'i^jv'vi'jjjV.

^jl•.

4 V

'&
'Sr^K
Ai^
.r*
'^f%'WJ\
V i>'V"'''
i^>

I
 Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/iliadthe01home
 l^VJI

.Ed

THE

ILIAD OF HOMEE
RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE.

BY

EDWAKD EAEL OF DEEBY.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

Vol. I.

LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
1864.
 II

IV. CLOWES AKD SONS, STAITFORU

STREET,
LONDON: PRKTED BY
AND CHAEKG CROSS.
 TO

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

ALBERT EDWARD PRINCE OF WALES, K.G.

ifeC. ifeC. ct-C.

THIS TRANSLATION OF

THE ILIAD OF HOMER

IS BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS's GRACIOUS PERMISSION

WITH PROFOUND RESPECT AND DUTIFUL ATTACHMENT

HUMBLY DEDICATED.
 PEEFACE.

In the spring of 1862 I was induced, at the request

of some personal friends, to print, for private circulation

only, a small volume of " Translations of Poems Ancient

and Modern," in which was included the first Book of

the Hiad. The opinions expressed by some competent

judges of the degree of success which had attended this

" attempt to infuse into an almost literal English version

something of the spirit, as well as the simplicity, of

the great original,"* were sufficiently favourable to en-

courage me to continue the work which I had begun.

It has afforded me, in the intervals of more urgent

business, an mifailing, and constantly increasing source of
interest ; and it is not without a feeling of regret at

the completion of my task, and a sincere diffidence as

to its success, that I venture to submit the result of

my labours to the ordeal of public criticism.

Various causes, irrespective of any demerits of the

work itself, forbid me to anticipate for this translation

Introduction to uuitublished volume.

 ;;

VI PREFACE.

any extensive popularity. First, I fear that the taste

for, and appreciation of, Classical Literature are greatly

on the decline ; next, those wlio have kept up their

classical studies, and are able to read and enjoy the

original, will hardly take an interest in a mere transla-

tion ; while the English reader, unacquainted with

Greek, will naturally prefer the harmonious versification

and polished brilliancy of Pope's translation ; with

which, as a happy adaptation of the Homeric story to

the spirit of English poetry, I have not the presump-

tion to enter into competition. But, admirable as it

is, Pope's Iliad can hardly be said to be Homer's Iliad

and there may be some who, having lost the familiarity

with the original language Avhich they once possessed,

may, if I have at all succeeded in my attempt, have

recalled to their minds a faint echo of the strains_which

delighted their earlier days, and may recognize some

slight trace of the original perfume.

Numerous as have been the translators of the Iliad,

or of parts of it, the metres which have been selected

have been almost as various: the ordinary couplet in

rhyme, the Spenserian stanza, the Trochaic or Ballad

metre, all have had their partisans, even to that

" pestilent heresy " of the so-called English Hexameter

a metre \\holly repugnant to the genius of our language

which can only be pressed into the service by a viola-

 "

PEEFACE. vii

tioii of every rule of prosody ; and of which, notwith-

standing• my respect for the eminent men who have
attempted to naturalize it, I could never read ten lines

\\ithout being irresistibly reminded of Canning's

" Dactylics call'st thou them ? God hel^j thee, silly one !

But in the progress of this work, I have been more

and more confirmed in the opinion which I expressed

at its commencement, that (whatever may be the extent

of my 0\' individual failure) " if justice is ever to be

done to the easy flow and majestic simplicity of the

grand old Poet, it can only be in the Heroic blank

verse." I have seen isolated passages admirably ren-

dered in other metres; and there are many instances in

A\hich a translation line for line and couplet for couplet

naturally suggests itself, and in which it is sometimes

difficult to avoid an involuntary rhyme ; but the blank

verse appears to me the only metre capable of adapting

itself to all the gradations, if I may use the term, of

the Homeric style ; from the finished poetry of the

numerous similes, in Avhich every touch is nature, and

nothing is overcoloured or exaggerated, down to the

simple, almost homely, style of some portions of the

narrative. Least of all can any other metre do full

justice to the spirit and freedom of the various speeches,

in whu'h the old A\arrJurs give utterance, without dis-

b 2
viii PKEFACE.

guise or restraint, to till their strong and genuine

emotions. To subject tLese to the trammels of couplet

and rhyme would be as destructive of their chief

characteristics, as the application of a similar process to

the Paradise Lost of Milton, or the tragedies of Shake-

speare ; the effect indeed may be seen by comparing,

with some of the noblest speeches of the latter, the few

couplets which he seems to have considered himself

bound by custom to tack on to their close, at the end

of a scene or an act.

I have adopted, not without hesitation, the Latin,

rather than the Greek, nomenclature for the Heathen

Deities. I have been induced to do so from the mani-

fest incongruity of confounding the two ; and from the

fact that though English readers may be familiar Avith

the names of Zeus, or Aphrodite, or even Poseidon,

those of Hera, or Ares, or Hephaestus, or Leto, Mould

hardly convey to them a definite signification.

It has been my aim throughout to produce a transla-

tion, and not a paraphrase ; not indeed such a translation

as would satisfy, with regard to each Avord, the rigid

requirements of accurate scholarship ; but such as ould

fairly and honestly give the sense and spirit of every

passage, and of every line ; omitting nothing, and ex-

panding nothing ; and adhering, as closely as our

language will allovA. «r^ven to every epithet vhicli is

 PREFACE. IX

capable of being translated, and which has, in the

particular passage, anything of a special and distinctive

character. Of the many deficiencies in my execution of

this intention, I am but too conscious ; whether I have

been in any degree successful, must be left to the im-

partial decision of such of the Public as may honour

this wOrk with their perusal.

D.

Knowsley, Oct., 1864.

1
 LIST OF BOOKS.
VOL. I.

Book I. 1

Book II. 34

Book III. 81

Book IV. loe

Book V. 135

Book VI. 183

Book VII. 211

Book VIII. 236

Book IX. 266

Book X. 304

Book XI. 334

Book XII. 379

I

I
 —

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK I.

AF Peleus' son, Achilles, sing, Muse,

vengeance, deep and deadly ; whence to Greece

Unnumber'd ills arose ; which many a soul

Of mighty warriors to the viewless shades

Untimely sent ; they on the battle plain 5

Unburied lay, a prey to rav'ning dogs.

And carrion birds ; but so had Jove decreed,

From that sad day Avhen first in wordy war,

The mighty Agamemnon, King of men.

Confronted stood by Peleus' godlike son. 10

Say then, what God the fatal strife provok'd ?

Jove's and Latona's son ; he, fiU'd with wrath

Against the King, with deadly jjestilence

The camp afflicted, —and the people died,

For Chryses' sake, his priest, whom Atreus' son 15

VOL. I.
 ; : : :

HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book I.

With scorn dismiss'd, when to tbe Grecian sliips

He came, his captive daughter to redeem,

With costly ransom charg'd ; and in his hand

The sacred fillet of his God he bore,

And golden staff; to all he sued, but chief 20

To Atreus' sons, twin captains of the host

" Ye sons of Atreus, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,

May the great Gods, who on Olympus dwell,

Grant you yon hostile city to destroy.

And home return in safety; but my child 25

Eestore, I pray; her proJBfer'd ransom take,

And in his priest, the Lord of light revere."

Then through the ranlvs assenting murmurs ran.

The priest to rev'rence, and the ransom take

Not so Atrides; he, with haughty mien, 30

And bitter speech, the trembling sire address'd

" Old man, I warn thee, that beside our ships

I find thee not, or ling'ring now, or back

Eeturning; lest thou prove of small avail

Thy golden staff, and fillet of thy God. 35

Her I release not, till her youth be fled

W^ithin my walls, in Argos, far from home,

 : ; ; ! ;
:

Book I. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 3

Her lot is cast, domestic cares to ply,

And share a master's bed. For thee, begone

Incense me not, lest ill betide thee now." 40

He said : the old man trembled, and obey'd

Beside the many-dashing Ocean's shore

Silent he pass'd ; and all apart, he pray'd

To great Apollo, fair Latona's son

" Hear me, God of the silver bow ! whose care 45

Chrysa surrounds, and Cilia's lovely vale

Whose sov'reign sway o'er Tenedos extends;

Smintheus, hear! if e'er my offer'd gifts

Found favour in thy sight; if e'er to thee

1 burn'd the fat of bulls and choicest goats, 50

Grant me this boon —upon the Grecian host

Let thine unerring darts a%*enge my tears."

Thus as he pray'd, his pray'r Apollo heard

Along Olympus' heights he pass'd, his heart

Bui'ning with wrath; behind his shoulders hung 55

His boAV, and ample quiver; at his back

Battled the fateful arrows as he mov'd

Like the night-cloud he pass'd ; and from afar

He bent against the ships, and sped the bolt;

2
 :

4 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book I

And fierce and deadly twang'd the silver bow. 60

First on the mules and dogs, on man the last,

Was pour'd the arrowy storm ; and through the camp,

Constant and num'rous, blaz'd the ftm'ral fires.

Nine days the heav'nly Archer on the troops

Hurl'd his dread shafts ; the tenth, th' assembled Greeks 5

Achilles call'd to council; so inspir'd

By Juno, white-arm'd Goddess, who beheld

With pitying eyes the wasting hosts of Greece.

When all were met, and closely throng'd around,

Kose tlio swift-footed chief, and thus began: 70

" Ye sons of Atreus, to my mind there seems.

If we would 'scape fi-om death, one only course,

Home to retrace our steps : since here at once

By war and pestilence our forces ATaste.

But seek we first some prophet, or some priest, 75

Or some wise A^ision-seer (since visions too

From Jove proceed), wlio may the cause explain,

Which with such deadly wrath Apollo fires

If for neglected hecatombs or pray'rs

He blame us ; or if fat of lambs and goats 80

May soothe his anger and the plague assuage."

 ; :

Book I. HOMER'S ILIAD.

This said, he sat; and Thestor's son arose,

Calchas, the chief of seers, to whom were known

The present, and the future, and the past;

Who, by his mystio art, Apollo's gift, 85

Guided to lUum's shore the Grecian fleet.

Who thus with cautious speech replied, and said:

" Achilles, lov'd of Heav'n, thou bidd'st me say

Why thus incens'd the far-destroying King:

Therefore I speak; but promise thou, and swear,

By word and hand, to bear me harmless through.

For well I know my speech must one offend.

One mighty chief, whom all our hosts obey;

And terrible to men of low estate

The anger of a King; for though awhile 9

He veil his wrath, yet in his bosom pent

It still is nurs'd, until the time arrive

8ay, then, wilt thou protect me, if I speak?"

Him answer'd thus Achilles, swift of foot

"Speak boldly out whate'er thine art can tell; lOO

For by Apollo's self I swear, whom thou,

Calchas, serv'st, and who thy words inspires.

That, while I live, and see the light of Heav'n,

 ; ; :

HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book I.

Not one of all the Greeks shall dare on thee,

Beside our ships, injurious hands to lay: 105

No, not if Agamemnon's seK were he,

Who 'mid our warriors boasts the foremost place."

Embolden'd thus, th' unerring prophet spoke:

" Not for neglected hecatombs or pray'rs.

But for his priest, whom Agamemnon scom'd, 110

Nor took his ransom, nor liis child restor'd

On his account the Far-destroyer sends

This scourge of pestilence, and yet will send

Nor shall we cease his heavy hand to feel.

Till to her sire we give the bright-ey'd girl, 115

Unbought, unransom'd, and to Chrysa's shore

A solemn hecatomb despatch ; this done.

The God, appeas'd, his anger may remit."

This said, he sat ; and Atreus' godlike son.

The mighty monarch, Agamemnon, rose, 120

His dark soul fill'd with fury, and his eyes

Flashing like flames of fire ; on Calchas first

A with'ring glance he cast, and thus he spoke

"Prophet of ill! thou ne'er speak'st to me

But words of evil omen; for thv soul 125
 : !

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 7

Delio^hts to auo-ur ill, but aimlit of o-ood

Thou nexer yet hast promis'd, nor perform'd.

Aud now among the Greeks thou spread'st abroad

Thy lying prophecies, that all these ills

Come from the Far-destroyer, for that I 130

Kefus'd the ransom of my lovely prize,

And that I rather chose herself to keep,

To me not less than Clj'temnestra dear,

My virgin-wedded wife; nor less adorn'd

In gifts of form, of feature, or of mind. 135

Yet, if it must be so, I give her back;

I wish my people's safety, not their death.

But seek me out forthwith some other spoil,

Lest empty-handed I alone appear

Of all the Greeks; for this would ill beseem; 140

And how I lose my present share, ye see."

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied

" Haughtiest of men, and greediest of the prey

How shall our valiant Greeks for thee seek out

Some other spoil? no common fund have we 145

Of hoarded treasures ; what oui* arms have won

From captur'd towns, has been already shar'd,

 ; : ! : ;

8 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

Nor can wo now resume tli' apportion'd spoil.

Eestore the maid, obedient to the God

And if Heav'n that we the strong-built walls 150

Of Troy should raze, our warriors will to thee

A threefold, fourfold recompense assign."

To whom great Agamemnon thus replied

" Think not, Achilles, valiant though thou art

In fight, and godlike, to defraud me thus; 155

Thou shalt not so persuade me, nor o'erreach.

Think'st thou to keep thy portion of the spoil,

While I with empty hands sit humbly down ?

The bright-ey'd girl thou bidd'st me to restore

If then the valiant Greeks for me seek out 160

Some other spoil, some compensation just,

'Tis well : if not, I Avith my right hand

WiU from some other chief, from thee perchance,

Or Ajax, or Ulysses, wrest his prey

And woe to him, on whomsoe'er I call! 165

But this for future counsel we remit

Haste we then now our dark-ribb'd bark to launch,

i
Muster a fitting crew, and place on board

The sacred hecatomb ; then last embark

 !

Book I. HOMER'S ILIAD. 9

The fair Chryseis; and in chief command 170

Let some one of our councillors be plac'd,

Ajax, Ulysses, or Idomeneus,

Or thou, the most ambitious of them all.

That so our rites may soothe the angry God."

To whom Achilles thus with scornful glance: 175

" Oh, cloth'd in shamelessness ! oh, sordid soul

canst thou hope that any Greek for thee

Will brave the toils of travel or of Avar?

Well dost thou Imow that 't was no feud of mine

With Troy's brave sons that brought mo here in arms ; 180

They never did me wrong ; they never drove

My cattle, or my horses; never sought

In Phthia's fertile, life-sustaining fields

To waste the crops ; for wide between us lay

The shadowy mountains and the roaring sea. 185

With thee, void of shame ! with thee we sail'd,

For Menelaus and for thee, ingrate,

Glory and fame on Trojan crests to win.

All this hast thou forgotten, or despis'd ;

And threat'nest now to wrest from me the prize 190

I labour'd hard to win, and Greeks bestow'd.

 ; ::

10 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

Nor does my portion ever equal thine,

When on some populous toAvn our troops have made

Successful war; in the contentious fight

The larger portion of the toil is mine; 195

But when the day of distribution comes,

Thine is the richest spoil ; while I, forsooth,

Must be too well content to bear on board

Some paltry prize for all my warlike toil.

To Phthia now I go ; so better far, 200

To steer my homeward course, and leave thee here

Dishonour'd as thou art, nor lilie, I deem,

To fill thy coffers with the spoils of war."

Whom answer'd Agamemnon, King of men

" Fly then, if such thy mind ! I ask thee not 205

On mine account to stay ; others there are

Will guard my honour and avenge my cause

And chief of all, the Lord of counsel, Jove !

Of all the Heav'n-born Kings, thou art the man

I hate the most; for thou delight'st in nought 210

But war and strife : thy prowess I allow

Yet this, remember, is the gift of Heav'n.

Retui'n then, with thy vessels, if thou wilt,

 !

Book I. HOMER'S ILIAD. 11

And Avith thy followers, home and lord it there

^
;

thy Myrmidons ! I heed thee not 215

I care not for thy fury! Hear my threat:

Since Phoebus wrests Chryseis from my arms.

In mine own ship, and with mine OAvn good crew,

Her I send forth ; and, in her stead, I mean,

Ev'n fi-om thy tent, myseK, to bear thy prize, 220

The fair Briseis ; that henceforth thou know

How far I am thy master; and that, taught

By thine example, others too may fear

To rival me, and brave me to my face."

Thus while he spake, Achilles chaf'd with rage; 225

And in his manly breast his heart was torn

With thoughts conflicting —whether from his side

To draw his mighty sword, and put to rout

Th' assembled throng, and kill tli' insulting King;

Or school his soul, and keep his anger down. 230

But while in mind and spirit thus he mus'd.

And half unsheath'd his sword, from Heav'n came down

Minerva, sent by Juno, white-arm'd Queen,

Whose love and care both chiefs alike enjoy 'd;

She stood behind, and by the yellow hair 235

 ; ; :

12 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

Sho held the son of Peleus, visible

To bim alone, by all the rest unseen.

Achilles, wond'ring, turn'd, and straight he knew

The blue-ey'd Pallas ; awful was her glance

Whom thus the chief with winged words address'd : 240

"Why com'st thou, child of segis-bearing Jove?

To see the arrogance of Atreus' son?

But this I say, and will make good my words,

This insolence may cost him soon his life."

To whom the blue-ey'd Goddess thus replied: 245

"From Heav'n I came, to curb, if thou wilt hear,

Thy fury; sent by Juno, white-arm'd Queen,

Whose love and care ye both alike enjoy.

Cease, then, these broils, and draw not thus thy sword ;

In words, indeed, assail him as thou wilt. 250

But this I promise, and will make it good,

The time shall come, when for this insolence

A threefold compensation shall be thine

Only be sway'd by me, and curb thy wrath."

Whom answer'd thus Achilles, swift of foot 255

" Goddess, I needs must yield to your commands.

Indignant though I be — for so 'tis best;

 ! ! !

Book I. HOMER'S ILIAD. 13

Who hears the Gods, of them his pray'rs are heard."

He said ; and on the silver hilt he stay'd

His pow'rful hand, and flung his mighty sword 260

Back to its scabbard, to Minerva's word

Obedient: she her heav'nward course pursued

To join th' Immortals in th' abode of Jove.

But Peleus' son, with undiminish'd wrath,

Atrides thus with bitter words address'd: 265

" Thou sot, with eye of dog, and heart of deer

Who never dar'st to lead in armed fight

Th' assembled host, nor with a chosen few

To man the secret ambush — for thou fear'st

To look on death —no doubt 'tis easier far, 270

Girt with thy troops, to plunder of his right

Whoe'er may venture to oppose thy will

A tyrant King, because thou rul'st o'er slaves

Were it not so, this insult were thy last.

But this I say, and with an oath confirm, 275

By this my royal staff, which, never more

Shall put forth leaf nor spray, since first it left

Upon the mountain-side its parent stem.

Nor blossom more; since all around the axe

 !

14 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book I.

Hath lopp'd both leaf and bark, and 'tis borne 280

Emblem of justice, by the sons of Greece,

Who guard the sacred ministry of law

Before the face of Jove ! a mighty oath

The time shall come, when all the sons of Greece

Shall mourn Achilles' loss; and thou the while, 285

Heart-rent, shalt be all-impotent to aid,

When by the warrior-slayer Hector's hand

Many shall fall; and then thy soul shall moum

The slight on Grecia's bravest warrior cast."

Thus spoke Pelides; and upon the ground 290

He cast his staff, with golden studs emboss'd.

And took his seat ; on th' other side, in wrath,

Atrides bum'd; but Nestor interpos'd;

Nestor, the leader of the Pylian host.

The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips 295

Sweeter than honey flow'd the stream of speech.

Two generations of the sons of men

For him were past and gone, Avho with himself

Were born and bred on Pylos' lo\-ely shore.

And o'er the third he now held royal sway. 3(X)

He thus with prudent Avords the chiefs address'd:

 ; ! ! ;

Book . HOMEK'S ILIAD. 15

" Alas, alas ! what grief is this for Greece

What joy for Priam, and for Priam's sons

What exultation for the men of Troy,

To hear of feuds 'tween you, of all the Greeks 305

The first in coimcil, and the first in fio;ht!

Yet, hear my words, I pray; in years, at least,

Ye both must yield to me; and in times past

I liv'd with men, and they despis'd me not.

Abler in counsel, greater than yourselves. 310

Such men I never saw, and ne'er shall see,

As Pirithous and Dryas, wise and brave,

Coeneus, Exadius, godlike Polj^heme,

And Theseus, -^Egeus' more than mortal son.

The mightiest they among the sons of men; 315

The mightiest they, and of the forest beasts

Strove with the mightiest, and their rage subdued.

With them fiOm distant lands, from Pylos' shore

I join'd my forces, and their call obey'd

With them I play'd my part ; with them, not one 320

Would dare to fight of mortals now on earth.

Yet they my counsels heard, my voice obey'd

And hear ye also, for * words are wise.

16 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

Nor thou, tlioiigh great thou be, attempt to rob

Acliilles of his prize, but let him keep 325

The spoil assign'd him by the sons of Greece;

Nor thou, Pelides, vith the monarch strive

In rivalry ; for ne'er to sceptred King

Hath Jove such pow'rs, as to Atrides, giv'n;

And valiant though thou art, and Goddess-born, 330

Yet mightier he, for wider is his sway.

Atrides, curb thy wrath I wliile I beseech

Achilles to forbear; in whom the Greeks

From adverse war their great defender see."

To whom the monarch, Agamemnon, thus: 335

"O father, full of wisdom are thy words;

But this proud chief o'er all would domineer;

O'er all he seeks to rule, o'er all to reign.

To all to dictate ; which I will not bear.

Grant that the Gods have giv'n him warlike might, 340

Gave they unbridled license to his tongue?"

To whom Achilles, interrupting, thus:

*'
Coward and slave indeed I might be deem'd,

Could I submit to make thy word my ^ ;

To others thy commands ; seek not to me 345

 : ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 17

To dictate, for I follow thee no more.

But hear me speak, and ponder what I say

For the fair girl I fight not (since you choose

To take away the prize yourselves bestow'd)

W^ith thee or any one; but of the rest 350

My dark swift ship contains, against my will

On nought shalt thou, unpunish'd, lay thy hand.

Make trial if thou wilt, that these may knoAV

Thy life-blood soon should reek upon my sj)ear."

After this conflict keen of angry speech, 355

The chiefs arose, and broke the council up.

With his own followers, and Menoetius' son,

Achilles to his tents and ships withdrew.

But Atreus' son launch'd a swift-sailing bark.

With twenty rowers mann'd, and plac'd on board 360

The sacred hecatomb ; then last embark'd

The fair Chryseis, and in chief command

Laertes' son, the sage Ulysses, plac'd.

They swiftly sped along the wat'ry way.

Next, proclamation through the camp was made 365

To purify the host ; and in the sea,

Obedient to the Avord, they purified;

VOL. I. c
 : :

18 HOMER'S TLTAD. Book 1.

Then to Apollo solemn rites pcribrniM

With faultless hecatombs of bulls and goats,

Upon the margin of the wat'ry waste; 370

And, wreath'd in smoke, the savour rose to Heav'ii.

The camp thus occupied, the King pursued

His threaten'd plan of vengeance ; to his side

Calling Talthybius and Eurybates,

Heralds, and faithful followers, thus he spoke 375

" Haste to Achilles' tent, and in your hand

Back with you thence the fair Briseis bring:

If he refuse to send her, 1 myself

With a sufficient force will bear her thence.

Which he may find, perchance, the worse for ." 380

So spake the monarch, and with stern command

Dismiss'd them ; with reluctant steps they pass'd

Along the margin of the wat'ry Avaste,

Till to the tents and ships they came, where lay

The warlike Myrmidons. Their chief they found 385

Sitting beside his tent and dark-ribb'd ship.

Achilles mark'd their coming, not well pleas'd

With troubled mien, and awe-struck by the King,

Thev stood, nor dar'd accost him ; liut himself

 :

Book I. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 19

Divin'd their errand, and address'd them thus 390

" Welcome, ye messengers of Gods and men,

Heralds! approach in safety; not v^th yon.

But with Atrides, is my just offence.

Who for the fair Briseis sends you here.

Go, then, Patroclus, bring the maiden forth, ?,d5

And give her to their' hands; but witness ye,

Before the blessed Gods and mortal men.

And to the face of that injurious King,

When he shall need my arm, from shameful rout

To save his followers ; blinded Ijy his rage, 400

He neither heeds experience of the past,

Kor scans the future, provident how best

0 guard his fleet and army from the foe."

He spoke : obedient to his friend and chief,

Patroclus led the fair Briseis forth, 405

And gave her to their hands; they to the ships

Retrac'd their steps, and with them the fair girl

Reluctant went : meanwhile Achilles, plung'd

In bitter grief, from all the band apart,

Upon the margin of the hoary sea 410

Sat idly gazing on the dark-blue waves;

c 2
 ;

20 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

And to liis Goddess-mother long he pray'd,

With outstretch'd hands, " Oh, mother ! since thy son

To early death by destiny is doom'd,

I might have hop'd the Thunderer on high, 415

Olympian Jove, with honour would have croAvu'd

My little space ; but noAv disgrace is mine

Since Agamemnon, the wide-ruling King,

Hath wrested from me, and still holds, my prize."

Weeping, he spoke ; his Goddess-mother heard, 420

Beside her aged father where she sat

In the deep ocean-caves: ascending quick

Through the dark waves, like to a misty cloud,

Beside her son she stood; and as he wept,

She gently touch'd him with her hand, and said, 425

" Why weeps my son ? and Avhence his cause of grief ?

Speak out, that I may hear, and share thy pain."

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied,

Groaning, " Thou know'st ; what boots to tell thee all ?

On Thebes we march'd, Eetion's sacred tovn, 430

And storm'd the walls, and hither bore the spoil.

The spoils were fairly by the sons of Greece

Apportion'd out ; and to Atrides' share

 :

Book I. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 21

The beauteous daughter of old Chryses fell.

Cliryses, Apollo's priest, to free his child, 435

Came to th' encampment of the brass-clad Greeks,

Witli costly ransom charg'd ; and in his hand

The sacred fillet of his God he bore,

And golden staff; to all he sued, but chief

To Atreus' sons, twin captains of the host. 440

Then through the ranks assenting murmurs ran.

The priest to rev'rence, and the ransom take

Not so Atrides ; he, with haughty mien

And bitter words, the trembling sire dismissal.

The old man turn'd in sorrow ; but his pray'r 445

Phoebus Apollo heard, who lov'd him well.

Against the Greeks he bent his fatal bow,

And fast the people fell ; on ev'ry side

Throughout the camp the heav'nly arrows flew;

A skilful seer at length the cause reveal'd 450

Which thus incens'd the Archer-God ; I then.

The first, gave counsel to appease his wrath.

Whereat Atrides, full of fury, rose.

And utter'd threats, Avhich he hath now fulfill'd.

For Chryses' daughter to her native land 455

22 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

In a swift-sailing• ship the keen-ey'd Greeks

Have sent, with costly off 'rings to the God:

But her, assign'd me by the sons of Greece,

Brises' fair daughter, irom my tent e'en

The heralds bear away. Then, Goddess, thou, 4()0

If thou hast poAv'r, protect thine injur'd son.

Fly to Olympus, to the feet of Jove,

And make thy pray'r to him, if on his heart

Thou hast in truth, by word or deed, a claim.

For I remember, in my father's house, 465

I oft have heard thee boast, how thou, alone

Of all th' Immortals, Saturn's cloud-girt son

Didst shield from foul disgrace, when all the rest,

Juno, and Neptune, and Minerva join'd,

AVith chains to bind him ; then, Goddess, thou 470

Didst set him free, invoking to his aid

Him of the hundred arms, whom Briareus

Th' immortal Gods, and men ^geon call.

He, mightier than his father, took his seat

By Saturn's son, in pride of conscious strength : 475

Fear seiz'd on all the Gods, nor did they dare

To bind their King : of tliis remind him now,

 ! :

. HOMER'S ILIAD. 23

And clasp his knees, and supplicate his aid

For Troy's brave warriors, that the routed Greeks

Back ti) their ships with slaughter may be driv'n ; 480

That all may taste the folly of their King,

And Agamemnon's haughty self may mourn

The slight on Grecia's braA^est warrior cast."

\/ Thus he ; and Thetis, weeping, thus replied

" Alas, my child, that e'er I gave thee birth 485

Would that beside thy ships thou couldst remain

From grief exempt, and insult ! since by fate

FcAv years are thine, and not a length en'd term ;

At once to early death and sorrows doom'd

Beyond the lot of man ! in evil hour 490

I gave thee birth ! But to the snow-clad heights

Of great Olympus, to the throne of Jo\'e,

Who wields the thunder, thy complaints I bear.

Thou by thy ships, meanwhile, against the Greeks

Thine anger nurse, and from the fight abstain. 495

For Jove is to a solemn banquet gone

Beyond the sea, on ^Ethiopia's shore,

Since yesternight; and with him all the Gods.

On the twelfth day he purjios'd to return

 ; ;

24 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book I.

To high Olyiupus; thither then will I, 500

And at his feet my supplication make

And he, I think, will not deny my suit."

This said, she disappear'd ; and left him there

Musing in anger on the loly form

Tom from his arms by violence away. 505

Meantime, Ulysses, with his sacred freight,

Arriv'd at Chrysa's strand; and Avhen his bark

Had reach'd the shelter of the deep sea bay.

Their sails they furl'd, and lower'd to the hold;

Slack'd the retaining shrouds, and quickly struck 510

And stow'd away the mast; then with their SAveeps

PuU'd for the beach, and cast their anchors out.

And made her fast with cables to the shore.

Then on the shingly breakwater themselves

They landed, and the sacred hecatomb 515

To great Apollo ; and Chryseis last.

Her to the altar straight Ulysses led.

The wise in counsel ; in her father's hand

He plac'd the maiden, and address'd liim thus :

" Chryses, from Agamemnon, King of men, 520

To thee I come, thy daughter to restore

i
 : ;

Book I. HOMER'S ILIAD. 25

And to thy God, upon the Greeks' behalf,

To offer sacrifice, if haply so

We may appease his wrath, who now incens'd

With grievous snff'ring visits all our host." 525

Then to her sire he gave her; he with joy

Receiv'd his child ; the sacred hecatomb

Around the well-built altar for the God

In order due they plac'd ; their hands then wasli'd,

And the salt cake prepar'd, before them all 530

With hands uplifted Chryses pray'd aloud

" Hear me, God of the silver bow ! whose care

Chrj'Sa surrounds, and Cilia's lovely vale,

Whose sov'reign sway o'er Tenedos extends!

Once hast thou heard my pray'r, aveng'd my cause, 535

And pour'd thy fury on the Grecian host.

Hear yet again, and grant Avhat now I ask

Withdraw thy chast'ning hand, and stay the plague."

Thus, as he pray'd, his pray'r Apollo heard.

Their pray'rs concluded, and the salt cake streAv'd 540

Upon the victims' heads, they (hew them back.

And slew, and flay'd ; then cutting fiOui the thighs

The choicest pieces, and in double layers

2G HOMER'S ILIAD. Book 1.

O'erspreading them Avith fat, above them plac'cl

The due mcat-off 'rings ; tlien the aged priest 545

The cleft wood kindled, and libations pour'd

Of ruddy wine; arm'd with the five-fork'd prongs

Th' attendant ministers beside him stood.

The thighs consum'd Avith fire, the inward parts

They tasted first; the rest upon the spits 550

Roasted with care, and from the fire Avithdrew.

Their labours ended, and the feast prepar'd,

They shar'd the social meal, nor lack'd there aught.

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,

Th' attendant youths the flowing goblets crown'd, 555

And in fit order serv'd the cups to all.

All day they sought the favour of the God,

The glorious pgeans chanting, and the praise

Of Phcebus: he, well pleas'd, the strain receiv'd.

But when the sun was set, and shades of night 560

O'erspreacl the sky, upon the sandy beach

Close to their ship they laid tliem down to rest.

And Avhen the rosy-finger'd morn appear'd.

Back to the camp they took their lionieAvard way.

A fav'ring breeze the Far-destroyer sent: 5(55

 ; ;

Book I. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 27

They stepp'd the mast, and spread the snowy sail:

Full in the midst the bellying sail receiv'd

The gallant breeze; and round the vessel's proAv

The dark wa^es loudly roar'd, as on she rush'd

Skimming the seas, and cut her Av^at'ry Avay. 570

Arriv'd Avhere lay the wide-spread host of Greece,

Their dark-ribb'd vessel on the beach they drew

High on the sand, and strongly shor'd her up

Then through the camp they took their sev'ral ways.

Meantime, beside the ships Achilles sat, 575

The Heav'n-born son of Peleus, swift of foot.

Chafing with rage repress'd ; no more he sought

The honoiu-'d council, nor the battle-field

But his soul away, and inly pin'd

For the fierce joy and tumult of the fight. 580

But Avhen the twelfth revolving day was come,

Back to Olympus' heights tli' immortal Gods,

Jove at their head, together all return'd.

Then Thetis, mindful of her son's request,

Rose from the ocean Avave, and sped in haste 585

To high Olympus, and the courts of Heav'n.

Th' all-seeing son of Saturn there she found

28 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book I.

Sitting a])art upon tlie topmost crest

Of niany-ridg'd Olympus; at liis feet

She sat, and while her left hand clasp'd his knees, 5f)0

Her right approach'd his beard, and suppliant thus

She made her pray'r to Saturn's royal son:

" Father, if e'er amid th' immortal Gods

By word or deed I did thee service true,

Hear now my pray'r ! Avenge my hapless son, 595

Of mortals shortest-liv'd, insulted now

By mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

And plunder'd of his lawful sj)oils of war.

But Jove, Olympian, Lord of counsel. Thou

Avenge his cause ; and give to Trojan arms GOO

Such strength and pow'r, that Greeks may learn how much

They need my son, and gi\^e him honour due."

She said : the Cloud-compeller answer'd not,

But silent sat; then Thetis clasp'd his knees,

And hung about him, and her suit rencAv'd : 005

" Give me thy promise sure, thy gracious nod.

Or else refuse (for thou hast none to fear).

That I may learn, of all th' immortal Gods,

How iar I stand the lowest in thine eyes." ^

 ; : ;

Book I. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 29

Then, miicli distiirb'd, the Cloud-compeller spoke : GIO

" Sad work thou niak'st, iu bidding me oppose

My will to Juno's, when her bitter words

Assail me ; for full oft amid the Gods

She taunts me, that I aid the Trojan cause.

But thou return, that Juno see thee not, G15

And leave to me the furth'rance of thy suit.

Lo, to confirm thy faith, I nod my head

And well among th' immortal Gods is known

The solemn import of that pledge from me

For ne'er my promise shall deceive, or fail, G20

Or be recall'd, if with a nod confirm'd."

He said, and nodded with his shadowy broAvs

Wav'd on th' immortal head th' ambrosial locks.

And all Olympus trembled at his nod.

They parted thus ; from bright Olympus' heights G25

The Goddess hasted to her ocean-caves,

JoA'e to his palace; at his entrance all

Eose fiOm their seats at once; not one presum'd

To wait his coming, but advanc'd to meet.

Then on his throne he sat; but not unmark'd 630

Of Juno's eye had been the council held

 ; ;

80 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

In sccvot Avitli tlio silver-footed Queen,

The daughter of the aged Ocean-God;

And with sharp Avords she thus address'd her Lord:

" Tell me, deceiver, who was she with whom 035

Thou late held'st council ? ever 'tis thy way

Apart from me to weave thy secret schemes,

Nor dost thou freely share with me thy mind,"

To whom the Sire of Gods and men replied:

" Expect not, Juno, all my mind to know 040

]\iy Avife thou art, yet would such knowledge be

Too much for thee; whate'er I deem it fit

That thou shouldst knoAV, nor God nor man shall hear

Before thee; but what I in secret plan,

Seek not to knoAv, nor curiously enquire." 045

Whom answer'd thus the stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n:

" What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ?

Ne'er have I sought, or now, or heretofore.

Thy secret thoughts to knoAv; what thou think'st fit

To tell, I AA^ait thy gracious Avill to hear. 050

Yet fear I in my soul thou art beguil'd

By wiles of Thetis, silver-footed Queen,

The daughter of the aged Ocean-God

 : :

Book . HOMEES ILIAD. 31

For she was with thee early, and embrac'd

Thy knees, and has, I thmk, thy promise sure, 655

Thou wilt aA-enae Achilles' cause, an<l brinir

DestructiA-e slaughter on the Grecian host."

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied

" Presumptuous, to thy busy thoughts thou giv'st

Too free a range, and watchest all I do; 660

Yet shalt thou not prcA-ail, but rather thus

Be alien'd from my heart —the worse for thee!

If this be so, it is my sov'reign will.

But, now, keep silence, and my words obey,

Lest all th' Immortals fail, if I be wroth, 665

To rescue thee from my resistless hand."

He said, and terror seiz'd the stag-ey'd Queen:

Silent she sat, curbmg her spirit (1\\,

And all the Gods in pitying sorrow mourn'd.

Vulcan, the skill'd artificer, then first 670

Broke silence, and with soothing words address'd

His mother, Juno, white-arm'd Queen of Heav'n

" Sad were't, indeed, and grievous to be borne.

If for the sake of mortal men you two

Should suffer angry passions to arise, 675

32 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book I.

And kindle broils in Heavn ; so should our feast

By evil influence all its sweetness lack.

Let me advise my mother (and I know

That her own reason will my words approve)

To speak my father fair; lest he again 680

Eeply in anger, and our banquet mar.

Nay, though Olympian Jove, the lightning's Lord,

Should hurl us from our seats (for great his pow'r),

I yet should counsel gentle Avords, that so

We might propitiate best the King of Heav'n." G85

This said, he rose, and in his mother's hand

A double goblet plac'd, as thus he spoke :

" Have patience, mother mine ! though much enforc'd,

Restrain thy spirit, lest perchance these eyes,

Dear as thou art, behold thee brought to shame ; 690

And I, though griev'd in heart, be impotent

To save thee; for 'tis hard to strive with Jove.

When to thy succour once before I came,

He seiz'd me by the foot, and hurl'd me down

Trom Heav'n's high threshold ; all the day I fell, 695

And with the setting sun, on Lemnos' isle

Lighted, scarce half alive ; there was I found,

Book I. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 33

And by the Sintian people kindly nurs'd."

Thus as he spoke, the Avhite-arni'd Goddess smil'd,

And, smiling, from his hand receiv'd the cup. 700

Then to th' Immortals all, in order due.

He minister'd, and from the flagon pour'd

The luscious nectar; while among the Gods

Rose laught^'r irrepressible, at sight

Of Vulcan hobbling round the spacious hall. 705

Thus they till sunset pass'd the festive hours;

Nor lack'd the banquet aught to please the sense,

Nor sound of tuneful lyre, by Phoebus touch 'd.

Nor Muses' voice, who in alternate strains

Responsive sang : but when the sun had set, 710

Each to his home departed, where for each

The crippled Vulcan, matchless architect,

With wondrous skill a noble house had rear'd.

To his own couch, where he was wont of old,

When overcome by gentle sleep, to rest, 715

Olympian Jove ascended; there he slept,

And, by his side, the golden-throned Queen. 717

VOL. I.
 ;

34 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book II.

BOOK II.

A LL niglit in sleep repos'd the other Gods,

And helmed warriors ; but the eyes of Jove

Sweet slumber held not, pond'ring in his mind

Hqw to avenge Achilles' cause, and pour

Destructive slaughter on the Grecian host. 5

Thus as ho mus'd, the wisest course appear'd

By a deluding vision to mislead

The son of Atreus ; and with, winged words

Thus to a phantom form he ga\^e command :

"Hie thee, deluding Vision, to the camp 10

And ships of Greece, to Agamemnon's tent

There all, as I command thee, truly speak.

Bid that he arm in haste the long-hair'd Greeks

To combat; for the wide-built streets of Troy

He now may capture; since th' immortal Gods 15

Watch over her no longer ; all are gain'd

I
By Juno's pray'rs; and woes impend o'er Troy."

I
 :

Book 11. HOMER'S ILIAD. 35

He said : the Vision heard, and straight obey'd

Swiftly he sped, and reach Vl the Grecian ships,

And sought the son of Atreus; him he found 20

Within his tent, wrapp'd in ambrosial sleep;

Above his head he stood, like Neleus' son,

Nestor, whom Agamemnon rev'renc'd most

Of all the Elders; in hia likeness cloth'd

Thus spoke the heav'nly Vision ;

" Sleep'st thou, son 25

Of Atreus, valiant warrior, horseman bold ?

To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief,

Charg'd with the public weal, and cares of state.

Hear now the words I bear ; to thee I come

A messenger from Jove, who from on high 30

Looks down on thee with eyes of pitying love.

He bids thee arm in haste the long-hair'd Greeks

To combat; since the wide-built streets of Troy

Thou now mayst capture ; for th' immortal Gods

Watch over her no longer ; all are gain'd 35

By Juno's pray'rs ; and Avoes impend o'er Troy.

Bear this in mind; and when from sleep arous'd

Let not my words fiOm thy remembrance fade."

This said, he vanish'd; and the monareli left,

D 2
 ; ;

36 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Inspir'd with tlioughts which ne'er should come to pass. 40

J^"Oi' in that day he vainly hop'd to take

The town of Priam ; ignorant what Jove

Design'd in secret, or what woes, what groans,

What lengthen'd labours in the stubborn fight,

Were yet for Trojans and for Greeks in store. 45

He woke from sleep; but circumfus'd around

The Vision linger'd still —he sat upright

He domi'd his vest of texture fine, nev-vrought,

Then o'er it threw his ample robe, and bound

His sandals fair around his well-turn'd feet '

50

And o'er his shoulders flung his sword, adorn'd

With silver studs ; and bearing in his hand

His royal staff, ancestral, to the ships

Where lay the brass-clad warriors, bent his way.

Aurora now was rising up the steep 55

Of great Olympus, to th' immortal Gods

Pure light diffusing; when Atrides bade

The clear-voic'd heralds to th' Assembly call

The gen'ral host; they gave the word, and straight

From ev'ry quarter throng'd the eager crowd. r.o

But first, of all the Elders, by the side

 ;: :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 37

Of Nestor's ship, the aged Pyliau chief,

A secret collcla Agamemnon call'd

And, prudent, thus the chosen few address'd

" Hear me, my friends I In the still hours of night 65

I saw a lieav'nly Vision in my sleep

Most like it seem'd in stature, form, and face

To rev'rend Nestor; at my head it stood.

And with these words address'd me — ' Sleep'st thou, son

Of Atreus, valiant Avarrior, horseman bold? 70

To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief,

Charg'd with the public weal, and cares of state.

Hear now the words I bear; to thee I come

A messenger from Jove, who fi-om on high

Looks down on thee with eyes of pitying love. 75

He bids thee arm in haste the long-hair'd Greeks

To combat ; since the wide-built streets of Troy

Thou now mayst capture ; for th' immortal Gods

Watch over her no longer; all are gain'd

By Juno's pray'rs, and woes impend o'er Troy. 80

Bear thou my Avords in mind.' Thus as he sjDoke

He vanish'd ; and sweet sleep forsook mine eyes.

Seek we then straight to arm the sons of Greece:

 :

38 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book II.

But first, as is our Avont, myself will prove

The spirit of the army; and suggest 85

Their homeward voyage; ye, throughout the camp

Eestore their courage, and restrain from flight."

Thus having said, he sat ; and next arose

Nestor, the chief of Pylos' sandy shore.

Who thus with prudent speech replied, and said : 90

" friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece,

If any other had this Vision seen.

We should have deem'd it false, and laugh'd to scorn

The idle tale; but now it hath appear'd,

Of all our army, to the foremost man 95

Seek we then straight to arm the sons of Greece."

He said, and from the council led the way.

Uprose the sceptred monarchs, and obey'd

Their leader's call, and round them throng'd the crowd.

As swarms of bees, that pour in ceaseless stream 100

From out the crevice of some hoUoAv rock,

Now clust'ring, and anon 'mid vernal flow'rs.

Some here, some there, in busy numbers fly;

So to th' Assembly from their tents and ships

The countless tribes came thronging ; in their midst, 105

 :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 39

By Jo-e excited, Rumour urg'd tliem on.

Great was the din ; and as the mighty mass

Sat down, the solid earth beneath them groan'd ;

Nine herakls rais'd their A'oices loud, to quell

The storm of tongues, and bade the noisy crowd 110

Be still, and listen to the Heav'n-born Kings.

At length they all were seated, and awhile

Their clamours sank to silence ; then uprose

The monarcli Agamemnon, in his hand

His royal staff, the work of Vulcan's art; 115

Which Vulcan to the son of Saturn gave;

To Hermes he, the heav'nly messenger;

Hermes to Pelops, matchless charioteer;

Pelops to Atreus; Atreus at his death

Bequeath'd it to Thyestes, wealthy Lord 120

Of uum'rous herds ; to Agamemnon last

Thyestes left it; token of his sway

O'er all the xVrgive coast, and neighbouring isles.

On this the monarch leant, as thus he spoke

" Friends, Grecian Heroes, Ministers of Mars ! 125

Grievous, and all imlook'd for, is the blow

Which Jove hath dealt me; by his promise led

 ; :

40 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

I hop'd to raze the strong-built Avails of Troy,

And home return in safety; but it seems

He falsifies his word, and bids me now 130

Eeturn to Argos, frustrate of my hojoe,

Dishonour'd, and with grievous loss of men.

Such now appears th' o'er-ruling sov'reign will

Of Saturn's son; who oft hatli sunk the heads

Of many a lofty city in the dust, 135

And yet will sink; for mighty is his hand.

'Tis shame indeed that future days should hear

How such a force as ours, so great, so brave.

Hath thus been baffled, fighting, as we do,

'Gainst numbers far inferior to our own, 140

And see no end of all our warlike toil.

For should we choose, on terms of plighted truce,

Trojans and Greeks, to number our array;

Of Trojans, all that dwell within the tewn,

Of Greeks, our force by tens distributed 145

And ev'ry ten should choose one Trojan guest

To entertain, and pledge in gen'rous wine;

Full many a ten would find no guest to pledge

So far the sons of Greece outnumber all

 ; ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 41

That dwell within the town; but to their aid 150

Bold warriors come from all the cities round,

Who greatly harass me, and render vain

My hope to storm the strong-built Avails of Troy.

Already nine weary years hare pass'd

The timbers of our ships are all decay'd, 155

The cordage rotted ; in our homes the while

Our wives and helpless children sit, in vain

Expecting our return ; and still the work,

For which we hither came, remains undone.

Hear then my counsel; let us all agree 160

Home to direct our course, since here in vain

We strive to take the well-built walls of Troy,"

Thus as he spoke, the crowd, that had not heard

The secret council, by his words Avas mov'd

So sway'd and heav'd the multitude, as when 165

O'er the vast billows of th' Icarian sea

Eurus and Xotus from the clouds of Heav'n

Pour forth their fury ; or as some deep field

Of wavy corn, when Zephyr briskly sweeps

Along the plain, and stirs the bristling ears; 170

So was th' Assembly stirr'd; and tow'rd the ships

42 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

With clam'rous joy they rush'd ; beneath their feet

Eose clouds of dust, while one to other call'd

0 seize the ships and drag them to the main.

They clear'd the channels, and with shouts of "home" 175

That rose to Heav'n, they knock'd the shores away.

Then had the Greeks in shameful flight withdrawn.

Had Juno not to Pallas thus appeal'd:

" Oh Heav'n ! brave child of aegis-bearing Jove,

Shall thus the Greeks, in ignominious flight, 180

O'er the wide sea their homeAvard course pursue.

And as a trophy to the sons of Troy

The Ajgive Helen leave, on vhose account.

Far from their home, so many valiant Greeks

Have cast their lives away ? Go quickly thou is5

Amid the brass-clad Greeks, and man by man

Address with words persuasive, nor permit

To launch their well-trimm'd vessels on the deep."

She said, nor did Minerva not obey.

But swift descending from Olympus' heights 190

With rapid flight she reach'd the Grecian ships.

Ulysses standing there she found, as Jove

Weighty in council ; he no hand had laid

 ; ;

Book II. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 43

On his dark vessel, for with bitter grief

His heart was fill'd ; the blue-ey'd Maid approach'd, 195

And thus address'd him :

" Great Laertes' son,

Ulysses, sage in council, can it be

That you, the men of Greece, embarking thus

On your swift ships, in ignominious flight,

O'er the wide sea will take your homcAvard way, 200

And as a trophy to the sons of Troy

The Argiye Helen leave, on Avhose account

Far from their homes so many valiant Greeks

Have cast their lives away? Go quickly thou

Among the multitude, and man by man 205

Address with w^rds persuasive, nor permit

To launch their well-trimm'd vessels on the deep."

She said ; the heav'nly voice Ulysses knew

Straight, springing to the course, he cast aside,

And to Eurybates of Ithaca, 210

His herald and attendant, thi'ew his robe

Then to Atrides hasten'd, and by him

Arm'd with his royal staff ancestral, pass'd

With rapid step amid the ships of Greece.

Each King or leader whom he found he thus 215

 : ::

44 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book II.

AVitli cheering words encourag'd and restrain'd

" gallant friend, 'tis not for thee to yield,

Like meaner men, to panic ; but thyself

Sit quiet, and the common herd restrain.

Thou Ivnow'st not yet Atrides' secret mind: 220

He tries us now, and may reprove us soon.

His words in council reach'd not all our ears:

See that he Avork us not some ill; for fierce

His anger; and the Lord of counsel, Jove,

From Avhom proceeds all honour, loves him well." 225

But of the common herd whome'er he found

Clam'ring, he check'd with staff and threat'ning words

"Good friend, keep still, and hear what others say.

