drove the brass quite through: but thespear broke the bone, and he fell prone upon the earth. But warlikeMenelaus then wounded Thoas in the breast, exposed near the shield, andrelaxed his limbs. But Phylides, perceiving Amphiclus rushing againsthim, anticipated him, taking aim at the extremity of his leg, where thecalf of a man is thickest; the tendons were severed all round[518] bythe point of the spear, and darkness overshadowed his eyes. Then thesons of Nestor, the one, Antilochus, struck Atymnius with his sharpspear, and drove the brazen lance through his flank; and he fell beforehim: but Maris, standing before the carcase, rushed upon Antilochus handto hand with his spear, enraged on account of his brother; but godlikeThrasymedes, taking aim, anticipated him before he had wounded[Antilochus], nor did he miss him, [but wounded him] immediately nearthe shoulder; and the point of the spear cut off the extremity of thearm from the muscles, and completely tore away the bone. Falling, hemade a crash, and darkness veiled his eyes. Thus to Erebus went thesetwo, subdued by two brothers, the brave companions of Sarpedon, thespear-renowned sons of Amisodarus, who nourished the invincible[519]Chimæra, a destruction to many men. But Ajax, the son of Oïleus, rushingupon Cleobulus, took him alive, impeded in the crowd; and there relaxedhis strength, striking him upon the neck with his hilted sword. And thewhole sword was warmed over with blood, and purple[520] death and sternfate possessed his eyes. 

 [Footnote 516: Milton, P. L. Ii. 488:--

 "As when from mountain tops the dusky clouds Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'er-spread Heav'n's cheerful face, the louring element Scowls o'er the darkened landskip snow, or shower; If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet Extend his evening beam, the fields revive, The birds their notes renew and bleating herds Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. "]

 [Footnote 517: Virg. Æn. I. 591:--

 "Vix ea fatus erat, cum circumfusa repente Scindit se nubes, et in æthera purgat apertum. "

 Cf. Drakenb. On Silius, iii. 196; Kuinoel on Matth. Iii. 16; Acts vii. 55. ]

 [Footnote 518: Heyne would construe αἰχμῇ with περὶ, referring to viii. 86; xiii. 441, 570; Pind. Nem. Viii. 40. ]

 [Footnote 519: On the adjective ἀμαιμακέτην, see intpp. On Soph. Œd. R. 176; Œd. Col. 127. ]

 [Footnote 520: _I. E. _ "atra mors, " Tibull. I. 3, 5. Cf. Vs. 370: Θανάτου μέλαν νέφος. ]

Then Peneleus and Lycon engaged in close combat, for they had missedeach other with their spears, and both had hurled in vain;[521]therefore they ran on again with their swords; then Lycon on his partstruck the cone of the horse-hair-crested helmet, and the sword wasbroken at the hilt. 

 [Footnote 521: On μέλεος see Kennedy. Suidas: Ὁ μὲν Ποιητὴς (_i. E. _ Homer) ἐπὶ τοῦ ματαίου ἐνδέχεται τὸ Μέλεος οἱ δὲ τραγικοὶ, ἐπὶ τοῦ οἰκτροῦ· So Hesych. μέλεος' μάταιος. ]

But Peneleus smote him in the neck below the ear, and the whole swordentered, and the skin alone retained it: the head hung down, and hislimbs were relaxed. 

Meriones also, overtaking him with rapid feet, wounded Acamas in theright shoulder, as he was about to ascend his chariot; and he fell fromhis chariot, and darkness was poured over his eyes. 

But Idomeneus struck Erymas in the mouth with the pitiless brass; andthe brazen weapon passed right through from the opposite side down underthe brain, and then cleft the white bones. And his teeth were dashedout, and both eyes were filled with gore, which, gaping, he forced[522]out from his mouth and from his nostrils; and the black cloud of deathenveloped him. Thus these leaders of the Greeks slew each a man. And asdestructive wolves impetuously rush on lambs or kids, snatching themfrom the flocks, which are dispersed upon the mountains by thenegligence of the shepherd; but they, perceiving them, immediately tearin pieces them, having an unwarlike heart: so did the Greeks rush uponthe Trojans, but they were mindful of dire-sounding flight, and forgotresolute valour. But mighty Ajax ever longed to aim his javelin atbrazen-armed Hector; but he, from his skill in war, covering himself asto his broad shoulders with a bull's-hide shield, watched the hissing ofthe arrows and the whizzing of the javelins. Already indeed he knew thevictory of battle was inclining to the other side; yet even thus heremained, and saved his beloved companions. 

 [Footnote 522: Made to rush with a bubbling noise, the verb here "expressing the _violent streaming_ of a liquid. " See Buttm. Lexil. P. 484; and compare my note on Æsch. Ag. P. 137, n. 2, ed. Bohn. ]

And as when from Olympus comes a cloud into heaven, [523] after a clearsky, when Jove stretches forth a whirlwind, thus was the clamour androut of those [flying] from the ships. Nor did they repass [the trench]in seemly plight, but his fleet-footed steeds bore away Hector with hisarms; and he deserted the Trojan people, whom against their will thedeep trench detained. And many fleet car-drawing steeds left in the fossthe chariots of their masters, broken at the extremity of the pole. ButPatroclus pursued, vehemently cheering on[524] the Greeks, and devisingdestruction for the Trojans; but they, with clamour and rout, filled allthe ways after they were dispersed. A storm [of dust] was tossed upbeneath the clouds, and the solid-hoofed horses pressed back towards thecity, from the ships and tents. But Patroclus, wherever he perceived thearmy in greatest confusion, thither directed [his steeds], exclaiming ina threatening manner; whilst beneath his axles men fell prone from theirchariots, and the chariots were overturned. Then, from the oppositeside, the fleet immortal steeds, which the gods had given as splendidpresents to Peleus, eagerly pressing on, bounded quite across thetrench; for his mind urged him against Hector, for he longed to strikehim, but his swift horses kept bearing him away. 

 [Footnote 523: Heaven is here distinguished from Olympus, as in i. 597, and Tibull. Iv. I. 131:--

 "Jupiter ipse levi vectus per inania curru Adfuit, et cœlo vicinum liquit Olympum. "]

 [Footnote 524: From this sense of κελεύω arises its nautical meaning, also κελευστὴς, the man who gives the signal and cheers on the rowers. See Mollus on Long. Past. Iii. 14. So Athenæus, xii. P. 535: Χρυσόγονος μὲν ἤυλει τὸ τριηρικόν. Καλλιπίδης δὲ ὁ τραγῳδὸς ἐκέλευε. ]

And as beneath a whirlwind the whole dark earth is oppressed on anautumnal day, when Jove pours forth his most violent stream; when, forsooth, enraged he gives vent to his wrath against men, who byviolence decree perverse judgments in the assembly, and drive outjustice, not regarding the vengeance of the gods; and all their riversare flooded as they flow, and the torrents sever asunder many mountains, and flowing headlong into the dark sea, roar mightily, and thehusbandry-works[525] of men are diminished; so loudly moaned the Trojanmares running along. But Patroclus, when he had cut off the firstphalanxes, drove them back again towards the ships, and did not permitthem, desiring it, to ascend towards the city; but, pressing on, he slewthem between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, and heexacted revenge for many. Then indeed he smote with his shining spearPronous first, bared as to his breast beside the shield, and relaxed hislimbs: and falling, he gave a crash. But next, attacking Thestor, son ofEnops (who indeed sat huddled in his well-polished chariot, for he waspanic-struck in his mind, and the reins had then dropped from hishands), he standing near, smote him with his spear on the right cheek, and drove it through his teeth. Then catching the spear, he dragged himover the rim [of the chariot]; as when a man, sitting upon a juttingrock, [draws] with a line and shining brass[526] a large fish entirelyout of the sea; so he dragged from his chariot with his shining spear, him gaping. Then he hurled him upon his mouth, and life left him as hefell. Then next he struck with a stone on the middle of the head, Eryalus, rushing against him, and it was totally split asunder into twoparts in his strong helmet. He therefore fell prone upon the earth, andfatal death was diffused around him. Afterwards Erymas, and Amphoterus, Epaltes, and Tlepolemus, son of Damastor, Echius and Pyris, Icheus, Euïppus, and Polymelus, son of Argeus, all one over the other he heapedupon the fertile earth. 

 [Footnote 525: For this agricultural use of ἔργα cf. Oppian, Cyn. Ii. 151: Πάντη δ' ἔργα βοῶν. Nicander, Ther. 473: ἔργα νομέων. Virg. Georg. I. 325: "Et pluvia ingenti sata læta, boumque labores diluit. "]

 [Footnote 526: _I. E. _ the hook. So "ære, the brass cutwater, " Virg. Æn. I. 35. ]

But when Sarpedon perceived his loose-girt[527] companions subdued bythe hands of Patroclus, the son of Menœtius, exhorting, he shouted tothe godlike Lycians:

"Oh shame! Lycians, where do ye fly?[528] Now be strenuous: for I willoppose this man, that I may know who he is who is victorious: andcertainly he has done many evils to the Trojans, since he has relaxedthe limbs of many and brave men. "

He spoke, and leaped from his chariot with his armour to the ground; butPatroclus, on the other side, when he beheld him, sprang from his car. Then they, as bent-taloned, crook-beaked vultures, loudly screaming, fight upon a lofty rock, so they, shouting, rushed against each other. But the son of the wily Saturn, beholding them, felt compassion, andaddressed Juno, his sister and wife:[529]

"O woe is me, because it is fated that Sarpedon, most dear to me of men, shall be subdued by Patroclus, the son of Menœtius. But to me, revolvingit in my mind, my heart is impelled with a twofold anxiety, [530] eitherthat having snatched him alive from the mournful battle, I may place himamong the rich people of Lycia, or now subdue him beneath the hands ofthe son of Menœtius. "

 [Footnote 527: Τοὺς μὴ ὑποζωννυμένους μίτρας τοῖς χιτῶσιν. --Eustath. ]

 [Footnote 528: Tzetzes on Hesiod, Opp. 184, reads ἐστόν, observing that it is τὸ δυϊκὸν ἀντὶ τοῦ πληθυντικοῦ. ]

 [Footnote 529: Virg. Æn. I. 50: "Jovisque et soror et conjux. " Hor. Od. Iii. 3, 64: "Conjuge me Jovis et sorore. " Aθson. 343, 4: "Et soror et conjux fratris regina dearum. "]

 [Footnote 530: Cf. Virg. Æn. Iv. 285:--

 "Atque animum nunc huc celerem, nune dividit illuc, In partesque rapit varias, perque omnia versat. "

 x. 680. Ter. Andr. I. 5, 25. Ovid, Met. Vii. 19; x. 373. Plato, Rep. Iii. P. 433, B. Ed. Læm. Finds great fault with Homer for thus debasing the character of Jove. His remarks are reiterated by Clemens Alexandr. Protr. P. 16, 50, and Minucius Felix, § 22. ]

Then the large-eyed, venerable Juno answered: "Most dread son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Whether dost thou wish to liberate fromsad death a mortal man long since doomed to fate? Do so; but all we, theother gods, will not assent to it. But another thing I will tell thee, and do thou revolve it in thy mind. If indeed thou sendest this Sarpedonsafe home, reflect whether some other of the gods may not also wish tosend his beloved son [safe home] from the violent conflict; for manysons of immortals fight round the great city of Priam, upon whom thouwilt bring heavy wrath. If, however, he be dear to thee, and thy heartpities him, let him indeed be subdued in the violent conflict, beneaththe hands of Patroclus, the son of Menœtius: but when his spirit andlife shall have left him, send death and sweet sleep to bear him untilthey reach the people of expansive Lycia. There will his brethren andfriends perform his obsequies with a tomb and a pillar; for this is thehonour of the dead. "

Thus she spoke, nor did the father of gods and men disobey; but hepoured down upon the earth bloody dew-drops, [531] honouring his belovedson, whom Patroclus was about to slay in fertile-soiled Troy, far awayfrom his native land. 

 [Footnote 531: There is a similar prodigy in Hesiod, Scut. Here. 384: Κάδδ' ἄρ' ἀπ' ουρανόθεν ψιάδας βάλεν αἱματοέσσας, Σῆμα τιθεὶς πολέμοιο ἑῷ μεγαθαρσέϊ παιδί. Tzetzes there refers to the present passage, regarding it as ominous of the death of Sarpedon. Cf. Lomeier, De Lustrationibus, xii. P. 143. ]

But when, advancing, they were now near each other, then indeedPatroclus [struck] illustrious Thrasymelus, who was the brave companionof king Sarpedon, him he struck upon the lower part of the belly, andrelaxed his limbs. Then Sarpedon, attacking second, missed him with hissplendid javelin; but he wounded his horse Pedasus, with his spear, inthe right shoulder; but he groaned, breathing out his life, and fell inthe dust, moaning, and his spirit fled from him. But the two [othersteeds] leaped asunder, and the yoke crashed, and the reins wereentangled about them, when the side horse lay in the dust. Butspear-renowned Automedon found an end of this. Drawing his long swordfrom his robust thigh, rising, he cut away the farther horse, nor did heact slothfully. And the two [remaining horses] were set aright, and weredirected by the reins; and they [the men] again engage in life-devouringcombat. 

Then again Sarpedon missed [him] with his shining spear, and the pointof the weapon passed over the left shoulder of Patroclus, nor did itwound him. But Patroclus rushed on with his javelin, and the weapon didnot escape in vain from his hand, for he struck him where the midriffencloses the compact[532] heart. And he fell, as when falls some oak, orpoplar, or lofty pine, which the workmen fell in the mountains withnewly-sharpened axes, to be a naval timber: so he lay stretched outbefore his horses and chariot, gnashing with his teeth, grasping thebloody dust. As a lion slays a bull, coming among a herd, tawny, noble-spirited, among the stamping[533] oxen, and he perishes, bellowing, beneath the jaws of the lion; so the leader of the shieldedLycians was indignant, [534] being slain by Patroclus, and addressed hisdear companion by name:

 [Footnote 532: "By comparing the different uses of ἀδινὸς together, one thing is clear, that all the meanings which can occur in them, proceed from one, which is that in the epithet of the heart, _dense_ or _compact_, which physical idea the word retains, according to the Homeric usage, in Od. τ. 516, as a fixed epithet of the heart, although there its physical state has nothing to do with the context. " Buttm. Lexil. P. 33. ]

 [Footnote 533: See Buttm. Lexil. P. 267. ]

 [Footnote 534: "Indignata anima gemebat, "--Heyne, comparing Æn. Xii. Ult. "Vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras. "]

"Glaucus, dear friend, warrior amongst heroes, now it greatly behovesthee to be a hero and a bold warrior; now if thou art impetuous, letdestructive battle be thy desire. First indeed, going in everydirection, exhort the leaders of the Lycians to fight around Sarpedon, and do thou thyself also fight for me with thy spear. For I willhereafter be a cause of shame and disgrace to thee, all thy days, throughout, if indeed the Greeks despoil me of my armour, falling in theconflict at the ships. But persevere, and animate all the army. "

While he was thus speaking, the end of death covered him as to his eyesand nostrils; but Patroclus, trampling with his heel upon his breast, drew out the spear from his body, and the midriff[535] followed with it;and he drew out at the same time his life and the point of the weapon. But the Myrmidons there held his panting steeds, eager to fly along, since they had quitted the chariots of their lords. Then bitter griefarose to Glaucus, hearing the voice [of his friend], and his heart wasgrieved because he could not aid him. But grasping his own arm in hishand, he compressed it; for grievously the wound pained him, whichTeucer, with an arrow, had inflicted upon him, as he was rushing againstthe lofty wall, warding off the battle from his companions. Wherefore, praying, he addressed far-darting Apollo:

 [Footnote 535: Probably the _pericardium_ is meant. ]

"Hear, O king, thou who art somewhere in the rich state of Lycia, or inTroy; for thou canst everywhere hear a man afflicted, as sorrow nowcomes upon me. For indeed I have this grievous wound, and my hand ispenetrated on every side with acute pains, nor can the blood bestanched, but my shoulder is oppressed with it. For neither can I firmlyI hold my spear, nor, advancing, fight with the enemy; moreover a verybrave hero has fallen, Sarpedon, the son of Jove; but he aids not evenhis own son. But heal for me this severe wound, O king; assuage mypains, and grant me strength, that, cheering on my companions, theLycians, I may urge them to fight; and may myself fight for the deadbody. "

Thus he spoke praying; but Phœbus Apollo heard him. Immediately heallayed the pains, and dried the black gore from the grievous wound, andinstilled strength into his soul. But Glaucus knew in his mind, andrejoiced because the mighty god had quickly heard him praying. Firstthen, going about in all directions, he aroused the heroes, leaders ofthe Lycians, to fight for Sarpedon; and then he went to the Trojans, advancing with long strides to Polydamas, son of Panthous, and nobleAgenor. He also went after Æneas and brazen-armed Hector, and, standingnear, addressed to him winged words:

"O Hector, now hast thou altogether neglected thine allies, who arelosing their lives for thy sake, far away from their friends andfather-land; but thou dost not wish to aid them. Sarpedon lies low, theleader of the shield-bearing Lycians, who protected Lycia by his justiceand his valour. Him hath brazen Mars subdued with a spear at the handsof Patroclus. But stand near, my friends, and be indignant in yourminds, lest the Myrmidons spoil his armour, and unworthily treat thebody, enraged on account of the Greeks, as many as have perished, whomwe have slain with our spears at the ships. "

Thus he spoke; but intolerable, unyielding grief wholly possessed theTrojans, for he had been a pillar of their city, though being aforeigner; for many forces followed along with him, among whom hehimself was the most valiant in battle. They therefore advanced eagerlystraight against the Greeks, ardent with desire; but Hector led the way, enraged on account of Sarpedon. But the valiant heart of Patroclus, sonof Menœtius, aroused the Greeks. First he addressed the Ajaces, thoughthey themselves were also eager:

"O Ajaces, now let it be a delightful thing to you both to repel [thefoe]; be ye such as of old ye were amongst heroes, or even braver. Sarpedon lies low, the man who first broke through[536] the wall of theGreeks. But oh! that taking him, we could treat him with indignity, andspoil the armour from his shoulders, and subdue with the cruel brasssome one of his companions keeping [us] off from him. "

 [Footnote 536: We must understand him as having done so in company with Hector, otherwise this passage would be at variance with xii. 290, 437. ]

Thus he spoke; but they also themselves were ready to repel [the foe]. But when they had strengthened their phalanxes on both sides, theTrojans and Lycians, as well as the Myrmidons and Achæans, they closedto fight round the dead body, shouting dreadfully, and loudly rattledthe arms of men. But Jove stretched pernicious night over the violentcontest, that there might be a destructive toil of battle around hisdear son. The Trojans first drove back the rolling-eyed Greeks; for aman was smitten, by no means the most inferior among the Myrmidons, noble Epigeus, son of magnanimous Agacles, who formerly ruled inwell-inhabited Budium; but then having slain a noble kinsman, he came asa suppliant to Peleus and silver-footed Thetis: they sent him to followwith the rank-breaker Achilles, to steed-renowned Ilium, that he mightfight with the Trojans. Him then, while seizing the body, illustriousHector struck upon the head with a stone; and it was entirely split intwo in his strong helmet; and he fell prone upon the corpse, andsoul-destroying death was diffused around him. Then to Patroclus griefarose, on account of his companion slain; and he rushed right throughthe foremost warriors, like unto a swift hawk, which has put to flightjackdaws or starlings; so, O equestrian Patroclus, didst thou rush rightagainst the Lycians and Trojans; for thou wert enraged in thine heartfor thy companion. And he struck Sthenelaus, the beloved son ofIthæmeneus, on the neck with a stone, and broke his tendons: and theforemost warriors and illustrious Hector gave back. And as far as isthe cast of a long javelin, which a man may have sent forth strivingeither in the game, or even in war, on account of life-destroyingenemies; so far did the Trojans retire, and the Greeks repelled them. But Glaucus, the leader of the shield-bearing Lycians, first turned, andslew magnanimous Bathycles, the beloved son of Chalcon, who, inhabitingdwellings in Hellas, was conspicuous among the Myrmidons for his richesand wealth. Him then Glaucus, turning suddenly round, wounded in themiddle of the breast with his spear, when, pursuing, he had overtakenhim. But he made a crash as he fell; and deep grief possessed theGreeks, because a brave warrior had thus fallen; but the Trojans greatlyrejoiced, and, advancing in crowds, stood round him; nor were the Greeksforgetful of valour, but they directed their strength straight againstthem. Then again Meriones slew a hero of the Trojans, the warriorLaogonus, the gallant son of Onetor, who was the priest of Idæan Jove, and was honoured like a god by the people. He smote him under the jawand ear, and his soul immediately departed from his limbs, and dreadfuldarkness overshadowed him. [537] But Æneas hurled a brazen spear atMeriones, for he hoped to hit him, advancing under protection of hisshield. He, however, observing it in front, avoided the brazen spear;for he stooped forward, and the long javelin was fixed in the groundbehind him, and the nether point[538] of the spear was shaken; then therapid weapon spent its force. Thus the javelin of Æneas, quiveringentered the earth, for it had fled in vain from his strong hand. ThenÆneas was enraged in his mind, and said:

"Meriones, quickly indeed, although being a dancer, [539] would my spearhave made thee cease for ever, if I had struck thee. "

 [Footnote 537: It has been well observed that Homer never describes a wound as mortal, except when it is inflicted in a part really vital. ]

 [Footnote 538: The οὐρίαχος was the same as the σαυρωτὴρ. See Glossæ Herodoteæ, and Hesych. P. 820. ]

 [Footnote 539: A probable allusion to the Pyrrhic dance, which was in use among the Cretans, from whose country Meriones had come. See the Scholiast, and Müller, Dorians, vol. Ii, p. 349. ]

But him then in turn spear-renowned Meriones answered: "Æneas, it weredifficult for thee, although being brave, to extinguish the valour ofall men, whosoever may come against thee about to repulse thee; for thoutoo art mortal. And if I, taking aim, should strike thee in the middlewith my sharp spear, although being brave, and confiding in thy might, thou wouldst give glory to me, but thy soul to steed-famed Pluto. "

Thus he spoke; but him the brave son of Menœtius rebuked: "Meriones, whydost thou, although being brave, harangue thus? O, my friend, theTrojans will not retire from the corse by opprobrious words: first willthe earth possess some of them; for the emergency of battle is placed inthe hands, but of counsel in words; wherefore it is by no meansnecessary to multiply words, but to fight. "

So saying, he on his part led the way, and along with him the godlikehero followed. And as the crash of woodcutting men arises in the dellsof a mountain, and the sound is heard from afar; so the noise of these, smitten with swords and two-edged spears, arose from the wide-extendedplain, from brass, from leather, and from well-prepared bull's-hideshields. Nor would a man, although very discerning, have recognizednoble Sarpedon, since he was totally involved, from his head to thesoles of his feet, with weapons, and blood, and dust. But they stillcrowded round the corse, as when flies in the stall hum around the pailsfull of milk, during the spring season, when the milk makes moist thevessel. So they still crowded round the body: nor did Jove ever turn hisbright eyes from the violent conflict; but he ever beheld them, andmeditated many evil things in his mind concerning the death ofPatroclus, anxiously deliberating whether now illustrious Hector shouldkill him with his spear in the brave battle, over godlike Sarpedon, andspoil the armour from his shoulders, or whether he should still increasethe severe labour to the multitude. To him, thus reflecting, it appearedbetter that the brave servant of Achilles, the son of Peleus, shouldrepulse the Trojans and brazen-armed Hector, towards the city, and takeaway the life of many. Into Hector, therefore, first [of all], he sentunwarlike flight, and ascending his chariot, he turned himself toflight, and advised the other Trojans to fly, for he recognized thesacred scales of Jove. [540] Then not even the brave Lycians remained, but were all turned in flight, when they beheld their king wounded tothe heart, lying in the heap of dead; for many had fallen over him, whilst the son of Saturn stretched on the violent strife. But after theyhad taken from the shoulders of Sarpedon the brazen and glitteringarmour, the gallant son of Menœtius gave them to his companions to carryto the hollow ships; and then cloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo:

"Come now, dear Phœbus, going, cleanse Sarpedon, [withdrawn] from amongthe heap of weapons, of sable gore, and afterwards bearing him far away, lave him in the stream of the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, andput around him immortal garments, then give him in charge to thetwin-brothers. Sleep and Death, swift conductors, to be borne away, whowill quickly place him in the rich state of wide Lycia. There will hisbrethren and kindred perform his obsequies with a tomb and apillar, [541] for this is the honour of the dead. "

 [Footnote 540: _I. E. _ He perceived that the fortune of the battle was changed by the will of Jove. ]

 [Footnote 541: _I. E. _ A cippus, or column reared upon the tomb. See Pollux, viii. 14, and the Scriptores Rei Agrim. P. 88, ed. Goes. ]

Thus he spoke; nor was Apollo inattentive to his father, but hedescended from the Idæan mountains to the grievous conflict. Immediatelyremoving noble Sarpedon out of [the reach of] weapons, and bearing himfar away, he laved him in the stream of the river, anointed him withambrosia, and placed around him immortal garments, then gave him incharge to the twin-brothers, Sleep and Death, swift conductors, to beborne away with them; who accordingly quickly placed him in the richstate of wide Lycia. 

In the meantime Patroclus, cheering on his steeds, and Automedon, followed upon the Trojans and Lycians, and came to greatharm, --infatuate one!--but if he had observed the direction of the sonof Peleus, he had certainly escaped the evil fate of black death. Butthe counsel of Jove is ever better than that of men, who puts to flighteven the valiant man, and easily deprives him of victory, even when hehimself has impelled him to fight; who then also excited courage in hisbreast. Then whom first, and whom last, didst thou slay, O Patroclus, when the gods now called thee on to death? Adrastus indeed first, Autonous and Echeclus, and Perimus, son of Megas, and Epistor andMelanippus; but then Elasus, and Mulius, and Pylartes. These he slew, but the others were, each of them, mindful of flight. Then indeed hadthe sons of the Greeks taken lofty-gated Troy, by the hands ofPatroclus, for he raged greatly beyond [others] with his spear, had notPhœbus Apollo stood upon a well-built tower, meditating destructivethings to him, and assisting the Trojans. Thrice indeed Patroclusmounted a buttress of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo repel himwith violence, striking his glittering shield with his immortal hands. But when now, godlike, he rushed on the fourth time, far-castingApollo, threatening fearfully, addressed him:

"Retire, thou Jove-sprung Patroclus; by no means is it destined that thecity of the magnanimous Trojans should be destroyed by thy spear, nor byAchilles, who is much better than thou. "

Thus he spoke, but Patroclus retired far back, avoiding the wrath offar-darting Apollo. But Hector detained his steeds at the Scæan[542]gates; for he doubted whether, having driven again into the crowd, heshould fight, or should loudly command the people to be collected withinthe walls. To him then, meditating these things, Phœbus Apollo stoodnear, having assimilated himself to a hero youthful and brave, to Asius, who was the maternal uncle of horse-breaking Hector, own brother ofHecuba, and the son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, by the streams ofthe Sangarius: to him Phœbus Apollo, assimilating himself, spoke:

 [Footnote 542: Schneider on Nicander, Ther. 264-9, p. 229, observes: "In Homerica Iliade fuerunt olim qui Σκαιὰς πύλας, quæ alibi Dardaniæ dicuntur, interpretabantur obliquas, teste Hesychio: ἢ διὰ τὸ σκολιὰς εἶναι κατὰ τὴν εἰσβολήν. Plane uti Servius ad Æn. Iii. 351: 'Scæa porta dicta est--nec ab itinere ingressis scævo id est sinistro, quod ingressi non recto sed sinistro eunt itinere, sed a cadavere Laomedontis, hoc est scæomate, quod in ejus fuerit superliminio. ' Ita Vitruvius, i. 5, 2; unde vides, quomodo notio _sinistri_ et _obliqui_ in hac voce coaluerit. Notio ipsa serius tandem invaluisse videtur: antiquiorem enim Nicandreo locum ignore. "]

"Hector, why dost thou cease from battle? Nor does it at all becomethee. Would that I were so much superior to thee as I am inferior; thenindeed wouldst thou quickly have retired from the battle to thy loss. But come, direct thy solid-hoofed steeds against Patroclus, if perchancethou mayest slay him, and Apollo may give thee glory. " So saying, thegod on his part went again through the labour of men; but illustriousHector on his part commanded warlike Cebriones to lash on his steeds tothe battle, whilst Apollo, proceeding, entered the throng; and sent anevil tumult among the Greeks; but gave glory to the Trojans and Hector. Then indeed did Hector neglect the other Greeks, nor slew them; butdirected his solid-hoofed horses against Patroclus. But Patroclus, onthe other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground, in his left handholding his spear; but in the other he seized a stone, white, rugged, which his hand embraced around. Putting his force to it, he hurled it;nor did it err far from the man, nor was the weapon hurled invain, [543] for in the forehead with the sharp stone he smote thecharioteer of Hector, Cebriones, the illegitimate son of illustriousPriam, whilst holding the reins of the horses. But the stone crushedboth his eyebrows, nor did the bone sustain it, and his eyes fell amidthe dust upon the ground before his feet. But he then, like unto adiver, fell from the well-formed chariot-seat, and life left his bones. But him insulting, thou didst address, O equestrian Patroclus:

 [Footnote 543: See Kennedy. Others make βέλος the accusative, and take ἁλίωσε transitively. ]

"O gods! truly he is a very active man! how nimbly he dives! if indeedhe were anywhere in the fishy sea, this man, groping for oysters, mighthave satisfied many, plunging from his ship, although it might bestormy; so easily now in the plain does he dive from his chariot!Without doubt there are divers among the Trojans. "

So saying, he advanced against the hero Cebriones, having the force of alion, which, ravaging the folds, is wounded in the breast, and his owncourage destroys him; thus, O Patroclus, ardent, didst thou spring uponCebriones; whilst Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot tothe ground. These two, as lions, fought for Cebriones, when both beinghungry fight with utmost courage for a slaughtered stag in mountaintops. So, for Cebriones, these two masters of the fight, Patroclus, sonof Menœtius, and illustrious Hector, wished to rend each other's bodywith the pitiless brass. Hector indeed, after he seized him by the head, did not let him go; but Patroclus, on the other side, held [him by the]foot; and now the rest of the Trojans and Greeks engaged in the violentconflict. 

And as the East and South winds strive with each other, in the dells ofa mountain, to shake a deep wood, beech, ash, and rugged cornel, butthey strike their long-extended boughs against each other with animmense sound, and a crash of them breaking [arises]; thus the Trojansand Greeks, leaping upon each other, slaughtered, but neither weremindful of pernicious flight. And many sharp spears were fixed roundCebriones, and winged arrows bounding from the string; and many hugestones smote the shields of those fighting round him; but he, mightyover mighty space, lay in a whirlwind of dust, forgetful of hisequestrian skill. 

As long indeed as the sun was ascending the middle heaven, so long didthe weapons reach both sides effectually, and the people kept falling. But when the sun had passed over towards the west, then indeed theGreeks were superior, contrary to fate. They drew the hero Cebrionesfrom the weapons, out of the tumult of Trojans, and took the armour fromhis shoulders. But Patroclus, devising evils against the Trojans, rushedon. Thrice then he charged, equal to swift Mars, shouting horridly, andthrice he slew nine heroes. But when, like unto a god, he made theattack for the fourth time, then indeed, O Patroclus, was the end of thylife manifest; for Phœbus, terrible in the dire battle, met thee. He didnot indeed perceive him coming through the crowd, for he advancedagainst him covered with much darkness; but he stood behind, and smotehim with his flat hand upon the back and broad shoulders, and his eyeswere seized with giddiness. [544] And from his head Phœbus Apollo struckthe helmet, and the oblong helmet rattled, rolling under the horses'feet, and the crest was defiled with blood and dust; although beforethis it was not permitted that [this] helmet, crested with horse-hair, should be contaminated by the dust; for it protected the head of agodlike hero, even the venerable forehead of Achilles; but Jove thengave it to Hector to wear upon his head; but his destruction was near. But the long-shadowed spear, great, sturdy, pointed [with brass], wasutterly shattered in his hands; whilst the shield, which reached to hisheels, with its belt, fell to the ground; and king Apollo, the son ofJove, unbound his corslet. But stupor seized his brain, and his fairlimbs were relaxed under him, and he stood astounded. But a Trojan, hero, Euphorbus, the son of Panthous, who excelled those of his own agein the spear, in horsemanship, and in swiftness of foot, smote him closeat hand with his sharp spear, in the back between the shoulders. Foreven before this he had hurled twenty men from their horses, at firstcoming with his chariot, learning [the art] of war. He [it was] whofirst hurled a weapon at thee, O knight Patroclus, nor did he subduethee; for he ran back, and was mingled with the crowd, having pluckedthe ashen spear out of thy body; nor did he await Patroclus, thoughbeing unarmed, in the fight. Patroclus, however, subdued by the blow ofthe god, and by the spear, retired into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death. But Hector, when he perceived magnanimous Patroclusretiring, wounded with a sharp spear, went through the ranks near him, and smote him with his javelin in the lowest part of the groin, anddrove the brass quite through. Falling, he gave a crash, and greatlygrieved the people of the Greeks. As when a lion presses on an unweariedboar in fight, and they twain, high spirited, contend upon the mountaintops for a small rill, for they both desire to drink, but the lionsubdues him by force, panting much; so Hector, the son of Priam, inclose fight with his spear, deprived the gallant son of Menœtius oflife, having slain many; and, boasting over him, spoke winged words:

 [Footnote 544: Swam round, probably from exhaustion. Celsus; i. 3: "Si quando insuetus aliquis laboravit, aut si multo plus, quam solet, etiam is qui assuevit...... Oculi caligant. " The affection is well described by Cælius Aurol. Chron. I. 2: "Repentina visus tenebratio, atque nebula, cum capitis vertigine. "]

"Patroclus, doubtless thou didst think to waste our city, and to carryoff in thy ships the Trojan women to thy dear father-land, having takenaway their day of freedom, --infatuated one! But in defence of these, thefleet steeds of Hector hasten with their feet to war, and I myself, whoavert the day of slavery[545] from them, am conspicuous amongst thewar-loving Trojans in [the use of] the spear. But the vultures shalldevour thee here. Unhappy man! Nor indeed did Achilles, although beingbrave, aid thee, who remaining behind, doubtless enjoined many things tothee, going forth: 'Do not return to me, O equestrian Patroclus, to thehollow barks, before thou rendest the blood-stained garment around thebreast of man-slaughtering Hector. ' Thus, doubtless, he addressed thee, and persuaded the mind of foolish thee. "

But him, O knight Patroclus, breathing faintly, thou didst address:"Even now, Hector, vaunt greatly, for Jove, the son of Saturn, andApollo, have given thee the victory, who subdued me easily; for theystripped the armour from my shoulders. But if even twenty such [as thou]had opposed me, they had all perished here, subdued by my spear. Butdestructive fate, and the son of Latona, have slain me, and of men, Euphorbus; whilst thou, the third, dost despoil me slain. Another thingwill I tell thee, and do thou ponder it in thy soul. [546] Not long, indeed, shalt thou thyself advance in life, but death and violent fatealready stand near thee, subdued by the hands of Achilles, the blamelessdescendant of Æacus. "

 [Footnote 545: So ἐλεύθερον ἧμαρ in ver. 830. Thus ἀνάγκη ἀμφίπτολις, "slavery caused by the capture of a city, " Æsch. Choeph. 75. ]

 [Footnote 546: This prophecy of the dying Patroclus seems to have attracted the notice of Aristotle, if we may believe Sextus, Empir. Adv. Phys. Ix. P. 553: "Οταν γάρ, φησίν, ἐν τῷ ὑπνοῦν καθ' ἑαυτὴν γίνεται ἡ ψυχή, τότε τὴν ἴδιον ἀπολαβοῦσα φύσιν προμαντεύεται τε καὶ προαγορεύει τὰ μέλλοντα' τοιαύτη δέ ἐστι καὶ ἐν τῷ κατὰ τὸν θάνατον χωρίζεσθαι τῶν σωμάτων. " He then refers to the similar example of Hector prophesying the death of Achilles, xxiii. 358, sqq. ]

Him then, having thus spoken, the end of death then overshadowed. Buthis soul flying from his members, departed to Hades, bewailing itslot, [547] relinquishing manliness and youth. But him dead illustriousHector addressed:

"Why now, Patroclus, dost thou prophesy cruel destruction to me? Whoknows whether Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, stricken by myspear, may not be the first to lose his life?"

 [Footnote 547: See my note on προῖαψεν, II. I. 3. And Heyne. ]

Thus having spoken, he extracted the brazen spear from the wound, pressing on him with his heel; and thrust him prostrate from the spear. Then immediately, with the spear, he went against Automedon, the godlikeservant of swift-footed Æacides, for he was anxious to strike him. Butthe fleet immortal steeds, which the gods bestowed on Peleus, splendidgifts, bore him away. 

 BOOK THE SEVENTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Euphorbus, attempting to despoil Patroclus of his armour, is slain byMenelaus. It falls to the lot of Hector, but he retires on the approachof Ajax. Being rebuked by Glaucus, he returns, and a fierce contest isrenewed over the body of Patroclus. The chariot of Achilles is bravelydefended by Automedon, but the Greeks at last begin to give way, evenAjax being seized with consternation. Meriones and Menelaus, however, succeed in carrying off the body of Patroclus, although the Greeks arecompletely routed. 

Nor did Patroclus, subdued in fight by the Trojans, escape the notice ofthe son of Atreus, Mars-beloved Menelaus; but he advanced through theforemost warriors, armed in glittering brass. And round him he walked, like a dam around its calf, having brought forth for the first time, moaning, not being before conscious of parturition: thus didyellow-haired Menelaus walk around Patroclus. But before him he extendedhis spear, and his shield on all sides equal, anxious to slay him, whoever indeed should come against him. Nor was the son of Panthus, ofthe good ashen spear, neglectful of blameless Patroclus, fallen; but hestood near him, and addressed warlike Menelaus:

"O Menelaus! son of Atreus, Jove-nurtured one, leader of the people, retire, and leave the body, and let alone the bloody spoils; for not anyof the illustrious Trojans or allies smote Patroclus with the spear inthe violent conflict before me. Wherefore permit me to bear away thegreat glory amongst the Trojans, lest I should strike thee, and takeaway thy sweet life. "

But him yellow-haired Menelaus, very indignant, addressed:

"Father Jove, certainly it is not fitting to boast inordinately. Not sogreat is the might of a panther, nor a lion, nor of a destructive wildboar, whose most mighty courage rages in his heart, violently in itsstrength, as much as the sons of Panthus, of the good ashen spear, breathe forth. Nor did the might of horse-breaking Hyperenor enjoy hisyouth, when he reproached me, and withstood me; and said that I was themost reproachful warrior amongst the Greeks; nor did he, I think, returning upon his feet, gratify his dear wife and respected parents. Thus certainly will I dissolve thy strength, if thou wilt stand againstme. But I advise thee, retiring, to go back into the crowd; nor do thoustand against me, before thou suffer any harm: for it is a fool thatperceives a thing when it is done. " [548]

 [Footnote 548: Cf. Hesiod, Opp. 216: Παθὼν δέ τε νήπιος ἔγνω. Plato, Sympos. P. 336, A. : Ἀλλ' ἀπὸ τῶν ἡμετέρων παθημάτων γνόντα, εὐλαβηθῆναι, καὶ μὴ, κατὰ τὴν παροιμίαν, ὥσπερ νήπιον, παθόντα γνῶναι. Æsch. Ag. 177: Τὸν πάθει μάθος θέντα κυρίως ἔχειν--καὶ παρ' ἄκοντας ἤλθε σωφρονεῖν. See Proclus on Hesiod, Opp. 89. ]

Thus he spoke, but persuaded him not; but he answering, spoke:

"Now indeed, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, shalt thou make atonement for mybrother, whom thou hast slain, and [over whom] thou speakest boastingly;and thou hast widowed his wife in the recess of her new bridal chamber, and caused accursed mourning and sorrow to his parents. Certainly Ishould be some alleviation of woe to them wretched, if indeed, bearingback thy head and armour, I should place them in the hands of Panthusand noble Phrontis. Nor shall the labour of valour or flight be untriedor invincible any longer. "

So saying, he smote [him] upon the shield equal on all sides, nor didthe brass break through, for the point was bent in the stout shield: andMenelaus, the son of Atreus, next made the attack with his brazen spear, having prayed to father Jove. He smote him upon the lowest part of thegullet as he retired, and he himself forcibly impressed [the spear], relying on his strong hand; and the point went quite through his softneck. And falling, he made a crash, and his armour rang upon him. Andhis locks, like unto the Graces, were bedewed with blood, and his curls, which were bound with gold and silver. And as a man rears awidely-blooming plant of olive, fair budding, in a solitary place, wherewater is wont to spring[549] up in abundance, and which the breezes ofevery wind agitate, and it buds forth with a white flower; but a wind, suddenly coming on with a mighty blast, overturns it from the furrow, and stretches it upon the earth: so the son of Panthus, Euphorbus, skilled in [the use of] the ashen spear, Menelaus, son of Atreus, whenhe had slain [him], spoiled of his armour. As when any mountain-nurturedlion, relying on his strength, has carried off from the pasturing herd aheifer, which is the best; but first he breaks its neck, seizing it inhis strong teeth, and then tearing it in pieces, laps up the blood andall the entrails; whilst around him dogs and herdsmen shout veryfrequently from a distance, nor do they wish to go against him, for palefear violently seizes them: thus the soul of no one within his breastdared to advance against glorious Menelaus. Then indeed the son ofAtreus had easily borne off the celebrated arms of the son of Panthus, had not Phœbus Apollo envied him, who immediately aroused Hector, equalto fleet Mars, against him, assimilating himself to the hero Mentes, leader of the Cicones; and addressing him, he spoke winged words:

"Hector, now indeed thou art thus running, pursuing things not to beovertaken, the steeds of warlike Achilles; they indeed are difficult tobe managed by mortal men, or to be driven by any other. Than Achilles, whom an immortal mother bore. In the meanwhile Menelaus, the warlike sonof Atreus, protecting Patroclus, has slain the bravest of the Trojans, Euphorbus, the son of Panthus, and made him cease from impetuousvalour. "

 [Footnote 549: This perfect has much the same usage as ἐπενήνοθε, 219. ]

Thus having spoken, the god on his part again departed into the labourof the men; but heavy grief oppressed Hector as to his dark soul. Then, indeed, he looked around through the ranks, and immediately observed theone bearing away the famous armour, and the other lying upon the ground;and the blood flowed through the inflicted wound. But he advancedthrough the foremost warriors, armed in shining brass, shrilly shouting, like unto the inextinguishable flame of Vulcan. Nor did he escape thenotice of the son of Atreus, loudly exclaiming; but he, deeply sighing, thus communed with his own great-hearted soul:

"Ah me! if I leave the beautiful armour and Patroclus, who lies here forthe sake of my honour, [I dread] lest some one of the Greeks, whoeverperceives it, will be indignant; but if, being alone, I fight withHector and the Trojans, from shame, [I fear] lest many surround me, [being] alone. But crest-tossing Hector is leading all the Trojanshither. But wherefore has my soul been thus debating? Whenever a mandesires, in opposition to a deity, to fight with a hero whom a godhonours, soon is a great destruction hurled upon him; wherefore no oneof the Greeks will blame me, who may perceive me retiring from Hector, since he wars under the impulse of a god. But if I could hear Ajax, brave in the din of war, both of us, again returning, would be mindfulof battle even against a god, if by any means we could draw off the bodyfor the sake of Achilles, the son of Peleus: of evils, certainly itwould be the better. " [550]

 [Footnote 550: "The evil here spoken of, and of which a choice is presented to Menelaus, are loss of both the body and the armour of Patroclus, or of either separately. The first alternative he is resolved on guarding against by summoning Ajax to his aid; of the last two, he prefers the abandonment of the arms, _i. E. _ σύλη, spoliation of the corpse, to ἀείκεια, its disfigurement. "--Kennedy. ]

While he was thus deliberating these things in his mind and soul, theranks of the Trojans were meanwhile advancing; and Hector led the way. But he retired back, and quitted the corpse, turning round as ashaggy-bearded lion, which dogs and men drive from the stall with spearsand clamour; out his valiant heart within his breast is shaken, and he, unwilling, departs from the fold: thus did yellow-haired Menelaus retirefrom Patroclus. And being turned round, he stood, when he had reachedthe band of his companions, looking all around for mighty Ajax, the sonof Telamon; whom he very quickly perceived upon the left of the wholebattle, encouraging his companions, and urging them to fight: for PhœbusApollo had cast a heaven-sent panic amongst them. But he made haste torun, and, immediately standing near, spoke:

"Ajax, hither, friend, let us hasten in defence of slain Patroclus, ifwe can bear his naked corse at least to Achilles; for his armourcrest-tossing Hector possesses. "

Thus he spoke, but he roused the courage of warlike Ajax, and headvanced through the foremost warriors, and with him yellow-hairedMenelaus. Hector on his part, after he had despoiled him of hisbeautiful armour, was dragging Patroclus, that he might sever the headfrom the shoulders with the sharp brass, and, carrying off the body, might give it to the Trojan dogs, when Ajax came near, bearing hisshield, like a tower. Then Hector, retiring back, retreated into thethrong of his companions, and sprung up into his chariot; but he gavethe handsome armour to the Trojans to carry to the city, to be a greatglory to him. But Ajax, with his broad shield covering around the son ofMenœtius, stood like a lion over her young; against which, when leadingher whelps, the huntsmen rush together in the wood; whilst he looksdreadful in his might, and draws down all his eyebrows, concealing hiseyes: so strode Ajax round the hero Patroclus. On the other side stoodthe son of Atreus, warlike Menelaus, augmenting the great grief in hisbosom. 