Thy betters far: for thou art good for nought,

Of small account in council or in fight. 280

All are not sov'reigns here; ill fares the state

Where many masters rule ; let one be Lord,

One King supreme ; to whom wise Saturn's son

Li token of his sov'reign power hath giv'n

The sceptre's sway and ministry of law." 235

Such were his words, as through the ranks he pass'd

They from the vessels and the tents again

 : ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 45

Tlirong'd to tli' Assembly, with such rush of sound,

As when the many-dashing ocean's wave

Breaks on the shore, and foams the frothing sen. 240

The others all were settled in their seats:

Only Thersites, with unmeasur'd words.

Of which he had good store, to rate the chiefs,

Not over-seemly, but wherewith he thought

To move the crowd to laughter, brawl'd aloud. 245

The ugliest man was he who came to Troy:

With squinting eyes, and one distorted foot,

His shoulders round, and buried in his breast

His narrow head, with scanty growth of hair.

Against Achilles and Ulysses most 250

His hate was turn'd ; on them his A'enom pour'd

Anon, at Agamemnon's self lie launch'd

His loud-tongued ribaldry ; th' indignant Greeks

With anger heard, as now with scurril words.

Bawling aloud, he thus address'd the King 255

" What more, thou son of xitreus, wouldst thou have ?

Thy tents are full of brass; and in those tents

Many feir women, vhom, from all the spoil,

We Greeks, whene'er some wealthy town we take,

 ; !

46 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Choose first of all, and set apart for thee. 2G0

Or dost thou thirst for gold, which here perchance

Some Trojan brings, tlie ransom of his son

Captur'd by me, or by some other Greek?

Or some new girl, to gratify thy lust,

Kept for thyself apart ? a leader, thou 265

Shouldst not to evil lead the sons of Greece.

Ye slaves ! ye coward souls I Women of Greece

I will not call you men! why go we not

Home with our ships, and leave this mighty chief

To gloat upon his treasures, and find out 270

Whether in truth he need our aid, or no;

Wlio on Achilles, his superior far,

Foul scorn hath cast, and robb'd liim of his prize.

Which for himself he keeps? Achilles, sure.

Is not intemperate, but mild of mood 275

Else, Atreus' son, this insult were thy last."

On Agamemnon, leader of the host,

With words like these Thersites pour'd his hate;

But straight Ulysses at his side appear'd.

And spoke, with scornful glance, in stem rebuke : 280

" Thou babbling fool, Thersites, prompt of speech,

 ;

Book II. HOMER'S ILIAD. 47

Restrain thy tongue, nor thus revile the Kings.

Of nil the men that with th' Atridae came

To Troy, I hold thee for the meanest far.

Ill it beseems, that such an one as thou 285

Should lift thy against the Kings, and rail

With scurril ribaldry, and prate of home.

How these affairs may end, we know not yet

Nor how, or well or ill, we may return.

Cease then against Atrides, King of men, 290

To pour thy spite, for that the valiant Greeks

To him, despite thy railing, as of right

An ample portion of the spoils assign.

But this I tell thee, and will make it good,

If e'er I find thee play the fool, as , 295

Then may these shoulders cease this head to bear,

And may my son Telemachus no more

Own me his father, if I strip not off

Thy mantle and thy garments, aye, expose

Thy nakedness, and flog thee to the ships 300

Howling, and scourg'd with ignominious stripes."

Thus as he spoke, Ulysses on his neck

And back let fall his heavy staff; the Avretch

48 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Shrank from the blow, and scalding tears let fall.

Where struck the golden-studded staff, appear'd 305

A bloody weal: Thersites quail'd, and down,

Quiv'ring with pain, he sat, and wip'd away,

With horrible grimace, the trickling tears.

The Greeks, though all indignant, laugh'd aloud,

And one to other said, " Good faith, of all 310

The many works Ulysses well hath done.

Wise in the council, foremost in the fight,

He ne'er hath done a better, than when now

He makes this scurril babbler hold his peace.

Methinks his headstrong spirit will not soon 315

Lead him again to Tilify the Kings."

Thus spoke the gen'ral voice : but, staff in liand,

Ulysses rose; Minerva by his side.

In likeness of a herald, bade the crowd

Keep silence, that the Greeks, from first to last, 320

Might hear his words, and ponder his advice.

He thus with prudent phrase his speech began:

" Great son of Atreus, on thy name, King,

Throughout the world will foul reproach be cast,

If Greeks forget their promise, nor make good 325

 ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 49

The vow they took to thee, Avhen hitherward

We sail'd from Argos' grassy j)laiiis, to raze,

Ere our return, the well-built walls of Troy.

But , like helpless widows, or like babes,

They mourn their cruel fate, and pine for home. 330

'Tis hard indeed defeated to return

The seaman murmurs, if from wife and home,

Ev'n for one month, his well-found bark be stay'd,

Toss'd by the wintry blasts and stormy sea;

But us the ninth revolving year beholds 335

Still ling'ring here : I cannot therefore blame

Our valiant Greeks, if by the ships I hear

Their murmurs; yet 'twere sm*ely worst of all

Long to remain, and bootless to return.

Bear up, my friends, remain awhile, and see 340

If Calchas truly prophesy, or no.

For this ye all have seen, and can yourselves

Bear witness, all yet are spar'd by fate,

Not long ago, when ships of Greece were met

At Aulis, charg'd with evil freight for Troy, 345

And we, around a fountain, to the Gods

Our altars rear'd, witli faultless hecatombs,

VOL. I.
 ; : :

50 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Near a fair plane-tree, where bright vater flow'd,

Behold a wonder! by Olympian Jove

Sent forth to light, a snake, with biu'nish'd scales, 350

Of aspect fearful, issuing from beneath

The altars, glided to the plane-tree straight.

There, on the topmost bough, beneath the leaves

Cow'ring, a sparrow's callow nestlings lay

Eight fledglings, and the parent bird the ninth. 355

All the eight nestlings, utt'ring piercing cries,

The snake devour'd ; and as the mother flew,

Lamenting o'er her offspring, round and round,

Uncoiling, caught her, shrieking, by the wing.

Then, Avhen the sparrow's nestlings and herself 360

The snake had swallow'd, by the God, Avho first

Sent him to light, a miracle Avas Avrought

For Jove, the deep-designing Saturn's son,

Tui'n'd him to stone ; we stood, and wond'ring gaz'd.

But when this prodigy befell our rites, 365

Calchas, inspir'd of Heav'n, took up his speech

'Ye long-hair'd sons of Greece, why stand ye thus

In mute amaze ? to us Olympian Jove,

To whom be endless praise, vouchsafes this sign,

 ; ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 51

Late sent, of late fulfilment ; as ye saw 370

The snake doAOur the sparrow and her young•,

Eight nestlings, and the parent bird the ninth

So, for so many years, are we condemn'd

To wage a fruitless war; but in the tenth

The Avide-built city shall at last be ours.' 375

Thus he foretold, and the time is come.

Here then, ye well-greav'd Greeks, let all remain,

Till Priam's wealthy city be our own."

He said, and loudly cheer'd the Greeks —and loud

From all the holloV ships came back the cheers — 380

In admiration of Ulysses' speech.

Gerenian Nestor next took up the word:

" Like children, Grecian warriors, ye debate

Like babes to whom unkno^vn are feats of arms.

Where then are now our solemn covenants, 385

Our plighted oaths ? Go, cast we to the fire

Our councils held, our warriors' plans matur'd.

Our absolute pledges, and our hand-plight giv'n,

In which our trust was plac'd ; since thus in vain

In words we wrangle, and how long soe'er 390

We here remain, solution none \\e find.

2
 !

52 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Atrides, tliou, as is thy wont, maintain

Uncliang'd thy counsel ; for the stubborn figlit

Array the Greeks ; and let perdition seize

Those few, those two or three among• the host, 395

Who hold their separate counsel — (not on them

Depends the issue!) —rather than return

To Argos, ere we prove if Jove indeed

Will falsify his promis'd word, or no.

For well I ween, that on the day Avhen first 400

We Grecians hitherward our course address'd,

To Troy the messengers of blood and death,

Th' o'er-ruling son of Saturn, on our right

His lightning flashing, with auspicious sign

Assur'd us of his favour ; let not then 405

The thoughts of home be breath'd, ere Trojan wives

Gi^en to our warriors, retribution pay

For wrongs by us, in Helen's cause, sustain'd.

But who-so longs, if such an one there be,

To make his homeward voyage, let him take 410

His well-rigg'd bark, and go ; before the rest

To meet the doom of death ! But thou, King

Be well advis'd thyself, and others lead

 : !

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 53

By wholesome counsel ; for the words I speak

Are not to be despis'd ; by tribes and clans, 415

Agamemnon ! range thy troops, that so

Tribe may to tribe give aid, and clan to clan.

If thus thou do, and Greeks thy Avords obey.

Then shalt thou see, of chiefs and troops alike,

The good and bad ; for on their OAvn behoof 420

They all shall fight ; and if thou iliil, shalt know

Whether thy failure be of Heav'n's decree,

Or man's default and ignorance of war."

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus:

"Father, in council, of the sons of Greece, 425

None can compare with thee ; and would to Jove,

To Pallas, and Apollo, at my side

I had but ten such counsellors as thee

Then soon should royal Priam's city fall,

Tak'u and destroy 'd by our victorious hands. 430

But now on me hath segis-bearing Jove,

The son of Saturn, fruitless toil impos'd,

And hurtful quarrels ; for in Avordy war

About a girl, Achilles and myself

Engag'd ; and I, alas ! the strife began 435

 :

54 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Could we be friends again, delay were none,

How short soe'er, of Ilium's final doom.

But now to breakfast, ere we wage the fight.

Each sharpen well his spear, his shield prepare,

Each to his fiery steeds their forage give, 440

Each look his chariot o'er, that through the day

We may unwearied stem the tide of war;

For respite none, how short soe'er, shall be

Till night shall bid the storm of battle cease.

With sweat shall reek upon each warrior's breast 445

The leathern belt beneath the coA-'ring shield ;

And hands shall ache that wield the pond'rous spear

AVith sweat shall reek the fiery steeds that draw

Each warrior's car; but whomsoe'er I find

Loit'ring beside the beaked ships, for him 450

'Twere hard to 'scape the vultures and the dogs."

He said ; and from th' applauding ranks of Greece

Rose a loud sound, as when the ocean wa'e,

Driv'n by the south wind on some lofty beach.

Dashes against a prominent crag, expos'd 455

To blasts from ev'ry storm that roars aroimd.

Uprising then, and through the camp disjiers'd

 : ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 55

Tliey took their sev'ral ways, and by their tents

The fires they liglited, and the meal prepar'd

And each to some one of th' immortal Gods 4(30

His off 'ring made, that in the coming fight

He might escape the bitter doom of death.

But to the o'er-ruling son of Saturn, Jove,

A sturdy ox, well-fatten'd, five years old,

Atrides slevf ; and to the banquet call'd 465

The aged chiefs and councillors of Greece:

Nestor the first, the King Idomeneus,

The two Ajaces next, and Tydeus' son,

Ulysses sixth, as Jove in council sage.

But uninvited Menelaus came, 470

Knowing what cares upon his brother press'd.

Around the ox they stood, and on his head

The salt cake sprinkled; then amid them all

The monarch Agamemnon pray'd aloud

" ]\Iost great, most glorious Jove who I dwell'st on high, 475

In clouds and darkness veil'd, grant Thou that ere

This sun shall set, and night o'erspread the earth,

I may the haughty walls of Priam's house

I jay prostrate in the dust ; and burn with fire

 ;

56 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IL

His lofty gates; and strip from Hector's breast 480

His sword-rent tunic, while around his corpse

Many braA'e comrades, prostrate, bite the dust."

Thus he ; but Saturn's son his pray'r denied

Keceiv'd his off 'rings, but his toils increas'd.

Their pray'rs concluded, and the salt cake strew'd 485

Upon the victim's head, they drew him back.

And slew, and flay'd ; then cutting from the thighs

The choicest pieces, and in double layers

O'erspreading them with fat, above them plac'd

The due meat-off'rings ; these they burnt with logs 400

Of leafless timber; and the inward parts,

First to be tasted, o'er the fire they held.

The thighs consum'd Avith fire, the inward parts

They tasted first; the rest upon the spits

Boasted with care, and from the fire AvithdreAV. 4ii5

Their labours ended, and the feast prepar'd,

They shar'd the social meal, nor lack'd there aught.

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,

Gerenian Nestor thus his speech began:

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, 500

Great Atreus' son, no longer let us pause.

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 57

The work delaying which the pow'rs of Heav'n

Have trusted to our liands ; do thou brthvith

Bid that the heralds i)roelamation make,

And summon through the camp the brass-clad Greeks ; 505

While, in a body, thi'ough the Avide-spread ranks

We pass, and stimulate their warlike zeal."

He said ; and Agamemnon, King of men.

Obedient to his counsel, gave command

That to the war the clear-voic'd heralds call 510

The long-hair'd Greeks : they gave the Avord, and straight

From ev'ry quarter throng'd the eager crowd.

The Heav'n-born Kings, encircling Atreus' son,

The troops inspected : Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid,

Before the chiefs her glorious regis bore, 515

By time untouch'd, immortal : all aroimd

A hundred tassels hung, rare works of art,

All gold, each one a himdred oxen's price.

With this the Goddess pass'd along the ranks,

Exciting all ; and iix'd in every breast 520

The firm resolve to wage im wearied war;

And dearer to their hearts than thoughts of home

Or wish'd return, became the battle-field.

 ;

58 HOMEB'S ILIAD. Book II.

As wlien a wasting fire, on mountain tops,

Seizes the blazing avoocIs, afar is seen 525

The glaring light; so, as they mov'd, to Heav'n

Flash'd the bright glitter of their bumish'd arms.

As when a num'rous flock of birds, or geese.

Or cranes, or long-neck'd swans, on Asian mead,

Beside Cayster's stream, here, now there, 530

Disporting, ply their wings; then settle down

With clam'rous noise, that all the mead resounds ;

So to Scamander's plain, from tents and ships,

Pour'd forth the countless tribes ; the firm earth groan'd

Beneath the tramp of steeds and armed men. 535

Upon Scamander's flow'ry mead they stood,

Unnumber'd as the vernal leaves and flow'rs.

Or as the multitudinous swarms of flies,

That round the cattle-sheds in spring-tide pour,

While the warm milk is frothing in the pail 40

So numberless upon the plain, array 'd

For Troy's destruction, stood the long-hair'd Greeks.

And as experienc'd goat-herds, when their flocks

Are mingled in the pasture, portion out

Their sev'ral charges, so the chiefs array 'd 545

 ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 59

Their squadrons for the fight; while in the midst

The miglity monarch Agamemnon mov'd:

His eye, and lofty brow, the counterpart

Of Jove, the Lord of thunder ; in his girth

Another Mars, with Neptune's ample chest. 550

As 'mid the thronging heifers in a herd

Stands, proudly eminent, the lordly bull

So, by Jove's will, stood eminent that day,

'Mid many heroes, Atreus' godlike son.

Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell, 555

Muses (for ye are Goddesses, and ye

Were present, and know all things: Ave ourselves

But hear from Rumour's ^, and nothing know).

Who were the chiefs and mighty Lords of Greece.

But should I seek the multitude to name, 560

Not if ten tongues were mine, ten mouths to speak.

Voice inexhaustible, and heart of brass,

Should I succeed, unless, Olympian maids.

The progeny of a3gis-bearing Jove,

Ye should their names record, who came to Troy. 565

The chiefs, and all the ships, I now rehearse.

Boeotia's troops by Peneleus were led,

 ;

60 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book 11.

And Leitus, and Prothoenor bold,

Arcesilas and Clonius : they who dwelt

In Hyria, and on Aulis' rocky coast, 570

Scoenus, and Scolus, and the highland range

Of Eteonus ; in Thespeia's vale,

Graia, and Mycalessus' wide-spread plains:

And Avho in Harnia and Eilesium dwelt,

And in Erythrae, and in Eleon, 575

Hyle, and Peteon, and Ocalea,

In Copse, and in Medeon's well-built fort,

Eutresis, Thisbe's dove-frequented woods,

And Coronea, and the grassy meads

Of Haliartus ; and Plataja's plain, 580

In Glissa, and the foot of Lower Thebes,

And in Anchestus, Neptune's sacred grove

And who in viny-cluster'd Arne dAvelt,

And in Mideia, and the lovely site

Of Nissa, and Anthedon's utmost bounds. 585

With these came fifty vessels ; and in each

Were six score youths, Boeotia's noblest flow'r.

Who in Aspledon dwelt, and Minyas' realm

Orchomenus, two sons of Mars obey'd,

 ; ; : :

Book 11. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 61

Ascalaphus, and bold lalmenus; 590

In Actor's house, the son of Azeus, born

Of fair Astyoche, a maiden piu-e,

Till in the upper chamber, where she slept.

Stout Mars by stealth her virgin bed assail'd

Of these came thirty ships in order due. 595

By Schedius and Epistrophus, the sons

Of great Iphitus, son of Naubolus,

Were led the Phocian forces; these were they

Who dwelt in Cyparissus, and the rock

Of Python, and on Crissa's lovely plain fiOO

And who in Daulis, and in Panope,

Anemorea and Hyampolis,

And by Cephisus' sacred waters dwelt.

Or in Lilasa, by Cephisus' springs.

In their command came forty dark-ribb'd sliips. G05

These were the leaders of the Phocian bands,

And on Boeotia's left their camp was pitch'd.

Ajax, Oileus' son, the Locrians led

Swift-footed, less than Ajax Telamon,

Of stature low, with linen breastplate arm'd rjio

But skill'd to throw the spear o'er all who dwell

62 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

In Hellas or Achaia: these were they

From Cynos, Opus, and Calliariis,

Bessa, and Scarpha, and Augaea fair,

Tarpha, and Thronium, by Boagrius' stream. 615

Him from beyond Euboea's sacred isle,

Of Locrians follow'd forty dark-ribb'd ships.

Breathing firm courage high, th' Abantian host,

Who from Euboea and fiOm Chalcis came.

Or who in vine-clad Histisea dwelt, 620

Eretria, and Cerinthus maritime,

And who the lofty fort of Dium held,

And in Carystus and in Styra dwelt:

These Elephenor led, true plant of Mars,

Chalcodon's son, the brave Abantian chief. 625

Him, all conspicuous with their long back hair,

The bold Abantians follow'd ; spearmen skill'd.

Who through the foemen's breastplates knew full ,

Held in firm grasp, to drive the ashen spear.

In his command came forty dark-ribb'd ships. 630

Those wlio in Athens' well-built city dwelt.

The noble-soul'd Erectheus' heritage;

Child of the fertile soil, bv Pallas rear'd,

 ;;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 63

Daughter of Jove, who him in Athens plac'd

In her own wealthy temple ; there Avith blood 635

Of bulls and lambs, at each revolving• year,

The youths of Athens do him sacrifice

These by Menestheus, Peteus' son, were led.

AVith him might none of mortal men compare.

In order due of battle to array 640

Chariots and buckler'd men; Nestor alone

Perchance might rival him, his elder far.

In his command came fifty dark-ribb'd ships.

Twelve ships from Salamis Avith Ajax came.

And they beside th' Athenian troops were rang'd. 045

Those who from Argos, and the well-wall'd to^vn

Of Tyrins came, and from Hermione,

And Asine, deep-bosom'd in the bay;

And from TrcBzene and Eione,

And vine-clad Epidaurus ; and the youths 650

Who dvfelt in Mases, and ^Egina's isle

O'er all of these the valiant Diomed

Held rule; and Sthenelus, th' illustrious son

Of far-fam'd Capaneus; with these, the third,

A goillike Avarrior came, Euryalus, 655

64 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book 11.

Sou of IMecistlieus, Talaiis' royal son.

Supreme o'er all was valiant Diomed.

In their command came eighty dark-ribb'd ships.

Who in MyceuEe's well-built fortress dwelt,

Aud Avealthy Corinth, and Cleone fair, 660 i

ll

Omeia, and diyine Araethure,

jj

ij

And Sicyon, where Adrastus reign'd of old, -

And Gonoessa's promontory steej), t,

And Hyperesia, and Pellene's rock;

^gina, and the sc<atter'd towns that lie 665

Along the beach, and wide-spread Helice;

Of these a hundred ships obey'd the rule

Of mighty Agamemnon, Atreus' son.

The largest and the bravest host was his;

And he himself, in dazzling armoui• clad, 670

O'er all the heroes proudly eminent.

Went forth exulting in his high estate,

Lord of the largest host, and chief of chiefs.

Those who in Lacediemon's lowland plains,

And who in Sparta and in Phare dwelt, 675

And Avho on Messa's dove-frequented cliffs, I

Bryseia, and j^gaea's lovely vale,

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 65

And in Amycloe, and the sea-batli'd fort

Of Helos, CEtylus and Laas dwelt;

His A'aliant brother Menelaus led, 680

With sixty ships ; but rang'd apart they lay.

Their chief, himself in martial ardour bold,

Inspiring others, fill'd with fierce desire

The rape of Helen and his wrongs to avenge.

They who in Pylos and Arene dwelt, 685

And Thryum, by the ford of Alpheus' stream.

In Cyparissus and Amphigene,

Pteleon, and lofty CEpus' well-built fort,

Helos, and Dorium, where the Muses met,

And put to silence Thi*acian Thamyris, 690

As from CEchalia, from the royal house

Of Eui')i;us he came ; he, over-bold,

Boasted himself pre-eminent in song,

Ev'n though the daughters of Olympian Jove,

The Muses, were his rivals: they in wrath 695

Him of his sight at once and pow'r of song

Amerc'd, and bade his hand forget the lyre.

These by Gerenian Nestor all were led.

In fourscore ships and ten in order due.

VOL. I, F
 ;

GO HOMER'S TLIAD. Book TT.

They of Arcadia, and the realm that lies TOO

Beneath Cyllene's mountain high, around

The tomb of ji^pytus, a warrior race

The men of Pheneus and Orchomenus

In flocks abounding ; who in Kipa dwelt,

In Stratia, and Enispe's breezy height, 705

Or Tegea held, and sweet Mantinea,

StjTiiphalus and Parrhasia; these were led

By Agapenor brave, Anchaius' son.

In sixty ships; in each a num'rous crew

Of stout Arcadian youths, to Avar inur'd. 710

The ships, wherewith they cross'd the dark-blue soa,

Were giv'n by Agamemnon, King of men.

The son of Atreus; for th' Arcadian youth

Had ne'er to maritime pursuits been traiu'd,

AVho in Buprasium and in EKs dwelt, 715

Far as Hyrmine, and th' extremest bounds

Of Myrsinus; and all the realm that lies

Between Aleisium and th' Olenian rock ;

These by four chiefs were led ; and ten swift ships.

By bold Epeians mann'd, each chief obey'd. 720

Amphimachus and Thalpius were the iirst,

 ; :

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 67

Sons of two brothers, Cteatus the one,

The other Eurytiis, to Actor born;

Next Amarpiceus' son, Diores bold

The fourth Polj^enus, the godlike son 725

Of Augeas' royal heir, Agasthenes.

They of Dulichium, and the sacred isles,

Th' Echinades, which face, from o'er the sea.

The coast of Elis, were by Meges led.

The son of Phyleiis, dear to Jove, in arms 730

A^aliant as Mars ; who, with his sire at feud,

Had left his home, and to Dulichium come

In his command were forty dark-ribb'd ships.

Those Avho from warlike Cephalonia came.

And Ithaca, and leafy Neritus, 735

And Crocyleium ; rugged ^gilips,

And Samos, and Zacynthus, and the coast

Of the mainland with its opposing isles;

These in twelve ships, with scarlet-painted bows,

Ulysses led, in coimcil sage as Jove. 740

Thoas, Andi-semon's son, th' ^Etolians led;

From Pleuron, and Pylone, Olenus,

Chalcis-by-sea, and rocky Calydon:

F 2
 : :

68 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book II.

The race of Qineus was no more ; himself,

And fair-hair'd Meleager, both were dead 745

Whence all -^folia's rule on him was laid.

In his command came forty dark-ribb'd ships.

The King Idomeneus the Cretans led,

From Cnossus, and Gortyna's well-wall'd town,

Miletus, and Lycastus' white-stone cliffs, 750

Lyctus, and Phsestus, Ehytium, and the rest

Whom Crete fi-om all her hundred cities sent

These all Idomeneus, a spearman skill'd.

Their King, commanded; and Meriones,

In battle terrible as blood-stain'd Mars. 755

In their command came fourscore dark-ribb'd ships.

Valiant and tall, the son of Hercules,

Tlepolemus, nine vessels brought from Ehodes,

By gallant Ehodians mann'd, who tripartite

Were settled, and in lalyssus dwelt, 760

In Lindus, and Cameirus' white-stone hills.

These all renown'd Tlepolemus obey'd.

Who to the might of Hercules was born

Of fair Astyoche ; his captive she.

When many a goodly town his arms had raz'd, 7G5

 : ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 69

Was brought n-om Ephyra, by Selles' stream.

Heard in the royal house, Tlepolemus,

In early youth, his father's uncle slew,

A warrior once, but now in . life's decline,

Lycimnius ; then in haste a fleet he built, 770

Muster'd a num'rous host; and fled, by sea,

The thrcaten'd vengeance of the other sons

And grandsons of the might of Hercules.

Long wand'rings past, and toils and perils borne,

To Ehodes he came ; his followers, by their tribes, 775

Three districts form'd ; and so di\aded, dwelt,

Belo''d of Jove, the King of Gods and men,

Who shoAv'r'd upon them boimdless store of wealth.

Nireus three Avell-trimm'd ships from Symc brought

Nireus, to Charops Avhom Aglaia bore ; 780

Nireus, the goodliest man of all the Greeks,

Wlio came to Troy, save Peleus' matchless son

But scant his fame, and few the troops he led.

Who in Nisyrus dwelt, and Carpathus,

And Cos, the fortress of Eurypylus, 785

And in the Casian and Calydnian Isles,

Were by Phidippus led, and Antiphus,

70 HOMER'S ILIAD. II.

Two sons of Thessalus, Alcides' sou;

With them came thirty ships in order due.

Next those who in Pelasgian Argos dwelt, 790

And who in Alos, and in Alope,

Trachys, and Phthia, and in Hellas iani'd

For Avomen feir; of these, by various names,

Achaiaus, Myrmidons, Hellenes, known,

In fifty ships, Achilles was the chief. 795

But from the battle-strife these all abstaiu'd,

Since none there waa to marshal their array.

For Peleus' godlike son, swift-footed chief.

Lay idly in his tent, the loss resenting

Of Brises' fair-hair'd daughter; whom himself 800

Had chosen, prize of all his warlike toil.

When he Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebes

O'erthrew, and Mynes and Epistrophus

Struck down, bold warriors both, Evenus' sons,

Selepius' royal heir; for her in wrath, 805

He held aloof, but soon again to appear.

Those in the flow'ry plain of Pyrrhasus,

To Ceres dear, who dwelt; in Phylace,

In Iton, rich in flocks, and, by the sea,

 ; ; ;

Book II. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 71

In Antron, and in Pteleon's grass-clad meads 810

These led Protesilas, renown'd in arms,

While yet he liv'd ; now laid beneath the sud.

In Phylace were left his weeping wife,

And half-built house ; him, springing to the shore.

First of the Greeks, a Dardan warrior slew. 815

Nor Avere his troops, their leader though they mourn'd,

Left leaderless; the post of liigh command

Podarces claim'd of right, true plant of Mars,

Iphiclus' son, the rich Phylacides

The brother he of brave Protesilas, 820

Younger in years, nor equal in renown

Yet of a chief no want the forces felt,

Though much they mourn'd their A'aliant leader slain.

In his command came forty dark-ribb'd ships.

Those who from Pherie came, beside the lake 825

Boebeis, and who dwelt in Glaphyrae,

In Boebe, and lolcos' well-built fort,

These in eleven ships Eumelus led,

Whom Pelias' daughter, fairest of her race,

Divine Alcestis to Admetus bore. 830

Who in Mrthone and Tliaumacia dwelt,

 ; :

72 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book II.

In Melibcea and Olizon's rock ;

These Pliiloctetes, skilful archer, led.

Sev'n ships were theirs, and e\^'ry ship was mann'd

By fifty rowers, skilful archers all. 835

But he, their chief, was lying, rack'd Avith pain.

On Lemnos' sacred isle ; there left perforce

In torture from a venomous serpent's wound

There lue in anguish lay ; nor long, ere Greeks

Of royal Philoctetes felt their need. 840

Yet were his troops, their leader though they mouru'd.

Not leaderless : Oileus' bastard son,

Medon, of Ehene born, their ranks array 'd.

Who in CEchalia, Eurytus' domain.

In Tricca, and in rough Ithome dwelt, 845

These Podalirius and Machaon led,

Two skilful leeches, iEsculapius' sons.

Of these came thirty ships in order due.

Who in Ormenium and Asterium dwelt,

By Hypereia's fount, and on the heights 850

Of Titanum's white peaks, of these was chief

Eurypylus, Eusemon's gallant son

In his command came forty dark-ribb'd ships.

 ; ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 73

Who in Argissa and Gyrtona dwelt,

Ortha, Elone, and the white-waU'd town 855

Of Oloosson, Polypoetes led

Son of Pirithous, progeny of Jove,

A warrior bold ; Hippodamia fair

Him to Pirithous bore, Avhat time he slew

The shaggy Centaurs, and from Pelion's heights 8G0

For refuge 'mid the rude -^i^thrices dro'e.

Nor he alone ; with him to Troy there came

A scion true of Mars, Leonteus, heir

Of nobly-born Coronus, Cseneus' son.

In their command came forty dark-ribb'd ships. 865

With two and twenty vessels Gouneus came

From Cythus; he the Enienes led.

And the Persebians' Avarlike tribes, and those

Who dwelt around Dodona's wintry heights.

Or till'd the soil upon the lovely banks 870

Of Titaresius, to Pencus pours

The tribute of his clearly-flowing stream

Yet mingles not with Peneus' silver waves,

But on the surftice floats like oil, his source

From Styx deriving, in whose awful name 875

 ; : ; : :

74 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book II.

Both ( Oils and men by holiest oaths are bound.

Magnesia's troops, wJio dwelt by Peneus' stream,

Or beneath Pelion's leafy-quiv'ring• shades,

8wift-footed Prothous led, Tenthredou's son:

In his command came forty dark-ribb'd ships. 880

These Avere the leaders and the chiefs of Greece

Say, Muse, of these, Avho Avith th' Atridis came.

Horses and men, who claim'd the highest praise.

Of steeds, the bra\'est and the noblest far

Were those Eumelus drove, Admetus' son 885

Both swift as birds, in age and colour match'd.

Alike in height, as measur'd o'er the back

Both mares, by Pha3bus of the silver bow

Kear'd in Pieria, thunderbolts of Avar.

Of men, while yet Achilles held his wrath, 890

The mightiest far was Ajax Telamon

For with Achilles, and the steeds that bore

The matchless son of Peleus, none might vie

But 'mid his beaked ocean-going ships

He lay, with Agamemnon, Atreus' son, 895

Indignant; while his troops upon the beach

With (pioits and jav'lins whil'd away the day,

 ; ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 75

And feats of archery ; their steeds the Avhile

The lotus-grass and marsh-groAvn parsley cropp'd,

Each standing near their car ; the well-wrought cars UOO

Lay all unheeded in the warriors' tents

They, inly pining for their godlike chief,

Eoam'd listless up and down, nor join'd the fi'ay.

Such was the host, whicli, like devouring fire,

O'erspread the land ; the earth beneath them groau'd : 905

As when the Lord of thunder, in his wrath.

The earth's foundations shakes, in Arimi,

Where, buried deep, 'tis said, Typhoeus lies

So at their coming, groan'd beneath their feet

The earth, as cpiickly o'er the plain they spread. uiO

To Troy, sent down by iegis-bearing Jove,

AVith direful tidings storm-swift Iris came.

At Priam's gate, in solemn conclave met,

Were gather'd all the Trojans, young and old :

Swift Iris stood amidst them, and, the voice 915

Assuming of Polites, Priam's son,

The Trojan scout, who, trusting to his speed.

Was posted on the summit of the mound

Of ancient ^suetes, there to watch

 : ; : :

76 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book II.

Till from their ships the Grecian troops should land ; 920

His voice assuming, thus the Goddess spoke

" Old man, as erst in peace, so still thou lov'st

The strife of words ; but fearful war is nigh.

Full many a host in line of battle rang'd

My eyes have seen ; but such a force as this, 925

So mighty and so vast, I ne'er beheld

In number as the leaves, or as the sand,

Against the city o'er the plain they come.

Then, Hector, for to thee I chiefly speak.

This do ; thou know'st how various our allies, 930

Of diff 'rent nations and discordant tongues

Let each then those command o'er whom he reigns,

And his own countiymen in arms array."

She said ; and Hector kncAv the voice divine,

And all, dissolv'd the coimcil, flew to arms. 935

The gates Avere open'd wide ; forth pour'd the crowd.

Both foot and horse ; and loud the tumult rose.

Before the city stands a lofty mound,

In the mid plain, by open space enclos'd

Men call it Batiaa; but the Gods 940

The tomb of swift Myrinna ; muster'd there

 :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 77

The Trojans and Allies their troops array'd.

The mighty Hector of the glancing helm,

The son of Priam, led the Trojan host

The largest and the bravest band were they, 945

Bold spearmen all, who follow'd him in arms.

Anchises' valiant son, ^neas, led

The Dardans ; him, 'mid Ida's jutting peaks.

Immortal Venus to Anchises bore,

A Goddess yielding to a mortal's : 950

With him, well skill'd in war, Archilochiis

And Acamas, Antenor's gallant sons.

Who in Zeleia dwelt, at Ida's foot,

Of Trojan race, a wealthy tribe, who drank

Of dark ^Esepus' waters, these were led 955

By Pandarus, Lycaon's noble son.

Taught by Apollo's self to draw the boAv.

Who from Adraste, and Apaesus' realm,

From Pityeia, and the lofty hill

Tereian came, with linen corslets girt, 90

Adrastus and Amphius led ; tAVO sons

Of Merops of Percote ; deeply vers'd

Was he in prophecy; and from the war

 ; ;

78 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

Would irtiu have kept his sons ; but they, by fate

Doom'd to impending death, his caution scorn'd. 965

Those who from Practium and Percote came,

And who in Sestos and Abydos dwelt.

And in Arisba fair; those Asius led.

The son of Hyrtacus, of heroes chief;

Asius the son of Hyrtacus, who came 970

From fair Arisba, borne by fiery steeds

Of matchless size and strength, from Selles' stream.

Hippothous led the bold Pelasgian tribes,

AVho dwell in rich Larissa's fertile soil,

Hippothous and Pylseus, Lethus' sons, 975

The son of Teutamus, Pelasgian chief.

The Thracians, by fast-flowing Hellespont

Encompass'd, Acamas and Peirous brave

The spear-skill'd Cicones Euphemus led,

Son of Troezenus, Ceus' highborn son. 980

From distant Amydon Pyrsecmes brought

The Paeon archers from broad Axius' banks

Axius, the brightest stream on earth that flows.

The hairy strength of great Pyleemenes

The Paphlagonians led from Eneti 985

 ; ;

Book . HOMERS ILIAD. 79

(Whence first appear'd the stubborn race of mules),

Who in Cytorus and in Sesamum,

And round Parthenius' Avaters had their home

Who dwelt in Cromne, and iEgialus,

And on the lofty Erythinian rock. 990

By Hodius and Epistrophus were brought

From distant Alybe, the wealthy source

Of silyer ore, the Alizonian bands.

Chromis the Mysians led, and Ennomus;

A skilful augur, but his augury 995

From gloomy death to save him nought ayail'd

Slain by the son of Peleus, in the stream,

Where many another Trojan felt his arm.

From far Ascania's lake, with Phorcys join'd.

The godlike presence of Ascanius brought 1000

The Phrygians, dauntless in the standing fight.

From Lydia came Pylsemenes' two sons.

Born of the lake Gygeian ; Antiphus,

And Mesthles ; these Maeonia's forces led,

Who dAvelt around the foot of Tmolus' hill. 1005

In charge of Nastes came the Carian troops,

Of barbarous speech ; who in iMiletus dwelt.

 ; ;;

80 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book II.

And in the dense entangled forest shade

Of Phthira's hill, and on the lofty ridge

Of Mycale, and by Mieander's stream 1010

These came with Nastes and Amphimacus

Amphimacus and Nastes, Nomion's sons;

With childish folly to the Avar he came,

Laden with store of gold ;

yet nought avail'd

His gold to save him from the doom of death; 1015

Slain by the son of Peleus in the stream

And all his wealth Achilles bore away.

Sarpedon last, and valiant Glaucus led

The Lycian bands, from distant Lycia's shore.

Beside the banks of Xanthus' eddying stream. 1020

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 81

BOOK III.

117 HEN by their sev'ral cliiefs the troops Avere rang'd,

With noise and clamour, as a flight of birds,

The men of Troy advanc'd ; as when the cranes,

Flying the wintry storms, send forth on high

Their dissonant clamours, while o'er th' ocean stream 5

They steer their course, and on their pinions bear

Battle and death to the Pygnifeau race.

On th' other side the Greeks in silence mov'd,

Breathing firm courage, bent on mutual aid.

As when the south wind o'er the moimtain tops 10

Spreads a thick veil of mist, the shepherd's bane,

And friendly to the nightly thief alone,

That a stone's throw the range of vision bounds;

So rose the dust-cloud, as in serried ranks

With rapid step they mov'd across the plain. 15

But when th' opposing forces near were met,

A panther's skin across his shoulders flung,

VOL. I. G
 :

82 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book III.

Arm'd with his bow and sword, in front of all

Advanc'd the godlike Paris; in his hand

He pois'd two brass-tipp'd jav'lins, and defied 20

To mortal combat all the chiefs of Greece.

Him when the warlike Menelaus saw

AVith haughty strides advancing from the crowd ;

As when a lion, hunger-pinch'd, espies

Some mighty beast of chase, or antler'd stag, 25

Or mountain goat, and with exulting spring

Strikes down his prey, and on the carcase feeds,

Unscar'd by baying hounds and eager youths

So Menelaus saw with fierce delight

The godlike Paris ; for he deem'd that now 30

His vengeance was at hand ; and from his car.

Arm'd as he was, he leap'd upon the plain.

But when the godlike Paris saw him spring-

Defiant from the ranks, Avith quailing heart,

Back to his comrades' shelt'ring crowd he sprang, 35

In fear of death ; as when some trav'Uer spies,

Coil'd in his path upon the mountain side,

A deadly snake, back he recoils in haste,

His limbs all trembling, and his cheek all pale ;

I
 !

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 83

So back recoil'd, in fear of Atreus' son, 40

The godlike Paris 'mid the Trojan host.

To whom in stern rebuke thus Hector spoke :

" Thou wretched Paris, though in form so fair,

Thou u-Axe of woman, manhood's counterfeit

AYoukl thou hadst ne'er been born, or died at least 45

Unwedded ; so 'twere better far for all,

Than thus to live a scandal and reproach.

Well may the long-hair'd Greeks triumphant boast,

Who think thee, from thine outward show, a chief

Among our warriors ; but thou hast in truth 50

Nor strength of mind, nor courage in the fight.

How was't that such as thou could e'er induce

A noble band, in ocean-going ships

To cross the main, with men of other lands

Mixing in amity, and bearing thence 55

A woman, fair of face, by marriage ties

Bound to a race of warriors; to thy sire,

Thy state, thy people, cause of endless grief,

Of triumph to thy foes, contemj)t to thee !

Durst thou the warlike Menelaus meet, 60

Thou to thy cost shouldst learn the might of him

G 2
 : :

84 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

Whose bride thou didst not fear to bear away

Then shouldst thou find of small avail thy lyre,

Or Venus' gifts of beauty and of grace,

Or, trampled in the dust, thy flowing hair. 05

But too forbearing are the men of Troy ;

Else for the ills that thou hast wrought the state,

Ere now thy body had in stone been cas'd."

To whom the godlike Paris thus replied

" Hector, I needs must own thy censure just, 70

Nor without cause ; thy dauntless courage knows

Nor pause nor weariness; but as an axe.

That in a strong man's hand, fashions out

Some naval timber, with unbated edge

Cleaves the firm wood, and aids the striker's force ; 75

Ev'n so unwearied is thy warlike soul.

Yet blame not me for golden Venus' gifts:

The gifts of Heav'n are not to be despis'd.

Which Heav'n may give, but man could not commnnd.

But if thou wilt that I should dare the fight, 80

Bid that the Trojans and the Grecians all

Be seated on the ground ; and in the midst

The warlike Menelaus and mvself

 : ; ; :

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 85

Stand front to front, for Helen and the sjDoils

Of war to combat ; and whoe'er shall proA'e 85

The better man in conflict, let him bear

The woman and the spoils in triumjjh home

While ye, the rest, in peace and friendship sworn,

iShall still possess the fertile plains of Troy;

And to their native Argos they return, 90

For noble steeds and lovely vomen fam'd."

He said, and Hector joy'd to hear his words

Forth in the midst he stepp'd, and Avith his spear

Grasp'd by the middle, stay'd the Trojan ranks.

At him the long-hair'd Grecians bent their bows, 95

Prompt to assiiil with arrows and with stones

But loud the monarch Agamemnon's voice

Was heard ;
" Hold, Argives, hold ! ye sons of Greece,

Shoot not ! for Hector of the glancing helm

Hath, as it seems, some message to impart." 100

He said ; they held their hands, and silent stood

Expectant, till to both thus Hector spoke

" Hear now, ye Trojans, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,

The words of Paris, cause of all this Avar.

He asks through me that all the host of Troy 105

 : :

86 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

And Grecian warriors shall upon the ground

Lay down their glitt'ring arms; while in the midst

The warlike Menelaus and himself

Stand front to front, for Helen and the spoils

Of war to combat; and whoe'er shall prove lio

The better man in conflict, let him bear

The woman and the spoils in triumph home.

While we, the rest, firm peace and friendship swear."

Thus Hector spoke; the rest in silence heard;

But Menelaus, bold in fight, replied 115

" Hear now my answer; in this quarrel I

May claim the chiefest share; and now I hope

Trojans and Greeks may see the final close

Of all the labours ye so long have borne

T' avenge my wrong, at Paris' hand sustain'd. 120

And of us two whiche'er is doom'd to death,

So let him die ! the rest, depart in peace.

Bring then two lambs, one white, the other black,

For Tellus and for Sol ; we on oiu- part

Will bring another, for Saturnian Jove 125

And let the majesty of Priam too

Appear, himself to consecrate our oaths.

 : ;

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 87

(For reckless are his sons, and void of faith,)

That none JoA'e's oath may dare to violate.

For young men's spirits are too quickly stirr'd 180

But in the councils check 'd by rev'rend age,

Alike are weigh'd the future and the past,

And for all int'rests due ])rovision made."

He said, and Greeks and Trojans gladly heard,

In hopes of respite from the weary Avar. 135

They rang'd the cars in ranks; and they themselves

Descending doff'd their arms, and laid them down

Close each by each, with narrow space between.

Two heralds to the city Hector sent

To bring the lambs, and aged Priam call; 140

While Agamemnon to the hollow ships,

Their lamb to bring, in haste Talthybius sent

He heard, and straight the monarch's voice obey'd.

Meantime to Avhite-arni'd Helen Iris sped.

The heav'nly messenger : in form she seem'd L45

Her husband's sister, Avhom Antenor's son

The vaKant Helicaon had to wife,

Laodice, of Priam's daughters all

Loveliest of face : she in her chamber found

 :

88 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

Her whom she sought : a mighty she wove, 150

Of double woof and brilliant hues ; Avhereon

Was interwoven many a toilsome strife

Of Trojan warriors and of brass-clad Greeks,

For her encounter'd at the hand of Mars.

Beside her Iris stood, and thus she spoke 155

" Come, sister dear, and see the glorious deeds

Of Trojan Avarriors and of brass-clad Greeks.

They who erewhile, impatient for the fight,

Roll'd o'er the plain the woful tide of war,

Now silent sit, the storm of battle hush'd, 160

Reclining on their shields, their lances bright

Pil'd by their sides; while Paris in the midst.

And warlike Menelaus, stand prepar'd

With the long spear for thee to fight; thyself

The prize of conquest and the victor's wife." 165

Thus as she spoke, in Helen's breast arose

Fond recollection of her former Lord,

Her home, and parents ; o'er her head she threw

A snowy veil; and shedding tender tears

She issu'd forth, not unaccompanied; 170

For with her went fair ^Ethra, Pittheus' child,

 : ;; ;

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 89

And stag-ey'd Clymene, her maidens twain.

They quickly at the Scoean gate arriv'd.

Attending there on aged Priam, sat

The Elders of the city ; Panthous, 175

And Lampus, and Thymtetes ; Clytius,

Bold Icetaon, and Ucalegou,

With sage Antenor, wise in coimcil both

All these were gather'd at the Scoean gate

By age exempt from war, but in discourse 180

Abundant, as the cricket, that on high

From topmost boughs of forest tree sends forth

His delicate music; so on Ilium's tow'rs

Sat the sage chiefs and councillors of Troy.

Helen they saw, as to the tow'r she came 185

And, " 'tis no marvel," one to other said,

" The valiant Trojans and the well-greav'd Greeks

For beauty such as this should long endure

The toils of war ; for goddess-like she seems

And yet, despite her beauty, let her go, 190

Nor bring on us and on our sous a cui'se."

Thus they ; but aged Priam Helen call'd :

" Come here, my child, and sitting by my side,

 ";
::

90 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

From whence thou canst discern thy former Lord,

His kindred, and thy friends (not thee I blame, 35

But to the Gods I owe this woful war).

Tell me the name of yonder mighty chief

Among the Greeks a warrior braA'e and strong:

Others in height surpass him ; but my eyes

A form so noble never yet beheld, 200

!
Nor so august ; he moves, a King indeed

To whom in answer, Helen, heav'nly fair

'*
With rev'rence, dearest father, and with shame

I look on thee : oh would that I had died

That day Avhen hither wdth thy son I came, 20

And left my husband, friends, and darling child,

And all the lov'd companions of my youth

That I died not, with grief I pine away.

But to thy question : I w ill tell thee true

Yon chief is Agamemnon, Atreus' son, 210

Wide-reigning, mighty monarch, ruler good.

And valiant warrior; in my husband's name,

Lost as I am, I call'd him brother once."

She spoke : th' old man admiring gaz'd, and cried,

" Oh bless'd Atrides, child of happy fate, 215

 : : :

Book III. HOMER'S ILIAD. 1)1

Favuiu-'d of Heav'u ! how mauy uoble Greeks

Obey thy rule ! In vine-clad Phi-ygia once

I saw the hosts of Phrygian warriors wheel

Their rapid steeds ; and with them, all the bands

Of Otreus, and of Mygdon, godlike King, 220

Who lay encamp'd beside Sangarius' stream

I too Avith them was number'd, in the day

When met them in the held the Amazons,

The woman-Avarriors ; but their forces all

Keach'd not the number of the keen-ey'd Greeks." 225

Ulysses next the old man saw, and ask'd,

" Tell me again, dear child, who this may be,

In stature less than Atreus' royal son.

But broader-shoul'ler'd, and of ampler chest.

His arms are laid upon the fertile plain, 230

But he himself is moving through the ranks,

Inspecting, like a fuU-fleec'd ram, that moves

Majestic through a flock of snow-white ewes."

To Avhom Jove's offspring, Helen, thus replied

" The wise Ulysses that, Laertes' son 235

Though bred in rugged Ithaca, yet vers'd

In ev'ry stratagem, and deep device."

 : ; :

92 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book III.

" woman," then the sage Antenor said,

" Of these thy Avords I can the truth avouch

For hither when on thine account to treat, 240

Brave Menelaus and Ulysses came,

I lodg'd them in my house, and lov'd them both.

And studied well the form and mind of each.

As they with Trojans mix'd in social guise,

When both were standing, o'er his comrade high 245

With broad-set shoulders Menelaus stood;

Seated, Ulysses was the nobler form

Then, in the great Assembly, when to all

Their public speech and argument they fram'd,

In fluent language Menelaus spoke, 250

In words though few, yet clear ; though young in years.

No wordy babbler, wasteful of his speech:

But when the skill'd Ulysses rose to speak,

With down-cast visage would he stand, his eyes

Bent on the ground ; the staff he bore, nor back 255

He wav'd, nor forAvard, but like one untaught.

He held it motionless; who only saw

Would say that he was mad, or void of sense

But when his chest its deep-ton'd voice sent forth.

 ; ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 93

With words that fell like flakes of wintry snow, 200

No mortal Avitli Ulysses could compare :

Though little reck'd we of his outward show,"

At sight of Ajax next th' old man enquir'd

" Who is yon other Avarrior, brave and strong,

? "
ToAv'ring o'er all with head and shoulders broad 265

To whom, in answer, Helen, heav'nly fair:

" Gigantic Ajax that, the prop of Greece ;

And by his side Idomeneus of Crete

Stands godlike, circled round by Cretan chiefs.

The warlike Menelaus Avelcom'd him 270

Oft in our palace, when from Crete he came.

Now all the other keen-ey'd Greeks I see,

Whom once I knew, and now could call by name

But two I miss, two captains of the host,

My own two brethren, and my mother's sons, 27)

Castor and Pollux; Castor, horseman bold,

Pollux, immatch'd in pugilistic skill.

In Lacedeemon have they stay'd behind?

Or can it be, in ocean-going ships

That they have come indeed, but shun to join 280

The fight of Avarriors, fearful of the shame,

 : ; ; "

94 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book III.

And deep disf^race that on my name attend ?

Thus she; unconscious that in Sparta they,

Their native land, beneath the sod were laid.

IMeanwhile the heralds through the city bore 285

The treaty off 'rings to the Gods; the lambs,

And genial wine, the produce of the soil,

In goat-skin flasks: therewith a flagon l»right,

And cups of gold, Idseus brought, and stood

Beside the aged King, as thus he spoke 290

" Son of Laomedon, arise ! the chiefs

Of Trojan warriors and of brass-clad Greeks

Call for thy presence on the battle-plain

To swear a truce ; where Paris in the midst

And warlike Menelaus stand prepar'd 295

With the long spear for Helen and tlie sj^oils

Of war to combat, that whoe'er may prove

The better man in fight, may bear away

The woman and the spoils in triumph home

While we, the rest, in peace and friendship sworn, 800

Shall still possess the fertile plains of Troy

And to their native Argos they return.

For noble steeds and lovely women fam'd."

 : :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 95

He said ; the old man sbudder'd at his words

But to his comrades gave command forthwith 305

To yoke his car; and they his word obey'd.

Priam, ascending, gather'd up the reins,

And with Antenor by his side, the twain

Drove through the Scsean gate their flying steeds.

But when between th' opposing ranks they came, 310

Alighting from the car, they mo\^'d on foot

Between the Trojan and the Grecian hosts.

Uprose then Agamemnon, King of men,

Uprose the sage Ulysses ; to the front

The heralds brought the off'rings to the Gods, ?.15

And in the flagon mix'd the wine, and pour'd

The hallowing water on the monarehs' hands.

His dagger then the son of Atreus drew.

Suspended, as Avas Avont, beside the hilt

Of his great sword; and from the A'ictim's head 320

He cut the sacred lock, which to the chiefs

Of Troy and Greece the heralds portion'd out.

Then with uplifted hands he pray'd aloud

" Father Jove ! Avho rul'st from Ida's height,

Most great ! most glorious ! and thou Sun, Avho see'st 325
 ;

96 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

And hearost all things! Kivers! and thou Earth!

And ye, who after death beneath the earth

Your vengeance wreak on souls of men forsworn,

Be witness ye, and this our cov'nant guard.

If Menelaus fall by Paris' hand, 330

Let hito retain both Helen and the spoil,

While in our ships we take our homeward way

If Paris be by Menelaus slain,

Troy shall surrender Helen and the spoil.

With compensation due to Greece, that so 335

A record may to future days remain.

But, Paris slain, if Priam and his sons

The promis'd compensation shall withhold.

Then here, my rights in battle to assert,

Will I remain, till I the end achieve." 340

Thus as he spoke, a^^ross the victims' throats

He drew the pitiless blade, and on the ground

He laid them gasping, as the stream of life

Pour'd forth, their vigour by the blade subdued.

Then, from the flagon drawn, from out the cups 345

The wine they pour'd ; and to th' eternal Gods

They pray'd ; and thus from Trojans and from Greeks

 ! ; !

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 97

Arose the joint petition ;

" Grant, Jove

Most great ! most glorious ! grant, ye heav'nly pow'rs,

That whosoe'er this solemn truce shall break, .350

Ev'n as this wine we pour, their hearts' best blood.

Theirs and their children's, on the earth be pour'd,

And strangers in subjection take their wives!"

Thus they but Jove, unyielding, heard

; their pray'r.

The rites perform'd, then aged Priam spoke: 3

" Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greav'd Greeks

To Ilium's breezy heights I now withdraAV,

For that mine eyes will not endure the sight

Of warlike Menelaus and my son

Engag'd in deadly combat; of the two 360

Which may be doom'd to death, is only known

To Jove, and to th' immortal pow'rs of Heav'n."

Thus spoke the godlike King ; and on the car

He plac'd the consecrated lambs; himself

Ascending then, he gather'd up the reins, 365

And with Antcuor by his side, the twain

To Ilium's walls retrac'd their homeward way.

Then Hector, son of Priam, measur'd out,

With sage Ulysses join'd, th' allotted space

VOL. I.
98 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III

Next, in the brass-bound helmet cast tbe lots, 370

Which of the two the first should throw the spear.

The crowd, with hands uplifted, to the Gods,

Trojans and Greeks alike, address'd their pray'r:

"O Father Jove! who rul'st from Ida's height,

Most great! most glorious! grant that whosoe'er 375

On both our armies hath this turmoil brought

May undergo the doom of death, and ,

The rest, firm peace and lasting friendship swear."

Thus they ;
great Hector of the glancing helm.

With eyes averted, shook the casque ; and forth 380

Was cast the lot of Paris; on the ground

The rest lay down by ranlvs, where near to each

Were rang'd his active steeds, and glitt'ring arms.

Then o'er his shoulders donn'd his armour bright

The godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord : 385

First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fix'd,

Fasten'd Avith silver clasps; his ample chest

A breastplate guarded, by Lycaon lent.

His brother, but which fitted well his form.

Around his shoulders slung, his sword he bore, 390

Brass-bladed, silver-studded; then his shield

 :

Book III. HOMER'S ILIAD. 99

Weighty and strong ; and on his firm-set head

A helm he wore, well Avrought, with horsehair plume

That nodded, fearful, o'er his brow; his hand

Grasp'd the firm spear, familiar to his hold. 395

Prepar'd alike the ad'erse warrior stood.

They, from the crowd apart their armour donn'd,

Came forth; and each, with eyes of mutual hate.

Regarded each : admiring wonder seiz'd

The Trojan warriors and the well-greav'd Greeks, 400

As in the centre of the measur'd groimd

They stood oppos'd, and pois'd their quiv'ring spears.

First Paris threw his weighty spear, and struck

Fair in the midst Atrides' buckler round.

But broke not through ; upon the stubborn targe 405

Was bent the lance's point ; then thus to Jove,

His weapon hurling, Menelaus pray'd

'•'
Great King, on him Avho wrought me causeless vrong,

On Paris, grant that retribution due

My arm may bring ; that men in days to come 410

May fear their host to injure, and repay

With treach'rous Avile his hospitable cares."

He said, and poising, hurl'd his weighty spear:

2
 ! :

100 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book III.

Full in tlio midst it struck the buckler round;

Eight through the buckler pass'd the sturdy spear, 415

And through the gorgeous breastplate, and within

Cut through the linen A^est ; but Paris, back

Inclining, stoop'd, and shunn'd the doom of death.

Atrides then his silver-studded sword

Rearing on high, a mighty blow let fall 420

On Paris' helm ; but shiv'ring in his hand

In countless fragments flew the faithless blade.

Then thus to Jove, with eyes uplift to Heav'n,

Atrides made his moan :

" Father Jove !

Of all the Gods, the most unfriendly thou 425

On Paris' head I hop'd for all his crimes

To wreak my vengeance due ; but in my grasp

My faithless sword is shatter'd, and my spear

Hath bootless left my hand, nor reach'd my foe."

Then onward rushing, by the horsehair plume 480

He seiz'd his foeman's helm, and wrenching round

Dragg'd by main force amid the well-greav'd Greeks.

The broider'd strap, that, pass'd beneath his beard.

The helmet held, the warrior's throat compress'd

Then had Atrides dragg'd him from the field, 435

 ; ;

Book III. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 101

And endless fame acquir'd; but Venus, child

Of JoA'e, her fav'rite's peril quickly saw,

And broke the throttling strap of tough bull's-hide.

In the broad hand the empty helm remain'd.

The trojjhy, by their champion whirl'd amid 440

The Avell-greaA''d Greeks, his eager comrades seiz'd

While he, infuriate, rush'd with murd'rous aim

On Priam's son ; but him, the Queen of Love

(As Gods can only) from the field convey 'd,

Wrapt in a misty cloud ; and on a couch, 445

Sweet perfumes breathing, gently laid him down;

Then went in search of Helen ; her she found,

Circled with Trojan dames, on Ilium's tow'r:

Her by her airy robe the Goddess held,

And in the likeness of an aged dame 450

Who oft for her, in Sjiarta when she dwelt.

Many a fair fleece had wrought, and lov'd her well,

Address'd her thus :

" Come, Helen, to thy house

Come, Paris calls thee ; in his chamber he

Expects thee, resting on luxurious couch, 455

In costly garb, with manly beauty grac'd:

Not from the fight of warriors wouldst thou deem

 ! :: !

102 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book .

He late had come, but for the dance prepar'd,

Or resting from the dance's pleasing toil."

She said, and Helen's spirit within her mov'd ; 4'GO

And when she saw the Goddess' beauteous neck,

Her lovely bosom, and her glowing eyes.

She gaz'd in wonder, and address 'd her thus

" Oh why, great Goddess, make me thus thy sport ?

Seek'st thou to bear me far away from hence 465

To some fair Phrygian or Majonian town.

If there some mortal have thy faA^ur gain'd ?

Or, for that Menelaus in the field

Hath vanquished Paris, and is willing yet

That I, his bane, should to his home return 470

Here art thou found, to weave again thy wiles

Go then thyself ! thy godship abdicate

Eenounce Olympus! lavish here on him

Thy pity and thy care! he may perchance

Make thee his wife —at least his paramour ! 475

But thither go not I ! foul shame it were

Again to share his bed ; the dames of Troy

Will for a byword hold me ; and e'en now

My soul with endless sorrow is possess'd."

 ; :

Book III. HOMER'S ILIAD. 103

To whom in anger heav'nly Venus spoke: 480

" Incense me not, poor fool ! lest I in wrath

Desert thee quite, and as I heretofore

Have lov'd, so make thee object of my hate

And kindle, 'twixt the Trojans and the Greeks,

Such bitter feuds, as both shall wreak on thee." 485

She said ; and trembled Helen, child of Jove

She rose in silence ; in a snow-white veil

All glitt'ring, shrouded; by the Goddess led

She pass'd, unnotic'd by the Trojan dames.

But vhen to Paris' sj)lendid house they came, 490

Thronging around her, her attendants gave

Their duteous service ; through the lofty hall

With queenly grace the godlike woman pass'd.

A seat the laughter-loving Goddess plac'd

By Paris' side; there Helen sat, the child 495

Of aegis-bearing Jove, with do^wncast eyes,

Yet with sharp words she thus address'd her Lord:

" Back from the battle ? would thou there hadst died

Beneath a Avarrior's arm, whom once I caU'd

My husband ! vainly didst thou boast erewhile 500

Thine arm, thy dauntless courage, and thy spear

 ! ; ;

104 HOMER'S ILIAD. III.

The warlike Menelaus should subdue

Go now again, and challenge to the fight

The warlike Menelaus. Be thou ware !

I warn thee, pause, ere madly thou presume 505

With fair-hair'd Menelaus to contend!

Soon shouldst thou fall beneath his conqu'ring spear."

To whom thus Paris :

" Wring not thus my soul

With keen reproaches: now, with Pallas' aid,

Hath Menelaus conquer'd ; but my day 510

Will come : I too can boast my guardian Gods.

But turn we now to love, and love's delights

For never did thy beauty so inflame

My sense ; not when from Lacedgemon first

I bore thee in my ocean-going ships, 515

And revell'd in thy love on Cranae's isle,

As now it fills my soul with fond desire."

He said, and led her to the nuptial couch

Her Lord she follow'd ; and >vhile there reclin'd

Upon the richly-inlaid couch they lay, 520

Atrides, like a lion baffled, rush'd

Amid the crowd, if haply he might find

The godlike Paris ; but not one of all

 :

Book III. HOMER'S ILIAD. 105

The Trojans and their brave allies could aid

The warlike Menelaus in his search 525

Not that, for love, would any one that ]6

Have screen'd him from his anger, for they all

Abhorr'd him as the shade of death: then thus

Outspoke great Agamemnon, King of men :

" Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies ! 530

With warlike Menelaus rests, 'tis plain,

The prize of \ict'ry: then surrender ye

The Argive Helen and the spoils of war,

With compensation due to Greece, that so

A record may to future days remain." 535

Thus he ; the Greeks, assenting, cheer'd his words. 53(3

 :

106 HOMEll'S ILIAD. Book ^

BOOK IV.

AN golden pavement, round the board of Jove,

The Gods were gather'd ; Hebe in the midst

Pour'd the sweet nectar; they, in golden cups.

Each other pledg'd, as down they look'd on Troy.

Then Jove, with cutting words and taunting tone, 5

Began the wrath of Juno to i)rovoke

" Two Goddesses for Menelaus fight,

Thou, Juno, Queen of Argos, and with thee

MinerA'a, shield of warriors; but ye tAvo

Look idly on, in vain delights absorb'd; 10

While laughter-loving Venus, at the side

Of Paris standing, still averts his fate,

And rescues, when, as now, expecting death.

To warlike Menelaus we decree.

Of right, the vict'ry ; but consult we now 15

What may the issue be ; if we shall light

Again the flame of war and discord fierce,

 :

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 107

Or the tAvo sides in peace and friendship join.

For me, if thus your gen'ral voice incline,

Let Priam's city stand, and Helen back 20

To warlike Meuelaus be restor'd."

So spoke the God ; but seated side by side,

Juno and Pallas glances interchang'd

Of ill portent for Troy ; Pallas indeed

Sat silent; and, thouuh inly wroth with Jove, 25

Yet answer'd not a word ; but Juno's breast

Could not contain her rage, and thus she spoke

" What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ?

How wouldst thou render vain, and "oid of fruit,

Sly weary labour and my horses' toil, 30

To stir the people, and on Priam's self,

And Priam's offspring, bring disastrous fate ?

Do as thou wilt ! yet not with om• consent."

To whom, in wrath, the Cloud-compeller thus:

" Revengeful ! how have Priam and his sons 35

So deeply injur'd thee, that thus thou seek'st

With unabated anger to pursue,

Till thou o'erthiOw, the strong-built walls of Troy?

I verily believe that till thou force

 ;

108 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IV.

The gates, and raze the lofty walls, and feed 40

On the raw flesh of Priam and his sons.

Thy vengeance never will be satisfied.

But have thy Avill, lest this in future times

'Twixt me and thee be cause of strife renew'd.

Yet hear my words, and ponder what I say: 45

If e'er, in times to come, my will should be

Some city to destroy, inhabited

By men belov'd of thee, thou shalt not seek

To turn aside my wrath, but give it way.

Spontaneous, yet with most unwilling mind, 50

So much I grant thee ; for beneath the sun

And starry Heav'n, of all the cities fair.

By mortal men inhabited, not one

Was dearer to my soul than sacred Troy,

And Priam's self, and Priam's warrior race. 55

For with drink-off'rings due, and fat of lambs,

My altar still hath at their hands been fed;

Such honour hath to us been ever paid."

To whom the stag-ey'd Juno thus replied:

" Three cities are there, dearest to my heart 60

Argos, and Sparta, and the ample streets

 ; ; ; ; :

Book IV. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 109

Of rich Mycenae; work on them thy will;

Destroy them, if thine anger they incur

I will not interpose, nor hinder thee

]\[ourn them I shall; reluctant see their fall, 5

But not resist ; for sov'reign is thy will.

Yet should my labours not be fruitless all

For I too am a God; my blood is thine;

Worthy of honour, as the eldest born

Of deep-designing Saturn, and thy wife 70

Thine, Avho o'er all th' Immortals reign'st supreme.

But yield we each to other, I to thee.

And thou to me ; the other Gods will all

By us be rul'd. On Pallas then enjoin

That to the battle-field of Greece and Troy 75

She haste, and so contrive that Trojans first

]May break the treaty, and the Greeks assail."

She said : the Sire of Gods and men complied.

And thus with winged Avords to Pallas spoke

" Go to the battle-field of Greece and Troy 80

In haste, and so contrive that Trojans first

May break the treaty, and the Greeks assail."

His words fi-esh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal.

 ;
: ;

no HOMER'S ILIAD. Book lY

And from Olympus' heights in haste she sped

Like to a meteor, that, of grave portent 85

To warring armies or sea-faring men.

The son of deep-designing Saturn sends,

Bright-flashing, scatt'ring fiery sparks around,

The blue-ey'd Goddess darted down to earth,

And lighted in the midst; amazement held 90

The Trojan warriors and the well-grea^'d Greeks

And one to other look'd and said, "What means

This sign? Must fearful battle rage again,

Or may we hope for gentle peace from Jove,

"
Who to mankind dispenses peace and war ? 95

Such was the converse Greeks and Trojans held.

Pallas meanwhile, amid the Trojan host,

Clad in the likeness of Antenor's son,

Laodocus, a spearman stout and brave,

Search'd here and there, if haply she might find 100

The godlike Pandarus ; Lycaon's son,

Strong and of courage unreprov'd, she found

Standing, by buckler'd warriors bold begirt,

Who follow'd him from far ^sepus' stream.

She stood beside him, and address'd him thus 105

 ;

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. Ill

" Wilt thou by me be riil'd, Lycaon's son ?

For durst thou but at Menelaus shoot

Thy winged arrow, great Avould be thy fame,

And great thy favour with the men of Troy,

And most of all with Paris; at his hand 110

Thou shalt receive rich guerdon, when he hears

That warlike Menelaus, by thy shaft

Subdued, is laid upon the fun'ral pyre.

Bend then thy bow at Atreus' glorious son.

Vowing to Phoebus, Lycia's guardian God, 115

The Archer-King, to pay of firstling lambs

An ample hecatomb, when home return'd

In safety to Zeleia's sacred town."

Thus she; and, fool, he listen'd to her words.

Straight he uncas'd his polish'd bow, his spoil 120

AVon fiOm a mountain ibex, which himself.

In ambush lurking, through the breast had shot.

True to his aim, as fiOm behind a crag

He came in sight ;
prone on the rock he fell

AVith horns of sixteen palms his head Avas crown'd ; 125

These deftly wrought a skilful Avorkman's hand,

And polish'd smooth, and tipp'd the ends with gold.

 ;

112 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

He bent, and resting on the ground his bow,

Strung it anew; his faithful comrades held

Their shields before him, lest the sons of Greece 130

Should make their onset ere his shaft could reach

The warlike Menelaus, Atreus' son.

His quiver then withdrawing from its case.

With care a shaft he chose, ne'er shot before,

Well-feather'd, messenger of pangs and death 135

The stinging arrow fitted to the string,

And AOw'd to Phoebus, Lycia's guardian God,

The Archer-King, to pay of firstling lambs

An ample hecatomb, when home retum'd

In safety to Zeleia's sacred town. 140

At once the sinew and the notch he drew;

The sinew to his breast, and to the boAv

The iron head ; then, when the mighty bow

AYas to a circle strain'd, sharp rang the horn.

And loud the sinew twang'd, as tow'rd the crowd 145

With deadly speed the eager arrow sprang.

Nor, Menelaus, was thy safety then

Uncar'd for of the Gods; Jove's daughter first,

Pallas, before thee stood, and turu'd aside

 ;

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 113

The pointed arrow; turn'd it so aside 150

As when a mother from her infant's cheek,

Wrapt in sweet shimbers, brushes off a fly;

Its course she so directed that it struck

Just where the golden clasps the belt restrain'd,

And where the breastplate, doubled, check'd its force. 155

On the close-fitting belt the arrow struck

Eight through the belt of curious workmanship

It drove, and through the breastplate richly wrought,

And through the coat of mail he wore beneath,

The best defence his body to protect 160

From hostile jav'lins; that too pierc'd it through,

And passing onwards graz'd the hero's flesh.

Forth issued from the wound the crimson blood.

Thus haply when the hand of some fair maid,

Lydian or Carian, stains Avith crimson dye 165

The iv'ry cheek-piece of a warrior's steed.

By many a valiant horseman coveted.

As in the house it lies, a monarch's boast,

The horse adorning, and the horseman's pride:

So, Menelaus, then thy graceful thighs, 170

And knees, and ancles, with thy blood were dy'd.

VOL. I. I
114 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Great Agamemnon shudder'd as he saw

The crimson blood-drops issuing from the Avomid ;

Shudder'd the warlike Menelaus' self;

But when the sinew and the arrow-head 175

He saw projecting, back his spirit came.

Then deeply groaning, Agamemnon spoke.

As Menelaus by the hand he held,

And with him groan d his comrades :

" Brother dear,

Fatal to thee hath been the oath I swore, 180

When thou stood'st forth alone for Greece to fight;

Wounded by Trojans, who their plighted faith

Have trodden under foot ; but not in vain

Shall be the cov'nants and the blood of lambs.

The absolute pledges, and the hand-plight giv'n, IB.")

In which our trust was plac'd; if not at once,

Hereafter Jove shall vindicate their claim;

And heavy penalties shall Trojans pay

With their own blood, their children's, and their wiA^es'.

For in my inmost soul full well I know 190

The day shall come when this imperial Troy,

And Priam's race, and Priam's royal self.

Shall in one common ruin be o'erthrown;

 :'

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 115

And Saturn's son himseK, high-throned Jove,

Who dwells in Heav'n, shall in their faces flash 195

His aegis dark and dread, this treach'rous deed

Avenging; this shall surely come to pass.

But, Menelaus, deep will be my grief,

If thou shouldst perish, meeting thus thy fate.

To thirsty Argos should I then return 200

By foul disgrace o'erwhelm'd ; for, with thy fall,

The Greeks will mind them of their native land;

And as a trophy to the sons of Troy

The Argive Helen leave ; thy bones meanwhile

Shall moulder here beneath a foreign soil, 205

Thy vfork undone; and with insulting scorn

Some vaunting Trojan, leaping on the tomb

Of noble Menelaus, thus shall say

'
On all his foes may Agamemnon so

His wrath accomi)lLsh, who hath hither led 210

Of Greeks a mighty army, all in vain;

And bootless home witli empty ships hath gone,

And valiant Menelaus left behind

Thus when men speak, gape, earth, and hide my shame."

To whom the fair-hair'd Menelaus thus 215

I 2
 :

116 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

With cheering words: "Fear not thyself, nor causo

The troops to fear; the arrow hath not touch'd

A vital part; the sparkling belt hath first

Turn'd it aside, the doublet next beneath,

And coat of mail, the work of arm'rer's hands." 220

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus:

" Dear Menelaus, may thy words be true !

The leech shall tend thy wound, and spread it o'er

With healing ointments to assuage the pain."

He said, and to the sacred herald call'd 225

" Haste thee, Talthybius ! summon with all speed

The son of yEsculapius, matchless leech,

Machaon; bid him hither haste to see

The warlike Menelaus, chief of Greeks,

Who by an arrow from some practis'd hand, 280

Trojan or Lycian, hath receiv'd a wound;

A cause of boast to them, to us of grief."

He said; nor did the herald not obey.

But through the brass-clad ranks of Greece he pass'd.

In search of brave Machaon ; him he found 235

Standing, by buckler'd warriors bold begirt,

Who foUow'd him from Trica's grassy plains.

 :

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 117

He stood beside liim, and address'd him thus

" Up, son of ^sculapius ! xVtreus' son,

The mighty monarch, summons thee to see 240

The warlike Menelaus, chief of Greeks,

Who by an arrow from some practis'd hand,

Trojan or Lycian, hath receiv'd a wound;

A cause of boast to them, to us of grief."

Thus he ; and not unmov'd Machaon heard : 245

They through the crowd, and through the wide-spread host,

Together took their vay ; but when they came

Where fair-hair'd Menelaus, wounded, stood.

Around him in a ring the best of Greece,

And in the midst the godlike chief himself, 250

From the close-fitting belt the shaft he drew.

With sharp return of pain ; the sparkling belt

He loosen'd, and the doublet miderneath.

And coat of mail, the Avork of arm'rer's hand.

But when the wound appear'd in sight, Avhere struck 255

The stinging arroAv, from the clotted blood

He cleans'd it, and applied with skilful hand

The healing ointments, Avhich, in friendly guise,

The learned Chiron to his father gave.

 : ; ;

118 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

While round the valiant Menelaus they 260

Were thus engag'd, advanc'd the Trojan hosts:

They donn'd their arms, and for the fight prepar'd.

In Agamemnon then no trace was seen

Of laggard sloth, no shrinking from the fight.

But" full of ardour to the field he rush'd. 2G5

He left his horses and brass-mounted car

(The champing horses by Eurymedon,

The son of Ptolemy, Peiraeus' son,

Were held aloof), but with repeated charge

Still to be near at hand, lest faint Avith toil 270

His limbs should fail him in his proud career.

HimseK on foot the Avarrior ranks array 'd

With cheering words addressing Avhom he foimd

With zeal preparing for the battle-field

" Kelax not, valiant friends, your Avarlike toil 275

For JoA^e to falsehood ne'er Avill give his aid;

And they who first, regardless of their oaths.

Have broken truce, shall Avith their flesh themselves

The vultures feed, while Ave, their city raz'd,

Their Avives and helpless children bear away." 280

But whom remiss and shrinking from the Avar

 : " :

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 119

He found, with keen rebuke he thus assail'd

" Ye wretched Greeks, your country's foul reproach,

Have ye no sense of shame? Why stand ye thus

Like timid fawns, that in the chase run down, 285

Stand all bewilder'd, spiritless and tame?

So stand ye now, nor dare to face the fight.

\' hat ! will ye wait the Trojans' near approach.

Where on the beach, beside the hoary deep,

Our goodly ships are drawn, and see if Jove 290

Will o'er you his protecting hand extend ?

As thus the King the serried ranks review'd,

He came where thronging round their skilful chief

Idomeneus, the warlike bands of Crete

Were arming for the fight ; Idomeneus, 295

Of courage stubborn as the forest boar,

The foremost ranks array 'd ; Meriones

The rearmost squadrons had in charge ; Avith joy

The monarch Agamemnon saAv, and thus

In iiatt'ring terms Idomeneus address'd ^oo

" Idomeneus, above all other Greeks,

In battle and elsewhere, I honour thee;

"

And in the bancpiet, where the noblest Greeks

 ; ; :

120 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

In lordly goblets mix the ruddy wine,

Though others drink their share, yet by thy side 305

Thy cup, like mine, still new replenish'd stands

To drink at pleasure. Up then to the fight,

And show thyself the warrior that thou art."

To Avhom the Cretan King, Idomeneus

" In me, Atrides, thou shalt ever find, 310

As at the first I promis'd, comrade true

But go, and stir the other long-hair'd Greeks

To speedy battle ; since the Trojans now

The truce have broken; and defeat and death

Must wait on those who have their oaths forsworn." 315

He said, and Agamemnon went his way

Rejoicing ; through the crowd he pass'd, and came

Where stood Ui Ajaces; them, in act to arm,

Amid a cloud of infantry he found

And as a goat-herd from his watch-tow'r crag 320

Beholds a cloud advancing o'er the sea,

By Zephyr's breath impell'd; as from afar

He gazes, black as pitch, it sweeps along

O'er the dark ocean's face, and with it brings

A hurricane of rain ; he, shudd'ring, sees, 325

 ; ;

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 121

And drives his flock beneatli the slieltriug cave;

So thick aud dark, about th' Ajaces stirr'd,

Impatient for the war, the etahvart youths,

Black masses, bristling close with spear and shield.

Well pleas'd, the monarch Agamemnon saw, 330

And thus address'd them :

" Valiant chiefs, to you,

The leaders of the brass-clad Greeks, I give

('Twere needless and unseemly) no commands

For ye understand your troops to rouse

To deeds of dauntless courage; Avould to Jove, 335

To Pallas and Apollo, that such mind

As is in you, in all the camp were found

Then soon should Priam's lofty city fall,

Tak'n and destroy 'd by our victorious hands."

Thus saying, them he left, and onward mov'd. 310

Nestor, the smooth-tongu'd Pylian chief, he found

The troops arraying, and to valiant deeds

His friends encouraging; stout Pelagon,

Alastor, Chromius, Hsemon, warlike Prince,

And Bias bold, his people's sure defence. 345

In the front rank, with chariot and with horse,

He plac'd the mounted warriors; in the rear.

 "; ; ;

122 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Nurn'rous and brave, a cloud of infantry,

Compactly mass'd, to stem the tide of war.

Between the two he jjlac'd th' inferior troops, 350

That e'en against their will they needs must fight.

The horsemen first he charg'd, and bade them keep

Their horses well in hand, nor wildly rush

Amid the tumult :

" See," he said, " that none,

In skill or valour over-confident, 355

Advance before his comrades, nor alone

Eetire ; for so your lines were easier forc'tl

But ranging each beside a hostile car.

Thrust with your spears ; for such the better way

By men so disciplin'd, in elder days 3G0

Were lofty walls and fenced towns destroy'd."

Thus he, experienc'd in the wars of old ;

Well pleas'd, the monarch Agamemnon saw,

And thus address'd him :

" Would to Heav'n, old man,

That, as thy spirit, such too Avere thy strength 3G5

And vigour of thy limbs ; but now old age.

The common lot of mortals, weighs thee down

Would I could see some others in thy place.

!
And thou the vigour of thy youth retain
 ; : :

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 123

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied 370

" Atrides, I too fain would see restor'd

The strength I once possess'd, what time I slew

The godlike Ereuthalion; but the Gods

On man bestow not all their gifts at once ;

I then was young, and now am boAv'd with age, 375

Yet vfith. the chariots can I still go forth,

And aid vfith. sage advice : for such the right

And privilege of age ; to hurl the spear

Belongs to younger men, who after me

Were born, who boast their vigour unimpair'd." 380

He said; and Agamemnon went his way,

Eejoicing : to Menestheus next he came.

The son of Peteus, charioteer renown'd

Him found he, circled by th' Athenian bands,

The raisers of the war-cry; close beside 385

The sage Ulysses stood, around him rang'd,

Not imrenown'd, the Cephalonian troops

The sound of battle had not reach'd their ears;

For but of late the Greek and Trojan hosts

Were set in motion; they expecting stood, 3*J0

Till other Grecian columns should advance,

 ; ! ::

124 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Assail the Trojans, and renew the war.

Atrides saw, and thus, reproachful, sj)oke

" son of Peteus, Heav'n-descended King

And thou too, master of all tricky arts, 395

Why, ling'ring, stand ye thus aloof, and wait

For others coming? ye should be the first

The hot assault of battle to confront

For ye are first my summons to receiA^e,

Whene'er the honour'd banquet we prepare 400

And well ye like to eat the sav'ry meat.

And, at your will, the luscious wine-cups drain:

Now stand ye here, and unconcern'd Avould see

Ten columns pass before you to the fight."

To whom, with stern regard, Ulysses thus: 405

" What Avords have pass'd the barrier of thy lips,

Atrides? how with want of warlike zeal

Canst thou reproach us? when the Greeks again

The fires of Avar shall kindle, thou shalt see

(If that thou care to see) amid the ranks 410

Of Troy, the father of Telemachus

In the fore-front: thy Avords are empty wind."

Atrides smil'd to see him chafe, and thus

 ; ;

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 125

Again took up the word :

" Ulysses sage,

Laertes' high-born son, not O^er-much 415

I give thee blame, or orders ; for I know

Thy mind to gentle counsels is inclin'd

Thy thoughts are one with mine then come, henceforth

;

Shall all be well ; and if a hasty word

Have pass'd, Heav'n grant no ill may thence ensue." 420

Thus saying, them he left, and onward mov'd.

The son of Tydeus, valiant Diomed,

Standing he found amid his warlike steeds

And well-built cars; beside him, Sthenelus,

The son of Capaneus; Atrides saw, 425

And thus address'd him with reproachful words:

" Alas ! thou son of Tydeus, wise and bold,

Why crouch with fear? why thus apj)aird survey

The pass of war ? not so had Tydeus crouch'd

His hand Avas ever ready from their foes 430

To guard his comrades; so, at least, they say

Whose eyes beheld his labours; I myself

Nor met him e'er, nor saw ; but, by report.

Thy father was the foremost man of men.

A stranger to Mycense once he came, 435

 ; :

126 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IV.

With godlike Polynices ; not at war,

But seeking succour for the troops that hiy

Encamp'd before the sacred walls of Thebes;

For reinforcements earnestly they sued;

The boon they ask'd was granted them, but Jove 440

With unpropitious omens tum'd them back.

Advancing on their journey, when they reach'd

Asopus' grassy banks and rushes deep.

The Greeks upon a mission Tydeus sent:

He went; and many Thebans there he found 445

Feasting in Eteocles' royal hall:

Amid them all, a stranger and alone.

He stood unterrified, and challeng'd all

To Avrestle with him, and with ease o'erthrew:

So mighty was the aid that Pallas gave. 450

Whereat indignant, they, on his return,

An ambush set, of fifty chosen youths

Two were their leaders ; Hiemon's godlike son,

Maeon, and Lycophontes, warrior brave.

Son of Autophonus; and these too far'd 455

But ill at Tydeus' hand ; he slew them all

Maeon alone, obedient to the Gods,

 ; : ;

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 127

He spar'd, and bade him Ijear the tidiiiirs home.

Sut'h Tydeus was: though greater in debate,

His son will ne'er rival him in arms." 460

He said: brave Diomed in silence heard,

Submissive to the monarch's stern rebuke;

Then answer'd thus the son of Capaneus:

" Atrides, speak not falsely : Avell thou know'st

The truth, that we our fathers far surpass. 465

The seven-gated city, Thebes, we took,

With smaller force beneath the Avail of Mars,

Trusting to heav'nly signs, and fav'ring Jove,

Where they by blind, presumptuous folly fail'd

Then equal not our fathers' deeds with ours." 470

To whom thus Diomed, with stern regard:

" Father, be silent ; hearken to my words

I blame, not Agamemnon, King of men.

Who thus to battle stirs the well-greav'd Greeks:

Great will his glory be if we o'ercome 475

The valiant Trojans, and their city take

Great too his loss, if they o'er us prevail:

Then come, let us too for the fight prepare."

He said; and from the car leap'd down in arms:

 : :

128 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Fierce rang the armour on the warrior's breast, 480

That ev'n the stoutest heart might quail with fear.

As by the west wind driA^'n, the ocean waA'es

Dash forward on the far-resounding shore,

Wave upon wave ; first curls the ruffled sea

With whit'ning crests; anon with thund'ring roar 485

It breaks upon the beach, and fiOm the crags

Eecoiling flings in giant curves its head

Aloft, and tosses high the wild sea-spray

Column on column, so the hosts of Greece

Pour'd, ceaseless, to the war; to each the chiefs 490

Their orders gave ; the rest in silence mov'd

Nor would ye deem that such a mighty mass.

So passing, could restrain their tongues, in awe

Of their great captains : far around them flash'd

The glitt'ring armour they were girt withal. 495

On th' other hand, the Trojans, as the flocks

That in the court-yard of some wealthy Lord

In countless numbers stand, at milking-time,

Incessant bleating, as their lambs they hear;

So rose their mingled clamours through the camp; 500

For not one language nor one speech was there,"

 : ;

Book IV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 129

But many nations call'd from distant lands:

These Mars inspir'd, and those the bhie-ey'd Maid

And Fear, and Flight, and Discord unappeas'd,

Of blood-stain'd Mars the sister and the friend 505

With humble crest at first, anon her head.

While yet she treads the earth, affronts the skies.

The gage of battle in the midst she threw,

Strode through the crowd, and woe to mortals wrought.

When to the midst they came, together rush'd 510

Bucklers and lances, and the furious might

Of mail-clad warriors; bossy shield on shield

Clatter'd in conflict ; loud the clamour rose.

Then rose too mingled shouts and groans of men

Slaying and slain; the earth ran red with blood. 515

As when, descending from the mountain's brow,

Two wintry torrents, from their copious source

Pour downward to the narrow pass, where meet

Their mingled waters in some deep ravine,

Their Aveight of flood ; on the far mountain's side 520

The shepherd hears the roar; so loud arose

The shouts and yells of those commingling hosts.

First 'mid the foremost ranks Antilochus,

VOL. I.
 : ;

130 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

A Trojan warrior, Echepolus, sIgav,

A crested chief, Thalesius' noble son. 525

Beneath his horsehair-plumed helmet's peak

The sharp spear struck; deep in his forehead fix'd

It jDierc'd the bone; then darkness veil'd his eyes,

And, like a tow'r, amid the press he fell.

Him Elephenor, brave Abantian chief, 530

Son of Chalcodon, seizini? by the feet,

Dragg'd from beneath the darts, in haste to strip

His armour off ; but short-liv'd was th' attempt

For bold Agenor mark'd him as he drew

The corpse aside, and with his brass-tipp'd spear 535

Thi'ust through his flank, unguarded, as he stoop'd,

Beside his shield ; and slack'd his limbs in death.

The spirit was fled; but hotly o'er him rag'd

The war of Greeks and Trojans; fierce as wolves

They fought, man struggling hand to hand with man. 540

Then Ajax Telamon Anthemion's son,

A stalwart stripling, Simoisius, slew;

Whose mother gave him birth on Simois' banks,

When with her parents down from Ida's heights

She drove her flock ; thence Simoisius nam'd 545

 ; ;

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 131

Not destin'd he his parents to repay

Their early care ; for short his term of life,

By godlike Ajax' mighty spear subdued.

Him, to the front adyancing, in the breast.

By the right nipple, Ajax struck; right through, 550

From front to back, the brass-tipp'd spear was driy'n,

Out through the shoulder; prone in dust he fell:

As some tall poplar, grown in marshy mead,

Smooth-stemm'd, with boughs up-springing tow'rd the head

AMiich with the biting axe the wheelwright fells, 555

To bend the felloes of his well-built car;

Sapless, beside the river, lies the tree

So lay the youthful Simoisius, fell'd

By godlike Ajax' hand. At him, in turn.

The son of Priam, Antiphus, encas'd 560

In radiant aiTuour, from amid the crowd

His jav'lin threw ; his mark, indeed, he miss'd ;

But through the groin Ulysses' faithful friend,

Leucus, he struck, in act to bear away

The youthful dead; down on the corpse he fell, 565

And, dying, of the dead rolax'd his grasp.

Fierce anger, at his comrade's slaughter, fill'd

2
 : :

132 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Ulysses' breast; in burnisli'd armour clad

Forward he rnsli'd; and standing near, around

and pois'd on high his glitt'ring lance: 570

He look'd,

Beneath his aim the Trojans back recoil'd;

Nor vainly flew the spear; Democoon,

A bastard son of Priam, met the blow

He, on a chariot drawn by speedy mares,

Came from Abydos ; him Ulysses, fiU'd 575

AA-'ith fury at his lov'd companion's death.

Smote on the head ; through either temple pass'd

The pointed spear, and darlmess A^eil'd his eyes.

Thund'ring he fell, and loud his armour rang.

At this the Trojan chiefs, and Hector's self, 580

'Gan to give ground : the Greeks with joyful shouts

Seiz'd on the dead, and forward urg'd their course.

From Ilium's heights Apollo, fiU'd with wrath,

Look'd down, and to the Trojans shouted loud

" Uprouse ye, valiant Trojans ! give not way 585

Before the Greeks; their bodies are not stone,

Nor iron, to defy your trenchant swords;

And great Achilles, fair-hair'd Thetis' son,

Fights not, but o'er liis anger broods apart."

 : :

Book IV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 133

So from the city call VI the heav'nly voice; 590

The Greeks, meanwhile, all-olorious Pallas fir'd,

Mov'd 'mid the tumult, and the lag-gards rous'd.

Then fell Diores, Amarynceus' son

A rugged fragment of a rock had crush'd

His ancle and right knee ; from iEnon came 595

The Thracian chief Avho hurl'd it, Peirous, sou

Of Imbrasus; the tendons both, and bones.

The huge mass shatter 'd ; backward in the dust

He fell, both hands extending to his fi-iends.

Gasping his life away ; then quick uj^-ran (

He who the blow had dealt, and with his spear

Thrust through him, by the navel; from the wound

His boyels gush'd, and darkness veil'd his eyes.

But he, advancing, through the breast was struck

Above the nipple, by th' ^tolian chief, 605

Thoas; and through his limgs the spear was (h-iv'n.

Thoas approach'd, and from his breast withdrew

The sturdy spear, and with his sharp-edg'd SAVord

Across his waistband gave the mortal stroke

Yet could not touch his arms ; for all around 610

The Thracian warriors, with their tufted crowns.

134 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IV.

Their long spears held before them, him, though stout.

And strong, and valiant, kept at bay; perforce

He yielded; and thus side by side were laid

The two, the Thracian and th' Epeian chief; 615

And round them many a valiant soldier lay.

Then well might he his fav'ring fortune bless

Who in that bloody field took part, and pass'd

By sword or spear unwounded, by the hand

Of Pallas guarded from the weapon's flight; 620

For many a Trojan, many a Greek, that day

Prone in the dust, and side by side, were laid. 622 1

 ; ;

Book V. HOMEll'S ILIAD. 135

BOOK V.

OUCH strength and courage then to Diomed,

The son of Tydeus, Pallas gave, as rais'd,

'Mid all the Greeks, the glory of his name.

Forth from his helm and shield a fiery light

There flash'd, like autumn's star, that brightest shines 5

When newly risen from his ocean bath.

So from the warrior's head and shoulders flash'd

That fiery light, as to the midst he urg'd

His furious course, where densest masses fought.

There was one Dares 'mid the Trojan host, 10

The priest of Vulcan, rich, of blameless life

Two gallant sons he had, Idajus nam'd.

And Phegeus, skill'd in all the points of war.

These, parted from the throng, the warrior met;

They on their car, while he on foot advanc'd. 15

When near they came, first Phegeus threw his spear

O'er the left shoulder of Tydides pass'd

 "
:

136 HOMEli'S ILIAD. Book V.

The erring weapon's point, and miss'cl its mark.

His pond'rous spear in turn Tydides threw,

And not in vain; on Phegeus' breast it struck, 20

Full in the midst, and hurl'd him from the car.

Idseus from the well-wrought chariot sprang,

And fled, nor durst his brother's corpse defend.

Nor had he so escap'd the doom of death.

But Vulcan bore him safely from the field, 25

In darkness shrouded, that his aged sire

Might not be wholly of his sons bereav'd.

The car Tydides to his comrades gave,

And bade them to the ships the horses drive.

Now when the Trojans Dares' sons beheld, 30

The one in flight, the other stretch'd in death,

Their spirits within them quail'd; but Pallas took

The hand of Mars, and thus address'd the God

" Mars, Mars, thou bane of mortals, blood-stain'd Lord,

Kazer of cities, wherefore leave we not 35

The Greeks and Trojans to contend, and see

To which the sire of all will vict'ry give;

While we retire, and shim the wrath of Jove ?

Thus saying, from the battle Mars she led.

 ;;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 137

And plac'd liini on Senmander's steepy banks. 40

The Greeks drove back the Trojan host; the chiefs

Slew each his victim ; Agamemnon first,

The mighty monarch, from his chariot hurl'd

Hodius, the sturdy Halizonian chief;

Him, as he tiirn'd, between the shoulder-bhides 45

The jav'lin struck, and through his chest was driv'n

Thund'ring he fell, and loud his armour rang.

On Phsestus, Borus' son, Mfeonian chief,

Who Ironi the fertile plains of Tarna came,

Then sprang Idomeneus; and as he sought 50

To mount upon his car, the Cretan King

Through his right shoulder drove the pointed spear

He fell; the shades of death his eyes o'erspread,

And of his arms the foUoAvers stripp'd his corpse.

The son of Atreus, Menelaus, slew 55

Scamandrius, son of Strophius, sportsman keen,

In woodcraft skilful; for his i)ractis'd hand

Had by Diana's self been taught to slay

Each beast of chase the mountain forest holds.

But nought avail'd him then the Archer-Queen 60

Diana's counsels, nor liis boasted art

 ;

133 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Of distant aim ; for as he fled, the lance

Of Menelaus, Atreus' Avarlike son,

Behind his neck, between the shoulder-blades,

His flight arresting, through his chest was driv'n. Go

Headlong he fell, and loud his armour rang.

Phereclus by Meriones was slain,

Son of Harmonides, whose practis'd hand

Knew well to fashion many a Avork of art

By Pallas highly favour'd ; he the ships 70

For Paris built, first origin of ill,

Freighted Avith evil to the men of Troy,

And to himself, who knew not Heav'n's decrees.

Him, in his headlong flight, in hot pursuit

Meriones o'ertook, and thrust his lance 75

Through his right flank; beneath the bone was driv'n

The spear, and pierc'd him through : prone on his knees.

Groaning, he fell, and death his eyelids clos'd.

Meges Pedceus slew, Antenor's son,

A bastard born, but by Theano rear'd 80

With tender care, and nurtur'd as her son,

With her own children, for her husband's sake.

Him, Phyleus' warrior son, approaching near,

 ;

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 139

Thrust through the junction of the head and neck

Crash'd through his teeth the spear beneath the tongue ; 85

Prone in the dust he gnash'd the brazen point.

Eurypylus, Eueemon's noble son,

Hypsenor slew, the Avorthy progeny

Of Dolopion bra'^e; Scamander's priest,

And by the peojDle as a God rever'd : 90

Him, as he fled before him, from behind

Eurypylus, Eusemon's noble son.

Smote with the SAvord; and from the shoulder-point

The brawny arm he seyer'd ; to the ground

Down fell the gory hand ; the darkling shades 95

Of death, and rig'rous doom, his eyelids clos'd.

Thus labour'd they amid the stubborn fight;

But of Tydides none might say to Avhom

His arm belong'd, or whether with the hosts

Of Troy or Greece he mingled in the fight: lOO

Hither and thither o'er the plain he rush'd,

Like to a wintry stream, that brimming o'er

Breaks down its barriers in its rapid course;

Nor well-built bridge can stem the flood, nor fence

That guards the fertile fields, as down it pours

 :

140 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Its sudden torrent, swoll'n with rain from Heav'n,

And many a goodly work of man destroys

So back were borne before Tydides' might

The serried ranks of Troy, nor dar'd await,

Despite their numbers, his impetuous charge. 110

Him when Lycaon's noble son beheld

Careering o'er the plain, the serried ranks

Driving before him, quick at Tydeus' son

He bent his bow ; and onward as he rush'd,

On the right shoulder, near the breastplate's joint, 115

The stinging arrow struck; right through it pass'd.

And held its way, that blood the breastplate stain'd.

Then shouted loud Lycaon's noble son:

" Arouse ye, valiant Trojans, ye who goad

Your flying steeds ; the bravest of the Greeks 120

Is wounded, nor, I deem, can long withstand

My weapon, if indeed from Lycia's shore

By Phoebus' counsel sent I join'd the war."

Thus he, vain-glorious; but not so was quell'd

The godlike chief; back he withdrew, and stood 125

Beside his ear, and thus to Sthenelus,

The son of Capaneus, his speech address'd :

 :

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 141

"
^P' gentle son of Capaueiis, descend
From off the car, and from my shoulder draw

This stinging arrow forth." He said, and down 180

Leap'd from the chariot Sthenelus, and stood

Beside him ; anrl as forth he drew the shaft,

Giish'd out the blood, and dyed the twisted mail.

Then thus the valiant son of Tydeus pray'd :

" Hear me, thou child of aegis-bearing Jove, 185

Unconquer'd ! if amid the deadly fight

Thy friendly aid my father e'er sustain'd.

Let me in turn thy favour find ; and grant

^Yithin my reach and comj)ass of my spear

That man may find himself, Avho imawares 140

Hath wounded me, and vainly boasting deems

1 shall not long behold the light of day."

Thus pray'd the chief, and Pallas heard his pray'r;

To all his limbs, to feet and hands alike.

She gave fresh vigour; and Avith winged words, 145

Beside him as she stood, address'd him thus

" Go fearless onward, Diomed, to meet

The Trojan hosts ; for I within thy breast

Thy father's daimtless courage have infus'd,

 :

142 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book ^

Sucli as of old in Tydeus' bosom dwelt, 150

Bold horseman, buckler-clad; and from thine eyes

The film that dimm'd them I have purg'd away,

That thou mayst Avell 'twixt Gods and men discern.

If then some God make trial of thy force.

With other of th' Immortals fight thou not; 155

But should Jove's daughter Venus dare the fray.

Thou needst not shun at her to cast thy spear."

This said, the blue-ey'd Goddess disappear'd.

Forthwith again amid the foremost ranks

Tydides mingled ; keenly as before IfiO

His spirit against the Trojans bui-n'd to fight.

With threefold fury now he sought the fray.

As when a hungry lion has o'erleap'd

The sheepfold ; him the guardian of the flock

Has wounded, not disabled ; by his wound 165

To rage excited, but not forc'd to fly.

The fold he enters, scares the trembling sheep,

That, closely huddled, each on other press,

Then pounces on his prey, and leaps the fence

So poimc'd Tydides on the Trojan host. 170

Astynous and Hypeiron then he sleAv,

 ;

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 143

His people's guardian; through the breast of one

He drove his spear, and Avith his mighty sword

He smote the other on the collar-bone,

The shoulder sev'ring from the neck and back. 175

Them left he there to lie; of Abas then

And Polyeidus went in hot pursuit.

Sons of Eurydamas, an aged seer,

Whose visions stay'd them not but both were doom'd

;

A prey to valiant Diomed to fall. 180

Xanthus and Thoon then the hero slew,

The sons of Phsenops, children of his age:

He, worn with years, no other sons begot,

Heirs of his wealth ; they two together fell,

And to their father left a load of grief, 185

That fiOm the battle they return'd not home,

And distant kindred all his substance shar'd.

On Chromius and Echemon next he fell.

Two sons of Priam on one chariot borne

And as a lion springs upon a herd, 190

And breaks the neck of heifer or of steer.