But Glaucus, the son of Hippolochus, leader of the Lycian heroes, looking sternly at Hector, upbraided him with harsh language: "Hector, most excellent as to appearance, certainly thou art greatly deficientin fighting; doubtless good fame possesses thee without reason, sincethou art a fugitive. Consider now, how alone with the people [who are]born in Ilium, thou mayest preserve the state and city, for none of theLycians, at all events, will go to fight with the Greeks for thy city;since indeed there is no gratitude for fighting ever incessantly withhostile men. How indeed, inglorious one, hast thou preserved an inferiorman in the throng, and suffered Sarpedon, at once thy guest andcompanion, to become a prey and booty to the Greeks; who, when alive, was a great advantage to thy city and thyself; but now thou didst notattempt to drive away the dogs from him. Wherefore if any of the Lycianwarriors will now obey me, go home, [551] and utter destruction will bemanifest to Troy. For if now that confident, intrepid strength, was inthe Trojans, which enters heroes who in the defence of their countryundertake toil, and conflict with hostile men, immediately might we drawPatroclus into Ilium. But if he, lifeless, should come to the great cityof king Priam, and we had drawn him away from the battle, quickly indeedwould the Greeks ransom [to us] the beautiful armour of Sarpedon, and wemight bear himself also into Troy; for the attendant of that man isslain, who is by far the bravest of the Greeks at the ships, and whoseservants are close-fighting warriors. But thou, forsooth, hast not daredto stand against magnanimous Ajax, beholding his eyes in the battle ofthe enemy, nor to fight against him; for he is more brave than thou. "

 [Footnote 551: Take ἴμεν (ἰέναι) imperatively, or understand ἐπιπείσεται ἐμοὶ ὤστε αὐτὸν ἰέναι εἰς οἷκον, ἄμεινον ἂν εἴη οὕτως ἄρα ὄλεθρος, κ. τ. λ. See Kennedy. ]

But him sternly regarding, crest-tossing Hector addressed: "O Glaucus, why hast thou, being such as thou art, spoken haughtily? I' faith, friend, I thought that thou didst excel in judgment the others, as manyas inhabit fertile Lycia; but now I altogether blame thy understanding, since thou hast thus spoken, thou who sayest that I do not withstandmighty Ajax. Neither have I dreaded the battle, nor the tumult ofsteeds; but the counsel of ægis-bearing Jove is ever superior, who putseven the valiant man to flight, and easily takes away the victory; butat another time he himself impels him to fight. But come hither, myfriend, stand by me, and behold my conduct. Truly I shall always be acoward, as thou sayest, or I will restrain even some of the Greeks, although very eager, from keeping defence over dead Patroclus. "

Thus saying, he cheered on the Trojans, loudly shouting, "Ye Trojans andLycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and bemindful of impetuous valour, whilst I put on the armour of illustriousAchilles, beautiful, of which I despoiled mighty Patroclus, having slainhim. "

Thus having spoken, crest-tossing Hector departed from the glowingbattle, and, running very quickly, overtook his companions, not far off, following with swift feet those who were bearing towards the city therenowned arms of Achilles. Then standing apart from the mournful battle, he changed his armour. His own indeed he gave to the warlike Trojans tobear to sacred Ilium; but he put on the immortal arms of Achilles, theson of Peleus, which the heavenly gods had bestowed on his dear father;but he indeed, growing old, presented them to his son; but the son grewnot old in the armour of his father. 

But when cloud-compelling Jove beheld him apart, accoutred in thearmour of divine Pelides, then shaking his head, he said to his ownsoul:

"Ah! luckless one; nor is death at all in thy thoughts, which is nownear thee; but thou puttest on the immortal armour of the bravest hero, at whom others also tremble; and thou hast slain his companion, bothgentle and brave, and thou hast taken the armour from his head andshoulders not according to propriety. But now will I give into thy handsa great victory, a compensation for this, that Andromache shall neverreceive from thee, having returned from the battle, the illustrious armsof the son of Peleus. "

The son of Saturn spoke, and moreover nodded with his sable brows. Butthe armour fitted the person of Hector, and Mars, the dreadful warrior, entered him. And his limbs were inwardly filled with might and strength, and he went after the illustrious allies, exclaiming aloud; andglittering in his armour, to all of them he presented the appearance ofthe magnanimous son of Peleus. But going among them, he animated eachwith his words, --Mesthles, Glaucus, Medon, and Thersilochus, Asteropæus, Disenor, and Hippothoüs, Phorcys, Chromius, and Ennomus the augur. Exhorting these, he spoke winged words:

"Hear, ye countless troops of allies dwelling around, for I did notassemble you here, each from his own city, seeking or wanting a crowd, but that ye might willingly defend for me the wives and infant childrenof the Trojans from the warlike Greeks. Thinking these things, I wearaway my people by gifts and provisions [to you], and I satisfy thedesire of each of you. Wherefore now let some one, being turned roundstraight, either perish or be saved; for these are the chances ofwar. [552] Nevertheless, whoever will drag Patroclus, although dead, tothe horse-breaking Trojans, and to whom Ajax shall yield, [to him] willI present one-half of the spoils, but I myself will keep the other half;and glory shall be to him as much as to me. "

Thus he spoke; but they, lifting up their spears, advanced withcondensed might[553] direct against the Greeks; and their mind eagerlyhoped to draw away the dead body from Telamonian Ajax:--fools! trulyover it he took away the life from many. And then Ajax addressedMenelaus, good in the din of war:

 [Footnote 552: See Duport, Gnom. Hom. P. 97. ]

 [Footnote 553: Schol. : Στίφος ποιήσαντες, συνασπίσαντες, εἰς τὸ αύτὸ πάντες ὁρμήσαντες. A curious interpretation is given in the Glossaries: "Βοίζω, _post cibum denuo impetum facio. "_ See Alberti on Hesych. P. 766. ]

"O my friend, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, no longer do I expect that evenwe ourselves will return from battle. Nor do I fear so much about thedead body of Patroclus, which will quickly satiate the dogs and birds ofthe Trojans, as much as I fear for my own head, lest it suffer anything, and for thine, for Hector, that cloud of war, overshadows all things;whilst to us, on the other hand, utter destruction appears. But come, call the bravest of the Greeks, if any one will hear. "

Thus he spoke; nor did Menelaus, good in the din of war, disobey; but heshouted, crying with a loud voice to the Greeks:

"O friends, leaders and chieftains of the Greeks, ye who with Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, and Menelaus, drink the public wine, [554] and commandeach his forces; but honour and glory follows from Jove. Difficult wouldit be for me to look to each of the leaders, for so great a strife ofbattle burns. But let some one advance, and let him be indignant in hismind, that Patroclus should become a sport to Trojan dogs. "

 [Footnote 554: _I. E. _ who are supplied from the public resources, --τὰ ἐκ τῶν κοινῶν καὶ δημοσίων χρημάτων χορηγούμενα τοῖς βασιλεῦσι. --Schol. ]

Thus he spoke; but quickly the swift Oïlean Ajax heard, and firstadvanced opposite, running through the battle; after him Idomeneus, andMeriones, the armour-bearer of Idomeneus, equal to man-slaughteringMars. But who in his mind could recount the names of the others as manyas afterwards aroused the battle of the Greeks? But the Trojans, inclose array, first made the onset, and Hector led them on. 

But as when, at the mouths[555] of a river flowing from Jove, the greatwave roars against the stream, while around the lofty shores resound, the wave being ejected [upon the beach], with so loud a clamour did theTrojans advance: but the Greeks stood round the son of Menœtius, havingone spirit, protected by their brazen shields; whilst over theirshining helmets the son of Saturn poured a thick haze; for he did notformerly hate the son of Menœtius when, being alive, he was theattendant of Achilles, therefore he was loth that he should become aprey to the Trojan dogs of the enemy; and so he excited his companionsto defend him. The Trojans, however, first dislodged the dark-eyedGreeks, and they, leaving the dead body, retreated; nor did themagnanimous Trojans slay any of them with their spears, althoughdesirous, but drew off the body. But the Greeks were about to be absentfrom him a very short while, for very quickly did Ajax rally them, who, next to the renowned son of Peleus, excelled the other Greeks in beautyand in deeds. And he broke through the front ranks, resembling a wildboar in strength, which amongst the mountains easily disperses the dogsand blooming youths through the woods, turning to bay; so the son ofillustrious Telamon, noble Ajax, having made the attack, easily routedthe phalanxes of the Trojans who had surrounded Patroclus, and mostlyexpected to drag him to their city, and bear away glory. MeanwhileHippothous, the illustrious son of Pelasgian Lethus, was dragging him bythe foot through the violent conflict, having bound him with a strap atthe ancle round the tendons, gratifying Hector and the Trojans. But sooncame evil upon him, which no one, even of those desiring it, avertedfrom him. Him the son of Telamon, rushing through the crowd, smote inclose fight through the brazen-cheeked helmet. The horse-haired helmetwas cleft by the point of the weapon, stricken by the great spear andstrong hand; and the brain, bloody, gushed out of the wound at the coneof the helmet;[556] and his strength was there relaxed. Then he let fallfrom his hands the foot of magnanimous Patroclus, to lie upon the earth, and near him he himself fell, prone upon the dead body, far away fromfertile Larissa: nor did he repay the debt of nourishment to his belovedparents, for his life was short, subdued by the spear of magnanimousAjax. But Hector again aimed at Ajax with his shining spear; he, however, seeing it opposite, avoided the brazen spear by a little; buthe struck Schedius, the magnanimous son of Iphitus, by far the bravestof the Phoceans, who inhabited dwellings in renowned Panopëus, rulingover many men. Him he smote under the middle of the clavicle, and thebrazen point of the weapon went quite through, near the extremity of theshoulder. Falling, he made a crash, and his arms rang upon him. ThenAjax again smote warlike Phorcys, the son of Phænops, in the middle ofthe belly, while defending Hippothous. And he broke the cavity of thecorslet, and the brazen weapon drank his entrails through; and fallingin the dust, he seized the earth with the palm of his hand. The foremostwarriors and illustrious Hector retreated; but the Greeks shoutedloudly, and drew off the bodies, both Phorcys and Hippothous, and theyloosed the armour from their shoulders. 

 [Footnote 555: Schol. Apoll. Rhod. I. 11: Τῶν ποταμῶν οἱ συμβάλλοντες τόποι τῇ θαλάσσῃ, προχοαὶ λέγονται, where he quotes this instance from Homer. ]

 [Footnote 556: See iii. 372, "the part of the helmet in which the crest was inserted--unless αἰλὸν be taken metaphorically, and by παρ' αὐλὸν be meant the _stream_ of blood, as from a pipe. "--Oxford Transl. ]

Then again would the Trojans, [routed] by the warlike Greeks, have goneup to Ilium, subdued through cowardice; but the Argives on their part, by their valour and might, would have obtained glory, even contrary tothe destined will of Jove, had not Apollo himself excited Æneas, in bodylike unto Periphas the herald, son of Epytis, who knowing prudentcounsels in his mind, had grown old, as a herald, with his aged sire. Assimilating himself to him, Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed him:

"O Æneas, how could ye preserve lofty Ilium against the deity, since Ibehold these other men relying on their bravery, and might, and valour, and their number, and possessing a dauntless host? Yet Jove wills thevictory to us, rather than to the Danai; yet ye greatly tremble, norfight. "

Thus he spoke; but Æneas, seeing him before him, recognized far-dartingApollo; and loudly shouting, addressed Hector:

"O Hector, and ye other leaders of the Trojans and allies, this nowindeed is a shame, that we, subdued by cowardice, should go up to Ilium, [driven] by the warlike Achæans. For already even now some one of thegods, having stood near to me, declared that Jove, the highestcounsellor, is an ally of the battle [to us]. Wherefore let us go directagainst the Greeks, nor let them quietly move the dead Patroclus to theships. "

Thus he spoke, and then springing forth, stood far before the frontranks. But they rallied, and stood opposed to the Greeks. Then Æneaswounded with his spear Leocritus, son of Arisbas, the brave companion ofLycomedes. Him falling, warlike Lycomedes pitied, and advancing verynear, he stood, and hurled with his shining spear, and struck Apisaon, the son of Hippasis, shepherd of the people, in the liver, beneath thediaphragm, and immediately relaxed his limbs. He had come from fertilePæonia, and next to Asteropæus, was the bravest to fight. WarlikeAsteropæus pitied him-fallen, and he rushed forward, willing to fightwith the Greeks. But not yet could he [do so], for [those] standingaround Patroclus were fenced in on every side with shields, and heldtheir spears before them; for Ajax went eagerly among all, greatlycheering them on. He suffered not any one either to retire from thebody, nor any of the Greeks to fight in front, excelling the others, butvigorously to stalk around for defence, and to combat in close fight. Thus did mighty Ajax command; but the earth was moistened with purplegore, whilst upon each other fell the dead bodies of the Trojans andcourageous allies, and of the Greeks; for neither did they fightbloodlessly, although far fewer perished, because they were ever mindfulthroughout the tumult to repel severe labour from each other. 

Thus indeed they fought, like a fire; nor would you say that the Sun wassafe, or the Moon, for they were wrapt in dark haze in the combat, asmany of the bravest as stood around the dead son of Menœtius. The otherTrojans and well-armed Greeks, however, fought at ease[557] beneath theatmosphere; the piercing splendour of the sun was expanded over them, and a cloud did not appear over all the earth, nor the mountains. Resting at intervals, they fought, avoiding the cruel weapons of eachother, standing far asunder; whilst those in the middle sufferedhardships from darkness and from war, and were afflicted by the ruthlessbrass, as many as were most brave. But two heroes, illustrious men, Thrasymedes and Antilochus, had not yet heard that blameless Patrocluswas dead; but thought that, still alive, he was fighting with theTrojans in the foremost tumult. But these, watching the slaughter andflight of their companions, fought apart, since Nestor had so ordered, urging [them] on to battle from the black ships. But to these all day amighty contest of severe strife arose, and ever incessantly the knees, the legs, and the feet of each under him, the hands and the eyes ofthose fighting around the brave companion of swift-footed Æacides, weredefiled with fatigue and perspiration. And as when a man gives the hideof a huge ox, saturated with grease, to his people to stretch, but they, having received, stretch it, standing apart from each other in a circle, and straightway the moisture exudes, and the oily matter enters, manypulling it, till it is stretched in every direction; so they, on bothsides, dragged the body here and there in a small space; for the mind ofthe Trojans, on the one hand, eagerly hoped to draw him to Ilium, but ofthe Greeks, on the other, to the hollow ships. Around him arose a fiercetumult; nor could Mars, the exciter of troops, nor Minerva, havingbeheld it, have found fault, not even if wrath had particularly comeupon her; such an evil labour of men and horses did Jove extend overPatroclus on that day. Nor as yet did noble Achilles at all know thatPatroclus was dead, because they fought far from the swift ships, beneath the wall of the Trojans. He never thought in his mind that hewas dead; but that alive, having approached the gates, he would returnback, since he did not at all suppose that he could sack the citywithout him, for he had often heard this from his mother, hearing itapart, who used to tell him the design of mighty Jove. Yet his motherhad not then told him so great an evil as had happened, that thecompanion by far most dear to him had perished. 

 [Footnote 557: _I. E. _ resting at intervals, as it is explained in ver. 373. ]

But they, ever around the dead body, holding their sharp spears, chargedincessantly, and slaughtered one another, and thus would some of thebrazen-mailed Greeks say:

"O friends, surely it will not be honourable for us to retreat to thehollow ships; but [rather] let the black earth here gape for all. Thisindeed would at once be better for us, than that we should permit thehorse-breaking Trojans to drag him to their city, and obtain glory. "

And thus also would some one of the magnanimous Trojans say:

"O friends, although it be our destiny that all be equally subduedbeside this man, never let any one retire from the battle. "

Thus, then, some one said, and aroused the spirit of each. Thus indeedwere they fighting; and the iron clangour[558] reached the brazen heaventhrough the unfruitful air. But the horses of Æacides being apart fromthe combat, wept, when first they perceived that their charioteer hadfallen in the dust, beneath man-slaughtering Hector. Automedon, indeed, the brave son of Diores, frequently urged them on, beating them with thesharp lash, and frequently addressed them in mild terms and in threats;but they chose neither to go back to the ships towards the wideHellespont nor into the battle among the Greeks; but, as a pillarremains firm, which stands at the tomb of a dead man or woman, so theyremained detaining the splendid chariot motionless, and drooping theirheads to the earth. But warm tears[559] flowed from their eyelids to theearth, complaining from desire of their charioteer; and their thick manewas defiled, flowing down on both sides from the collar at the yoke. Butthe son of Saturn beholding them lamenting, felt compassion, and shakinghis head, communed with his own mind:

"Ah! luckless pair, why did we give you to king Peleus, a mortal; for yeare free from old age, and immortal? Was it that ye might endure griefswith unhappy men? For there is not anything at all more wretched thanman, [560] of all, as many as breathe and move over the earth. ButHector, the son of Priam, shall not be borne by you, even in thecuriously-wrought chariot, for I will not permit it. Is it not enoughthat he both possesses those arms, and vainly boasts? But into yourknees and spirit will I cast vigour, that ye may safely bear Automedonfrom the battle to the hollow ships; for still will I give glory to them(the Trojans), to slay, until they reach the well-benched ships, tillthe sun set, and sacred darkness come on. "

 [Footnote 558: Clarke compares Æn. Xii. 284, from Ennius, apud Macrob. Vi. 1: "Hastati spargunt hastas, fit ferreus imber. " See Columna's notes. P. 82, ed. Hessel. The Scholiast rather interprets it, of a strong and violent shout, στερεὸς καὶ πολὺ ἰσχυρός. ]

 [Footnote 559: See Virg. Æn. Xi. 89, sqq. With Servius, Quintus Calab. Iii. 740: Ούδὲ μιν ἄμβροτοι ἵπποι ἀταρβέος Αἰακίδαο Μίμνον ἀδάκρυτοι παρὰ νήεσιν' ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτοὶ Μύροντο σφετέροιο δαϊκταμένου βασιλῆος. Οὐδ' ἔθελον μογεροῖσιν ἔτ' ἀνδράσιν, οὐδὲ μεθ' ἵπποις Μίσγεσθ' Ἀργείων, ὀλοὸν περὶ πένθος ἔχοντες. ]

 [Footnote 560: On this comfortable and satisfactory sentiment, see the lugubrious collection of parallel passages in Duport, p. 98. ]

So saying, he breathed strong vigour into the steeds; and they, shakingthe dust from their manes to the ground, quickly bore the rapid caramongst the Trojans and Greeks. And against them[561] fought Automedon, though grieved for his companion, rushing along in his chariot like avulture among the geese. For he fled easily from the tumult of theTrojans, and easily did he rush on, pursuing through the dense throng. Yet did he not slay the men when he pressed onward to pursue; for it wasby no means possible for him, being alone in the sacred[562] car, toassault with the spear and to rein in the fleet steeds. At length, however, a companion, the hero Alcimedon, son of Laërceus, the son ofÆmon, beheld him with his eyes, and stood behind his chariot, andaddressed Automedon:

 [Footnote 561: The Trojans. ]

 [Footnote 562: _I. E. _ splendid, of surpassing workmanship. Others refer the epithet to the divine gift mentioned in ver. 443, to the fabrication of the chariot by the god Vulcan, or to the origin of Achilles himself from a goddess. ]

"Which of the gods, O Automedon, has placed a foolish counsel in thybosom, and taken from thee sound judgment; inasmuch as alone thoufightest in the foremost ranks with the Trojans? Thy companion indeed isslain; and Hector himself vaunts, having upon his shoulders the armourof Æacides. "

Him then Automedon, the son of Diores, addressed:

"Alcimedon, what other of the Greeks, then, is like thee, to subdue andrestrain the spirit of immortal steeds, unless Patroclus, whilst alive, a counsellor equal to the gods? Now, however, death and fate possesshim. Nevertheless, do thou take the lash and beautiful reins; but I willdescend from the chariot, that I may fight. " [563]

 [Footnote 563: Alcimedon in this address condemns the imprudence of his friend, who, in this moment of imminent danger, takes upon him the joint offices of warrior (παραβάτης) and charioteer (ἡνίοχος). ]

Thus he spoke, but Alcimedon, ascending the chariot, swift in war, instantly took in his hands the lash and reins, whilst Automedon leapeddown; but illustrious Hector perceived this, and immediately addressedÆneas, being near:

"Æneas, counsellor of the brazen-mailed Trojans, I have observed thesetwo steeds of Achilles proceeding through the battle with unskilfulcharioteers. I therefore may hope to capture them, if thou, at least, desire it in thy mind; for standing opposite, they will not dare towithstand us, rushing on to fight in battle. "

Thus he spoke; nor did the brave son of Anchises disobey. Both advanceddirect, covered as to their shoulders with bulls' hides, dry, thick; andupon them much brass was plated. But along with them went both Chromiusand god-like Aretus: and their mind greatly hoped to slay them, and todrive away the long-necked steeds. Foolish, [564] for they were notdestined to return back bloodlessly from Automedon, for he, havingprayed to father Jove, was filled with fortitude and valour, as to hisdark mind, and immediately addressed Alcimedon, his faithful comrade:

 [Footnote 564: Cf. Æn. X. 501, sqq. So Milton, P. L. Ix. 404:--

 "O much deceived, much failing, hapless Eve, Of thy presumed return! event perverse!"]

"O Alcimedon, do not now detain the steeds far from me; but [keep them]breathing closely at my back; for I do not think that Hector, the son ofPriam, will abstain from violence, before that he has mounted thebeautiful-maned horses of Achilles, having slain both of us, and put torout the ranks of Grecian heroes; or himself be slain among the first. "

Thus saying, he called upon the Ajaces, and Menelaus: "Ye Ajaces, leaders of the Greeks, and Menelaus, leave then the dead body to those, as many as are bravest, to defend it on all sides, and to repulse theranks of men; but from us who are alive avert the merciless day. Forhither violently rush through the lamentable fight Hector and Æneas, whoare the best of the Trojans. But all these things rest upon the knees ofthe gods; for I also will hurl, and all these things will be a care toJove. "

He said; and, brandishing, hurled his long-shadowed spear, and struckupon the shield of Aretus, equal on all sides; it however did not repelthe spear, but the brass went entirely through, and passed through thebelt into the bottom of his belly. And as when a man in youthful vigour, holding a sharp axe, cuts through the whole tendon, striking behind thehorns of a wild bull; but it, leaping forward, falls; so he, springingforward, fell supine; and the sharp spear, quivering in his entrails, relaxed his limbs. Then Hector took aim at Automedon with his shiningspear, but he, seeing it in front of him, avoided the brazen weapon; forhe bent forward. But the long spear was fixed in the ground behind him;and moreover the nether end of the spear was shaken; but there then thestrong weapon spent its force. Then truly they would have engaged handto hand with their swords, had not the eager Ajaces, who came throughthe crowd, at the call of their companion, separated them. But Hector, Æneas, and godlike Chromius, greatly dreading them, retired back again, and left Aretus lying there, lacerated as to his heart; but himAutomedon, equal to swift Mars, despoiled of his armour, and, boasting, uttered this speech:

"Surely now I have a little relieved my heart of sorrow for the dead sonof Menœtius, although having slain but an inferior man. "

Thus having spoken, seizing the gore-stained spoils, he placed them inthe chariot, and mounted himself, bloody as to his feet and hands above, like some lion which has fed upon a bull. Again over Patroclus was thedireful battle extended, grievous, lamentable; and Minerva excited thecontention, descending from heaven; for far-sounding Jove sent her forthto encourage the Greeks, as his intention was now changed. As Joveextends a purple rainbow from heaven to mortals, to be a signal eitherof war, or of a chilling storm, which causes men to cease from theirworks upon the earth, and afflicts the cattle; so she, having obscuredherself in a purple cloud, entered the army of the Greeks, and arousedevery man. First, however, she addressed the son of Atreus, gallantMenelaus, inciting him, for he was near her, assimilating herself, inher form and unwearied voice, to Phœnix:

"Thine, of a truth, will shame and disgrace now be, O Menelaus, if theswift dogs tear the faithful companion of illustrious Achilles beneaththe wall of the Trojans; therefore bravely hold on, and urge on all thepeople. " Whom, in return, Menelaus, good in the din of war, addressed:"Phœnix, father, old man long since born, would that Minerva would giveme strength, and ward off the force of the weapons. Then indeed would Ibe willing to stand by and defend Patroclus; for dying, he greatlyaffected my mind with grief. But Hector has the dreadful force of fire, nor does he cease slaying with his spear; for to him Jove affordsglory. "

Thus he spoke; but the azure-eyed goddess Minerva rejoiced, because toher he had prayed first of all the gods. But in his shoulders and kneesshe put strength, and placed in his bosom the boldness of a fly, which, although frequently driven away from a human body, persists inbiting, --and the blood of man is sweet to it. With such confidence shefilled his dark soul: and he advanced towards Patroclus, and took aimwith his splendid spear. Now there was among the Trojans one Podes, theson of Eëtion, rich and brave; whom of his people Hector chieflyhonoured, for he was his dear companion in the banquet. Himyellow-haired Menelaus smote upon the belt while hastening to flight, and drove the brazen weapon quite through. He, falling, gave a crash, and Menelaus, the son of Atreus, dragged away the body from the Trojansto the crowd of his companions. But Apollo, standing near, excitedHector in the likeness of Phœnops, son of Asias, who, inhabitingdwellings at Abydos, was most dear to him of all his guests. Assimilating himself to him, far-darting Apollo spoke:

"Hector, what other of the Greeks will any more fear thee, since nowthou dreadest Menelaus, who indeed before was but an effeminate warrior, but now departs done, bearing off the dead corse from the Trojans? Hehas slain, in the front ranks, Podes, the son of Eëtion, thy comrade, faithful and brave. "

Thus he spoke; but him a dark cloud of grief overshadowed, and he wentthrough the front ranks, armed in glittering brass. And then the son ofSaturn took his ægis, fringed and splendid, and covered Ida with clouds;but having flashed his lightning, he thundered very loudly, and shook it(the mountain); and (he) gave victory to the Trojans, but put the Greeksto flight. 

Peneleus, the Bœotian, first was leader of the flight; for he waswounded slightly[565] on the tip of the shoulder with a spear, beingalways turned frontwards; but the spear of Polydamas grazed even to thebone, for he, coming close, had wounded him. Next Hector wounded Leïtus, son of magnanimous Alectryon, on the hand at the wrist, and caused himto cease from battle. Then looking around him, he trembled, since he nolonger hoped in his mind [to be able] to fight with the Trojans, holdinghis spear in his hand. But Idomeneus had struck, on the corslet, uponthe breast near the pap, Hector rushing after Leïtus: the long spear, however, was broken at the socket; and the Trojans shouted. But he[Hector] discharged his javelin at Idomeneus, the son of Deucalion, ashe was standing in his car: him he missed by a little, but struckCoeranus, the attendant and charioteer of Meriones, who had followed himfrom well-situated Lyctus. For at first on foot, having left hisequally-plied ships, he came, and would have secured a decided victoryto the Trojans, had not Coeranus quickly driven on his swift-footedsteeds: to him then he (Coeranus) came as a help, and warded off themerciless day; but he himself lost his life beneath man-slaughteringHector. Him he smote beneath the jaw-bone and ear, and the extremity ofthe spear forced out his teeth and cut through the middle of his tongue. He fell from his chariot, and the reins dropped to the ground; andMeriones, stooping, lifted them from the plain in his own hands, andaddressed Idomeneus:

"Lash on, now, until thou reach the swift ships; for even thou thyselfperceivest that victory is no longer on the side of the Achæans. "

 [Footnote 565: Ἐπιλίγδην, _on the surface_, δι' ἐπιπολῆς·--Kennedy. ]

Thus he spake; and Idomeneus lashed on the beautiful-maned steeds to thehollow ships; for fear now seized his mind. 

Nor did Jove escape notice of magnanimous Ajax and Menelaus, when he forthe present gave the dubious victory to the Trojans; but to them themighty Ajax, son of Telamon, began to speak:

"Alas! even he who is very stupid might now know that father Jovehimself is aiding the Trojans; for the weapons of them all take effect, whoever may throw them, whether coward or brave man. Jove certainlydirects them all. But the weapons of all of us fall to the earth invain. Come, however, let us devise the best plan, both how we may dragoff the corse, and how we ourselves may be a source of joy to ourbeloved comrades, having returned home. They, of a truth, beholding ushere, are grieved, and think that we shall no longer resist the mightand invincible hands of man-slaughtering Hector. But, would there weresome companion who would quickly bring word to Achilles, since I thinkhe has not yet heard the mournful tidings, that his dear comrade hasdied. But nowhere can I see such a person among the Greeks, for they andtheir steeds are together enveloped in darkness. O father Jove, liberateat least the sons of the Greeks from darkness; make a clear atmosphere, and grant us to see with our eyes; then destroy us in the light, [566] ifthus it be pleasing to thee. "

 [Footnote 566: A prayer well worthy of Ajax. Ammian. Marcell. Xxviii. : "Per horrorem tenebrarum--quo tempore hebetari solent obstrictæ terroribus mentes; ut inter innumera multa Ajax quoque Homericus docet, optans perire potius luce, quam pati formidinis augmenta nocturnæ. " Cf. Longin. Ix. ]

Thus he spoke; but the Sire felt compassion for him weeping, andimmediately dissipated the haze, and removed the cloud. And the sunshone forth, and the whole battle was displayed, and then Ajax addressedMenelaus, good in the din of war:

"Look around now, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, if anywhere thou canstperceive, yet alive, Antilochus, the son of magnanimous Nestor. Urgehim, going speedily, to tell to warlike Achilles, that the comrade, byfar most dear to him, has perished. "

Thus he spoke; nor did Menelaus, good in the din of war, disobey. But hehastened to go, like some lion from a fold, which after that he isfatigued, harassing both dogs and men, who watching all night, sufferhim not to carry off the fat of the oxen; but he, desirous of flesh, rushes on, but nothing profits; for many javelins fly against him fromdaring hands, and blazing torches, which, eager as he is, he dreads; butearly in the morning he goes apart with saddened mind. So, mostunwilling, from Patroclus went Menelaus, brave in the din of war;because he greatly feared lest the Greeks, through grievous terror, should leave him a prey to the enemy. And much, therefore, he exhortedMeriones and the Ajaces:

"Ye Ajaces, leaders of the Greeks, and Meriones, now let each one bemindful of the gentleness of wretched Patroclus; for when alive, he knewhow to be mild to all; but now, indeed, Death and Fate overtake him. "

Thus then having spoken, yellow-haired Menelaus departed, gazing roundin all directions, like an eagle, which, they say, sees most acutely ofbirds beneath the sky, and which, though being aloft, the swift-footedhare does not escape, when lying beneath the dense-foliaged thicket; buthe pounces upon it, and quickly seizing it, deprives it of life. Thus, OJove-nurtured Menelaus, were thy shining eyes turned round in alldirections through the band of thy numerous companions, if anywhere thoumightst behold the son of Nestor, yet living. But him he very soonperceived upon the left of all the battle, encouraging his companions, and inciting them to fight; and standing near, yellow-haired Menelausaddressed [him]:

"Ho! hither come, Antilochus, Jove-nurtured, that thou mayest hear thesad message which--would that it had not happened. I think, indeed, thatthou thyself looking, perceivest that a god rolls disaster upon theGreeks, but that victory is on the side of the Trojans; for Patroclus, the bravest of the Greeks, is slain; and a great longing [after him] hasbefallen the Greeks. But do thou quickly tell it to Achilles, running tothe ships of the Greeks, if perchance quickly he may bring in safety tohis ships the unarmed body; for crest-tossing Hector possesses thearmour. "

Thus he spoke; but Antilochus shuddered, hearing the news; and long dida want of words possess him; and his eyes were filled with tears, andhis liquid voice was interrupted. Yet not even thus did he neglect thecommand of Menelaus; but he hastened to run, and gave his armour toLaodocus, his blameless companion, who, near him, managed thesolid-hoofed steeds. Him, however, his feet bore, weeping, from thebattle, about to communicate the evil news to Achilles, son of Peleus. 

Nor, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, was thy mind willing to aid the harassedcomrades, in the place whence Antilochus had departed, and great longingafter him was caused to the Pylians; but to them he sent nobleThrasymedes, and he himself went again towards the hero Patroclus; butarriving, he stood beside the Ajaces, and immediately addressed them:

"Him, indeed, I have now despatched to the swift ships, to go toswift-footed Achilles: yet I do not think that he will come, althoughgreatly enraged with noble Hector; for being unarmed, he could by nomeans fight with the Trojans. Let even us then ourselves deliberate uponthe best plan, as well how we shall draw off the body, as also how weourselves may escape Death and Fate from the clamour of the Trojans. "

But him mighty Telamonian Ajax then answered:

"All things correctly hast thou spoken, O illustrious Menelaus. But dothou, and Meriones, stooping quickly under it, having lifted it up, bearthe body from the fight; whilst we two of like name, possessing equalcourage, will fight with the Trojans and with noble Hector, we who evenformerly have sustained the sharp conflict, remaining by each other. "

Thus he spoke; but they with great exertion lifted up the body in theirarms from the ground: but the Trojan army shouted in their rear whenthey saw the Greeks raising up the dead body, and rushed on like dogs, which spring upon a wounded boar, before the youthful hunters. One whileindeed they run, eager to tear him asunder, but again, when he turnsupon them, relying on his strength, then they retreat, and fly indifferent directions hither and thither: so the Trojans sometimessteadily pursued in a body, striking with their swords and two-edgedspears; but when again the Ajaces, turning round upon them, stood, thenwas their colour changed, nor dared any one, rushing forward, to combatfor the corpse. 

Thus they with alacrity bore the body from the fight towards the hollowships; but the fierce battle was extended to them like a flame, whichassailing, [and] being suddenly excited, sets fire to a city of men, andthe houses diminish in the mighty blaze; whilst the force of the windroars through it: so a horrid tumult of steeds and warlike heroesfollowed them departing. But as mules, exerting vast strength, [567] dragfrom a mountain along a rugged path either a beam or a large piece oftimber for ship-building, but the spirit within them, as they hasten, iswearied equally with fatigue and perspiration; so they with alacritybore away the body, whilst the Ajaces behind them checked [the enemy];as a barrier of wood, stretched straight across a plain, restrainswater; which checks the furious courses even of rapid rivers, andimmediately turning them, directs the streams of all into the plain; norcan they at all burst through it, though flowing with violence. So theAjaces in the rear always repulsed the attack of the Trojans, who, however, followed along with them; but two amongst them in particular, Æneas, son of Anchises, and illustrious Hector. And as a cloud ofstarlings or jackdaws, shrilly chattering, [568] flies away when theyperceive a hawk advancing, which brings death to small birds; so thenfrom Æneas and Hector departed the sons of the Greeks, loudlyclamouring, and were forgetful of the fight. And much beautiful armourof the flying Greeks fell both in and about the trench; but there was nocessation from the battle. 

 [Footnote 567: Literally, "girding themselves with strength. "]

 [Footnote 568: Or, "shouting in presage of their doom, " as Heyne and Kennedy would take it, a meaning borne out by προΐδωσιν. Cf. Longus. Past. Ii. 12: Οἱ κωμῆται ταραχθέντες, ἐπιπήδωσιν αὐτοῖς ὡσεὶ ψᾶρες, ἢ κολο οί. ]

 BOOK THE EIGHTEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Thetis comforts her son for the death of Patroclus, and promises toprocure him new armour from Vulcan. At the command of Juno, Achillescomes forth and strikes terror into the enemy. The body of Patroclus isrescued, and prepared for funeral rites, and Vulcan forges a suit ofarmour and a splendid shield for Achilles. 