Feeding in woodland glade; with sucli a spring

These two, in vain resisting, from tlieir car

 : :

144 HOMEE'S TLIAD. Book V.

Tydides hurl'd ; then stripp'd their arms, and bade

His followers lead their horses to the ships. 195

Him Avhen ^neas saw amid the ranks

Dealing destruction, through the fight and throng

Of spears he plung'd, if haply he might find

The godlike Pandarus; Lycaon's son,

Strong and of courage unreprov'd, he found, 200

And stood before him, and address'd him thus :

" Where, Pandarus, are now thy Avinged shafts.

Thy bow, and well-known skill, Avherein with thee

Can no man here contend? nor Lycia boasts,

Through all her wide-spread plains, a truer aim ; 205

Then raise to Jove thy hands, and with thy shaft

Strike down this chief, whoe'er he be, that thus

Is making fearful havoc in our host,

Relaxing many a warrior's limbs in death

If he be not indeed a God, incens'd 210

Against the Trojans for neglected rites ;

For fearful is the vengeance of a God."

Whom answer'd thus Lycaon's noble son

"^neas, chief and councillor of Troy,

Most like in all respects to Tydeus' son 215

 — ; ; ; ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 145

He seems; his shield I know, ami visor'd helm,

And horses; whether he himself be God,

I cannot tell ; but if he be indeed

The man I think liim, Tydens' valiant son,

He fights not thus without the aid of Heav'n 220

But by his side, his shoulders veil'd in cloud,

Some God attends his steps, and turns away

The shaft that just hath reach'd him ; for ev'n

A shaft I shot, which by the breastplate's joint

Pierc'd his right shoulder through : full sure I deem'd 225

That shaft had sent him to the shades, and yet

It slew him not ; 'tis sure some angry God.

Nor horse have I, nor car on Avhich to mount

But in my sire Lycaon's Avealthy house

Elev'n fair chariots stand, all newly built, 230

Each with its cover ; by the side of each

Two steeds on rye and barley white are fed

And in his well-built house, when here I came,

Lycaon, ag(^d warrior, urg'd me oft,

With horses and with chariots high upborne, 235

To lead the Trojans in the stubborn figlit

I hearken'd not
—'twere better if I had

VOL. I. L
 : ;

146 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

Yet fear'd I lest my horses, wont to feed

In plenty unstinted, by the soldiers' wants

Might of their custom'd forage be depriv'd ;

240

I left them there, and hither came on foot,

And trusting to my bow : vain trust, it seems

Two chiefs already have I struck, the sons

Of Tydeus and of Atrens; Avith true aim

Drawn blood from both, yet but inereas'd their rage. 24.')

Sad was the hour w^hen down from where it hung

I took my bow, and hasting to the aid

Of godlike Hector, hither led my troops;

But shoiud I e'er return, and see again

Mj native land, my wife, my lofty hall, 250

Then may a stranger's sword cut off my head.

If with these hands I shatter not, and l)urn.

The bow that thus hath fail'd me at my need."

Then answer'd thus ^neas, chief of Troy

" Sj)eak thou not thus ; our fortunes shall not change 2.^)5

Till thou and I, with chariot and with horse.

This chief encounter, and his prowess prove;

Then mount my chariot, that thyself mayst see,

Hither and thither, in pursuit or flight,

 : ; ; :

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 147

swift our Trojan horses scour the pkin. 260

So if the victory to Diomed,

The son of Tydeus, should by Jove be fjiv'n.

We yet may safely reach the walls of Troy.

Take thou the whip and reins, while I descend

To fiaht on foot ; or thou the chief engage, 265

And leaA^e to me the conduct of the car."

Whom answer'd thus Lycaon's noble son

" iEneas, of thy horses and thy car

Take thou the charge ; beneath th' accustom'd hand,

With more assurance would they draw the car, 270

If we from Tydeus' son be forc'd to fly

Nor, struck vith panic, and thy voice unheard,

Refuse to bear us from the battle-field

Then should ourselves be slain, and Tydeus' son

In triumph drive thy horses to the ships. 275

But thou thy horses and thy chariot guide.

While I his onset with my lance receive."

Thus saying, on the car they mounted both.

And toAv'rd Tydides urg'd their eager steeds.

Them Sthenelus beheld, the noble son 280

Of Capaneus, and to Tydides cried

L 2
 ; ; ;!

148 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

" Oh son of Tydeus, dearest to my soul,

Two men I see, of might invincible,

Impatient to engage thee ; Pandarus,

Well skill'd in archery, Lycaon's son 285

With him ^neas, great Anchises' son.

Who from immortal Vemis l)oasts his birth.

Then let us timely to the car retreat,

Lest, moving thus amid the foremost ranks,

Thy daringf pay the forfeit of thy life." 290

To whom brave Diomed with stern regard :

" Talk not to me of flight ! I heed thee not

It is not in my nature so to fight

With skulking artifice and faint retreat

My strength is yet unbroken; I. should sliame 295

To monnt the car; but forward will I go

To meet these chiefs' encounter ; for my soul

Pallas forbids the touch of fear to know.

Nor shall their horses' speed procure for both

A safe return, though one escape my arm. 300

This too I say, and bear my Avords in mind

By Pallas' counsel if my hap should be

To slay them both, leave thou my horses here.

 : ; :

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 149

The reins attaching to the chariut-rail,

And seize, and from the Trojans to the ships 305

Drive off the horses in ^Eneas' car

From those descended, Avhich all-seeing Jove

On Tros, for Ganymede his son, bestow'd

AVith these may none beneath the sun compare.

Anchises, King of men, the breed obtain'd 310

By cunning, to the horses sending mares

Without the knowledge of Laomedon.

Six colts were thus engender'd: four of these

In his own stalls he rear'd ; the other two

Gave to ^neas, fear-inspiring chief: 315

These could we win, our praise were great indeed."

Such converse while they held, the twain approach'd,

Their horses urg'd to speed ; then thus began,

To Dionied, l^ycaon's noble son

"Great son of Tydeus, warrior brave and skill'd, 320

My shaft, it seems, has iailVl to reach thy life;

Try we then now what hap attends my spear."

He said ; and, poising, liurl'd his pond'rous spear,

And struck Tydides' shiel<l ; right through the shield

Drove the keen weapon, and the breastplate reach'd. 325

 ; : ;

150 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

Then shouted loud Lycaon's noble son:

" Thou hast it through the flank, nor canst thou long

Survive the blow ;

great glory now is mine."

To whom, unmov'd, the valiant Diomed:

" Thine aim has iail'd, I am not touch'd ; and now 330

I deem we part not hence till one of ye

Glut with his blood th' insatiate Lord of War."

He said : the sj)ear, by Pallas guided, struck

Beside the nostril, underneath the eye

Crash'd through the teeth, and cutting through the tongue

Beneath the angle of the jaw came forth 336

DoAvn from the car he fell; and loudly rang

His glitt'ring arms: aside the startled steeds

Sprang devious: from his limbs the spirit fled.

Down leap'd ^neas, spear and shield in hand, 340

Against the Greeks to guard the valiant dead

And like a lion, fearless in his strength.

Around the corpse he stalk'fl, this way and that.

His spear and buckler round before him held.

To all who dar'd approach him threat'ning death, 345

With fearful shouts; a rocky fragment then

Tydides lifted up, a mighty mass,

 ; ; :

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 151

Which scarce two men could raise, as men are now

But he, unaided, lifted it with ease.

With this he smote j^ineas near the groin, 350

Where the thigh-bone, inserted in the hip.

Turns in the socket-joint; the rugged mass

The socket crush 'd, and both the tendons broke.

And tore away the flesh : down on his knees,

Yet resting on his hand, the hero fell 355

And o'er his eyes the shades of darkness spread.

Then had iEneas, King of men, been slain.

Had not his mother, Venus, child of Jove,

Who to Anchises, where he fed his flocks.

The hero bore, his peril quickly seen: 360

Around her son she throAV her snowy arms.

And with a veil, thick-folded, wrapt him round.

From hostile spears to guard him, lest some Greek

Should pierce his breast, and rob him of his life.

She from the battle thus her son remov'd 3G5

Nor did the son of Capaneus neglect

The strict injunction by Tydides giv'n;

His reins attaching to the chariot-rail,

Far from the battle-din ho chcclc'd, and left.

 ;

152 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

His own fleet steeds; then rushing• forward, seiz'd, 37<>

And from the Trojans tow'rd the camp drove off,

The sleek-skinn'd horses of Eneas' car.

These to Deipylus, his chosen friend,

He gave, of all his comrades best esteem'd,

Of soundest judgment, tow'rd the ships to drive. .375

Then, his car remoimting, seiz'd the reins.

And urg'd with eager haste his fiery steeds,

Seeking Tydides ; he, meauAvhile, press'd on

In keen pursuit of Venus; her he knew

A weak, unwarlike Goddess, not of those 380

That like Bellona fierce, or Pallas, range

Exulting through the blood-stain'd fields of war.

Her, searching through the crowd, at length he found,

And springing forAvard, with his pointed spear

A Avound inflicted on her tender hand. 385

Piercing th' ambrosial veil, the Graces' Avork,

The sharp spear graz'd her palm below the Avrist.

Forth fiOm the wound th' immortal current flow'd.

Pure ichor, life-stream of the blessed Gods

They eat no bread, they drink no ruddy wine, 390

And bloodless thence and deathless they become.

 ;
: ; : ;

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 153

The Goddess shriek'd aloud, and droj)p'd her son

But in his arms Apollo bore him uif

In a thick cloud euvelop'd, lest some Greek

Might pierce his breast, and rob him of his life. 395

Loud shouted brave Tydides, as she fled

" Daughter of Jove, from battle-iields retire

Enough for thee weak Avomeu to delude

If war thou seek'st, the lesson thou shalt learn

[Shall cause thee shudder but to hear it nam'd." loo

Thus he ; but ill at ease, and sorely pain'd,

The Goddess fled: her, Iris, swift as wind.

Caught up, and from the tumult bore aAvay,

Weeping with pain, her fair skin soil'd with blood.

3Iars on the left hand of the battle-field 405

She found, his sjiear reclining by his side,

And, veil'd in cloud, his car and flying steeds.

Kneeling, her brother she besought to lend

The flying steeds, with golden frontlets crown'd

" Dear brother, aid me hence, and lend thy car 4lo

To bear me to Olympus, seat of Gods;

(.Treat is the pain I suff'er from a wound

Receiv'd from Diomed, a mortal man,

 : : :

154 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Who now would dare with Jove himself to fight."

He lent the steeds, with golden frontlets crown'd ; 415

In deep distress she mounted on the car:

Beside her Iris stood, and took the reins. I

And urg'd the coursers; nothing loth, they flew,

And soon to high Olympus, seat of Gods,

They came : swift Iris there the coursers stay'd, 420

Loos'd from the chariot, and before them plac'd

Ambrosial forage: on her mother's lap,

Dione, Venus fell ; she in her arms

Embrac'd, and sooth'd her with her hand, and said

" Which of the heav'nly pow'rs hath wrong'd thee thus, 425

My child, as guilty of some open shame?"

Whom answer'd tlius the laughter-loving Queen

" The haughty son of Tydeus, Diomed,

Hath wounded me, because my dearest son,

^neas, from the field I bore away. 430

No more 'twixt Greeks and Trojans is the fight,

But with the Gods themseh^es the Greeks contend."

To whom Dione, heav'nly Goddess, thus

" Have patience, dearest child ; though much enforc'd,

Restrain thine anger : we, in Heav'n who dwell, 435

 : :

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 155

Have much to bear from mortals ; aud ourselves

Too oft upon each other suif 'rings lay.

Mars had his sufif 'rings ; by Aloeus' sons,

Otus and Ephialtes, strongly bound,

He thirteen months in brazen fetters lay 440

And there had pin'd away the (^od of War,

Insatiate Mars, had not their step-mother,

The beauteous Eribcea, sought the aid

Of Hermes ; he by stealth releas'd the God,

Sore Avorn and wasted by his galling chains. 445

Juno too suffer 'd, Avhen Amphitryon's son

Through her right breast a three-barb'd arrow sent

Dire, and unheard of, were the pangs she bore.

Great Pluto's self the stinging arroAv felt,

When that same son of segis-bearing Jove 450

Assail'd him in the very gates of hell,

And Avrought him keenest anguish ;

pierc'd with pain

To high Olympus, to the courts of Jove,

Groaning, he came ; the bitter shaft remain'd

Deep in his shoulder fix'd, and griev'd his soul. 455

But soon with soothing ointments Pason's hand

(For death on him \vas pow'rless) heal'd the woimd.

 ! ; :

156 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

AceiirsM was ho, of daring over-bold,

Eeckless of evil deeds, who with his l)ow

x\.88aird the Gods, Avho on Olympus dwell. 460

The blue-ey'd Pallas, Avell I know, has iirg'd

Tydides to assail thee ; fool and blind

Unknowing• he how short his term of life

Who fights against the Gods! for him no child

Upon his knees shall lisp a father's name, 4()5

Safe from the war and battle-field return'd.

Brave as he is, let Diomed beware

He meet not with a mightier than himself.

Then fair ^giale, Adrastus' child.

The noble Avife of valiant Diomed, 470

Shall long, with lamentations loud, disturb

The slumbers of her house, and vainly mourn

Her youthful Lord, the bravest of the Greeks."

She said ; and Avip'd the ichor from the wound

The hand was heal'd, the grievous pains allay 'd. 475

But Juno and Minerva, looking on,

With words of bitter mock'ry Saturn's son

Provok'd : and thus the blue-ey'd Goddess spoke

" Father ! may I s])eak without ofience ?

 ;: ;

^ HOMEE'S ILIAD. 157

Venus, it seems, has sought to lead astray 4R0

Some Grecian woman, and persuade to join

Those Trojans, Avhom she holds in high esteem ;

And as her hand the gentle dame caress'd,

A golden clasp has scratch'd her slender arm."

Thus she ; and smil'd the Rire of Gods and men ; 485

He call'd the golden Venus to his side,

And, "Not to thee, my child," he said, " lielong

The deeds of war ; do thou bestow thy care

On deeds of loA'e, and tender marriage ties

But lea\'e to Mars and Pallas feats of arms." 490

Such conA'erse while they held, brave Piomed

Again assail'd vEneas; well he kncAV

Apollo's guardian hand around him thrown

Yet by the God imdaunted, on he press'd

To slay ^Eneas, and his arms obtain. 49)

Thrice was his onset made, Avith murd'rous aim ;

And thrice Apollo struck his glitt'ring shield

But when, with godlike force, he sought to makc^

His fourth attempt, the Far-destroyer spoke

In terms of awful menace: "Be advis'd, 500

Tvdides, and retire ; nor as a God

 : :

158 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Thyself esteem ; since not alike the race

Of Gods immortal and of earth-born men."

He said ; and Diomed a little way

Before the Far-destroyer's wrath retir'd 505

Apollo then ^neas bore away

Far from the tumult; and in Pergamns,

Where stood his sacred shrine. bestoAv'd him safe.

Latona there, and Dian. Archer-Queen,

In the great temple's innermost recess, 510

Gave to his wounds their care, and sooth'd his pride.

Meanwhile Apollo of the silver bow

A phantom form prepar'd, the counterpart

Of great ^Eneas, and alike in arms

Around the form, of Trojans and of Greeks, 515

Loud was the din of battle ; fierce the strokes

That fell on rounded shield of tough bull's-hide,

And lighter targe, before each warrior's breast.

Then thus Apollo to the God of War:

" Mars Mars thou bane of mortals, blood-stain'd Lord,
! ! 520

Razer of cities, wer't not well thyself

To inteq^ose, and from the battle-field

Withdraw this chief, Tydides? such his pride.

 ; "; ; : :

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 159

He now would dare with Jove himself to fight.

Venus, of late, he wounded in the wrist )25

And, like a God, but now confronted me."

He said, and sat on Ilium's topmost height

While Mars, in likeness of the Thracian chief,

Swift Acamas, amid the Trojan ranks

Mov'd to and fro, and urg'd them to the figlit. 5

To Priam's Heav'n-descended sons he call'd

"Ye sons of Priam, Heav'n-descended King,

How long will ye behold your people slain ?

Till to your very doors the war be brought?

^neas, noble-soul'd Anchises' son, 535

In like esteem with Hector held, is down

On to his aid ! our gallant comrade save

!

He said ; his words fresh courage gave to all

Then thus Sarpedon, in reproachful tone,

Address'd the godlike Hector :

" Where is , 540

Hector, the spirit that heretofore was thine?

'Twas once thy boast that ev'n without allies

Thyself, thy ])rethren, and thy house, alone

The city could defend : for all of these

I look in vain, and see not one: thev^ all, 545

 : ;; ; ;

160 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

As curs around a lion, cow'r and croucli

We, strano-ers and allies, maintain the fight.

I to your aid, from lands afar remote,

From Lycia came, by Xanthus' eddying stream

There left a cherish'd wife, and infant son, 550

And rich possessions, which might envy move

Yet I my troops encourage ; and myself

Have play'd my part, though nought have I to lose,

Nought that the Greeks could drive or bear aAvay

But thou stand'st idly by; nor bidd'st the rest 555

Maintain their ground, and guard their wives and homes.

Beware lest ve, as in the meshes caught

Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey

And booty of your foes, who soon shall lay

Your prosp'rous city level Avith the dust. 560

By day and night should this thy thoughts engage,

With constant pray'r to all thy brave allies.

Firmly to stand, and wipe this shame away."

He said ; and Hector felt the biting speech

Down from his car he leap'd ; and through the ranks, 565

Two jav'lins brandishing, he pass'd, to arms

Excitinc: all, and rais'd his battle-crv.

 ; ;

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 161

The tide was tiirn'd; again they fac'd the Greeks:

In serried ranks the Greeks, undaunted, stood.

As when the vind from off a threshing-floor, 570

Where men are winnowing, blows the chaff away

When yellow Ceres Avith the breeze divides

The corn and chaff, Avhich lies in whit'ning heaps;

So thick the Greeks were whiten'd o'er with dust,

Which to the brazen -ault of Heav'n arose 575

Beneath the horses' feet, that with the crowd

\Vere mingled, by their cbivers turn'd to flight.

Unwearied still, they bore the brunt ; but Mars

The Trojans succouring, the battle-field

Veil'd in thick clouds, from ev'ry quarter brought, nso

Thus he of Phoebus of the golden sword

Obey'd th' injimction, bidding him arouse

The coui*age of the Trojans, Avhen he saAv

Pallas approaching to support the Greeks.

Then from the wealthy shrine Apollo's self 585

^neas brought, and vigour fresh infus'd :

Amid his comrades once again he stood

They joy'd to see him yet alive, and sound.

And full of vigour ;

yet no question ask'd :

VOL. I.
 ; ; ; ;;

162 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

No time for question then, amid the toils 590

Impos'd by Phoebus of the silver bow,

And blood-stain'd Mars, and Discord unappeas'd.

Meanwhile Ulysses, and th' Ajaces both.

And Diomed, with courage for the fight

The Grecian force inspir'd ; they undismay'd 595

Shrank not before the Trojans' rush and charge

In masses firm they stood, as Avhen the clouds

Are gather'd round the misty mountain top

By Saturn's son, in breathless calm, Avhile sleep

The force of Boreas and the stormy Avinds, 600

That Avitli their breath the shadowy clouds disperse

So stood the Greeks, nor shunn'd the Trojans' charge.

Through all the army Agamemnon pass'd,

And cried, " Brave comrades, quit ye noAV like men

Bear a stout heart; and in the stubborn fight, 605

Let each to other mutual succour give

By mutual succour more are sav'd than fall

In timid flight nor fame nor safety lies."

Thus he : and straight his jav'lin threw, and struck

A man of mark, Eneas' faithful friend, 610

Deicoon, the son of Pergasus,

 ; ; ;

. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 163

By Troy, as exev foremost in the field,

In equal honour held with Priam's sons.

His shield the monarch Agamemnon struck

The shield's defence Avas ^ain ; the spear pass'd through 615

Beneatli the belt, and in his groin was lodg'd

Thund'ring he fell, and loud his armour rang.

On th' other side, ^neas slew two chiefs,

The bravest of the Greeks, Orsilochus

And Crethon, sons of Diodes, who dwelt 620

In thriving Phera; rich in substance he,

And from the mighty River Alpheus trac'd

His high descent, who through the Pylian land

His copious waters pours; to liim was l)orn

Orsilochus, of num'rous tribes the chief; 625

To him succeeded valiant Diodes;

To whom wore born twin sons, Orsilochus

And Crethon, skill'd in ev'ry point of war.

They, in the vigour of their youth, to Tj-oy

Had sail'd amid tlie dark-ril^b'd ships of Greece, 630

Of At reus' sons the quarrel to uphold

But o'er thorn botli the shades of death were spread.

As two young lions, by their tawny dam

2
 :

164 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book V.

Nurs'd in the mountain forest's deep recess,

On flocks and herds their youthful fury pour, 035

With havoc to the sheepfolds, till themselves

Succumb, o'ermaster'd by the hand of man

So fell these two beneath Eneas' hand,

And like two lofty pines in death they lay.

The warlike Menelaus saw their fall 640

With pitying eye ; and through the foremost ranks

AVith brandish'd spear advanc'd, by Mars impell'd,

Who hop'd his death by great Eneas' hand.

Him Nestor's son, Antilochus, lieheld.

And hasten'd to his aid ; for much he fear'd 645

Lest ill befall the monarch, and his death

Deprive them of their warlike labours' fruit.

They two, with force combin'd of hand and spear,

Press'd onward to the fight; Antilochus

His station keeping close beside the King. 650

Before the two combin'd, ^neas fear'd,

Bold warrior as he was, to hold his ground.

The slain they drew within the Grecian lines,

Plac'd in their comrades' hands, and turning back

Amid the foremost mingled in the fray. G55

 ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 165

Then, brave as Mars, Pylaemenes they slew,

The buckler'd Paphlagonians' warlike chief j

Hira Menelaus, hand to hand engag'd,

Pierc'd with a spear-thrust through the collar-bone

While, with a pond'rous stone, Antilochus GGO

Full on the elbow smote Atymnius' son,

My don, his charioteer, in act to turn

His fiery steeds to flight; down from his hands

Fell to the ground the iv'ry-mounted reins.

On rush'd xintilochus, and with his sword G65

Across the temples smote him ;

gasping, he

Upon his neck and shoulders from the car

Pitch'd headlong; and (for there the sand was dee}))

Awhile stood balanc'd, till the horses' feet

Dash'd him upon the ground ; Antilochus, G70

The horses seizing, drove them to the ships.

Hector beheld athwart the ranks, and rush'd.

Loud shouting, to th' encounter; at his back

FolloAv'd the thronging bands of Troy, by Mars

And fierce Bellona led : she by the hand 675

Wild Uproar held; while Mars a giant spear

Brandish'd aloft; and stalking now before.

 : : ;

166 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

Now folloAviug after Hector, urg'd them ou.

Quail'd at the sight the valiant Dionied

As when a man, long journeying o'er the phxin, 680

All unprepar'd, stands sudden on the brink

Of a swift stream, down rushing to the sea,

Boiling with foam, and back recoils ; so then

Kecoil'd Tydides, and address'd the crowd

" friends, we marvel at the might display 'd 685

By Hector, spearman skill'd and warrior bold

But still some guardian God his steps attends,

And shields from danger ; now beside him stands.

In likeness of a mortal, Mars himself.

Then turning still your faces to your foes, 690

Retire, nor venture with the Gods to fight."

He said ; the Trojans now were close at hand,

And, mounted both upon a single car.

Two chiefs, Menesthes and Anchialus,

Well skill'd in war, by Hector's hand were slain. 695

With pitying eyes great Ajax Telamon

Beheld their fall; advancing close, he threw

His glitt'ring spear; the son of Selagus

It struck, Amphius. who in Psesus dwelt,

 ; ; ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 167

lu land and substance rich ; by evil fate 700

Impell'd, to Priam's house he brought his aid.

BeloAV the belt the spear of Ajax struck,

And in his groin the point was buried deep

Thund'ring he fell ; then forward Ajax sprang

To seize the spoils of war ; but fast and fierce 705

The Trojans show'r'd their weapons bright and keen,

And many a lance the mighty shield receiv'd.

Ajax, his foot firm planted on the slain,

WithdreAV the brazen spear ;

yet could not strip

His armour off, so galling flew the shafts 710

And much he fear'd the foes might hem him in.

Who closely press'd upon him, many and brave

And, valiant as he was, and tall, and strong,

Still drove him backward ; he perforce retir'd.

Thus labour'd they amid the stubborn fight. 715

Then evil fate induc'd Tlepolemus,

Valiant and strong, the son of Hercules,

Heav'n-born Sarpedon to confront in fight.

When near they came, of cloud-compelling Jove

Grandson and son, Tlepolemus began : 720

" Sarpedon, Lycian chief, what brings thee here,

 :

168 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Trembling and crouching, all unskill'd in war?

Falsely they speak who fable thee the son

Of aegis-bearing Jove ; so far art thou

I
Beneath their mark who claim'd in elder days 725

That royal lineage: such my father was,

Of courage resolute, of lion heart.

With but six ships, and with a scanty band.

The horses by Laomedon withheld

Avenging, he o'erthrew this city, Troy, 730

And made her streets a desert ; but thy soul

Is poor, thy troops are wasting fast away;

Nor deem I that the Trojans will in thee

(Ev'n were thy valour more) and Lycia's aid

Their safeguard find; but vanquish'd by my hand, 735

This day the gates of Hades thou shalt pass."

To whom the Lycian chief, Sarpedon, thus

" Tlepolemus, the sacred walls of Troy

Thy sire o'erthrew, by folly of one man,

Laomedon, who with injurious words 740

His noble service recompens'd ; nor gave

The promis'd steeds, for which he came fiOm far.

For thee, I deem thou now shalt meet thy doom

 ; ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 1G9

Here, at my hand ; on thee my spear shall win

Renown for me, thy soul to Hades send." 745

Thus as Sarpedon spoke, Tlepolemus

Uprais'd his ashen spear; from both their hands

The pond'rous weapons simultaneous flew.

Full in the throat Tlepolemus receiv'd

Sarpedon's spear; right through the neck it pass'd, 750

And o'er his eyes the shades of death were spread.

On th' other side his spear Sarpedon struck

On the left thigh ; the eager weapon pass'd

Eight through the flesh, and in the bone was fljx'd

The stroke of death his father turn'd aside. 755

Sarpedon from the field his comrades bore,

By pain o'erpow'r'd, as at the spear they tugg'd

None had the skill the weapon to Avithdraw,

Which baffled all their efforts on the car

To place him: thus they labour'd, but in vain. 760

The Greeks too fi-om the battle-field convey 'd

The slain Tlepolemus; Ulysses saw,

Patient of spirit, but deeply mov'd at heart;

And with conflicting thoughts his breast was torn,

If first he should pursue the Thimd'rer's son, 7G5

 ; ; : ; : :

170 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Or deal destruction on the Lycian host.

But fate had not decreed the valiant son

Of Jove to fall beneath Ulysses' hand

So on the Lycians Pallas turn'd his wrath.

Alastor then, and Coeranus he slew, 770

Chromius, Alcander, Halius, Prytanis,

Noemon; nor had ended then the list

Of Lycian warriors by Ulysses slain

But Hector of the glancing helm beheld

Through the front ranks he rush'd, with burnish'd crest 775

Kesplendei;it, flashing terror on the Greeks;

With joy Sarpedon saAV his near approach,

And Avith imploring tones address'd him thus

" Hector, thou son of Priam, leave me not

A victim to the Greeks, but lend thine aid 780

Then in your city let me end my days

For not to me is giv'n again to see

My native land ; or, safe returning home,

To glad my sorrowing wife and infant child,"

Thus he : but Hector, ansAv'ring not a word, 785

Pass'd on in silence, hasting to pursue

The Greeks, and pour destruction on their host.

 :

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 171

Beneath the oak of segis-bearing Jove

His faithful comrades laid Sarpedon down,

And from his thigh the valiant Pelagon, 790

His lov'd companion, cbew the ashen spear.

He swoon'd, and giddy mists o'erspread his eyes

But soon reviv'd, as on his forehead blew.

While yet he gasp'd for breath, the cooling breeze.

By Mars and Hector of the brazen helm 795

The Greeks hard-press'd, yet fled not to their ships,

Nor yet sustain'd the fight; but back retir'd

Soon as they learn'd the presence of the God.

Say then Avho first, who last, the prowess felt

Of Hector, Priam's son, and mail-clad Mars ? 800

The godlike Teuthras first, Orestes next.

Bold charioteer ; th' -^tolian spearman skill'd,

Trechus, Qinomaus, and Helenus,

The son of CEnops; and Oresbius, girt

With sparkling girdle ; he in Hyla dwelt, 805

The careful Lord of boundless wealth, beside

Cephisus' marshy banks ; Bceotia's chiefs

Around him dAvelt, on fat and fertile soil.

Juno, the white-arm'd Queen, who saw these two

 ::

172 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

The Greeks destroying in the stubborn fight, 810

To Pallas thus her winged words address'd

" Heav'n ! bra\^e child of aBgis-bearing Jove,

Vain Avas our word to Menelaus giv'n,

That he the well-built walls of Troy should raze,

And safe retui-n, if unrestrain'd we leave 815

Ferocious Mars to urge his mad career.

Come then; let us too mingle in the fi'ay."

She said: and Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid, complied.

Offspring of Saturn, Juno, heav'nly Queen,

HerseK th' immortal steeds caparison'd, 820

Adom'd with golden frontlets: to the car

Hebe the circling wheels of brass attach'd,

Eight-spok'd, that on an iron axle turn'd ;

The felloes were of gold, and fitted round

With brazen tires, a marvel to behold; 825

The naves were silver, rounded ev'ry way :

The chariot-board on gold and silver ])ands

Was hung, and round it ran a double rail

The pole was all of silver; at the end

A golden yoke, with golden yoke-bands fair: 830

And Juno, all on fire to join the fray,

 : ;: ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 173

Beneath the yoke the flying coursers led.

Pallas, the child of aegis-bearing Jove,

AVithin her father's threshold dropp'd her veil,

Of airy texture, work of her own hands; 835

The cuirass donn'd of cloud-compelling Jove,

And stood accoutred for the bloody fi-ay.

Her tassell'd tegis round her shoulders next

She threw, with Terror circled all around

xind on its face were flgur'd deeds of arms, 840

And Strife, and Courage high, and panic Rout

There too a Gorgon's head, of monstrous size,

Frown'd terrible, portent of angry Jove

iVnd on her head a golden helm she plac'd.

Four-crested, double-peak'd, whose ample verge 845

A hundred cities' champions might suffice

Her flery car she mounted : in her hand

A spear she bore, long, weighty, tough ; Avherewith

The miglity daughter of a mighty sire

Sweeps down the ranks of those her hate pursues. 850

Then Juno sharj)ly toucli'd the flying steeds;

Fortliwith the gates of Heav'n their portals wide

Spontaneous open'd, guarded by the Hours,

 : :

174 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book ^

Who Heav'n and high Olympus have in charge

To roll aside, or draw the veil of cloud. 855

Through these th' excited horses held their way.

They found the son of Saturn, from the Gods

Sitting apart, upon the highest crest

Of many-ridg'd Olympus ; there arriv'd,

The white-arm'd Goddess Juno stay'd her steeds, 80

And thus address'd the Sov'reign Lord of Heav'n

" Father Jove ! canst thou behold immov'd

The violence of Mars ? how many Greeks,

Eeckless and uncontroU'd, he hath destroy 'd ;

To me a source of bitter grief; meanwhile 865

Venus and Phoebus of the silver bow

Look on, well pleas'd, Avho sent this madman forth,

To whom both \ and justice are unknoAvn.

Say, Father Jove, shall I thine anger move.

If with disgrace I drive him from the field?" 870

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied

"Go, send against him Pallas; she, I know,

Hath oft inflicted on him grievous j^ain."

He said : the white-arm'd Queen with joy obey'd :

She urg'd her horses; nothing loth, they flew 875

I
BookV. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 175

Midway between the earth and starry Heav'n :

Far as his sight extends, who from on high

Looks from his watch-tow'r o'er the dark-bhie sea,

So for at once the neighing horses bound.

But when to Troy they came, beside the streams 880

Where Simois' and Scamander's Avaters meet.

The Avhite-arm'd Goddess stay'd her flying steeds,

Loos'd fr-om the car, and veil'd in densest cloud.

For them, at bidding of the river-God,

Ambrosial forage grew : the Goddesses, 885

Swift as the wild wood-pigeon's rapid flight,

Sped to the battle-field to aid the Greeks.

But when they reach'd the thickest of the fray,

Where throng'd around the might of Diomed

The bravest and the best, as lions fierce, 890

Or forest-boars, the mightiest of their kind.

There stood the white-arm'd Queen, and call'd aloud,

In form of Stentor, of the brazen voice,

Whose shout was as the shout of fifty men :

" Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards ! brave alone 895

In outward semblance ; while Achilles yet

Went forth to battle, from the Dnrdan gates

 : :

176 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book V.

The Trojans never ventur'd to advance,

So dreaded they his pond'rous spear; but now

Far from the walls, beside your ships, they fight." 900

She said : her words their drooping courage rous'd.

Meanwhile the blue-ey'd Pallas went in haste

In search of Tydeus' son ; beside his car

She found the King, in act to cool the wound

Inflicted by the shaft of Pandarus 905

Beneath his shield's broad belt the clogging sweat

Oppress'd him, and his arm was faint with toil;

The belt was lifted up, and from the wound

He wip'd the clotted blood : beside the car

The Goddess stood, and touch'd the yoke, and said : 910

"Little like Tydeus' self is Tydeus' son:

Low Avas his stature, but his spirit was high:

And ev'n when I from combat rashly wag'd

Would fain have kept him back, Avhat time in Thebes

He found himself, an envoy and alone, 915

Without support, among the Thebans all,

I couusell'd him in i^eace to share the feast

But by his own imj^etuous coui'age led.

He challenff'd all the Thebans to contend

^ HOMER'S ILIAD. 177

With him in wrestling, and o'erthrew them all 920

^^'ith ease ; so mighty was the aid I gave.

Thee now I stand beside, and guard from harm,

And bid thee boldly with the Trojans tight.

But, if the labours of the battle-field

O'ertask thy limbs, or heartless fear restrain, 925

No issue thou of valiant Tydeus' loins."

Whom answer'd thus the valiant Piomed:

"I know thee. Goddess, who thou art; the child

Of aegis-bearing Jove : to thee my mind

I freely speak, nor aught will I conceal. 930

Nor heartless fear, nor hesitating doubt.

Restrain me ; but I bear thy worfls in mind,

With other of th' Immortals not to fight:

But should Jove's daughter, Venus, dare the fray,

At her I need not shun to throw my spear. 935

Therefore I thus withdrew, and others too

Exhorted to retire, since Mars himself

I saw careering o'er the battle-field."

To whom the blue-ey'd Goddess, Pallas, thus:

"Thou son of Tydeus, dearest to my soul, 940

Fear now no more with Mars himseK to fight,

VOL. I.
 :

178 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

Nor other God; such aid will I bestow.

Come then; at him the first direct thy car;

Encomiter Avith him hand to hand ; nor fear

To strike this madman, this incarnate curse, 945

This shameless renegade; who late agreed

AVith Juno and with me to combat Troy,

And aid the Grecian cause ; Avho now appears,

The Greeks deserting, in the Trojan ranks."

Thus Pallas spoke, and stretching forth her hand, 950

Backward his comrade Sthenelus she drew

From off the chariot ; down in haste he sprang.

His place beside the valiant Diomed

The eager Goddess took; beneath the weight

Loud groan'd the oaken axle ; for the car 955

A mighty Goddess and a Hero bore.

Then Pallas took the Avhip and reins, and urg'd

Direct at Mars the fiery coursers' speed.

The bravest of th' ^tolians, Periphas,

Ochesius' stalwart son, he just had slain, 90

And stood in act to strip him of his arms.

The helmet then of Darkness Pallas donu'd,

To hide her presence from the sight of ]\[ars

 : : :

BookV. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 179

But when the blood-stain'd God of War beheld

Afh'ancmg tow'rd him godlike Diomed, 965

The corjise of stalwart Periphas he left,

There where he fell, to lie ; while he himself

Of valiant Diomed th' encounter met.

When near they came, first Mars his pond'rous spear

Ad'anc'd beyond the yoke and horses' reins, 970

murd'rous aim ; but Pallas from the car

Turn'd it aside, and foil'd the vain attempt.

Then Diomed thrust forward in his turn

His pond'rous spear ; low on the flank of IMars,

Guided by Pallas, Avith successful aim, 975

Just where the belt was girt, the weapon struck

It pierc'd the flesh, and straight was back withdrawn

Then Mars cried out aloud, Avith such a shout

As if nine thousand or ten thousand men

Should simultaneous raise their battle-cry 980

Trojans and Greeks alike in terror heard,

Trembling; so fearful was the cry of Mars.

As black with clouds appears the darken'd air.

When after heat the blust'ring winds arise,

So Mars to valiant Diomed appear'd, 985

2
 ; : :

180 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book V.

As in thick clouds he took his heav'nward flight.

"With speed he came to great Olympus' heights,

Th' abode of Grods; and sitting by the throne

Of Saturn's son, with anguish torn, he show'd

Th' immortal stream that trickled from the wound, 990

And thus to Jo\'e his piteous words address'd

" Father Jove, canst thou behold unmov'd

These acts of violence? the greatest ills

We Gods endure, we each to other owe

Who still in human quarrels interpose. 905

Of thee we all complain; thy senseless child

Is ever on some evil deed intent.

The other Gods, who on Olympus dwell,

Are all to thee obedient and submiss

But thy pernicious daughter, nor by word 1000

Nor deed dost thou restrain ; who now excites

Th' o'erbearing son of Tydeus, Diomed,

Upon th' immortal Gods to vent his rage.

Venus of late he wounded in the wrist,

And, as a God, but now encounter'd me 1005

Barely I 'scap'd by swiftness of my feet;

Else, 'mid a ghastly heap of corpses slain.

 : ;

BookV. HOMER'S ILIAD. 181

In anguish had I hiin; and, if alive,

Yet liv'd disabled by his weapon's stroke."

Whom answer'd thus the Cloud-compeller, Jove, 1010

With look indignant :

" Come no more to me,

Thou wav'ring turncoat, with thy whining pray'rs

Of all the Gods who on Olympus dwell

I hate thee most; for thou delight'st in nought

But strife and war ; thou hast inherited 1015

Thy mother, Juno's, proud, imbending mood,

Whom I can scarce control; and thou, methinks.

To her suggestions ow'st thy present plight.

Yet since thou art my oflfspring, and to me

Thy mother bore thee, I must not permit 1020

That thou shouldst long be dooni'd to suffer pain

But had thy birth been other than it is.

For thy misdoings thou hadst long ere now

Been banish'd fi-om the Gods' companionship."

He said : and straight to Pa3on gave command 1025

To heal the woimd ; with soothing anodynes

He heal'd it quickly ; soon as liquid milk

Is curdled by the fig-tree's juice, and turns

In whirling flakes, so soon was heal'd the wound.

182 HOMEli'S ILIAD. Book V.

By Hebe bath'd, and rob'd afresh, he sat 1030

In health and strength restor'd, by Saturn's son.

Mars thus arrested in his murd'rous course.

Together to th' abode of Jove return'd

The Queen of Argos and the blue-ey'd Maid. 1034

«
Book VI. HOMER'S ILIAD. I8;i

BOOK VI.

THE Gods had left the tieM, and o'er the plain

Hither and thither surg'd the tide of war,

As couch'd th' opposing chiefs their brass-tipp'd spears,

Midway 'tAvixt Simois' and Scamander's streams.

First through the Trojan phalanx broke his way

The son of Telamon, the prop of Greece,

Tlie mighty Ajax ; on his friends the light

Of triumph shedding, as Eusorus' son

He smote, the noblest of the Thracian bands.

Valiant and strong, the gallant Acamas. lo

Full in the front, beneath the plumed helm,

'I'he sharp spear struck, and crashing through the bone,

The warrior's eyes were clos'd in endless night.

Next valiant Diomed Axylus slew.

The son of Teuthranes, who had his home 15

In fair Arisba; rich in substance he,

And lov'd of all ; for, dwelling near the road,

 ; ;

184 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

He op'd to all his hospitable gate

But none of all he entertainVl was there

To Avard aside the bitter doom of death: 20

There fell they both, he and his charioteer,

Calesius, who athwart the battle-field

His chariot drove ; one fate o'ertook them both.

Then Dresus and Opheltius of their arms

Euryalus despoil'd ; his hot pursuit 25

vEsepus next, and Pedasus assail'd.

Brothers, whom Abarbarea, Naiad nymph,

To bold Bucolion bore ; Bucolion, son

Of great Laomedon, his eldest born.

Though bastard : he upon the mountain side, 30

On Avhich his flocks he tended, met the nymph.

And of their secret loves twin sons were born

Whom at once Euryalus of strength

And
By
life depriv'd, and of their armour

Polypoetes' hand, in battle strong,

stripp'd.

35
I
Was slain Astyalus ; Pidutes fell,

Chief of Percote, by Ulysses' spear;

And Teucer godlike Aretaon slew.

Antilochus, the son of Nestor, smote

Book VI. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 185

With gleaming lance Ablerus; Elatiis 40

By Agamemnon, King of men, was slain,

dwelt by Satnois' widely-flowing stream,

Upon the lofty heights of Pedasus.

13y Leitus was Phylacus in flight

O'erta'en; Eurypylus ]Melanthiiis slew. 45

Then Menelaus, good in battle, took

Adrastus captiA• e ; for his horses, scar'd

And rushing wildly o'er the plain, amid

The tangled tamarisk scrub his chariot broke,

Snapping the pole ; they with the flying crowd 50

Held city-ward their coui'se; he from the car

Hurl'd headlong, prostrate lay beside the wheel,

Prone on his face in dust ; and at his side.

Poising his mighty spear, Atrides stood.

Adrastus clasp'd his knees, and suppliant cried, 55

" Spare me, great son of Atreus ! for my life

Accept a price; my wealthy lather's house

A goodly store contains of brass, and gold.

And well-Avrought iron ; and of these he fain

Would pay a noble ransom, could he hear oo

That in the Grecian ships I yet surviv'd."

 ; ; ! ;

186 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

His words to pity mov'd the victor's breast

Then liud he bade his followers to the ships

The captive bear ; but running up in haste,

Fierce Agamemnon cried in stern rebuke; 65

" Soft-hearted Menelaus, Avhy of life

kSo tender ? Hath thy house receiv'd indeed

Nothing but benefits at Trojan hands ?

Of that abhorred race, let not a man

Escape the deadly vengeance of our arms 70

No, not the infant in its mother's womb

No, nor the fugitive ; but be they all.

They and their city, utterly destroy 'd,

Uncar'd for, and from mem'ry blotted out."

Thus as he spoke, his counsel, fraught with death, 75

His brother's purpose chang'd: he with, his hand

Adrastus thrust aside, whom with his lance

Fierce Agamemnon through the loins transfix'd;

And, as he roU'd in death, ujjon his breast

Planting his foot, the ashen spear Avithdrew. 80

Then loudly Nestor shouted to the Greeks:

" Friends, Grecian heroes, ministers of Mars

Loiter not now behind, to throw yourselves

 ;

Book VI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 187

Upon the prey, and bear it to the ships;

Let all your aim be now to kill ; anon 85

Ye may at leisure spoil your slaughter'd foes."

With words like these he fir'd the blood of all.

Now had the Trojans by the warlike Greeks

In coward flight within their walls been driv'n

But to ^Eneas and to Hector thus 90

The son of Priam, Helenus, the best

Of all the Trojan seers, address'd his speech :

" ^neas, and thou Hector, since on you,

Of all the Trojans and the Lyciau hosts,

Is laid the heaviest burthen, for that ye 95

Excel alike in council and in fight,

Stand here awhile, and moving to and fro

On ev'ry side, around the gates exhort

The troops to rally, lest they fall disgrac'd,

Flying for safety to their women's arms, too

And foes, exulting, triumph in their shame.

Their courage thus restor'd, worn as we are,

We with the Greeks will still maintain the fight,

For so, perforce, we must; but. Hector, thou

Haste, to the city ; there our mother find, 105

 ; ; ; :

188 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VI.

Both thine and mine; on Ilium's topmost height

By all the aged dames accompanied,

Bid her the shrine of blue-ey'd Pallas seek

Unlock the sacred gates ; and on the knees

Of fair-hair'd Pallas place the fairest robe lio

In all the house, the amplest, best esteem'd

And at her altar vow to sacrifice

Twelve yearling kine that never felt the goad,

So she have pity on the Trojan state.

Our wives, and helpless babes, and turn away 115

The fiery son of Tydeus, spearman fierce,

The Minister of Terror ; bravest he.

In my esteem, of all the Grecian chiefs

For not Achilles' self, the prince of men,

Though Goddess-born, such dread inspir'd ; so fierce 120

His rage; and with his prowess none may vie."

He said, nor uncomplying. Hector heard

His brother's counsel ; from his car he leap'd

In arms upon the plain ; aiid brandish'd high

His jav'lins keen, and moving to and fro 125

The troops encourag'd, and restor'd the fight.

Rallying they turn'd, and fac'd again the Greeks

 :

Book VI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 189

These ceas'd from slaughter, and in turn gave way,

Deeming that from the starry Heav'n some God

Had to the rescue come ; so fierce they turn'd. 130

Then to the Trojans Hector call'd aloud

" Ye valiant Trojans, and renoAvn'd Allies,

Quit you like men; remember now, bra^e friends.

Your wonted valour ; I to Hium go

To bid our wives and rev'reud Elders raise l^.S

To Heav'n their pray'rs, with vows of hecatombs."

Thus saying. Hector of the glancing helm

Turn'd to depart; and as he mov'd along,

The black buU's-hide his neck and ancles smote,

The outer circle of his bossy shield. 140

Then Tydeus' son, and Glaucus, in the midst.

Son of Hippolochus, stood forth to fight;

But when they near were met, to Glaucus first

The valiant Diomed his speech address'd:

" AVho art thou, boldest man of mortal birth? 145

For in the glorious conflict heretofore

I ne'er have seen thee ; but in daring now

Thou far sui-passest all, who hast not fear'd

To face my spear; of most unhappy sires

 :

190 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

The chilflren they, who my encounter meet. 150

But if from Heav'n thou com'st, and art indeed

A God, I fight not with the heav'nly powers.

Not long did Dryas' son, I^ycurgus brave,

SurA^ve, who dar'd th' Immortals to defy:

He, 'mid their frantic orgies, in the groves 155

Of lovely Nyssa, put to shameful rout

The youthful Bacchus' nurses; they, in fear,

Dropp'd each her thyrsus, scatter'd by the hand

Of fierce Lycurgus, with an ox-goad arm'd.

Bacchus himself beneath the ocean wave 160

In terror plung'd, and, trembling, refuge found

In Thetis' bosom from a mortal's threats:

The Gods indignant saw, and Saturn's son

Smote him with blindness; nor surviv'd he long,

Hated alike by all th' immortal Gods. 105

I dare not then the blessed Gods oppose;

But be thou mortal, and the fruits of earth

Thy food, approach, and quickly meet thy doom."

To whom the noble Glaucus thus replied

''
Great son of Tydeus, why my race enquire ? 170

The race of man is as the race of leaves:

BookVI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 191

Of leaves, one generation by the wind

Is scatter 'd on the earth ; another soon

In sprinii's hixuriant verdure bursts to light.

So with our race; these flourish, those decay. 175

But if thou wouldst in truth enquire and learn

The race I spring from, not unknown of men ;

There is a city, in the deep recess

Of pastoral Argos, Ephyre by name :

There Sisyphus of old his dwelling had, 180

Of mortal men the craftiest ; Sisyphus,

The sou of ^olus ; to him Avas born

Glaucus ; and Glaucus in his turn begot

Bellerophon, on whom the Gods bestoAv'd

The gifts of beauty and of manly grace. 185

But Proetus sought his death ; and, mightier far,

From all the coasts of Argos drove him forth,

To Prcetus subjected by Jove's decree.

For him the monarch's wife, Anttea, nurs'd

A madd'ning passion, and to guilty love 190

Would lain have tempted him ; but fail'tl to move

The upright soul of chaste Bellerophon.

With lying words she then address'd the King:

 ; :; ;

192 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book ^.

' Die, Proetus, thou, or slay Bellerophon,

TV^ho basely sought my honour to assail.' 195

The King Avith anger listen'd to her words;

Slay him he would not ; that his soul abhorr'd

But to the father of his wife, the King

Of Lycia, sent him forth, with tokens charg'd

Of dire import, on folded tablets trac'd, 200

Pois'ning the monarch's mind, to work his death.

To Lycia, guarded by the Gods, he went;

But when he came to Lycia, and the streams

Of Xanthus, there with hospitable rites

The King of wide-spread Lycia welcom'd him. 205

Nine days he feasted him, nine oxen slew

But Avith the tenth return of rosy morn

He question'd him, and for the tokens ask'd

He from his son-in-law, from Proetus, bore.

The tokens' fatal import understood, 210

He bade him first the dread Chimasra slay

A monster, sent from Heav'n, not human born,

With head of lion, and a serpent's tail.

And body of a goat ; and from her mouth

There issued flames of fiercely-burning fire 215

 ;

Book ^. HOMER'S ILIAR 193

Yet her, confidiiig• in the Gods, he sleAV.

Next, with the valiant Solymi he fought,

The fiercest fight that e'er he undertook.

Thirdly, the women-warriors he o'erthrew.

The Amazons ; fiOm whom retm-ning home, 220

The King another stratagem devis'd ;

For, choosing out the best of Lycia's sons.

He set an ambush ; they return'd not home,

For all by brave Bellerophon were slain.