Thus they, then, [569] were fighting, like a blazing fire; butswift-footed Antilochus came as a messenger to Achilles. Him he found infront of his lofty-prowed ships, revolving in his mind those thingswhich had already been accomplished; and then groaning, he communed withhis own mind:

 [Footnote 569: This is to be taken in connection with ver. 148 of the last book, as the regular narrative is interrupted by the message of Antilochus and the grief of Achilles. ]

"Ah me! why are the long-haired Achæans driven back in confusion to theships, routed through the plain? [I fear] lest the gods haveaccomplished evil sorrows to my soul, as my mother once informed me, andtold me that the bravest of the Myrmidons, I being yet alive, wouldleave the light of the sun, by the hands of the Trojans. Too surely nowthe valiant son of Menœtius is dead, --obstinate one! certainly Idesired him, having repelled the hostile fire, to return to the ships, nor to fight bravely with Hector. "

Whilst he was revolving these things in his mind and in his soul, in themeantime the son of illustrious Nestor drew near, shedding warm tears, and delivered his sad message:

"Alas! O son of warlike Peleus, surely thou wilt hear a very grievousmessage, which--would that it had not taken place. Patroclus lies low;and around his unarmed corse they are now fighting, whilst crest-tossingHector possesses his armour. "

Thus he spoke; but him a black cloud of grief overshadowed, and takingthe burnt ashes with both hands, he poured them on his head, and deniedhis comely countenance; but the dark ashes everywhere adhered to hisrich[570] tunic. But he, mighty, lay extended at great length in thedust, and tearing, he disordered his hair with his hands. The handmaids, whom Achilles and Patroclus had taken, grieved in their souls, shriekedaloud, and ran out of the door round warlike Achilles; and all smotetheir breasts with their hands, [571] and the limbs of each were relaxed. Antilochus, on the other side, lamented, shedding tears, holding thehands of Achilles; (and he kept groaning within his generous heart, ) forhe feared lest he should cut his throat with his sword. Then he moaneddreadfully, and his venerable mother heard him, sitting in the depths ofthe sea, beside her aged father, and immediately lamented: and all thegoddesses assembled around her, as many Nereïdes as were at the bottomof the sea. There were Glauce, Thaleia, and Cymodoce, Nesæa, Spio, Thoa, and large-eyed Halia, Cymothoë, Actæa, and Limnorea, Melita, Iæra, Amphithoë, and Agave, Doto, Proto, Pherusa, and Dynamene, Dexamene, Amphinome, and Callianira, Doris, Panope, and distinguished Galatea, Nemertes, Apseudes, and Callianassa. There were also Clymene, Ianira, and Ianassa, Mæra, Orithya, and fair-haired Amathea, and other Nereïdeswhich were in the depths of the sea. But the resplendent cave was fullof them, and all at once they beat their breasts; but Thetis began thelamentation:

 [Footnote 570: So νεκτάρεον ἑανόν, iii. 385. --Heyne. ]

 [Footnote 571: In illustration of this custom of mourners, cf. Virg. Æn. I. 484:--

 "Crinibus Iliades passis, peplumque ferebant Suppliciter tristes, et tunsæ pectora palmis. "

 Ovid, Fast. Iv. 454: "Et feriunt mœstæ pectora nuda manus. " Silius, xii. 528. Petronius, ciii. P. 509, ed. Burm. : "Sparsis prosequi crinibus, aut nudatum pectus plangere;" cxv. : "Percussi semel iterumque pectus. " See Westerhov, on Ter. Hec. Ii. 3, 49; Northmore on Tryphiodor. 34; and Blomf. On Æsch. Choeph. 27. ]

"Hear, sister Nereïdes, that hearing ye may all well know what griefsare in my mind. Woe is me wretched! woe is me who have in an evil hourbrought forth the bravest [of men], I who, after having borne a son, blameless and valiant, the chief of heroes, and he grew up[572] like ayoung tree: having reared him like a sapling in a fruitful spot of afield, I afterwards sent him forth in the curved ships to Ilium, tofight against the Trojans; but I shall not receive him again, havingreturned home to the palace of Peleus. But whilst he lives and beholdsthe light of the sun, he grieves, [573] nor can I, going to him, availhim aught. Yet will I go, that I may see my beloved son, and hear whatgrief comes upon him remaining away from the battle. "

Thus having spoken, she left the cave; but they all went along with her, weeping, and the wave of the ocean was cleft around for them. [574] Butwhen they reached fertile Troy, they in order ascended the shore, wherethe fleet ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up round swift Achilles. Then his venerable mother, shrilly wailing, stood near to him deeplylamenting, and took the head of her son, and, mourning, addressed to himwinged words:

 [Footnote 572: Ἀνέδραμον is used in the same way by Herodot. Vii. 156, viii. 55; Theocrit. Xviii. 29. It corresponds to our English phrase "to run up. "]

 [Footnote 573: _I. E. _ he continues to do so, and will, till his death. ]

 [Footnote 574: Σφίσι is the dativus commodi. ]

"O son, why weepest thou, and what sorrow has come upon thy mind? Speakout, nor conceal it. Those things indeed are fulfilled for thee fromJove, as thou didst formerly pray, lifting up thy hands--that all thesons of the Greeks, wanting thee, should, be collected at the ships, andsuffer disgraceful deeds. "

But her swift-footed Achilles addressed, deeply groaning:

"Mother mine, these things indeed the Olympian king hath accomplishedfor me; but what pleasure is there in them to me, since Patroclus, mydear companion, is dead, whom I honoured beyond all my companions, equally with my own head? Him have I lost; and Hector, having slain him, has stripped off his mighty armour, a wonder to be seen, beautiful;which the other gods gave to Peleus, splendid gifts, on that day whenthey laid thee in the bed of a mortal man. Would that thou hadst dweltthere among the immortal marine inhabitants, and that Peleus had weddeda mortal spouse. But now [thou hast been wedded, to the end] thatimmeasurable grief may be upon thy mind for thy son slain, whom thoushalt not again receive, having returned home. Since even my mind urgesme not to live nor have intercourse with men, unless Hector first losehis life, smitten by my spear, and pay the penalty for theslaughter[575] of Patroclus, the son of Menœtius. "

But him Thetis in turn addressed, pouring forth tears: "Short-lived thouwilt be, O my son, as thou sayest, for fate is ready for theeimmediately after Hector. " Then, heavily sighing, swift-footed Achillesaddressed her: "May I die then immediately, since it was not destinedthat I should aid my companion now slain; but he indeed hath perishedfar away from his native land, and longed for me to be an averter of hisdoom. But now[576]--since I shall not return to my dear father-land, norhave been a preservation[577] to Patroclus, or to my other companions, who have been subdued in great numbers by noble Hector; but sit besidethe ships, an useless weight on the earth, being such as is none of thebrazen-mailed Achæans in war, though in council there are otherssuperior; would that therefore contention might be extinguished fromgods and men; and anger, which is wont to impel even the very wisest tobe harsh; and which, much sweeter than distilling honey, like smoke, rises in the breasts of men; so now did Agamemnon, king of men, enrageme: but although greatly grieved, let us leave these things to pass byas done, subduing, from necessity, our own spirit within our bosoms: butnow will I go, that I may find Hector, the destroyer of my dear friend, and I will accept death whensoever Jove and the other immortal godsshall please to accomplish it. For not even the might of Herculesescaped death, who was very dear to king Jove, the son of Saturn; butfate subdued him, and the grievous wrath of Juno. So also shall I lie, when I am dead, if a similar fate be destined for me; but now may I bearaway illustrious glory, and compel some one of the Trojan women anddeep-robed Dardanians to sigh frequently, wiping away the tears from hertender cheeks with both hands; and may they know that I have long ceasedfrom battle. [578] Wherefore do not hinder me from the combat, althoughloving me, for thou wilt not persuade me. "

 [Footnote 575: Ελώρια is the more usual form, but ἔλωρα is recognized by Hesychius. "If correct, " Kennedy says, "it may be explained by the existence of ἔλωρον from ἔλωρ (Hesych. T. I. P. 1186, from Il. V. 488), signifying the _price of slaughter_, by the same analogy as θρέπτρον (iv. 478) the _price of nutrition_. "]

 [Footnote 576: Observe the long hyperbaton, resulting from the excitement of the speaker. ]

 [Footnote 577: Literally, "light. "]

 [Footnote 578: _I. E. _ they shall find out the difference when I make my appearance]

Him then the silver-footed goddess Thetis answered: "Certainly this istrue, O son, nor is it an evil thing to avert utter destruction from ourfriends when afflicted. But thy beautiful arms, brazen and shining, aredetained among the Trojans, which crest-tossing Hector himself, havingon his shoulders, boasts of: yet I suspect that he will not long gloryin them, for death is near to him. But do thou by no means enter theslaughter of Mars before thou beholdest me with thine eyes cominghither. For at dawn I will return with the rising sun, bearing beautifularmour from king Vulcan. "

Thus having spoken, she turned round from her son, and being turned, addressed her marine sisters: "Enter ye now the broad bosom of the deep, about to behold the marine old man, and the mansions of my sire, andtell him all things; but I go to lofty Olympus, to Vulcan, the skilfulartist, to try if he is willing to give my son illustrious, glitteringarmour. "

Thus she spoke, but they immediately sank beneath the wave of the sea. But Thetis, the silver-footed goddess, again departed to Olympus, thatshe might bear the illustrious armour to her beloved son. Her, on theone hand, her feet bore towards Olympus: but the Greeks, flying with aheaven-sent uproar from man-slaughtering Hector, reached the ships andthe Hellespont. Nor had the well-greaved Greeks drawn off the dead bodyof Patroclus, the attendant of Achilles, out of the reach of weapons;for now again both infantry and cavalry pursued him, and Hector, the sonof Priam, like unto a flame in violence. Thrice did illustrious Hectorseize him behind by the feet, eager to draw him away, and loudly shoutedto the Trojans; and thrice did the two Ajaces, clad in impetuous might, forcibly repulse him from the corse; whilst he, with steady purpose, ever relying on his might, sometimes charged through the crowd, andsometimes again stopped, loudly shouting; but never retreatedaltogether. But as night-watching[579] shepherds are by no means able todrive away from a carcase a tawny lion, greatly hungering; so were thetwo warriors, the Ajaces, unable to drive away Hector, the son ofPriam, from the body. And now indeed would he have dragged it off, andobtained great glory, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come as a messengerto the son of Peleus, running down from Olympus, that he should armhimself unknown to Jove and the other gods; for Juno sent her forth; andstanding near, she addressed to him winged words:

 [Footnote 579: Cf. Luke ii. 8, with the notes of Wetstein and Kypke. Although ἄγραυλοι may simply mean "dwelling in the fields, " as in Apollon. Rh. Iv. 317, it is better to follow the interpretation of Hesychius: Οἱ ἐν ἀγροῖς διανυκτερεύοντες. But cf. Alberti, t. I. P. 64. ]

"Arise, son of Peleus, most terrible of all men; defend Patroclus, forwhom[580] a dire contest is maintained before the ships. But they areslaughtering each other, the one party fighting for the slain corpse, whilst the other, the Trojans, rush on, that they may drag him away towind-swept Ilium; and above all, illustrious Hector desires to seizehim, for his mind prompts him to fix his head upon stakes, having cut itfrom the tender neck. But up, nor lie longer; but let reverence[581]touch thy soul, that Patroclus should be a source of delight to Trojandogs. A disgrace would be to thee, if the dead body should come at alldefiled. "

 [Footnote 580: _I. E. _ for whose body. ]

 [Footnote 581: "Σέβας is commonly rendered _pudor_, nearly synonymous with αἰδώς. Its meaning is however more forcible, viz. _esteem it as an act of impiety to abandon the body to insult_. "--Kennedy. ]

But her noble, swift-footed Achilles, then answered: "Which of the gods, O goddess Iris, sent thee as a messenger tome?"

But him fleet, wind-footed Iris, again addressed: "Juno sent me forth, the glorious spouse of Jove, nor does the lofty-throned son of Saturnknow it, nor any other of the immortals who inhabit snowy Olympus. "

But her swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "And how can I go tothe slaughter? for they possess my armour. Besides, my dear mother doesnot permit me to be armed, before that with my eyes I behold hercoming, for she hath promised that she will bear me beautiful armourfrom Vulcan. But I indeed know not of another, whose splendid armour Icould put on, [582] except the shield of Ajax, son of Telamon. "

 [Footnote 582: Ἀλλ' οὐδενὸς οἶδα ἀρμόζουτάν μοι πανοπλίαν. --Schol. ]

"But he, I hope, mingles in the front ranks, slaying with his spear roundthe head of Patroclus. "

But him fleet-footed Iris again addressed: "Well too do we know thatthey possess thy distinguished armour: yet even thus, going towards theditch, show thyself to the Trojans, if perchance the Trojans, terrified, may desist from battle, and the warlike, harassed sons of the Greeks maybreathe again; and there be a short respite from fighting. " [583]

 [Footnote 583: Cf. Xv. 42. ]

Thus indeed having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed; but Achilles, dear to Jove, arose; and around his strong shoulders Minerva threw herfringed ægis. And the divine one of goddesses crowned his head aroundwith a golden cloud, and from it she kindled a shining flame. And aswhen smoke, ascending from a city, reaches the æther from an island afaroff, which foes invest, who [pouring out] from their city, contend allday in hateful fight: but with the setting sun torches blaze one afteranother, [584] and the splendour arises, rushing upwards, for [their]neighbours to behold, if perchance they may come with ships, asrepellers of the war; thus did the flame from the head of Achilles reachthe sky. He stood, having advanced from the wall to the trench, normingled with the Greeks, for he reverenced the prudent advice of hismother. There standing, he shouted, and Pallas Minerva, on the otherside, vociferated, and stirred up immense tumult among the Trojans. Andas the tone is very clear, when a trumpet sounds, while deadly foes areinvesting a city; so distinct then was the voice of the descendant ofÆacus. But when they heard the brazen voice of Achilles, the soul wasdisturbed to all, whilst the beautiful-maned steeds turned the chariotsbackwards, for they presaged sorrows in their mind. The charioteers werepanic-struck when they beheld the terrific, indefatigable flame, blazingover the head of magnanimous Pelides; for the azure-eyed goddess Minervalighted it. Thrice over the trench loudly shouted noble Achilles, andthrice were the Trojans and their illustrious allies thrown intoconfusion. There then perished twelve bravest heroes by their chariotsand spears, whilst the Greeks, dragging Patroclus with joy out of thereach of weapons, stretched him on a bier; but his beloved companionsstood round him mourning, and with them followed swift-footed Achilles, shedding warm tears, when he beheld his faithful comrade lying upon abier, lacerated with the sharp brass: whom indeed he had sent forth withhis horses and chariots to battle, but did not receive him again, havingreturned. 

 [Footnote 584: Hesychius: ἐπήτριμοι, ἀλλεπάλληλοι. Cf. Oppian, Cyn. I. 321; iii. 275. The orthography ἐπίτριμοι is equally correct, according to Abresch. ]

But the large-eyed, venerable Juno sent the unwearied sun, to return tothe flowing of the ocean, against his inclination. The sun then set, andthe noble Greeks desisted from the violent conflict, and the equallydestructive battle. The Trojans again, on the other side, retiring fromthe violent combat, loosed their fleet steeds from their chariots. Butthey assembled in the council before they bethought them of theirbanquet. The assembly consisted of persons standing up, nor did any onedare to sit; for fear possessed all, because Achilles had appeared, whohad long abstained from the direful combat. Among them prudentPolydamas, the son of Panthus, began to speak, for he alone saw both thefuture and the past. He was the companion of Hector, and they were bornin one night, but the one excelled in counsel, and the other greatly inthe spear. He wisely counselling, harangued them, and spoke:

"My friends, consider well on both sides; for I advise that we nowreturn to the city, nor await the sacred Morn in the plain near theships; for we are far away from the wall. As long indeed as this man waswroth with noble Agamemnon, so long were the Greeks more easy to fightwith. For even I was delighted, passing the night by the swift barks, expecting that we should take the equally-plied barks; but now greatlydo I fear swift-footed Pelides: so violent is his soul, nor will he becontent to remain in the plain, where usually the Trojans and Greeks inthe intervening space divide[585] the force of war, but he will combatfor the city and our wives. We will go, then, towards the city--bepersuaded by me--for so it must be. Ambrosial night at present hath madeswift-footed Pelides cease; but if, rushing forth to-morrow with hisarms, he shall find us here, then will some one know him; for gladlywill he reach sacred Ilium, whosoever shall escape: but dogs andvultures will devour many of the Trojans. O that such [tidings] may befar from our ears. [586] But if we be obedient to my words, although sad, we shall have protection[587] in the assembly during the night, and thetowers and lofty gates, and the valves fitted to them, long, wellpolished, fastened together, will protect the city. But to-morrow, atearly dawn, we will stand on the towers, arrayed in armour; and it wouldbe difficult for him, even if he should wish it, coming from the ships, to fight with us around the wall. Back again will he go to the ships, after he has satiated his high-necked steeds with a varied course, driving beneath the city. But his mind will not permit him to rushwithin, nor will he ever lay it waste; sooner shall the fleet dogsdevour him. "

 [Footnote 585: This is expressive of the vicissitudes of the conflict. ]

 [Footnote 586: Eἴθε δέ μοι τοῦτο οὐ μόνον μὴ ὀφθείη, ἀλλὰ μηδὲ ἀκουσθείη. --Schol. ]

 [Footnote 587: One of the Scholiasts, however, would take σθένος as=στρατιὰν, i. E. We shall keep the troops in a body. But see Kennedy. ]

Him, then, crest-tossing Hector sternly regarding, addressed:

"No longer, O Polydamas, dost thou speak these things agreeable to me, thou who advisest us, returning, to be cooped up in the city. Are ye notyet satiated with being shut up within the towers? Formerly indeed allarticulate-speaking men pronounced the city of Priam rich in gold and inbrass; but now have the rich treasures of our houses perished, and manypossessions have already departed to Phrygia and agreeable Mœonia, to besold, since mighty Jove was enraged. But at this crisis, when the son ofpolitic Saturn has granted me to obtain glory at the ships, and to hemin the Greeks by the sea, no longer, foolish man, disclose thesecounsels to the people: for none of the Trojans will obey; nor will Ipermit them. But come, let us all obey as I shall advise. At presenttake supper in your ranks throughout the army; be mindful of the watch, and keep guard each [of you]; but whosoever of the Trojans isparticularly anxious about his possessions, collecting them together, let him give them to the people to be publicly consumed; it is betterthat any of them should enjoy them than the Greeks. But to-morrow, withthe dawn, arrayed in armour, let us excite sharp conflict at the hollowships, and if truly noble Achilles has arisen at the ships, it will bethe worse for him, if he wishes [to fight]: I indeed will not fly himfrom the horrid-sounding battle, but will stand very obstinately againsthim, whether he bear away great glory, or I bear it away. Mars [is]common, [588] and even slays the slayer. "

 [Footnote 588: See Duport, p. 104, and Clarke's note. Livy translates it, "communis Mars belli;" observing, "communis Mars, et incertus belli eventus. "]

Thus Hector harangued, and the Trojans shouted in applause: foolish men, for Pallas Minerva had taken their senses away from them. For theyassented to Hector, advising destructive things, whilst no one[assented to] Polydamas, who advised prudent counsel. Then they tooksupper through the army. But the Greeks, lamenting all night, wept overPatroclus, but among them Pelides led the ceaseless lamentation, placinghis man-slaying hands upon the breast of his companion, very frequentlysighing; as the well-bearded lion, from whom the stag-hunter has stolenthe cubs out of the thick forest; and he is grieved, coming afterwards. And through many valleys he goes, tracking the footsteps of the man, ifanywhere he may find him; for very keen rage possesses him. So, deeplysighing, he addressed the Myrmidons:

"Alas! vain indeed was the promise I uttered on that day, encouragingthe hero Menœtius in our halls; for I said that I would bring back hisillustrious son to Opus, having wasted Troy, and obtained a share of thespoil. But Jove fulfils not for men all their intentions; for it isfated that we shall both stain with blood the same earth here in Troy;but neither shall aged horse-driving Peleus receive me in his palaces, returning, nor my mother Thetis, but the earth shall here hold me. Now, however, O Patroclus! since after thee I go beneath the earth, I shallnot perform thy funeral rites, before that I bring hither the arms andhead of magnanimous Hector, thy murderer, and behead twelve illustrioussons of the Trojans, before thy pile, enraged on account of thee slain. Meanwhile thou shall lie thus at the crooked ships; and round theeTrojan [dames] and deep-bosomed Dardanians shall weep and shed tearsnight and day; whom we ourselves have toiled to get by our valour andthe long spear, laying waste the rich cities of articulate-speakingmen. "

Thus having· spoken, noble Achilles ordered his companions to surround alarge tripod with fire, that as soon as possible they might wash awaythe bloody gore from Patroclus. They then placed a bathing tripod on theblazing fire, and poured water into it, and taking fagots, lighted themunder it. The fire indeed encircled the belly of the tripod, and thewater was warmed. But when the water boiled in the sonorous brass, thenthey both washed him, and anointed him with rich oil. And they filled uphis wounds with ointment nine years old; and laying him upon a bed, theycovered him with fine linen from head to foot; and over all, with awhite mantle. [589] All night then the Myrmidons, lamenting Patroclus, wept around swift-footed Achilles. But Jove addressed Juno, his sisterand wife:

"And at length thou hast accomplished thy object, O large-eyed, venerable Juno, having aroused swift-fooled Achilles. Surely thewaving-crested Greeks are born from thy very self. "

 [Footnote 589: Cf. Virg. Æn. Vi. 218, sqq. ; xi. 36, sqq. I shall defer discussing the heroic funeral-rites till the twenty-third book. ]

But him large-eyed, venerable Juno then answered:

"Most imperious son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Surely nowany man who is mortal, and knows not so many designs, might accomplishthis against a man. How therefore ought not I, who boast myself to bechief of the goddesses, both from birth and also because I am called thywife (and thou rulest over all the immortals), being enraged with theTrojans, to [be able to] design evils against them. "

Thus indeed they conversed with one another. But silver-footed Thetisreached the abode of Vulcan, incorruptible, starry, remarkable amongstthe immortals, brazen, which the lame-footed himself had constructed. Him she found sweating, exerting himself at the bellows, earnestlyworking; for he was making full twenty tripods to stand around the wallof his well-built palace. Under the base of each he placed goldenwheels, that of their own accord they might enter the heavenly council, and again return home--a wonder to be seen. So much finish had they, buthe had not yet added the well-made handles, which he was preparing; andhe was forging the rivets. Whilst he was toiling at these things with, skilful mind, meanwhile Thetis, the silver-footed goddess, came to him. But the beautiful and fair-veiled Charis, whom illustrious Vulcan hadespoused, advancing, beheld her; and hung upon her hand, and addressedher, and spoke:

"Why, O long-robed Thetis, venerable, beloved, dost thou visit ourabode? Formerly thou wast not in the habit of coming frequently. [590]But follow farther onwards, that I may set before thee hospitable fare. "

Thus having spoken, the divine of goddesses led on. Then indeed sheplaced her upon a silver-studded throne, beautiful, variously wrought, and there was a stool under her feet. But she called Vulcan, thedistinguished artist, and spoke this word:

"Come hither, Vulcan, Thetis now has need of thee. "

But her illustrious Vulcan then answered: "Assuredly then an awful andrevered goddess is within, who saved me when distress came upon me, fallen down far by the contrivance of my shameless mother, who wished toconceal me, being lame. [591] Then should I have suffered sorrows in mymind, had not Eurynome and Thetis received me in their bosom; Eurynome, daughter of the refluent Ocean. With them for nine years wrought I inbrass many ingenious works of art, buckles, twisted bracelets, andclasp-tubes, in the hollow cave; whilst round us flowed the immensestream of Ocean, murmuring with foam: nor did any other either of godsor mortal men know it; but Thetis and Eurynome, who preserved me, knewit. She now comes to my house; wherefore there is need that I shouldrepay all the rewards of my safety to fair-haired Thetis. But set nowbefore her good hospitable fare, whilst I lay aside my bellows and allmy tools. "

 [Footnote 590: Θαμίζειν answers to the Latin "visere, " "frequentare. " Suidas, Θαμίζεις· πυκνάζεις, συχνάσεις. Plato, Rep. I. P. 410, B. : Οὐδὲ θαμίζεις ἡμῖν καταβαίνων εἰς τὸν ειραιᾶ. Themist. Or. V. P. 152: Μηδὲ θαμίζει δορυφοροῦσα εἰς τὰ βασίλεια. Philostr. Vit. Soph. I. 7, p. 254: Θαμίζων εἰς τὰ στρατόπεδα. Cf. Alciphron, Ep. I. 4, p. 20, iii. 5, p. 286. ]

 [Footnote 591: "Hephæstos is the son of Hêrê without a father, and stands to her in the same relation as Athênê to Zeus: her pride and want of sympathy are manifested by her casting him out at once, in consequence of his deformity. "--Grote, vol. I. P. 79. ]

He spoke and rose, a wondrous bulk, [592] from his anvil-block, limping, and his weak legs moved actively beneath him. The bellows he laid apartfrom the fire, and all the tools with which he laboured he collectedinto a silver chest. With a sponge he wiped, all over, his face and bothhis hands, his strong neck and shaggy breast; then put on his tunic andseized his stout sceptre. But he went out of the doors limping, andgolden handmaids, like unto living maidens, moved briskly about theking; and in their bosoms was prudence with understanding, and withinthem was voice and strength; and they are instructed in works by theimmortal gods. These were busily occupied[593] by the king's side; buthe, hobbling along, sat down upon a splendid throne near where Thetiswas, and hung upon her hand, and spoke, and addressed her:

"Why, long-robed Thetis, venerable and dear, hast thou come to ourabode? For indeed thou didst not often come before. Make known what thoudesirest, for my mind orders me to perform it, [594] if in truth I canperform it, and if it is to be performed. "

 [Footnote 592: I have endeavoured to express Buttmann's idea respecting the meaning of _αἴητον_. See Lexil. P. 44-7. He concludes that it simply means _great_, but with a collateral notion of _astonishment_ implied, connecting it with ἀγητός. ]

 [Footnote 593: See Buttmann, Lexil. P. 481]

 [Footnote 594: Virg. Æn. I. 80:

 "----Tuus, ô regina, quid optes, Explorare labor: mini jussa capessere fas est. "]

Him then Thetis, pouring forth tears, answered: "O Vulcan, has any then, as many as are the goddesses in Olympus, endured so many bitter griefsin her mind, as, to me above all, Jove, the son of Saturn, has givensorrows? Me, from among the other marine inhabitants, has he subjectedto a man, to Peleus, son of Æacus; and I have endured the couch of a manvery much against my will. He, indeed, now lies in his palaces, afflicted with grievous old age; but now other [woes] are my lot. Afterhe had granted me to bring forth aud nurture a son, distinguished amongheroes, and who grew up like a plant; him having reared, as a plant in afertile spot of the field, I sent forth in the crooked barks to Ilium, to fight with the Trojans; but him I shall not receive again, havingreturned home to the mansion of Peleus. As long, however, as he lives tome, and beholds the light of the sun, he suffers sorrow, nor am I, goingto him, able to avail him aught. The maid whom the sons of the Greeksselected as a reward for him, her hath king Agamemnon taken back againfrom his hands. Certainly, grieving for her, he has been wasting hissoul; whilst the Trojans were hemming in the Greeks at the ships, norsuffered them to go beyond the gates: but the elders of the Greekssupplicated him, and named many distinguished presents. But then herefused to avert destruction, yet he clad Patroclus in his own armour, and sent him forth to the battle, and he gave with him much people. Allday they fought round the Scæan gates, and certainly on that day hadoverturned Troy, had not Apollo slain, among the foremost warriors, thegallant son of Menœtius, after having done much mischief, and givenglory to Hector. On this account do I now approach thy knees, if thouwilt give to my short-lived son a shield and helmet, and beautifulgreaves, joined with clasps, and a corslet: for what were his, hisfaithful companion has lost, subdued by the Trojans; and he (Achilles)lies upon the ground, grieving in his soul. "

Her then illustrious Vulcan answered: "Take courage, nor let thesethings be cause of uneasiness in thy mind; for would that I could sosurely conceal him from dread-sounding death, when grievous fateapproaches him, as that beautiful armour shall be ready for him, such asany one of many men shall hereafter admire, whosoever may behold it. "

So saying, he left her there, and went towards the bellows, which heturned towards the fire, and commanded them to work. And full twentybellows blew in the furnaces, exciting a varied well-regulated[595]blast, to be ready for him, at one time busy, at another the reverse, asVulcan pleased, and that the work might be complete. He cast into thefire impenetrable brass, and tin, precious gold and silver; but next heplaced the mighty anvil on the stock, and took in [one] hand his stronghammer, and with the other grasped the forceps. 

 [Footnote 595: _I. E. _ one that would either blow, or not, according as the progress of the work required. The student will do well to compare Virg. Georg. Iv. 171, sqq. , Æn. Viii. 449, sqq. , and Callimach. In Dian. 59, sqq. ]

First of all he formed a shield, [596] both large and solid, decoratingit all over, and around it he threw a shining border, triple andglittering, and from it [there hung] a silver belt. Of the shielditself, there were five folds; but on it he formed many curious works, with cunning skill. On it he wrought the earth, and the heaven, and thesea, the unwearied sun, and the full moon. On it also [he represented]all the constellations with which the heaven is crowned, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the strength of Orion, and the Bear, [597] which theyalso call by the appellation of the Wain, which there revolves, andwatches Orion;[598] but it alone is free[599] from the baths of theocean. 

 [Footnote 596: See Coleridge, Classic Poets, p. 182, sqq. ; Riccius, Dissert. Hom. T. I. P. 216; Feith, Antiq. Hom. Iv. 10, 4. In reading this whole description, care must be taken to allow for the freedom of poetic description, as well as for the skill of the supposed artificer. ]

 [Footnote 597: Cf. Virg. Georg. I. 137; Æn. I. 748, iii. 516. ]

 [Footnote 598: Orion ascends above the horizon, as though in pursuit of the Wain, which in return seems to observe his movements. Manilius, i. 500: "Arctos et Orion adversis frontibus ibant, " which is compared by Scaliger, p. 28. ]

 [Footnote 599: Aratus, Dios. 48: Ἄρκτοι κυανεοῦ πεφυλαγμένοι ὠκεανοῖο. Virg. Georg. I. 246: "Arctos Oceani metuentes æquore tingi. " The student of ancient astronomy will do well to compare Scaliger on Manil. I, p. 43, 2; Casaub. On Strabo, i. Init. ]

In it likewise he wrought two fair cities[600] of articulate-speakingmen. In the one, indeed, there were marriages and feasts; and they wereconducting the brides from their chambers through the city withbrilliant torches, [601] and many a bridal song[602] was raised. Theyouthful dancers were wheeling round, and amongst them pipes and lyresuttered a sound; and the women standing, each at her portals, admired. And people were crowded together in an assembly, and there a contest hadarisen; for two men contended for the ransom-money of a slain man: theone affirmed that he had paid all, appealing to the people; but theother denied, [averring] that he had received nought: and both wished tofind an end [of the dispute] before a judge. [603] The people wereapplauding both, --supporters of either party, and the heralds werekeeping back the people; but the elders sat upon polished stones, in asacred[604] circle, and [the pleaders[605]] held in their hands thestaves of the clear-voiced heralds; with these then they arose, andalternately pleaded their cause. Moreover, in the midst lay two talentsof gold, to give to him who should best establish his claim among them. But round the other city sat two armies of people glittering in arms;and one of two plans was agreeable to them, [606] either to waste it, orto divide all things into two parts, --the wealth, whatever the pleasantcity contained within it. They, however, had not yet complied, but weresecretly arming themselves for an ambuscade. Meanwhile, their belovedwives and young children kept watch, standing above, and amongst themthe men whom old age possessed. But they (the younger men) advanced; butMars was their leader, and Pallas Minerva, both golden, and clad ingolden dresses, beautiful and large, along with their armour, radiantall round, and indeed like gods; but the people were of humblersize. [607] But when they now had reached a place where it appeared fitto lay an ambuscade, by a river, where there was a watering-place forall sorts of cattle, there then they settled, clad in shining steel. There, apart from the people, sat two spies, watching when they mightperceive the sheep and crooked-horned oxen. These, however, soonadvanced, and two shepherds accompanied them, amusing themselves withtheir pipes, for they had not yet perceived the stratagem. Then they, discerning them, ran in upon them, and immediately slaughtered on allsides the herds of oxen, and the beautiful flocks of snow-white sheep;and slew the shepherds besides. But they, when they heard the greattumult amongst the oxen, previously sitting in front of theassembly, [608] mounting their nimble-footed steeds, pursued; and sooncame up with them. Then, having marshalled themselves, they fought abattle on the banks of the river, and wounded one another with theirbrazen spears. Amongst them mingled Discord and Tumult, and destructiveFate, holding one alive, recently wounded, another unwounded, but athird, slain, she drew by the feet through the battle; and had thegarment around her shoulders crimsoned with the gore of men. [609] Butthey turned about, like living mortals, and fought, and drew away theslaughtered bodies of each other. 

 [Footnote 600: Cf. Hesiod, Scut. Herc. 270, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 601: The escort took place at even-tide. ]

 [Footnote 602: On the origin of this term, see Serv. On Virg. Æn. I. 655. ]

 [Footnote 603: Or, "on the testimony of witnesses. " See Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 604: See Heyne on x. 56. So σέλμα σεμνὸν, "the seat of justice. "--Æsch. Ag. 183. ]

 [Footnote 605: See Kennedy, who has collected the Homeric passages concerning lawsuits. ]

 [Footnote 606: _I. E. _ the enemy. The alternative was that the townsmen should either surrender half their possessions, or submit to indiscriminate pillage. See Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 607: This custom of representing gods and heroes of larger stature than ordinary folk prevails almost universally in the Egyptian monuments and sculptures. ]

 [Footnote 608: "Εἴρα vel ἴρα est locus concionis, et ipse cœtus. "--Heyns. ]

 [Footnote 609: Cf. Æn. Vi. : "Tisiphoneque sedens, palla succincta cruenta. " Stat. Theb. I. 109: "Riget horrida tergo Palla, et cærulei redeunt in pectore nodi. "]

On it he also placed a soft fallow field, [610] rich glebe, wide, thrice-ploughed; and in it many ploughmen drove hither and thither, turning round their teams. But when, returning, they reached the end ofthe field, then a man, advancing, gave into their hands a cup of verysweet wine; but they turned themselves in series, [611] eager to reachthe [other] end of the deep fallow. But it was all black behind, similarto ploughed land, which indeed was a marvel beyond [all others]. 

On it likewise he placed a field of deep corn, where reapers werecutting, having sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls fell oneafter the other upon the ground along the furrow, and the binders ofsheaves tied others with bands. Three binders followed [the reapers], whilst behind them boys gathering the handfuls, [and] bearing them intheir arms, continually supplied them; and amongst them the master stoodby the swathe[612] in silence, holding a sceptre, delighted in heart. But apart, beneath an oak, servants were preparing a banquet, andsacrificing a huge ox, they ministered; whilst women sprinkled muchwhite barley[613] [on the meat], as a supper for the reapers. 

 [Footnote 610: With the whole of this description of the shield of Achilles, the lover of poetry should compare Milton, P. L. Xi. 638, sqq. With the remarks of Bishop Newton. ]

 [Footnote 611: But Hesychius by ὄγμους understood αὔλακας, "the furrows. " See Schneid. On Nicand. Ther. 371. ]

 [Footnote 612: I here follow the Oxford translator. The term βασιλεὺς is well in accordance with the simple manners of the early ages, when kings were farmers on a large scale. Many of our Saviour's parables present a similar association of agriculture with the regal dignity. ]

 [Footnote 613: Probably a religious rite. Cf. I. 449, 458. ]

On it likewise he placed a vineyard, heavily laden with grapes, beautiful, golden; but the clusters throughout were black; and it wassupported throughout by silver poles. Round it he drew an azure trench, and about it a hedge[614] of tin; but there was only one path to it, bywhich the gatherers went when they collected the vintage. Young virginsand youths, of tender minds, bore the luscious fruit in wovenbaskets, [615] in the midst of whom a boy played sweetly on a shrillharp; and with tender voice sang gracefully to the chord; whilst they, beating [the ground] in unison with dancing and shouts, followed, skipping with their feet. 

 [Footnote 614: Ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ φραγμὸν αὐτῷ περιέθηκε. Matt, xxi 33. See Rosemüller on Jer. V. 5. ]

 [Footnote 615: "Vimineis calathis, " Copa, 16. Propert. Iii. 11, 31. ]

In it he also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect. But the kine weremade of gold and of tin, and rushed out with a lowing from the stall tothe pasture, beside a murmuring stream, along the breeze-wavingreeds. [616] Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and nine dogs, swift of foot, followed. But two terrible lions detained the bull, roaring among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away, loudlybellowing, and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue. They indeed, having torn off the skin of the great ox, lapped up his entrails andblack blood; and the shepherds vainly pressed upon them, urging on theirfleet dogs. These however refused to bite the lions, but, standing verynear, barked, and shunned them. 

On it illustrious Vulcan also formed a pasture in a beautiful grove fullof white sheep, and folds, and covered huts and cottages. 

Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it with a dance, like unto thatwhich, in wide Gnossus, Dædalus contrived for fair-haired Ariadne. Theredanced youths and alluring[617] virgins, holding each other's hands atthe wrist. These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed inwell-woven tunics, shining[618] as with oil; these also had beautifulgarlands, and those wore golden swords, [hanging] from silver belts. Sometimes, with skilful feet, they nimbly bounded [round]; as when apotter, sitting, shall make trial of a wheel fitted to his hands, whether it will run: and at other times again they ran back to theirplaces through one another. But a great crowd surrounded the pleasingdance, amusing themselves; and amongst them two tumblers, beginningtheir song, spun round through the midst. 

 [Footnote 616: See Knight and Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 617: Literally, "finders of oxen, " i. E. So attractive as to be certain of receiving a good dowry, paid, after the ancient custom, in cattle. ]

 [Footnote 618: This must have been some kind of oil-cloth, unless we read στίλβοντες with Kennedy. The meaning is very obscure. ]

But in it he also formed the vast strength of the river Oceanus, nearthe last border of the well-formed shield. 

But when he had finished the shield, large and solid, he next formed forhim a corslet, brighter than the splendour of fire. He also made for hima strong helmet, fitted to his temples, beautiful and variouslyornamented, and on it placed a golden crest; and made greaves for him ofductile tin. 

But when renowned Vulcan had with toil made all the armour, lifting itup, he laid it before the mother of Achilles; but she, like a hawk, darted down from snowy Olympus, bearing from Vulcan the shining armour. 

 BOOK THE NINETEENTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Thetis, having brought Achilles his new armour, and promised to preservethe body of Patroclus from corruption, he is reconciled to Agamemnon, and being miraculously invigorated by Minerva, goes forth to battle, regardless of the prediction of his fate by his horse Xanthus. 

Safron-robed Morn was rising from the streams of ocean, that she mightbear light to immortals and mortals;[619] but she (Thetis) came to theships, bearing the gifts from the god. Her dear son she found lying uponPatroclus, bitterly lamenting, and his numerous companions werelamenting around him. But near to him stood the divine of goddesses, andhung upon his hand and spoke, and addressed him:

 [Footnote 619:

 "To resalute the world with sacred light Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews embalm'd The earth. "--Par. Lost. Xi. 132. ]

"My son, let us suffer him now to lie, grieved although we be, sincefirst he has been laid low by the counsel of the gods: but do thoureceive these distinguished arms from Vulcan, very beautiful, such as noman has ever worn upon his shoulders. "

Having thus spoken, the goddess placed the armour before Achilles; andthey, all curiously wrought, clashed aloud. Then tremor seized all theMyrmidons, nor did any one dare to look directly at them, but they fledin fear. But when Achilles saw them, the more rage entered him; and hiseyes shone terribly beneath his eyelids, like a flame; and he wasdelighted, holding in his hands the splendid gifts of the god. But afterhe had delighted his mind, beholding these artificial works, heimmediately addressed to his mother winged words:

"Mother mine, the god hath indeed given arms, such as are fit to beworks of immortals, nor that a mortal man could make. Truly now will Iarm myself; but I very much fear lest, in the meantime, the flies, having entered the gallant son of Menœtius, by his spear-inflictedwounds, create maggots, and pollute the corse, (for life in it isdestroyed, ) and all the parts of the body grow putrid. "

But him the silver-footed goddess Thetis then answered:

"My child, let not these things be a care to thy mind. I will endeavourto drive away from him the fierce swarms, the flies which devour heroesslain in battle. For although he lie an entire year, his body shallalways be uncorrupted, or even better. But do thou, having summoned theGrecian heroes to an assembly, having renounced thy wrath towardsAgamemnon, the shepherd of the people, arm thyself quickly for war, andput on thy might. "

Thus, therefore, having spoken, she infused into him the most daringcourage, and then instilled into Patroclus, through the nostrils, ambrosia and ruby nectar, [620] that his body might be uncorrupted. 

 [Footnote 620: Milton, P. L. V. 633: "with angels' food, and rubied nectar flows. "]

But noble Achilles went along the shore of the sea, shouting fearfully, and aroused the Grecian heroes; so that even those who used formerly toremain in the assemblage of the ships, both those who were pilots, andwho held the rudders of the ships, and the pursers [who] were at theships, dispensers of food, even these then indeed went to the assembly, because Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the grievousbattle. And two servants of Mars, the warlike son of Tydeus, and nobleUlysses, went limping, leaning upon a spear; for they still had painfulwounds; and advancing, they sat in the front seats. But last came theking of men, Agamemnon, having a wound; for him also, in the sharpbattle, Coon, son of Antenor, had wounded with his brazen spear. Thenwhen all the Greeks were assembled, swift-footed Achilles, rising upamongst them, said:

"Son of Atreus, this would surely have been somewhat better for boththee and me, [621] when we two, grieved at heart, raged withsoul-devouring contention for the sake of a girl. Would that Diana hadslain her with an arrow in the ships on that day, when wasting, I tookLyrnessus; then indeed so many Greeks had not seized the mighty groundin their teeth under the hands of the enemy, I being continuallyenraged. This however was better for Hector and the Trojans, but I thinkthe Greeks will long remember the contention of you and me. But let usleave these things as passed, although grieved, subduing from necessitythe soul within our bosoms. And now I terminate my wrath, nor is it atall fit that I always obstinately be enraged; but come quickly, incitethe long-haired Achæans to battle, in order that still I may make trialof the Trojans, going against them; if they wish to pass the night atthe ships; but of them I think that any will very gladly bend the knee, whoever shall escape out of the destructive fight from my spear. "

 [Footnote 621: _I. E. _ it would have been better for us to have been friends, as we now are, than enemies. The construction is interrupted, to suit the agitation of the speaker. ]

Thus he spoke; but the well-greaved Greeks rejoiced, the magnanimous sonof Peleus renouncing his wrath. But them, the king of men, Agamemnon, also addressed out of the same place, from his seat, nor advancing intothe midst:

"O friends! heroes of the Greeks, servants of Mars, it is becomingindeed that ye should hearken to me, thus rising, nor is it convenientthat thou shouldst interrupt; for [it is] difficult, even for one beingskilled. [622] But in a great uproar of men, how can any one hear orspeak? but he is interrupted, although being a clear-toned orator. Iindeed will direct myself to the son of Peleus; but do ye, the otherGreeks, understand, and carefully learn my meaning. Often already havethe Greeks spoken this saying to me, and have rebuked me; but I am notto blame, [623] but Jove, and Fate, and Erinnys, roaming amid the shades, who, during the assembly, cast into my mind a sad injury, on that day, when I myself took away the reward of Achilles. But what could I do? forthe deity accomplishes all things; pernicious Até, the venerabledaughter of Jove, who injures all. Her feet are tender, for she does notapproach the ground, but she walks over the heads of men, injuringmankind, and one at least[624] [she] fetters. For at one time sheinjured even Jove, who, they say, is the most powerful of men and gods;but him Juno, being a female, deceived by her guile on that day whenAlemene was about to bring forth mighty Hercules in well-walled Thebes. He indeed, boasting, had said among all the gods:

"Hear me, [625] all ye gods and all ye goddesses, whilst I speak thosethings which the mind within my bosom urges. This day Ilithyia, presiding over births, shall bring into the light a certain man, whoshall be ruler over all his neighbours, --[one] of those men of the bloodof my race!"

 [Footnote 622: _I. E. _ even a good speaker can do nothing without a fair hearing. ]

 [Footnote 623: Cf. Iii. 164. Seneca, (Ed. 1019) "Fati ista culpa est. " Cf. Duport. P. 106. Æsch. Choeph. 910: Ἡ μοῖρα τούτων, ὧ τέκνον, παραιτία. ]

 [Footnote 624: "A delicate censure of Achilles. "--Oxford Transl. ]

 [Footnote 625: Cf. Pindar, Ol. Iii. 50-105, and Il. V. Iii. I have followed Heyne's construing, supplying τινα. ]

But him the august Juno addressed, devising guile: "Thou shalt lie, norshalt thou insure accomplishment to thy speech. But come, swear a firmoath to me, O Olympian! that he shall indeed be ruler over all hisneighbours, who shall this day fall between the feet of a woman, amongthose men, who are of the blood of thy family. "

Thus she spoke, but Jove perceived not her crafty design, but he sworethe mighty oath, and afterwards was much befooled. [626] Then Junospringing forth, quitted the top of Olympus, and came speedily toAchaean Argos, where she knew the noble spouse of Sthenelus, the son ofPerseus. And she, indeed, was pregnant of her beloved son; and theseventh month was at hand; and she brought him into light, beingdeficient the number of months; but kept back the delivery of Alemene, and restrained the Ilithyiæ; and herself bearing the message, addressedJove, the son of Saturn:

 [Footnote 626: Injured, vexed by his infatuation. Juno was thinking of Eurystheus but Jove of Hercules. ]

"Father Jove, hurler of the red lightning, I will put a certain matterin thy mind. A noble man is now born, who shall rule the Argives, Eurystheus, the son of Perseus, thy offspring; nor is it unbecoming thathe should govern the Argives. "

"Thus she spoke; but sharp grief smote him in his deep mind; andimmediately he seized Até by her head of shining curls, enraged in hismind, and swore a powerful oath, that Até, who injures all, should neveragain return to Olympus and the starry heaven. 

"Thus saying, he cast her from the starry heaven, whirling her round inhis hand, but she quickly reached the works of men. On her account healways groaned, [627] when he beheld his beloved son suffering unworthytoil under the labours of[628] Eurystheus. 

"So I also, when the great crest-tossing Hector was thus[629] destroyingthe Greeks at the sterns of the ships, was not able to forget the wrongwhich I had formerly foolishly committed. But since I have sufferedharm, and Jove has taken away my reason, I am willing again to appeasethee, and to give infinite presents. But arise to the battle, and incitethe other people, and I myself [will pledge myself] to furnish all thepresents, as many as noble Ulysses yesterday, going to thee, promised inthy tents. Yet, if thou wilt, wait a little, although hastening tobattle, and my servants, taking the presents from my ship, shall bringthem, that thou mayest see that I will present [thee] with appeasingofferings. "

But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed; "Most glorious sonof Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, whether thou wilt furnish gifts, asis meet, or keep them with thee, [will be seen]; but now let us veryquickly be mindful of the contest; for it is not fitting to waste timein idle talk, [630] nor to delay; as a mighty work is yet undone. But assome one may again behold Achilles among the front ranks, destroying thephalanxes of the Trojans with his brazen spear, so also let some one ofyou, keeping this in mind, fight with [his] man. "

 [Footnote 627: On the servitude of Hercules, see Grote, vol. I. P. 128. ]

 [Footnote 628: _I. E. _ imposed by. ]

 [Footnote 629: "The parallel implied here is of the havoc occasioned by Hector, and the laborious tasks imposed by Eurystheus. Such appears to be the force of the particle. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 630: Hesych. ; Κλοτοπεύειν· παραλογίζεσθαι...... οτραγγύεσθαι. ]

But him Ulysses, of many wiles, answering, addressed: "Not thus, braveas thou art, O godlike Achilles, urge on the sons of the Greeks, fasting, towards Ilium, about to fight with the Trojans; for theconflict will not be for a short time only, when once the phalanxes ofmen shall mingle, and a god breathe might into both. But command theGreeks to be fed at the ships with food and wine, for this is might andvigour. For a man, unrefreshed by food, would not be able to fightagainst [the enemy] all day to the setting sun; for although he mightdesire in his mind to fight, yet his limbs gradually grow languid, andthirst and hunger come upon him, and his knees fail him as he goes. Theman, on the other hand, who is satiated with wine and food, fights allday with hostile men, the heart within his breast is daring, nor are hislimbs at all fatigued before that all retire from battle. But come, dismiss the people, and order a repast to be made ready; and let theking of men, Agamemnon, bring the gifts into the midst of the assembly, that all the Greeks may see them with their eyes, and thou mayest bedelighted in thy mind. Let him, moreover, swear an oath to thee, standing up among the Greeks, that he has never ascended her bed, norhas been mingled with her, as is the custom, O king, of men and wives;and to thee thyself, also, let the soul within thy breast be placid. Then let him next conciliate thee by a rich banquet within his tents, that thou mayest not have aught wanting of redress. And for the future, O son of Atreus, thou wilt be more just towards another; for it is by nomeans unworthy that a king should appease a man, when he[631] may firsthave given offence. "

 [Footnote 631: Understand βασιλεύς. ]

But him the king of men, Agamemnon, in return addressed:

"I rejoice, O son of Laërtes, having heard thy speech, for withpropriety hast thou gone through and enumerated all things. These thingsI am willing to swear, and my mind orders me, in presence of a god, norwill I perjure myself. But let Achilles remain here, at least for alittle while, though hastening to battle, and do all ye others remainassembled, until they bring the gifts from my tent, and we strikefaithful leagues. To thyself, however, [O Ulysses], I give this charge, and order thee, selecting the principal youths of all the Greeks, tobear from my ship the gifts, as many as we yesterday promised that weshould give to Achilles, and to lead [hither] the women. But letTalthybius also quickly prepare for me through the wide army of theGreeks, a boar to sacrifice to Jove and the sun. "

Him answering, swift-footed Achilles then addressed:

"Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, at some other timeought they rather to attend to these things, when any cessation ofbattle hereafter be, and so much ardour be not in my bosom: but atpresent those lie mangled, whom Hector, son of Priam, subdued, when Jovegave him the glory: but ye urge [them] to food! Now indeed I shouldexcite the sons of the Greeks to fight, fasting, but with the settingsun, to prepare a large supper, after we have revenged our disgrace. Before that neither drink nor food shall pass down my throat, mycompanion being slain, who lies in my tent, torn with the sharp brass, turned towards the vestibule, whilst his comrades mourn around thesethings are not a care to my mind, but slaughter and bloodshed, and thedreadful groans of heroes. "

But him much-scheming Ulysses answering, addressed:

"O Achilles, son of Peleus, by far the bravest of the Greeks, thou artsuperior indeed to me, and not a little more valiant with the spear, butI indeed excel thee much in prudence; because I was born before thee, and know more: wherefore let thy mind be restrained by my words. Soon isthere a satiety of contest to the men, a most abundant crop of whom thebrass pours upon the earth; but the harvest is very small, when Jove, who is the umpire of the battle of men, inclines his scales. It is by nomeans fit that the Greeks should lament the dead with the stomach, forin great numbers and one upon another are they every day falling; whentherefore could any one respire from toil? But it is necessary to buryhim, whosoever may die, having a patient mind, weeping for a day. [632]But as many as survive the hateful combat should be mindful of drinkingand of food, in order that we may ever the more ceaselessly contend withour enemies, clad as to our bodies in impenetrable brass; nor let any ofthe troops lie by awaiting another exhortation. For evilly will thatexhortation come upon him, whoever may be left at the ships of theGreeks; but advancing in a body, let us stir up the keen battle againstthe horse-breaking Trojans. "

 [Footnote 632: Libanius, Or. Ix. In Julian. : Ὤ πολλὰ συγκινήσας ἐπὶ σαυτῷ δάκρυα, οὐκ ἐπ' ἤματι κατὰ τὸ ἔπος, ὀλοφυρμοι τυχῶν. See Duport, p. 111. ]

He said, and chose as his companions the sons of glorious Nestor, andMeges, son of Phyleus, Thoas, and Meriones, Lycomedes, son of Creon, andMelanippus; and they proceeded to go towards the tent of Agamemnon, sonof Atreus. Immediately after the word was spoken, and the work wasperfected. Seven tripods they bore from the tent, which he had promisedhim, and twenty splendid goblets, and twelve steeds; and straightway ledforth seven blameless women, skilled in works, but the eighth wasfair-cheeked Briseïs. But Ulysses, placing[633] ten whole talents ofgold, led the way, and with him the other youths of the Greeks bore thepresents, and placed them in the midst of the assembly; but Agamemnonrose up; and Talthybius, like unto a god in his voice, stood beside theshepherd of the people, holding a boar in his hands. Then the son ofAtreus, drawing the knife with his hands, which always hung by thegreat scabbard of his sword, cutting off the forelock of the boar, prayed, lifting up his hands to Jove; but all the Greeks sat in silencein the same spot, listening in a becoming manner to the king. Butpraying, he spoke, looking towards the wide heaven:

 [Footnote 633: _I. E. _ in the scale, in order to be weighed. ]

"Now first let Jove be witness, the most supreme and best of gods, andEarth, and Sun, and ye Furies, who beneath the earth chastise men, whoever may swear a falsehood; never have I laid hands upon the maidBriseïs, needing her for the sake of the couch, or any other purpose;but inviolate has she remained in my tents. But if any of these thingsbe false, may the gods inflict on me those very many distresses whichthey inflict when men sin in swearing. "

He said, and cut the throat of the boar with the ruthless brass; whichTalthybius, whirling round, cast into the mighty water of the hoary sea, as food for fishes. But Achilles, rising, said among the war-lovingGreeks:

"O father Jove, certainly thou givest great calamities to men; for nevercould Atrides have so thoroughly aroused the indignation in my bosom, nor foolish, led away the girl, I being unwilling, but Jove for someintent wished death should happen to many Greeks. But now go to therepast, that we may join battle. "

Thus then he spoke, and dissolved the assembly in haste. [634]

 [Footnote 634: So Od. Viii. 38: Θοὴν ἀλεγύνετε δαῖτα, i. E. θοῶς. Virg. Æn. Iv. 226: "Celeres defer mea dicta per auras, " which Servius interprets, "celer, vel celeriter. "]

They indeed were separated, each to his own ship; but the magnanimousMyrmidons were occupied about the gifts, and, bearing them, went to theship of godlike Achilles. These they laid up in the tents, and placedthe women in seats; but the illustrious attendants drove the horses tothe stud. But afterwards Briseïs, like unto golden Venus, when shebeheld Patroclus lacerated with the sharp spear, throwing herself abouthim, wept aloud, and with her hands tore her breast and tender neck, andfair countenance. [635] Then the woman, like unto the goddesses, weeping, said:

"O Patroclus! most dear to my wretched soul, I left thee indeed alive, departing from my tent, but now returning, I find thee dead, O chieftainof the people! How in my case evil ever succeeds evil. The hero indeedto whom my father and venerable mother had given me, [636] I saw piercedwith the sharp brass before the city; and three beloved brothers whomthe same mother had brought forth to me, all drew on the destructiveday. Nevertheless, thou didst not suffer me to weep, when swift Achillesslew my husband, and laid waste the city of divine Mynes, but thousaidst thou wouldst render me the wedded wife[637] of noble Achilles, lead me in the ships to Phthia, and prepare the nuptial feast amongstthe Myrmidons. Therefore do I insatiably lament thee dead, being evergentle. "

 [Footnote 635: On these ancient signs of lamentation cf. Virg. Æn. Iv. 672; xii. 605; Silius, viii. 153; Tusc. Quæst. Iii. 26. Æsch. Choeph. 22: Πρέπει παρήϊς φοινίοις ἀμυγμοῖς. Eur. Hel. 1098: Παρῇδι τ' ὄνυχα φόνιον ἐμβαλῶ χροός. Orest. 950: Τιθεῖσα λευκὸν ὄνυχα δίὰ παρηΐδων, αἱματηρὸν ἄταν. Artemidor. I. Ἐν τοῖς πένθεσι λάβωνται τὰς παρείας οἱ ἄνθρωποι. See Comm. On Petron. Cxi. ]

 [Footnote 636: The consent of both parents was necessary to a contract of marriage. See Feith, Antiq. Hom. Ii. 13, 3. ]

 [Footnote 637: She appears to have been, at present, only betrothed. ]

Thus she spoke, weeping; and the women lamented for Patroclus, as apretext, but [really] each for her own ills. And around him (Achilles)were collected the elders of the Greeks, entreating him to takerefreshment; but he, moaning, refused:

"I entreat [you], if any of my beloved companions would be obedient tome, bid me not satiate my heart with food or drink, since heavy griefhath invaded me; but I will wait entirely till the setting sun, and willendure. "

So saying, he dismissed the other kings: but two sons of Atreusremained; and noble Ulysses, Nestor, Idomeneus, and the aged knightPhœnix, constantly endeavouring to delight him sorrowing; nor was he atall delighted, before he should enter the mouth[638] of bloody war. Butremembering [Patroclus], he frequently heaved [a sigh], and said:

 [Footnote 638: So Ennius, p. 128. Hessel. : "Belli ferratos posteis portasque refregit. " Virg. Æn. I. 298: "Claudentur belli portæ. " Stat. Theb. V. 136: "Movet ostia belli. "]

"Surely once, thou too, O unhappy one! dearest of my companions, wouldstthyself have set before me a plentiful feast, within my tent, speedilyand diligently, when the Greeks hastened to make tearful war upon thehorse-breaking Trojans. But now thou liest mangled; but my heart iswithout drink and food, though they are within, from regret for thee;for I could not suffer anything worse, not even if I were to hear of myfather being dead, who now perhaps sheds the tender tear in Phthia fromthe want of such a son; while I, in a foreign people, wage war againstthe Trojans, for the sake of detested Helen: or him, my beloved son, whois nurtured for me at Scyros, if indeed he still lives, godlikeNeoptolemus. For formerly the mind within my bosom hoped that I aloneshould perish here in Troy, far from steed-nourishing Argos, and thatthou shouldst return to Phthia, that thou mightst lead back my son inthy black ship from Scyros, and mightst show him everything, myproperty, my servants, and my great, lofty-domed abode. For now Isuppose that Peleus is either totally deceased, or that he, barelyalive, suffers pain from hateful old age, and that he is continuallyexpecting bad news respecting me, when he shall hear of my being dead. "

Thus he spoke, weeping; and the elders also groaned, remembering, eachof them, the things which they had left in their dwellings. But the sonof Saturn felt compassion, seeing them weeping, and immediately toMinerva addressed winged words:

"O daughter mine, thou entirely now desertest thy valiant hero. IsAchilles then no longer at all a care to thee in thy mind? He himself issitting before his lofty-beaked ships, bewailing his dear companion;while the others have gone to a banquet; but he is unrefreshed andunfed. Go, therefore, instil into his breast nectar and delightfulambrosia, that hunger may come not upon him. "

So saying, he urged on Minerva, who was before eager. But she, like untoa broad-winged, shrill-voiced harpy, leaped down from the heavensthrough the air. The Greeks, however, were then arming themselvesthroughout the camp, when she instilled into the bosom of Achillesnectar and delightful ambrosia, that unpleasant hunger might not comeupon his limbs. Then she went to the solid mansion of her powerful sire, and they, apart, poured forth from the swift ships. 

And as when thick snow-flakes fly down from Jove, beneath the force ofthe cold, air-clearing Boreas; so from the ships were borne out crowdedhelmets, shining brightly, and bossed shields, strong-cavitied corslets, and ashen spears. But the sheen reached to heaven, and all the eartharound smiled beneath the splendour of the brass; and a trampling of thefeet of men arose beneath. In the midst noble Achilles was armed, andthere was a gnashing of his teeth, and his eyes shone like a blaze offire; but intolerable grief entered his heart within him, and, enragedagainst the Trojans, he put on the gifts of the god, which Vulcan, toiling, had fabricated for him. First around his legs he placed thebeautiful greaves, joined with silver clasps, next he put on the corsletround his breast, and suspended from his shoulders the brazen, silver-studded sword; then he seized the shield, large and solid, thesheen of which went to a great distance, as of the moon. [639] And aswhen from the sea the blaze of a burning fire shines to mariners, whichis lit aloft amongst the mountains in a solitary place; but the stormbears them against their inclination away from their friends over thefishy deep; so from the shield of Achilles, beautiful and skilfullymade, the brightness reached the sky. But raising it, he placed thestrong helmet upon his head; and the helmet, crested with horse-hair, shone like a star; and the golden tufts which Vulcan had diffused thickaround the cone were shaken. Then noble Achilles tried himself in hisarms if they would fit him, and if his fair limbs would move freely inthem; but they were like wings to him, and lifted up the shepherd of thepeople. And from its sheath he drew forth his paternal spear, heavy, great, and stout, which no other of the Greeks was able to brandish, butAchilles alone knew how to hurl it--a Pelian ash, which Chiron had cutfor his father from the top of Pelion, to be a destruction to heroes. But Automedon and Alcimus, harnessing the steeds, yoked them; andbeautiful collars were upon them. They put the bridles into their jaws, and drew back the reins towards the well-glued car, when Automedon, seizing the shining lash, fitted to his hand, leaped into the car;Achilles, armed for battle, mounted behind him, glittering in his armourlike the shining sun; and terribly he gave command to the horses of hissire:

 [Footnote 639: Milton, P. L. I. 284:

 "........ His pond'rous shield Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, Behind him cast; the broad circumference Hung on his shoulders like the moon. "]

"Xanthus, and Balius, illustrious offspring of Podarges, resolve now ina different manner to bring back your charioteer in safety to the bodyof the Greeks, after we are satiated with battle, nor leave him theredead, like Patroclus. "

But from beneath the yoke, Xanthus, his swift-footed steed, addressedhim, and immediately hung down his head, and his whole mane, droopingfrom the ring which was near the yoke, reached the ground. But thewhite-armed goddess Juno gave him the power of speech:

"Now, at least, we will bear thee safe, O impetuous Achilles: but thefatal day draws nigh to thee; nor are we to blame, but a mighty deityand violent destiny. For not by our laziness, or sloth, have the Trojansstripped the armour from the shoulders of Patroclus; but the bravest ofthe gods, whom fair-haired Latona brought forth, slew him among thefront ranks, and gave glory to Hector. And [though] we can run even withthe blast of Zephyrus, which they say is the most fleet, yet to thyselfit is fated that thou shouldst be violently subdued by a god and a man. "

Of him, having thus spoken, the Furies restrained the voice: but himswift-footed Achilles, greatly indignant, addressed:

"O Xanthus, why dost thou predict my death to me? For it is not at allnecessary for thee. Well do I myself know that it is my fate to perishhere, far away from my dear father and mother. Nevertheless I will notcease before the Trojans are abundantly satiated with war. "

He spoke, and shouting amongst the front ranks, directed on hissolid-hoofed steeds. 

 BOOK THE TWENTIETH

 ARGUMENT. 

Jove permits the gods to join in the battle, and they take theirrespective places on either side. Æneas engages Achilles, but is rescuedby Neptune. Hector, in revenge for the death of his brother Polydorus, also attacks Achilles, and is only saved from death by the interventionof Apollo. Achilles then slays many Trojans. 

Thus around thee, O son of Peleus, were the Achæans armed, insatiable infight, beside their crooked ships; and the Trojans, on the other side, on the acclivity[640] of the plain. But Jove ordered Themis to summonthe gods to an assembly, from the top of many-valleyed Olympus, and she, going round, ordered them to proceed to the palace of Jove. Nor was anyone of the rivers absent, save Oceanus, nor of the nymphs who inhabitthe pleasant groves and springs of rivers, and the grassy meads. Then, coming to the habitation of cloud-compelling Jove, they sat down uponshining polished benches, which Vulcan with cunning skill had made forfather Jove. Thus were they assembled within the palace of Jove: nor didNeptune disobey the goddess, but he came to them from the sea. Then hesat in the midst, and inquired the design of Jove:

 [Footnote 640: See x. 160; xi. 56. ]

"Why again, O hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned thegods to an assembly? Dost thou deliberate anything respecting theTrojans and Greeks? For now their combat and the battle are on the pointof being kindled. "

But him cloud-compelling Jove answering, addressed:

"Thou knowest, O earth-shaker, my design within my breast, [and] forwhose sake I have assembled you; for though about to perish, they are acare to me. I will, however, remain sitting on the top of Olympus, whence looking, I shall delight my soul; but depart the rest of you, that ye may go to the Trojans and Greeks. Give aid to both, according asis the inclination of each. For if Achilles alone shall fight againstthe Trojans, they will not even for a little sustain the swift-footedson of Peleus. Formerly even beholding him, they fled terrified; but nowwhen he is grievously enraged in his mind on account of his companion, Ifear lest he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate. "

Thus spoke Saturnian Jove, and he stirred up the unyielding[641]contest; and the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, havingdiscordant minds. Juno, indeed, and Pallas Minerva [went] to theassemblage of the ships, as well as earth-shaking Neptune, and usefulMercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom went Vulcan, lookingsavage in his might, limping, and under him his weak limbs moved withall their force. But to the Trojans [went] crest-tossing Mars, and withhim unshorn Phœbus, [642] and Diana, delighting in archery, Latona, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus. As long as the gods were apart frommortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated, because Achillesappeared, for he had long abstained from the dire battle; and a violenttremor came upon the Trojans, upon each of them as to their limbs, fearing because they beheld the swift-footed son of Peleus glittering inarms, equal to man-slaughtering Mars. But after the Olympians had cometo the crowd of men, then arose fierce Contention, the exciter of thepeople, and Minerva shouted, sometimes standing beside the trench, outside the wall, at other times she loudly shouted along the echoingshores. But Mars yelled aloud on the other side, like unto a darkwhirlwind, keenly animating the Trojans from the lofty city, at othertimes running along the Simoïs over Callicolone. [643]

Thus the blessed gods, inciting both sides, engaged, and among them madesevere contention to break out. But dreadfully from above thundered thefather of gods and men; whilst beneath Neptune shook the boundless earthand the lofty summits of the mountains. The roots and all the summits ofmany-rilled Ida were shaken, and the city of the Trojans, and the shipsof the Greeks. Pluto himself, king of the nether world, trembledbeneath, and leaped up from his throne, terrified, and shouted aloud, lest earth-shaking Neptune should rend asunder the earth over him, anddisclose to mortals and immortals his mansions, terrible, squalid, whicheven the gods loathe. So great a tumult arose from the gods engaging incombat. Against king Neptune, indeed, stood Phœbus Apollo, having hiswinged shafts, and against Mars the azure-eyed goddess Minerva. Opposedto Juno stood the goddess of the golden bow, huntress Diana, rejoicingin archery, the sister of Apollo; and opposite Latona, thepreserver, [644] useful Mercury. Against Vulcan also was the greatdeep-eddying river, which the gods call Xanthus, and men the Scamander. 

 [Footnote 641: Buttm. Lexil. P. 406, 3: "The adjective αλίαστος, literally _unbending, unyielding, not to be turned_, became the epithet of a violent, uncontrollable, incessant tumult, battle, lamentation, &c, as at Iλ. M. 471; B. 797; Ω. 760; and as an adverb at Ω. 549. "]

 [Footnote 642: Hor. Od. I. Xxii. 2: "Intonsum, pueri, dicite Cynthium. " Tibull. I. 4, 37: "Solis æterna est Phœbo, Bacchoque juventa: hanc decet intonsus crinis utrumque Deum. " Various reasons are assigned for this; such as, "quia occidendo et renascendo semper est juvenior, " Fulgent. Myth. I. 17; or, "quod ipse sit sol, et sol ignis est, qui nunquam senescit, " Lutat. On Stat. Theb. I. 694. The inhabitants of Hieropolis, however, worshipped a bearded Apollo. --Macr. Sat. I. 17. ]

 [Footnote 643: A rising ground which lay on the road from Troy towards the sea-coast, on the other side of the Simoïs, commanding the entire plain. Hence it is the rendezvous of the gods who favoured the Trojans. ]

 [Footnote 644: We find a collateral verb σωκεῖιν=_valere_, in Æsch. Eum. 36. Apollon. Lex. P. 762; Hesych. T. Ii. P. 1334, derive σῶκως from σωσίοικος, the former connecting it with ἐριούνιος, ὁ μεγάλως ὀνίσκων, τοῦτ' ἔστι ὀφελῶν. ]

Thus indeed gods went against gods; but Achilles chiefly longed topenetrate through the crowd against Hector, the son of Priam; for withhis blood his mind particularly ordered him to satiate Mars, theinvincible warrior. But Apollo, exciter of troops, immediately arousedÆneas against the son of Peleus, and infused into him strong courage. And he likened himself in voice to Lycaon, the son of Priam, and havinglikened himself to him, Apollo, the son of Jove, said:

"O Æneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where are thy threats which, whilstcarousing, thou didst promise to the leaders of the Trojans, that thouwouldst fight against Achilles, the son of Peleus?"

But him Æneas, answering, addressed in turn:

"Son of Priam, why dost thou order me, not wishing it, these things, tofight against magnanimous Pelides? For shall I not now for the firsttime stand against swift-footed Achilles, but already, on anotheroccasion, he chased me with his spear from Ida, when he attacked ourcattle, and laid waste Lyrnessus and Pedasus: but Jove preserved me, whoexcited my strength and nimble limbs. Certainly I should have beensubdued beneath the hands of Achilles, and Minerva, who, preceding, gavehim victory, and encouraged him to slay the Lelegans and Trojans withhis brazen spear. Wherefore it is not possible that a man should fightagainst Achilles, because one of the gods is ever beside him, who avertsdestruction. Besides, also, his weapon flies direct, nor stops before ithas pierced through human flesh; though if the deity would extend anequal scale of victory, not very easily would he conquer me, although heboasts himself to be all brazen. "

But him again king Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed:

"But do thou also pray, O hero, to the immortal gods, for they say thatthou too art sprung from Venus, the daughter of Jove, but he from aninferior goddess; for the one is from Jove, and the other from the agedsea-god. But direct thy invincible brass right against him, nor let himat all avert thee by haughty words and threats. "

Thus saying, he breathed great courage into the shepherd of the people;and he advanced through the front ranks, accoutred in shining brass. Nordid the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Juno, goingagainst the son of Peleus through the ranks of men; but, calling thegods together, she addressed them:

"Consider now, both Neptune and Minerva, in your minds, how these thingsshall be. This Æneas, accoutred in shining brass, has advanced againstthe son of Peleus; and Phœbus Apollo has urged him on. But come, let us, however, turn him back again; or let some one of us stand by Achilles, and give him great strength, nor let him at all be wanting in courage;that he may know that the mightiest of the immortals love him; and thatthose, on the contrary, are vain, who hitherto avert war and slaughterfrom the Trojans. But we have all come down from Olympus, about toparticipate in this battle, lest he should suffer anything among theTrojans to-day; but hereafter he shall suffer those things, asmany as Fate at his birth wove in his thread [of destiny], [645] to him, what time his mother brought him forth. But if Achilles shall not learnthese things from the voice of a god, he will afterwards be afraid whenany god comes against him in battle; for the gods, when made manifest, are terrible to be seen manifestly. " [646]

But her then earth-shaking Neptune answered:

"Juno, be not beyond reason enraged; nor is it at all necessary. I, indeed, would not desire that we should engage the other gods in abattle, since we are much more powerful. [647] Rather let us, going outof the way, sit down upon a place of observation, [648] but the war shallbe a care to mortals. But if Mars shall begin the combat, or Apollo, orshall restrain Achilles, and not suffer him to fight, then immediatelyshall the strife of contention there arise to us; and I think that they, having very speedily decided it, will return to Olympus, and mix withthe assembly of other gods, violently subdued by necessity under ourhands. "

Thus then having spoken, the azure-haired [god] led the way to the loftymound-raised wall of divine Hercules, which the Trojans and PallasMinerva had made, that, flying, he might escape from the sea-monster, when pursued from the shore to the plain. There then Neptune sat down, and the other gods, and drew an indissoluble cloud around theirshoulders; whilst on the other side they sat upon the tops ofCallicolone, around thee, O archer Apollo, and Mars, the sacker ofcities. Thus they sat on both sides, planning designs, yet both wereunwilling to commence grievous war; but Jove, sitting aloft, cheeredthem on. All the plain, however, was filled with them, and glitteredwith the brass of men and horses, and the earth echoed under the feet ofthem rushing together. But two heroes, by far the most valiant, advancedtowards [each other] into the midst of both armies, eager tofight, --Æneas, the son of Anchises, and noble Achilles. And first Æneas, threatening, advanced, nodding with his strong casque; and before hisbreast he held his impetuous shield, and shook his brazen spear. But onthe other side Pelides rushed against him like a destructive lion, whichmen assembled together, a whole village, are anxious to kill. He, however, at first despising them, proceeds; but when some one ofvigorous youths has wounded him with a dart, yawning, he collectshimself [for a spring], [649] and the foam arises round his teeth, andhis valiant soul groans within his breast, and he lashes his sides andthighs on both sides with his tail, and rouses himself to battle; then, grimly glaring, he is borne straight on by his strength, if he can killsome of the men, or is himself destroyed in the first crowd. Thus didhis might and noble soul urge Achilles to go against magnanimous Æneas. But when now, advancing, they approached each other, swift-footed, nobleAchilles first addressed the other:

 [Footnote 645: See Duport, p. 114. On the web woven by the Fates for man's life, see Virg. Ecl. Iv. 46; Catullus, lxiv. 328. But this passage of Homer seems to imply the ancient notion, that the Fates might be delayed, but never set aside. Cf. Nemes. De Nat. Horn. I. 36; Censorin. De die Nat. Xiv. ; Serv. On Æn. Vii. 398. ]

 [Footnote 646: "Deos _manifesto_ in lumine vidi. "--Virg. Æn. Iv. 358. On the belief that the sight of a god was attended with danger, cf. Liv. I. Xvi. Where Proculus beseeches the apparition of Romulus "ut contra intueri fas esset. " See intpp. On Exod. Xxxiii. 20; Judges xiii. 22. ]

 [Footnote 647: I am half inclined to condemn this verse as spurious, with Ernesti. It is wanting in MS. Lips, and ed. Rom. , and does not appear to have been read by Eustathius. ]

 [Footnote 648: Compare the "Contemplantes" of Lucan, sub init. , where the gods seek a similar place of observation. ]

 [Footnote 649: So ἀλεὶς in xv. 403. "It is also used in the same way of a warrior, who, whilst he is preparing to rush on his enemy, or expecting his attack, draws himself up together, or, as we say, puts himself in an attitude of attack or defence. "--Buttm. Lexil. P. 258. ]

"Why, O Æneas, coming through so great a length of crowd, dost thoustand against me? Does then thy soul urge thee to fight with me, hopingthat thou wilt govern the horse-breaking Trojans in the place[650] ofPriam? Yet even if thou shalt slay me, not thus will Priam place thisreward in thy hand: for he has sons; and he is himself steady, norinconstant. Or, if thou slayest me, have the Trojans cut off for thee anenclosure[651] of soil surpassing others, suited to vines and theplough, that thou mayest cultivate it? Still I hope thou wilt effect itwith difficulty. For I think I have at some other time put thee toflight with my spear. Dost thou not remember when I impetuously drovethee, when alone, from the oxen, with rapid feet, down the Idæanmountains? Then indeed thou didst never turn round while flying, butdidst escape thence into Lyrnessus; but I wasted it, having attacked itwith the aid of Minerva and father Jove. The women also I led awaycaptives, having taken away their day of freedom; but Jove and the othergods preserved thee. However, I do not think they will protect thee now, as thou castest in thy mind; but I exhort thee, retiring, to go into thecrowd, nor stand against me, before thou suffer some evil; but [it is] afool [who] knows a thing [only] when it is done. "

 [Footnote 650: Άγτὶ..... βασιλείας is Gaza's correct paraphrase. ]

 [Footnote 651: Cf 194. ]

But him Æneas answered in turn, and said:

"Do not think, O son of Peleus, to affright me, like an infant boy, withwords; since I also well know how to utter both threats and reproaches. But we know each other's race, and we know our parents, hearing thewords of mortal men long since uttered; although by sight, indeed, neither dost thou know mine, nor I thine. They say, indeed, that thouart the offspring of renowned Peleus, and of thy mother Thetis, thefair-haired sea-nymph; whereas I boast myself to be sprung frommagnanimous Anchises, and Venus is my mother. Of these the one or theother shall this day lament their beloved son; for I think we shall notreturn from the battle thus separated by childish words. But if thoudesirest to be taught these matters, that thou mayest well know our race(for many men know it), cloud-compelling Jove indeed first begatDardanus. [652] And he built Dardania, for sacred Ilium, the city ofarticulate-speaking men, was not as yet built in the plain, and theystill dwelt at the foot of many-rilled Ida. Dardanus again begat a son, king Erichthonius, who was then the richest of mortal men; whose threethousand mares pastured through the marsh, rejoicing in their tenderfoals. Boreas, however, was enamoured of some of these when pasturing, and having likened himself to an azure-maned steed, covered them; andthey, becoming pregnant, brought forth twelve female foals; which whenthey bounded upon the fruitful earth, ran over the highest fruit of thestalks of corn, nor did they break them:[653] but when they sported overthe broad back of the ocean, they ran along the surface of the ridge ofthe hoary sea. But Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans. FromTros again were descended three illustrious sons, Ilus, Assaracus, andgodlike Ganymede, who indeed was the handsomest of mortal men; and whomthe gods caught up into heaven, to pour out wine for Jove, [654] that, onaccount of his beauty, he might be with the immortals. Ilus again begathis renowned son Laomedon; but Laomedon begat Tithonus and Priam, Lampus, Clytius, and Hicetaon, a branch of Mars; and Assaracus Capys, who also begat his son Anchises. But Anchises begat me, and Priam nobleHector. Of this race and blood do I boast myself to be. But Joveincreases and diminishes valour to men, as he pleases; for he is themost powerful of all. But come, let us no longer talk of these things, like little boys, standing in the middle combat of the strife. For it ispossible for both to utter very many reproaches, so that a hundred-oaredgalley[655] would not contain the burthen; for the language of mortalsis voluble, [656] and the discourses in it numerous and varied: and vastis the distribution[657] of words here and there. Whatsoever word thoumayest speak, such also wilt thou hear. But what need is there to us ofdisputes and railing, that we should quarrel with each other like women, who, being angry with a soul-destroying strife, proceeding into themiddle of the way, chide each other with many things true and not true:for rage also suggests those things?[658] With words, however, thoushalt not turn me, courageous, from my valour, before thou lightestagainst me with thy brass; but come, quickly let us make trial of eachother with brazen spears. "

 [Footnote 652: On Dardanus, the eponymus of Dardania, see Grote, vol. I. P. 387, where the whole legend of Troy is admirably discussed. Cf. Virg. Æn. I. 292; iii. 167, where the Roman poet has made use of Homer in tracing the pedigree of Æneas to Jove. ]

 [Footnote 653: This hyperbole has been emulated by numberless poets. Cf. Oppian, Cyn. I. 231; Apollon. Rh. I. 183; Quintus Calab. Viii. 156; Virg. Æn. Vii. 808; Claudian in 3rd Cons. Hon. I. 97. ]

 [Footnote 654: Cf. Pindar, Ol. I. 69, and Serv. On Æn. I. 32. ]

 [Footnote 655: Compare the Latin phrase, "plaustra convitiorum, " and Duport, p. 116. ]

 [Footnote 656: Στρεπτή--ὑyρa καί εύλύγιστος. --Eustath. ]

 [Footnote 657: Νομος, έπινέμησις έφ' έκάτεοα. --Eustath. See Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 658: "_I. E. _ prompts to utter all sorts of things, true and false. "--Oxf. Tr. ]

He spoke, and hurled his brazen spear against the dreadful shield, terrible [to be seen], and the huge buckler resounded with the stroke ofthe javelin. But the son of Peleus, alarmed, held the shield from himwith his strong hand, for he supposed that the long spear ofgreat-hearted Æneas would easily penetrate; foolish! nor did he reflectin his mind and soul, that the glorious gifts of the gods are not easyto be subdued by mortal men, nor to yield. Nor then did the heavy spearof warlike Æneas penetrate the shield; but the gold stopped it, the giftof the god. It penetrated, however, through two folds, but there werestill three; since Vulcan had drawn five folds over it, two brazen, twoinside of tin, and one golden; in which the brazen spear was stopped. But Achilles next sent forth his long-shadowed spear, and struck againstthe shield of Æneas, equal on all sides, at the outside edge, where thethinnest brass ran round it, and the ox-hide was thinnest upon it; butthe Pelian ash broke through, and the shield was crushed by it. ButÆneas crouched, [659] and being terrified, held the shield from him;whilst the spear [passing] over his back, stuck in the earth eager [togo on], for it had burst through both orbs of the mighty[660] shield. But he, having escaped the long spear, stood still, but immoderatesadness was poured over his eyes, terrified, because the weapon hadstuck so near him. But Achilles eagerly sprang upon him, drawing hissharp sword, and shouting dreadfully. Then Æneas seized in his hand astone, a great weight, which not two men could bear, such as men noware; but he, though alone, easily wielded it. Then indeed had Æneassmitten him, rushing on, with the stone, either upon the helmet or theshield, which kept off grievous destruction from him; and Pelides, inclose fight, had taken away his life with the sword, had notearth-shaking Neptune quickly perceived it, and immediately addressedthis speech to the immortal gods:

 [Footnote 659: See on ver. 168. ]

 [Footnote 660: Cf. Buttm. Lexil. P. 83. The Schol. And Hesych. T. I. P. 296, interpret it "man-encircling. "]

"Ye gods! certainly there now is grief to me, on account of magnanimousÆneas, [661] who will quickly descend to Hades, subdued by the son ofPeleus, foolish, being persuaded by the words of far-darting Apollo; norcan he by any means avert[662] sad destruction from him. But why nowshould this guiltless[663] man suffer evils gratuitously, on account ofsorrows due to others, for he always presents gifts agreeable to thegods who inhabit the wide heaven? But come, let us withdraw him fromdeath, lest even the son of Saturn be angry, if indeed Achilles slaythis man: moreover, it is fated that he should escape, that the race ofDardanus, whom Jove loved above all the children that were descendedfrom him and mortal women, may not perish without offspring, and becomeextinct. For already hath the son of Saturn hated the race of Priam, andthe might of Æneas shall now rule over the Trojans, and the sons of hissons, who may be born in after-times. "

 [Footnote 661: The remarks of Grote, vol. I. P. 428, sqq. On the character and position of Æneas throughout the Iliad, deserve much attention. ]

 [Footnote 662: "The examples of χραισμεῖν are frequent enough in Homer to enable us safely to assert, from a comparison of them, that it never has (at least in his writings) the more general meaning of _to be useful, to help_, but, without an exception, the more definite sense of _to ward off_..... By examining passages we find, that even where no accusative is expressed, the evil to be warded off may always be inferred from the context. "--Buttm. Lexil. P. 542. ]

 [Footnote 663: He had wished to restore Helen. See Liv. I. 1. ]

But him large-eyed venerable Juno then answered:

"O earth-shaker! do thou thyself reflect within thy mind, with respectto Æneas, whether thou wilt withdraw him, or suffer him, being brave, tobe subdued by Achilles, the son of Peleus. For already we two, I andPallas Minerva, have sworn many oaths amongst all the immortals, that wewill never help to avert the evil day from the Trojans, not even whenall Troy, fired, shall burn with consuming flame, and the warlike sonsof the Greeks fire it. "

But when earth-shaking Neptune heard this, he hastened to go through thebattle and the clash of spears; and came where were Æneas and renownedAchilles. And immediately he shed a darkness upon the eyes of Achilles, son of Peleus, and he drew out the ashen spear, well guarded with brass, from the shield of magnanimous Æneas; and laid it before the feet ofAchilles, and pushed on Æneas, lifting him high up from the ground. ButÆneas leaped over many ranks of men and many of horses, impelled by thehand of the god, and came to the rear of the troubled fight, where theCaucones were arrayed for war. But very near him came earth-shakingNeptune, and addressing him, spoke winged words:

"O Æneas, which of the gods commanded thee, thus mad, to combat againstAchilles, who is at once more valiant than thou, and more dear to theimmortals? But retire whenever thou shalt be opposed to him, lest, evencontrary to fate, thou arrive at the habitation of Pluto. But whenAchilles shall have attained his death and destiny, then again, beingconfident, fight among the front ranks, because no other of the Greeksshall slay thee. "

So saying, he left him there, when he had told him all, and immediatelyafterwards dissipated the thick darkness from the eyes of Achilles, andhe then saw very clearly with his eyes; whereupon groaning, he addressedhis magnanimous soul:

"Ye gods! certainly I behold this, a great marvel with mine eyes. Thespear indeed lies upon the ground, nor do I at all perceive the man atwhom I hurled it, desiring to kill him. Undoubtedly Æneas, too, was dearto the immortal gods, although I supposed that he boasted thus idly. Lethim go; there will be no spirit in him hereafter to make trial of me, who even now rejoicing, has escaped from death. But come, havingencouraged the warlike Greeks, I will make trial of the other Trojans, going against them. "

He spoke, and sprang into the ranks, and cheered on every man:

"No longer now stand off from the Trojans, O noble Greeks, but on! letman advance against man, and let him be eager to engage. Difficult is itfor me, although being valiant, to attack so many warriors, and to fightwith them all. Not even Mars, who is an immortal god, nor yet Minerva, could charge and toil against the force of such a conflict. Yet whateverI can do with hands, with feet, and with strength, I declare that I willno longer be remiss, not ever so little; but I will go right throughtheir line, nor do I think that any Trojan will rejoice, whoever maycome near my javelin. "

Thus he spoke, encouraging them; but illustrious Hector, upbraiding, animated the Trojans, and said that he would go against Achilles:

"Ye magnanimous Trojans, fear not the son of Peleus. I, too, could fightwith words even with the immortals, but with the spear it is difficult, for they are far more powerful. Nor shall Achilles give effect to allhis words; but one part he shall fulfil, and the other leave halfimperfect. Against him will I go, even though he were like to fire as tohis hands; and to shining iron, as to his might. "

Thus he spoke, inciting them; but the Trojans opposite quickly raisedtheir spears; their strength was mingled together, and a shout arose. Then also Phœbus Apollo, standing near, addressed Hector:

"Hector, do not at all fight in the van with Achilles, but receive himin the crowd, and from the tumult, lest by any chance he hit thee, orstrike thee with the sword in close combat. "

Thus he spoke, and Hector sunk back again into the thick body of men, dismayed when he heard the voice of the god speaking. But Achillesleaped among the Trojans, clad with courage as to his soul, shoutingdreadfully; and first slew gallant Iphition, son of Otrynteus, theleader of many people, whom the nymph Naïs bore to Otrynteus, the sackerof cities, under snowy Tmolus, in the rich district of Hyda. [664] Him, eagerly rushing straight forward, noble Achilles struck with hisjavelin in the middle of the head; and it was entirely split in two. Hegave a crash as he fell, and noble Achilles boasted over him:

 [Footnote 664: A town of Mæonia in Lydia. See Steph. Byz. S. V. ]

"O son of Otrynteus, most terrible of all men, thou liest; death is hereupon thee. Thy birth, however, is at the Gygæan lake, where is thypaternal land, beside fishy Hyllus, and eddying Hermus. "

Thus he spoke, boasting; but darkness covered his (Iphition's) eyes, butthe horses of the Greeks tore him with the tires of the wheels in thefront ranks. After him Achilles smote Demoleon, son of Antenor, a braverepeller of the fight, in the temples, through his brazen-cheekedhelmet. Nor indeed did the brazen casque resist it, but through it theeager javelin broke the bone, and the whole brain within was defiled;and he subdued him, ardent. Next he wounded with his spear in the back, Hippodamas, as he was leaping down from his chariot, while flying beforehim. But he breathed out his soul, and groaned, like as when a bull, dragged round the Heliconian king, [665] bellows, as the youths drag him;and the earth-shaker is delighted with them: so, as he moaned, hisfierce soul left his bones. But he went with his spear against godlikePolydorus, [666] the son of Priam; but him his father did not permit tofight, because he was the youngest among all, and dearest to him, andsurpassed all in speed. Then, indeed, through youthful folly, exhibitingthe excellence of his speed, he ran among the front ranks till he losthis life. Him noble swift-footed Achilles smote rushing by, in themiddle of the back, where the golden rings of his belt clasped together, and the doubled corslet met. Right through at the navel pierced thepoint of the spear, and uttering a groan, he fell upon his knees; ablack cloud enveloped him, and stooping down, he gathered his intestinesin his hands. But when Hector perceived his brother Polydorus holdinghis intestines in his hands, and rolled on the earth, a darkness wasimmediately poured over his eyes, nor could he any longer be employedafar off, but advanced towards Achilles, like unto a flame, brandishinghis sharp spear. On the other hand, Achilles, as soon as he saw him, leaped up, and boasting, spoke:

 [Footnote 665: Neptune was a favourite god among the Ionians (cf. Müller, Dor. Vol. I. P. 417), but derived this name from Helice, a town in the northern coast of the Peloponnese, out of which the principal Achæan families were driven by Tisamenus, whose tomb was shown there. See Müller, id. P. 74. ]

 [Footnote 666: This is not the Polydorus of Virgil and Euripides, but the son of Laothoe, daughter of Altas, king of the Lelegans]

"Near is the man who has most stung my soul, who has slain my cherishedcompanion; no longer indeed let us dread each other through thebridges[667] of war. "

 [Footnote 667: See iv. 371. ]

He spoke, and sternly regarding [him], addressed noble Hector:

"Come nearer, that thou mayest the sooner reach the end of death. "

But him, not daunted, crest-tossing Hector addressed:

"O son of Peleus, do not expect to terrify me now like a little boy, atleast with words; since I myself also well know how to speak bothrevilings and reproaches. I know that thou indeed art brave, and that Iam inferior to thee. But these things indeed are placed at the knees ofthe gods, whether, although being inferior, I shall take away thy life, striking thee with my spear, since my weapon also is sharp at thepoint. "

He spoke, and, brandishing, sent forth his spear; and Minerva with abreath turned it back from glorious Achilles, having breathed verygently; but it came back to noble Hector, and lay before his feet. ButAchilles, eager to slay him, rushed furiously on, shouting dreadfully;but Apollo, as a god, very easily snatched him away, and covered himwith abundant haze. Thrice indeed swift-footed noble Achilles rushed onwith his brazen spear, and thrice he smote the deep haze. But when herushed on the fourth time, like unto a god, he, dreadfully chiding, addressed to him winged words:

"Dog, now again hast thou escaped death. Assuredly evil came very nearthee, but Phœbus Apollo has now again preserved thee, to whom thou artwont to pray, when going into the clang of spears. Yet will I certainlyfinish thee, meeting thee hereafter, if indeed any of the gods be anally to me also. At present, however, I will go after others of theTrojans, whomsoever I can. "

So saying, he struck Dryops with his spear in the middle of the neck, and he fell before his feet. Him then he left, and then detainedDemuchus, son of Philetor, brave and great, wounding [him] in the knee, with his spear, whom then striking with his great sword, he deprived oflife. But attacking both, he pushed Laogonus and Dardanus, the sons ofBias, from their chariot to the ground, wounding one with his spear, andstriking the other in close combat with his sword. Also Tros, the son ofAlastor, who came towards him, taking him by the knees, if on any termshe would spare him, and dismiss him alive, nor slay him, taking pity ontheir equal age: fool! who knew not that he would not be persuaded. Forhe was by no means a tender-minded nor gentle man, but very ferocious. He (Tros) indeed clasped his knees with his hands, desiring tosupplicate him, but he (Achilles) wounded him in the liver with hissword; and his liver fell out, and the black blood from it filled hisbosom, and darkness veiled his eyes, wanting life. But standing nearMulius, he smote him with his javelin on the ear, and immediately thebrazen blade went through the other ear. Then, with his large-hiltedsword, he smote Echeclus, son of Antenor, in the centre of the head, andthe whole sword became tepid with blood; but purple Death and violentFate seized his eyes. Then Deucalion, where the tendons of the elbowunite, there he pierced him through his hand with his brazen spear; buthe, weighed down as to his hand, awaited him, perceiving death beforehim. But he (Achilles) smiting his neck with his sword, knocked the headoff afar with its helmet, and the marrow sprang forth from the spine;and Deucalion lay extended on the ground. Then he hastened to go towardsRigmus, the renowned son of Pireus, who had come from fertile Thrace;whom he smote in the middle with his javelin, and the brass was fixed inhis stomach; and he fell from his chariot: and Achilles wounded in theback, with his sharp javelin, Areïthoüs, the attendant, while turningback the steeds, and threw him from the chariot: and the horses werethrown into confusion. And as the blazing fire burns through the deepdells of a dry mountain, and the dense forest is consumed, and the windagitating, turns round the flame on all sides; thus he raged in everydirection with his spear, like unto a deity, following those that wereto be slain; and the black earth flowed with blood. As when any oneyokes broad fore-headed bulls to trample out white barley on thewell-levelled floor, and it easily becomes small beneath the feet of thebellowing oxen; so the solid-hoofed horses, driven by magnanimousAchilles, trod down together both corses and shields. And the wholeaxletree beneath was polluted with gore, and the rings which were roundthe chariot seat, which the drops from the horses' hoofs spattered, aswell as from the felloes. But the son of Peleus was eager to bear awayglory, and was polluted with gore as to his invincible hands. 