But, by his valour when the King perceiv'd 225

His heav'nly birth, he entertain'd him well

Gave him his daughter ; and with her the half

Of all his royal honours he bestow'd :

A portion too the Lycians meted out.

Fertile in corn and wine, of all the state 230

The choicest land, to be his heritage.

Three children there to brave Bellerophon

Were born ; Isander, and Hippolochus,

Laodamia last, belov'd of Jove,

The Lord of counsel ; and to him she bore 235

Godlike Sarpedon of the brazen helm.

Bellerophon at length the wrath inciuT'd

VOL•. I.
 : ;
: ; ; :

194 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

Of all the Gods ; and to th' Aleian plain

Alone he wander'd ; there he wore away

His soul, and shunn'd the busy haunts of men. 240

Insatiate Mars his son Isander slew

In battle with the valiant Solymi

His daughter perish'd by Diana's wrath.

I from Hippolochus my birth derive:

To Troy he sent me, and enjoin'd me oft 245

To aim at highest honours, and surpass

My comrades all ; nor on my father's name

Discredit bring, who held the foremost place

In Ephyre, and Lycia's Avide domain.

Such is my race, and such the blood I boast." 250

He said ; and Diomed re;joicing heard

His spear he planted in the fruitful ground,

And thus with friendly words the chief address'd

" By ancient ties of friendship are we bound

For godlike (Eneus in his house receiv'd 255

For twenty days the brave Bellerophon

They many a gift of friendship interchang'd ;

A belt, with crimson glowing, CEneus gave

Bellerophon a double cup of gold.

 ;; : ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 195

Which in my house I left Avhen here I came. 200

Of Tydeus no remembrance I retain

For yet a child he left me, when he fell

With his iVchaians at the gate of Thebes.

So I in Argos am thy friendly host

Thou mine in Lycia, when I thither come 265

Then shun we, ev'n amid the thickest fight,

Each other's lance ; enough there are for me

Of Trojans and their brave allies to kill.

As Heav'n may aid me, and my speed of foot

And Greeks enough there are for thee to slay, 270

If so indeed thou canst ; but let us now

Our armour interchange, that these may know

What friendly bonds of old our houses join."

Thus as they spoke, they quitted each his car;

Clasp'd hand in hand, and plighted mutual faith. 275

Then Glaucus of his judgment Jove depriv'd,

His armour interchanging, gold for brass,

A hundred oxen's worth for tliat of nine.

Meanwliile, when Hector reachVl the oak beside

The Scsean gate, around him throng'd the wives 280

Of Troy, and daughters, anxious to enquire

2
 ;; ;

196 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

The fate of children, brothers, husLaiifls, friends

He to the Gods exhorted all to pray,

For deep the sorrows that o'er many hung•.

But when to Priam's splendid house he came, 285

With polish'd corridors adorn'd — within

Were fifty chambers, all of polish'd stone,

Plac'd each by other; there the fifty sons

Of Priam with their wedded wives repos'd

On th' other side, within the court were built 290

Twelve chambers, near the roof, of polish'd stone,

Plac'd each by other ; there the sons-in-law

Of Priam with their spouses chaste repos'd

To meet him there his tender mother came,

And with her led the young Laodice, 295

Fairest of all her daughters; clasping then

His hand, she thus address'd him :

" Why, my son.

Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle-field?

Are Trojans by those hateful sons of Greece,

Fighting around the city, sorely press'd ? 300

And com'st thou, by thy spirit mov'd, to raise.

On Ilium's heights, thy hands in pray'r to Jove?

But tarry till I bring the luscious wine,

 ; ;

. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 197

That first to JoA'e, aud to tli' Immortals all,

Thou mayst thine off 'ring pom• then ; Avith the draught 305

Thyself thou mayst refresh; for great the strength

Which gen'rous Avine imparts to men who toil,

As thou hast toil'd, thy comrades to protect."

To Avhom great Hector of the glancing helm :

" No, not for me, mine honour'd mother, pour 310

The luscious wine, lest thou imnerve my limbs,

And make me all my wonted prowess lose.

The ruddy wine I dare not pour to Jove

With hands unwash'd ; nor to the cloud-girt son

Of Saturn may the A^ice of pray'r ascend 315

From one Avith blood bespatter'd and defil'd.

Thou, Avitli the ehler wOmen, seek the shrine

Of Pallas ; bring your gifts ; and on the knees

Of fair-hair'd Pallas place the fairest robe

In all the house, the amplest, best esteem'd 320

And at her altar vow to sacrifice

Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad

So she have pity on the Trojan state.

Our Avives, and helpless babes; and turn away

The fiery son of Tydeus, spearman fierce, 325

1U8 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VI.

The Minister of Terror ; to the shrine

Of Pallas thou; to Paris I, to call

If haply he hear; would that the earth

Would gape and swallow him ! for great the curse

That Jove through him hath brought on men of Troy, 330

On noble Priam, and on Priam's sons.

Could I but know that he were in his grave,

Methinks my sorrows I could half forget."

He said: she, to the house returning, sent

Th' attendants through the city, to collect 335

The train of aged suppliants; she meanwhile

Her fragrant chamber sought, wherein were stor'd

Rich garments, by Sidonian women work'd.

Whom godlike Paris had from Sidon brought,

Sailing the broad sea o'er, the selfsame path 340

By which the high-born Helen he convey'd.

Of these, the richest in embroidery.

The amplest, and the brightest, as a star

Kefulgent, plac'd with care beneath the rest.

The Queen her off 'ring bore to Pallas' shrine : 345

She went, and with her many an ancient dame.

But when the shrine they reach'd on Ilium's height,

 ; :

Book VI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 199

Theano, feir of lace, the gates imlock'd,

Daughter of Cisseiis, sage Antenor's wife,

By Trojans nam'd at PaUas' shrine to serve. 350

They with deep moans to Pallas rais'd their hands;

But fair Theano took the robe, and plac'd

On Pallas' knees, and to the heav'nly Maid,

Daughter of Jove, she thus address'd her pray'r

" Guardian of cities, Pallas, awful Queen, 355

Goddess of Goddesses, break thou the spear

Of Tydeus' son ; and grant that he himself

Prostrate before the Scssan gates may fall

So at thine altar will we sacrifice

Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad, 360

If thou have pity on the state of Troy,

The Avives of Trojans, and their helpless babes."

Thus she ; but Pallas answer'd not her pray'r.

While thus they call'd upon the heav'nly Maid,

Hector to Paris' mansion bent his way ;

3G5

A noble structure, which himself had built

Aided by all the best artificers

Who in the fertile realm of Troy were knoAvn ;

With chambers, hall, and court, on Ilium's height,

 ; ; ;;;

200 HOMEli'S ILIAD. VI.

Near to where Priam's self and Hector (hvelt. 370

There enter'd Hector, well belov'd of Jove

And in his hand his pond'rous spear he bore,

Twelve cubits long ; bright flash'd the weapon's point

Of polish'd brass, with circling hoop of gold.

There in his chamber found he whom he sought, 375

About his armour busied, polishing

His shield, his breastplate, and his bended bow.

While Argive Helen, 'mid her maidens plac'd.

The skilful labours of their hands o'erlook'd.

To him thus Hector with reproachful words 380

" Thou dost not well thine anger to indulge

In battle roimd the city's lofty wall

The people fast are falling ; thou the cause

That fiercely thus around the city burns

The flame of war and battle; and thyself 385

Wouldst others blame, who from the fight should shrink.

Up, ere the town be wrapp'd in hostile fires."

To whom in answer godlike Paris thus:

" Hector, I own not causeless thy rebuke

Yet will I speak ; hear thou and understand 390

'Twas less from anger with the Trojan host,

 : ; ; !

VI. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 201

And fierce resentment, that I here remain'd,

Than that I sought my sorrow to indulge

Yet hath my Avife, ev'n now, with soothing words

Urg'd me to join the battle ; so, I own, 395

'Twere best; and Vict'ry changes oft her side.

Then stay, while I my armour don ; or thou

Go first: I, following, will o'ertake thee soon."

He said : but Hector of the glancing helm

Made answer none ; then thus with gentle tones 400

Helen accosted him :

" Dear brother mine,

(Of me, degraded, sorrow-bringing, vile !)

Oh that the day my mother gave me birth

Some storm had on the mountains cast me forth

Or that the many-dashing ocean's waves 405

Had swept me off, ere all this Avoe were wrought I

Yet if these evils Avere of Heav'n ordain'd,

Would that a better man had call'd me wife

A sounder judge of honour and disgrace

For he, thou knoAv'st, no firmness hath of mind, 410

Nor ever Avill ; a want he Avell may rue.

But come thou in, and rest thee here awhile.

Dear brother, on this couch ; for travail sore

 ; : : :

202 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book ^.

Encompasseth thy soul, by me impos'd,

Degraded as I am, and Paris' guilt 415

On Avhom this burthen Heav'n hath laid, that shame

On both oui• names through years to come shall rest."

To whom great Hector of the glancing helm

'*
Though kind thy Avish, yet, Helen, ask me not

To sit or rest ; I cannot yield to thee 420

For to the succour of our friends I haste.

Who feel my loss, and sorely need my aid.

But thou thy husband rouse, and let him speed.

That he may find me still Avithin the Avails.

For I too homeward go ; to see once more 425

My household, and my wife, and infant child

For whether I may e'er again return,

I know not, or if Heav'n have so decreed,

That I this day by Grecian hands should fall."

Thus saying. Hector of the glancing helm 430

Turn'd to depart ; with rapid step he reach'd

His own well-furnish'd house, but found not there

His white-arm'd spouse, the fair Andromache.

She with her infant child and maid the while

Was standing, bath'd in tears, in bitter grief, 435

 ; :

Book VI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 203

Ou Ilium's topmost tower : but when her Lord

Found not within the house his peerless wife,

Ui:)on the threshold pausing, thus he spoke :

" Tell me, my maidens, tell me true, which way

Your mistress went, the fair Andromache 440

Or to my sisters, or my brothers' wives?

Or to the temple where the fair-hair'd dames

Of Troy invoke Minerva's awful name?"

To whom the matron of his house replied

" Hector, if truly we must answer thee, 445

Not to thy sisters, nor thy brothers' Avives,

Nor to the temple where the fair-hair'd dames

Of Troy invoke Minerva's awful name,

But to the height of Ilium's topmost tow'r

Andromache is gone ; since tidings came 450

The Trojan force was overmatch'd, and great

The Grecian strength ; whereat, like one distract,

She hurried to the walls, and Avith her took,

Borne in the nurse's arms, her infant child."

So spoke the ancient dame ; and Hector straight 455

Through the wide streets his rapid steps retrac'd.

But when at last the mighty city's length

 :

204 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI.

Was travers'd, and the Scsean gates were reach'd

Whence was the outlet to the plain, in haste

Eunning• to meet him came his priceless wife, 460

Eetion's daughter, fair xlndromache;

Eetion, who from Thebes Cilicia sway'd,

Thebes, at the foot of Places' wooded heights.

His child to Hector of the brazen helm

AVas giv'n in marriage: she it was who now 465

Met him, and by her side the nurse, Avho bore,

Clasp'd to her breast, his all unconscious child,

Hector's lov'd infant, fair as morning star;

Whom Hector call'd Scamandrius, but the rest

Astyanax, in honour of his sire, 470

The matchless chief, the only prop of Troy.

Silent he smil'd as on his boy he gaz'd :

But at his side Andromache, in tears.

Hung on his arm, and thus the chief address'd :

" Dear Lord, thy dauntless spirit will work thy doom : 475

Nor hast thou pity on this thy helpless child.

Or me forlorn, to be thy widow soon

For thee will all the Greeks with force combiu'd

Assail and slay : for me, 'twere better far.

 ; ;! ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 205

Of thee bereft, to lie beneath the sorl 480

Nor comfort shall be mine, if thou be lost.

But endless grief; to me nor sire is left,

Nor honour'd mother ; fell Achilles' hand

My sire Eetion slew, what time his arms

The populous city of Cilicia raz'd, 485

The lofty-gated Thebes ; he slew indeed.

But stripp'd him not ; he re\'erene'd tlie dead

And o'er his body, with his armour burnt,

A mound erected ; and the mountain nymphs,

The progeny of a^gis-bearing Jo^e, 490

Planted around his tomb a grove of elms.

There were sev'n brethren in my father's house

All in one day they fell, amid their herds

And fleecy flocks, by fierce Achilles' hand.

My mother, Queen of Placos' vooded height, 495

Brought with the captives here, he soon releas'd

For costly ransom ; but by Dian's shafts

She, in her father's house, was stricken doAvn.

But, Hector, thou to me art all in one,

Sire, mother, brethren ! thou, my Avedded love 500

Then pitying us, within the tow'r remain.

 :

20f} HOMER'S ILIAD. Book .

Nor make thy child an orphan, and thy wife

A hapless widow ; by the fig-tree here

Array thy troops; for here the city wall,

Easiest of access, most invites assault. )

Thrice have their boldest chiefs this point assail'd,

The two Ajaces, brave Idomeneus,

Th' AtridfB both, and Tydeus' warlike son,

Or by the prompting of some Heav'n-taught seer,

Or by their own advent'rous courage led." 510

To wiiom great Hector of the glancing helm

" Think not, dear wife, that by such thoughts as these

My heart has ne'er been wrung ; but I should blush

To face the men and long-rob'd dames of Troy,

If, like a coward, I could shun the fight. 515

Nor could my soul the lessons of my youth

So far forget, whose boast it still has been

In the fore-front of battle to be found,

Charg'd with my father's glory and mine own.

Yet in my inmost soul too well I know, 520

The day must come when this our sacred Troy,

And Priam's race, and Priam's royal self,

8hall in one common ruin be o'erthrown.

 "

^. HOMER'S ILIAD. 207

But not the thoughts of Troy's impending fate,

Nor Hecuba's nor royal Priam's woes, 525

Nor loss of brethren, numerous and brave.

By hostile hands laid prostrate in the dust,

So deeply vring my heart as thoughts of thee,

Thy days of freedom lost, and led avay

A weeping captive by some brass-clad Greek ;

f>?,0

Haply in Argos, at a mistress' beck,

Condemn'd to ply the loom, or water draw

From Hypereia's or Messeis' fount,

Heart-wrung, by stern necessity constrain'd.

Then they who see thy tears perchance may say. 535

'
Lo ! this was Hector's wife, who, when they fought

On plains of Troy, was Ilium's bravest chief.'

Thus may they speak; and thus thy grief renew

For loss of him, who might have been thy shield

To rescue thee from slav'ry's bitter hour, 540

Oh may I sleep in dust, ere be condemn'd

!
To hear thy cries, and see thee dragg'd avay

Thus as he spoke, great Hector stretch'd his arms

To take his child ; but l)ack the infant shrank.

Crying, and sought his nurse's shelt'ring breast, 545

 " : ; !

208 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book ^.

Scar'fl by the brazen helm and horse-hair plume,

That nodded, fearful, on the warrior's crest.

Laugh'd the fond parents both, and from his brow

Hector the casque remov'd, and set it down.

All glitt'ring, on the ground; then kiss'd his child, 550

And danc'd him in his arms ; then thus to Jove

And to th' Immortals all address'd his pray'r

" Grant, Jove, and all ye Gods, that this my son

May be, as I, the foremost man of Troy,

For valour fam'd, his country's guardian King 555

That men may say, '

This youth surpasses far

His father,' vhen they see him from the fight,

From slaughter'd foes, with bloody spoils of war

!
Returning, to rejoice his mother's heart

Thus saying, in his mother's arms he plac'd 560

His child ; she to her fragrant bosom clasp'd.

Smiling through tears ; Avith eyes of pitying love

Hector beheld, and press'd her hand, and thus

Address'd her — " Dearest, wring not thus my heart

For till my day of destiny is come, 565

No man may take my life ; and when it comes.

Nor brave nor coward can escape that day.

 ;

BookVI. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 209

P>ut go thou home, an^i ply thy household cares,

The loom and distaff, and appoint thy maids

Their sev'ral tasks ; and leave to men of Troy ruo

And, chief of all to me, the toils of war."

Thus as he spoke, his horsehair-plumed helm

Great Hector took ; and homeward turn'd his wife

With falt'ring steps, and shedding scalding tears.

Arriv'd at valiant Hector's well-built house, .575

Her maidens press'd around her ; and in all

Arose at once the sympathetic grief.

For Hector, yet alive, his household mourn'd.

Deeming he never would again return.

Safe from the fight, liy G-recian hands unharm'd. 5R0

Nor linger'd Paris in his lofty halls

But donn'd his armour, glitt'ring o'er with brass.

And througli the city pass'd with bounding steps.

As some proud steed, at well-fill'd manger fed.

His halter broken, neighing, scours the plain, r.a5

And revels in the Avidely-flowing stream

To bathe his sides ; then tossing high his head,

AVhile o'er his shoulders streams his ample mane,

Light borne on active limbs, in conscious pride,

VOL. I.
 ;; ; : !

210 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VI.

To the Avide pastures of the mares he flies 590

So Paris, Priam's son, from Ilium's height,

His bright arms flashing like the gorgeous sun,

Hasten'd, Avith boastful mien, and rapid step.

Hector he found, as from the spot he turn'd

Where with his wife he late had converse held ; 595

Whom thus the godlike Paris first address'd

" Too long, good brother, art thou here detain'd,

Impatient for the fight, by my delay

Nor have I timely, as thou bad'st me, come."

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm : noo

« My gallant brother, none who thinks aright

Can cavil at thy prowess in the field

For thou art very valiant; but thy M-ill

Is weak and sluggish ; and it grieves my heart,

When from the Trojans, who in thy behalf G05

Such labours undergo, I hear thy name

Coupled with foul reproach ! But go we now

Henceforth shall all be well, if Jove permit

That from our shores we chase th' invading Greeks,

And to the ever-living Gods of Heav'n GIO

In peaceful homes our free libations pour." 611

I
 ; ;

BookVIT. HOMER'S ILIAD. 211

BOOK VII.

8 as he spoke, from out the city gates

The noble Hector pass'd, and by his side

His brother Paris ; in the breast of both

Burnt the fierce ardour of the battle-field.

As when some God a fav'rino• breeze bestows 5

On seamen tugging at the well-worn oar,

Faint with excess of toil, ev'n so appear'd

Those brethren twain to Troy's o'erlabour'd host.

Then to their prowess fell, by Paris' hand

Menesthius, royal Areithous' son, 10

Whom to the King, in Arna, where he dwelt.

The stag-ey'd dame Phylomedusa bore

While Hector smote, with well-directed spear,

Beneath the brass-bound headpiece, through the throat,

Eioneus, and slack'd his limbs in death 15

And Glaucus, leader of the Lycian bands,

2
 :

212 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VII.

Son of Hippolochus, amid the fray

Iphinous, son of Dexias, borne on lii_i>li

By two fleet mares upon a lofty ear,

Pierc'd thron^li the shoulder; from the car he fell 20

Prone to the earth, his limbs relax'd in death.

But them Avhen Pallas saw, amid the fray

Dealing destruction on the hosts of Greece,

From high Olympus to the walls of Troy

She came in haste ; Apollo there she found, 25

As down he look'd from Ilium's topmost tow'r.

Devising vict'ry to the arms of Troy.

Beside the oak they met; Apollo first.

The son of Jove, the colloquy began

" Daughter of Jove, from great Olympus' heights, 30

Why com'st thou here, by ang]y passion led?

Wouldst thou the vict'ry, swaying here and there,

Give to the Greeks? since pitiless thou see'st

The Trojans slaughter'd? Be advis'd by me,

For so 'twere better; cause we for to-day 35

The rage of battle and of war to cease;

To-morrow morn shall see the fight renew'd,

Until the close of Ilium's destiny;

 : ;; :

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 213

For so ye Goddesses have wrought your will,

That this fair city should in ruin fall." 40

To whom the blue-ey'd Goddess thus replied :

" So be it, Archer-King ; with like intent

I from Olympus came ; but say, what means

Wilt thou devise to bid the conflict cease?"

To whom Apollo, royal son of Jove 45

" The might of valiant Hector let us move

To challenge to the combat, man to man,

Some Grecian warrior ; while the brass-clad Greeks

Their champion urge the challenge to accept.

And godlike Hector meet in single tight." 50

He said ; nor did Minerva not assent

But Helenus, the son of Priam, knew

The secret counsel by the Gods devis'd

And drawing near to Hector, thus he spoke

" Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove 55

In council, hearken to a brother's words.

Bid that the Greeks and Trojans all sit down.

And thou defy the boldest of the Greeks

With thee in single combat to contend ;

By revelation from th' eternal Gods, 60

 : ;;

214 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book VII.

I know that here thou shalt not meet thy fate."

He said, and Hector joy'd to hear his words

Forth in the midst he stepp'd, and Avith his spear

Grasp'd in the middle, stay'd the Trojan ranks.

With one accord they sat ; on th' other side 05

Atrides bade the Avell-greav'd Greeks sit down

While, in the likeness of two Aultures, sat

On the tall oak of segis-bearing Jove,

Pallas, and Phcebus of the silver bow.

With heroes' deeds delighted; dense around 70

Bristled the ranks, with shield, and helm, and spear.

As when the Avest wind freshly blows, and brings

A dark'ning ripple o'er the ocean waves,

Ev'n so appear'd upon the plain the ranks

Of Greeks and Trojans ; standing in the midst, 75

Thus to both armies noble Hector spoke

" Hear, all ye Trojans, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,

The words I sj)eak, the promptings of my soul.

It hath not pleas'd high-thron'd Saturnian Jove

To ratify our truce, who both afilicts 80

AA^ith labours hard, till either ye shall take

Our well-fenc'd city, or yourselves to us

 ; ;'

Book VII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 21;

Succumb beside your ocean-going ships.

Here have ye all the chiefest men of Greece

Of all, let him who dares with me to fight, 85

Stand forth, and godlike Hector's might confront.

And this I say, and call to witness Jove,

If with the sharp-edg'd spear he vanquish me,

He shall strip off, and to the hollow ships

In triumph bear my armour ; but my corpse 90

Kestore, that so the men and wives of Troy

May deck with honours due my funeral pyre.

But, by Apollo's grace should I prevail,

I will his arms strip off and bear to Troy,

And in Apollo's temple hang on high; 05

But to the ships his corpse I will restore.

That so the long-hair'd Greeks with solemn rites

May bury him, and to his mem'ry raise

By the broad Hellespont a lofty tomb

Ana men in days to come shall say, who urge 100

Theh- fuU-oar'd bark across the dark-blue sea,

'
Lo there a warrior's tomb of days gone by,

A mighty chief, whom glorious Hector slew

:

Thus sliall they say, and thus my fame shall live."

216 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VII.

Thus Hector spoke ; they all in silence heard, 105

Sham'd to refuse, but fearful to accept.

At length in anger Menelaus rose,

Groaning in sjjirit, and with bitter words

Reproach'd them :
" Shame, ye braggart cowards, shame !

Women of Greece! I cannot call you men! no

'Twere foul disgrace indeed, and scorn on scorn,

If Hector's challenge none of all the Greeks

Should dare accept ; to dust and Avater turn

All ye who hero inglorious, heartless sit!

I will myself confront him ; for success, 115

Th' immortal Gods above the issues hold."

Thus as he spoke, he donn'd his dazzling arms.

Then, Menelaus, had thine end approach'd

By Hector's hands, so much the stronger he.

Had not the Kings withheld thee and restrain'd. 120

Great Agamemnon's self, Avide-ruling King,

Seizing his hand, address'd him thus by name:

" What ! Heay'n-born Menelaus, art thou mad ?
Beseems thee not such folly ; curb thy wrath,

Though vex'd ; nor think with Hector to contend, 125

Thy better far, inspiring drea<l in all.

 ; ! ; :

BookVII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 217

From his encounter in the glorious fight,

Superior far to thee, Achilles shrinks;

But thou amid thy comrades' ranks retire

Some other champion will the Greeks provide 130

And, fearless as he is, and of the fight

Insatiate, yet will Hector, should he 'scape

Unwounded from the deatUy battle-strife,

Be fain, methinks, to rest his weary limbs."

He said, and with judicious counsel sway'd 135

His brother's mind ; he yielded to his Avords,

And gladly his attendants doff'd his arms.

Then Nestor rose, and thus address'd the Greeks

" Alas, alas ! what shame is this for Greece

What grief would fill the aged Peleus' soul, 140

Sage chief in council, of the Myrmidons

Leader approv'd, who often in his house

Would question me, and lov'd fiOm me to hear

Of all the Greeks the race and pedigree,

Could he but learn how Hector cow'd them all ! 145

He to the Gods with hands uprais'd Avould pray

His sold might from his body be divorc'd,

And sink beneath the earth! Oh wouhl to Jove,

 : ;

218 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VII.

0 Pallas and Apollo, such were now

My vig'rous youth, as when beside the banks 150

Of swiftly-iiowing Celadon, the men

Of Pylos with th' Arcadian spearmen fought,

By Pheia's walls, around lardan's streams.

Then from the ranks, in likeness as a God,

Advanc'd their champion, Ereuthalion bold. 155

The arms of Areithous he wore

Of godlike Areithous, whom men

And richly-girdled women had surnam'd

The Macebearer ; for not with sword or bow

He went to fight, but with an iron mace 160

Broke through the squadrons: him Lycurgus slew,

By stealth, not brav'ry, in a narrow way,

Where nought avail'd his iron mace from death

To save him ; for Lycurgus, with his spear,

Preventing, thrust him through the midst; he fell 1G5

Prostrate; and from his breast the victor stripp'd

His armour off, the gift of brass-clad Mars;

And in the tug of war he wore it oft

But when Lycurgus felt th' approach of age.

He to his faithful follower and friend, 170

 ; : ; ; ; ; ;

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 219

To Ereutlialion gave it ; tlierewith arm'd,

He now to combat challeug'd all the chiefs.

None dar'd accept, for fear had fall'n on all

Then I with dauntless spirit his might oppos'd,

The youngest of them all ; with him I fought, 175

And Pallas gave the vict'ry to my arm.

Eim there I slew, the tallest, strongest man

For many another there beside him lay.

Would that my youth and strength were now the same

Then soon should Hector of the glancing helm 180

A ^villing champion find ; but ye, of Greece

The foremost men, with Hector fear to fight."

The old man spoke reproachful ; at his words

Up rose nine warriors : far before the rest.

The monarch Agamemnon, King of men 185

Next Tydeus' son, the valiant Diomed

The two Ajaces, cloth'd with courage high;

Idomeneus, and of Idomeneus

The faithful follower, brave Meriones,

Equal in fight to blood-stain'd Mars; with these 1!J0

Eurypylus, Euiemon's noble son

Tlioas, Anih'mmon's son ; Ulysses last

 :

220 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VII.

These all with Hector offer'd to contend.

Then thus again Gerenian Nestor spoke

" Shake then the lots ; on whomsoe'er it fall, 195

Great profit shall he bring to Grecian arms,

Great glory to himself, if he escaj)e

Unwounded from the deadly battle strife."

He said: each mark'd his sev'ral lot, and all

Together threw in Agamemnon's helm. 200

The crowd, with hands uplifted, pray'd the Gods,

And looking heav'nward, said, " Grant, Father Jove,

The lot on Ajax, or on Tydeus' son,

Or on Mycenae's wealthy King may fall."

Thus they: then aged Nestor shook the helm, 205

And forth, according to their wish, was thro\\n

The lot of Ajiix; then from left to right

A herald show'd to all the chiefs of Greece,

In tui-n, the token ; they ho knew it not,

Disclaim'd it all ; but when to him they came 210

Who mark'd, and threw it in Atrides' helm.

The noble Ajax, he his hand put forth.

And standing near he seiz'd it ; straight he knew

The token, and rejoic'd ; before his feet

 ;

Book VII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 221

He threw it ( upon tlie ground, and said, 215

" friends, the lot is mine ;

great is my joy,

And hope o'er godlike Hector to prevail.

But \', while I ray warlike armour don,

Pray ye to Satm-n's royal son, apart.

In silence, that the Trojans hear ye not 220

Or ev'n aloud, for nought have we to fear.

No man against my will can make me fly,

By greater force or skill ; nor will, I hope,

My inexperience in the field disgrace

The teaching of my native Salamis." 225

Thus he ; and they to Saturn's royal son

Address'd their pray'rs, and looking heav'nward, said :

"0 Father Jove, who rul'st on Ida's height!

Most great ! most glorious ! grant that Ajax now

May gain the vict'ry, and immortal praise; 230

Or if thy love an<l pity Hector claim.

Give equal pow'r and ecpial praise to both."

Ajax meanwhile in dazzling brass was clad ;

And when his armour all was duly donn'd,

Forward he mov'd, as when gigantic Mars 235

Leads nations forth to war, whom Saturn's srm

 ; ;! ; :

222 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VII.

In life-destroying conflict hath in\^olv'd

So mov'd the giant Ajax, prop of Greece,

With sternly smiling mien ; Avith haughty stride

He trod the plain, and pois'd his pond'roiis spear. 240

The Greeks, rejoicing, on their champion gaz'd,

The Trojans' limbs beneath them shook with fear;

Ev'n Hector's heart beat quicker in his breast

Yet quail he must not now, nor back retreat

Amid his comrades —he, the challenger 245

Ajax approach'd ; before him, as a tow'r

His mighty shield he bore, sev'n-fold, brass-bound,

The work of Tychius, best artificer

That wrought in leather; he in Hyla dwelt.

Of sev'n-fold hides the pond'rous shield vas wrought 250

Of lusty bulls; the eighth was glitt'ring brass.

This by the son of Telamon was borne

Before his breast ; to Hector close he came.

And thus with words of haughty menace spoke

"Hector, I now shall teach thee, man to man, 255

The mettle of the chiefs we yet possess.

Although Achilles of the lion heart.

Mighty in battle, be not with us still

 ; ; ; : :

Book VII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 223

He by his ocean-going ships indeed

Against Atrides nurses still his wrath 260

Yet are there those who dare encounter thee,

And not a few ; then now begin the fight."

To whom great Hector of the glancing helm

"Ajax, bra^e leader, son of Telamon,

Deal not with me as with a feeble child, 265

Or woman, ign'rant of the ways of war

Of var and carnage every point I know

And well I know to wield, now right, now left,

The tough bull's-hide that forms my stubborn targe

AVell know I too my fiery steeds to urge, 270

Ajid raise the war-cry in the standing fight.

But not in secret ambush would I watch,

To strike, by stealth, a noble foe like thee;

But slay thee, if I may, in open fight."

He said ; and, poising, liurl'd his pond'rous spear ; 275

The brazen cov'ring of the shield it struck.

The outward fold, the eighth, above the sev'n

Of touo;h bull's-hide ; throuirh six it drove its wav

With stubborn force ; but in the sov'nth was stay'd.

Then Ajax hurl'd in turn his ])ond'rous spear, 280

 ; : : ; ;

224 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIT.

And struck the circle true of Hector's shield

night through the glitt'ring shield the stout spear pass'fl,

And through the well-wrought breastplate drove its way

And, underneath, the linen vest it tore

But Hector, stooping, shunn'd the stroke of death. 285

Withdrawing then their weapons, each on each

They fell, like lions fierce, or tusked boars,

In strength the mightiest of the forest beasts.

Then Hector fairly on the centre struck

The stubborn shield ;

yet drove not through the spear ; 290

For the stout brass the blunted point repell'd.

But A.jax, with a forward bound, the shield

Of Hector pierc'd ; right through the weapon pass'd

Arrested with rude shock the warrior's course,

And graz'd his neck, that spouted forth the blood. 295

Yet did not Hector of the glancing helm

Flinch from the contest: stooping to the ground,

With his broad hand a pond'rous stone he seiz'd,

That lay upon the plain, dark, jagg'd, and huge.

And hiud'd against the sev'n-fold shield, and struck 800

Full on the central boss ; loud rang the brass

Then Ajax rais'd a weightier mass of rock

 : :

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 225

xlud sent it wliirling, giving• to his arm

Unmeasur'd impulse ; Avith a millstone's Aveight

It criisli'd the buckler ; Hector's knees gave way ; 305

Backward he stagger'd, yet upon his shield

Sustain'd, till Phoebus rais'd him to his feet.

Now had they hand to hand with swords engag'd,

Had not the messengers of Gods and men,

The heralds, interpos'd; the one for Troy, 310

The other umpire for the brass-clad Greeks,

Talthybius and Idteus, well approv'd.

Between the chiefs they held theh' wands, and thus

Idaius both with prudent speech address'd

" No more, brave youths ! no longer wage the fight : 315

To cloud-compelling Jove ye both are dear.

Both valiant spearmen ; that, Ave all have seen.

Night is at hand ; behoves us yield to night."

Whom answer'd thus the son of Telamon

"Idaeus, bid that Hector speak those words: 320

He challeng'd all our chiefs ; let him begin

If he be willing, I shall not refuse."

To whom great Hector of the glancing helm :

" Ajax, since God hath giv'n thee size, and strength.

VOL. I. Q
 ";

220 HOMEJrS ILIAD. Book VII.

And skill ; and with the spear, of all the Greeks 325

None is thine equal ; cease we for to-day

The fight ; hereafter we may meet, and Heav'n

Decide our cause, and one with vict'ry crown.

Night is at hand; behoves us yield to night.

So by the ships shalt thou rejoice the Greeks, 330

And most of all, thy comrades and thy friends

And so shall I, in Priam's royal town,

Rejoice the men of Troy, and long-rob'd dames.

Who shall with grateful pray'rs the temples throng.

But make we now an interchange of gifts, 335

That both the Trojans and the Greeks may say,

'
On mortal quarrel did those warriors meet.

Yet parted thence in friendly bonds conjoin'd.'

This said, a silver-studded sword he gave.

With scabbard and with well-cut belt complete ; 840

Ajax a girdle, rich with crimson dye.

They parted ; Ajax to the Grecian camp,

And Hector to the ranks of Troy return'd :

Great was the joy when him they saw approach,

Alive and safe ; escap'd from Ajax' might 345

And arm invincible ; and tow'rd the town

 ; ;

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 227

They led him back, beyond their hope prcserv'd

While to Atrides' tent the well-greay'd Greeks

Led Ajax, glorying• in his triumph gain'd.

But when to Agamemnon's tents they came, 350

The King of men to Saturn's royal son

A bullock slew, a male of five years old

The carcase then they flay'd ; and cutting up,

Sever 'd the joints ; then fixing on the spits.

Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew. 355

Their labours ended, and the feast prepar'd.

They shar'd the social meal, nor lack'd there aught.

To Ajax then the chine's continuous length,

As honour's meed, the mighty monarch gave.

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, 300

The aged Nestor first his mind disclos'd ;

He who, before, the sagest counsel gave.

Now thus with prudent speech began, and said:

"Atrides, and ye other chiefs of Greece,

Since many a long-hair'd Greek hath fall'n in fight, 305

Whose blood, beside Scamander's flowing stream,

Fierce Mars has shed, while to the viewless shades

Their spirits are gone, behoves thee with the morn

Q 2
 : ;: ;

228 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VII.

The warfore of the Greeks to intermit

Then we, Avith oxen and Avith mules, the dead 370

From all the plain Avill dra^v ; and, from the ships

A little space remov'd, will burn with fire

That we, returning to our native land,

]\ray to their children bear our comrades' bones.

Then will we go, and on the plain erect 375

Around the pyre one common mound for all

Then quickly build before it lofty tow'rs

To screen both ships and men; and in the tow'rs

Make ample portals, with well-fitting gates.

That through the midst a carriage-way may pass : 380

And a deep trench around it dig, to guard

Both men and chariots, lest on our defence

The haughty Trojans should too hardly press."

He said; and all the Kings his words approv'd.

Meanwhile, on Ilium's height, at Priam's gate, 385

The Trojan chiefs a troubled council held

Which op'ning, thus the sage Antenor spoke:

" Hear now, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies,

The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.

Back to the sons of Atreus let us give 390

 ; ; ; : :

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 229

The Argive Helen, and the goods she brought

For in breach of plighted faith we fight;

Nor can I hope, unless to my advice

Ye listen, that success will crown our arms."

Thus having said, he sat ; and next arose 395

The godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord

Wlio thus with winged Avords the chiefs address'd

"Hostile to me, Antenor, is thy speech;

Thy better judgment better counsel knows

But if in earnest such is thine advice, 400

Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft.

Now, Trojans, hear my ans^^'er ; I reject

The counsel, nor the woman restore

But for the goods, whate'er I hither brought

To Troy fi'om Argos, I am well content 405

To give them all, and others add beside."

This said, he sat; and aged Priam next,

A God in council, Dardan's son, arose,

Who thus with prudent speech began, and said:

"Hear , ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies, 410

The words I speak, the promptings of my soul

Now through the city take your wonted meal;

 ;: : : ;

230 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VII.

Look to your \vatch, let each man keep his guard

To-morrow shall Idaeus to the ships

Of Greece, to both the sons of Atreus, bear 415

The words of Paris, cause of all this war

And ask besides, if from the deadly strife

Such truce they will accord us as may serve

To burn the dead: hereafter we may fight

Till Heav'n decide, and one A\ith vict'ry cro^\^l." 420

He said; and they, obedient to his word,

Throughout the ranks prepar'd the wonted meal

But with the morning to the ships of Greece

Idseus took his way : in council there

By Agamemnon's leading ship he found 425

The Grecian chiefs, the ministers of Mars

And 'mid them all the clear-voic'd herald spoke

" Ye sons of Atreus, and ye chiefs of Greece,

From Priam, and the gallant sons of Troy,

I come, to bear, if ye be pleas'd to hear, 430

The words of Paris, cause of all this war

The goods which hither in his hollow ships

(Would he had perish'd rather!) Paris brought.

He will restore, and others add beside;

 :

Book VII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 231

But fiu-ther says, the -igin-weclde(i wife 435

Of Menelaus, though the gen'ral voice

Of Troy should bid him, he will not restore :

Then bids me ask, if from the deadly strife

Such truce ye will accord us as may serve

To burn the dead : hereafter Ave may fight 440

Till Heav'n decide, and one with vict'ry crown."

Thus he : they all in silence heard ; at length

Uprose the valiant Diomed, and said ;

" Let none from Paris now propose to accept

Or goods, or Helen's self; a child may see 445

That now the doom of Troy is close at hand."

He said ; the sons of Grreece, with loud applause,

The speech of v'aliant Diomed confirm'd.

Then to Idieus Agamemnon thus

''
Idaeus, thou hast heard what answer give 450

The chiefs of Greece —their answer I approve.

But for the truce, for burial of the dead,

I nought demur ; no shame it is to grace

With fim'ral rites the corpse of slaughter'd foes.

Be witness, Jove! and guard the plighted truce." 455

He said ; and heav'nward rais'd his stafi"; and back

 ;;

i
232 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VII.

To Ilium's walls Idieus took his way.

Trojans and Dardans there in council met

Expecting sat, till from the Grecian camp

Idseus should return ; he came, and stood 460

In mid assembly, and his message gaye:

Then all in haste their sev'ral ways dispers'd,

For fuel some, and some to bring the dead.

The Greeks too from their well-mann'd ships went forth, '

For fuel some, and some to bring the dead. 465

The sun was newly glancing on the earth,

From out the ocean's smoothly-flowing depths

Climbing the Heav'ns, when on the plain they met.

Hard Avas it then to recognize the dead;

But when the gory dust was wash'd away, 470

Shedding hot tears, they plac'd them on the wains.

Nor loud lament, by Priam's high command,

Was heard ; in silence they, with grief suppress'd,

Heap'd up their dead upon the fun'ral pyre

Then bm-nt with fii-e, and back return'd to Troy. 475

The well-greay'd Greeks, they too, Avith grief suppress'd,

Heap'd up their dead upon the fun'ral pyre

Then burnt with fire, and to the ships return'd.

 ; : :

Book VII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 233

But ere 'twas morn, while daylight strove with night,

About the pyre a chosen band of Greeks 480

Had kept their vigil, and around it rais'd

Upon the plain one common mound for all

^Vnd built in front a wall, with lofty tow'rs

To screen both ships and men ; and in the tow'rs

Made ample portals with well-fitting gates, 485

That through the midst a carriage-way might pass

Then dug a trench around it, deep and wide,

And in the trench a palisade they fix'd.

Thus laboiu-'d through the night the long-hair'd Greeks

The Gods, assembled in the courts of Jo^-e, 490

With wonder view'd the mighty work ; and thus

Neptune, Earth-shaking King, his speech began

"O Father Jove, in all the wide-spread earth

Shall men be found, in counsel and design

To rival us Immortals? see'st thou not 495

How round their ships the long-hair'd Greeks have built

A lofty wall, and dug a trench around,

Nor to the Gods have paid their off 'rings due?

Wide as the light extends shall be the fame

Of this great work, and men shall lightly deem 500

 : ;:

234 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VII.

Of that which I and Phoebus jointly rais'd,

With toil and pain, for great Laomedon."

To whom in wrath the Cloud-compeller thus

" Neptune, Earth-shaking King, what words are these ?

This bold design to others of the -Gods, 505

Of feebler hands, and pow'r less great than thine.

Might cause alarm ; but, far as light extends,

Of this great work to thee shall be the fame:

When with their ships the long-hair'd Greeks shall take

Their homeward voyage to their native land, 510

This wall shall by the waves be broken through,

And sink, a shapeless ruin, in the sea

O'er the wide shore again thy sands shall spread,

And all the boasted Avork of Greece o'erwhelm."

Amid themselves such converse held the Gods. 515

The sun was set ; the Grecian work Avas done

They slew, and shar'd, by tents, the ev'ning meal.

From Lemnos' isle a num'rous fleet had come

Freighted with wine ; and by Euneus sent.

Whom fair Hypsipyle to Jason bore. 520

For Atreus' sons, apart from all the rest.

Of wine, the son of Jason had despatch 'd

 :

BookVIL HOMEE'S ILIAD. 235

A thousand measures ; all the other Greeks

Hasteu'd to purchase, some with brass, and some

With gleaming iron ; other some with hides, 525

Cattle, or slaves; and joyous wax'd the feast.

All night the long-hair'd Greeks their revels held,

And so in Troy, the Trojans and Allies

But through the night his anger Jove express'd

With awfal thund'rings ;

pale they turn'd with fear : 5oO

To earth the wine was from the goblets shed,

Nor dar'd they drink, until libations due

Had first been pour'd to Saturn's mighty son.

Then lay they doAvn, and sought the boon of sleep. 534
 ;

236 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

BOOK VIII.

YTOW morn, in saffron robe, the earth o'erspread;

And Jove, the lightning's Lord, of all the Gods

A council held upon the highest peak

Of many-ridg'd OlymjDus ; he himself

Address'd them ; they his speech attenti\"e heard. 5

" Hear, all ye Gods, and all ye Goddesses,

The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.

Let none among you, male or female, dare

To interrupt my speech; but all attend.

That so these matters I may soon conclude. 10

If, from the rest apart, one God I find

Presuming or to Trojans or to Greeks

To give his aid, with ignominious stripes

Back to Olympus shall that God be driv'n

Or to the gloom of Tartarus profound, 15

Far off, the lowest abyss beneath the earth.

i
 ; : ;:

Book VIII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 237

With gates of iron, and with floor of brass,

Beneath the shades as far as earth from Hea''n,

There will I hurl him, and ye all shall know

In strength how greatly I surpass you all. 20

Make trial if ye will, that all may know,

A golden cord let down from Heav'n, and all,

Both Gods and Goddesses, your strength apply :

Yet would ye foil to drag from Hea\^'n to earth,

Strive as ye may, your mighty master, Joi^e 25

But if I choose to make my pow'r be known,

The earth itseK, and ocean, I could raise.

And binding round Olympus' ridge the cord,

LeaA'G them suspended so in middle air

So far supreme my pow'r o'er Gods and men." 30

He said, and they, confounded by his words,

In silence sat; so sternly did he speak.

At length the blue-ey'd Goddess, Pallas, said

" Father, Son of Saturn, King of Kings,

Well do we know thy pow'r invincible 35

Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks,

Condemn'd to hopeless ruin ; from the fight,

Since such is thy command, we stand aloof;

 :

238 HOMER'S ILIAU. Book VIII.

But yet some saving counsel may we giye.

Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite." 40

To whom the Cloud-compeller, smiling, thus

" Be of good cheer, my child ; unwillingly

I speak, yet will not thwart thee of thy ^\dsh."

He said, and straight the brazen-footed steeds,

Of swiftest flight, with manes of flowing gold, 45

He harness'd to his chariot ; all in gold

HimseK array 'd, the golden lash he grasp'd.

Of curious work ; and mounting on his car,

Urg'd the fleet coursers ; nothing loth, they flew

Midway betwixt the earth and starry heav'n. 50

To Ida's spring-abounding hill he came,

And to the crest of Gargarus, wild nurse

Of mountain beasts ; a sacred plot was there.

Whereon his incense-honour'd altar stood :

There stay'd his steeds the Sire of Goils and men, ,55

Loos'd from the car, and veil'd with clouds around.

Then on the topmost ridge he sat, in pride

Of conscious strength; and looking down, survey'd

The Trojan city, and the ships of Greece.

Meantime, the long-hair'd Greeks throughout their tents, 60

 : ;

. HOMER'S ILIAD. 239

With food recruited, arm'd them for the fight

On th' other side the Trojans donn'd their arms,

In numbers fewer, but with stern resolve.

By hard necessity constrain'd, to strive.

For wives and children, in the stubborn fight. n.'S

The gates all open'd wide, forth pour'd the crowd

Of horse and foot ; and loud the clamour rose.

When in the midst they met, together rush'd

Bucklers and lances, and the ftirious might

Of mail-clad Avarriors; bossy shield on shield 70

Clatter'd in conflict ; loud the clamour rose

Then rose too mingled shouts and groans of ukmi

Slaying and slain ; the earth ran red with blood.

While yet 'twas morn, and wax'tl the youthful day,

Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell 75

On either side ; but when the sun had reach'd

The middle Heav'n, th' Eternal Father hung

His golden scales aloft, and plac'd in each

The fatal death-lot : for the sons of Troy

The one, the other for the brass-clad Greeks; 80

Tlun held them by the midst ; down sank the lot

Of Greece, down to the ground, while high aloft

 ; ;

240 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VI IT.

Mounted the Trojan scale, and rose to Heav'n.*

Then loud he bade the volleying• thunder peal

From Ida's heights ; and 'mid the Grecian ranks 85

He hurl'd his flashing lightning ; at the sight

Amaz'd they stood, and pale with terror shook.

Then not Idomeneus, nor Atreus' son,

The mighty Agamemnon, kept their ground,

Nor either Ajax, ministers of Mars 90

Gerenian Nestor, aged prop of Greece,

Alone remain'd, and he against his ^ill,

His horse sore wounded by an arrow shot

By godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord :

Just on the crown, where close behind the head 95

First springs the mane, the deadliest spot of all,

The arrow struck him ; madden'd with the pain

He rear'd, then plunging forward, with the shaft

Fix'd in his brain, and rolling in the dust.

The other steeds in dire confusion thrcAv 100

* See also Book xxii. 1. 252.

Milton, in the corresponding passage at the close of the 4th Book of

' Paradise Lost,' reverses the sign, and represents the scale of the van(|uished
as "flying up" and " kicking the heam."

" The Fiend look'd up, and knew

Ilismounted scale aloft nor more, but fled
;

Murm'ring, and with him fled the shades of night."

«
 :

BookVIII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 241

And while old Nestor Avitli his sword essay 'd

To cut the reins, and free the struggling horse,

Amid the rout down came the flying steeds

Of Hector, guided by no timid hand,

By Hector's self; then had the old man paid 105

The forfeit of his life, but, good at need,

The valiant Diomed his peril saw.

And loudly shouting, on Ulysses call'd

" Ulysses sage, Laertes' godlike son,

Why fliest thou, coward-like, behind thy back 110

Thy shafts at random pouring on the croAvd?

Thus as thou fliest, perchance some foeman's lance

May pierce thy back ; but stay, and here with me

From this fierce warrior guard the good old man."

He said; but stout Ulysses heard him not, 115

And to the ships pursued his hurried way.

But in the front, Tydides, though alone,

Kemain'd undaunted ; by old Nestor's car

He stood, and thus the aged chief address'd:

" Old man, these youthful Avarriors press thee sore, 120

Thy vigour spent, and with the weight of years

Oppress'd ; and helpless too thy charioteer,

VOL. I.
 ; : ;

242 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

And slow thy horses ; mount my car, and prove

With me the mettle of the Trojan steeds;

How swift they wheel, or in pm-suit or flight 125

The prize which I from great iEneas won.

Leave to th' attendants these ; while mine we laimch

Against the Trojan host, that Hector's self

May know how strong my hand can hurl the spear."

He said ; and Nestor his advice obey'd : 130

The two attendants, valiant Sthenelus,

And good Eurymedon, his horses took,

While on Tydides' car they mounted both.

The aged Nestor took the glitt'ring reins,

And urg'd the horses ; Hector soon they met 135

As on he came, his spear Tydides threw,

Yet struck not Hector; but his charioteer.

Who held the reins, the brave Thebieus' son,

Eniopeus, through the breast transfix'd,

Beside the nipple ; from the car he fell, 140

The startled horses swerving at the sound

And n'om his limbs the vital spirit fled.

Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief;

Yet him, though griev'd, perforce he left to seek

 ; :

. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 243

A charioteer; nor wanted long his steeds 145

A guiding hand ; for Archeptolemus,

Brave son of Iphitus, he quickly found,

And bade him mount his swiftly-flying cai-,

And to his hands the glitt'ring reins transferr'd.