 BOOK THE TWENTY-FIRST. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Having divided the Trojan army, Achilles drives one part towards thecity, and the other into the Xanthus, where he takes twelve youthsalive, in order to sacrifice them at the tomb of Patroclus. He thenslays Lycaon and Asteropæus, deriding the river-god, Xanthus, as unableto aid his friends. The river endeavours to overwhelm him by the aid ofSimoïs, but Vulcan defends him from the danger. Single combats of thegods then follow, but they afterwards retire to Olympus. Apollo thenleads Achilles away, assuming the form of Agenor, and the Trojans arethus enabled to regain the city. 

But when they at last reached the course of the fairly-flowing river, the eddying Xanthus, which immortal Jove begat; there separating them, he pursued some indeed through the plain towards the city, by the [same]way that the Greeks, on the preceding day, being astounded, had fled, when illustrious Hector raged. By that way were they poured forthterrified; but Juno expanded a dense cloud before them, to check them:but the other half were rolled into the deep-flowing river, with silvereddies. But they fell in with a great noise; and the deep streamsresounded, and the banks around murmured; but they, with clamour, swamhere and there, whirled about in the eddies. [668] As when locusts, driven by the force of fire, fly into the air, to escape to a river, butthe indefatigable fire, suddenly kindled, blazes, and they fall, throughterror into the water: thus, by Achilles, was the resounding river ofdeep-eddied Xanthus filled promiscuously with horses and men. But theJove-sprung [hero] left his spear upon the banks, leaning against atamarisk; and he leaped in, like unto a god, having only his sword, andmeditated destructive deeds in his mind. And he smote on all sides, anda shocking lamentation arose of those who were stricken by the sword, and the water was reddened with blood. And, as when the other fish, flying from a mighty dolphin, fill the inmost recesses of asafe-anchoring harbour, frightened; for he totally devours whatever hecan catch; so the Trojans hid themselves in caves along the streams ofthe terrible river. But he, when he was wearied as to his hands, slaying, chose twelve youths alive out of the river, a penalty for deadPatroclus, the son of Menœtius. These he led out [of the river], stupified, like fawns. And he bound their hands behind them[669] withwell-cut straps, which they themselves bore upon their twisted tunics;and gave them to his companions to conduct to the hollow ships. But herushed on again, desiring to slay. 

 [Footnote 668: Virg. Æn. I. 118: "Apparent rari nantes in gurgite vasto. " With the following description may be compared Æsch. Ag. 670: Ὁρῶμεν ἀνθοῦν πέλαγος Αἰγαῖον νεκρῶν ἀνδρῶν Ἀχαίων ναυτικῶν τ' ἐρειπίων. Aristid. Panath. P. 142: Ὡς δὲ ἑώρα τὴν θάλατταν αἵματι καὶ ῥοθίῳ ῥέουσαν, καὶ πάντα νέκρων καὶ ναυαγίων μεστά. ]

 [Footnote 669: As was customary with captives. Cf. Virg. Æn. Ii. 57, and Moll. On Longus, ii. 9. ]

Then did he encounter the son of Dardanian Priam, Lycaon, escaping fromthe river, whom he himself had formerly led away, taking him unwillingfrom his father's farm, having come upon him by night: but he, with thesharp brass, was trimming a wild fig-tree of its tender branches, thatthey might become the cinctures of a chariot. But upon him came nobleAchilles, an unexpected evil; and then, conveying him in his ships, hesold him into well-inhabited Lemnos; but the son of Jason gave hisprice. [670] And from thence his guest, Imbrian Eëtion, ransomed him, andgave him many things, and sent him to noble Arisbe; whence, secretlyescaping, he reached his father's house. Returning from Lemnos, foreleven days he was delighted in his soul, with his friends; but on thetwelfth the deity again placed him in the hands of Achilles, who wasabout to send him into the [habitation] of Hades, although not willingto go. But when swift-footed, noble Achilles perceived him naked, without helmet and shield, neither had he a spear, for all these, indeed, he had thrown to the ground, for the sweat overcame him, flyingfrom the river, and fatigue subdued his limbs beneath; but [Achilles]indignant, thus addressed his own great-hearted soul:

 [Footnote 670: _I. E. _ purchase him as a slave. ]

"O gods! surely I perceive this, a great marvel, with mine eyes. Doubtless the magnanimous Trojans whom I have slain will rise again fromthe murky darkness, as now this man has returned, escaping the mercilessday, having been sold in sacred Lemnos; nor has the depth of the searestrained him, which restrains many against their will. But come now, he shall taste the point of my spear, that I may know in my mind, andlearn, whether he will in like manner return thence, or whether thefruitful earth will detain him, which detains even the mighty. "

Thus he pondered, remaining still; but near him came Lycaon, inconsternation, anxious to touch his knees; for he very much wished inhis mind to escape evil death and black fate. Meanwhile noble Achillesraised his long spear, desiring to wound him; but he ran in under it, and, stooping, seized his knees, but the spear stuck fixed in the earthover his back, eager to be satiated with human flesh. But he, havinggrasped his knees with one hand, supplicated him, and with the otherheld the sharp spear, nor did he let it go; and, supplicating, addressedto him winged words:

"O Achilles, embracing thy knees, I supplicate thee; but do thou respectand pity me. I am to thee in place of a suppliant, to be revered, OJove-nurtured one! For with thee I first tasted the fruit of Ceres onthat day when thou tookest me in the well-cultivated field, and didstsell[671] me, leading me away from my father and friends, to sacredLemnos; and I brought thee the price of a hundred oxen. But now will Iredeem myself, giving thrice as many. This is already the twelfthmorning to me since I came to Troy, having suffered much, and now againpernicious fate has placed me in thy hands. Certainly I must be hated byfather Jove, who has again given me to thee. For my mother Laothoë, thedaughter of aged Altes, brought forth short-lived me, of Altes, whorules over the warlike Lelegans, possessing lofty Padasus, near theSatnio: and Priam possessed his daughter, as well as many others; butfrom her we two were born, but thou wilt slay both. Him, godlikePolydorus, thou hast subdued already among the foremost infantry, whenthou smotest him with the sharp spear, and now will evil be to me here;for I do not think that I shall escape thy hands, since a deity hasbrought me near thee. Yet another thing will I tell thee, and do thoustore it in thy mind. Do not slay me, for I am not of the same womb withHector, who killed thy companion, both gentle and brave. " Thus then, indeed, the noble son of Priam addressed him, supplicating with words;but he heard a stern reply. 

 [Footnote 671: Hesych. έρασας είςτο πέρας τῆς θαλάσσης διαπέρασας, έπώλησας. See Schol. On ver. 40. ]

"Fool, talk not to me of ransom, nor, indeed, mention it. BeforePatroclus fulfilled the fatal day, so long to me was it more agreeablein my mind to spare the Trojans, and many I took alive and sold. But nowthere is not [one] of all the Trojans, whom the deity shall put into myhands before Ilium, who shall escape death; but above all of the sons ofPriam. But die thou also, my friend; why weepest thou thus? Patrocluslikewise died, who was much better than thou. Seest thou not how great Iam? both fair and great; and I am from a noble sire, and a goddessmother bore me; but Death and violent Fate will come upon thee and me, whether [it be] morning, evening, or mid-day;[672] whenever any oneshall take away my life with a weapon, either wounding me with a spear, or with an arrow from the string. "

 [Footnote 672: See Kennedy. ]

Thus he spoke; but his knees and dear heart were relaxed. He let go thespear, indeed, and sat down, stretching out both hands. But Achilles, drawing his sharp sword, smote [him] at the clavicle, near the neck. Thetwo-edged sword penetrated totally, and he, prone upon the ground, laystretched out, but the black blood flowed out, and moistened the earth. Then Achilles, seizing him by the foot, threw him into the river, to becarried along, and, boasting, spoke winged words:

"Lie there now with the fishes, [673] which, without concern, will lapthe blood of thy wound; nor shall thy mother[674] weep, placing theeupon the funeral couch, but the eddying Scamander shall bear thee intothe wide bosom of the ocean. Some fish, bounding through the wave, willescape to the dark ripple, [675] in order that he may devour the whitefat of Lycaon. Perish [ye Trojans], till we attain to the city of sacredIlium, you flying, and I slaughtering in the rear: nor shall thewide-flowing, silver-eddying river, profit you, to which ye have alreadysacrificed many bulls, and cast solid-hoofed steeds alive into itseddies. But even thus shall ye die an evil death, until ye all atone forthe death of Patroclus, and the slaughter of the Greeks, whom ye havekilled at the swift ships, I being absent. "

 [Footnote 673: Cf. Virg. Æn. X. 555, sqq. ; Longus, ii. 20: Άλλὰ βορὰν [ύμᾶς] ίχθύων θήσω καταδύσας. ]

 [Footnote 674: Cf. Soph. Electr. 1138, sqq. With my note. ]

 [Footnote 675: _I. E. _ the surface. ]

Thus he spoke; but the River was the more enraged at heart, and revolvedin his mind how he might make noble Achilles cease from labour, andavert destruction from the Trojans. But meanwhile the son of Peleus, holding his long-shadowed spear, leaped upon Asteropæus, son of Pelegon, desirous to kill him whom the wide-flowing Axius begat, and Peribœa, eldest of the daughters of Accessamenus; for with her had thedeep-eddying river been mingled. Against him Achilles rushed; but he, [emerging] from the river, stood opposite, holding two spears; forXanthus had placed courage in his mind, because he was enraged onaccount of the youths slain in battle, whom Achilles had slain in thestream, nor pitied them. But when they were now near, advancing towardseach other, him first swift-footed, noble Achilles addressed:

"Who, and whence art thou of men, thou who darest to come against me?Truly they are the sons of unhappy men who encounter my might. " Himagain the illustrious son of Pelegon addressed: "O magnanimous son ofPeleus, why dost thou ask my race? I am from fruitful Pæonia, being faroff, leading the long-speared Pæonian heroes; and this is now theeleventh morning to me since I came to Troy. But my descent is from thewide-flowing Axius, who pours the fairest flood upon the earth, he whobegat Pelegon, renowned for the spear; who, men say, begat me. But now, O illustrious Achilles, let us fight. "

Thus he spake, threatening: but noble Achilles raised the Pelian ash;but the hero Asteropæus [took aim] with both spears at the sametime, [676] for he was ambidexter. [677] With the one spear he struck theshield, nor did it pierce the shield completely through; for the goldrestrained it, the gift of a god; and the other slightly wounded himupon the elbow of the right arm; and the black blood gushed out: but the[spear passing] over him, was fixed in the earth, longing to satiateitself with his body. But second Achilles hurled his straight-flyingashen spear at Asteropæus, anxiously desiring to slay him. From himindeed he erred, and struck the lofty bank, and drove the ashen spear upto the middle in the bank. Then the son of Peleus, drawing his sharpsword from his thigh, eagerly leaped upon him; but he was not able topluck out, with his strong hand, the ashen spear of Achilles, from thebank. Thrice, indeed, he shook it, desiring to pluck it out, and thricehe failed in strength. And the fourth time he had determined in hismind, bending, to snap the ashen spear of Æacides; but Achilles first, close at hand, took away his life with the sword; for he smote him uponthe belly at the navel, and all his bowels were poured out upon theground, and darkness veiled him, dying, as to his eyes. Then Achilles, leaping upon his breast, despoiled him of his arms, and boasting, spoke:

 [Footnote 676: Ἁμαρτῇ is here an adverb. ]

 [Footnote 677: Symmachus, Epist. Ix. 105: "Pari nitore atque gravitate senatorias actiones et Romanæ rei monumenta limasti, ut plane Homerica appellatione περιδέξιον, id est, æquimanum, te esse pronunciem. "]

"Lie so: it is a difficult thing for thee, though descended from aRiver, to contend with the sons of the most mighty Saturnian [Jove]. Thou saidst thou wert of the race of a wide-flowing River, but I boastmyself to be of the race of mighty Jove. The hero ruling over manyMyrmidons begat me, Peleus, son of Æacus; but Æacus was from Jove;wherefore Jove is more powerful than Rivers flowing into the sea, andthe race of Jove again is more powerful than that of a river. Besides, avery great River is at hand to thee, if it can aught defend thee; but itis not lawful to fight with Jove, the son of Saturn. With him neitherdoes king Acheloüs vie, nor the mighty strength of deep-flowing Oceanus, from which flow all rivers, and every sea, and all fountains, and deepwells; but even he dreads the bolt of the great Jove, and the dreadfulthunder, when it bellows from heaven. "

He said, and plucked his brazen spear from the bank. But him he leftthere, after he had taken away his life, lying in the sand, and the darkwater laved him. About him, indeed, the eels and fishes were busied, eating [and] nibbling the fat around his kidneys. But he (Achilles)hastened to go against the Pæonian equestrian warriors, who were alreadyturned to flight beside the eddying river, when they saw the bravest inthe violent conflict bravely subdued by the hands and sword of the sonof Peleus. Then he slew Thersilochus, Mydon, Astypylus, Mnesus, Thrasius, Ænius, and Ophelestes. And now had swift Achilles slain evenmore Pæonians, had not the deep-eddying River, enraged, addressed him, likening itself to a man, and uttered a voice from its deep vortex:

"O Achilles, thou excellest, it is true, in strength, but thou doestunworthy acts above [others], for the gods themselves always aid thee. If indeed the son of Saturn has granted to thee to destroy all theTrojans, at least having driven them from me, perform these arduousenterprises along the plain. For now are my agreeable streams full ofdead bodies, nor can I any longer pour my tide into the vast sea, chokedup by the dead; whilst thou slayest unsparingly. But come, even cease--astupor seizes me--O chieftain of the people. "

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed:

"These things shall be as thou desirest, O Jove-nurtured Scamander. ButI will not cease slaughtering the treaty-breaking[678] Trojans, beforethat I enclose them in the city, and make trial of Hector, face to face, whether he shall slay me, or I him. "

 [Footnote 678: Although this meaning of ύπερφίαλος is well suited to this passage, yet Buttmann, Lexil. P. 616, § 6, is against any such particular explanation of the word. See his whole dissertation. ]

Thus speaking, he rushed upon the Trojans like unto a god; and thedeep-eddying River then addressed Apollo:

"Alas! O god of the silver bow, child of Jove, thou hast not observedthe counsels of Jove, who very much enjoined thee to stand by and aidthe Trojans, till the late setting evening[679] sun should come, andovershadow the fruitful earth. "

 [Footnote 679: Δείελος has been shown by Buttmann to be really the _afternoon_; but he observes, p. 223, that in the present passage, "it is not the Attic δείλη ὀψία, with which it has been compared, but by the force of δύων, the actual sunset of evening. The ὀψέ is therefore, strictly speaking, redundant, and appears to be used with reference only to the time past, something in this way: 'Thou shouldst assist the Trojans until the sun sinks late in the west. '"]

He spoke, and spear-renowned Achilles leaped into the midst, rushingdown from the bank. But he (the River) rushed on, raging with a swolnflood, and, turbid, excited all his waves. And it pushed along thenumerous corpses, which were in him[680] in abundance, whom Achilles hadslain. These he cast out, roaring like a bull, upon the shore; but theliving he preserved in his fair streams, concealing them among hismighty deep gulfs. And terrible around Achilles stood the disturbedwave, and the stream, falling upon his shield, oppressed him, nor couldhe stand steady on his feet. But he seized with his hands a thriving, large elm; and it, falling from its roots, dislodged the whole bank, andinterrupted the beautiful streams with its thick branches, and bridgedover the river itself, [681] falling completely in. Then leaping up fromthe gulf, he hastened to fly over the plain on his rapid feet, terrified. Nor yet did the mighty god desist, but rushed after him, blackening on the surface, that he might make noble Achilles cease fromtoil, and avert destruction from the Trojans. But the son of Peleusleaped back as far as is the cast of a spear, having the impetuosity ofa dark eagle, a hunter, which is at once the strongest and the swiftestof birds. Like unto it he rushed, but the brass clanked dreadfully uponhis breast; but he, inclining obliquely, fled from it, and it, flowingfrom behind, followed with a mighty noise. As when a ditch-worker leadsa stream of water from a black-flowing fountain through plantations andgardens, holding a spade in his hands, and throwing out the obstructionsfrom the channel; all the pebbles beneath are agitated as it flowsalong, and, rapidly descending, it murmurs down a sloping declivity, andoutstrips even him who directs it: so the water of the river alwaysovertook Achilles, though being nimble; for the gods are more powerfulthan mortals. As often as swift-footed, noble Achilles attempted tooppose it, and to know whether all the immortals who possess the wideheaven put him to flight, so often did a great billow of the river, flowing from Jove, lave his shoulders from above; whilst he leaped upwith his feet, sad in mind, and the rapid stream subdued his knees underhim, and withdrew the sand from beneath his feet. But Pelides groaned, looking toward the wide heaven:

 [Footnote 680: _I. E. _ in the river. One translator absurdly renders it "through him, " _i. E. _ through Achilles. ]

 [Footnote 681: "The circumstance of a fallen tree, which is by Homer described as reaching from one of its banks to the other, affords a very just idea of the breadth of the Scamander at the season when we saw it. "--Wood on Homer, p. 328. ]

"O father Jove, how does none of the gods undertake to save me, miserable, from the river! Hereafter, indeed, I would sufferanything. [682] But no other of the heavenly inhabitants is so culpableto me as my mother, who soothed me with falsehoods, and said that Ishould perish by the fleet arrows of Apollo, under the wall of the armedTrojans. Would that Hector had slain me, who here was nurtured thebravest; then a brave man would he have slain, and have despoiled abrave man. But now it is decreed that I be destroyed by an ingloriousdeath, overwhelmed in a mighty river, like a swine-herd's boy, whom, ashe is fording it, the torrent overwhelms in wintry weather. "

 [Footnote 682: _I. E. _ grant that I may but escape a disgraceful death by drowning, and I care not how I perish afterwards. The Scholiast compares the prayer of Ajax in p. 647: Ἐν δὲ φάει καὶ ὄλεσσον. Cf. Æn, i. 100, sqq. Æsch. Choeph 340; Eur. Andr. 1184. ]

Thus he spoke; but Neptune and Minerva, very quickly advancing, stoodnear him (but in body they had likened themselves to men), and, takinghis hand in their hands, strengthened him with words. But to themearth-shaking Neptune began discourse:

"O son of Peleus, neither now greatly fear, nor yet be at all dismayed;so great allies from among the gods are we to thee, Jove approving it, Iand Pallas Minerva, so that it is not decreed that thou shouldst beovercome by a river. It, indeed, shall soon cease, and thou thyselfshalt see it. But let us prudently suggest, if thou be obedient, not tostop thy hands from equally destructive war, before thou shalt haveenclosed the Trojan army within the renowned walls of Troy, whoever, indeed, can escape: but do thou, having taken away the life of Hector, return again to the ships; for we grant to thee to bear away glory. "

They indeed having thus spoken, departed to the immortals. But heproceeded towards the plain (for the command of the gods stronglyimpelled him), and it was all filled with the overflowed water. Muchbeautiful armour and corpses of youths slain in battle, floated along;but his knees bounded up against the course of it rushing straightforward; for Minerva had put great strength into him. Nor did Scamanderremit his strength, but was the more enraged with the son of Peleus. Andhe swelled the wave of the stream, and, shouting, animated Simoïs:

"O dear brother, let us both, at least, restrain the force of the man, since he will quickly destroy the great city of king Priam, for theTrojans resist him not in battle. But aid me very quickly, and fill thystreams of water from thy fountains, and rouse all thy rivulets, raise agreat wave, and stir up a mighty confusion of stems and stones, that wemay restrain this furious man, who now already is victorious, and isbent on deeds equal to the gods. For I think that neither his strengthwill defend him, nor his beauty at all, nor those beautiful arms, whichshall lie everywhere in the very bottom of my gulf, covered with mud. Himself also will I involve in sand, pouring vast abundant silt aroundhim; nor shall the Greeks know where to gather his bones, so much slimewill I spread over him. And there forthwith shall be[683] his tomb, norshall there be any want to him of entombing, when the Greeks perform hisobsequies. "

 [Footnote 683: Observe the force of τετεύξεται. ]

He spoke, and raging aloft, turbid, he rushed upon Achilles, murmuringwith foam, with blood, and with dead bodies. Immediately the purplewater of the Jove-descended river being raised up, stood, and seized theson of Peleus. But Juno cried aloud, fearing for Achilles, lest themighty deep-eddying river should sweep him away; and immediatelyaddressed Vulcan, her beloved son:

"Arise, Vulcan, my son; for we supposed that eddying Xanthus was equallymatched in battle against thee; but give aid with all haste, and exhibitthy abundant flame. But I will go to excite a severe storm of Zephyrus, and rapid Notus from the sea, which bearing a destructive conflagration, may consume the heads and armour of the Trojans. Do thou, therefore, burn the trees upon the banks of Xanthus, and hurl at himself with fire, nor let him at all avert thee by kind words or threats: neither do thoupreviously restrain thy might; but when I, shouting, shall give thesignal, then restrain thy indefatigable fire. "

Thus she spoke; but Vulcan darted forth his fierce-burning fire. First, indeed, he kindled a fire in the plain, and burned many dead bodies, which were in abundance, over it, whom Achilles had slain; so that thewhole plain was dried up, and the clear water restrained. And as when anautumnal north wind immediately dries a newly-watered garden, andgratifies him whoever cultivates it, so was the whole plain dried, andit consumed the dead; whereupon he turned his all-resplendent flameagainst the river. The elms were burned up, and the willows andtamarisks; the lotus was consumed, and the rushes and reeds, which grewin great abundance round the beautiful streams of the river. Harassedwere the eels and the fishes, which through the whirlpools, [and] whichthrough the fair streams dived here and there, exhausted by the breathof the various artificer Vulcan. The might of the river was burnt up, and he spake, and addressed him:

"None of the gods, O Vulcan, can oppose thee on equal terms, nor can Icontend with thee, thus burning with fire. Cease from combat, and letnoble Achilles instantly expel the Trojans from their city; what have Ito do with contest and assistance?"

He spoke, scorched; and his fair streams boiled up. As a caldron pressedby much fire, glows, bubbling up within on all sides, while melting thefat of a delicately-fed sow, whilst the dry wood lies beneath it; sowere his fair streams dried up with fire, and the water boiled; norcould he flow on, but was restrained, and the vapour [raised] by themight of crafty Vulcan harassed him. At length, supplicating much, headdressed to Juno winged words:

"O Juno, why does thy son press upon my stream, to annoy [me] beyondothers? nor truly am I so much to blame as all the others, as many asare assistants to the Trojans, But I will, however, desist, if thoubiddest it; and let him also cease; and I moreover will swear this, thatI never will avert the evil day from the Trojans, not even when allburning Troy shall be consumed with destructive fire, and the warlikesons of the Greeks shall burn it. "

But when the white-armed goddess Juno heard this, she straightwayaddressed her beloved son Vulcan: "Vulcan, my illustrious son, abstain;for it is not fitting thus to persecute an immortal god for the sake ofmortals. "

Thus she spoke; and Vulcan extinguished his glowing fire, and therefluent water immediately lowered its fair streams. But when the mightof Xanthus was subdued, then indeed they rested; for Juno restrainedherself, though enraged. 

Among the other gods, however, grievous, troublesome contention fellout, and the inclination in their minds was borne in oppositedirections. They engaged with a great tumult, and the wide earthre-echoed, and the mighty heaven resounded around. And Jove heard it, sitting upon Olympus, and his heart laughed with joy, when he beheld thegods engaging in contest. Then they did not long stand apart; forshield-piercing Mars began, and rushed first against Minerva, holdinghis brazen spear, and uttered an opprobrious speech:

"Why thus, O most impudent, having boundless audacity, dost thou jointhe gods in battle? Has thy great soul incited thee? Dost thou notremember when thou didst urge Diomede, the son of Tydeus, to strike me?And taking the spear thyself, thou didst direct it right against me, anddidst lacerate my fair flesh. Now, therefore, I think that I willchastise thee, for all that thou hast done against me. "

So saying, he struck [her] on the fringed ægis, horrible, which not eventhe thunderbolt of Jove will subdue; on it gore-tainted Mars smote herwith the long spear. But she, retiring, seized in her stout hand a stonelying in the plain, black, rugged, and great, which men of former dayshad set to be the boundary of a field. [684] With this she struck fierceMars upon the neck, and relaxed his knees. Seven acres he covered, falling; as to his hair he was defiled with dust; and his armour ranground him. But Pallas Minerva laughed, and, boasting over him, addressedto him winged words:

 [Footnote 684: The student will find some rude representations of these boundary-stones at page 212, sqq. Of Van Goes' edition of the Rei Agrimensoria scriptores. ]

"Fool, hast thou not yet perceived how much I boast myself to besuperior, that thou opposest thy strength to me? Thus indeed dost thouexpiate the Erinnys of thy mother, who designs mischiefs against thee, enraged because thou hast deserted the Greeks, and dost aid thetreaty-breaking Trojans. "

Thus having spoken, she turned back her bright eyes. But Venus, thedaughter of Jove, taking him by the hand, led him away, groaning veryfrequently; but he with difficulty collected his spirit. But when thewhite-armed goddess Juno perceived him, immediately to Minerva sheaddressed winged words:

"Alas! O child of aegis-bearing Jove, invincible, see how again she, most impudent, leads man-slaughtering Mars through the tumult, from theglowing battle. But follow. "

Thus she spoke; but Minerva rushed after, and rejoiced in her mind; andspringing upon her, smote her with her stout hand on the breast, anddissolved her knees and dear heart. Then both of them lay upon thefruitful earth; but she, boasting over them, spoke winged words:

"Would that all, as many as are allies to the Trojans, when they fightagainst the armed Greeks, were so bold and daring, as Venus came anassistant to Mars, to oppose my strength; then had we long since ceasedfrom battle, having overthrown the well-built city of Ilium. "

Thus she spoke; but the white-armed goddess Juno smiled. And theearth-shaking king addressed Apollo:

"Phoebus, why do we two stand apart? Nor is it becoming, since theothers have begun. This would be disgraceful, if we return without fightto Olympus, and to the brazen-floored mansion of Jove. Commence, forthou art younger by birth; for it would not be proper for me, since I amelder, and know more things. Fool, since thou possessest a senselessheart; nor dost at all remember those things, how many evils we sufferedround Ilium, when we alone of the gods, coming from Jove to haughtyLaomedon, laboured for a year for a stipulated hire, and he, commanding, gave orders? I indeed built a city and wall for the Trojans, extensiveand very beautiful, that the city might be impregnable; whilst thou, OPhoebus, didst feed, his stamping-footed, curved-horned oxen, among thelawns of many-valed, woody Ida. [685] But when now the jocund Hours hadbrought round the period of payment, then did violent Laomedon forciblydefraud us both of all reward, and having threatened, dismissed us. Andbeside, [686] he threatened that he would bind our feet and hands fromabove, and sell us into distant islands; and affirmed that he would cutoff the ears of both with the brass: but we immediately returned backwith indignant mind, enraged on account of the rewards which, havingpromised, he did not make good. Is it for this thou dost now gratify thepeople? Why dost thou not strive along with us, that the treaty-breakingTrojans may basely perish from the root, with their children andmodest[687] wives?"

 [Footnote 685: On this slavery of Apollo, see my note, p. 43, n. 2. Longus, Past. Iv. 10: Εῖποτε Ἀπόλλων Λαομέδοντι θητεύων ἐβούκολησε, τοιόσδε ἦν, οἷος τότε ἐφάνθη Δάφνις. ]

 [Footnote 686: Σὺν μὲν. I almost prefer σοὶ μὲν, with other MSS. And Clarke. ]

 [Footnote 687: Perhaps intended as a covert sneer at Helen. ]

But him the far-darting king, Apollo, in turn addressed:

"O Neptune, thou wouldst not say that I am prudent, if I should nowcontend with thee, for the sake of miserable mortals, who, like theleaves, are at one time very blooming, feeding on the fruit of the soiland at another again, perish without life. Rather let us cease fromcombat as soon as possible; and let them decide the matter themselves. "

Thus having spoken, he turned himself back; for he was afraid to come tostrife of hands with his uncle. But him his sister, rustic Diana, themistress of wild beasts, harshly rebuked, and uttered this upbraidingspeech:

"Fliest thou, Far-darter? and hast thou yielded the whole victory toNeptune? and dost thou give easy glory to him? O Fool, why in vain dostthou hold an useless bow? No longer now shall I hear thee boasting inthe halls of our sire, as formerly amongst the immortal gods, that thouwouldst fight in opposition to Neptune. "

Thus she spoke; but her the far-darting Apollo by no means addressed. But the venerable spouse of Jove, enraged, rebuked [her] who rejoices inarrows, with reproaching words:

"How darest thou now, fearless wretch, stand against me? A difficultmatch am I for thee to be opposed to my strength, although thou art abow-bearer; for Jove has made thee a lioness among women, and sufferedthee to kill whatever woman thou wilt. Certainly it is better to slaywild beasts among the mountains, or rustic stags, than to fight bravelywith thy betters. But if thou desirest to have a knowledge of battle, come on, that thou mayest well know how much the better I am; since thouopposest strength to me. "

She spoke, and with her left hand seized both her (Diana's) hands at thewrist, and with her right plucked the bow[688] from her shoulders. Smiling, she beat her about the ears with it, while she writhed herself;and the fleet arrows fell out [of her quiver, as she moved]. Then thegoddess fled, weeping, like a dove which flies from a hawk to a hollowrock, her hiding-place, (for neither was it fated that she should betaken by it;) so she fled, weeping, and left her arrows there. 

 [Footnote 688: I have followed Kennedy, who says: "The preferable meaning of τόξα is _arcus_. This Juno employs as an instrument of chastisement, to avoid the infliction of which, her antagonist turns from side to side, and whilst thus shifting her position lets fall her arrows, ὀϊστοί, ver. 492. " Others by τόξα understood both bow and arrows. ]

But the messenger [Mercury], the slayer of Argos, addressed Latona:

"O Latona, I will by no means fight with thee; for difficult indeedwould it be to combat with the wives of cloud-compelling Jove; butrather, very forward among the immortal gods, boast that thou hastconquered me by violent force. "

Thus indeed he spoke; but Latona collected together the bent bow and thearrows[689] which had fallen here and there amid the whirl of dust. She, having taken the arrows, followed her daughter. But the daughter hadarrived at Olympus, and at the brazen-floored palace of Jove, and hadsat down at the knees of her father, weeping, whilst her ambrosial robetrembled around; and her the Saturnian father drew towards him, and, sweetly smiling, interrogated her:

"Which now of the heavenly inhabitants, my dear child, has rashly donesuch things to thee, as if having done some evil openly?"

But him the fair-crowned mistress of the chase[690] addressed in turn:"Thy spouse, the white-armed Juno, has injured me, O father, from whomcontention and strife await[691] the immortals. "

 [Footnote 689: Τόξα here means both bow and arrows. ]

 [Footnote 690: A more literal version would be, "the fair crowned mistress of the cry, " i. E. The hunting cry. ]

 [Footnote 691: Έφῆπται, "immitti solet. "--Heyne. See D'Orville on Chariton, vii. 5, p. 582, ed. Lips. ]

Thus they indeed spoke such things with one another. But Phoebus Apollocame to sacred Ilium; for the wall of the well-built city was a care tohim, lest the Greeks, contrary to fate, should overthrow it that day. The other ever-existing gods, however, repaired to Olympus, some indeedindignant, but others greatly boasting. And they sat down beside theirfather, the collector of dark clouds: but Achilles slew at once theTrojans themselves, and their solid-hoofed steeds. And as when a smoke, ascending from a burning city, reaches the wide heaven, but the wrath ofthe gods has excited it; it creates toil to all, and sends griefs uponmany; so did Achilles cause toil and griefs to the Trojans. 

Meanwhile aged Priam stood upon a lofty tower, and observed hugeAchilles: but by him the routed Trojans were easily thrown intoconfusion, nor was there any might in them. Then groaning, he descendedfrom the tower to the ground, in order to direct the illustrious guardsat the gates along the wall:

"Hold the gates open in your hands until the people, flying, come intothe city, for Achilles is at hand routing them. Now I think thatdestructive deeds will be. But, as soon as they revive, hemmed in withinthe wall, put to again the well-fitted doors, for I tremble lest thisdestructive man rush within the wall. "

Thus he spoke; but they opened the gates and pushed back the bolts; andthey being opened, afforded safety. But Apollo leaped out to meet them, that he might avert destruction from the Trojans. Then they, parchedwith thirst, and covered with dust, fled from the plain directly towardsthe city and the lofty wall; but he furiously pursued with his spear;for fierce madness constantly possessed his heart, and he burned to bearaway glory. Then indeed the sons of the Greeks had taken lofty-gatedTroy, had not Phoebus Apollo excited noble Agenor, a hero, the son ofAntenor, both blameless and brave. And into his heart he threw courage, and he himself stood beside him, leaning against a beech-tree, that hemight avert the heavy hands of death; but he was overshadowed by muchdarkness. But he, when he perceived Achilles, the destroyer of cities, stood still, and much his heart was darkened[692] as he remained; andsighing, he thus addressed his own great-hearted soul:

"Alas, me! if indeed I fly from terrible Achilles, in the way by whichthe others, routed, are flying, even thus will he seize me, and willslay me unwarlike; but if I suffer these to be thrown into confusion byAchilles, the son of Peleus, and fly in another direction on my feetfrom the wall through the Ilian plain, until I reach the lawns of Ida, and enter its thickets; then indeed, having bathed myself at evening inthe river, I may return back to Troy, cleansed from sweat. But why doesmy mind commune these things? Truly he may observe me departing from thecity towards the plain, and, quickly pursuing, may overtake me on hisswift feet; then will it no longer be possible to escape Death and Fate;for he is very powerful beyond all men. But if I go against him in frontof the city--for his body also is without doubt vulnerable by the sharpbrass, there is one soul in it, and men say that he is mortal; althoughJove, the son of Saturn, affords him glory. "

So saying, gathering himself up, [693] he awaited Achilles; and hisvaliant heart within him burned to combat and to fight. As a pantheradvances from a deep thicket against a huntsman, [694] nor is aughttroubled in mind, nor put to flight, although it hears the yelling; andalthough anticipating it, he may have wounded, or stricken it, nevertheless, although pierced with a spear, it desists not from thecombat, till either it be engaged in close fight, or be subdued. Thusnoble Agenor, the son of renowned Antenor, would not fly till he hadmade trial of Achilles; but, on the contrary, held before him hisshield, equal on all sides, and took aim at him with his spear, andshouted aloud:

 [Footnote 692: Cf. Donalson on Soph. Antig. 20, where there is a similar use of καλχαίνειν. The present metaphor is taken from the troubled and darkling aspect of the sea before a storm. ]

 [Footnote 693: Cf. Xvi. 403, 714. ]

 [Footnote 694: This pleonasm of ἀνὴρ is very common; ii. 474, ἄνδρες αἴπολιι; iv. 187, ἄνδρες χαλκῆες. Cf. Iii. 170; xii. 41. So ἄνδρες πολῖται, Phlegon. Trall, p. 26. Ἄνδρες δημόται, Aristoph. Plut. 254. Ἀνὴρ βασιλεὺς, Palæphatus, 39. Ἀνὴρ οἰκονόμος, Manetho, iv. 610. ]

"Certainly now thou art great in hopes in thy mind, O illustriousAchilles, that thou wilt this day devastate the city of the magnanimousTrojans. Fool! certainly many griefs will be effected over it, for in itwe are numerous and valiant men, who will defend Ilium for our belovedparents, our wives, and our children. But thou shalt here fulfil thydestiny, although being so terrible, and a daring warrior. "

He spoke, and hurled the sharp javelin from his heavy hand, and struckhim in the shin below the knee, nor missed: but the greave ofnewly-wrought tin around [it] horribly resounded; and the brazen weaponrecoiled from it stricken, nor penetrated: for the gifts of the godprevented it. Then the son of Peleus next attacked godlike Agenor; nordid Apollo permit him to obtain glory; but snatched him away, andcovered him with much haze; and sent him to return peacefully from thebattle. 

But he by a stratagem averted the son of Peleus from the people; for theFar-darter, having likened himself in every respect to Agenor, stoodbefore his feet; and he hastened to pursue him with his feet. Whilst hewas pursuing him, running before at a small interval, over thecorn-bearing plain, turned towards the deep-eddying river Scamander;(for Apollo beguiled him by deceit, so that he always expected toovertake him on his feet;) meanwhile the other Trojans being routed, came delighted in a crowd to the city; and the city was full of themshut in. Nor did they any longer dare to wait for each other without thecity and the wall, and to inquire who had escaped, and who had fallen inthe battle; but gladly they were poured into the city, whomsoever ofthem the feet and knees preserved. 

BOOK THE TWENTY-SECOND. 

ARGUMENT. 

Hector persists in remaining outside the walls, despite the entreatiesof his father. He flies thrice round Troy, fights, and is slain byAchilles, who drags his body to the fleet at the wheels of his chariot. The lamentations of his wife and parents follow. 

Thus they, indeed, driven by fright through the city, like fawns, wererefreshing themselves from sweat, and were drinking and allaying theirthirst, leaning against the handsome battlements; but the Greeks werecoming near the wall, resting their shields upon their shoulders. ButHector his destructive fate fettered to remain there, before Ilium andthe Scæan gates. And Phœbus Apollo thus addressed the son of Peleus:

"Why, O son of Peleus, dost thou pursue me, an immortal god, with swiftfeet, thyself being a mortal? Nor yet hast thou at all discovered that Iam a god; but thou incessantly ragest. For certainly the labour of theTrojans is not now a care to thee, whom thou hast routed, and who arenow enclosed within their city, while thou art turned aside hither. Neither canst thou slay me, since I am not mortal. "

But him swift-footed Achilles, greatly indignant, [695] addressed:

 [Footnote 695: Milton, P. L. Ii. 708:--

 --"On th' other side Incensed with indignation Satan stood Unterrified, and like a comet burn'd, That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge In th' arctic sky, and from his horrid hair Shakes pestilence and war. "]

"Thou hast injured me, O Far-darter, most destructive of all gods, having now turned me away hither from the wall; certainly many had nowseized the earth with their teeth, before they had arrived at Ilium. Butnow hast thou deprived me of great glory, and hast preserved themeasily, for thou didst not at all dread vengeance after. Certainly Iwould punish thee, if the power at least were mine. "

Thus saying, he went towards the city greatly elate, hastening like asteed which bears away the prize, with his chariot, which striving hard, runs swiftly over the plain. So Achilles briskly moved his feet and hisknees. 

But him aged Priam first beheld with his eyes, rushing over the plain, all shining like a star which rises in autumn; and its resplendent raysshine among many stars in the depth of the night, which by name theycall the dog of Orion. Very bright indeed is this, but it is a balefulsign, and brings violent heat upon miserable mortals. So shone the brassround the breast of him running. But the old man groaned, and smote hishead with his hands, raising them on high, [696] and, groaning, he criedout greatly, supplicating his dear son. But he stood before the Scæangates, insatiably eager to fight with Achilles; but the old manpiteously addressed him, stretching out his hands:

 [Footnote 696: On this gesture of grief, see Gorius, Monum. Columb. P. 12. ]

"O Hector, do not, my beloved son, await this man alone, without others;lest that thou shouldst speedily draw on fate, subdued by the son ofPeleus; since he is much more powerful. Cruel! would that he were [only]as dear to the gods as he is to me; quickly then would the dogs andvultures devour him lying low; surely sad grief would then depart frommy heart. He who has made me deprived of many and brave sons, slaying, and selling them into far-distant islands. For even now the Trojansbeing shut up in the city, I cannot see my two sons, Lycaon andPolydorus, whom Laothoë bore to me, queen among women. But if indeedthey live at the camp, surely we will afterwards redeem them with brassand with gold; for it is within; for aged Altes, renowned by fame, gavemany things to his daughter. But if they are already dead, and in themansions of Hades, grief will be to my soul, and to their mother, we whogave them birth. But to the other people the grief will be shorter, ifthou shouldst not die, subdued by Achilles. But come inside the wall, Omy son, that thou mayest save the Trojan men and women, nor afford greatglory to the son of Peleus, and thou thyself be deprived of thy dearlife. Moreover, pity me, wretched, yet still preserving my senses, [697]unhappy, whom the Saturnian sire will destroy by grievous fate, upon thethreshold of old age, having seen many evils, [698] my sons slain, mydaughters dragged captives, their chambers plundered, and my infantchildren dashed upon the earth in dire hostility, and mydaughters-in-law torn away by the pernicious hands of the Greeks. Andmyself perhaps the last--the raw-devouring dogs, whom I have nourishedin my palaces, the attendants of my table, the guards of my portals, will tear at the entrance of the gates, [699] after some one, havingstricken or wounded me with the sharp brass, shall take away my soulfrom my limbs; and who, drinking my blood, will lie in the porch, infuriated in mind. To a young man, indeed, slain in battle, laceratedwith the sharp brass, it is altogether becoming to lie, for all thingsare honourable to him dead, whatever may appear; but when dogs dishonourthe grey head, the hoary beard, and privy members of an old man slain, that is indeed most pitiable among wretched mortals. "

 [Footnote 697: _I. E. _ alive. Cf. Xxiii. ]

 [Footnote 698: On the proverbial woes of Priam, cf. Aristotle Eth. I. 9, 10; and Ennius, fragm. Andromach. P. 236--9, with the notes of Columna, ed. Hessel. ]

 [Footnote 699: Cf. Virg. Æn. Ii. 550, sqq. , who has imitated this passage in his description of the death of Priam. ]

The old man spoke, and tore out the hoary locks with his hands, pluckingthem from his head; nor did he persuade the mind of Hector. But hismother, then on the other side, wailing, shed tears, laying bare herbosom, whilst with the other hand she laid forth her breast; andshedding tears, addressed to him winged words: "O Hector, my son, reverence these things, and pity me myself. If ever I afforded thee thegrief-lulling breast, remember these things, O dear son; and beingwithin the wall, repel [this] hostile man; nor stand a foremostadversary to him. Wretched one! for if he shall slay thee, neither shallI mourn thee on the couch, my dear offspring, whom I myself broughtforth, nor will thy rich-dowered wife; but far away from us both, theswift dogs will devour thee at the ships of the Greeks. "

Thus weeping, they twain addressed their dear son, supplicating himmuch; nor did they persuade the mind of Hector; but he awaited hugeAchilles, coming near. And as a fierce serpent at its den, fed on evilpoisons, awaits[700] a man, but direful rage enters it, and it glareshorribly, coiling itself around its den; so Hector, possessinginextinguishable courage, retired not, leaning his splendid shieldagainst a projecting tower; but, indignant, he thus addressed his owngreat-hearted soul:[701]

"Ah me, if indeed I enter the gates and the wall, Polydamas will firstcast reproach upon me, [702] he who advised me to lead the Trojanstowards the city in this disastrous night, when noble Achilles arose tobattle. But I did not obey; certainly it would have been much better. And now, since by my injurious obstinacy I have destroyed the people, Ifear the Trojan men, and the long-robed Trojan women, lest some oneinferior to me should say, 'Hector, relying on his own strength, hasdestroyed the people. ' Thus will they say; but it would have been farbetter for me, slaying Achilles in the encounter, [703] to return, orgloriously to be slain by him for the city. But if now I shall lay downmy bossed shield and stout helmet, and, resting my spear against thewall, I myself going, shall come before renowned Achilles, and promisethat we will give to the Atrides to lead away Helen, and all thenumerous possessions along with her, whatever Paris brought to Troy inhis hollow barks, and who was the origin of the contention, and at thesame time that we will divide others, as many as this city contains, among the Greeks, --but again I should exact an oath from the elders ofthe Trojans, [704] that they would conceal nothing, but divide all thingsinto two portions, whatever treasure this delightful city containswithin it. Yet why does my soul discuss such things? [I dread] lest I, going, should reach him, but he pity me not, nor at all respect me, butslay me, being thus naked, as a woman, after I have put off my armour. Nor, indeed, is it now allowed to converse with him from an oak, or froma rock, as a virgin and a youth; a virgin and youth converse with oneanother. But it is better to engage him in strife; that as soon aspossible we may know to which, indeed, the Olympian [Jove] will giveglory. "

 [Footnote 700: Hesych. χειά' ή κατάδυσις των οφεων και δρακόντων. ]

 [Footnote 701: Milton, P. L. νi. III:--

 "Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, And thus his own undaunted heart explores. "]

 [Footnote 702: Cf. Aristot. Eth. Iii. 8, and Casaub. On Pers. Sat. I. 4. "Ne mihi Polydamas, et Troiades Labeonem Prætulerint. "]

 [Footnote 703: Αντην. ]

 [Footnote 704: This is perhaps the easiest way of expressing γερούσιον öορκον. It means an oath to be solemnly kept, an oath to which the elders might with propriety pledge themselves. ]

Thus he pondered, remaining; but near him came Achilles, like unto thehelmet-shaking warrior, Mars, brandishing upon his right shoulder thedreadful Pelian ash; but the brass shone around, like unto the splendoureither of a blazing fire, or of the rising sun. Then, as tremor seizedHector, he perceived him, nor could he remain there any longer, but heleft the gates behind him, and fled affrighted; but the son of Peleusrushed on, trusting to his swift feet. As a falcon in the mountains, theswiftest of birds, easily dashes after a timid pigeon; she, indeed, flies away obliquely; but he, close at hand, shrilly screaming, frequently assails, and his spirit orders him to seize her: thus, eager, he flew right on; but Hector fled in terror under the wall of theTrojans, and moved his fleet limbs. Then they rushed by theprospect-ground and the wind-waving fig-tree, always under the wallalong the public way, and reached the two fair-flowing springs, wherethe two springs of the eddying Scamander rise. The one, indeed, flowswith tepid water, and a steam arises from it around, as of burning fire;whilst the other flows forth in the summer time, like unto hail, or coldsnow, or ice from water. There, at them, are the wide, handsome stonebasins, where the wives and fair daughters of the Trojans used to washtheir splendid garments formerly in time of peace, before the sons ofthe Greeks arrived. In this direction they ran past [the one] flying, but the other pursuing from behind. A brave man, indeed, fled before, but a much braver swiftly pursued him; since they did not seek to obtaina victim or a bull's hide, such as are the rewards of men for speed, butthey ran for the life of horse-breaking Hector. And as whenprize-winning[705] solid-hoofed steeds ran very swiftly round thecourse, and a great reward is proposed, either a tripod, or a woman [inhonour] of a deceased hero; so they thrice made the circuit of the cityof Priam with their swift feet: and all the gods beheld. Then to themthe father of men and gods commenced an address:

 [Footnote 705: _I. E. _ race horses. ]

"Alas! certainly I behold with mine eyes a beloved hero pursued roundthe wall; and my heart is grieved on account of Hector, who hassacrificed many thighs of oxen to me, upon the tops of many-valed Ida, and at other times again in the highest [places of] the city; but now, indeed, noble Achilles pursues him, on swift feet, around the city ofPriam. But come, deliberate, O ye gods, and consider, whether we shallpreserve him from death, or shall subdue him now, being brave [at thehands of] Achilles, the son of Peleus. "

But him the blue-eyed goddess Minerva then addressed:

"O father, hurler of the white thunder, [collector] of dark clouds, whata word hast thou spoken! Dost thou wish to liberate from sad death aman, being mortal, long ago destined to fate? Do it: but all we, theother gods, will not assent to thee. "

Her, then, the cloud-compelling Jupiter, answering, addressed: "Takecourage, Tritonia, beloved child: I by no means speak with serious mind, but I wish to be mild to thee. Do as is the inclination, nor delay atall. "

Thus speaking, he incited Minerva, already prepared; and, springingforth, she descended down from the heights of Olympus. 

But swift Achilles pursued Hector, incessantly pressing upon him. And aswhen a dog pursues the fawn of a deer in the mountains, having roused itfrom its lair, through both glens and thickets; and, althoughpanic-stricken, it crouches down beneath a brake; yet tracking it, heruns continually on until he finds it; so Hector eluded not theswift-footed son of Peleus. As often as he would rush against theDardanian gates, towards under the well-built towers, if perchance theymight aid him with missile weapons from above, so often, previouslyanticipating him, he turned him away towards the plain; whilst hehimself always flew on the side of the city. And as in a dream onecannot pursue a fugitive; neither can the one escape the other, nor theother pursue: so the one could not overtake the other in his speed, northe other escape him. But how, then, could Hector have escaped the fatesof death, if Apollo had not, for the very last time, met him, whoaroused for him his courage and swift knees? But noble Achilles noddedto the people with his head, nor permitted them to cast their bitterweapons at Hector, lest some one, wounding him, should obtain the glory, and he himself come second. But when for the fourth time they arrived atthe fountains, then, indeed, the Sire raised aloft his golden scales, and placed in them the two fates of death, bearing long sleep, this ofAchilles, but that of horse-breaking Hector. Holding them by the middle, he poised them, and the fatal day of Hector inclined and sunk to Hades;but Phœbus Apollo left him. 

Then the blue-eyed goddess Minerva approached the son of Peleus, and, standing near, addressed to him winged words:

"Now, O illustrious Achilles, dear to Jove, I hope that we two shallbear back great glory to the Greeks at the ships, having slain Hector, although being insatiate of war. Now, certainly, it is no longerpossible for him to escape us, not even if far-darting Apollo shouldtoil much, throwing himself at the feet of the ægis-bearing father Jove. But do thou now stand and revive; but I, approaching with thee, willpersuade him to engage thee face to face. "

Thus spoke Minerva; but he obeyed, and rejoiced in his mind; and stood, leaning upon his ashen, brass-pointed spear. But she then left him, andovertook noble Hector, likening herself to Deïphobus, unwearied in herbody and voice; and, standing near, she addressed to him winged words:"O brother dear, certainly swift Achilles now greatly presses on thee, pursuing thee with rapid feet round the city of Priam. But come now, letus stand, and, awaiting, repulse him. "

But her mighty crest-tossing Hector in turn addressed:

"Deïphobus, surely thou wert ever before by far the dearest to me of mybrothers, the sons whom Hecuba and Priam produced. But now I think in mymind that I honour thee still more, since thou hast dared for my sake, when thou dost behold [me] with thine eyes, to come out of the city;while others remain within. "

But him the azure-eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed:

"My brother dear, my father and venerable mother indeed greatlysupplicated me, by turn embracing my knees and my companions around, toremain there (so much do all tremble with fear); but my mind within washarassed with sad grief. But now let us forthwith eagerly engage, norlet there any longer be a sparing of our spears, that we may knowwhether Achilles, having slain us both, shall bear our bloody spoils tothe hollow barks, or be subdued by thy spear. "

Thus having spoken, Minerva also with deception led on. But when theywere near advancing towards each other, him mighty crest-tossing Hectorfirst addressed:

"No longer, O son of Peleus, will I fly thee as before. Thrice have Ifled round the great city of Priam, nor ever dared to await thee comingon; but now my mind urges me to stand against thee: certainly I shallslay, or be slain. But come, let us attest the gods; for they will bethe best witnesses and observers of agreements. For neither will Icruelly insult thee, if indeed Jove shall give me the victory, and Itake away thy life; but after I shall despoil thy beautiful armour, OAchilles, I will give back thy body to the Greeks; and so also do thou. "

But him swift-footed Achilles sternly regarding, addressed:

"Talk not to me of covenants, O most cursed Hector. As there are notfaithful leagues between lions and men, nor yet have wolves and lambs anaccording mind, [706] but ever meditate evils against each other; so itis not possible for thee and me to contract a friendship, nor shallthere at all be leagues between us, --first shall one, falling, satiatethe invincible warrior Mars with his blood. Call to mind all thy valour;now it is very necessary for thee to be both a spearman and a daringwarrior. Nor is there any longer any escape for thee, for Pallas Minervaat once subdues thee beneath my spear, and thou shalt now pay for allthe accumulated sorrows of my companions, whom thou hast slain, ragingwith the spear. "

 [Footnote 706: See Duport, p. 127; and cf. Hor. Epod. Iv. 1. ]

He spoke, and brandishing it, sent forth his long-shadowed spear, andillustrious Hector, seeing it opposite, avoided it; for, looking beforehim, he sunk down, and the brazen spear passed over him, and was fixedin the earth. But Pallas Minerva plucked it out, and gave it back toAchilles, and escaped the notice of Hector, the shepherd of the people. Then Hector addressed the illustrious son of Peleus:

"Thou hast erred, O godlike Achilles, nor art thou yet acquainted withmy fate from Jove; certainly thou didst say so, but thou art a prater, and very subtle in words, in order that, dreading thee, I may beforgetful of my strength and courage. But not in my back, whilst flying, shalt thou thrust thy spear, but shalt drive it through my breast, rushing right on, if God grants this to thee. But now in turn avoid mybrazen spear! would that thou mightst now receive it all in thy body. Then truly would the war become lighter to the Trojans, thou beingslain; for thou art the greatest bane to them. "

He spoke, and, brandishing, sent forth his long-shadowed spear, andstruck the centre of Pelides' shield, nor missed; but the spear wasrepelled far away from the shield. But Hector was enraged because hisswift weapon had fled in vain from his hand; and stood dejected, for hehad not another ashen spear. Then he called upon the white-shieldedDeïphobus, greatly shouting, [and] he asked him for a long spear; but hewas not near him; and Hector perceived in his mind, and said:

"Alas! without doubt, now the gods have summoned me to death. For Iindeed thought the hero Deïphobus was by my side; but he is within thewall, and Minerva has deceived me. But now is evil death near me, norfar away, neither is there escape. Certainly this long since was moreagreeable to Jove and to the far-darting son of Jove, who formerly, propitious, preserved me; but now, on the contrary, Fate overtakes me. Nevertheless I will not perish cowardly and ingloriously at least, buthaving done some great deed to be heard of even by posterity. "

Thus having spoken, he drew his sharp sword, which hung below his loins, both huge and strong, and, with collected might, rushed forward, like alofty-soaring eagle, which swoops to the plain through the gloomyclouds, about to snatch either a tender lamb, or a timid hare; thusHector rushed forward, brandishing his sharp sword. Achilles also rushedon, and filled his soul with fierce rage. He sheltered his breast infront with his shield, beautiful, curiously wrought and nodded with hisshining helmet, four-coned; but the beautiful golden tufts, which Vulcanhad diffused in great abundance round the cone, were shaken. As the starHesperus, which is placed the brightest star in heaven, [707] proceedsamongst other stars in the unseasonable time of night, so it shone fromthe well-sharpened spear which Achilles, designing mischief to nobleHector, brandished in his right hand, eyeing his fair person, where itwould best yield. But the beautiful brazen armour, of which he haddespoiled great Patroclus, having slain him, covered the rest of hisbody so much; yet did there appear [a part] where the collar-bonesseparate the neck from the shoulders, and where the destruction of lifeis most speedy. There noble Achilles, eager, drove into him with thespear, and the point went out quite through his tender neck. However theash, heavy with brass, did not cut away the windpipe, so that, answeringin words, he could address him. But he fell in the dust, and nobleAchilles vaunted over him:

"Hector, thou didst once suppose, when spoiling Patroclus, that thou besafe, nor dreaded me, being absent. Fool! for I apart, a much braveravenger of him, was left behind at the hollow ships, I who have relaxedthy knees. The dogs, indeed, and birds shall dishonourably tear thee, but the Greeks shall perform his funeral rites. "

But him crest-tossing Hector, growing languid, then addressed:

"I supplicate thee by thy soul, thy knees, thy parents, suffer not thedogs to tear me at the ships of the Greeks; but do thou indeed receivebrass in abundance, and gold, which my father and venerable mother willgive thee; and send my body home, that the Trojans and wives of theTrojans may make me, dead, partaker of a funeral pyre. " [708]

 [Footnote 707: Milton, P. L. V. 166:--

 "Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, If better thou belong not to the dawn. "]

 [Footnote 708: Cf. Æn. X. 903; xii. 930, sqq. ]

But him swift-footed Achilles, sternly regarding, addressed;

"Dog, supplicate me not by my knees, nor by my parents; for would thatmy might and mind in any manner urge me myself, tearing thy raw flesh topieces, to devour it, such things hast thou done to me. So that there isnot any one who can drive away the dogs from thy head, not even if theyshould place ten-fold and twenty-times such ransoms, bringing themhither, and even promise others; not even if Dardanian Priam should wishto compensate for thee with gold:[709] not even thus shall thy venerablemother lament [thee] whom she has borne, having laid thee upon a bier, but dogs and fowl shall entirely tear thee in pieces. "

But him crest-tossing Hector, dying, addressed:

"Surely well knowing thee, I foresaw this, nor was I destined topersuade thee; for truly within thee there is an iron soul. Reflect now, lest to thee I be some cause of the wrath of the gods, on that day whenParis and Phœbus Apollo[710] shall kill thee, though being brave, at theScæan gates. "

As he spoke thus, the end of death overshadowed him; and his soul flyingfrom his limbs, descended to Hades, bewailing its destiny, relinquishingvigour and youth. But him, although dead, noble Achilles addressed:

"Die: but I will then receive my fate whensoever Jove may please toaccomplish it, [711] and the other immortal gods. "

He spoke, and plucked the spear from the corpse; and then laid it aside, but he spoiled the bloody armour from his shoulders. But the other sonsof the Greeks ran round, who also admired the stature and wondrous form, of Hector;[712] nor did any stand by without inflicting a wound. Andthus would some one say, looking to his neighbour: "Oh, strange! surelyHector is now much more gentle to be touched, than when he burned theships with glowing fire. "

 [Footnote 709: _I. E. _ to give thy weight in gold. Theognis, 77: Πιστὸς ἀνὴρ χρυσοῦ τε καὶ άργύρου άντερύσασθαι Ἄξιος. ]

 [Footnote 710: Grote, vol. I. P. 406, observes: "After routing the Trojans, and chasing them into the town, Achilles was slain near the Skæan gate by an arrow from the quiver of Paris, directed under the unerring auspices of Apollo, " referring to Soph. Phil. 334; Virg. Æn. Vi. 56. ]

 [Footnote 711: "I have conversed with some men who rejoiced in the death or calamity of others, and accounted it as a judgment upon them for being on the other side, and against them in the contention: but within the revolution of a few months, the same man met with a more uneasy and unhandsome death; which when I saw, I wept, and was afraid; for I knew that it must be so with all men; for we also die, and end our quarrels and contentions by passing to a final sentence. "--Taylor, Holy Dying, i. P. 305, ed. Bohn. ]

 [Footnote 712: Herodot. Ix. 25: Ὁ δὲ νεκρὸς ἔην θέης ἄξιος μεγάθεος εἵνεκα κα κάλλεος. ]

Thus would some one say, and, standing by, would wound him. Butswift-footed Achilles, after he had despoiled him, standing amongst theGreeks, spoke winged words:

"O friends, leaders and princes of the Greeks, since the gods havegranted us to subdue this hero, he who did as many mischiefs, as did notall the others together; come! let us make trial round the city with ourarms, that we may learn concerning the Trojans, what mind they have;whether they are about to desert the citadel, he being slain, or intendto remain, Hector being no more. But why does my mind within medeliberate these things? Patroclus lies at the ships, an unwept, unburied corse; and him I shall never forget, as long as I am amongstthe living, and my dear knees move for me; and though they forget thedead in Hades, yet will I remember my beloved comrade even there. Butcome now, ye youths of the Greeks, singing a pæan, [713] let us return tothe hollow ships, and let us bring him; we bear back great glory: wehave slain noble Hector, whom the Trojans, throughout the city, worshipped as a god. "

He spoke, and was meditating unseemly deeds against noble Hector. Heperforated the tendons of both his feet behind, from the heel to theinstep, and fastened in them leather thongs, and bound him from thechariot; but left his head to be trailed along. Then ascending hischariot, and taking up the splendid armour, he lashed (the horses) to goon, and they, not unwilling, flew. But the dust arose from him whiletrailed along, and his azure locks around approached [the ground], [714]and his entire head, once graceful, lay in the dust; for Jupiter hadthen granted to his enemies, to dishonour him in his own father-land. Thus indeed his whole head was denied with dust; but his mother pluckedout her hair, and cast away her shining veil, and wept very loudly, having beheld her son. And his dear father groaned piteously, and allthe people around were occupied in wailing and lamentation through thecity; and it was very like to this, as if all Ilium, from its summit, were smouldering in fire. With difficulty indeed did the people detainthe old man, indignant with grief anxious to rush out from the Dardaniangates: for rolling in the mud, he was supplicating all, addressing eachman by name:

 [Footnote 713: "This hymn consisted in a repetition, cf. V. 393, 4, which Quintus Smyrnæus has imitated in Ιδ. 117, and Abronius Silo translated ap. _Senec. Suas_. C. 2. The most ancient hymn of this kind on record is that in the first book of Samuel, xviii. 7. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 714: Supply οὔδει or κονίη. ]

"Desist, my friends, and permit me alone, grieved as I am, going out ofthe city, to approach the ships of the Greeks. I will supplicate thisreckless, violent man, if perchance he may respect my time of life, andhave compassion on my old age; for such is his father Peleus to him, hewho begat and nurtured him a destruction to the Trojans; butparticularly to me above all has he caused sorrows. For so many bloomingyouths has he slain to me, for all of whom I do not lament so much, although grieved, as for this one, Hector, keen grief for whom will bearme down even into Hades. [715] Would that he had died in my hands; forthus we should have been satisfied, weeping and lamenting, both hisunhappy mother who bore him, and I myself. " Thus he spoke, weeping, butthe citizens also groaned. But among the Trojan dames, Hecuba began hercontinued lamentation:

 [Footnote 715: "Then shall ye bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. " --Genes, xlii. 38. ]

"O my son, why do wretched I live, having suffered grievous things, thoubeing dead? Thou who by night and day wast my boast throughout the town, and an advantage to the Trojan men and women throughout the city, whoreceived thee as a god. For assuredly thou wast a very great glory tothem when alive now, on the contrary, death and fate possess thee. "

Thus she spoke, weeping; but the wife of Hector had not yet learnedanything: no certain messenger going, informed her that her husband hadremained without the gates; but she was weaving a web in a retired partof her lofty house; double, splendid, and was spreading on it variouspainted works. [716] And she had ordered her fair-haired attendantsthrough the palace, to place a large tripod on the fire, that theremight be a warm bath for Hector, returning from the battle. Foolish! norknew she that, far away from baths, azure-eyed Minerva had subdued himby the hands of Achilles. But she heard the shriek and wailing from thetower, and her limbs were shaken, and the shuttle fell from her to theground; and immediately she addressed her fair-haired attendants:

 [Footnote 716: Ποικίλματα is similarly used in vi. 294. ]

"Come hither, let two follow me, that I may see what deeds have beendone. I heard the voice of my venerable mother-in-law, and to myself theheart within my breast leaps up to my mouth, and the limbs under me arebenumbed. Surely some evil is now near the sons of Priam. O that theword may be [far] from my ear! I dread lest brave Achilles, havingalready cut off noble Hector alone from the city, may drive him towardsthe plain, and even now have made him desist from the fatal valour whichpossessed him; for he never remained among the throng of warriors, butleaped out far before, yielding in his valour to none. "

Thus having spoken, she rushed through the palace like unto onederanged, greatly palpitating in heart; and her attendants went alongwith her. But when she reached the tower and the crowd of men, she stoodlooking round over the wall, and beheld him dragged before the city; butthe fleet steeds drew him ruthlessly towards the ships of the Greeks. Then gloomy night veiled her over her eyes, and she fell backwards, andbreathed out her soul in a swoon. But from her head fell the beautifulhead-gear, the garland, the net, and the twisted fillet, and the veilwhich golden Venus had given to her on that day when crest-tossingHector led her from the palace of Eëtion, after he had presented manymarriage-gifts. Around her in great numbers stood her sisters-in-law andsisters, who supported her amongst them, seized with stupor untodeath. [717] But when she again revived, and her soul was collected inher breast, sobbing at intervals, she spoke among the Trojan dames:

 [Footnote 717: See Kennedy: ὥστε is to be understood before ἀπολέσθαι. ]

"Hector, O wretched me! then we were both born to a like fate, thouindeed in Troy, in the mansion of Priam, but I in Thebe, beneath woodyPlacus, in the palace of Eëtion; who, himself ill-fated, reared me, ill-fated, being yet a little child;--would that he had not begotten me!Now, however, thou goest to the mansions of Hades beneath the recessesof the earth, but leavest me, in hateful grief, a widow in the dwelling;and thy boy, yet such an infant, to whom thou and I unfortunate gavebirth; nor wilt thou be an advantage to him, O Hector, for thou artdead; nor he to thee. For even if he shall escape the mournful war ofthe Greeks, still will labour and hardship ever be to him hereafter;for others will deprive him of his fields by changing the landmarks. Butthe bereaving day renders a boy destitute of his contemporaries; he isever dejected, and his cheeks are bedewed with tears. The boy in wantshall go to the companions of his father, pulling one by the cloak, another by the tunic; and some of these pitying, shall present him witha very small cup; and he shall moisten his lips, but not wet his palate. Him also some one, enjoying both [parents], [718] shall push away fromthe banquet, striking him with his hands, and reviling him withreproaches: 'A murrain on thee! even thy father feasts not with us. 'Then shall the boy Astyanax return weeping to his widowed mother, --hewho formerly, indeed, upon the knees of his own father, ate marrowalone, and the rich fat of sheep; but when sleep came upon him, and heceased childishly crying, used to sleep on couches in the arms of anurse, in a soft bed, full as to his heart with delicacies. But now, indeed, Astyanax, [719] whom the Trojans call by surname (because thoualone didst defend their gates and lofty walls for them), shall suffermany things, missing his dear father. But now shall the crawling wormsdevour thee, naked, at the curved ships, far away from thy parents, after the dogs shall have satiated themselves: but thy robes, fine andgraceful, woven by the hands of women, lie in thy palaces. Truly allthese will I consume with burning fire, being of no use to thee, forthou wilt not lie on them; but let them be a glory [to thee] before theTrojans and the Trojan dames. "

Thus she spoke, weeping, and the females also mourned. 

 [Footnote 718: Ἀμφιθαλὴς παῖς ὸ ἀμφοτέρωθεν θάλλων, ἤγουν ᾦ ἄμφω οὶ γovεῖς περίεισι. ]

 [Footnote 719: Playing on the signification of the name, --"king of the city. " This piece of twaddle has not been omitted by Plato in his ridiculous Cratylus. ]

 BOOK THE TWENTY-THIRD. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Achilles, admonished in a dream by the ghost of his friend, celebratesthe funeral of Patroclus. 

Thus they indeed were mourning through the city; but the Greeks, as soonas they reached the ships and the Hellespont, were separated each to hisown ship. But Achilles did not permit the Myrmidons to be dispersed, buthe spoke amongst his warlike companions [thus]:

"Ye swift-horsed Myrmidons, comrades dear to me, let us not yet loosethe solid-hoofed steeds from under our chariots, but with the veryhorses and chariots, going near, let us bewail Patroclus; for this isthe honour of the dead. But when we have indulged[720] sad lamentation, unyoking our steeds, we will all sup here. "

Thus he spoke; but they mourned in a body; and Achilles led the way. Thrice they drove their fair-maned steeds around the body, [721]grieving; and among them Thetis kindled a longing for lamentation. Moistened were the sands, and moistened were the arms of the men withtears; for so brave a master of the flight they longed. But among themthe son of Peleus led the abundant lamentation, laying hisman-slaughtering hands upon the breast of his companion:

 [Footnote 720: Excellently paraphrased by Gaza: Ἐπειδὰν δὲ τοῦ ὄλεθρίου θρήνου ἀπολαύσωμεν. Ernesti well observes that τεταρπώμεσθα implies "delight mingled with satiety. "]

 [Footnote 721: This was a frequent rite at funerals. Cf. Apollon. Rh. I. 1059; Virg. Æn. Xi. 188, sqq. ; Heliodor. Ethiop. Iii. P. 136: Ἐπειδὴ τὸ μνῆμα τοῦ Νεοπτολέμου περιεστοιχήσατο ἡ πομπὴ, καὶ τρίτον οἱ ἔφηβοι τὴν ἵππον περιήλασαν, ὠλολύξαν μὲν αἱ γυναῖκες, λάλαξαν δὲ οἱ ἄνδρες. Among the Romans this rite was called _decursio_. Cf. Liv. Xxv. 17: Tacit. Ann. Ii. 7; Sueton. Claud. § i. According to Plutarch, Alexander the Great performed the same honours at the tomb of Achilles, that Achilles had bestowed upon the manes of his friend Patroclus. See also Bernart on Stat. Theb. Vi. 217. ]

"Hail! O Patroclus, even in the dwellings of Hades; for now shall Iaccomplish all those things which formerly I promised, that havingdragged Hector hither, I would give him to the dogs to be devoured raw;and that before thy pile I would cut the necks of twelve illustrioussons of the Trojans, enraged on account of thee slain. "

He spoke, and meditated unworthy deeds against noble Hector, havingstretched him prone in the dust before the bier of Menœtiades; but theyeach stripped off his brazen, glittering armour, and unyoked theirhigh-sounding steeds. They sat also in crowds at the ship ofswift-footed Æacides; but he afforded to them an agreeable funeralfeast. [722] Many white bulls[723] were stretched around by the axe, having their throats cut, and many sheep and bleating goats. Manywhite-tusked swine also, abounding in fat, were extended for roasting inthe flame of Vulcan; and on every side around the dead body flowedabundant blood. But the chiefs of the Greeks led the king, theswift-footed son of Peleus, to noble Agamemnon, hardly persuading himenraged at heart on account of his companion. But when advancing theyreached the tent of Agamemnon, he straightway ordered the clear-voicedheralds to place a large tripod on the fire, if he could persuade theson of Peleus to wash away the bloody gore. But he sternly refused, andbesides swore an oath:[724]

 [Footnote 722: Τάφος· τὸ γινόμενον περίδειπνον ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν κατοιχομένων τιμῇ. --Hesych. ]

 [Footnote 723: On these funeral sacrifices, see Comm. On Æn. Xi. L. C. ; and Lomeier de Lustrationibus, § xxxi. ]

 [Footnote 724: Buttm. Lexil. P. 436, after insisting strongly on the _personification_ of Ὅρκος, observes on this passage: "I see no reason why we should not suppose that in the poet's mind Jupiter was put in opposition to ὅρκον, exactly in the same sense as ὄρκος is actually found in opposition to Ζεύς in Pindar, Pyth. Iv. 297. Κάρτερος ὅρκος ἄμμι μάρτυς ἔστω Ζεὺς ὁ γενέθλιος άμφοτέροις. Further, the expressions μέγας όρκος, κάρτερος ὅρκος suit much better the idea of the witness or pledge of the oath, than they do the oath itself. "]

"No, by Jove, who is both the supreme and the best of gods, it is notlawful that ablutions should come near my head, before I place Patrocluson the pile, and have thrown up a mound, and shorn my hair; for not tosuch a degree will sorrow a second time invade my heart, whilst I amamong the living. But nevertheless let us now yield to the loathsomebanquet. But on the morrow, O king of men, Agamemnon, give orders tobring wood, and dispose it so as is proper that a dead body enjoying it, should descend beneath the obscure darkness; so that the indefatigablefire may consume him very quickly from our eyes, and the people mayreturn to their occupations. "

Thus he spoke; but they indeed readily listened to him, and obeyed. Thenthey, each sedulously preparing supper, feasted; nor did their mind lackaught of an equal feast. But when they had dismissed the desire of foodand drink, some departed in order to lie down, each to his tent. But theson of Peleus, on the contrary, amid his many Myrmidons, lay near theshore of the far-sounding sea, heavily moaning, in a clear spot, wherethe waves plashed against the shore; when sweet[725] sleep, diffusedaround, took possession of him, relaxing the cares of his mind; for hewas very much fatigued as to his fair knees, chasing Hector atwind-swept Ilium. But to him came the spirit of wretched Patroclus, likeunto him in all things, as to bulk, and beautiful eyes, and his voice;and like garments also were around his body; and he stood over his head, and addressed him:

"Sleepest thou, O Achilles, and art thou forgetful of me? Thou didst notindeed neglect me when alive, but [now that I am] dead. Bury me, that Imay as soon as possible pass the gates of Hades. The spirits, the imagesof the deceased, [726] drive me far away, nor by any means permit me tobe mingled with them beyond the river; but thus I do wander round theample-gated dwelling of Hades. But give me thy hand, [727] I beseechthee, for I shall not again return from Hades after thou hast made me apartaker of the fire. For by no means shall we, being alive, sittingapart from our dear companions, deliberate counsels; but the hatefulfate which befel me when born, has snatched me away. And to thyselfalso, O godlike Achilles, thy fate is to perish beneath the wall of thenoble Trojans. But another thing I bid, and will command, O Achilles, ifthou wilt obey, not to lay my bones apart from thine; but as we werenurtured together in thy palaces, when Menœtius led me from Opus, alittle boy, to thy home, on account of a melancholy homicide, on thatday when, imprudent, I slew the son of Amphidamas, not wishing it, enraged about the dice:[728] then Peleus received me in his abode, carefully reared me, and named me thy attendant. So may the same tombcontain our bones, the golden vase which thy venerable mother gavethee. "

 [Footnote 725: On the epithet νήδνμος, cf. Buttm. P. 414, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 726: Buttm. Lexil. P. 372, in a very interesting discussion, regards καμόντες as an euphemism, "by which the dead, whom we consider as still acting and feeling, and consequently as the objects of our kind offices, of which they are conscious, are represented as still living in another state, but deprived of their earthly powers. "]

 [Footnote 727: Virg. Æn. Vi. 370: "Da dextram misero. "]

 [Footnote 728: See the Quaint remarks of Jeremy Taylor, Holy Living, p. 224, ed. Bohn. ]

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed:

"Why, O venerable friend, hast thou come to me, and commandest each ofthese things to me? Yet will I readily accomplish all these things forthee, and obey as thou commandest. But stand nearer to me, thatembracing each other even for a little while, we may indulge in sadlamentation. "

Thus then having spoken, he stretched out with his friendly arms, norcaught him;[729] for the spirit went gibbering[730] beneath the earth, like smoke. Then Achilles sprang up astonished, and clapped together hishands, and spoke this doleful speech:

"Alas! there is indeed then, even in the dwellings of Hades, a certainspirit and image, but there is no body[731] in it at all; for all nightthe spirit of miserable Patroclus stood by me, groaning and lamenting, and enjoined to me each particular, and was wonderfully like untohimself. "

 [Footnote 729: Cf. Georg. Iv. 499; Æn. Ii. 790, iv. 276; Lucan, iii. 34. ]

 [Footnote 730: See Odyss. Xxiv. Sub init, where the same word is applied to the shades of the suitors of Penelope. ]

 [Footnote 731: By φρένες we may understand the power of using reason and judgment, with Duport, Gnom. P. 128, and Jeremy Taylor, Holy Dying, p. 524, ed. Bohn. But ver. 100 seems to require the interpretation which I have followed; Clarke rendering it "præcordia. "]

Thus he spoke; and excited among them all a longing for lamentation; androsy-fingered Morn appeared to them while weeping around the miserablecorpse. But king Agamemnon incited everywhere from the tents both mulesand men to bring wood; and for this a brave man was roused, Meriones, the servant of valour-loving Idomeneus. And they went, holding in theirhands wood-lopping axes and well-twisted ropes; and before them went themules. They passed over many ascents, [732] descents, and straight waysand crossways. But when they reached the forests of many-rilled Ida, hastening, they cut down the towering oaks with the keen-edged brass. These greatly resounding, fell; and the Greeks then splitting them, tied[them] upon the mules, but they pained the ground with their hoofs, eager to reach the plain through the close thickets. But all thewood-cutters carried trunks of trees, for so Meriones, the servant ofvalour-loving Idomeneus, ordered; and afterwards threw them in orderupon the shore, where Achilles designed a mighty tomb for Patroclus, andfor himself. 

But when they had thrown on all sides immense quantities of wood, remaining there in a body, they sat down; but Achilles immediatelyordered the warlike Myrmidons to gird on the brass, and to yoke each hishorses to his chariot; but they arose, and were arrayed in their armour. And both the combatants and the charioteers ascended their chariots; thecavalry indeed first, but a cloud of infantry followed after in myriads;and in the midst his companions bore Patroclus. They covered all thedead body over with hair, which, cutting off, [733] they threw upon it;but noble Achilles held his head behind, grieving, for he was sending ablameless companion to Hades. 

 [Footnote 732: A most remarkable and beautiful example of the appropriation of sound to sense. Pope has admirably imitated the original by the following translation:--

 "O'er hills, o'er dales, o'er crags, o'er rocks, they go. "

 Cowper less successfully:--

 "They measured hill and dale, Right onward now, and now circuitous. "

 Cf. Milton, P. L. Ii. 948:--

 "So eagerly the fiend O'er bog, or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare, With head, hands, wings, or feet pursues his way, And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. "]

 [Footnote 733: So in Senec. Hippol. 1176, "Placemus umbras, capitis exuvias cape, laceræque frontis accipe abscissam comam. " The custom is learnedly illustrated by Bernart on Stat. Theb. Vi. 195, Lomeier de Lustrat. § xxv. ]

But they, when they reached the place where Achilles pointed out tothem, laid him down; and immediately heaped on abundant wood for him. Then again swift-footed Achilles remembered another thing. Standingapart from the pile, he cut off his yellow hair, which he had nurtured, blooming, for the river Sperchius;[734] and, moaning, he spake, lookingupon the dark sea:

 [Footnote 734: On this custom, cf. Schol. Hesiod. Theog. 348: Ἀπόλλωνι καὶ ποταμοῖς οὶ νέοι ἀπέτεμον τὰς κόμας, διὰ τὸ αύξήσεως καὶ ἀνατροφῆς αἰτίους εἷναι. See Lindenbrog on Censorin. De Die Nat. I. P. 6, and Blomf. On Æsch. Choeph. S. Init. , with my own note. Statius, Achill. I. 628, "Quærisne meos, Sperchie, natatus, Promissasque comas?" Cf. Pausan. I. 43, 4; Philostrat. Her. Xi. ]

"In vain, O Sperchius, did my father Peleus vow to thee, that I, returning to my dear native land, should there cut off my hair for thee, and offer a sacred hecatomb; and besides, that I would in the same placesacrifice fifty male sheep at the fountains, where are a grove andfragrant altar to thee. Thus the old man spake, but thou hast notfulfilled his will. And now, since I return not to my dear fatherland, Iwill give my hair to the hero Patroclus, to be borne [with him]. " Thussaying, he placed his hair in the hands of his dear companion; andexcited amongst them all a longing for weeping. And the light of the sunhad certainly set upon them, mourning, had not Achilles, standingbeside, straightway addressed Agamemnon:

"O son of Atreus (for to thy words the people of the Greeks mostespecially hearken), it is possible to satiate oneself even withweeping;[735] but now do thou dismiss them from the pile, and order themto prepare supper. We, to whom the corpse is chiefly a care, will labourconcerning these things; but let the chiefs remain with us. "

But when the king of men, Agamemnon, heard this, he immediatelydispersed the people among the equal ships; but the mourners remainedthere, and heaped up the wood. They formed a pile[736] a hundred feetthis way and that, and laid the body upon the summit of the pile, grieving at heart. 

 [Footnote 735: See Buttm. Lexil. P. 25. "Achilles speaks of the expediency of terminating the lamentations of the army at large, and leaving what remains to be performed in honour of the deceased to his more particular friends. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 736: In illustration of the following rites, cf. Virg. Æn. Iii. 62; v. 96; vi. 215; x. 517; xi. 80, 197, sqq. ; and the notes of Stephens on Saxo Grammat. P. 92. ]

Many fat sheep, and stamping-footed, bent-horned oxen, they skinned anddressed before the pile; from all of which magnanimous Achilles, takingthe fat, covered over the dead body [with it] from head to feet, andheaped around the skinned carcases. Leaning towards the bier, helikewise placed vessels of honey and oil, [737] and, sighing deeply, hastily threw upon the pyre four high-necked steeds. There were ninedogs, companions at the table of the [departed] king, and, slaying twoof them, he cast them upon the pile; also twelve gallant sons[738] ofthe magnanimous Trojans, slaying them with the brass; and he designedevil deeds in his mind. Next he applied to it the iron strength of fire, that it might feed upon it: then he groaned aloud, and addressed hisbeloved companion by name:[739]

 [Footnote 737: Cf. Alcæus apud Brunck, Ann. I. P. 490: Καὶ τάφον ὑψώσαντο, γάλακτι δὲ ποιμένες αἰγῶν Ἔῤῥαναν ξανθῷ μιξάμενοι μέλιτι. Compare the similar libations to the dead in Eur. Orest. 114; Heliodor. Eth. Vi. ; Apul. Met. 3; Stat. Theb. Vi. 209; Virg. Æn. Iii. 66. ]

 [Footnote 738: This cruel custom was in vogue amongst the followers of Odin. See Olaus Magnus, iii. 3, and Mallet, Northern Antiquities, p. 213, sq. , ed. Bohn. ]

 [Footnote 739: On this προσφώνησις, or last address to the deceased, see my note on Eurip. Alcest. 625, t. I. P. 231, ed. Bohn; and Suppl. 773, 804; Virg. Æn. Iii. 68, v. 79; Propert. I. 17; Auson. Parent. 159, 10. ]

"Hail! O Patroclus, even in the dwellings of Hades: for I now fulfil allthings which I formerly promised thee; twelve brave sons of themagnanimous Trojans, all these, along with thee, shall the fire consume;but I will not suffer Hector, the son of Priam, to be devoured by fire, but by the dogs. "

Thus he spoke, threatening; but about him the dogs were not busied; forVenus, the daughter of Jove, drove off the dogs both days and nights, and anointed him with a rosy unguent, ambrosial, that he might notlacerate him dragging him along. Over him also Phœbus Apollo drew a darkcloud from heaven to the plain, and overshadowed the whole space, asmuch as the dead body occupied, lest the influence of the sun shouldpreviously dry the body all around, with the nerves and limbs. 