Then fearful ruin had been wrought, and deeds 150

Untold achiev'd, and like a flock of lambs,

The adverse hosts been coop'd beneath the \Aalls,

Had not the Sire of Gods and men beheld,

And with an awfiil peal of thunder hurl'd

His vivid lightning down ; the fiery bolt 155

Before Tydides' chariot plough'd the ground.

Fierce flash'd the sulph'rous flame, and whirling round

Beneath the yoke th' affrighted horses quail'd.

From Nestor's hand escap'd the glitt'ring reins,

And, trembling, thus to Diomed he spoke 160

" Turn we to flight, Tydides ; see'st thou not.

That Jove from us his aiding hand withholds ?

This day to Hector Saturn's son decrees

The meed of vict'ry; on some future day,

If so he Avill, the triumph may be ours 165

For man, how brave soe'er, cannot o'errule

2
 : : :; ! "

244 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

The will of Jove, so much the mightier he."

Whom answer'd thus the valiant Diomed

" Truly, old man, and Avisely dost thou speak

But this the bitter grief that wrings my soul 17(j

Some day, amid the councillors of Troy

Hector may say, '

Before my presence scar'd

Tydides sought the shelter of the ships.'

Thus when he boasts, gape earth, and hide my shame

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied 175

" Great son of Tydeus, oh what words are these

Should Hector brand thee with a coward's name.

No credence would he gain from Trojan men,

Or Dardan, or from Trojan ^^arriors' wives,

IVhose husbands in the dust thy hand hath laid." 180

He said, and 'mid the gen'ral rout, to flight

He turn'd his horses ; on the flying crowd.

With shouts of triumph, Hector at their head.

The men of Troy their murd'rous weapons show'r'd.

Loud shouted Hector of the glancing helm : 185

" Tydides, heretofore the warrior Greeks

Have held thee in much honour; plac'd on high

At banquets, and with lib'ral portions grac'd.

 ; : ; ;

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 245

And flowing cups : but thou, from this day forth,

Shalt be their scorn! a woman's soul is thine! 190

Out on thee, frighten'd girl ! thou ne'er shalt scale

Om* Trojan tow'rs, and see me basely fly

Nor in thy ships our women bear away :

Ere such thy boast, my hand shall work thy doom."

Thus he; and greatly was Tydides mov'd 195

To turn his horses, and confront his foe

Thrice thus he doubted ; thrice, at Jove's command,

From Ida's height the thunder peal'd, in sign

Of vict'ry swaying to the Trqjan side.

Then to the Trojans Hector call'd aloud: 200

" Trojans, and Lycians, and ye Dardans, fam'd

In close encounter, quit ye now like men

Put forth your wonted valour ; for I know

That in his secret counsels Jove designs

Glory to me, disaster to the Greeks. 205

Fools, in those wretched walls that put their trust.

Scarce worthy notice, hopeless to withstand

My onset ; and the trench that they have dug,

Our horses easily can overleap

And when I reach the ships, be mindful ye, 210

 :

246 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

To have at hand the fire, wherewith the ships

We may destroy, while they themselves shall fall

An easy prey, bewilder'd by the smoke."

He said, and thus with cheering words address'd

His horses: " Xanthus, and, Podargus, thou, 215

-^thon and Lampus, now repay the care

On you bestow'd by fair Andromache,

Eetion's royal daughter; bear in mind

How she with ample store of provender

Your mangers still supplied, before ev'n I, 220

Her husband, fi-om her hands the wine-cup took.

Put forth your speed, that we may make om• prize

Of Nestor's shield, whose praise extends to Heav'n,

Its handles, and itseK, of solid gold;

And from the shoulders of Tydides strip 225

His gorgeous breastplate, work of Vulcan's hand

These could we take, methinks this very night

Would see the Greeks embarking on their ships."

Such was his pray'r ; but Juno on her throne

Trembled with rage, till great Olympus quak'd, 230

And thus to Neptune, mighty God, she spoke :

" thou of boundless might. Earth-shaking God,

 ; ;

. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 247

See'st thou immov'd the ruin of the Greeks?

Yet they in vEgee and in Helice,

With grateful off'rings rich thine altars crown; 235

Then give we them the vict'ry ; if we all

AYho favour Greece, together should combine

To put to flight the Trojans, and restrain

All-seeing Jove, he might be left alone,

On Ida's summit to digest his wrath." 240

To Avhom, in anger, Neptune thus replied:

" Juno, rash of speech, what %\Ords are these !

I dare not coimsel that we all should join

'Gainst Saturn's son; so much the stronger he."

Thus they, conversing ; all the space meanwhile 245

Enclos'd between the trench, and tow'r, and ships,

Was closely throng'd with steeds and buckler'd men

By noble Hector, brave as Mars, and led

By JoA'e to vict'ry, coop'd in narrow space

AYho now had burnt with fii"e the Grecian ships, 250

But Juno bade Atrides haste to rouse

Their fainting courage; through the camp he pass'd;

On his broad hand a pm-ple robe he bore,

And stood upon Ulysses' lofty ship,

 ;

248 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

The midmost, whence to shout to either side, 255

Or to the tents of Ajax Tehimon,

Or of Achilles, who at each extreme,

Confiding in their strength, had moor'd their ships.

Thence to the Greeks he shouted, loud and clear :

" Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards, brave alone 260

In outward semblance ! where are \' the vaunts

Which once (so highly of ourselves we deem'd)

Ye made, vain-glorious braggarts as ye were,

In Lemnos' isle, when, feasting on the flesh

Of straight-horn'd oxen, and your flowing cups 265

Crowning with ruddy Avine, not one of you,

But for a hundred Trojans in the field,

Or for two hundred, deem'd himself a match :

Now quail ye all before a single man,

Hector, Avho soon will Avrap our ships in fire. 270

Father Jove ! what sov'reign e'er hast thou

So deep afflicted, of such glory robb'd?

Yet ne'er, on this disastrous voyage bent,

Have I unheeded pass'd thine altar by

The choicest off'rings burning still on each, 275

In hopes to raze the well-built walls of Troy.

 : ; ;

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 249

Yet to this pray at least thine ear incline;

Grant that this coast in safety we may leave,

Nor be by Trojans utterly subdued."

He said ; and Jove, with pity, saw his tears 280

And, with a sign, his people's safety vouch'd.

He sent an eagle, bii'd of swiftest flight,

That in his talons bore a \vild deer's faAvn

The fawn he dropp'd beside the holy shrine,

Where to the Lord of divination, Jove, 285

The Greeks were wont their solemn rites to pay.

The sign from Heav'n they knew ; with courage fresh

Assail'd the Trojans, and the fight renew'd.

Then none of all the many Greeks might boast

That he, before Tydides, drove his car 290

Across the ditch, and mingled in the fight.

His was the hand that first a crested chief.

The son of Phradmon, Agelaus, struck.

He turn'd his car for flight ; but as he turn'd.

The lance of Diomed, behind his neck, 295

Between the shoulders, through his chest was driv'n

Headlong he fell, and loud his armoiu• rang.

Next to Tydides, Agamemnon came,

 ; ; ; ; ;

250 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book .

And Menelaiis, Atreus' godlike sons

Th' Ajaces both, in dauntless courage cloth'd ;

300

Idomeneus, with whom Meriones,

His faithful comrade, terrible as Mars

Eurypylus, EuEemon's noble son

The ninth was Teucer, who, with bended bow,

Behind the shield of Ajax Telamon 305

Took shelter ; Ajax o'er him held his shield

Thence look'd he roimd, and aim'd amid the crowd

And as he sav/ each Trojan, wounded, fall.

Struck by his shafts, to Ajax close he press'd,

As to its mother's shelt'ring arms a child, 310

Conceal'd and safe beneath the ample targe.

Say then, who first of all the Trojans fell

By Teucer's arroAvs slain? Orsilochus,

And Ophelestes, Dsetor, Ormenus,

And godlike Lycophontes, Chromius, 315

And Amopaon, Polysemon's son,

And valiant Melanippus : all of these,

Each after other, Teucer laid in dust.

Him Agamemnon, with his well-strung bow

Thiiming the Trojan ranks, with joy beheld, 320

 :; : :

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 251

And, standiug at his side, address'd him thus

" Teiicer, good comrade, son of Telamon,

Shoot ever thus, if thou Avouklst be the light

And glory of the Greeks, and of thy sire.

Who nurs'd thine infancy, and in his house 325

Maintain'd, though bastard born; thy fame on him.

Though distant far, fresh glory shall reflect.

This too I say, and will make good my word

If by the grace of eegis-bearing Jove,

And Pallas, Ilium's well-built walls we raze, 330

A gift of honour, second but to mine,

I in thy hands Avill place ; a tripod bright,

Or, with their car and harness, two brave steeds.

Or a Mr woman who thy bed may share."

To whom in answer valiant Teucer thus 335

" Most mighty son of Atreus, why excite

AVho lacks not zeal? To th' utmost of my pow'r

Have I unceasing, since we came to Troy,

Watch'd for each chance to wing a deadly shaft.

Eight barbed arrows have I shot e'en now, 340

And in a AAarrior each has found its mark

That savage hound alone defeats my aim."

 ; : ; ; ;;

252 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

i\.t Hector, as he spoke, another shaft

He shot, ambitious of so great a prize

He miss'd his aim ; but Priam's noble son 345

Gorgythion, through the breast his arrow struck,

Whom in chaste wedlock Castianeira, fair

As heav'nly Goddess, in ^syme bore.

Down sank his head, as in a garden sinks

A ripen'd poppy charg'd with vernal rains 350

So sank his head beneath his helmet's weight.

At Hector yet another arrow shot

Teucer, ambitious of so great a prize

Yet this too miss'd, by Phoebus turn'd aside

But Archeptolemus, the charioteer 355

Of Hector, onward hurrying, through the breast

It struck, beside the nipple ; from the car

He fell ; aside the startled horses swerv'd

And as he fell the vital spirit fled.

Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief; 360

Yet him, though griev'd at heart, perforce he left,

And to Cebriones, his brother, call'd,

Then near at hand, the horses' reins to take

He heard, and straight obey'd ; then Hector leap'd

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 253

Down from his glitt'ring chariot to the ground, 365

His fearftil war-cry shouting; in his hand

A pond'rous stone he carried ; and, intent

To strike him down, at Teucer straight he rush'd.

He fr'om his quiver chose a shaft in haste,

And fitted to the cord ; but as he drew 370

The sinew. Hector of the glancing helm

Hurl'd the huge mass of rock, A\hich Teucer struck

Near to the shoulder, A\here the collar-bone

Joins neck and breast, the spot most opportune,

And broke the tendon ;

paralys'd, his arm 375

Dropp'd helpless by his side ; upon his knees

He fell, and from his hand let fall the bow.

Not careless Ajax saw his brother's fall,

But o'er him spread in haste his cov'ring shield.

Two faithful friends, Mecisteus, Echius' son, 380

And brave Alastor, from the press withdrew,

And bore him, deeply groaning, to the ships.

Then Jove again the Trojan courage fir'd,

And backward to the ditch they forc'd the Greeks.

Proud of his proAvess, Hector led them on ;

385

And as a hound that, fleet of foot, o'ertakes

 :: ;

254 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

Or boar or lion, object of his chase,

Springs from behind, and fastens on his flank.

Yet careful watches, lest he turn to bay:

So Hector press'd upon the long-hair'd Greeks, .S9o

Slaying the hindmost ; they in terror fled.

But, pass'd at length the ditch and palisade,

W^ith loss of many by the Trojans slain.

Before the ships they rallied from their flight.

And one to other call'd; and one and all 395

With hands uplifted, pray'd to all the Gods

While Hector, here and there, on ev'ry side

His fl}Tng coursers wheel'd, with eyes that flash'd

AAvful as Gorgon's, or as blood-stain'd Mars.

Juno, the white-arm'd Queen, Avith pity mov'd, 400

To Pallas thus her winged words address'd

" Heav'n, brave child of segis-bearing Jove,

Can we, ev'n now, in this their sorest need.

Refuse the Greeks our aid, by one subdued.

One single man, of pride unbearable, 405

Hector, the son of Priam, \vho e'en

Hath caus'd them endless grief?" To whom again

The blue-ey'd Goddess, PaUas, thus replied

 ; ; ;

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 2

" I too would fain behold him robb'd of life,

In his own country slain by Grecian hands 410

But that my sire, by ill advice misled,

Rages in wrath, still thwarting all my plans

Forgetting now how oft his son I sav'd,

Sore wearied with the toils Eurystheus gave.

Oft would his tears ascend to Heav'n, and oft 415

From Heav'n would Jove despatch me to his aid

But if I then had known what now I know,

When to the narrow gates of Pluto's realm

He sent him forth to bring from Erebus

Its guardian dog, he never had return'd 420

In safety from the marge of Styx profound.

He holds me now in hatred, and his ear

To Thetis lends, who kiss'd his knees, and toueh'd

His beard, and pray'd him to avenge her son

Achilles ;
yet the time shall come when I 425

Shall be once more his own dear blue-ey'd IMaid.

But haste thee now, prepare for us thy car,

While to the house of aegis-bearing Jove

I go, and don my armour for the fight,

To prove if Hector of the glancing helm, 430

 ;; ;

256 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

The son of Priam, will unmov'd behold

Us advancing o'er the pass of war;

Or if the flesh of Trojans, slain by Greeks,

Shall sate the maAv of rav'ning dogs and birds."

She said : the white-arm'd Queen her word obey'd. 435

Juno, great Goddess, royal Saturn's child.

The horses brought, with golden frontlets crown'd

While Pallas, child of fegis-bearing Jove,

Within her father's threshold dropp'd her veil

Of airy texture, work of her ov^n hands 440

The cuirass donn'd of cloud-compelling Jove,

And stood accoutred for the bloody fray.

The fiery car she mounted ; in her hand

A spear she bore, long, weighty, tough ; wherewith

The mighty daughter of a mighty sire 44.5

Sweeps down the ranks of those her wrath pursues.

Then Juno sharply touch'd the flying steeds;

Forthwith the gates of Heav'n their portals wide

Spontaneous open'd, guarded by the Hours,

Who Heav'n and high Olymjjus have in charge, 450

To roll aside or close the veil of cloud

Through these th' excited horses held their way.

 : :: ;

BookVIIT. HOMER'S ILIAD. 257

From Ida's heights the son of Saturn saw,

And, fill'd witli wrath, the heav'nly messenger,

The golden-winged Iris, thus bespoke : 455

" Haste thee, swift Iris ; tui-n them back, and warn

That farther they advance not: 'tis not meet

That they and I in war shouhl be oppos'd.

This too I say, ami will make good my words

Their flying horses I will lame ; themselves 460

Dash from their ear, and break their ehariot-wheels

And ten reA^olviug years heal not the vound

Where strikes my lightning: so shall Pallas h^nrn

What 'tis against her father to contend.

Juno less moves my wonder and my wrath, 45

For she is ever wont my schemes to thwart."

Thus he : from Ida to Olympus' height

The storm-swift Iris on lier errand sped.

At many-ridg'd Olympus' outer gate

She met the Goddesses, and stay'd their course, 470

And thus convey 'd the sov'reign will of Jove

" AVhither away ? what madness fills your breasts ?

To giA'e the Greeks your succour. Jove forbids;

And thus he threatens, and will make it good

VOL. I. s
 ; ; ;

258 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

Yonv flying horses he will lame ;

yourselves 47)

Dash from the car, and break your chariot-wheels;

And ten revolving years heal not the wounds

His lightning makes: so, Pallas, shalt thou learn

What 'tis against thy father to contend.

Juno less moves his wonder and his wrath, 480

For she is ever wont his schemes to thwart

But over-bold and A'oid of shame art thou,

If against Jove thou dare to lift thy spear."

Thus as she spoke, swift Iris disappear'd.

Then Juno thus to Pallas spoke :

" No more, 48.'')

Daughter of segis-bearing Jove, can we

For mortal men his sov'reign will resist

Live they or die, as each man's late may be

While he, 'twixt Greeks and Trojans, as 'tis meet,

His own designs accomplishing, decides." 490

She said, and backward turn'd her horses' heads.

The horses from the car the Hours unyok'd,

And safely tether'd in the heav'nly stalls;

The car they rear'd against the inner wall.

That brightly polish'd shone ; the Goddesses 495

Themselves meauAAhile, amid th' Immortals all.

BookVIIT. HOMER'S ILIAD. 259

With sorrowing hearts on golden seats reclin'd.

Ere long, on swiftly-rolling chariot borne,

Jove to Olympus, to th' abode of Gods,

From Ida's height return'd : tli' Earth-shaking Uod. )(")

Neptune, unyok'd his steeds; and on the stand

Seeur'd the car, and spread the cov'ring o'er.

Then on his golden throne all-seeing Jove

Sat do^vn ; beneath his feet Olympus shook.

Juno and Pallas only sat aloof; 505

No word they utter'd. no enquiry made.

Jove knew their thoughts, and thus address'd tlnnn both :

" PalLis and Juno, wherefore sit ye thus

In angry silence? In the glorious fight

No lengthen'»! toil liaA'e ye sustain'»!, to slay oio

The Trojans, ol)jects of your bitt'i'est liate.

Not all tlic Gods that on Olympus dwell

Could turn me from uiy purpose, sue!i my miuld.

And sucli the pow'r of my resistless hand :

But ye were struck witli terror ere ye saw 515

The battle-field, and fearful (!ee(ls of war.

But tliis I sav, and licar it in your mimls.

Had 1 mv liglitniug hnuicliM, and from your car

S 2
 :;

260 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

Had hm-lVl ye down, ye ne'er had reacli'd a<2:ain

Olympus' height, th' immortal Gods' abode." 520

So spoke the God ; but, seated side by side,

Juno and Pallas glances interchang'd

Of ill portent for Troy ; Pallas indeed

Sat silent, and, though inly wroth ^^ith Jove,

Yet ansA^er'd not a word ; but Juno's breast 525

Could not contain her rage, and thus she spoke

" What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak

^,
?

Well do we know thy pow'r

Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks,

Condemn'd to hopeless ruin : from the fight, 530

Since such is thy command, we stand aloof;

But yet some saving coimsel may we give,

Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite."

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:

" Yet greater slaughter, stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n, 535

To-morrow shalt thou see, if so thou list,

Wrought on the warrior Greeks by Saturn's son

For Hector's proud career shall not be check'd

Until the wrath of Peleus' godlike son

Beside the ships be kindled, in the day 540

Boo.vVIII. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 261

When round PatiOclus' corpse, in narrow space,

Ev'n by the vessels' sterns, the war shall rage.

Such is the voice of destiny: for thee,

I reck not of thy wrath; nor should I care

Though thou wert thrust beneath the lowest deep 545

Of earth and ocean, where lapetus

And Saturn lie, uncheer'd by ray of sun

Or breath of air, in Tartarus profound.

Though there thou wert to banishment consign'd,

I should not heed, but thy reproaches hear 550

Unmov'd ; for viler thing is none than thou."

He said, but white-arm'd Juno answer'd not.

The sun, now sunk beneath the ocean wave,

Drew o'er the teeming earth the veil of night.

The Trojans saw, reluctant, day's decline; 555

But on the Greeks the shades of darkness fell

Thi-ice welcome, object of their earnest pray'rs.

The noble Hector then to council call'd

The Trojan leaders; fi-om the ships apart

He led them, by the eddying river's side, 560

To a clear space of groimd, fi-om corpses free.

They ffom their cars dismounting, to the words

 ;; ;

262 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

Of godlike Hector listen'd: in his hand

His massive spear he held, twelve cubits long,

Whose glitt'ring point flash'd bright, with hoop of gold 5

Encircled round ; on this he leant, and said,

" Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies

I hop'd that to the breezy heights of Troy

We might ere now in triumph have return'd.

The Grecian ships and all the Greeks destroy 'd ; 570

But night hath come too soon, and sav'd awhile

The Grecian army and their stranded ships.

Then yield we to the night ;

prepare the meal

Unyoke your horses, and before them place

Their needful forage ; from the city bring 575

Oxen and sheep ; the luscious wine provide

Bring bread from out our houses; and collect

Good store of fuel, that the livelong night,

Ev'n till the dawn of day, may broadly blaze

Our num'rous Avatchfires, anfl illume the Heav'ns ; 580

Lest, ev'n by night, the long-hair'd Greeks should seek

O'er the broad bosom of the sea to fly,

That so not unassail'd they may embark,

Nor undisturb'd ; but haply some may bear,
 ; ;

Book VIII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 263

Ev'n to their homes, the mem'ry of a wound 585

Receiv'd from spear or arrow, as on board

They leap'd in haste ; and others too may fear

To tempt with hostile arms the pow'r of Troy.

Then let the sacred heralds' voice proclaim

Throughout the city, that the stripling youths 590

And hoary-headed sires allot themselves

In sev'ral ^\'atches to the Heav'n-built tow'rs.

Charge too the women, in their houses each.

To kindle blazing fires ; let careful Avatch

Be set, lest, in the absence of the men, 595

The town by secret ambush be sm-pris'd.

Such, valiant Trojans, is th' ad\ace I give

^Vnd what to-night your wisdom shall approve

AVill I, at morn, before the Trojans speak.

Hopeful, to Jove I pray, and all the Gods, 600

To chase fi-oni hence these fate-inflicted hounds,

By fate sent hither on their dark-ribb'd ships.

Now keep we through the night our watchful guard

And with the early dawn, ecpiipp'd in arms,

Upon their fleet our angry battle pour. 605

Then shall I know if Tydeus' valiant son

 : ;

264 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book VIII.

Back from the ships shall drive me to the walls,

Or I, triumphant, bear his bloody spoils

To-morrow morn his courage will decide.

If he indeed my onset will aAvait. (310

But ere to-morrow's sun be high in Heav'n,

He, 'mid the foremost, if I augm• right.

Wounded and bleeding in the dust shall lie.

And many a comrade round him. Would to Heav'n :

I were as sure to be from age and death 615

Exempt, and held in honour as a God,

Phcebus, or Pallas, as I am assur'd

The coming day is fraught with ill to Greece."

Thus Hector spoke; the Trojans shouted loud:

Then from the yoke the sweating steeds they loos'd, 620

And tether'd each beside their sev'ral cars:

Next from the city sjDcedily they brought

Oxen and sheep ; the luscious wine procur'd

Brought bread from out their houses, and good store

Of fuel gather'd; wafted from the plain, 625

The winds to Heav'n the sav'ry odours bore.

Pull of proud hopes, upon the pass of war,

All night they camp'd ; and frequent blaz'd their iires.

 ;

Book VIII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 265

As when in Heav'u, aroimd the glitt'ring moon

The stars shine bright amid the breathless aii-; G30

And ev'ry crag, and ev'ry jutting peak

Stands boklly forth, and ev'ry forest glade

Ev'n to the gates of Heav'n is open'd wide

The boundless sky; shines each particular star

Distinct; joy fills the gazing shepherd's heart. 635

So bright, so thickly scatter'd o'er the plain,

Before the walls of Troy, between the ships

xlnd Xanthus' stream, the Trojan watchfires blaz'd.

A thousand fires burnt brightly ; and round each

Sat fifty warriors in the ruddy glare ; 640

With store of provender before them laid,

Barley and rye, the tether'd horses stood

Beside the cars, and waited for the morn. 643

2G6 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book IX.

BOOK IX.

THUS kept their watch the Trojans ; but the Greeks

Dire Panic held, companion of chill Fear,

Their bravest struck with grief unbearable.

As when two stormy winds ruffle the sea,

Boreas and Zephyr, from the hills of Thrace

With sudden gust descending; the dark waves

Bear high their angry crests, and toss on shor(i

Masses of tangled weed; such stormy grief

The breast of ev'ry Grecian warrior rent.

Atrides, heart-struck, wander'd to and fiO, 10

And to the clear-voic'd heralds gave commainl

To call, but not with proclamation loud.

Each sev'ral man to council ; he himself

Spar'd not his labour, mixing A\'ith the chiefs.

Sadly they sat in council ; Atreus' son. 15

Weeping, arose ; as some dark-water 'd fount

I*ours o'er a craggy steep its gloomy stream ;

 : ! :

Book IX. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 207

Then with deep groans th' assembled Greeks address'd

" friends ! the chiefs and councillors of Greece,

Grievous, and all unlook'd for, is the blow 20

Which Jove hath dealt me ; by his i)romise led

1 hop'd to raze the strong-built walls of Troy,

And home return in safety ; but it seems

He falsifies his word, and bids me now

lleturn to Argos, frustrate of my hope, 25

Dishonour 'd, and \\ith grievous loss of men.

Such now appears th' o'er-ruling sov'reign will

Of Satm-n's son, who oft hath sunk the heads

Of many a lofty city in the dust.

And yet will sink ; for mighty is his hand. 30

Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree

Home to direct our course ; since here in vain

We strive to take the well-built walls of Troy."

The monarch spoke; they all in silence heard:

In speechless sorrow long they sat: at length ;55

Hose valiant Diomed, and thus he spoke

" Atrides, I thy folly must confront,

As is my right, in council ; thou, King

Bo not offended: cmce, among the Greeks

 ; ;

28 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Thou held'st my prowess light, and A\'ith the name 40

Of coward branded me ; how justly so

Is known to all the Greeks, both young• and old.

On thee the deep-designmg Saturn's son

In difif'ring measui'e hath his gifts bestow'd:

A throne he gives thee, higher far than all 45

But valour, noblest boon of Heav'n, denies.

How canst thou hope the sons of Greece shall prove

Such heartless dastards as thy ^^ ords suppose ?

If homeward to return thy mind be fix'd.

Depart; the way is open, and the ships, [>o

Which from Mycenee follow'd thee in cO^\ds,

Are close at hand, and ready to be launch'd.

Yet will the other long-hair'd Greeks remain

Till Priam's city fall : nay, though the rest

Betake them to their ships, and sail for home, 55

Yet I and Sthenelus, we t^^o, will fight

Till Troy be ours; for Heav'n is on oui' side."

Thus he; the sons of Greece, with loud applause.

The speech of valiant Diomed confirm'd.

Then aged Nestor rose, and thus began: 60

" Tydides, eminent thou art in war

 : : ; :

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 29

And in the coiinoil thy compeers in age

Must yield to thee ; thy present words, no Greek

Can censure, or gainsay ; and yet the end

Thou hast not reach'd, and object of debate. 65

But thou art young, and for thine age mightst be

My latest born; yet dost thou to the Kings

Sage counsel gi, and well in season speak.

But now will I, that am thine elder far,

Go fully through the whole ; and none my words 70

May disregard, not ev'n Atrides' self.

Religious, social, and domestic ties

Alike he violates, who willingly

Would court the horrors of internal strife.

But yield we now to th' influence of night 75

Prepare the meal; and let the sev'ral guards

Be posted by the ditch, without the wall.

This duty on the younger men I lay

Then, Agamemnon, thou thy part perform

For thou art King supreme; the Elders all, 80

As meet and seemly, to the feast in\4te

Thy tents are fiill of wine, which Grecian ships

O'er the wide sea bring day by day from Thrace;

 ; :

270 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Nor lack'st thou aught thy guests to entertain,

And many own thy sway ; \\'hen all are met, «5

His counsel take, Avho gives the best advice;

Great need we have of counsel wise and good,

When close beside our ships the hostile tires

x\re burning : who can this unmov'd behold ?

This night our ruin or our safety sees." 90

He said ; and they, assenting, heard his speech.

Forth with their followers went th' appointed guards,

The princely Thrasymedes, Nestor's son,

Ascalaphus, and bold lalmenus.

Two valiant sons of Mars; Meriones, 95

And Aphareus, and brave Deipyrus,

And godlike Lycomedes, Creon's son.

Sev'n were the leaders; and Avith each went forth

A hundred gallant youths, with lances arni'd.

Between the ditch and wall they took their post; loo

There lit their fires, and there the meal prepar'd.

Then for th' assembled Elders in his tent

An ample banquet Agamemnon spread

They on the viands, set before them, fell

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, 105

 : : ; : :

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 271

The aged Nestor first his mind diselos'd

He who, before, the sagest counsel gave,

Now thus with prudent words began, and said

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

With thee, Atrides, my discourse shall end, 110

With thee begin : o'er many nations thou

Hold'st sov'reign sway ; since Jove to thee hath giv'n

The sceptre, and the high prerogatiA^e,

To be thy people's judge and counsellor,

'Tis thine to speak the word, 'tis thine to hear 115

And to determine, when some other chief

Suggestions offers in the gen'ral cause

What counsel shall prevail, depends on thee

Yet will I say what seems to me the best.

Sounder opinion none can hold than this, 120

Which I maintain, and ever have maintain'd,

Ev'n from the day Avhen thou, great King, didst bear

The fair Briseis from Achilles' tent

Despite his anger — not by my advice

I fain would liave dissuaded thee, but thou, 125

Following the dictates of thy wrathful pride,

Didst to oui• bravest \Mong, dishon'ring him

 ;:

272 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Whom ev'n tli' Immortals honour'd ; for his prize

Thou took'st and still retain'st ; but let us noAv

Consider, if ev'n yet, with costly gifts 130

And soothing words, we may his wrath appease."

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus

"Father, too truly thou recall'st my fault:

I err'd, nor will deny it; as a host

Is he whom Jove in honour holds, as now 13.5

Achilles hon'ring, he confounds the Greeks.

But if I err'd, by evil impulse led.

Fain would I now conciliate him, and pay

An ample penalty; before you all

I pledge myself rich presents to bestow. 140

Sev'n tripods ^ I give, untouch'd by fire

Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright.

Twelve pow'rfiil horses, on the course renown'd.

Who by theii' speed have many prizes won.

Not empty-handed could that man be deem'd, 145

Nor poor in gold, who but so much possess'd

As by those horses has for me been won.

Sev'n women too, well skill'd in household cares,

Lesbians, whom I selected for myself.

 ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 273

That day he captur'd Lesbos' goodly isle, 150

In beauty far surpassing all their sex :

These will I give ; and Avith them will I send

The fair Briseis, her whom fi'om his tent

I bore away ; and add a solemn oath,

I ne'er approach'd her bed, nor held with her 155

Such intercourse as man with woman holds.

All these shall now be his : but if the Gods

Shall grant us Priam's city to destroy,

Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil,

With countless heaps he shall a vessel freight, 160

And twenty captives he himself shall choose,

All only less than Argive Helen fair.

And if it be our fate to see again

The teeming soil of Argos, he shall be

My son by marriage; and in honour held 165

As is Orestes, who, my only son,

Is rear'd at home in luxury and ease.

Three daughters fair I have, Chrysothemis,

Iphianassa, and Laodice;

Of these, whiche'er he will, to Peleus' house, 170

No portion ask'd for, he shall take to wife

VOL. I.
 ; :
:

274 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

And with her will I add such wedding

'
gifts,

As man before to daughter gave.

Sev'n prosp'rous towns besides; Cardamyle,

And Enope, and Ira's grassy plains 175

And Pherae, and Antheia's pastures deep,

iEpeia fair, and vine-clad Pedasus ;

All by the sea, by sandy Pylos' bounds.

The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich,

And, as a God, shall honour him. with gifts, 180

And to his sceptre ample tribute pay.

This will I do, so he his wrath remit:

Then let him yield (Pluto alone remains

Unbending and inexorable ; and thence

Of all the Grods is most abhorr'd of men), 185

To me submitting, as in royal pow'r

Superior far, and more advanc'd in age."

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

Atrides, not unworthy are the gifts, 190

Which to Achilles thou design'st to send

Then to the tent of Peleus' son in haste

Let us our chosen messengers despatch :

 : ; ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 275

Whom I shall choose, let them consent to go.

Then first of all let Phoenix lead the vay, 19.5

Belov'd of Jove ; the mighty Ajax next

With them, Ulysses sage ; and let them take,

Of heralds, Hodiiis and Emy bates.

Bring now the hallo^^•ing vater for our hands

xlnd bid be silent, while to Saturn's son, 200

That he ha'e mercy, we address our pray'r."

He said, and well his counsel pleas'd them all;

The heralds pour'd the water on their hands;

The youths, attending, crown'd the bowls with wine.

And in due order serv'd the cups to all. 205

Then, their libations made, when each with wine

Had satisfied his soul, from out the tent

Of Agamemnon, Atreus' son, they pass'd

And many a caution aged Nestor gave.

With rapid glance to each, Ulysses chiefl, 210

How best to soften Peleus' matchless son.

Beside the many-dashing ocean's shore

They mov'd along ; and many a pray'r address'd

To Neptune, Ocean's Earth-surrounding C4od,

That he to gentle counsels would incline 215

2
 ;

27G HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Tlie hauglity soul of great -«iEacides.

When to the ships and tents they came, Avhere lay

The warlike Myrmidons, their chief they found

His spirit soothing with a sweet-ton'd lyre,

Of curious work, with silver band adorn'd 220

Part of the spoil he took, when he destroy 'd

Eetion's wealthy town ; on this he play'd,

Soothing his soul, and sang of warriors' deeds.

Before the chief, in silence and alone

Patroclus sat, upon Achilles fix'd 225

His eyes, awaiting till the song should cease.

The emOys forward stepp'd, Ulysses first,

And stood before him ; from his couch, amaz'd,

And holding still his iyre, Achilles sprang,

Leaving the seat Avhereon they found him plac'd ; 230

And at their entrance rose Patroclus too :

Waving his hand, Achilles, swift of foot,

Address'd them :
" Welcome, friends ! as fi-iends ye come :

Some great occasion surely to my tent

Hath brought the men who are, of all the Greeks, 235

Despite my anger, dearest to my heart."

Thus as he spoke, he led them in, and plac'd

 : ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 277

On couches spread with purple carpets o'er,

Then thus address'd Patroclus at his side:

" Son of MencBtius, set upon the board 240

A larger boAvl, and stronger mix the wine,

And serve a cup to each : beneath luy roof

This night my dearest friends I entertain."

He said ; Patroclus his commands obey'd

And in the fire-light plac'd an ample tray, 245

And on it laid of goat's flesh and of sheep's

A saddle each ; and Avith them, rich in fat,

A chine of well-fed hog ; .Vutomedon

Held fast, while great Achilles carv'd the joints.

The meat, prepar'd, he fix'd upon the spits: 250

Patroclus kindled then a blazing fire

And when the fire burnt hotly, and the flame

Subsided, spread the glowing embers out,

And hung the spits above ; then sprinkled o'er

The meat with salt, and lifted fi-om the stand. 255

The viands cook'd and plac'd upon the board.

From baskets feir Patroclus portion'd out

The bread to each; the meat Achilles shar'd.

Facing the sage Ulysses, sat the host

 : ;

278 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

On til' other side the tent; and bade his friend, 260

Patroclus, give the Gods their honom-s due :

He in the fire the wonted off 'rings burnt:

They on the viands set before them fell.

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,

Ajax to Phoenix sign'd : Ulysses saw 265

The sign, and rising, fiU'd a cup with wine,

And pledg'd Achilles thus :

" To thee I drink,

Achilles! nobly is thy table spread,

As heretofore in Agamemnon's tent,

So now in thine ; abundant is the feast 270

But not the pleasures of the banquet now

We hsixe in hand: impending o'er our arms

Grave cause of fear, illustrious chief, ve see

Grave doubts, to save, or see destroy 'd our ships,

If thou, great warrior, put not forth thy might. 275

For close beside the ships and wall are camp'd

The haughty Trojans and renown'd allies :

Their watch-fires frequent burn throughout the camp;

And loud their boast, that nought shall stay their hands,

Until our dark-ribb'd ships be made their prey. 280

Jove too for them, with lav'ring auguiy

 ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 279

Sends forth his lightning ; boastful of his strength,

And firmly trusting in the aid of Jove,

Hector, resistless, rages ; nought he fears

Or God or man, with martial fiiry fir'd. 285

He prays, impatient, for th' approach of morn ;

Then, breaking through the lofty sterns, resolv'd

To the devouring flames to give the ships.

And slay the crews, bewilder'd in the smoke.

And much my mind misgives me, lest the Gods 290

His threats fulfil, and we be fated here

To perish, iar from Argos' grassy plains.

Up then ! if in their last extremity

Thy spirit inclines, though late, to save the Greeks

Sore press'd by Trojan arms : lest thou thyself 295

Hereafter feel remorse ; the evil done

Is past all cure ; then thou reflect betimes

How fi'om the Greeks to ward the day of doom.

Dear friend, remember now thy father's words.

The aged Peleus, when to Atreus' son 300

He sent thee forth from Phthia, how he said,

'
My son, the boon of strength, if so they will,

Juno or Pallas have the pow'r to give

 : ;

280 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

But thou thyself thy haughty spirit must curb,

For better far is gentle courtesy 305

And cease from angry strife, that so the Greeks

The more may honour thee, both young and old.'

Such were the words thine aged father spoke,

Which thou hast now forgotten ;

yet, ev'n now,

Pause for awhile, and let thine anger cool 310

And noble gifts, so thou thy vrath remit.

From Agamemnon shalt thou bear away.

Listen to me, while I recount the gifts

Which in his tent he pledg'd him to bestow.

Sev'n tripods promis'd he, untouch'd by tire, 315

Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright,

Twelve pow'rful horses, in the course renown'd.

Who by their speed have many prizes \\on.

Not empty-handed could that man be deem'd.

Nor poor in gold, who but so much possess'd 320

As by those horses has for him been .

Sev'n women too, well skill'd in household cares,

Lesbians, whom he selected for himself.

That day thou captur'dst Lesbos' goodly isle,

In beauty far surpassing all their sex. 325

 ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 281

These will he give ; and with them Avill he send

The fair Briseis, her whom from thy tent

He bore away ; and add a solemn oath,

He ne'er approach'd her bed, nor held with her

Such intercourse as man with woman holds. 330

All these shall now be thine: but if the Gods

Shall grant us Priam's city to destroy,

Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil,

With countless heaps a vessel shalt thou freight,

And t\venty captives thou thyself shalt choose, 335

All only less than Argive Helen fair.

And if it be our fate to see again

The teeming soil of Argos, thou mayst be

His son by marriage, and in honour held

As is Orestes, who, his only son, 340

Is rear'd at home in luxury and ease.

Three daughters fair are his, Chrysothemis,

Ij)hianassa, and Laodice

Of these whiche'er thou wilt, to Peleus' house,

No portion ask'd for, thou shalt take to wife; 345

And with her will he add such wedding gifts.

As never man before to daughter gave.

 ; ; : ;

282 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Sev'n prosp'rous towns besides ; Cardamyle,

And Enope, and Ira's grassy plains,

And Pherse, and Antheia's pastures deep, 350

^peia fair, and vine-clad Pedasus

All by the sea, by sandy Pylos' bounds.

The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich.

And, as a God, will honour thee with gifts.

And to thy sceptre ample tribute pay. 355

All these he gives, so thou thy wrath remit.

But if thou hold Atrides in such hate,

Him and his gifts, yet let thy pity rest

On all the other Greeks, thus sore bested ;

By whom thou shalt be honour 'd as a God : 3G0

For great the triumph that thou now mayst gain

Ev'n Hector's self is now within thy reach

For he is near at hand ; and in his pride

And martial fury deems that none, of all

Our ships contain, can rival him in arms." 365

Whom answer'd thus Achilles, swift of foot

" Heav'n-born Ulysses, sage in council, son

Of great Laertes, I must frankly speak

My mind at once, my fix'd resolve declare :

 : : ; ; ;

Book IX. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 283

That from henceforth I may not by the Greeks, 370

By this man and by that, be importun'd.

Him as the gates of hell my soul abhors,

Whose outward words his inmost thoughts conceal.

Hear then what seems to me the wisest course.

On me nor Agamemnon, Atreus' son, 375

Nor others shall prevail, since nought is gain'd

By toil unceasing in the battle field.

Who nobly fight, but share with those who skulk

Like honours gain the coward and the brave

Alike the idlers and the active die 380

And nought it profits me, though day by day

In constant toil I set my life at stake ;

But as a bird, though ill she fare herself,

Brings to her callow brood the food she takes.

So I through many a sleepless night have lain, 385

And many a bloody day have labour'*! through,

Engag'd in battle on your wives' behalf.

Twelve cities have 1 taken with my ships

Eleven more by land, on Trojan soil

From all of these abundant stores of wealth 3

I took, and all to Agamemnon gave;
 ! ;

284 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

He, safe on board his ships, my spoils receiv'd,

A few divided, but the most retain'd.

To other chiefs and Kings he meted out

Their sev'ral portions, and they hold them still ; 395

From me, fiOm me alone of all the Greeks,

He bore aAvay, and keeps my cherish'd wife

Well ! let him keep her, solace of his bed

But say then, Avhy do Greeks with Trojans fight ?

Why hath Atrides brought this mighty host 400

To Troy, if not in fair-hair'd Helen's cause ?

Of mortals are there none that love their wives,

Save Atreus' sons alone ? or do not all,

Who boast the praise of sense and virtue, love

And cherish each his own? as her I lov'd 405

Ev'n from my soul, though captive of my spear.

Now, since he once hath robb'd me, and deceiv'd,

Let him not seek my aid ; I know him now.

And am not to be won; let him devise,

With thee, Ulysses, and the other Kings, 410

How best from hostile fires to save his ships.

He hath completed many mighty works

Without my aid ; hath built a lofty wall.

 ;; ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 285

And dug a trench around it, wide and deep,

And in the trench hath fix'd a palisade 415

Nor so the warrior-slayer Hector's might

Can keep in check ; while I was in the field,

Not far without the walls would Hector range

His line of battle, nor beyond the Oak

And Scaean gates would venture; there indeed 420

He once presmn'd to meet me, hand to hand.

And from my onset narroAvly escap'd.

But as with Hector now no more I fight.

To-morrow morn, my oflf'rings made to Jove,

And all the Gods, and freighted well my ships, 42.5

And launch'd upon the main, thyself shall see.

If that thou care to see, my vessels spread

O'er the broad bosom of the Hellespont,

My lusty crews plying the vig'rous oar

And if th' Earth-shaker send a fav'ring breeze, 430

Three days will bear us home to Phthia's shore.

There did I leave abundant store of wealth,

When hitherward I took my luckless way

Thither from hence I bear, of ruddy gold,

And brass, and women fair, and iron hoar 435

 !;

286 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

The share assign'd me ; but my chiefest prize

The monarch Agamemnon, Atreus' son,

Himself who gave, with insult takes away.

To him then speak aloud the words I send,

That all may know his crimes, if yet he hope 440

Some other Greek by treach'rous wiles to cheat,

Cloth'd as he is in shamelessness ! my glance.

All brazen as he is, he dare not meet.

I share no more his counsels, nor his acts

He hath deceiv'd me once, and wrong'd ; again 445

He shall not cozen me ! Of him, enough

I pass him by, whom Jove hath robb'd of sense.

His gifts I loathe, and spurn ; himself 1 hold

At a hair's worth ; and would he proffer me

Tenfold or twentyfold of all he has, 450

Or ever may be his ; or all the gold

Sent to Orchomenos or royal Thebes,

Egyptian, treasurehouse of countless wealth.

Who boasts her hundred gates, through each of ^hich

With horse and car two hundred wvarriors march: 455

Nay, were his gifts in number as the sand,

Or dust upon the plain, yet ne'er will I

 : ; :

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 287

By Agamemnon be prevail'd upon.

Till I have paid him bac^k my heart's offence.

Nor e'er of Agamemnon, Atreiis' son, 460

Will I a daughter Aved ; not were she fair

As golden Venus, and in works renown'd

As Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid, yet her ev'n so

I wed not ; let him choose some other Greek,

Some fitting match, of nobler blood than mine. 465

But should the Gods in safety bring me home,

At Peleus' hands I may receive a wife

And Greece can boast of many a lovely maid,

In Hellas or in Phthia, daughters fair

Of chiefs who hold their native fortresses 470

Of these, at will, a wife I may select

And ofttimes hath my Avarlike soul inclin'd

To take a wedded wife, a fitting bride.

And aged Peleus' wealth in peace enjoy.

For not the stores which Troy, they say, contain'd 475

In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece,

Nor all the treasures which Apollo's shrine.

The Archer-God, in rock-built Pythos holds,

May Aveigh with life ; of oxen an<l of sheep

 : : —

288 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Successful forays may good store provide; 480

And tripods may be gain'd, and noble steeds:

But when the breath of man hath pass'd his lips,

Nor strength nor foray can the loss repair.

I by my Goddess-mother have been warn'd,

The silver-footed Thetis, that o'er me 485

A double chance of destiny impends

If here remaining, round the walls of Troy

I wage the war, I ne'er shall see my home,

But then undying glory shall be mine

If I return, and see my native land, 490

My glory all is gone ; but length of life

Shall then be mine, and death be long deferr'd.

If others ask'd my counsel, I should say,

'
Homeward direct your course ; of lofty Troy

Ye see not yet the end ; all-seeing Jove 495

O'er her extends his hand ; on him relying

Her people all with confidence are fiU'd.'

Go then ; my answer to the chiefs of Greece

Speak boldly — such the privilege of age

Bid that some better counsel they devise 500

To save their ships and men ; their present scheme,

 ; : ; ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 289

My anger unappeas'd, aA-ails them nought.

But Phoenix here shall stay, and sleep to-night

And with the morrow he with me shall sail

And seek our native land, if so he will 505

For not by force will I remove him hence."

He said ; they all, confounded by his words,

In silence heard ; so sternly did he speak.

At length, in tears, the aged Phoenix spoke.

For greatly fear'd he for the ships of Greece 510

" If, great Achilles, on returning home

Thy mind is set, nor canst thou be induc'd

To save the ships from fire, so fierce thy wrath

How then, dear boy, can I remain behind.

Alone ? whom with thee aged Peleus sent, 515

That day when he in Agamemnon's cause

From Phthia sent thee, inexperienc'd yet

In all the duties of confed'rate Avar,

And sage debate, on which attends renown.

Me then he sent, instructor of thy youth, 520

To prompt thy language, and thine acts to guide.

So not from thee, dear boy, can I consent

To part, though Heav'n should undertake my age

VOL. I.
 ; :

290 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

To wipe away, anfl vig'roiis youth restore,

Such as I boasted, when from Greece I fled 525

Before my angry sire, Amyntor, son

Of Ormenus ; a fair-hair'd concubine

Cause of the quarrel ; her my father lov'd.

And by her love estrang'd, despis'd his wife.

My mother ; oft she pray'd me to seduce, 530

To vex th' old man, my father's concubine;

I yielded ; he, suspecting, on my head

A curse invok'd, and on the Furies call'd

His curse to witness, that upon his knees

No child, by me begotten, e'er should sit 535

His curse the Gods have heard, and ratified,

Th' infernal King, and aMful Proserpine.

Then would I fain have slain him with the s^^rd,

Had not some God my rising fury quell'd.

And set before my mind the public voice, 540

The odium I should have to bear 'mid Greeks,

If branded with the name of parricide.

But longer in my angry father's house

To dwell, my spirit brook'd not, though my friends

And kinsmen all besought me to remain 545

Book IX. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 291

And many a goodly sheep, and many a steer

They slew, and many SAvine, with fat o'erlaid,

They sing'd, and roasted o'er the burning coals;

And drank in many a cup the old man's wine.

Nine nights they kept me in continual watch, 550

By turns relievmg guards. The fires meanwhile

Burnt constant: one beneath the porch that fac'd

The Avell-fenc'd court ; one in the vestibule

Before my chamber door. The tenth dark night

My chamber's closely-fitting doors I broke, 555

And lightly vaulted o'er the court-yard fence,

By guards alike and servant maids immark'd.

Alone I fled through all the breadth of Greece,

Until at length to Phthia's fruitful soil.

Mother of flocks, to Peleus' realm I came, 560

Who kindly welcom'd me, and with such love

As to his only son, his well-belov'd,

A father shows, his gen'rous gifts bestow'd.

He gave me wealth, he gave me ample rule;

And on the bounds of Phthia bade me dwell, 565

And o'er the Dolopes hold sov'reign sway.

Thee too, Achilles, rival of the Gods,

IT 2
 ; ; ; :

292 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Such as thou art I made thee; from my soul

I lov'd thee; nor wouklst thou with others go

Or to the meal, or in the house be fed, 570

Till on my knee thou satt'st, and by my hand

Thy food were cut, the cup were tender'd thee

And often, in thy childish helplessness,

The bosom of my dress with wine was drench'd

Such care I had of thee, such pains I took, 575

Rememb'ring that by Heav'n's decree, no son

Of mine I e'er might see ; then thee I made,

Achilles, rival of the Gods, my son.

That thou mightst be the guardian of mine age.

But thou, Achilles, curb thy noble rage 580

A heart implacable beseems thee not.

The Gods themseh^es, in virtue, honour, strength,

Excelling thee, may yet be mollified

For they, when mortals have transgress'd, or fail'd

To do aright, by sacrifice and pray'r, 585

libations and bmnt-oif'rings, may be sooth'd.

Pray'rs are the daughters of immortal Jove;

But halt, and wrinkled, and of feeble sight,

They plod in Ate's track ; while Ate, strong

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 293

And swift of foot, outstrips their laggard pace, 590

And, dealing woe to man, o'er all the earth

Before them flies : they, following, heal her Avounds.

Him who \\ith honour welcomes their approach.

They greatly aid, and hear him when he prays;

But who rejects, and sternly ca.sts them off, 595

To Saturn's son they go, and make their pray'r

That Ate follow him and claim her dues.

Then to the daughters of immortal Jove,

Do thou, Achilles, show the like respect.

That many another brave man's heart hath sway'd. (500

If to thy tent no gifts Atrides brought,

With promises of more, but still retain'd

His vehement enmity, I could not ask

That thou thy cherish'd anger shouldst discard.

And aid the Greeks, how great so-e'er their need. 605

But now large off'rings hath he giv'n, and more

Hath promis'd ; and, of all the Greeks, hath sent

To pray thine aid, the men thou lov'st the best.