Yet the pile of dead Patroclus burnt not. Then again noble Achillesmeditated other things. Standing apart from the pile, he prayed to twowinds, Boreas and Zephyrus, and promised fair sacrifices; and, pouringout many libations with a golden goblet, he supplicated them to come, that they might burn the body with fire as soon as possible, and thewood might hasten to be burned. But swift Iris, hearing his prayers, went as a messenger to the winds. They, indeed, together at home withfierce-breathing Zephyrus, were celebrating a feast, when Iris, hastening, stood upon the stone threshold. But when they beheld her withtheir eyes, they rose up, and invited her to him, each of them. But she, on the contrary, refused to sit down, and spoke [this] speech:

"No seat [for me]; for I return again to the flowings of the ocean, tothe land of the Æthiopians, where they sacrifice hecatombs to theimmortals, that now I, too, may have a share in their offerings. ButAchilles now supplicates Boreas, and sonorous Zephyrus, to come, that yemay kindle the pile to be consumed, on which lies Patroclus, whom allthe Greeks bewail. "

She, indeed, thus having spoken, departed; but they hastened to go witha great tumult, driving on the clouds before them. Immediately theyreached the sea, blowing, and the billow was raised up beneath theirsonorous blast: but they reached the very fertile Troad, and fell uponthe pile, and mightily resounded the fiercely-burning fire. All night, indeed, did they together toss about the blaze of the pyre, shrillyblowing; and all night swift Achilles, holding a double cup, poured wineupon the ground, drawing it from a golden goblet, and moistened theearth, invoking the manes of wretched Patroclus. And as a father mourns, consuming the bones of his son, a bridegroom who, dying, has afflictedhis unhappy parents, so mourned Achilles, burning the bones of hiscompanion, pacing pensively beside the pile, groaning continually. Butwhen Lucifer arrived, proclaiming light over the earth, after whomsaffron-vested Morn is diffused over the sea, then the pyre grewlanguid, and the flame decayed; and the Winds departed again, to returnhome through the Thracian sea; but it (the sea) groaned indeed, ragingwith swelling billow. 

But Pelides, going apart[740] from the pile, reclined fatigued, and uponhim fell sweet sleep. The others, however, were assembling in crowdsround the son of Atreus, the noise and tumult of whom, approaching, awoke him; and, being raised up, he sat, and addressed them:

 [Footnote 740: On λιάζομαι, cf. Buttm. Lex. P. 404. ]

"O son of Atreus, and ye other chiefs of the Greeks, first, indeed, extinguish the whole pile, as much as the fire has seized, with darkwine; and then let us collect the bones of Patroclus, the son ofMenœtius, well discriminating them (for they are readily distinguished;for he lay in the centre of the pyre, but the others, both horses andmen, were burned promiscuously at the extremity), and let us place themin a golden vessel, and with a double [layer of] fat, till I myself behidden in Hades. And I wish that a tomb should be made, not very large, but of such[741] a size as is becoming; but do ye, O Achæans, hereafter, make it both broad and lofty, you who may be left behind me at themany-benched barks. "

Thus he spoke; and they obeyed the swift-footed son of Peleus. First ofall, indeed, they totally extinguished the pyre with dark wine, as muchas the fire had invaded, and the deep ashes fell in; and, weeping, theycollected the white bones of their mild companion into a golden vessel, and a double [layer of] fat; then, laying them in the tent, they coveredthem with soft[742] linen. Next they marked out the area for the tomb, and laid the foundations around the pile; and immediately upraised amound of earth; and, heaping up the tomb, returned. But Achillesdetained the people there, and made the wide assembly sit down; but fromthe ships he brought forth prizes, goblets, tripods, horses, mules, andsturdy heads of oxen, and slender-waisted women, and hoary[743] iron. First he staked as prizes for swift-footed steeds, a woman to be borneaway, faultless, skilled in works, as well as a handled tripod oftwo-and-twenty measures, for the first; but for the second he staked amare six years old, unbroken, pregnant with a young mule; for the thirdhe staked a fireless tripod, beautiful, containing four measures, yetquite untarnished;[744] for the fourth he staked two talents of gold;and for the fifth he staked a double vessel, untouched by the fire. Erect he stood, and spoke this speech to the Greeks:

 [Footnote 741: Ernesti considers that τοῖον is here added to indicate _magnitude_, and Heyne accordingly renders it: "magnitudine fere hac, " the speaker being supposed to use a gesture while thus speaking. ]

 [Footnote 742: See Buttm. Lexil. Pp. 236--9. ]

 [Footnote 743: "Ernesti conceives that the colour is here maintained to express, not merely the _shining aspect_, but the newness of the metal; as λενκὸν in 268. This is ingenious; but why not receive it as expressive of colour, and borrowed from that to which the metal itself supplies a well-known epithet, viz. , the hair of age?"--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 744: Αὕτως here designates "_that which is original, unchanged_, in opposition to common changes, λενκὸν ἔθ΄ αὕτως, still in _that_ its original state, completely unblackened with fire; and ω. 413; of the body of Hector, ἀλλ' ἔτε κεῖνος κεῖται. Αὕτως, in _that_ state in which he was before, still free from corruption. "--Buttm. Lexil. P. 173. ]

"O son of Atreus, and ye other well-greaved Greeks, these prizes lie inthe circus, awaiting the charioteers. If now, indeed, in honour ofanother, we Grecians were contending, then truly would I, receiving, bear the first [prizes] to my tent. For ye know how much my steedssurpass in excellence; for they are both immortal, and Neptune gave themto my father Peleus, who, again, delivered them to me. But neverthelessI and my solid-hoofed steeds will remain apart [from the contest];because they have lost the excellent might of such a charioteer, whovery often poured the moist oil over their manes, having washed themwith limpid water. They, indeed, standing, lament him, but their maneshang down upon the ground, and they stand, grieved at heart. However, doye others through the army prepare, whoever of the Greeks confides inhis steeds and well-fastened chariots. "

Thus spoke the son of Peleus; but the swift charioteers arose. But, farthe first, arose Eumelus, king of men, the dear son of Admetus, whosurpassed in equestrian skill. After him arose the son of Tydeus, valiant Diomede, and led under the yoke the horses of Tros, which heformerly took from Æneas; but Apollo preserved himself[745] alive; nextto whom arose the most noble son of yellow-haired Atreus, Menelaus, andled beneath the yoke fleet steeds, Agamemnon's mare Æthe, and his ownstallion, Podargus. Her Echepolus, the son of Anchises, had presentedas a gift to Agamemnon, that he need not follow him to wind-swept Ilium, but staying there might be delighted; for Jove had given him greatwealth, and he dwelt in wise Sicyon. Her, persevering in the race, heled under the yoke. But Antilochus, the fourth, harnessed hisbeautiful-maned steeds (the illustrious son of the magnanimous kingNestor, the son of Neleus), and swift-footed Pelian-born steeds drew hischariot for him; but his father, standing near, spoke for his good, advising him, though himself prudent:

 [Footnote 745: Æneas. ]

"O Antilochus, assuredly indeed both Jove and Neptune have loved thee, although being young, and have taught thee all kinds of equestrianexercise; wherefore there is no great need to instruct thee. For thouknowest how to turn the goals with safety; but thy horses are very slowto run, wherefore I think that disasters may happen. Their horses, indeed, are more fleet, but they themselves know not how to manoeuvrebetter than thou thyself. But come now, beloved one, contrive everymanner of contrivance in thy mind, lest the prizes by any chance escapethee. By skill is the wood-cutter much better than by strength; and, again, by skill the pilot directs upon the dark sea the swift ship, tossed about by the winds; and by skill charioteer excels charioteer. One man who is confident in his steeds and chariot, turns imprudentlyhither and thither over much [ground], and his steeds wander through thecourse, nor does he rein them in. But he, on the contrary, who isacquainted with stratagem [though] driving inferior steeds, alwayslooking at the goal, turns it close, nor does it escape him in whatmanner he may first turn [the course][746] with his leathern reins; buthe holds on steadily, and watches the one who is before him. But I willshow thee the goal, easily distinguished, nor shall it escape thynotice. A piece of dry wood, as much as a cubit, stands over the ground, either of oak or of larch, which is not rotted by rain; and two whitestones are placed on either side, in the narrow part of the way;[747]but the racecourse around is level: either it is the monument[748] ofsome man long since dead, or perhaps it has been a goal in the time offormer men, and now swift-footed noble Achilles has appointed it thegoal. Approaching this very closely, drive thy chariot and horses near;but incline thyself gently towards the left of them (the steeds), in thewell-joined chariot-seat; and, cheering on the right-hand horse, applythe whip, and give him the rein with thy hands. Let thy left-hand horse, however, be moved close to the goal, so that the nave of the well-madewheel may appear to touch, the top [of the post]; but avoid to touchupon the stone, lest thou both wound thy horses, and break thy chariotin pieces, and be a joy to the others, and a disgrace to thyself. But, my beloved son, mind to be on thy guard; for if at the goal thou couldstpass by in the course, there will not be one who could overtake thee inpursuit, nor pass thee by; not if behind he drives noble Arion, theswift steed of Adrastus, [749] which was from a god in race; or those ofLaomedon, which, excellent, have here been reared. "

 [Footnote 746: Or "pull with his leathern reins. "--Oxf. Transl. "τανύσῃ, viz. δρόμον σὺν ἱμᾶσιν. Thus τάθη δρόμος, ver. 375. The same ellipsis occurs in the following verse, in the case of ἔχει, which, however, admits also of the construction ἔχει ἑαυτόν, one usual in the latter language. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 747: "The old interpreter explained ἐν ξυνοχῇσιν ὁδοῦ, and I think correctly, of a wide track in the open plain becoming somewhat narrower at the point where the old monument stood; but ἀμφίς they took in the opposite sense of χωρίς, or still more forced. Heyne, however, understood it quite correctly of the wide plain around, which was so suited to a chariot-race, and within which, in the distance, stood also the mark chosen by Achilles, ver. 359. Others see in this passage the course winding round the monument; but then it must have been an old course regularly drawn out for the purpose; whereas this monument was selected by Achilles for the goal or mark quite arbitrarily, and by his own choice; and Nestor, ver. 332, only conjectures that it might have formerly served for a goal. "--Buttm. Lexil. P. 95. ]

 [Footnote 748: Such monumental stones were frequently placed in public places. Cf. Theocrit. Vi. 10; Virg. Eel. Ix. 55; Dicæarchus in Athen. Xiii. P. 594. ]

 [Footnote 749: According to many authors, this horse was produced from the earth by a stroke of Neptune's trident. See Serv. On Virg. Georg. I. 12; Pausan. Viii. P. 650; Apollodor. Iii. 6, 8; and Bernart. On Stat. Theb. Iv. 43. ]

Thus speaking, Neleian Nestor sat down again in his own place, when hehad mentioned the most important points of each matter to his son; andMeriones, fifth, harnessed his beautiful-maned steeds. Then theyascended their chariots, and cast lots into [the helmet]. Achillesshook, and the lot of Antilochus, son of Nestor, leaped forth; after himking Eumelus was allotted; but after him spear-renowned Menelaus, son ofAtreus, and Meriones was allotted to drive after him. But the son ofTydeus, by far the bravest, was allotted to drive his coursers last. Then they stood in order; and Achilles pointed out the goals, [750] faroff in the level plain; and near it placed godlike Phoenix as an umpire, the armour-bearer of his own sire, that he might attend to the race, andreport the truth. 

 [Footnote 750: Cf. Æn. V. 129; Quintus Calab. Iv. 193: Τοῖσι δὲ σημαίνεσκε δρόμου τέλος ὠκυτάτοιο Ἀτρείδης. ]

Then they all at once raised their lashes over their steeds, and struckthem with the reins, and cheered them on with words incessantly; butthey rapidly flew over the plain, far away from the ships, swiftly, andbeneath their breasts the excited dust stood up, raised like a cloud ora whirlwind; whilst their manes were tossed about by the breath of thewind. Sometimes, indeed, the chariots approached the fruitful earth, and at others bounded aloft; but the drivers stood erect in theirchariots, and the heart of each of them, eager for victory, palpitated:and each animated his own steeds, but they flew along, stirring up dustfrom the plain. But when now the fleet steeds were performing the lastcourse, back towards the hoary deep, then appeared the excellence ofeach, and the course was immediately extended to the horses;[751] andthen the swift-footed steeds of the son of Pheres[752] swiftly bore himaway. The male Trojan steeds of Diomede, however, bore [themselves] nextto them; nor were they at all far distant, but very near; for theyalways seemed as if about to mount into the chariot. And with theirbreathing the back and broad shoulders of Eumelus were warmed; for theyflew along, leaning their heads over him. And certainly he had eitherpassed, or made [the victory] doubtful, had not Phœbus Apollo beenenraged with the son of Tydeus, and accordingly shaken out of his handsthe shining lash. Then from the eyes of him indignant tears poured, because indeed he beheld the others now going much swifter, whilst his[steeds] were injured, running without a goad. Neither did Apollo, fraudulently injuring Tydides, escape the notice of Minerva, but shevery quickly overtook the shepherd of the people, and gave him his lash, and put vigour into his steeds. And to the son of Admetus, the goddess, indignant, advanced, and broke for him his horse-yoke; and so his maresran on both sides out of the way, and the pole was dashed upon theground. He himself was thrown from the driving-seat close by the wheel, and was lacerated all round in his arms, his mouth, and nostrils, andhis forehead was bruised near the eyebrows; but his eyes were filledwith tears, and his liquid voice was clogged. Then Diomede passing by, directed his hollow-hoofed steeds, bounding far before the others; forMinerva had put vigour into his steeds, and given him glory. But afterhim, however, the son of Atreus, yellow-haired Menelaus, drove; butAntilochus cheered on the steeds of his father:

 [Footnote 751: _I. E. _ "the speed of the horses was immediately put to the stretch, " as the Oxford Translator well, but freely, renders it. ]

 [Footnote 752: Eumelus. ]

"Push on! and exert yourselves, both of you, as fast as possible. Iindeed do not order you to contend with the steeds of warlike Diomede, to which Minerva has now given speed, and given glory to him; butquickly overtake the horses of Atrides, nor be left behind, lest Æthe, being a mare, shed disgrace upon you both. Why should ye be leftinferior, O best [of steeds]? For thus I tell you, and it shall surelybe accomplished; attention will not be paid to you by Nestor, theshepherd of the people, but he will immediately slay you with the sharpbrass, if we, remiss, bear off the less worthy prize. But follow, andhasten as fast as possible. These things will I myself manage and lookto, to pass him by in the narrow way; nor shall it escape me. "

Thus he spoke; but they, dreading the threat of their master, ran fasterfor a short time: but immediately then warlike Antilochus perceived thenarrow of the hollow way. It was a fissure of the earth, where thewintry torrent collected, had broken away [part] of the road, andgullied the whole place; thither drove Menelaus, avoiding the clash ofwheels. But Antilochus, deviating, guided his solid-hoofed horses out ofthe way, and turning aside, pursued him a little. But the son of Atreusfeared, and shouted to Antilochus:

"Antilochus, rashly art thou driving thy horses; but check thy steedsfor the road is narrow, and thou wilt soon drive past in a wider lestthou damage both [of us], running foul of [my] chariot. " Thus he spoke;but Antilochus drove even much faster, urging [them] on with the lash, like unto one not hearing. As far as is the cast of a quoit, hurled fromthe shoulder, which a vigorous youth has thrown, making experiments ofhis youthful strength; so far they ran abreast; but those of Atridesfell back: for he himself voluntarily ceased to drive, lest thesolid-hoofed steeds should clash in the road, and overturn thewell-joined chariots, and they themselves should fall in the dust, whilecontending for the victory. And him yellow-haired Menelaus, chiding, addressed:

"O Antilochus, no other mortal is more pernicious than thou. Avaunt! forwe Greeks untruly said that thou wast prudent. Yet not even thus shaltthou bear away the prize without an oath. " [753] Thus saying, he cheeredon his steeds, and spoke to them:

"Be not kept back, nor stand, grieving in your hearts: sooner will thefeet and knees grow weary to them than to you; for they are bothdeprived of vigour. "

Thus he spoke; but they, dreading the exhortation of their master, ranmore fleetly, and became very near the others. But the Greeks sitting inassembly, [754] beheld the steeds, and they flew along, raising dust overthe plain. Then first Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, distinguishedthe horses; for he sat outside the circus, very high up, on anobservatory; and hearing him, being far off, encouraging [his steeds], knew him. He also perceived a remarkable steed outstripping, which inevery other part indeed was chesnut, but in its forehead was a whiteround spot, like the moon. And he stood erect, and delivered this speechamongst the Greeks:

 [Footnote 753: "Videtur proverbii loco dictum in eos, qui non facile, non sine gravi labore ac difficultate consequi possent, quod peterent, sive qui rem valde difficilem peterent. "--Ernesti. ]

 [Footnote 754: See note on vii. P. 129, n. 2. ]

"O friends, leaders and chieftains of the Greeks, do I alone recognizethe horses, or do ye also? Different steeds indeed appear to me to beforemost, and there seems a different charioteer; but those [mares]which hitherto were successful, are probably hurt upon the plainsomewhere: for surely I first saw them turning round the goal, but now Ican no longer see them, although my eyes survey the Trojan plain as Igaze around. Surely the reins have fled the charioteer, and he could notrein well round the goal, and did not succeed in turning. There Iimagine he fell out, and at the same time broke his chariot, whilst they(the mares) bolted, when fury seized their mind. But do ye also, standing up, look, for I cannot well distinguish; it appears to me to bean Ætolian hero by birth, and [who] rules amongst the Argives, the sonof horse-breaking Tydeus, gallant Diomede. "

But him swift Ajax, the son of Oïleus, bitterly reproached:

"Idomeneus, why dost thou prate endlessly?[755] Those high-prancingmares run over the vast plain afar. Neither art thou so much theyoungest amongst the Greeks, nor do thine eyes see most sharply from thyhead: but thou art always prating with words. Nor is it at all necessaryfor thee to be a prater, for others better than thou are present. Forthe mares of Eumelus are still[756] foremost, which were so before, andhe himself is advancing, holding the reins. "

But him the leader of the Cretans, indignant, answered in turn:

"Ajax, best at abuse, reviler, but in all other things thou art inferiorto the Greeks, because thy temper is morose; come now, let us stake atripod[757] or a goblet, and let us both appoint Agamemnon, the son ofAtreus, arbiter, which horses are foremost; that paying, thou mayestlearn. "

 [Footnote 755: "Πάρος implies habit, as in i. 553, particularly in connection with a verb of such import, as in xviii. 425. "--Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 756: This is implied in περ. ]

 [Footnote 757: "Ut supra, xxii. 254, erat ἐπιδόσθαι, pro δόσθαι μάρτυρας ἐπί τινι χρήματι, sic nunc τρίποδος περιδώμεθα est δώμεθα ὅρκον περὶ τρίποδος, quem pœnæ loco daturus erit uter nostrum temere contenderit. "--Heyne. ]

Thus he spoke; but swift Ajax, son of Oïleus, immediately rose to replyin harsh words. And now doubtless the strife would have proceededfarther to both, had not Achilles himself risen up, and spoke:

"No longer now, O Ajax and Idomeneus, hold altercation in evil, angrywords, for it is not fitting, and ye also would blame another, whoevershould do such things; but, sitting down in the circus, look towards thesteeds, which themselves will soon arrive, contending for victory; andthen will ye know, each of you, the horses of the Greeks, which aresecond, and which first. "

Thus he spoke; but the son of Tydeus came very near, pursuing, andalways drove on [his horses] with the lash across the shoulders; whilstthe steeds were raised up aloft into the air, quickly completing theircourse, and the drops of dust kept always bespattering their charioteer. The chariot, adorned with gold and tin, rolled on close to theswift-footed steeds; nor was there a deep trace of the tires behind inthe fine dust, but they, hastening, flew. But he stood in the midst ofthe circus, and much perspiration exuded from the steeds, from theirnecks and chest to the ground. But he himself leaped to the ground fromhis all-shining chariot, and rested his scourge against the yoke; norwas gallant Sthenelus dilatory, but he eagerly seized the prize, andgave the woman to his magnanimous companions to escort, and the handledtripod to bear away; whilst he himself unyoked the steeds. 

Next to him Nelcian Antilochus drove his steeds, outstripping Menelausby stratagem, not indeed by speed. Yet even thus Menelaus drove hisswift horses near; but as far as a horse is distant from the wheel, which, exerting its speed with the chariot, draws its master through theplain, and the extreme hairs of its tail touch the wheel-tire, but itrolls very near, nor is there much space between, while it runs over thevast plain; so far was illustrious Menelaus left behind by Antilochus:although at first he was left behind as much as the cast of a quoit, yethe quickly overtook him; for the doughty strength of Agamemnon's mare, the beautiful-maned Æthe, was increased. And if the course had beenstill longer to both, he would surely have passed him by, nor left itdoubtful. Meriones again, the good attendant of Idomeneus, was leftbehind a spear's throw by the illustrious Menelaus, for his fair-manedsteeds were the slowest, and he himself least skilful in driving achariot in the contest. But the son of Admetus came last of others, dragging his beauteous chariot, driving his steeds before him. But himswift-footed, noble Achilles seeing, pitied, and standing amongst theGreeks, spoke [to him] winged words:

"The best man drives his solid-hoofed steeds the last. But come, let usgive him, as is right, the second prize; and let the son of Tydeus bearaway the first. "

Thus he spoke; and all approved as he ordered. And now truly he hadgiven the mare to him (for the Greeks approved it), had not Antilochus, the son of magnanimous Nestor, rising up, replied to Achilles, the sonof Peleus, on the question of justice:[758]

 [Footnote 758: Not "with justice, " as the translators, following the Scholiast, have interpreted δίκη. That would have required σὺν δίκη, as in Soph. Antig. 23. ]

"O Achilles, I shall be very indignant with thee, if thou fulfillestthis promise; for thou art about to deprive me of my reward, consideringthese things, that his chariot and fleet steeds were injured, he himselfbeing skilful; but he should have prayed to the immortals, then would heby no means have come up driving the last. But if thou pitiest him, andit be agreeable to thy mind, thou hast much gold and brass in thy tent, and cattle and maidens, and solid-hoofed steeds are thine. Taking fromthese, give him afterwards even a greater reward, or even now forthwith, that the Greeks may applaud thee. This, however, I will not resign, butlet him of the warriors strive for her, whoever wishes to contend withme in strength of hands. "

Thus he spoke; and swift-footed, noble Achilles smiled, favouringAntilochus, for he was a dear companion to him; and, answering, addressed to him winged words:

"O Antilochus, since thou now biddest me give something else to Eumelusfrom my house, this will I indeed accomplish. I will give him thecorslet which I took from Asteropæus, brazen, around which there isentwined a rim of shining tin; and it is of great value. "

He spoke; and ordered his dear comrade, Automedon, to bear it from thetent: and he went and brought it to him; then he placed it in the handsof Eumelus, and he received it rejoicing. But Menelaus also aroseamongst them, grieving in his mind, vehemently enraged with Antilochus. Then a herald placed the sceptre in his hands, and ordered the Greeks tobe silent; and then the godlike hero spoke:

"O Antilochus, hitherto prudent, what hast thou done? Thou hastdisgraced my skill, and injured my steeds, driving thine before them, which indeed are greatly inferior. But come, ye leaders and chiefs ofthe Greeks, judge between us both, and not for favour; lest some one ofthe brazen-mailed Greeks should say: 'Menelaus having overcomeAntilochus by falsehoods, came off, leading the mare [as a prize], forhis steeds were very inferior, but he himself superior in skill andstrength. '[759] But come, I myself will decide, and I think that noother of the Greeks will blame me, for it will be just. "

"O Antilochus, nurtured of Jove, come hither, I pray, as it is just, standing before thy horses and chariot, and holding in thy hands thepliant lash with which thou didst formerly drive, touching thy steeds, swear by earth-encompassing Neptune, that thou didst not willinglyimpede my chariot by stratagem. " [760]

 [Footnote 759: Cf. Vers. 571, sq]

 [Footnote 760: See ver. 441. ]

But him prudent Antilochus in turn answered:

"Have patience now, since I am much younger than thou, O king Menelaus, and thou art older and superior. Thou knowest of what sort are theerrors of a youth; for his mind is indeed more volatile, and his counselweak. Therefore let thy heart endure, and I myself will give thee thesteed which I have received. And if indeed thou demandest anything elsegreater from my house, I should be willing to give it immediately ratherthan fall for ever, O Jove-nurtured, from thy good opinion, and besinful towards the gods. "

He spoke; and the son of magnanimous Nestor, leading the mare, placed itin the hands of Menelaus; but his[761] mind was cheered[762] as the dew[is diffused] over the ears of growing corn, when the fields arebristling. Thus indeed, O Menelaus, was thy soul in thy breast cheered;and speaking, he addressed to him winged words:

 [Footnote 761: _I. E. _ Menelaus. ]

 [Footnote 762: Or softened, melted. See Heyne. ]

"Antilochus, now indeed will I cease being enraged with thee, forformerly thou wert neither foolish nor volatile; though now youth hassubdued reason. Avoid a second time overreaching thy superiors; for notanother man of the Greeks would have easily appeased me. But thou hastalready suffered much, and accomplished many deeds, as well as thy goodfather and brother, for my sake: therefore will I be persuaded by thee, supplicating, and will give the mare also, although being mine; thatthese too may perceive that my soul is never overbearing orunrelenting. "

He spoke, and gave the steed to Noëmon, the comrade of Antilochus, tolead away; and then he received the shining goblet [himself]. ButMeriones, the fourth, took up the two talents of gold, in which order hedrove; but the fifth prize was left, [763] which Achilles, bearingthrough the assembly of the Greeks, gave to Nestor, and standing by him, said:

"Receive now, and let this be a keepsake to thee, a memorial of theburial of Patroclus; for never more shalt thou behold him among theGreeks. I give this prize to thee even thus;[764] for thou indeed wiltnot fight with the cæstus, nor wrestle, nor engage in the contest ofhurling the javelin, nor run on the feet, for grievous old age nowoppresses thee. "

 [Footnote 763: Because Eumelus had received an extraordinary prize. ]

 [Footnote 764: _I. E. _ although thou hast not shared the contests. See Kennedy. ]

Thus speaking, he placed it in his hands; but he rejoicing, accepted it, and addressing him, spoke in winged words:

"Assuredly, O my son, thou hast spoken all these things aright; for nolonger are my limbs firm, my friend, nor my feet, nor yet do my handsmove pliant on each side from my shoulders. Would that I were as young, and my strength was firm to me, as when the Epeans buried kingAmarynceus at Byprasium, and his sons staked the prizes of the king. There no man was equal to me, neither of the Epeans, nor of the Peliansthemselves, nor of the magnanimous Ætolians. In the cæstus I conqueredClytomedes, the son of Enops; and in wrestling, Ancæus, the Pleuronian, who rose up against me; and on foot I outstripped Iphiclus, though beingexcellent; and with the spear hurled beyond Phyleus and Polydorus. Thetwo sons of Actor drove by me by their steeds only, exceeding me innumber, envying me the victory, for the greatest rewards were left forthat contest. But they were two; the one indeed steadily directed thereins, whilst the other urged on with the lash. Thus I formerly was, butnow let younger men undertake such deeds, as it becomes me to obey sadold age, though I then excelled amongst heroes. But go, and celebratethy comrade's obsequies with games. This, indeed, I willingly accept, and my soul rejoices that thou art ever mindful of me; nor am Iforgotten by thee, with what honour it becomes me to be honoured amongthe Greeks. And for these things may the gods give thee a properreturn. "

Thus he spoke; but the son of Peleus went through the great assemblageof the Greeks, when he had heard all the praise of Nestor. Then heproposed prizes for a laborious boxing-match. [765] Leading a mule, patient of toil, six years old, unbroken, which is most difficult to betamed, he tied it in the circus; and for the conquered again he staked atwo-handled cup: then he stood up, and spoke amongst the Greeks:

 [Footnote 765: Cf. Virg. Æn. V. 365. ]

"O ye sons of Atreus, and other well-greaved Greeks, we invite two men, who are very expert, raising their hands aloft, to strike for these withthe fist. But to whom Apollo indeed may give victory, and all the Greeksapprove, leading away the mule, patient of labour, let him conduct it tohis tent; but the vanquished shall bear away a double cup. "

Thus he spoke; and immediately arose a man brave and great, skilled inthe art of boxing, Epëus, son of Panopeus; and grasping thepatient-toiling mule, said:

"Let him draw near, whosoever will bear away the double cup; but Ithink that no other of the Greeks having conquered in boxing, will leadaway the mule; for I boast myself to be the best man. Is it not enoughthat I am inferior in battle?[766] For it is by no means possible for aman to be skilled in every work. For thus I tell you, and it shall beaccomplished, I will utterly fracture his body, and also break hisbones. And let his friends remain here assembled, who may carry him awayvanquished by my hands. "

 [Footnote 766: "_I. E. _ is it not enough, that, though I am inferior in battle, I am superior in boxing?"--Oxford Transl. ]

Thus he spoke; but they were all mute, in silence. But Euryalus alonestood up against him, a godlike hero, son of king Mecisteus, adescendant of Talaïon, who formerly came to Thebes to the funeral of thedeceased Œdipus, and there vanquished all the Cadmeans. About him thespear-renowned son of Tydeus was busied, encouraging him with words, forhe greatly wished victory to him. And first he threw around him hisgirdle, and then gave him the well-cut thongs [made of the hide] of arustic ox. But they twain, having girded themselves, proceeded into themiddle of the circus, and both at the same time engaged, with theirstrong hands opposite, raising [them up], and their heavy hands weremingled. Then a horrid crashing of jaws ensued, and the sweat flowed onall sides from their limbs. Then noble Epëus rushed in, and smote himupon the cheek, while looking round, nor could he stand any longer; buthis fair limbs tottered under him. And as when, from beneath thesurface, rippled[767] by the north wind, a fish leaps out upon the weedyshore, and the dark billow covers it, so he, stricken, sprang up. Butmagnanimous Epëus, taking [him] in his hands, lifted him up; and hisdear comrades stood around, who conducted him through the circus ontottering feet, spitting out clotted gore, [and] drooping his head oneach side; and then, leading, placed him among them, insensible, whilethey, departing, received the double cup. 

But the son of Peleus quickly staked other third prizes for laboriouswrestling, exhibiting [them] to the Greeks; for the conqueror, indeed, alarge tripod, ready for the fire, [768] which the Greeks estimatedamongst themselves at twelve oxen; and for the conquered person heplaced a female in the midst. She understood various works, and theyreckoned her at four oxen. But he stood up, and spoke this speech amongthe Greeks:

"Arise, ye who will make trial of this contest. " Thus he spoke; but thenarose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and wise Ulysses stood up, skilled instratagems. But these two, having girded themselves, advanced into themidst of the circus, and grasped each other's arms with their stronghands, like the rafters[769] of a lofty dome, which a renowned architecthas fitted, guarding off the violence of the winds. Then their backscreaked, forcibly dragged by their powerful hands, and the copious[770]sweat poured down; and thick welds, purple with blood, arose upon theirsides and shoulders. Yet always eagerly they sought desired victory, forthe sake of the well-made tripod. Neither could Ulysses trip, nor throwhim to the ground, nor could Ajax him, for the valiant might of Ulysseshindered him. But when at length they were wearying the well-greavedGreeks, then mighty Telamonian Ajax addressed him:

 [Footnote 767: See Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 768: _I. E. _ intended for domestic purposes, not a mere votive offering or ornament. ]

 [Footnote 769: 'Αμείβοντες δόκοι μεγάλαι, άλλήλαις προσπίπτουσαι, ὥστε βαστάζειν τήν ὀροφήν· αἵτινες καὶ συστάται καλοῦνται. --Schol. ]

 [Footnote 770: See Kennedy. ]

"O most noble son of Laërtes, Ulysses of many wiles, either lift up me, or I thee, and all these things will be a care to Jove. "

So saying, he lifted him up: but yet was not Ulysses unmindful of astratagem. Aiming at his ham, he struck him behind, and relaxed hislimbs, and threw him on his back; but Ulysses fell upon his breast; thenthe people admiring gazed, and were stupified. Next noble, much-enduringUlysses, lifted him in turn, and moved him a little from the ground, nordid he lift him up completely; but he bent his knee; and both fell uponthe ground near to each other, and were defiled with dust. And, gettingup, they had surely wrestled for the third time, had not Achilleshimself stood up and restrained them:

"No longer contend, nor exhaust yourselves with evils; for there isvictory to both: so depart, receiving equal rewards, in order that theother Greeks also may contend. " Thus he spoke; but they indeed heard himwillingly, and obeyed; and, wiping off the dust, put on their tunics. But the son of Peleus immediately staked other rewards of swiftness, awrought silver cup, which contained, indeed, six measures, but in beautymuch excelled [all] upon the whole earth, for the ingenious Sidonianshad wrought it cunningly, and Phœnician men had carried it over theshadowy sea, and exposed it for sale in the harbours, and presented itas a gift to Thoas. Euneus, son of Jason, however, had given it to thehero Patroclus, as a ransom for Lycaon, son of Priam. This also Achillesoffered as a new prize, to be contended for, in honour of his companion, whoever should be the nimblest on swift feet; for the second, again, heproposed an ox, large and luxuriant in fat; and for the last he stakedhalf a talent of gold. But he stood upright, and spoke amongst theGreeks:

"Arise, ye who will make trial of this contest also. " Thus he spoke; andimmediately swift Ajax, son of Oïleus, arose, and much-enduring Ulysses;and after them Antilochus, son of Nestor; for he, indeed, excelled allthe youths in fleetness. But they stood in order, and Achilles pointedout the goal; and their course was stretched out from the goal. [771]Then swiftly leaped forth the son of Oïleus; but very close after himrushed noble Ulysses; as when a shuttle is at the breast of awell-girdled dame, which she throws very skilfully with her hands, drawing out the woof, [and inserting them] into the warp, and holds itnear her breast: so ran Ulysses near him; and with his feet trod on hisfootsteps behind, before the dust was shed over them. But noble Ulysses, constantly running swiftly, exhaled his breath upon his head; and allthe Greeks shouted to him, eager for victory, and encouraged him, hastening rapidly. But when they were now completing their last course, Ulysses forthwith prayed in his mind to azure-eyed Minerva:

 [Footnote 771: See Kennedy, and on the race of the δίαυλος, Smith's Dict. Of Antiquities. ]

"Hear, O goddess, come a propitious assistant to my feet. " Thus hespoke, praying; but Pallas Minerva heard him; and she made his limbsnimble, his feet and his hands above. But when they were just about tofly in upon the prize, then Ajax slipped, while running (for Minerva didthe mischief), where the dung of the deep-lowing slaughtered oxen wasaround, which swift-footed Achilles had slain in honour of Fatroclus. Then much-enduring, noble Ulysses took up the goblet, as he came runningthe first; and illustrious Ajax received the ox. But he stood, holdingthe horn of the rustic ox in his hands; and, spitting out the dung, spoke amongst the Greeks:

"Alas! surely a goddess injured my feet, who ever of old stands byUlysses as a mother, and assists him. "

Thus he spoke; and they all then laughed heartily at him. But Antilochusnext bore away the last prize, smiling, and spoke among the Greeks:

"I will tell you all, my friends, though now knowing it, that even stillthe immortals honour the aged. For Ajax, indeed, is a little older thanI am: but he is of a former generation, and former men; and they saythat he is of crude old age, and it is difficult for the Greeks tocontend in swiftness with him, except for Achilles. "

Thus he spoke; and praised the swift-footed son of Peleus. But Achilles, answering, addressed him with words:

"Thy praise, O Antilochus, shall not be spoken in vain, but for thee Iwill add half a talent of gold. "

So saying, he placed it in his hands; and he, rejoicing, received it. But the son of Peleus, bearing into the circus, laid down a long spear, and a shield, and helmet, the arms of Sarpedon, which Patroclus hadstripped him of; and stood upright, and spoke amongst the Greeks:

"We invite two warriors, whoever are bravest, having put; on these arms, [and] seizing the flesh-rending brass, to make trial of each otherbefore the host for these. Whoever shall be the first to wound the fairflesh, and touch the entrails through the armour and black blood, tohim, indeed, will I give this silver-studded, beautiful Thracian sword, which I formerly took from Asteropæus. But let both bear away these armsin common, and before them I will place a splendid banquet in my tents. "

Thus he spoke; but then arose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and the son ofTydeus, valiant Diomede rose up. But they, after they had armed apart oneither side from the ground, both came together into the midst, eager tofight, looking dreadfully; and stupor possessed all the Greeks. But whenapproaching each other, they were near, thrice indeed they rushed on, and thrice made the attack hand to hand. Then Ajax, indeed, piercedthrough his shield, equal on all sides, nor reached the flesh; for thecorslet inside protected him. But next the son of Tydeus, with the pointof his shining spear, endeavoured to reach the neck, over his greatshield. And then, indeed, the Greeks, fearing for Ajax, desired them, ceasing, to take up equal rewards. The hero, however, gave the greatsword to Diomede, bearing it both with the sheath and the well-cut belt. 

Then the son of Peleus deposited a rudely-molten mass of iron, whichthe great might of Eëtion used formerly to hurl. But when swift-footed, noble Achilles slew him, he brought this also, with other possessions, in his ships. Then he stood up, and spoke amongst the Greeks:

"Arise, you who will make trial of this contest also. Even if his richfields be of very far and wide extent, using this he will have it evenfor five revolving years; for indeed neither will his shepherd nor hisploughman go into the city wanting iron, but [this] will furnish it. "

Thus he spoke; then up arose warlike Polypœtes, and the valiant might ofgodlike Leonteus arose; also Telamonian Ajax, and noble Epëus arose. Then they stood in order; but noble Epëus seized the mass, and, whirlingit round, threw it; but all the Greeks laughed at him. Next Leonteus, abranch of Mars, threw second; but third, mighty Telamonian Ajax hurledwith his strong hand, and cast beyond the marks of all. But when nowwarlike Polypœtes had seized the mass, as far as a cow-herdsman throwshis crook, which, whirled around, flies through the herds of oxen, sofar, through the whole stadium, did he cast beyond; but they shoutedaloud; and the companions of brave Polypœtes, rising up, bore away theprize of the king to the hollow ships. 

Next, for the archers, he staked iron fit for making arrows, [772] andlaid down ten battle-axes, and also ten demi-axes. He also set uprightthe mast of an azure-prowed vessel, afar upon the sands; from [this] hefastened a timid dove by a slender cord, by the foot, at which heordered [them] to shoot:

 [Footnote 772: _I. E. _ well-tempered. ]

"Whosoever indeed shall strike the timid dove, taking up all thebattle-axes, may bear [them] to his tent; but whosoever shall hit thecord, missing the bird (for he is inferior), let him bear off thedemi-axes. "

Thus he spoke; but then up rose the might of king Teucer, and up roseMeriones, the active attendant of Idomeneus; and taking the lots, theyshook them in a brazen helmet. But Teucer was appointed first by lot;and straightway he shot an arrow strenuously, nor did he vow tosacrifice a celebrated hecatomb of firstling lambs to king [Apollo]. Hemissed the bird indeed, because Apollo envied him this, but he hit thestring with which the bird was fastened, close to its foot; and thebitter arrow cut the cord quite through. Then indeed the bird ascendedtowards heaven, but the cord was sent down towards the earth: and theGreeks shouted applause. But Meriones, hastening, snatched the bow fromhis hand; and now held the arrow for a long time, as he had directed it;and immediately vowed to sacrifice to far-darting Apollo a noblehecatomb of firstling lambs. But he saw the timid dove on high beneaththe clouds, which, as she was turning round, he hit in the middle underthe wing, and the arrow pierced quite through. And it indeed again wasfixed in the ground at the foot of Meriones: but the bird, alightingupon the mast of the azure-beaked galley, drooped its neck, and itsclose wings were at the same time expanded. And swift its soul flittedfrom its members, and it fell far from [the mast]; but the peoplewondering, beheld, and were stupified. Then Meriones took up all the tenbattle-axes, and Teucer carried off the demi-axes to the hollow barks. 

Then the son of Peleus indeed, bearing it into the circus, staked a longspear, and also a caldron, untouched by fire, worth an ox, adorned withflowers; and immediately the spearmen arose. The son of Atreus rose up, wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, the expert attendant of Idomeneus;whom also swift-footed, noble Achilles addressed:

"O son of Atreus, for we know how much thou dost surpass all, as well ashow much thou excellest in strength and in the javelin, wherefore thouindeed mayest repair to the hollow barks, possessing this reward; butlet us give the spear to the hero Meriones, if, truly, thou dost thuswish it in thy mind; for I on my part advise it. "

Thus he spoke; nor did the king of men, Agamemnon, disobey; but he gavethe brazen spear to Meriones; and the hero himself gave the verysplendid prize to the herald Talthybius. 

 BOOK THE TWENTY-FOURTH. 

 ARGUMENT. 

Jove orders Thetis to go to Achilles, and demand the restoration ofHector's body. Mercury is also sent to Priam, whom he guides in safetythrough the Grecian camp, to the tent of Achilles. A pathetic interviewfollows, and Priam ransoms the body of his son, and obtains a twelvedays' truce, during which he performs his funeral obsequies. 

The assembly was dissolved, and the people were dispersed, to go each totheir hollow barks. They indeed took care to indulge in the banquet andsweet slumber; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear companion, nordid all-subduing sleep possess him, but he was rolled here and there, longing for the vigour and valiant might of Patroclus. And whateverthings he had accomplished with him, and hardships he had suffered, both[encountering] the battles of heroes, and measuring the grievous waves, remembering these things, he shed the warm tear, lying at one time uponhis sides, [773] at others again on his back, and at other times on hisface; but again starting up, he wandered about in sadness along theshore of the sea; nor did Morn, appearing over the sea and the shores, escape his notice. But he, when he had harnessed his fleet steeds to hischariot, bound Hector to be dragged after his chariot; and having drawnhim thrice around the tomb of the dead son of Menœtius, again rested inhis tent; and left him there, having stretched him on his face in thedust. But Apollo kept off all pollution from his body, pitying the hero, although dead; and encircled him with the golden ægis, lest that, dragging, he might lacerate him. 