Discredit not their mission, nor theii• words.

Till now, I grant thee, none could blame thy wrath. 610

In praise of men in ancient days renown'd,

 ;

294 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book IX.

This have we heard, that how-so-e'er might rage

Their hostile feuds, their anger might be still

By gifts averted, and by words appeas'd.

One case I bear in mind, in times long past, 615

And not in later days ; and here, 'mid friends.

How all occurr'd, will I at length recite.

Time was, that with ^tolia's warlike bands

Round Calydon the Acarnanians fought

With mutual slaughter: these to save the town, 620

The Acarnanians burning to destroy.

This curse of war the golden-throned Queen

Diana sent, in anger that from her

(Eneus the first-fruits of his field withheld.

The other Gods their hecatombs receiv'd; 625

Diana's shrine alone no off 'rings deck'd,

Neglected, or o'erlook'd ; the sin was great

And in her wrath the arrow-darting Queen

A savage wild-boar sent, with gleaming tusks,

Which, OEneus' vineyard haunting, wrought him harm. 630

There laid he prostrate many a stately tree,

With root and branch, with blossom and with fruit.

Him Meleager, son of (Eneus, slew.

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 295

With youths and dogs from all the neighbouring towns

Collected ; smaller force had not avail'd, 035

So huge he was, so fierce ; and many a youth

Had by his tusks been laid upon the bier.

A fierce contention then the Goddess rais'd,

For the boar's head and bristly hide, between

The Acarnanian and th' ^tolian bands. 640

While warlike Meleager kept the field.

So long• the Acarnanians far'd but ill;

Nor dar'd, despite the numbers of their host,

Maintain their ground before the city walls.

When he to anger yielded, which sometimes 645

SavcIIs in the bosom ev'n of wisest men,

Incens'd against his mother, he withdrew

To Cleopatra fair, his wedded wife ;

(Marpessa her, Eveuus' daughter, bore

To Idas, strongest man of all who then 650

Were living, who against Apollo's self

For the neat-footed maiden bent his bow.

Her parents call'd the child Alcyone,

In mem'ry of the tears her mother shed,

Kival of Alcyon's melancholy fate, 655

29 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

When by far-darting Phoebus forc'd away).

With her, retiring from the field, he nurs'd

His wrath ; resenting thus his mother's curse,

Althpea; she her brother's death bore hard,

And pray'd to Heav'n above, and with her hands 660

Beating the solid earth, the nether pow'rs,

Pluto and awful Proserpine, implor'd,

Down on her knees, her bosom wet with tears,

Death on her son invoking ; from the depths

Of Erebus Erinnys heard her pray'r, 665

Gloom-haunting Goddess, dark and stern of heart.

Soon round the gates the din of battle rose,

The tow'rs by storm assaulted ; then his aid

Th' ^Etolian Elders and the sacred priests

With promises of great reward implor'd. 670

A fruitful plot they bade him set apart.

The richest land in lovely Calydon,

Of fifty acres: half for vineyard meet.

And half of fertile plain, for tillage clear 'd.

Upon the threshold of his lofty rooms 675

Ohl (Eneus stood, and at the portals clos'd

He knock'd in vain, a suppliant to his son.

 ; ; ;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 297

His sisters and his brother join'd their pray'rs,

But sterner his rejection of their suit

The friends he vakied most, and lov'd the best, 680

Yet they too fail'd his fix'd resolve to shake

Till to his very doors the war had reach'd,

The foe upon the tow'rs, the town in flames:

Then Meleager's beauteous wife, at length,

In tears, beseeching him, the thousand ills 685

Recall'd, which on a captur'd town attend

The slaughter'd men, the city burnt with fire.

The helpless children and deep-bosom'd dames

A prey to strangers. List'ning to the tale,

His spirit was rous'd within him ; and again 690

He took the field, and donn'd his glitt'ring arms.

Thus did his act from doom th' jJEtolians save

Spontaneous ;
yet he gain'd not, though he sav'd,

The rich reward they once were pledg'd to give.

But be not thou like him, nor let thy God 695

Turn thitherward thy thoughts; our ships on tire,

Thine aid will less be priz'd ; come, take the gifts.

And as a God be honour'd by the Greeks.

If thou hereafter, unsolicited.

 : :

298 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book IX.

The battle join, the Greeks thou mayst protect, 700

But not an equal share of honour gain."

"\Miom answer 'd thus Achilles, swift of foot

" Phcenix, my second father, rev'rend sire,

Such honoui's move me not ; my honour comes

From Jo'e, whose ^vill it is that I should here 70.5

Remain beside the ships, while I retain

Breath in my lungs and vigoiu' in my limbs.

This too I say, and bear it in thy mind:

Distui'b me not vith weeping and complaints,

To do Atrides grace ; if him thou love, 710

3Iy love for thee perchance may turn to hate

My fi'iend shoidd honom- him who houom-s me.

But come with me, and of my kingdom half,

And equal honoui's shalt thou share with me.

These shall our message bear ; stay thou the while, 715

And on soft couch repose ; to-morrow morn

Will we determine or to sail or stay."

He said, and \\ith his eyebrows gave a sign

In silence to Patroclus, to prepare

A bed for Phcenix, that without delay 720

The rest might leave the tent ; then thus began

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 299

Ajax, the godlike sou of Telamon :

" Ulysses sage, Laertes' high-born son,

Depart we now ; for this way our discourse

Can lead to no result ; behoves us bear 725

Our tidings, all unwelcome as they are.

Back to the chiefs awaiting our return.

Achilles hath allow'd his noble heart

To cherish rancour and malignant hate;

Nor recks he of his old companions' love, 730

Wherewith we honour'd him above the rest.

Relentless he ! a son's or brother's death,

By payment of a fine, may be aton'd ;

The slayer may remain in peace at home,

The debt discharg'd ; the other will forego, 735

The forfeitiu-e receiv'd, his just revenge;

But thou maintain'st a stern, obdurate mood,

And for a single girl ! we offer sev'n,

Surpassing fail-, and other gifts to boot.

We now bespeak thy courtesy ; respect 740

Thy hearth; remember that beneath thy roof

We stand, deputed by the gen'ral voice

Of all the host ; and fain wouhl claim to be,

 : ;:

300 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

Of all the Greeks, tliy best and dearest friends."

Whom answer'd thus Achilles, swift of foot 745

" Illustrious Ajax, son of Telamon,

Without offence hast thou thy message giv'n

But fury fills my soul, whene'er I think

How Agamemnon, 'mid th' assembled Greeks,

Insulting, held me forth to public scorn, 750

As some dishonour'd, houseless vagabond.

But go ye now, and bear my answer back

No more in bloody war will I engage.

Till noble Hector, Priam's godlike son.

O'er slaughter'd Greeks, youi• ships enwrapp'd in fire, 755

Shall reach the quarters of the Myrmidons.

Ere he assail my ship and tents, I think

That Hector, valiant as he is, will pause."

Thus he : they each the double goblet rais'd,

And, to the Gods their due libations pour'd, 760

Ulysses leading, to the ships return'd.

Meanwhile Patroclus bade th' attendant maids

Prepare a bed for Phoenix ; they obey'd,

And quickly laid the bed with fleeces warm,

And rugs, and linen light and fine o'erspread. 765

 : ; : "
;

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAT). 301

There slept th' old man, and waited for the morn.

Within the tent's recess Achilles slept

And by his side, from Lesbos capti'e brought,

Daughter of Phorbas, Diomede fair

On th' other side Patroelus lay ; with him 770

The graceful Iphis, whom, when Scyros' isle

He captur'd, and Enyes' rock-built fort,

Achilles to his lov'd companion gave.

When to Atrides' tent the envoys came.

The chiefs, uprising, pledg'd them one by one 775

In golden goblets ; then their tidings ask'd.

First Agamemnon, King of men, enquir'd

" Tell me, renown'd Ulysses, pride of Greece,

What says he : will he save our ships from fire,

?
Or still, in wrathful mood, withhold his aid 780

To whom again Ulysses, stout of heart:

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

His anger is not quench'd, but fiercer still

It glows ; thy gifts and thee alike he spurns

He bids thee Avith the other chiefs concert 785

The means thy people and thy ships to save;

And menaces himself at earlv dawn

 : ;

302 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book IX.

To launch his well-trimm'd vessels on the main.

Nay more, he counsels others, so he says,

Homeward to tm-n, since here of lofty Troy 790

We see not yet the end ; all-seeing Jove

O'er her extends his hand ; on him relying,

Her people all with confidence are fiU'd.

Such was his language ; here before you stand

Ajax and both the heralds, sage, grave men, 795

Who with me went, and will confirm my words.

Old Phcenix left we there, so will'd the chief,

That with the morrow he with him may sail.

And seek their native land, if so he will

For not by force will he remove him hence." 800

Ulysses thus; they all in silence heard,

Amaz'd, so stern the message that he bore.

Long time in silence sat the chiefs of Greece.

Outspoke at length the valiant Diomed

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, 805

Would that thou ne'er hadst stoop'd with costly gifts

To sue for aid from Peleus' matchless son;

For he before was over-proud, and now

Thine offers will have tenfold swoll'n his pride.

 :

Book IX. HOMER'S ILIAD. 303

But leave we him, according to his will, 810

To go or stay: he then will join the fight,

When his own spirit shall prompt, or Heav'n inspire.

But hear ye all. and do as I advise

Refresh'd with food and wine (for therein lie

Both strength and courage), turn we to our rest; 815

And when the rosy-finger'd morn appears,

Thyself among the foremost, with bold hearts.

Before our ships both horse and foot array."

He said; and all the chiefs with loud applause

His speech confirm'd ; then, due libations pour'd, 820

Each to his sev'ral tent they all withdrew;

Then laid them down, and sought the boon of sleep. 822
 ; ;

304 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book X.

BOOK X.

TN night-long slumbers lay the other chiefs

Of all the Greeks, by gentle sleep subdued

But not on Agamemnon, Atreus' son,

By various cares ojjpress'd, sweet slumber fell.

As when from Jove, the fair-hair'd Juno's Lord, 5

Flashes the lightning, bringing in its train

Tempestuous storm of mingled rain and hail

Or snow, by winter sprinkled o'er the fields

Or op'ning wide the rav'nous jaws of Avar;

So Agamemnon from his inmost heart 10

Pour'd forth in groans his multitudinous grief.

His spirit within him sinking. On the plain

He look'd, and there, alarm'd, the watchfires saw,

Which, far advanc'd before the Avails of Troy,

Blaz'd numberless ; and thence of pipes and flutes 15

He heard the sound, and busy hum of men.

Upon the ships he look'd, and men of Clreece,

 ; ; ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 305

.\jid by the roots his hair in handfuls tore

To Jove on high ; deep groan'd his mighty heart.

Thus as he mus'd, the wisest course appear'd, 20

With Nestor, son of Neleus, to confer,

If they some scheme in coimcil might devise

To ward destruction from the Grecian host.

He rose, and o'er his body drew his vest,

And underneath his well-turn'd feet he bound 25

His sandals fair; then o'er his shouMers threw,

Down reaching to his feet, a lion's skin,

Tawny and vast ; then grasp'd his pond'rous spear.

On Menelaus \ eigh'd an equal dread

Nor on his eyes that night had slumber sat, 30

Lest ill befall the Greeks; who, in his cause,

Crossing the wat'ry waste, had come to Troy,

And bold defiance to the Trojans giv'n.

Hound his broad chest a panther's skin he threw

Then on his head his brazen helmet plac'd, 35

And in his brawny hand a lance he bore.

To meet his brother went he forth, of Greece

The mighty monarch, as a God lever'd.

Him by the ship he found, in act to arm

VOL. I. X
 : :

306 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

And welcome was his presence to the King. 40

Then valiiint Menelaus first began

" Why thus in arms, good brother ? seek'st thou one

The Trojan camp to spy? I greatly fear

That none will undertake the task, alone

To spy the movements of the hostile camp 45

In the dark night; stout-hearted he must be."

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus

" Great need, my noble brother, have we both

Of sagest counsels, if we hope the Greeks

And Grecian ships from ruin to preserve, 50

Since turn'd against us is the mind of Jove.

To Hector's oft"rings most his soul inclines;

For never have I seen, or heard men tell,

How in one day one man has wrought such loss

As Hector, dear to Jove, yet not the son 55

Of God or Goddess, on the Greeks has wrought.

Such deeds hath he achiev'd, such havoc made,

As we shall long in bitter mem'ry keep.

Haste thou amid the ships, and hither bring

Idomeneus and Ajax; I the while no

Will Nestor rouse, and urge that he A\ith us

 : :: ; :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 307

The outposts visit, and instruct the guard.

To him they best will listen ; for his son

Commands the watch ; with him Meriones,

The follower of the King Idomeneus 65

To them by pref'rence hath this charge been giv'n."

He said ; and Menelaus auswer'd thus

" What wouldst thou have me do then ? here remain

With them, and wait thy coming, or to them

Thy message give, and follow in thy steps?" 70

Him answer'd Agamemnon, King of men

"Kemain thou here, lest haply we might fail

To meet; for in the camp are many paths.

But thou, where'er thou go'st, each sev'ral man

Address, and ask to rise ; to each his name 75

And patronymic giving ;

pay to each

All due respect ; nor bear thee haughtily

We too must bear our load of toil, on whom

This deep humiliation Jove hath laid."

His brother thus Avith counsels wise dismissal, 80

The King to aged Nestor took his way

Him by his tent and dark-ribb'd ship he found

On a soft couch; beside him lay his arms,

X 2
 ; : ;

308 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

His shield, two lances, and a glitt'ring helm

There lay the rich-wrought belt the old man wore, 85

When to the battle, arm'd, he led his troops

For nought to age's Aveakness would he yield.

Raising his head, and on his elbow propp'd,

He question'd thus iVtrides :

" Who art thou,

That wand'rest through th' encampment thus alone, 90

In the dark night, A\hen other mortals sleep ?

Seek'st thou some mule broke loose, or comrade lost ?

"
Speak, nor in silence come ; a^ hat wouldst thou here ?

To whom tlius Agamemnon, King of men

" Nestor ! son of Neleus, pride of Greece, 95

Know me for Agamemnon, Atreus' son.

On whom hath Jove, beyond the lot of men.

Laid grief that ne'er shall end, ^^hile I retain

Breath in my lungs, and A'igoiu• in my limbs.

I \A'ander thus, because these eyes of mine 100

SAveet slumber visits not, by cares of wa-v

Opj)ress'd, and harass'd by the woes of Greece.

Much for the Greeks I fear; nor keeps my mind

Its wonted firmness ; I am ill at ease

And leaps my troubled heart as though 't\\Ould burst 105

 ; ; :

Book

My
.

bosom's bounds
' ; my
ILIAD.

limbs beneath me sliake.

309

But if thou wilt, since thou too know'st not sleep,

Together to the outposts let us go,

And see if there, by toil and sleep o'erpow'r'd,

The guard repose, neglectful of their watch. 110

The foe is close at hand ; nor are we sure

He may not hazard ev'n a night attack."

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replie<l

" Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

Not all the hopes that Hector entertains 115

Shall by the Lord of counsel be fulfill'd

For him are toil and danger yet in store,

If but Achilles of his wrath repent.

Gladly will I attend thee ; others too,

Tydides, spearman bold, Ulysses sage, 120

Ajax the SA\ift, and Phyleus' noble son.

Should all be summon'd ; and 'twere w ell that one

Across the camp should run, to call in haste

The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus

Theirs are the farthest ships, nor near at hand. 125

But, dear to me as Menelaus is.

And highly honour'd, I must blame, that thus

 ;; ; : ;

310 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book X.

(Though thou shouldst take offence, I needs must say)

He sleeps, and leaves the toil to thee alone.

With all the chiefs he should be busied now, 130

Imploring aid, in this our utmost need."

To whom thus Agamemnon, King of men

" For other times, old man, reserve thy blame

Sometimes, I own, he lags behind, nor takes

His share of labour; not from indolence, loo

Or want of sense ; but still regarding me

Waiting from me an impulse to receive.

IJut now, before me was he up, and came

To visit me and
; I have sent him on

To call those very men whom thou hast nani'd. 140

Come then; for we, beside the gates, and guard

Shall find them ; there my orders were to meet."

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied

" Then none can blame him ; nor can any Greek

Justly refuse his summons to obey." 145

He said, and romid his body wrapp'd his vest;

Then on his feet his sandals fair he bound,

And o'er his shoulders clasp'd a purple cloak,

Doubled, with ample folds, and downy pile

 ; ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 311

Then took his spear, ^\•ith point of sharpen'd brass, 150

And through the camp prepar'd to take his way.

Gerenian Nestor from his shmibers first

Ulysses, sage as Jove in council, rous'd.

Loud shouting ; soon the voice his senses reach'd

Forth from his tent he came, and thus he spoke : 155

" What cause so urgent leads you, through the camp.

"
In the dark night to wander thus alone ?

0 whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied:

" Ulysses sage, Laertes' godlike son,

Be not offended ;
great the stress that now 160

Weighs down our army ; come thou then with us,

And others let us call; with whom 'tis meet

That we should counsel take, to fight or fly."

He said ; Ulysses to the tent return'd

Then, his broad shield across his shoulders thrown, 165

Came forth again, and with them took his way.

To Diomed, the son of Tydeus, next

They went ; and hhu they found beside his arms,

Without his tent; his comrades slept around,

Their heads upon theh• bucklers laid ; their spears 170

Stood upright, on the butts; the burnish'd brass

 : ! ; ; :

312 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

Like Heav'ii's own lightning, flashing far around.

Stretch'd on a AvilJ bull's hide the chief repos'd,

A gay-wrought carpet roU'd beneath his head.

Gerenian Nestor standing by his side 175

Touch'd with his foot the chief, and thus in tone

Eeproachful spoke :
" Arouse thee, Tydeus' son

Why sleep'st thou thus all night ? or know'st thou not

That on the very margin of the plain,

And close beside the ships the Trojans lie, 180

And little space between the camps is left?"

Quick rous'd from sleep, thus answer'd Diomed

" Beshrew thy heart, old . man ! no labour seems

For thee too hard ; are there not younger men

To run about the camp, and summon all 185

The sev'ral chiefs? thou dost too much, old man."

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied

" True, friend, and full of wisdom are thy words

Good sons mdeed I have, and followers bra\^e

And many, who might well my message bear; 190

But great is now the stress that lies on Greece

For on a razor's edge is balanc'd now.

To all the Greeks, the chance of life or death.

 ; :

Book . HOMEB'S ILIAD. 313

Do thou then go (for thou my younger art),

And if thou pity me, thyself arouse 195

Ajax the swift, and Phyleus' noble son."

He said ; the warrior round his shoulders threw,

Down reaching to his feet, a lion's hide,

Tawny and dark ; and took his pond'rous spear.

He went, arous'd, and with him brought the chiefs. 200

When to the guard they came, not sunk in sleep

Found they the leaders; but on wakeful watch

Intent, and all alert beside their arms.

As round a sheepfold keep their anxious watch

The dogs, who in the neighbouring thicket hear 205

Some beast, that, bold in search of prey, has come

Down from the mountain ; loud the clamours rise

Of men and dogs ; all sleep is banish'd thence

So from their eyes was banish'd sleep, who A\atch'd

Through that disastrous night ; still plain ward turning 210

At ev'ry moA^ement in the Trojan camp.

The old man saw, well-pleas'd ; and thus address'd

With cheering words the captains of the guard

"Watch ever thus, good youths; nor be surpris'd

By slumber, lest the foe a triumph gain." 215

314 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

This said, he cross'd the ditch, and with him went

The Grecian leaders, to the council call'd:

With them, admitted to the conf'rence, went

Meriones, and Nestor's noble son.

The deep-dug ditch they cross'd, and sat them down 2^0

Upon an open space, from corpses clear;

Where Hector from the slaughter of the Greeks

Turn'd back, when Ev'uing spread her xeH aroimd:

There sat they down, and there the conf'rence held.

Gerenian Xestor first took up the word: 225

" friends ! is any here with heart so bold

Who dares, self-confident, the Trojan camp

To enter ? there some straggler he might take.

Or in the camp itself some tidings gain.

What are their secret counsels; if they mean 230

Here by the ships to hold theii• ground, or back,

Sated with vict'ry, to the town retire.

This could he learn, and hither scatheless bring

His tidings, high as Heav'n in all men's mouths

Would be his praise, and ample his reward. 235

For ev'ry captain of a ship should give

A coal-black ewe, and at her foot a lamb,

 : ; ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 315

A prize beyond compare; and high should be

His place at banquets and at solemn feasts."

He said ; but all the chiefs in silence heard '240

Then rose the 'aliant Diomed, and said

" Nestor, that heart is mine ; I dare alone

Enter the hostile camp, so close at hand

Yet were one comrade giA-'n me, I should go

With more of comfort, more of confidence. 245

Where two combine, one before other sees

The better course ; and ev'n though one alone

The readiest way discover, yet would be

His judgment slower, his decision less."

He said, and many chiefs to Diomed 250

Proffer'd companionship; stood forth at once,

With him to penetrate the Trojan camp,

The two Ajaces, ministers of Mars;

Stood forth Meriones, and eagerly

Stood forth the son of Nestor ; Atreus' son, 255

The royal Menelaus, spearman bold,

And stout Ulysses, whose endui-ing heart

Fjr ev'ry deed of A'alour was prepar'd.

Rose Agamemnon, Iving of men, and said :

 : ;

310 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

"Tydides, comrade dearest to my soul, 260

Choose thou thine own companion, whom thou wilt;

Of all the many here that proffer aid

Him whom thou deem'st the best; nor from respect

To persons leave the better man behind.

And take the worse ; nor def 'rence show to rank, 265

Not though the purest royal blood were his."

In fear for Menelaus thus he spoke

Then answer'd valiant Diomed, and said

"If my companion I may freely choose,

How can I pass the sage Ulysses by? 270

Of ready wit, and dauntless courage, prov'd

In ev'ry danger; and to Pallas dear.

I should not fear, by him accompanied.

To pass through fire, and safely both return;

So far in prudence he surpasses all." 275

Whom answer'd thus Ulysses, stout of heart:

"Tydides, nor exaggerated praise

Bestow on me, nor censure; for thou speak'st

To those who know me all for A\hat I am.

But go we; night wanes fast, the morn is near: 280

The stars are high in Heav'n ; and of the night

 ; ; :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 317

Two thirds are spent, one third alone remains."

He said ; and both prepar'd to don their arms.

The youthful warrior Thrasymedes gave

To Diomed a two-edg'd sword (his own 285

Had in the ship been left) and ample shield

Then on his brows a leathern headpiece plac'd,

Without or peak or pluine ; a simple casque,

Such as is worn by youths to guard their head.

A bow, and Avell-iiird quiver, and a sword, 290

Meriones to sage Ulysses gave

And on his brows a leathern headpiece plac'd.

Well wrought within, with num'rous straps secur'd,

And on th' outside, with wild boars' gleaming tusks

Profusely garnish'd, scatter'd here and there 295

By skilful hand ; the midst with felt was lin'd

This from Amyntor, son of Ormenus,

Autolycus from Eleon bore away,

Spoil of his pillag'd house ; Autolycus

Gave to Amphidamas, Cytheran chief, 300

Who in Scandea dwelt ; Amphidamas

To Molus, pledge of friendship ; he again

Gave to his son, Meriones, from ^^hom

 ; :

318 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

It now encircled sage Ulysses' brow.

Thus with accoutrements and arms supplied, 305

They left their brother chiefs, and took their way.

Then close beside their path, by Pallas sent,

Kose, on the right, a heron ; through the gloom

They saw it not indeed, but heard the cry.

The fav'ring sign with joy Ulysses hail'd, 310

And thus to Pallas pray'd: "Hear me, thou child

Of segis-bearing Jove, who still hast stood

In ev'ry peril at my side, whose eye

My ev'ry movement sees ; now, Goddess, now

Befriend me ;
grant that safe, with triumph cro\Aai'd, 315

We may return, some great exploit achiev'd,

Such as the Trojans long may bear in mind."

Hun following, thus the brave Tydides pray'd

" My voice too, child of Jove, undaunted, hear

And be Avith me, as with my father erst, 320

The godlike Tydeus, when to Thebes he went,

An envoy, in advance; and left behind,

Upon Asopus' banks the mail-clad Greeks.

Smooth was the message which to Thebes he bore;

But great, his mission ended, were the deeds 325

 ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 319

That with thiiie aid he wrought; for, Gofldess, thou

Wast with him, and thine arm was his defence :

So be thou now with me, and me defend.

Then on thine altar will I sacrifice

A yearling heifer, broad of brow, untam'd, 330

Whereon no yoke hath mortal ever laid :

Her will I give, and tip her horns with gold."

Thus as they pray'd, their pray'r the Goddess heard

Then, theii• devotions ended, f)n they far'd

Through the deep dead of night, like lions t^^•ain, 335

'Mid slaughter, corpses, arms, and blacken'd gore.

Nor, in the Trojan camp, did Hector leave

The chiefs to rest; but all to conf'rence call'd,

The leaders and the councillors of Troy ;

To whom his prudent speech he thus address'd : 340

" Who is there here, that for a rich reward

A noble work will undertake ? A car

And two strong-collar 'd horses, best of all

That can be found wdthin the Grecian lines,

Shall he recei\"e, who, to his endless praise, 345

Shall dare approach the ships; and learn if still

They keep their wonted watch, or, by our arms

 : ;

320 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

Subdued and vanquish'd, meditate retreat,

And, worn with toil, the nightly watch neglect."

Thus Hector spoke; but all in silence heard. 350

There was one Dolon in the Trojan camp,

The herald's son, Eumedes; rich in gold

And brass ; not fair of face, but swift of foot

Amid five sisters he the only son;

Who thus to Hector and the Trojans spoke 355

" Hector, with dauntless courage I will dare

Approach the ships, and brmg thee tidings sure;

But hold thou forth thy royal staff, and swear

That I the horses and the brass-bound car

Shall have, the boast of Peleus' matchless son : 360

Not vain shall be mine errand, nor deceive

Thy hopes ; right through the camp I mean to pass

To Agamemnon's tent, where all the chiefs

Debate in council, or to fight or fly."

He said ; and Hector took his royal staff, 365

And swore to hmi :

" Be witness Jove himself.

The Lord of thunder, that no Trojan man,

Thyself except, shall e'er those horses drive;

For thee they are reserv'd, a glorious prize."

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 321

Thus Hector swore; though imfulfiU'd the oath, 370

The hope to Dolon fresh assurance gave.

Forthwith, his bow across his shoulders slung,

A grisly wolfskin o'er it, on his head

A cap of marten's fur, and in his hand

A jav'lin, from the camp he took his way, 375

Straight to the Grecian ships; but never thence

Destm'd to bring th' expected tidings back.

The crowd of men and horses left behind.

Briskly he mov'd along; Ulysses first

Mark'd his approach, and t(i Tydides said : 380

**
See, from the camp where some one this way comes,

With what intent I know not ; if to play

The spy about the ships, or rob the dead.

Turn we aside, and let him pass us by

A little way ; we then with sudden rush 385

May seize him ; or if he outstrip us both

By speed of foot, may turn him tow'rd the ships.

Driving him still before us \\ith our spears.

And from the city cutting off his flight."

Thus saying, 'mid the dead, beside the road 390

They crouch'd ; he, all unconscious, hasten'd by.

VOL. I.
n22 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

But when such space was interpos'd as leave

Between the shiggish oxen and themselves*

A team of mules (so much tlie faster they

Through the stiff fellow drag the jointed plough), ?.9)

They rush'd upon him ; at the sound he stopp'd,

Deeming that from the Trojan camp they came,

By Hector sent, to order his return.

Within a spear's length when they came, or less.

For foes he knew them, and to flight address'd 400

His active limbs ; they rush'd in hot pursuit.

And as two hounds, well practis'd in the chase,

With glist'nmg fangs, unflagging, strain to catch,

In woodland glade, some pricket deer, or hare.

That flies before them, screaming ; so those two, 405

Tydides and Ulysses, stout of heart.

With fiery zeal, unflagging, strain'd to catcli

The flying Dolon, from the camp cut off;

But when the fugitive approach'd the ships.

Close by the guard, fresh vigour Pallas gave 410

* This comparison does not aflford a very accurate criterion of tlie " space

intei-posed ;" which cannot be estimated Avithout knowing the total distance

within which the faster was to outstrip the slower team.

 : :

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 323

To Diomed, lest haply from the walls

Some other might anticipate his blow,

And he himself but second honours gain.

Tydides then Avith threat'ning gesture cried,

" Stop, or I hurl my spear ; and small thy chance, 415

If I assail thee, of escape from death."

He said, and threw his spear; but by design

It struck him not ; above his shoulder flew

The polish'd lance, and quiver'd in the ground.

Sudden he stopp'd, with panic paralys'd: 420

His teeth all chatt'ring, pale with fear he stood.

With falt'ring accents ;

panting, they came up

And seiz'd him in their grasp ; he thus, in tears

" Spare but my life ; my life I can redeem ;

For ample stores I have of gold, and brass, 425

And well-wrought iron ; and of these my sii-e

Would pay a gen'rous ransom, could he learn

That in the Grecian ships I yet surviv'd."

To whom Ulysses, deep-designing, thus

" Be of good cheer ; nor let the fear of death 430

Disturb thy mind; but tell me truly this;

How is 't that tow'rd the ships thou com'st alone,

2
 ; : —

324 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book X.

Ill the still night, when other mortals sleep?

Com'st thou perchance for plunder of the dead ?

Or seek'st upon our ships to play the spy, 435

By Hector sent? or of thine own accord?"

Then Dolon thus —his knees with terror shook

" With much persuasion, of my better mind

Hector beguil'd me, off'ring as my prize

Achilles' horses and his brass-bound car 440

Through the dark night he sent me, and enjoin'd,

Ent'ring your hostile camp, to learn if still

Ye keep your wonted watch, or by our arms

Subdued and vanquish'd, meditate retreat.

And worn with toil, your nightly watch neglect." 445

To whom Ulysses thus with scornful smile

" High soar'd thy hopes indeed, that thought to win

The horses of Achilles ; hard are they

For mortal man to harness or control,

Save for Achilles' self, the Goddess-born. 450 I

But tell me truly this; when here thou cam'st,

Where left'st thou Hector, guardian chief of Troy?

Where are his warlike arms? his horses where?

Where lie the rest ? and where are plac'd their guards ?
 : ; ; : ;

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 325

What are their secret counsels? do they mean 455

Here by the ships to keep their ground, or back,

"
Sated with vict'ry, to the town return ?

Whom Dolon answer 'd thus, Eumedes' son

" Thy questions all true answers shall receive

Hector, with those who share his counsels, sits 460

In conf 'rence, far apart, near Ilus' tomb

But for the guards thou speak'st of, noble chief.

Not one is station'd to protect the camp.

Aromid the Trojan fires indeed, perforce,

A watch is kept ; and they, among themselves, 465

Due caution exercise : but, for th' Allies,

They sleep, and to the Trojans leave the watch,

Since nor their children nor their wives are near."

To whom in answer sage Ulysses thus:

" Say now, where sleep they ? with the Trojans mix'd, 470

Or separate ? explain, that I may know."

Whom answer'd Dolon thus, Eumedes' son:

" To this too will I give ye answer true

Next to the sea the Carian forces lie;

The Pseon archers and the Leleges, 475

The Caucons, and the bold Pelasgians next

 ; :

326 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book X.

On Thymbra's side the Lycians' lot has fall'n,

The Mysians brave, the Phrygian cavalry,

And the Mseonians with their horsehair plumes.

But why of these enquire? if ye intend 480

An inroad on the camp, apart from all,

New come, the farthest off, the Thracians lie

Rhesus their King, the son of Eioneus,

Sleeps in the midst ; no steeds that e'er I saw

For size and beauty can with his compare: 485

Whiter than snow, and swifter than the wind.

With gold and silver is his chariot wrought.

His armour golden, of gigantic size,

A marvel to behold ! it seems not meet

For mortal man, but for th' immortal Gods. 490

But take me now in safety to the ships

Or leave me here in fetters bound, that so,

Ere ye return, ye may approve my words.

And see if I have told you true, or no."

To whom thus Diomed with stern regard: 495

" Dolon, though good thy tidings, hope not thou.

Once in our hands, to 'scape the doom of death;

For if we now should let thee go, again

 : :

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 327

In after times thou mightst our ships approach,

As secret spy, or open enemy 500

But if beneath my hands thou lose thy life.

No farther trouble shalt thou cause the Greeks."

He said ; and as the suppliant sought in vain

To touch his beard, imploring, through his throat.

Both tendons sev'ring, drove his trenchant blade : 505

Ev'n while he spoke, his head was roU'd in dust.

The cap of marten fur from off his head

They took, the wolf-skin, and the boAv unstrung,

And jav'lin ; these Ulysses held aloft,

And thus to Pallas pray'd, who gave the spou 510

" Receive, great Goddess, these our gifts ; to thee.

Of all th' Immortals on Olympus' height,

Our off 'rings first we give ; conduct us now.

The Thi-acian camp and Thracian steeds to gain."

Thus as he spoke, amid the tamarisk scrub 515

Far off he threw the trophies ; then Avith reeds.

And twiirs new broken fi-om the tamarisk boujihs.

He set a mark, lest in the gloom of night

Returumg, they might haply miss the spot.

Then on they pass'd through arms and blacken'd gore, 520

 : ; : ;

328 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

And reach 'd the confines of the Thvucian camp.

There found they all by sleep subdued ; their arms

Beside them on the ground, in order due,

In triple rows ; and by the side of each,

Harness'd and yok'd, his horses ready stood, 525

Surrounded by his warriors, Rhesus slept

Beside him stood his coursers fleet, their reins

Suspended to the chariot's topmost rail

Ulysses mark'd him as he lay, and said,

" This is the man, Tydides, these the steeds, 530

To us by Dolon, whom we slew, describ'd.

Now then, put forth thy might ; beseems it not

To stand thus idly with thine arms in hand

Loose thou the horses ; or do thou the men

Despatch, and to my care the horses leave." 535

He said : and Pallas vigour new inspir'd.

That right and left he smote ; dire were the groans

Of slaughter'd men ; the earth was red with blood

And as a lion, on th' untended flock

Of sheep or goats with savage onslaught springs, 540

Ev'n so Tydides on the Thracians sprang.

Till twelve were slain ; and as Tydides' s^vrd

 ; ; ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 329

Gave each to death, Ulysses by the feet

Drew each aside ; reflecting, that perchance

The horses, startled, might refuse to pass 545

The corpses ; for as yet they kne\v them not.

But when Tydides saw the sleeping King,

A thirteenth victim to his sword was giv'n,

Painfully breathing; for by Pallas' art,

He saw that night, as in an evil dream, 550

The son of CEneus standing o'er his head.

Meanwhile Ulysses sage the horses loos'd

He gather'd up the reins, and with his bow

(For whip was none at hand) he drove them forth ;

Then softly whistKng to Tydides gave 555

A signal ; he, the while, remain'd behind,

Musing what bolder deed he yet might do ;

Whether the seat, whereon the arms were laid.

To draw away, or, lifted high in air.

To bear it off in triumph on the car 560

Or on the Thracians farther loss inflict

But while he mus'd, beside him Pallas stood.

And said, " Bethink thee, Tydeus' son, betimes

Of thy return, lest, if some other God

 ; ; ;

330 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book X.

SlioiiLl wake the Trojans, thou sliouldst need to fly." 565

She said ; the heav'nly voice he recogniz'd,

And mounted straight the car; Ulysses touch'd

The horses with his bow ; and, urg'd to speed,

They tow'rd the ships their rapid course pursued.

Nor idle watch Apollo kept, who saw 570

Tydides o'er the plain by Pallas led ;

With anger fiU'd, the Trojan camp he sought

And Rhesus' kinsman, good Hippocoon,

The Thracian councillor, from sleep arous'd

Awaking, when the vacant space he view'd, 575

Where late had stood the horses ; and his friends

Gasping in death, and welt'ring in their blood.

He groan'd as on his comrade's name he call'd ;

Then loud the clamour rose, and wild uproar,

Unspeakable, of Trojans tkronging round 580

They marvell'd at the deeds; but marvell'd more

How they who wrought them had escap'd unscath'd.

Meantime arriv'd where Hector's scout they slew,

Ulysses, lov'd of Heav'n, a moment check'd

His eager steeds; Tydides from the car 585

Leap'd to the ground, and in Ulysses' hand

Book . HOMEE'S ILIAD. 831

The bloody trophies plae'd ; then mounted quick,

And tow'rd the ships, their destin'd goal, urg'd on

The fiery horses ; nothing loth, they flew.

Nestor first heard the sound, and cried, " friends, 590

The leaders and the councillors of Greece,

Am I deceiv'd, or is it true? methinks

The sound of horses, hurrying, strikes mine ear;

Grant Heav'n, Ulysses and brave Diomed

May bring those horses from the Trojan camp; 595

Yet much I fear our bravest may have met

AVith some disaster 'mid the crowd of foes."

He scarce had ended, when themselves appear'd,

And from the car descended: welcom'd back

With cordial grasp of hands, and friendly words. 600

Gerenian Nestor first, enquiring, said:

" Tell me, reiiown'd Ulysses, pride of Greece,

Whence come these horses ? from the Trojan camp ?

Or hath some God, that met you by the way,

Bestow'd them, radiant as the beams of light? 605

Among the Trojans day by day I move;

'Tis not my wont, old ^^•arrior though I be,

To lag behind ; but horses such as these

 :

332 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book X.

I never sscw; some God hath giv'n them, sure;

For Jove, the Cloud-compeller, loves you both, GIO

And Pallas, child of aegis-bearmg Jove."

To whom again the sage Ulysses thus

" Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,

Had they so will'd, the Gods, so great their pow'r,

Ev'u better horses could have giv'n than these; 615

But these, old man, are Thracians, neAvly come;

Whose King the valiant Diomed hath slain,

And with him twelve, the best of all his band.

A scout too have we slain, by Hector sent,

And by the Trojan chiefs, to spy our camp." 620

He said, and o'er the ditch the horses drove,

Exulting in their prize; and with him went

The other chiefs, rejoicing, through the camp.

Arriv'd at Diomed's well-order'd tent,

First with strong halters to the rack, where stood, 625

High-fed with corn, his own swift-footed steeds,

The horses they secur'd; Ulysses then

The bloody spoils of Dolou stow'd away

In the ship's stern, till fitting sacrifice

To Pallas might be offer'd; to the sea 630

 ; ;

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 333

Descending then, they wash'd away the sweat,

Which on their necks, and thighs, and knees had dried

The SA^eat wash'd off, and in the ocean waves

Themselves refresh'd, they sought the polish'd bath

Then, by the bath restor'd, and all their limbs 635

Anomted freely with the lissom oil,

Sat down to breakfast and from flowing bowls

.
;

In Pallas' honour pour'd the luscious 638

 ;

334 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XI.

BOOK XL
"VTOW rose Aurora from Tithonus' bed,

To mortals and Immortals bringing light

When to the ships of Greece came Discord down,

Despatch'd from Jo'e, \^ith dire portents of war.

Upon Ulysses' lofty ship she stood, 5

The midmost, thence to shout to either side,

Or to the tents of Ajax Telamon,

Or of Achilles, who at each extreme,

Confiding in their strength, had moor'd their ships.

There stood the Goddess, and in accents loud lo

And dread she call'd, and fix'd in ey'ry breast

The fierce resoh^e to wage unwearied war;

And dearer to their hearts than thoughts of home

Or wish'd return, became the battle-field.

Atrides, loudly shouting, call'd the Greeks 15

To arms : himself his flashing armour donn'd.

First on his legs the well-Avrought greaTes he fix'd,

 ; :: : :

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 335

Fasten'd with silver clasps; his ample chest

A breastplate guarded, giv'n by Cinyras

In pledge of friendship ; for in Cyprus' isle 20

He heard the rumour of the glorious fleet

About to sail for Troy; and sought with gifts

To win the fixvour of the mighty King.

Ten bands were there inwrought of dusky bronze,

Twelve of piu-e gold, twice ten of shining tin 25

Of bronze six dragons upwards toAv'rds the neck

Their length extended, three on either side

In colour like the bow, which Saturn's son

Plac'd in the clouds, a sign to mortal men

Then o'er his shoulder threw his sword ; bright flash 'd 30

The golden studs; the silver scabbard shone,

With golden baldrick fitted ; next his shield

He took, full-siz'd, well-wrought, well-prov'd in fight;

Around it ran ten circlmg rims of brass

With twenty bosses round of burnish'd tin, 35

iVnd, in the centre, one of dusky bronze.

A Gorgon's head, Avith aspect terrible,

Was wrought, with Fear and Flight ench'cled round

Depending from a silver belt it Inmg;

336 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

And on the belt a dragon, wrought m bronze, 40

Twin'd his lithe folds, and turn'd on ev'ry side,

Sprung from a single neck, his triple head.

Then on his brow his lofty helm he plac'd.

Four-crested, double-peak'd, with horsehair plumes.

That nodded, fearful, fiOm the warrior's head. 45

Then took two weighty lances, tipp'd with brass,

Which fiercely flash'd against the face of Heav'n:

Pallas and Juno thund'ring from on high

In honour of Mycenae's wealthy lord.

Forthwith they order'd, each his charioteer, .50

To stay his car beside the ditch ; themselves.

On foot, in arms accoutred, sallied forth,

And loud, ere early dawn, the clamour rose.

Advanc'd before the cars, they lin'd the ditch;

FoUow'd the cars, a little space between: 55

But Jove with dire confusion fiU'd their ranks.

Who sent from Heav'n a show'r of blood-stain'd i-ain,

In sign of many a warrior's coming doom.

Soon to the viewless shades untimely sent.

Meanwhile upon the slope, beneath the plain, 60

The Trojan chiefs were gather'd; Hector's self.

 ; ; ;

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 337

Polydanias, ^neas, as a God

In rev'rence held; Antenor's three brave sons,

Agenor's godlike presence, Polybus,

And, heav'nly foir, the youthful Acamas. 65

In front Avas seen the broad circumference

Of Hector's shield ; and as amid the clouds

Shines forth the fiery dog-star, bright and clear,

Anon beneath the cloudy veil conceal'd

So now in front was Hector seen, and now 70

Pass'd to the rear, exhorting; all in brass,

His burnish'd arms like Jove's own lightning flash'd.

As in the corn-land of some wealthy Lord

The rival bands of reapers mow the swathe,

Barley or wheat ; and fast the trusses fall 75

So Grreeks and Trojans mow'd th' opposing ranks

Nor these admitted thought of faint retreat.

But still made even head ; while those, like Avolves,

Rusli'd to the onset; Discord, Goddess dire.

Beheld, rejoicing; of the heav'nly pow'rs 80

She only mingled \vith the combatants;

The others all were absent; they, serene,

Repos'd in gorgeous palaces, for each

VOL. I.
 ; ;

338 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Amid Olympus' deep recesses built.

Yet all the cloud-girt son of Saturn blam'd, 85

Who will'd the vict'ry to the arms of Troy.

He heeded not their anger; but withdrawn

Apart from all, in pride of conscious strength,

Survey 'd the walls of Troy, the ships of Greece,

The flash of arms, the slayers and the slain. 90

While yet 'twas morn, and wax'd the youthful day.

Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell

On either side ; but when the hour was come

When woodmen, in the forest's deep recess.

Prepare their food, and wearied with the toil 95

Of felling loftiest trees, with aching arms

Turn \A!th keen relish to their midday meal

Then Grecian yalour broke th' opposing ranks,

As each along the line encourag'd each

First sprang the monarch Agamemnon forth, too

And brave Bienor slew, his people's guard;

And, with the chief, his friend and charioteer,

Oiileus; he, down-leaping from the car,

Stood forth defiant ; but between his brows

The monarch's spear was thrust; nor aught avail'd 105

 : ;

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 339

The brass-bomid helm to stay the weapon's point

Through helm and bone it passVI, and all the brain

Was shatter'd ; forward as he rush'd, he fell.

Them left he there, their bare breasts gleaming white,

Stripp'd of their arms; and hasten'd in pursuit 110

Of Antiphus and Isus, Priam's sons,

A bastard one, and one legithnate,

Both on one ear ; the bastard held the reins

Beside him stood the gallant Antiphus.

Them, as they fed their flocks on Ida's heights, 115

Achilles once had captive made, and bound

With willow saplings, till for ransom freed.

The mighty monarch, Agamemnon, drove

Through Isus' breast his spear; his weighty sword

Descended on the head of Antiphus 120

Beside the ear, and hurl'd him from his car;

These of their armour he despoil'd in haste,

to him both ; for he had seen them olt

Beside the ships, when thither captive brought

From Ida by Achilles, swift of foot. 12.5

As when a lion in their laii' hath seiz'd

The helpless offspring of a mountain doe,

2
 ;;

340 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

And breaks their bones with ease, and with strong teeth

Crushes their tender life; nor can their dam,

Though close at hand she be, avail them aught; 180

For she herself by deadly terror seiz'd,

Through the thick coppice and the forest flies.

Panting, and bath'd in sweat, the monster's rush

So dar'd no Trojan give those brethren aid,

Themselves in terror of the warlike Greeks. 185

Peisander next, and bold Hippolochus,

Sons of Antimachus ('twas he who chief,

Seduc'd by Paris' gold and splendid gifts,

Advis'd the restitution to refuse

Of Helen to her Lord), the King assail'd; 140

Both on one car; but from their hands had dropp'd

The broider'd reins ; bewilder'd there they stood

While, with a lion's bound, upon them sprang

The son of Atreus; suppliant, in the car.

They clasp'd his knees; "Give quarter, Atreus' son, 145

Kedeem our lives ; our sire Antimachus

Possesses goodly store of brass and gold.

And well-wrought iron; and of these he fain

Would pay a noble ransom, could he hear

 ;

Book XL HOMEE'S ILIAD. 341

That in the Grecian ships we yet siirviv'd." 150

Thus they, with gentle words, and tears, imploring

But all ungentle was the voice they heard

In answer; "If indeed ye be the sons

Of that Antimachus, Avho counsel gave,

When noble Menelaus came to Troy 155

With sage Ulysses, as ambassadors.

To slay them both, nor suffer theii- return,

Pay now the forfeit of your father's guilt."

He said, and with a spear-thrust through his breast

Peisander dash'd to earth ; backward he fell. 160

Down leap'd Antilochus ; but with his sword

Atrides sever'd both his hands and neck,

And in the dust, a headless block, he roU'd.

These left he there ; and where the thickest throng

Maintain'd the tug of war, thither he flew, 165

And with him eager hosts of well-greav'd Greeks.

Soon on the Trojans' flight enforc'd they hung,

Destroying; foot on foot, and horse on horse;

While from the plain thick clouds of dust arose

Beneath the armed hoofs of clatt'riug steeds; 170

And on the monarch Agamemnon press'd,

 ; ;

342 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Still slaying, urging still the Greeks to arms.

As when amid a densely timber'd wood

Light the devouring flames, by eddying winds

Hither and thither borne, fast falls the copse i75

Prostrate beneath the fire's impetuous course

So thickly fell the flying Trojans' heads

Beneath the might of Agamemnon's arm;

And here and there, athwart the pass of war,

Was many an empty car at random whirl'd 180

By strong-neck'd steeds, of guiding hands bereft;

Stretch'd on the plain they lay, more welcome sight

To carrion birds than to their widow'd wives.

But Hector, from the fray and din of war.

And dust, and blood, and carnage, Jove withdrew. 185

Still on Atrides press'd, the Greek pursuit

With eager shouts exciting; past the tomb

Of Bus, ancient son of Dardanus,

And tow'rd the fig-tree, midway o'er the plain,

Straining to gain the town, the Trojans fled lOO

While loudly shouting, his unconquer'd hands

With carnage dyed, Atrides ui-g'd their flight.

But when the Scsean gates and oak were reach'd,

 ;: ; ;

Book XI. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 343

They made a stand, and fac'd the foe's assault.

Some o'er the open plain were yet dispers'd 195

As heifers, by a lion scatter'd wide,

At dead of night ; all fly ; on one descends

The doom of death ; her with his pow'rfal teeth

He seizes, and, her neck first broken, rends.

And on her entrails gorging, laps her blood. 200

So these the monarch Agamemnon chas'd.

Slaying the hindmost; they in terror fled:

Some headlong, backward some, Atrides' hand

Hurl'd from theii' chariot many a warrior bold

So forward and so fierce he bore his spear. 205

But as he near'd the city, and stood beneath

The lofty wall, the Sire of Gods and men

From Heav'n descended ; on the topmost height

Of Ida's spring-abounding hill he sat

And while his hand the lightning grasp'd, he thus 210

To gOlden-\\ inged Iris gave command

"Haste thee, swift Iris, and to Hector bear

From me this message ; bid him, that as long-

As Agamemnon in the van appears,

Raging, and dealing death among the ranks, 215

 : :

344 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book XI.

He from the battle keep himself aloof,

But urge the rest undaunted to maintain

The stubborn fight ; but should Atrides, struck

By spear or arrow, to his car withdraw,

He shall from me receive such pow'r to slay, 220

As to the ships shall bear him, ere the sun

Decline, and Darkness spread her hallowing shade."

Thus he; to Troy, obedient to his word.

From Ida's heights swift-footed Iris sped

Amid the horses and the well-fram'd cars 225

The godlike Hector, Priam's son, she found.

And stood beside him, and address'd him thus

"Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove

In council, he the Universal Lord

Sends thee by me this message; that as long 230

As Agamemnon in the van appears,

Raging, and dealing death amid the ranks,

Thou from the battle keep thyself aloof.