 [Footnote 773: Cf. Heliodor. Ethiop. Vii. P. 325: Παννύχιος γοῦν ἔκειτο, πυκνὰ μὲν πρὸς έκατέραν πλευρὰν τὸ σῶμα διαστρέφουσα. Chariton quotes the line of Homer, when describing the uneasy rest of a love-stricken being. ]

Thus he indeed, raging, was insulting noble Hector, but the blessedgods, looking towards him, commiserated, and incited the watchful slayerof Argus to steal him away. Now, to all the rest it was certainlypleasing, but by no means so to Juno, to Neptune, nor to the azure-eyedmaid; but they were obstinate, [774] for sacred Ilium was odious to themfrom the first, and Priam and his people, on account of the infatuationof Paris, who had insulted the goddesses, when they came to his cottage, and preferred her who gratified his destructive lust. [775] But when thetwelfth morning from that had arisen, then indeed Phœbus Apollo spokeamongst the immortals:

 [Footnote 774: After ἔχον supply τὴν διάθεσιν (with Schol. )="_kept their determination_. "]

 [Footnote 775: Payne Knight would reject vers. 23--30, considering the word μαχλοσύνην as un-Homeric. If they are genuine, they furnish the earliest mention of the judgment of Paris. Cf. Mollus on Longus, Past. Iii. 27; Intpp. On Hygin. Fab. Xcii. ]

"Cruel ye are, O gods, [and] injurious. Has not Hector indeed formerlyburned for you the thighs of bulls and chosen goats? whom now, althoughbeing dead, ye will not venture to take away for his wife, and mother, his son, and his father Priam, and the people to behold; who wouldquickly burn him with fire, and perform his funeral rites. But ye wishto bestow favour, O gods, upon destructive Achilles, to whom there isneither just disposition, nor flexible feelings in his breast; who isskilled in savage deeds, as a lion, which, yielding to the impulse ofhis mighty strength and haughty soul, attacks the flocks of men, that hemay take a repast. Thus has Achilles lost all compassion, nor in him isthere sense of shame, which greatly hurts and profits men. For perhapssome one will lose another more dear, either a brother, or a son; yetdoes he cease weeping and lamenting, for the Destinies have placed inmen an enduring mind. But this man drags godlike Hector around the tombof his dear companion, binding him to his chariot, after he has takenaway his dear life; yet truly this is neither more honourable, norbetter for him. [Let him beware] lest we be indignant with him, brave ashe is, because, raging, he insults even the senseless clay. "

But him the white-armed Juno, indignant, addressed: "This truly might beour language, O God of the silver bow, if now thou assignest equalhonour to Achilles and to Hector. Hector indeed is a mortal, and suckeda woman's breast; but Achilles is the offspring of a goddess, whom Imyself both nurtured and educated, and gave as a wife to the heroPeleus, who is dear to the immortals in their heart: and ye were allpresent at the nuptials, [776] O gods; and thou didst feast amongst them, holding thy lyre, O companion of the evil, ever faithless. "

But her cloud-compelling Jove, answering, addressed:

"O Juno, be not now completely enraged with the gods; for their honourshall not be at all equal: but Hector also was the dearest of mortals tothe gods, of [those] who are in Ilium; for thus was he to me; for neverdid he miss [offering] pleasing gifts. For never did my altar lack thefitting banquet, or incense, or odour: for this honour are we allotted. Yet let us forego to steal away bold Hector; (nor is it at allpracticable without the knowledge of Achilles;) for he is ever by himboth by night and day, like as a mother. But let some of the gods callThetis near me, that to her I may tell prudent advice, in order thatAchilles may receive gifts from Priam, and ransom Hector. "

Thus he spoke; but Iris, swift as the whirlwind, rose up, about to bearhis message. Half way between Samos and rugged Imbrus she plunged intothe dark sea, and the ocean groaned. She sank to the bottom like unto aleaden ball, [777] which, [placed] along the horn of a wild bull, entering, descends, bearing death to the raw-devouring fishes. But shefound Thetis in her hollow cave, and the other sea goddesses sat aroundher, assembled together; she indeed, in the midst, lamented the fate ofher own blameless son, who was about to perish in fertile Troy, far awayfrom his native land. But her swift-footed Iris, standing near, addressed:

 [Footnote 776: See Grote, vol. I. P. 257. ]

 [Footnote 777: The only clear explanation of this passage seems to be that of the traveller Clarke, quoted by Kennedy, as follows: "The Greeks in fishing let their line, with the lead at the end, run over a piece of horn fixed at the side of the boat, " to prevent, as Kennedy remarks, the wear from friction. Pollux, x. 30, 31, merely mentions the μολυβδαίνη among the implements of fishermen; but says nothing of the manner in which it was used. ]

"Rise, O Thetis; Jove, skilled in imperishable counsels, calls thee. "

Her then the silver-footed goddess Thetis answered:

"Why does that mighty god call me? I am ashamed to mix with theimmortals, for I have innumerable griefs in my soul. Yet must I go; forthe word which he utters will not be in vain. "

Thus having spoken, the divine one of goddesses took her dark robe, thanwhich no garment is blacker. And she set out to go, whilst wind-footed, fleet Iris led the way; and the water of the sea retired on each side ofthem. [778] Next ascending the shore, they were impelled up to heaven. They found the far-sounding son of Saturn; and all the other blessedimmortal gods sat assembled around him; but she then sat down besidefather Jove, and Minerva gave place to her. Then Juno placed a beautifulgolden goblet in her hand, and consoled her with words; and Thetishaving drunk, returned it. But to them the father of men and gods begandiscourse:

"Thou hast come to Olympus, although sad, O goddess Thetis, having inthy mind a grief not to be forgotten; and I know it. Yet even thus willI speak, and on this account have I called thee hither. Nine days has acontest already been excited amongst the immortals respecting the bodyof Hector, and Achilles the destroyer of cities, and they have urged thewatchful slayer of Argus to steal him. But I bestow this glory[779] onAchilles, securing for the future thy respect and love. Descend veryspeedily to the camp, and give orders to thy son. Tell him that the godsare offended, and that I am angry above all the immortals, because withinfuriated mind he detains Hector at the crooked barks, nor has releasedhim: if perchance he will revere me, and restore Hector. Meanwhile Iwill despatch Iris to magnanimous Priam, that, going to the ships of theGreeks, he may ransom his beloved son, and carry offerings to Achilles, which may melt his soul. "

 [Footnote 778: "At Il. ψ. 231: Πηλείδης δ' άπὸ πυρκαΐης ἑτέρωσε λιασθείς, _going away, or aside from the pyre_. And so νόσφι λιασθείς, II. α. 349, λ. 80. One of the plainest instances of the same sense is at Il. ω. 96, of the waves, which _make way_ for the goddesses as they rise from the depths of the sea, which _turn aside_, and yield them a passage. "--Buttm. Lexil. P. 404. ]

 [Footnote 779: "The sense is: _I have not sanctioned the proposal that the body of Hector should be removed furtively, in order that an opportunity might be offered to Achilles of receiving a ransom for it, which would redound to his glory_. "--Kennedy. ]

Thus he spoke; nor did the silver-footed goddess Thetis disobey; but, rushing impetuously, she descended down from the tops of Olympus. Thenshe came to the tent of her son, and found him within, moaningcontinually, whilst around him his dear comrades were busily occupied, and prepared a feast, for a great thick-fleeced sheep had beenslaughtered by them in the tent. But his venerable mother sat down verynear him, and caressed him with her hand, and spoke, and addressed him:

"O my son, how long, grieving and bewailing, wilt thou afflict thineheart, being not at all mindful of either food or bed? But it is good tobe mingled in love with a woman; for thou shalt not live long for me, but Death and stern Fate already stand near thee. But quickly attend tome, for I am a messenger to thee from Jove. He says that the gods areangry with thee, and that he himself above all the immortals is enraged, because with furious mind thou detainest Hector at the hollow ships, nordost release him. But come, release him, and receive ransoms for thedead body. "

But her swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed:

"Let him approach hither, who may bear the ransoms, and bear away thebody, if indeed the Olympian himself now commands it with a seriousmind. " Thus they indeed, the mother and the son, amongst the assemblageof the ships, spoke many winged words to each other; but the son ofSaturn impelled Iris towards sacred Ilium:

"Go quickly, fleet Iris, having left the seat of Olympus, ordermagnanimous Priam to ransom his dear son to Ilium, going to the ships ofthe Greeks; and to carry gifts to Achilles, which may appease his mind, alone; nor let another man of the Trojans go with him. Let some agedherald accompany him, who may guide his mules and well-wheeled chariot, and may bear back to the city the dead body which noble Achilles hasslain; nor let death at all be a cause of anxiety to his mind, nor atall a terror; such a conductor, the slayer of Argus, will we give tohim, who shall lead him, until, directing, he shall place him besideAchilles. But when he shall have conducted him into the tent ofAchilles, he will not kill him himself, and he will ward off all others;for he is neither imprudent, nor rash, nor profane; but will veryhumanely spare a suppliant man. "

Thus he spoke; but wind-footed Iris rushed on, about to carry hermessage. She came to [the palace] of Priam, and found wailing andlamentation. His sons, sitting around their father within the hall, weredrenching their robes with tears; whilst the old man sat in the midst, covered entirely[780] with a cloak; but much filth was around upon thehead and neck of the aged man, which, while rolling [on the ground], hehad abundantly collected[781] with his own hands. But his daughters anddaughters-in-law throughout the dwelling lamented, remembering thosewho, many and brave, lay, having lost their lives by the hands of theGreeks. Then the ambassadress of Jove stood beside Priam, and addressedhim in an under-tone; and tremor seized him as to his limbs:

"Take courage, O Dardanian Priam, in thy mind, nor fear at all; forindeed I come not hither boding[782] evil to thee, but meditating good;for I am an ambassadress from Jove to thee, who, though being far off, greatly cares for and pities thee. The Olympian bids thee ransom nobleHector, and bear presents to Achilles, which may melt his soul; theealone, nor let another man of the Trojans go with thee. But let someaged herald accompany thee, who may guide thy mules and well-wheeledchariot, and bring back to the city the dead which noble Achilles hasslain. Nor let death be a cause of anxiety to thy mind, nor fear at allsuch a conductor; the slayer of Argus shall attend thee, who shall leadthee, until, guiding, he shall bring thee near Achilles. But when heshall have led thee into the tent of Achilles, he will not slay theehimself, and he will ward off all others; for he is neither imprudent, nor rash, nor profane; but will very humanely spare a suppliant man. "

 [Footnote 780: I take έντυπὰς adverbially, with Eustathius, p. 1474, and understand that he was "so completely enfolded, as to exhibit the entire contour of his person" (Kennedy), with the Schol. Hesych. T. I. P. 1264. Phavorinus, Suidas, and the Schol. On Appoll. Rh. 264. Ernesti well expresses the idea: "Ἐντυπὰς κεκαλυμμένος est, qui ita adstrinxit vestem, eique se involvit, ut tota corporis figura appareat, quod secus est in toga et pallio aut stola. "]

 [Footnote 781: Literally, "reaped, cropped. "]

 [Footnote 782: See Buttmann, Lexii. P. 445]

Thus having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed. But he ordered his sonsto prepare his well-wheeled mule-drawn chariot, and to tie a chest uponit; but he descended into an odoriferous chamber of cedar, lofty-roofed, which contained many rarities, and called in his wife Hecuba, and said:

"Unhappy one, an Olympian messenger has come to me from Jove, [that Ishould] ransom my dear son, going to the ships of the Greeks, and shouldbear gifts to Achilles, which may melt his soul. But come, tell this tome, what does it appear to thee in thy mind? For my strength and couragevehemently urge me myself to go thither to the ships, into the wide armyof the Greeks. "

Thus he spoke: but his spouse wept, and answered him in words:

"Ah me, where now is thy prudence gone, for which thou wast formerlydistinguished among foreigners, and among those whom thou dost govern?Why dost thou wish to go alone to the ships of the Greeks, before theeyes of the man who slew thy many and brave sons? Certainly an ironheart is thine. For if this cruel and perfidious man shall take andbehold[783] thee with his eyes, he will not pity thee, nor will he atall respect thee. But let us now lament him apart, [784] sitting in thehall; but [let it be] as formerly to him, at his birth violent fate spunhis thread, when I brought him forth, that he should satiate theswift-footed dogs at a distance from his own parents, with that fierceman, the very middle of whose liver I wish that I had hold of, that, clinging to it, I might devour it; then would the deeds done against myson be repaid; for he did not slay him behaving as a coward, butstanding forth in defence of the Trojan men and deep-bosomed Trojandames, neither mindful of flight nor of receding. "

 [Footnote 783: A somewhat awkward inversion of the sense. ]

 [Footnote 784: _I. E. _ without the body of Hector being at hand. ]

But her again the aged, godlike Priam addressed:

"Do not detain me, desirous to go, nor be thou thyself an evil-omen birdin my palaces; nor shalt thou persuade me. For if indeed any other ofearthly beings had ordered me, whether they be prophets, soothsayers, orpriests, we might have pronounced it a falsehood, and been the moreaverse. But now since I myself have heard it from a deity, and havebeheld her face to face, I will go, nor shall this word be vain and ifit be my fate to die at the ships of the brazen-mailed Greeks, I amwilling; for Achilles will forthwith, slay me, embracing my son in myarms, after I have taken away the desire of weeping. "

He spoke; and opened the beautiful lids of the chests, and took outthence twelve beautiful mantles, twelve single cloaks, as manytapestried rugs, and, in addition to these, as many tunics; and havingweighed it, he took out ten whole talents of gold. He took out besidetwo glittering tripods, and four goblets, and a very beautiful cup, which the Thracian men had given him when going on an embassy, a mightypossession. Nor now did the old man spare even this in his palaces; forhe greatly wished in his mind to ransom his dear son. And he drove awayall the Trojans from his porch, chiding them with reproachful words:

"Depart, wretched, reproachful [creatures]; is there not indeed grief toyou at home, that ye should come fretting me? Or do ye esteem it oflittle consequence that Jove, the son of Saturn, has sent sorrows uponme, that I should have lost my bravest son? But ye too shall perceiveit, for ye will be much more easy for the Greeks to destroy now, hebeing dead; but I will descend even to the abode of Hades, before Ibehold with mine eyes the city sacked and plundered. "

He spoke; and chased away the men with his staff; but they went out, theold man driving [them]. He indeed rebuked his own sons, revilingHelenus, Paris, and godlike Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, and Polites, brave in the din of battle, Deïphobus, Hippothous, and renowned Dius. Tothese nine the old man, reproaching, gave orders:

"Haste for me, O slothful children, disgraceful; would that you had allbeen slain at the swift ships, instead of Hector. Ah me! the mostunhappy of all, since I have begotten the bravest sons in wide Troy; butnone of whom I think is left: godlike Mestor, and Troulus, who foughtfrom his chariot, and Hector, who was a god among men, for he did notappear to be the son of a mortal man, but of a god. These indeed hasMars destroyed to me; but all these disgraces remain, liars, dancers, [785] most skilled in the choirs, and public robbers of lambsand kids. Will ye not with all haste get ready my chariot, and place allthese things upon it, that we may perform our journey?"

 [Footnote 785: Cicero pro Muræna, vi. , "Saltatorem appellat L. Murænam Cato Maledictum est, si vere objicitur, vehementis accusatoris. " Cf. Æn. Ix. 614. ]

Thus he spoke; but they, dreading the reproach of their father, liftedout the well-wheeled, mule-drawn chariot, beautiful, newly built, andtied the chest[786] upon it. They then took down the yoke for the mulesfrom the pin, made of box-wood, and embossed, well fitted with rings, and then they brought out the yoke-band, nine cubits in length, alongwith the yoke. And this indeed they adjusted carefully to the pole atits extremity, and threw the ring over the bolt. Thrice they lapped iton either side to the boss; and when they had fastened, they turned itevenly under the bend; then, bearing the inestimable ransoms of Hector'shead from the chamber, they piled them upon the well-polished car. Thenthey yoked the strong-hoofed mules, patient in labour, which the Mysiansformerly gave to Priam, splendid gifts. They also led under the yoke forPriam, the horses, which the old man himself had fed at thewell-polished manger. These indeed the herald and Priam yoked in thelofty palace, having prudent counsels in their minds. But near them cameHecuba, with sad mind, bearing sweet wine in her right hand, in a goldengoblet, in order that having made libations, they might depart. But shestood before the steeds, and spoke, and addressed them:

"Take, [787] offer a libation to father Jove, and pray that thou mayestreturn home again from the hostile men; since indeed thy mind urges theeto the ships, I at least not being willing. But do thou pray now to thedark, cloud-compelling Idæan son of Saturn, who looks down upon allTroy; but seek the fleet bird, his messenger, which to him is the mostpleasing of birds, and whose strength is very great, on thy right hand, so that, marking him thyself with thine eyes, thou mayest go, relying onhim, to the ships of the fleet-horsed Greeks. But if wide-viewing Jovewill not give thee his own messenger, I would not at all then, urging, advise thee to go to the ships of the Greeks, though very eager. "

 [Footnote 786: A kind of wicker hamper. Cf. Hesych. T. Ii. P. 921. ]

 [Footnote 787: See ξ. 219]

But her godlike Priam answering, addressed:

"O spouse, certainly I will not disobey thee, advising this; for it isgood to raise one's hands to Jove, if perchance he may compassionateme. "

The old man spoke, and bade the attending servant pour pure water uponhis hands; for a handmaid stood by, holding in her hands a basin, andalso an ewer; and having washed himself, he took the goblet from hiswife. Then he prayed, standing in the midst of the enclosure, and pouredout a libation of wine, looking towards heaven; and raising his voice, spoke:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most great, grant me tocome acceptable and pitied to [the tent] of Achilles; and send the swiftbird, thy messenger, which is the most agreeable of birds to thee, andwhose strength is very great, on my right hand; that I myself, perceiving him with my eyes, may go, relying on him, to the ships of thefleet-horsed Greeks. "

Thus he spoke, praying; but to him provident Jove hearkened, andimmediately sent an eagle, the Black Hunter, the most certain augury ofbirds, which they also call Percnos. [788] As large as the well-bolted, closely-fitted door of the lofty-roofed chamber of a wealthy man, sogreat were its wings on each side; and it appeared to them, rushing onthe right hand over the city. But they, having seen it, rejoiced, andthe soul was overjoyed in their bosoms. Then the old man, hastening, mounted his polished car, and drove out of the vestibule andmuch-echoing porch. Before, indeed, the mules drew the four-wheeled car, which prudent Idæus drove; but after [came] the horses, which the oldman cheered on, driving briskly through the city with his lash; but allhis friends accompanied, greatly weeping for him, as if going to death. But when they had descended from the city, and reached the plain, hissons and sons-in-law then returned to Ilium. Nor did these two, advancing on the plain, escape the notice of far-seeing Jove; but, seeing the old man, he pitied him, and straightway addressed his belovedson:

 [Footnote 788: See Alberti on Hesych. T. Ii. Pp. 622, 941; Villois on Apoll. Lex. P. 556. ]

"O Mercury (for to thee it is peculiarly grateful to associate with man, and thou hearest whomsoever thou art willing), go now, and so conveyPriam to the hollow ships of the Greeks, that neither any one may seehim, nor indeed any of the other Greeks perceive him until he reach theson of Peleus. "

Thus he spoke; nor did the messenger, the son of Argus. Disobey. [789]Immediately then he fastened under his feet his beautiful sandals, ambrosial, golden, which carry him as well over the sea, as over theboundless earth, with the blasts of the wind. He also took his rod, withwhich he soothes the eyes of those men whom he wishes, and again excitesothers who are asleep; holding this in his hands, the powerful slayer ofArgus flew along. But he immediately reached the Troad and theHellespont, and hastened to go, like unto a princely youth, firstspringing into youth, whose youth is very graceful. And they, when theyhad driven by the great tomb of Ilus, stopped their mules and horses, that they might drink in the river; for even now twilight had come overthe earth. But the herald, spying, observed Mercury near, and addressedPriam, and said:

 [Footnote 789: Compare Milton, P. L. V. 285, sqq. , with Newton's note. ]

"Beware, O descendant of Dardanus; this is matter for prudent thought. Iperceive a warrior, and I think that he will soon destroy us. But come, let us fly upon our steeds; or let us now, grasping his knees, entreathim, if he would pity us. " Thus he spoke, but the mind of the old manwas confounded, and he greatly feared; but the hair stood upright on hisbending limbs. And he stood stupified; but Mercury himself coming near, taking the old man's hand, interrogated, and addressed him:

"Whither, O father, dost thou this way direct thy horses and mulesduring the ambrosial night, when other mortals are asleep? Dost thou notfear the valour-breathing Greeks, who, enemies and hostile to thee, areat hand? If any one of these should see thee in the dark and dangerousnight, bearing off so many valuables, what intention would then betowards thee? Neither art thou young thyself, and this [is] an old manwho accompanies thee, to repel a warrior when first any may molestthee. But I will not do thee injury, but will avert another from thee, for I think thee like my dear father. "

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then answered:

"Surely these things are as thou sayest, my dear son. But hitherto someone of the gods has protected me with his hand, who has sent such afavourable conductor to meet me, so beautiful art thou in form andappearance. And thou art also prudent in mind, and of blessed parents. "But him again the messenger, the slayer of Argus, addressed: "O old man, thou hast certainly spoken all these things with propriety. But come, tell me this, and relate it truly; whither now dost thou send so manyand such valuable treasures amongst foreigners? Whether that these, atleast, may remain safe to thee? Or do ye all, now fearing, desert sacredIlium? For so brave a hero, was he who died, thy son; he was not inaught inferior to the Greeks in battle. "

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then answered:

"But who art thou, O best one, and of what parents art thou, whospeakest so honourably to me of the death of my luckless son?"

But him again the messenger, the slayer of Argus, addressed:

"Thou triest me, old man. And inquirest concerning noble Hector; whom I, indeed, have very often beheld with mine eyes in the glorious fight, when, routing the Greeks, he slew them at their ships, destroying [them]with his sharp spear; but we, standing, marvelled; for Achilles, enragedwith the son of Atreus, did not permit us to fight. But I am hisattendant, and the same well-made vessel brought us. I am [one] of theMyrmidons; Polyetor is my father, who, indeed, is rich, but now old asthou. To him there are six sons, but I am his seventh; with whom castinglots, the lot occurred to me to follow [Achilles] hither. And I came tothe plain from the ships, for at dawn the rolling-eyed Greeks will raisea fight around the city. For they are indignant sitting quiet, nor canthe chiefs of the Greeks restrain them, longing for war. "

But him then Priam, the godlike old man, answered:

"If indeed thou art one of the servants of Achilles, the son of Peleus, come now, tell all the truth to me, whether is my son still at theships, or has Achilles, tearing him limb from limb, cast him to thedogs?"

But him the messenger, the slayer of Argus, again addressed:

"O old man, neither have the dogs yet devoured him, nor the birds, buthe still lies at the ship of Achilles, in the same plight as before, athis tents; and it is [now] the twelfth morning him lying, yet his bodyis not at all putrid, nor do the worms devour him, which consume menslain in battle. Doubtless he will drag him cruelly around the tomb ofhis dear companion when divine morn appears; but he does not defile him. Approaching, thou indeed thyself wouldst wonder how fresh[790] he lies, while the blood is washed away from around, nor [is he] polluted in anypart. But all his wounds are closed, whatever were inflicted; for manythrust a spear into him. Thus do the happy gods regard thy son, thoughdead; for he was dear to them in their heart. "

Thus he spoke; but the old man rejoiced, and answered in words:

"O son, surely it is good to give due gifts to the immortals, for myson, while he was yet in being, never neglected the gods who possessOlympus, in his palace; therefore are they mindful of him, although inthe fate of death. But come now, accept from me this beautiful goblet;protect myself, [791] and, with the favour of the gods, conduct me untilI come into the tent of the son of Peleus. "

 [Footnote 790: Literally, "dew-like, " See Kennedy. ]

 [Footnote 791: Heyne prefers, "effect for me the ransom of the body, " quoting Hesych. , ῥύεσθαι, λοτρώσασθαι. ]

But him the slayer of Argus again addressed: "Old man, thou triest me, [being] younger; nor wilt thou now persuade me; thou who orderest me toaccept thy gifts unknown to Achilles; whom indeed I dread, and scruplein my heart to plunder, lest some evil should afterwards come upon me. Yet would I go as a conductor to thee even to renowned Argos, sedulously, in a swift ship, or accompanying thee on foot; nor, indeed, would any one contend with thee, despising thy guide. "

Mercury spoke, and, leaping upon the chariot and horses, quickly tookthe scourge and the reins in his hands, and breathed bold vigour intothe horses and mules. But when they had now reached the ramparts andtrench of the ships, then the guards were just employed about theirfeast, and the messenger, the slayer of Argus, poured sleep upon themall; and immediately he opened the gates and pushed back the bars, andled in Priam, and the splendid gifts upon the car. But when they reachedthe lofty tent of Achilles which the Myrmidons had reared for theirking, lopping fir timbers; and they roofed it over with a thatched roof, mowing it from the mead, and made a great fence around, with thick-setstakes, for their king: one bar only of fir held the door, which, indeed, three Greeks used to fasten, and three used to open the greatfastening of the gates; but Achilles even alone used to shoot it. Then, indeed, profitable Mercury opened it for the old man, and led in thesplendid presents to swift-footed Achilles; then he descended to theground, from the chariot, and said:

"O old man, I indeed come, an immortal god, Mercury, to thee; for tothee my father sent me as companion. Yet shall I return indeed, nor bepresent before the eyes of Achilles; for it would indeed be invidiousfor an immortal god so openly to aid mortals. But do thou, entering, clasp the knees of the son of Peleus, and supplicate him by his father, and fair-haired mother, and his son; that thou mayest effect his mind. "

Thus, indeed, having spoken, Mercury went to lofty Olympus; and Priamleaped from his chariot to the ground, and left Idæus there: but heremained, guarding the steeds and mules; while the old man went straightinto the tent, where Achilles, dear to Jove, was sitting. Himself hefound within; but his companions sat apart; but two alone, the heroAutomedon, and Alcimus, a branch of Mars, standing near, wereministering to him (for, eating and drinking, he had just ceased fromfood, and the table still remained); but great Priam, entering, escapedhis notice, and, standing near, he clasped the knees of Achilles withhis hands, and kissed his dreadful man-slaughtering hands, which hadslain many sons to him. And as when a dread sense of guilt has seized aman, who, having killed a man in his own country, comes to anotherpeople, to [the abode of] some wealthy man, [792] and stupor possessesthe spectators; so Achilles wondered, seeing godlike Priam; and theothers also wondered, and looked at one another. And Priam, supplicating, spoke [this] speech:

 [Footnote 792: Probably for the purpose of purification, although, as has been before observed, Homer does not mention this. Compare my note on Æsch. Eum. P. 187, n. 5, and p. 187, n. 1, ed. Bonn. ]

"Remember thy own father, O Achilles, like unto the gods, of equal agewith me, upon the sad threshold of old age. And perhaps indeed hisneighbours around are perplexing him, nor is there any one to ward offwar and destruction. Yet he indeed, hearing of thee being alive, bothrejoices in his mind, and every day expects to see his dear son returnedfrom Troy. But I [am] every way unhappy, for I begat the bravest sons inwide Troy, of whom I say that none are left. Fifty there were to me, when the sons of the Greeks arrived; nineteen indeed from one womb, butthe others women bore to me in my palaces. And of the greater numberfierce Mars indeed has relaxed the knees under them; but Hector, who wasmy favourite, [793] and defended the city and ourselves, thou hast latelyslain, fighting for his country; on account of whom I now come to theships of the Greeks, and bring countless ransoms, in order to redeem himfrom thee. But revere the gods, O Achilles, and have pity on myself, remembering thy father; for I am even more miserable, for I have enduredwhat no other earthly mortal [has], to put to my mouth the hand of aman, the slayer of my son. "

Thus he spoke; but in him he excited the desire of mourning for hisfather; and taking him by the hand, he gently pushed the old man fromhim. But they indeed, calling to mind, the one[794] wept copiously [for]man-slaughtering Hector, rolling [on the ground] before the feet ofAchilles; but Achilles bewailed his father, and again in turn Patroclus;and their lamentation was aroused throughout the house. But when nobleAchilles had satiated himself with grief, and the desire [for weeping]had departed from his heart and limbs, immediately rising from his seat, he lifted up the old man with his hand, compassionating both his hoaryhead and hoary chin; and, addressing him, spoke winged words:

 [Footnote 793: Literally, "my only son. "]

 [Footnote 794: Priam. ]

"Alas! wretched one, thou hast certainly suffered many evils in thymind. How hast thou dared to come alone to the ships of the Greeks, intothe sight of the man who slew thy many and brave sons? Assuredly thyheart is iron. But come now, sit upon a seat; and let us permit sorrowsto sink to rest within thy mind, although grieved; for there is not anyuse in chill grief. For so have the gods destined to unhappy mortals, that they should live wretched; but they themselves are free fromcare. [795] Two casks of gifts, [796] which he bestows, lie at thethreshold of Jupiter, [the one] of evils, and the other of good. To whomthunder-rejoicing Jove, mingling, may give them, sometimes he falls intoevil, but sometimes into good; but to whomsoever he gives of the evil, he makes him exposed to injury; and hungry calamity pursues him over thebounteous earth; and he wanders about, honoured neither by gods nor men. So indeed have the gods given illustrious gifts to Peleus from hisbirth; for he was conspicuous among men, both for riches and wealth, andhe ruled over the Myrmidons, and to him, being a mortal, they gave agoddess for a wife. [797] But upon him also has a deity inflicted evil, for there was not to him in his palaces an offspring of kingly sons; buthe begat one short-lived son; nor indeed do I cherish him, being old, for I remain in Troy, far away from my country, causing sorrow to theeand to thy sons. Thee too, old man, we learn to have been formerlywealthy: as much as Lesbos, above the seat of Macar, cuts off on thenorth, and Phrygia beneath, and the boundless Hellespont: among these, Oold man, they say that thou wast conspicuous for thy wealth and thysons. But since the heavenly inhabitants have brought this bane uponthee, wars and the slaying of men are constantly around thy city. Arise, nor grieve incessantly in thy mind; for thou wilt not profit aught, afflicting thyself for thy son, nor wilt thou resuscitate him beforethou hast suffered another misfortune. "

 [Footnote 795: This Epicurean sentiment is illustrated with great learning by Duport, pp. 140, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 796: See Duport, pp. 142, sqq. ]

 [Footnote 797: Catullus, lxii. 25: "Teque adeo eximie tædis felicibus aucte Thessaliæ columen Peleu, quoi Juppiter ipse, Ipse suos divûm genitor concessit amores. "]

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then, answered:

"Do not at all place me on a seat, O Jove-nurtured, whilst Hector liesunburied in thy tents; but redeem him as soon as possible, that I maybehold him with mine eyes; and do thou receive the many ransoms which webring thee; and mayest thou enjoy them, and reach thy father-land, sincethou hast suffered me in the first place to live, and to behold thelight of the sun. "

But him swift-footed Achilles, sternly regarding, then addressed:

"Do not irritate me further, old man, for I also myself meditateransoming Hector to thee; for the mother who bore me, the daughter ofthe marine old man, came as a messenger from Jove to me. And I perceivethee also, O Priam, in my mind, nor do thou deceive me, that some one ofthe gods has led thee to the swift ships of the Greeks; for a mortalwould not have dared to come into the camp, not even in very bloomingyouth, for he could not have escaped the guards, nor indeed pushed backthe bars of our gates. Wherefore do not move my mind more to sorrows, lest I leave thee not unharmed, old man, in my tents, though being asuppliant, and violate the commands of Jove. "

Thus he spoke; but the old man feared, and obeyed. But the son of Peleusleaped forth, like a lion, from the door of the house, not alone; fortwo attendants accompanied him, the hero Automedon, and Alcimus, whomAchilles honoured most of his companions next after the deceasedPatroclus. These then unharnessed the horses and mules from the yoke, and led in the clear-voiced herald of the old man, and placed him upon aseat. They also took down from the well-polished car the countlessransoms of Hector's head. But they left two cloaks and a well-woventunic, in order that, having covered the body, he might give it to beborne home. But having called his female attendants, he ordered them towash and anoint all round, taking it apart, that Priam might not see hisson; lest, seeing his son, he might not restrain the wrath in hisgrieving heart, and might arouse the soul of Achilles, and he might slayhim, and violate the commands of Jove. But when the servants had washedand anointed it with oil, they then threw over him a beautiful cloak, and a tunic; then Achilles himself, having raised him up, placed himupon a litter, and his companions, together with [him], lifted him uponthe well-polished chariot. But he moaned, and called upon his dearcompanion by name:

"O Patroclus, be not wrathful with me, if thou shouldst hear, althoughbeing in Hades, that I have ransomed noble Hector to his beloved father, since he has not given me unworthy ransoms. Besides even of these will Igive thee a share, whatever is just. "

Noble Achilles spoke, and returned into the tent, and sat down upon awell-made couch, whence he had risen, at the opposite wall, andaddressed Priam:

"Thy son is indeed redeemed to thee, as thou didst desire, and lies upona bier; and with the early dawn thou shalt behold him, conveying [himaway]: but now let us be mindful of the feast; for even fair-hairedNiobe was mindful of food, although twelve children perished in herpalaces, six daughters and six youthful sons; these indeed Apollo slewwith his silver bow, enraged with Niobe; but those, arrow-rejoicingDiana, because, forsooth, she had compared herself with fair-cheekedLatona. She said that [Latona] had borne [only] two, whereas she hadborne many; yet those, though being only two, destroyed all [her own]. Nine days indeed they lay in blood, nor was there any one to bury them, for the son of Saturn had made the people stones; but upon the tenth daythe heavenly gods interred them. Still was she mindful of food, when shewas fatigued with weeping. Now, indeed, ever amidst the rocks, in thedesert mountains, in Sipylus, where, they say, the beds of the goddessNymphs are, who lead the dance around Acheloüs, there, although being astone, she broods over the sorrows [sent] from the gods. But come now, Onoble old man, let us likewise attend to food, but afterwards thoumayest lament thy beloved son, conveying him into Troy; and he will bebewailed by thee with many tears. "

Swift Achilles spoke, and leaping up, slew a white sheep, and hiscompanions flayed it well, and fitly dressed it; then they skilfully cutit in pieces, pierced them with spits, roasted them diligently, and drewthem all off. Then Automedon, taking bread, distributed it over thetable in beautiful baskets; whilst Achilles helped the meat, and theystretched out their hands to the prepared victuals lying before them. But when they had dismissed the desire of food and drink, DardanianPriam indeed marvelled at Achilles, such and so great; for he was likeunto the gods; but Achilles marvelled at Dardanian Priam, seeing hisamiable countenance, and hearing his conversation. When, however, theywere satisfied with gazing at each other, him Priam, the godlike oldman, first addressed:

"Send me now to rest as soon as possible, O Jove-nurtured, that we, reclining, may take our fill of sweet sleep; for never have these eyesbeen closed beneath my eyelids from the time when my son lost his lifeby thy hands; but I ever lament and cherish many woes, rolling in thedust within the enclosures of my palaces. But now I have tasted food, and poured sweet wine down my throat; for before indeed I had not tastedit. "

He spoke; but Achilles ordered his companions, servants, and maids, toplace couches beneath the porch, and to spread beautiful purple mats onthem, and to strew embroidered carpets over them, and to lay on themwell-napped cloaks, to be drawn over all. But they went out of the hall, having a torch in their hands, and hastening, they quickly spread twocouches. But the swift-footed Achilles, jocularly addressing him, [798]said:

 [Footnote 798: "Achilles, in a mood partly jocular and partly serious, reminds Priam of the real circumstances of his situation, not for the sake of alarming him, but of accounting for his choosing the place he did for the couch of the aged king. "--Kennedy. ]

"Do you lie without, O revered old man, lest some counsellor of theGreeks come hither, who, sitting with me, constantly meditate plans, asis just. If any of these should see thee in the dark and dangerousnight, he would forthwith tell Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, and perchance there would be a delay of the redemption of the body. Butcome, tell me this, and tell it accurately: How many days dost thoudesire to perform the funeral rites of noble Hector, that I may myselfremain quiet so long, and restrain the people?"

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then answered:

"If indeed thou desirest me to celebrate the funeral of noble Hector, thus doing, O Achilles, thou dost surely gratify me. For thou knowesthow we are hemmed in within the city, and it is far to carry wood fromthe mountain; and the Trojans greatly dread [to do so]. Nine days indeedwe would lament him in our halls, but on the tenth would bury him, andthe people should feast; but upon the eleventh we would make a tomb tohim, and on the twelfth we will fight, if necessary. " But himswift-footed Achilles again addressed:

"These things shall be to thee, O aged Priam, as thou desirest; for Iwill prevent the fight as long a time as thou desirest. "

Thus having spoken, he grasped the right hand of the old man near thewrist, lest he should fear in his mind. They indeed, the herald andPriam, slept there in the porch of the house, having prudent counsels intheir mind; while Achilles slept in the interior of the well-built tent;and beside him lay fair-cheeked Brisëis. 

The other gods indeed and chariot-fighting men slept all night, subduedby gentle slumber; but sleep seized not Mercury, the author of good, revolving in his mind how he should convey away king Priam from theships, having escaped the notice of the sacred gate-keeper. Accordinglyhe stood over his head, and addressed him:

"O aged man, certainly evil is not at all a care to thee, that thousleepest thus amongst hostile men, after Achilles has suffered thee. Nowindeed thou hast ransomed thy beloved son, and hast given much; but thesons left behind by thee would give three times as many ransoms for theealive, if Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, should know of thy being here, and all the Greeks should know of it. "

Thus he spoke; but the old man feared, and awoke the herald. Then forthem Mercury yoked the horses and mules, and quickly drove them himselfthrough the camp, nor did any one perceive. But when they reached thecourse of the fair-flowing river, eddying Xanthus, which immortal Jovebegat, then indeed Mercury went away to lofty Olympus; and saffron-robedMorn was diffused over the whole earth. They indeed drove the horsestowards the city with wailing and lamentation, and the mules bore thebody; nor did any other of the men and well-girdled women previouslyperceive it; but Cassandra, like unto golden Venus, ascending Pergamus, discovered her dear father standing in the driving-seat, and thecity-summoning herald. She beheld him also upon the mules, lying on thelitter; then indeed she shrieked, and cried aloud throughout the wholecity:

"O Trojans and Trojan women, going forth, behold Hector, if ever yerejoiced at his returning alive from battle; for he was a great joy tothe city, and to the whole people. "

Thus she spoke; nor was there any man left in the city, nor woman; forinsupportable grief came upon them all, and they met him near the gatesbringing in the body. But his wife and venerable mother first rushing tothe well-wheeled chariot, plucked out their hair, touching his head; andthe crowd stood around, weeping. And they indeed would have wept thewhole day till sunset before the gates, lamenting Hector, had not theold man addressed the people from his chariot:

"Give way to me, to pass through with the mules; but afterwards shall yebe satiated with weeping, after I shall carry him home. " Thus he spoke;but they stood off. And made way for the chariot. But when they hadbrought him into the illustrious palace, they laid him upon perforatedbeds, and placed singers beside him, leaders of the dirges, who indeedsang a mournful ditty, while the women also uttered responsive groans. And amongst them white-armed Andromache began the lamentation, holdingthe head of man-slaughtering Hector between her hands:

"O husband, young in years hast thou died, and hast left me a widow inthe palace. And besides, thy son is thus an infant, to whom thou and I, ill-fated, gave birth; nor do I think he will attain to puberty; forbefore that, this city will be overthrown from its summit. Certainlythou, the protector, art dead, who didst defend its very self, and didstprotect its venerable wives and infant children; who will soon becarried away in the hollow ships, and I indeed amongst them. But thou, Omy son, wilt either accompany me, where thou shalt labour unworthytasks, toiling for a merciless lord; or some one of the Greeks, enraged, seizing thee by the hand, will hurl thee from a tower, to saddestruction; to whom doubtless Hector has slain a brother, or a father, or even a son; for by the hands of Hector very many Greeks have graspedthe immense earth with their teeth. For thy father was not gentle in thesad conflict; wherefore indeed the people lament him throughout thecity. But thou hast caused unutterable grief and sorrow to thy parents, O Hector, but chiefly to me are bitter sorrows left. For thou didst notstretch out thy hands to me from the couch when dying; nor speak anyprudent word [of solace], which I might for ever remember, sheddingtears night and day. "

Thus she spoke, bewailing; but the women also lamented; and to them inturn Hecuba began her vehement lamentation:

"O Hector, far of all my sons dearest to my soul, certainly being aliveto me, thou wert beloved by the gods, who truly have had a care of thee, even in the destiny of death. For swift-footed Achilles sold[799] all myother sons, whomsoever he seized, beyond the unfruitful sea, at Samos, Imbrus, and Lemnos without a harbour. But when he had taken away thylife with his long-bladed spear, he often dragged thee round the tomb ofhis comrade Patroclus, whom thou slewest; but he did not thus raise himup. But now thou liest, to my sorrow, in the palaces, fresh[800] andlately slain like him whom silver-bowed Apollo, attacking, has slainwith his mild weapons. "

 [Footnote 799: See Grote, vol. I. P. 399. ]

 [Footnote 800: See on ver. 419. ]

Thus she spoke, weeping; and aroused a vehement lamentation. But to themHelen then, the third, began her lamentation:

"O Hector, far dearest to my soul of all my brothers-in-law, for godlikeAlexander is my husband, he who brought me to Troy:--would that I hadperished first. But now already this is the twentieth year to me fromthe time when I came from thence, and quitted my native land; yet have Inever heard from thee a harsh or reproachful word; but if any other ofmy brothers-in-law, or sisters-in-law, or well-attired husband'sbrothers' wives, reproached me in the palaces, or my mother-in-law (formy father-in-law was ever gentle as a father), then thou, admonishinghim with words, didst restrain him, both by thy gentleness and thygentle words. So that, grieved at heart, I bewail at the same time theeand myself, unhappy; for there is not any other in wide Troy kind andfriendly to me; but all abhor me. "

Thus she spoke, weeping; and again the countless throng groaned. Andaged Priam spoke [this] speech amongst the people:

"O Trojans, now bring wood to the city, nor at all fear in your mind aclose ambuscade of the Greeks; for Achilles, dismissing me from the darkships, thus promised me, that he would not commence hostilities, beforethe twelfth morning should arrive. "

Thus he spoke; and they yoked both oxen and mules beneath the waggons;and then assembled before the city. For nine days indeed they broughttogether an immense quantity of wood; but when now the tenth morn, bearing light to mortals, had appeared, then indeed, weeping, theycarried out noble Hector, and placed the body on the lofty pile, andcast in the fire. 

But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered Morn, appeared, then were thepeople assembled round the pile of illustrious Hector. But after theywere assembled, and collected together, first indeed they extinguishedall the pyre with dark wine, as much as the force of the fire hadpossessed; but then his brothers and companions collected his whitebones, weeping, and the abundant tear streamed down their cheeks. And, taking them, they placed them in a golden urn, covering them with softpurple robes, and forthwith deposited it in a hollow grave; and thenstrewed it above with numerous great stones. But they built up the tombin haste, and watches sat around on every side, lest the well-greavedGreeks should make an attack too soon. And having heaped up the tomb, they returned; and then being assembled together in order, they feastedon a splendid banquet in the palaces of Priam, the Jove-nurtured king. 

Thus indeed they performed the funeral of steed-breaking Hector. 

END OF THE ILIAD. 

PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.