But urge the rest undaunted to maintain

The stubborn fight; but should Atrides, struck 235

By spear or arrow, to his car withdraw.

Thou shalt from him receive such pow'r to slay

 ;

Book XI. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 345

As to the ships shall bear thee, ere the sun

Decline, and Darkness spread her hallowing shade."

Swift-footed Iris said, and disappear 'd ; 240

But from his chariot Hector leap'd to earth.

Hither and thither passing through the ranks,

With brandish'd jav'lins urging to the fight.

Loud, at his bidding, rose the battle-cry

Back roll'd the tide ; again they fac'd the Greeks : 245

On th' other side the Greeks their masses form'd,

In line of battle rang'd ; oppos'd they stood ;

And in the front, to none content to cede

The foremost place, was Agamemnon seen.

Say now, ye Nine, Avho on Olympus dwell, 250

Of all the Trojans and their fani'd Allies,

Who first oppos'd to Agamemnon stood.

Iphidamas, Antenor's gallant son.

Stalwart and brave; in fertile Thracia bred.

Mother of flocks ; him, in his infant years, 255

His grandsire Cisseus, fair Theano's sire,

In his own palace rear'd ; and when he reach'd

The perfect measure of his glorious youth,

Still in his house retain'd him, and to wife

 ; ;

346 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Gave him his daughter ; from the marriage straight 2G0

He, with twelve beaked ships that own'd his sway,

Set forth to join the glory of the Greeks.

His well-trimm'd ships upon Percote's shore

He left ; and came himself on foot to Troy

Who now confronted Atreus' godlike son. 265

When near they drew, Atrides miss'd his aim,

His spear diverging ; then Iphidamas

Beneath the breastplate, striking on his belt.

Strove with strong hand to drive the weapon home

Yet could not pierce the belt's close-plaited work; 270

The point, encounter'd by the silver fold.

Was bent, like lead; then with his pow'rfid hand

The monarch Agamemnon seiz'd the spear,

And tow'rd him drew, and with a lion's strength

Wrench'd from his foeman's grasp ; then on his neck 275

Let fall his sword, and slack'd his limbs in death.

There, falling in his country's cause, lie slept

The iron sleep of death; unhappy he,

Far from his virgin-bride, yet unpossess'd.

Though bought with costly presents ; first he gave 280

A hundred steers; and promis'd thousands more

 ; ; ;:

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 347

Of sheep and goats from out his countless flocks.

Him Agamemnon of his arms despoil'd,

And to the crowd of Greeks the trophies bore.

But when Antenor's eldest-born beheld, 285

Coon, th' observ'd of all men, bitt'rest grief

His eyes o'ershadow'd, for his brother's fate

And, imperceiv'd by Atreus' godlike son,

Standing aside, he struck him with his spear.

Through the mid arm, beneath the elbow's bend; 290

And dro'e right through the weapon's glitt'ring point.

Writh'd with the pam the mighty King of men

Yet from the combat flinch'd he not, nor quail'd

But grasping firm his weather-toughen'd spear

On Coon rush'd, as by the feet he drew 295

His father's son, Iphidamas, away.

Invoking all the bravest to his aid

And as he drew the body tow'rd the crowd,

Beneath the bossy shield the monarch thrust

His brass-clad spear, and slack'd his limbs in death ; 300

Then near approaching, ev'n upon the corpse

Of dead Iphidamas, struck oft" his head :

So by Atrides' hand, Antenor's sons,

 : ; : ;

348 HOMEE'S ILIAD. XI.

Their doom accomplisti'd, to the shades were sent.

Then through the crowded ranks, with spear and sword, 305

And massive stones, he held his ftirions course.

While the hot blood was welling from his arm

But when the wound was dry, and stanch'd the blood,

Keen anguish then Atrides' might subdued.

As when a woman in her labour-throes 310

Sharp pangs encompass, by Lucina sent,

Who rules o'er child-birth travail, ev'n so keen

The pangs that then Atrides' might subdued.

Mounting his car he bade his charioteer

Drive to the ships ; for sore his spirit was paiu'd ; 315

But loud and clear he shouted to the Greeks :

" friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece,

Yours be it now our sea-borne ships to guard

Since Jove, the Lord of counsel, through the day

Wills not that I the battle should maintain." 320

He said : and swiftly to the ships were driv'n

His sleek-skinn'd coursers ; nothing loth they flew

With foam their chests were fleck'd, with dust their flanks,

As from the field theii' wounded Lord they bore

But Hector, as he saw the King retire, 325

 ; :

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 349

To Trojans anil to Lycians call'd aloud:

" Trojans and Lycians, and ye Dardans fam'd

In close encounter, quit ye now like men ;

Put forth your wonted ^alour ; from the field

Their bravest has withdrawn, and Jove on me 330

Great glory hath shed ; headlong on the Greeks

Urge your swift steeds, and endless honour gain."

His words fresh courage rous'd in ev'ry breast

And as a hunter cheers his sharp-fang'd hounds

On forest boar or lion; on the Greeks 335

So cheer 'd the valiant Trojans Priam's son,

Illustrious Hector, stern as blood-stain'd Mars.

Bent on high deeds, himself in front advanc'd.

Fell on the masses as a whirlwind falls,

Lashing with furious sweep the dark-blue sea. 340

Say then, who first, vho last, by Hector's hand.

Whom Jove had wiWd to crown with honour, died.

Assieus first, and then Autonous,

Opites, and Opheltius, Dolops, son

Of Clytus, and ^sumnus, Agelas 345

And Orus, and the brave Hipponous

All these the chiefs of Greece ; the nameless crowd

 : ; ;:

350 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XL

He scatter'd next ; as when the west wind drives

The clouds, and battles with the hurricane,

Before the clearing blast of Notus driv'n; sr>o

The big waves heave and roll, and high aloft

The gale, careering, flings the ocean spray

So thick and furious fell on hostile heads

The might of Hector. Now had fearful deeds

Been done, and Greeks beside their ships had fall'n 355

In shameful rout, had not Ulysses thus

To Diomed, the son of Tydeus, call'd

" Why, son of Tydeus, should we thus relax

Our warlike courage ? come, stand by me ,

True friend ! if Hector of the glancing helm 360

Our ships should capture, great were our disgrace."

Whom answer'd thus the valiant Diomed

" Beside thee will I stand, and still endure

But brief will be the term of our success,

Since Jove, the Cloud-compeller, not to us, 365

But to the Trojans, wills the victory."

He said, and from his car Thymbrseus liurl'd,

Through the left breast transfix'd : Ulysses' hand

His charioteer, the brave Molion, slew.

 ; : :

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 351

These left they there, no more to share the fight; 370

Then turnmg, spread confusion 'mid the crowd :

As turn two boars upon the hunter's pack

With desp'rate courage, turning so to bay,

Those two, the Trojans scatt'ring, gave the Greeks,

From Hector flying, time again to breathe. 375

A car they seiz'd which bore two valiant chiefs.

Sons of Percotian Merops ; he, o'er all

In lore prophetic skill'd, would fain at home

Have kept them from the life-destroying war

But they, by adverse fate impell'd to seek 380

Their doom of death, his warning voice despis'd.

These two, of strength and life at once bereft.

The son of Tydeus, valiant Diomed,

Stripp'd of their armour ; hile Ulysses slew

Hippodamus, and bold Hyperochus. 385

Thus Jove, from Ida's height beholding, held

His even scale, each party slaught'ring each.

Then with his spear Tydides through the loins

Agastrophus, the son of Pseon, smote

No car had he at hand, whereto to fly 390

But, ill-advis'd, had in th' attendants' charge

 . : :

352 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

His horses left far off; Avhile he himself

Rush'cl 'mid the throng on foot, and met his doom.

Hector's quick glance athAvart the files beheld,

And to the rescue, with a shout, he sprang, 395

The Trojan columns following ; not unmov'd

The valiant Diomed his coming saw.

And thus bespoke Ulysses at his side :

" On us this plague, this mighty Hector, falls

Yet stand we firm, and boldly meet the shock." 400

He said, and, poising, hurl'd his pond'rous spear.

And not in vain ; on Hector's head it struck

His helmet's crest, but, brass encount'ring brass,

Himself it reach'd not; for the Aasor'd helm,

Apollo's gift, three-plated, stay'd its force. 405

Yet backward Hector sprang amid the crowd,

And on his knees he dropp'd, his stalwart hand

Propp'd on the ground ; while darkness veil'd his eyes.

But ere Tydides, following up his spear,

Attain'd from far the spot Avhereon he fell, 410

Hector reviv'd, and mounting quick his car.

Drove 'mid the crowd, and 'scap'd the doom of death.

Then thus, Avith threat'ning spear, Tydides cried

 ; : ;

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 353

" Yet once again, vile hound, hast thou escap'd

Thy doom was nigh ; but thee thy God hath sav'd, 415

Phoebus, to whom, amid the clash of spears.

Well mayst thou pray ! We yet shall meet again

When I shall end thee, if a guardian God

I too may claim ; meanwhile fiOm thee I turn,

And others seek on whom my hap may light." 420

He said, and turn'd him of his arms to strip

The son of Paeon ; but beside the stone

That mark'd where men of old had rais'd a moimd

To Ilus, Dardan's son, the ancient chief,

There crouching, Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord, 42o

Against the son of Tydeus bent his bow.

He fiOm the breast of bra'e Agastrophus

Had stripp'd the corslet ; from his shoulders broad

The buckler, and the helmet from his head.

When Paris bent his bow, and not in vain 4.''.0

His arrow launch'd ; Tydides' dexter foot

Eight through it pierc'd, and pimi'd it to the ground.

Joyous he laugh'd, and from his hiding place

Sprang forth, and thus in tones of triumph cried

" Thou hast it ! not in vain my shaft hath flown ! 435

VOL. T. 2
 : :

354 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Would that, deep buried in tliy flank, it tonch'd

Thy very life ! so should our Trojans lose

Their panic fear, who now on thee with dread,

As bleating goats upon a lion, look."

To whom, unmov'd, the valiant Diomed 440

" Poor archer, trusting to thy bow alone.

Vile sland'rer and seducer ! if indeed

Thou durst in arms oppos'd to me to stand,

Nought would avail thy arrows and thy bow

And now, because thy shaft hath graz'd my foot, 445

Thou mak'st thine empty boast : I heed thee not,

More than a Avoman or a puny child:

A worthless coward's weapon hath no point.

'Tis diff'rent far with me! though light it fall,

My spear is sharp, and whom it strikes, it slays. 450

His widow's cheeks are mark'd Avith scars of grief.

His children orphans ; rotting on the ground,

Ked with his blood, he lies, his fun'ral rites

By carrion birds, and not by women paid."

Thus while he spoke, Ulysses, spearman bold, 455

Drew near, and stood before him ; he, behind.

Sat down protected, and from out his foot

 ; ; ;

Book XT. HOMER'S ILIAD. 355

The arrow drew ; whereat sharp anguish shot

Through all his flesh ; and mounting on his car

He bade his ftiithful charioteer in haste 460

Drive to the ships, for pain weigh'd down his soul.

Alone Ulysses stood ; of all the Greeks

Not one beside him ; all were panic-struck :

Then with his spirit, perturb'd, he commun'd thus

"Me miserable! which way shall I choose? 465

Great were the mischief, should I fly, and so

Increase the people's terror ;

yet 'twere worse

Here to bo caught alone ; and Saturn's son

With panic fear the other Greeks hath fill'd.

Yet why, my soul, admit such thoughts as these ? 470

I know that cowards from the battle fly

But he who boasts a warrior's name, must learn,

Wounded or wounding, firmly still to stand."

While in his mind and spirit thus he mus'd.

Onward the buckler'd ranks of Trojans came, 475

And, to their harm, encircled him around.

As when a boar, by dogs and stalwart youths

Attack'd, the shelt'ring thicket leaves, and Avhets

The tusks that gleam between his curved jaAvs

2 A 2
 : :

35) HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

They crowd aroiiiifl, though ring his clatt'ring tusks, 480

And, fearful though it be, await his rush:

So crowded round Ulysses, dear to Jove,

The Trojans ; he, with brandish'd spear aloft,

Sprang forth, and through the shoulder, from above,

Deiopites wounded: Thoon next 485

He slew, and Emiomus; then with his spear

Chersidamas, in act to quit his car.

Thrust through the loins below his bossy shield

Prone in the dust, he clutch'd the blood-stain'd soil.

From these he turn'd ; and wounded with his spear 490

Charops, the high-born Socus' brother, son

Of Hippasus ; then forward sprang, to aid

His brother, godlike Socus ; close he stood

Before Ulysses, and address'd him thus

" Far-fam'd Ulysses, as in arms, in wiles 495

Unwearied, thou this day o'er both the sons

Of Hippasus, two mighty ^^•arriors slam.

And of their armour spoil'd, shalt make thy boast,

Or by my spear thyself slialt lose thy life."

He said, and on the shield's broad cijcle struck : 500

Through the bright shield the sturdy A\eaj)on drove,

 ;: !

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 357

And through the rich-wrought baldrick, from tho ribs

Tearing the flesh away ; but Pallas seiz'd,

And turn'd it from the vital parts aside.

The wound, Ulysses knew, was not to death, 505

And back he drew, and thus to Socus cried

" Ill-tated thou ! thy doom hath found thee now

Me hast thou hinder'd from tho war awhile

But thee to swift destruction and dark death

This day I doom : great glory, of thee subdued, 510

Shall I obtain,' and Hades take thy soul."

Thus he : and Socus, turning, sought to fly ;

But as he turn'd him round, Ulysses' spear

Behind his neck, between the shouhler blades

Was driv'u, and through his chest ; thund'ring he fell, 515

And o'er his fall Ulysses, vaunting, thus:

" Socus, thou son of warlike Hippasus,

Here hast thou found, nor couldst escape, thy doom.

Ill-fated thou ! nor sire's nor mother's hand

Shall gather up thy bones, but carrion birds 520

O'er thee shall flap their baleful wings, and tear

Thy mangled flesh ; for me, whene'er I die

The sons of Greece will build my fun ral pile."

 : ;

358 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

From out his flesh, and from his bossy shiekl,

The spear of Socus, as he spoke, he drew 525

And as he dreAV it forth, out gush'd his blood,

With anguish keen. The Trojans, Avhen they saw

Ulysses' blood, with clam'rous shouts advanc'd

Promiscuous ; he, retiring, shouted loud

To call his comrades ; loud as head of man 530

Could bear, he shouted thrice ; and thrice his shout

The warlike Menelaus heard, and thus

To Ajax, standing by his side, he spoke

" Ajax, thou Heav'n-born son of Telamon,

Great chief of men, methinks I hear the voice 535

Of stout Ulysses, as though left alone.

And m the stubborn fight cut off from aid,

By Trojans over-master'd. Haste we then.

For so 'twere best, to give him present aid.

Brave though he be, yet left alone, I fear 540

Great cause we Greeks may have to mourn his loss."

He spoke, and led the Avay ; the godlike chief

Follow'd his steps: Ulysses, dear to Jove,

Surrounded by the Trojan host they found,

As hungry jackals on the mountain side 545

 ;

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 359

Around a stag, that from an archer's hand

Hath taken hiu't, yet while his blood was warm

And limhs yet serv'd, has baffled his pursuit;

But when the fatal shaft has drain'd his strength,

Thirsting for blood, beneath the forest shade, 550

The jackals seize their victim ; then if chance

A hungry lion pass, the jackals shrink

In terror back, while he devours the prey;

So romid Ulysses, sage in council, press'd

The Trojans, many and brave, yet nobly he 555

Averted, spear in hand, the fatal hour;

Till, with his tow'r-like shield before him borne,

Appear'd great Ajax, and beside him stood.

Hither and thither then the Trojans fled;

While with supporting arm from out the crowd 560

The warlike Menelaus led hini forth,

Till his attendant with his car drew near.

Then Ajax, on the Trojans springing, slew

Doryclus, royal Priam's bastard son

Next Pyrasus he smote, and Pandocus, 565

Lysander, and Pylartes; as a stream,

Swoll'n bv the rains of Heav'n, that from the hills

 : ; ;

360 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XL

Pours down its wintry torrent on the plain

And many a blighted oak, and many a pine

It bears, with piles of drift-wood, to the sea: 570

So swept illustrious Ajax o'er the plain,

erthroAving men and horses ; though unknoAvn

To Hector ; he, upon Scamander's banks

Was warring on the field's extrcmest left,

\Vhere round great Nestor and the Avarlike King 575

Idomeneus, while men were falling fast,

Eose, irrepressible, the battle cry.

Hector, 'mid these, was working wondrous deeds,

With spear and car, routing th' opposed youth

Yet had the Greeks ev'n so their ground maintain'd, 580

But godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord,

Through the right shoulder, with a three-barb'd shaft,

As in the front he fought, Machaon quell'd :

For him the warrior Greeks were sore afraid.

Lest he, as back the line of battle roU'd, 585

Might to the foe be left; to Nestor then

Idomeneus address'd his speech, and said

" Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,

Haste thee to mount thy car, and with thee take

 :

Book XL HOMER'S ILIAD. 361

Machaon; tow'rcl the vessels urge with speed 590

Thy flymg steeds; worth many a life is his,

The skilful leech, ^^h knows, with practis'd hand,

T' extract the shaft, and healing drugs apply."

He said : Gerenian Nestor at the word

Mounted his car, Machaon at his side, 595

The skilful leech, sage ^sculapius' son

He touch'd his horses ; tow'rd the Grecian ships,

As was his purpose, nothing loth, they flew.

To Hector then Cebriones, who saw

Confus'd the Trojans' right, drew near, and said : 600

" Hector, we here, on th' outskirts of the field,

O'erpow'r the Greeks ; on th' other side, our friends

In strange confusion mingled, horse and man.

Are driv'n ; among them Ajax spreads dismay,

The son of Telamon; I know him well, 605

And the broad shield that o'er his shoulders han<rs:

Thither direct we then our car, where most

In mutual slaughter horse and foot engage,

And loudest swells, uncheck'd, the battle cry."

He said, and with the pliant lash he touch'd t;io

The sleek-skinn'd horses ; springing at the sound.

 ;

362 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Between the Greeks and Trojans, light they bore

The flying car, o'er corpses of the slain

And broken bucklers trampling ; all beneath

Was plash'd with blood the axle, and the rails 615

Around the car, as from the horses' feet.

And from the felloes of the wheels, were thrown

The bloody gouts ;

yet on he sped, to jom

The strife of men, and break th' opposmg ranks.

His coming spread confusion 'mid the Greeks, 620

His spear awhile withheld ; then through the rest,

With sword, and spear, and pond'rous stones he rush'd,

But shunn'd the might of Ajax Telanion.

But Jove, high thron'd, the soul of Ajax fiU'd

With fear ; aghast he stood ; his sev'nfold shield 625

He threw behind his back, and, trembling, gaz'd

Upon the crowd ; then, like some beast of prey.

Foot slowly following foot, reluctant turn'd.

As when the rustic youths and dogs have driv'n

A tawny lion from the cattle fold, 630

Watching all night, and baulk'd him of his prey

Rav'ning for flesh, he still th' attempt rencAvs,

But still in vain : for many a jav'lin, hurl'd

 ; :

Book XL HOMEE'S ILIAD. 363

By vig'roiis arms, cuiifronts him to his lace,

And blazing faggots, that his courage daimt 635

Till, ^^ith the dawn, reluctant he retreat:

So from before the Trojans Ajax turn'd.

Reluctant, fearing for the ships of Greece,

As near a field of corn, a stubborn ass.

Upon whose sides had many a club been broke, 640

O'erpow'rs his boyish guides, and ent'ring in.

On the rich forage grazes ; while the boys

Their cudgels ply, but vam their puny strength,

Yet drive him out, when fully fed, with ease

Ev'n so great Ajax, son of Telamon, 645

The valiant Trojans and their fani'd Allies,

Still thrusting at his shield, before them drove :

Yet woidd he sometimes, rallying, hold in check

The Trojan host ; then turn again to flight.

Yet barring still the passage to the ships. 650

Midway between the Trojans and the Greeks

He stood defiant ; many jav'lins, hurl'd

By vig'rous arms, were in theh- flight receiv'd

On his broad shield ; and many, ere they reach'd

Their living mark, fell midway on the plain, 655

 :

304 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XL

FixM in the ground, in vain athirst for blood.

Him thus, hard press'd by thick-thrown spears, behek'

Eurypylus, Euiemon's noble son.

He hasten'd up, and aim'd his glitt'ring spear;

And Apisaon, Phausias' noble son, ugO

Below the midriff through the liver struck,

And straight relax'd in sudden death his limbs.

Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoils:

But godlike Paris saw, and as he stoop'd

From Apisaon's corpse to strip his arms, Gu5

Against Eurypylus he bent his bow,

And his right thigh transfix'd ; the injur 'd limb

Disabling, in the wound the arrow broke.

He 'mid his friends, escaping death, withdrew,

And to the Greeks with piercing shout he call'd : 670

" friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece,

Turn yet again, and from the doom of death

Great Ajax save, hard press'd by hostile spears

Scarce can I hope he may escape with life

The desp'rate fight ; yet bravely stand, and aid 675

The mighty Ajax, son of Telamon."

Thus spoke the wounded hero : round him they

 : : : :

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 365

AVith sloping shields and spears uplifted stood

Ajax to meet them came ; and when he reach'd

The friendly ranks, again he turn'd to bay. 680

So rag'd, like blazing fire, the furious fight.

Meamvhile the mares of Xeleus, drench'd with sweat,

Bore Nestor and Machaon from the field ;

Achilles saw, and mark'd them where he stood

Upon his lofty vessel's prow, and watch'd 685

The grievous toil, the lamentable rout.

Then on his friend Patroclus from the ship

He call'd aloud ; he heard his voice, and forth,

As Mars majestic, from the tent he came

(That day commenc'd his evil destiny) 690

And thus Menoetius' noble son began

" Why call'st thou me ? what wouldst thou, Peleus' son ?

"

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied :

" Son of MencBtius, dearest to my soul,

Soon must the suppliant Greeks before me kneel, 095

So insupportable is now tlieir need.

But haste thee now, Patroclus, dear to Jove

Enquire of Nestor, from the battle field

Whom brings he Avounded ; looking from behind

 ; : ;

366 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XT.

Most like he seem'd to TEsculapius' son, 700

Machaon: but his face I coiil*! not see,

So swiftly past the eager horses flew."

He said : obedient to his friend's command,

Quick to the tents and ships Patroclus ran.

They, when they reach'd the tent of Neleus' son, 705

Descended to the ground ; Eurymedon

The old man's mares unharness'd from the car,

While on the beach they fac'd the cooling breeze,

AVhich from their garments dried the sweat ; tlien turn'd.

And in the tent on easy seats repos'd. 710

For them the fair-hair'd Hecamede mix'd

A cordial potion ; her from Tenedos,

When by Achilles ta'en, the old man brought

Daughter of great Arsinous, whom the Greeks

On him, their sagest councillor, bestow'd. 71.5

Before them first a table fair she spread,

^ polish'd, and with feet of solid bronze

On this a brazen canister she plac'd.

And onions, as a relish to the ^

And pale clear honey, and pure barley meal 720

Bv these a splendid goblet, which from home

 : :

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 3G7

Til' old man had brought, with golden studs adorn'd

Four were its handles, and round each two doves

Appear'd to feed ; at either end, a cup.

Scarce might another move it from the board, 725

When full ; but aged Nestor rais'd with ease.

In this, their goddess-like attendant first

A gen'rous measure mix'd of Pramnian wine

Then with a brazen grater shredded o'er

The goatsmilk cheese, and whitest barley meal, 730

And of the draught compounded bade them drink.

They drank, and then, reliev'<l the parching thirst.

With mutual converse entertain'd the hour.

Before the gate divine Patroclus stood :

The old man saw, and from his seat arose, 735

And took him by the hand, and led him in,

And bade him sit; but he, refusing. Siiid :

" No seat for me, thou venerable sire !

I must not stay ; for he both awe and fear

Commands, who hither sent me to encpiire 740

What woimded man tliou hast ; I need not ask,

I know Machaon well, his people's guard.

My errand done, I must my message bear

 : :

368 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Back to Acbilles ; and thou know'st thyself,

Thou venerable sire, how stern his mood 745

Nay sometimes blames he, where no blame is clue."

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied

" AVheuce comes Achilles' pity for the Greeks

By Trojan weapons wounded ? knows he not

What depth of suff 'ring through the camp prevails ? 750

How in the ships, by arrow or by spear

Sore wounded, all our best and bravest lie ?

The valiant son of Tydeus, Diomed,

Pierc'd by a shaft ; Ulysses by a spear,

And Agamemnon's self; Eurypylus 755

By a sharp arrow through the thigh trausfix'd ;

And here another, whom but now I bring,

Shot by a bow, from off the battle field :

Achilles, valiant as he is, the while

For Grecian woes nor care nor pity feels. 7

Waits he, until our ships beside the sea,

h\ our despite, are burnt by hostile fires.

And we be singly slain ? not mine is now

The strength I boasted once of actiA'e limbs.

that such vouth and vigour \ei were mine, 7(i5

 ; . ; ;:

Book XT. HOMER'S ILIAD. 369

As when about a cattle-lifting• raid

We fought th' Eleans ; there Itymoneus

I slew, the son of bra'e Hvperochus,

Who dwelt in Elis ; and my booty drove.

He soug-ht to guard the herd ; but from my hand 770

A ja'in struck liim in the foremost ranks

He fell, and terror seiz'fl the rustic crowd.

Abundant store of plunder from the plain

We drove ; of horned cattle fifty herds

As many flocks of sheep, as many <lroves 775

Of swine, as many wide-spread herds of goats,

And thrice so many golden-chesmit mares,

The foals of many rumiing with theii' dams.

To Pylos, Neleus' city, these we drove

By night: and much it gladden'd Neleus' heart, 780

That I, though new to war. such prize had won.

When morn appear'd, the clear-voic'd heralds call'd

For all to whom from Elis debts were due

Collected thus, the Pylians' leadmg men

Division made ; for Elis ow'd us much 785

Such wrongs we few in Pylos had sustain'd.

The might of Hercules in former years

VOL. I. 2 15
370 HOMER'S ILTAD. Book XI.

Had storm'd our town, and all our bravest slain.

Twelve gallant sons had Neleus ; I of these

Alone was left ; the others all were gone. 790

Whence over-proud, th' Epeians treated us

With insult, and high-handed violence.

A herd of oxen now, and num'rous flock

Of sheep, th' old man selected for himself.

Three hundred, with their shepherds ; for to him 795

Large compensation was from Elis due.

Train'd to the course, four horses, with their cars,

He for the Tripod at th' Elean games

Had sent to run ; these Augeas, King of men,

Detain'd, and bade the drivers home return, 800

Bootless, and grieving for their horses' loss.

Th' old man his words resenting, and his acts,

Large spoils retain'd ; the rest among the crowd

He shar'd, that none might lose his portion due.

These we dispos'd of soon, and to the Gods 805

Due off 'rings made ; but when the third day rose.

Back in all haste, in numbers, horse and foot,

Our foes return'd ; with them the Molion twins.

Yet boys, untutor'd in the arts of war.

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 371

Far off, by Alpheus' banks, tb' cxtreniest -erge 810

Of sandy Pylos, is a lofty mound,

The city of Thryum ; which around, intent

To raze its walls, their army was encamp'd.

The plain already they had overspread;

When Pallas from Olympus' heights came down 815

In haste, and bade us all prepare for war.

On no unwilling ears her message fell.

But eager all for fight ; but me, to arm

Neleus forbade, and ev'n my horses hid,

Deeming me yet unripe for deeds of war. 820

Yet so, albeit on foot, by Pallas' grace

A name I gain'd above our noblest horse.

There is a river, Minyis by name.

Hard by Arene, flowing to the sea,

Where we, the Pylian horse, expecting morn, 825

Encamp'd, by troops of footmen quickly join'd.

Thence in all haste advancing, all in arms,

We reach'd, by midday, Alpheus' sacred stream.

There, to o'er-ruliug Jove our off'rings made,

To Alpheus and to Neptune each a bull, 830

To Palliis, blue-ey'd Maid, a heifer fair,

2 2
 ;

372 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XL

In orclerM ranks we took our ev'ning meal,

And each in arms npon the ri'er's brink

Lay down to rest; for close beside us lay

Th' Epeians, on the town's destruction bent. 835

Then saw they mighty deeds of war display 'd

For we, as sunlight overspread the earth,

To Jove and Pallas praying, battle gave.

But when the Pylians and th' Epeians met,

I first a warrior slew, and seiz'd his car, 840

Bold spearman, Mulius; Augeas' son-in-law.

His eldest daughter's husband, Agamede,

The yellow-hair'd, who all the virtues knew

Of each medicinal herb the wide world grows.

Him, with my brass-tipp'd spear, as on he came, 845

I slew ; he fell ; I, rushing to his car.

Stood 'mid the foremost ranks ; th' Epeians brave

Fled diverse, when they saw their champion fall.

Chief of their horsemen, foremost in the fight.

With the dark whirlwind's force, I onward rush'd, 850

And fifty cars I took ; two men in each

Fell to my spear, and bit the bloody dust.

Then Actor's sons, the Molions, had I slain.

 : ;

Book XI. HOMER'S ILIAD. 373

Had not th' Earth-shaking God, their mighty sire,

Veil'd in thick ck)iid, Avithdrawn them from the iiekk 855

Then J ove great glory to the Pylians gave

For o'er the wide-spread pkiin we hekl pursuit.

Slaying, and gath'ring up the scatter'd arms,

Nor till corn-clad Buprasium and the rock

Olenian, and Alesium, terni'd the Mound, 860

Stay'd we our steeds; there Pallas bade us turn.

There the last man I slew, and left; the Greeks

Back from Buprasium drove their flying cars

To Pylos, magnifying all the name,

'Mid men, of Nestor, as 'mid Gods, of Jove. 865

Such once was I 'mid men, while yet I was;

Now to himself alone Achilles keeps

His valour; yet hereafter, when the Greeks

Have perish'd all, remorse shall touch his soul.

Dear fi-iend, remember now th' injunctions giv'n 870

By old Menoetius, when from l*lithian land

He sent thee forth to Agamemnon's aid

I, and Laertes' godlike son, within,

Heard all his counsel ; t(j the uell-built hinisG

Of Peleus we on embassy had come, 875

 ; ;

374 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XI.

Throughout Achaia's fertile lands to raise

The means of war; Menoetius there we found,

Achilles, and thyself within the house

While in the court-yard aged Peleus slew,

And to the Lord of thunder offer'd up 88C

A fatten'd steer; and from a golden bowl

O'er the burnt-ofif'ring pour'd the ruddy wine.

We two, Avhile ye were busied with the flesh,

Stood at the gate; surpris'd, Achilles rose,

And took us by the hand, and bade us sit, 885

Dispensing all the hospitable rites.

With food and wine recruited, I began

My speech, and urg'd ye both to join the war:

Nor were ye loth to go ; much sage advice

Your elders gave; old Peleus bade his son 890

To aim at highest honours, and surpass

His comrades all ; Menoetius, Actor's son.

To thee this counsel gave :

'
My son,' he said,

'
Achilles is by birth above thee far

Thou art in years the elder; he in strength 895

Surpasses thee ; do thou with prudent words

And timely speech address him, and advise

Book XL HOMEE'S ILIAl). 375

And guide liiiii ; he will, to his good, obey.'

" Such were the old man's words ; but thou hast let

His counsel slip thy mem'ry ;

yet ev'n now 900

Speak to Achilles thus, and stir his soul,

If haply he will hear thee ; and who knows

But by the grace of Heav'n thou niayst preA'ail?

For great is oft a friend's persuasive pow'r.

But if the fear of CA-il prophesied, 905

Or message by his Goddess-mother brought

From Jo"e, restrain liim, let him send thee forth

With all his force of warlike Myrmidons,

That thou mayst be the saving light of Greece.

Then let him bid thee to the battle bear 910

His glitt'ring arms : if so the men of Troy,

Scar'd by his likeness, may forsake the field,

And breathing-time afford the sons of Greece,

Toil-worn ; for little pause has yet been theirs.

Fresh and unwearied, ye with ease may drive 915

To their city, from our ships and tents,

The Trojans, worn and battle-wearied men."

Thus he ; Patroclus' spirit within him biu-n'd,

And tow'rd Achilles' tent in haste he sped.

 : :

376 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XI.

But, running, as Ulysses' ship be passcl. t)2o

Where was the Council and the Justice-seat,

And \Ahere were built the altars of the Gods,

There met him, halting from the battle-field.

Shot through the thigh, Eusemon's Heav'n-lx)rn son,

Eurypylus ; his head and shoulders dank 925

With clammy SA\eat, A\hile from his grievous AAound

Stream'd the dark blood ;

yet firm was still his soul.

Menoetius' noble son with pity saw,

And deeply sorrowing thus address'd the chief:

" Woe for the chiefs and councillors of Greece ! 930

And must ye, far from friends and native home,

Glut with your flesh the rav'ning dogs of Troy ?

Yet tell me this, Heav'n-born Eurypylus;

Still do the Greeks 'gainst Hector's giant force

Make head ? or fall they, vanquish 'd by his spear ? " 935

To whom \ ith prudent speech, Eurypylus

"No source, Heay'n-born Patroclus, have the Greeks.

Of aid, but all must perish by their ships

For in the ships lie all our bravest late,

By spear or arrow struck, by Trojan hands ; 94o

And fiercer, hour by hour, their onset grows.

 ; : : ;

Book XI. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 377

But save me now, aud lead me to tlie ships

There cut the arroAN out, aud from the AAomid

AVith tepid ater cleanse the clotted blood

Then soothing• drugs apply, of healmg pow'r, 945

Which from Achilles, thou, 'tis said, hast learn'd.

From Chiron, justest of the Centaui's, he.

For Podalirius and Machaon botli.

Our leeches, one lies wounded in the tents,

Himself requiring sore the leech's aid 950

The other on the plain still dares the fight.''

To whom again Mencetius' noble son

"How may this be? say, brave Eurypylus,

What must I do? a messenger am I,

Sent by Gerenian Nestor, prop of Greece, 955

With tidings to Achilles; yet ev'n so

I will not leave thee in this ^eary plight."

He said, and passing his supporting hand

Beneath his breast, the wounded warrior led

Within the tent ; th' attendant saw, and spread 960

The ox-hide couch ; then as he lay reclin'd,

Patroclus, with his dagger, from the thigh

Cut out the biting shaft ; and from the wound

 ;

378 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book XI.

With tepid water cleans'd the clotted blood

Then, pounded in his hands, a root applied 965

Astringent, anodyne, which all his pain

Allay 'd ; the wound was dried, and staneh'd the blood. 967
 ; ;

Book XII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 379

BOOK XII.

rpHUS o'er the woundetl chief Eurypylus

Watch'd in his tent Menoetius' noble son;

But hand to hand the Greeks and Trojans fought;

Nor longer might the ditch th' assault repel,

Nor the broad wall above, which Greeks had built, 5

To guard their ships, and round it dug the ditch

But to the Gods no hecatombs had paid.

That they the ships and all the stores within

Might safely keep ; against the will of Heav'n

The work was done, and thence not long endur'd. 10

While Hector liv'd, and Peleus' son his wrath

Retain'd, and Priam's city untaken stood

So long the Grecian waW remain'd entire:

But of the Trojans when the best had fall'n,

Of Greeks, when some were slain, some yet surviv'd ; 15

When the tenth year had seen the fall of Troy,

And Greeks, embark'd, ha<l ta'en their homeward way,

380 HOMEK'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Then Neptune and Apollo counsel took

To sap the wall by aid of all the streams

That seaward from the heights of Ida flow; 20

Ehesus, Caresus, and Heptaporus,

Granicus, and ^sepus, Ehodius,

Scamander's stream divine, and Simoi's,

Where helms and shields lay bui'ied in the sand.

And a whole race of warrior demigods: 25

These all Apollo to one channel turn'd;

Nine days against the wall the torrent beat;

And Jove sent rain continuous, that the wall

Might sooner be submerg'd ; Avhile Neptune's self.

His trident in his hand, led on the stream, 30

Washing away the deep foundations, laid,

Laborious, by the Greeks, with logs and stones.

Now by fast-flowing Hellespont dispers'd.

The wall destroy 'd, o'er all the shoi'e he spread

A sandy drift ; and bade the streams return 35

To where of old their silver Avaters flow'd.

iSuch were, in future days, to be the works

Of Neptune and Apollo ; but meanwhile

Fierce rag'd the battle roimd the firm-built wall,

 : :

Book . HOMER'S ILIAD. 381

And frequent clatter'd on the turrets' beams 40

The hostile missiles : by the scourge of Jove

Subdued, the Greeks beside theii' ships were hemmVl,

By Hector scar'd, fell minister of Dread,

Who with the whirlwind's force, as ever, fouaht.

As when, by dogs and hunters circled round, 45

A boar, or lion, in his pride of strength,

Tui-ns on his foes, while they in close array

Stand opposite, and frequent shoot their darts;

Nor yet his spirit quails, but linn he stands

With suicidal corn-age ; swift he turns, 50

Where best to break the circling ranks ; where'er

He makes his rush, the circling ranks give way :

So Hector, here and there, amid the crowd,

Urg'd his companions on to cross the ditch

The fiery steeds shrank back, anrl, snorting, stood 55

Upon the topmost brink; for the wide ditch

Withheld them, easy nor to leap nor cross

For steep arose on either side the banks,

And at the top with sharpen'd stakes were cro^vn'd.

Thick-set and strong, which there the sons of Greece 60

Had planted, to repel th' invading foes.

 : ;

382 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Scarce miglit a horse, with well-wheel'd car attach'd,

Essay the passage; but on foot they buriiVl

To make th' attempt; and thus Polydamas,

Approaching near, to valiant Hector spoke 65

"Hector, and all ye other chiefs of Troy.

And brave Allies, in vain we seek to drive

Our horses o'er tlie ditch ; 'tis hard to cross

'Tis cro\\^i'd with pointed stakes, and them behind

Is built the Grecian Avail ; there to descend 70

And fi-om our cars in narrow space to fight

Were certain ruin. If it be indeed

The will of Jove, high-thund'ring, to confound

The Greeks in utter rout, and us to aid,

I should rejoice that ev'ry Greek forthwith 75

Far from his home should fill a nameless grave;

But should they turn, and we again be driv'n

Back from the ships, and hurried down the ditch,

Such were our loss, that scarce a messenger

Would live to bear the tidings to the town 80

Of our destruction by the rallied Greeks.

Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree

W^ith our attendants here upon the bank

 ; ;

Book XII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 388

To leave our horses ; and onrseh^es on foot,

All arm'd, press on ^yhere Hector leads ; the Greeks, 85

If that their doom be nigh, Avill make no stand."

Thus spoke Polydamas ; his counsel pleas'd

And Hector sprang, in arms, from off his car;

Nor long, the noble Hector when they saw.

Delay 'd the other chiefs ; then ga'e command 90

Each to his own attendant, by the ditch

To keep the chariots all in due ari-ay

Then parting, form'd in order of attack,

In -e divisions, with their sev'ral chiefs.

Bound Hector throng'd, and bold Polydamas, 95

The best and bravest ; they \ ho long'd the most

To storm the wall, and fight beside the ships.

With them Cebriones ; for Hector left.

To guard the horses, one of lesser note.

The next dision was by Paris led, lOO

Agenor, and Alcathous ; the third

By Helenus, and brave Deiphobus,

Two sons of Priam ; Asius was the third,

Asius, the son of Hyrtacus ; who brought

His triw'ring fiery steeds from Selles' stream, 105

 : ;

384 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Hard by Arisba ; stout j$]neas led

The fourth, Anchises' son, AjfcLilochiis

With him, and Acamas, Ajitenor's sons

Both skill'd alike in ev'ry point of war.

Of the far-fam'd Allies, Sarpedon held no

The chief command ; and for his comrades chose

Asteropaeus, and the warlike might

Of Glaucus; these o'er all the rest he held

Pre-eminent in valour, save himself,

Who o'er them all superior stood confess'd. 115

These, interlac'd their shields of tough bull's-hide,

With eager step advanc'd, and deem'd the Greeks

Would, unresisting, fall before their ships.

The other Trojans and renoAvn'd Allies

The words of wise Polydamas obey'd 120

But Asius, son of Hyrtacus, refus'd

His horses and his charioteer to leave,

With them advancing to assail the ships.

Blind fool, unconscious ! from before those ships,

Escap'd from death, with horses and with car 125

Triumphant, to the breezy heights of Troy

He never shall return ; ill-omen'd fate

 :

Book XII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 385

O'ersliadowiiig, dooms Lim by the spear to fall

Of brave Idomeneus, Deucalion's son.

He tow'rd the left inclin'd, ^liat wiij the Greeks 130

With horse and chariot from the plain retiim'd.

That Avay he dro his horses; and the gates *

Unguarded found by bolt or massive bar.

Their warders held them open'd Avide, to save

Perchance some comrade, flying from the plain. 135

Thither he bent his course ; with clamoiu's loud

Follow'd his troops ; nor deem'd they that the Greeks

Would hold their gromid, but fall amid their ships.

Little they knew ; before the gates they found

Two men, two warriors of the prime, two sons 140

Illustrious of the spear-skill'd Lapithse

Stout Polypoetes one, Pirithous' son,

With whom Leonteus, bold as blood-stain'd Mars:

So stood these two before the lofty gates,

As on the mountain side two tow'ring oaks, 145

Which many a day have borne the wind and storm,

Firm rifted by their strong continuous roots:

So in their arms and vigour confident

Those two great Asius' charge, undaunted, met.

VOL. I. 2 c
 : ;

386 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

On th' other side, with shouts and wild uproar, 150

Their bull's-hide shiekis uplifted high, advane 'd

Against the well-built wall, Asius the King,

lamenus, Orestes, xicamas

The son of Asius, and CEnomaus,

And Thoon; those within to save the ships 155

Calling meanwhile on all the well-greav'd Greelcs

But when they saw the wall by Trojans scal'd,

And heard the cry of Greeks in panic fear.

Sprang forth those two, before the gates to fight.

As when tNvo boars, upon the mountain side, 160

Await th' approaching din of men and dogs,

Then sideways rushing, snap the wood around,

Kipp'd from the roots; loud clash their clatt'ring tusks.

Till to the huntsman's spear they yield their lives;

So clatter'd on those champions' brass-clad breasts 105

The hostile \ capons ; stubbornly they fought,

Eelying on their strength, and friends above

For from the well-built tow'rs huge stones ^^'ere hurl'd

By those who for themselves, theii• tents and ships,

Maintain'd defensive warfare ; thick they fell, 170

As wintry snow-flakes, which the boist'rous wind,

 ! ; ;

. HOMER'S ILIAD. 387

Driving the shadowy clouds, spreads fast and close

O'er all the surface of the fertile earth:

So thick, fiOui Grecian and from Trojan hands,

The weapons flew ; on helm and bossy shield 175

AVith grating soimd the pond'rous masses rang.

Then deeply groaning, as he smote his thigh

Thus spoke dismay 'd the son of Hyrtacus:

" Father Jo-e, how hast thou lov'd our hopes

To falsify, who deem'd not that the Greeks 180

AVould stand our onset, and resistless arms

But they, as yellow-banded wasps, or bees,

That by some rocky pass have built theii• nests,

Abandon not theii• caA'ern'd home, but wait

Th' attack, and boldly for their offspring fight 185

So from the gates these two, though two alone,

Eetiro iiot, till they be or ta'en or slain."

He said : but Jove regarded not his words

So much on Hector's triumph he ^vas bent.

Like battle rag'd round th' other gates ; but hard 190

It were for me, A\ith godlike pow'r, to paint

Each sev'ral combat ; for aromid the wall

A more than human storm of stone was pour'd

2 c 2
 : : ;

388 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

On ev'iy side ; the Greeks, hard press'd, perforce

Fought for their ships, while all the Gods look'd on 195

Indignant, who the Grecian cause upheld.

Fiercely the Lapithse sustam'd the war

Stout Polypoetes first, Pirithous' son,

Smote, through the brass-cheek'd helmet, Damasus

Nor stay'd the brazen helm the spear, whose point 200

Went crashing through the bone, that all the brain

Was shatter'd ; onward as he rush'd, he fell.

Then Pylon next, and Ormenus he slew

Meantime Leonteus, scion true of Mars,

Struck with unerring spear Hippomachus, 205

Son of Antimachus, below the waist;

Then, drawing from the sheath his trenchant sword,

Dash'd through the crowd, and hand to hand he smote

Antiphates; he, backward, fell to earth.

Menon, lamenus, Orestes next, 210

In quick succession to the ground he brought.

From these while they their glitt'ring armour stripp'd.

Bound Hector throng'd, and bold Polydamas,

The bravest and the best, who long'd the most

To storm the wall, and burn with fire the ships. 215
 : : ; : ; ; ;

Book XII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 389

Yet on the margin of the ditch they paus'd

For, as they sought to cross, a sign from Heav'n

Appear'd, to leftward of th' astonish'd crowd

A soaring eagle in his talons bore

A dragon, huge of size, of blood-red hue, 220

Alive, and breathing still, nor yet subdued

For twisting backward through the breast he pierc'd

His bearer, near the neck ; he, stung with pain,

Let fall his prey, which dropp'd amid the crowd

Then screaming, on the blast was borne away. 225

The Trojans, shudd'ring, in their midst beheld

The spotted serpent, dire portent of Jove

Then to bold Hector thus Polydamas

" Hector, in council thou reprov'st me oft

For good advice ; it is not meet, thou say'st, 230

That private men should talk beside the mark,

In council or in war, but study still

Thine honour to exalt; yet must I now

Declare what seems to me the wisest coiu'se

Let us not fight the Greeks beside their ships 235

For thus I read the future, if indeed

To us, about to cross, this sign from Heav'n

 : : :

390 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Was sent, to leftward of th' astonish'd crowd

A soaring eagle, bearing in his claws

A dragon, huge of size, of blood-red hue, 240

Alive ; yet dropp'd him ere he reach'd his home,

Nor to his nestlings bore th' intended prey

So we, ev'n though our mighty strength should break

The gates and wall, and put the Greeks to rout.

By the same road not scatheless should return, 245

But many a Trojan on the field should leave.

Slain by the Greeks, while they their ships defend.

So would a seer, well vers'd in augury,

Worthy of public credit, read this sign."

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm 250

Replied, with stern regard :

" Polydamas,

This speech of thine is alien to my soul

Thy better judgment better counsel knows.

But if in earnest such is thine advice.

Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft, 255

Who fain wouldst have us disregard the word

And promise by the nod of Jove confirm 'd,

And put our faith in birds' expanded wings;

Little of these I reck, nor care to look,

Book XII. HOMEE'S ILIAD. 391

If to the right, and tow'rd the morning sun, 260

Or to the left, and shades of night, they fly.

Put wo our trust in Jove's eternal will,

Of niijrtals and Immortals King supreme.

The best of omens is our country's cause.

Why shouldst thou tremble at the battle strife ? 265

Though ev'ry Trojan else were doom'd to die

Beside the ships, no fear lest thou shouldst fall:

Un warlike is thy soul, nor firm of mood:

But if thou shi'ink, or by thy craven words

Turn back another Trojan from the fight, 270

My spear shall take the forfeit of thy life."

This said, he led the way ; with joyous shouts

They follow'd all ; then Jove, the lightning's Lord,

From Ida's heights a storm of wind sent down,

Driving the dust against the Grecian ships; 275

Which quell'd their courage, and to Hector gave,

And to the Trojans, fresh incitement; they,

On their own strength, and heav'nly signs relymg,

Their force address'd to storm the Grecian wall.

They raz'd the counterscarp, the battlements 280

Destroy 'd ; and the prtjecting buttresses,

 ;
:

392 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Which, to sustain the tow'rs, the Greeks had fix'd

Deep in the soil, with levers undermin'd.

These once withdrawn, they hop'd to storm the Avail

Nor from the passage yet the Greeks withdrew,' 285

But closely fencing with their buU's-hide shields

The broken battlements, they thence hurl'd down

A storm of weapons on the foe beneath.

Commanding from the tow'r in ev'ry place

Were seen th' Ajaces, urging to the fight, 'Z\)0

Imploring these, and those in sterner tones

Rebuking, who their warlike toil relax'd.

" Friends, Grecians all, ye Avho excel in war,

And ye of mod'rate or inferior strength.

Though all are not with equal pow'rs endued, 295

Yet here is work for all ! bear this in mind,

Nor tow'rd the ships let any turn his face,

By threats dismay'd ; but forward press, and each

Encourage each, if so the lightning's Lord,

Olympian Jove, may grant us to repel, 300

Ajid backward to his city chase the foe."

Thus they, with cheering words, sustain'd the war

Thick as the snow-flakes on a wintry day,

 : ;; : ;

Book XII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 393

When Jove, the Lord of counsel, down on men

His snow-storm sends, and manifests his pow'r 305

Hush'd are the Avinds; the flakes continuous fall,

That the high moimtam tops, and jutting crags,

And lotus-cover'd meads are buried deep.

And man's productive labours of the field

On hoary Ocean's beach and bays they lie, 310

Th' approaching Avaves their bomid ; o'er all beside

Is spread by Jove the heavy veil of snow.

So thickly flew the stones from either side,

By Greeks on Trojans hurl'd, by these on Greeks

And clatter'd loud through all its length the wall. 315

Nor yet the Trojans, though by Hector led,

The gates had broken, and the massive bar.

But Jove against the Greeks sent forth his son

Sarpedon, as a lion on a herd

His shield's broad orb before his breast he bore, 320

Well- wrought, of beaten brass, which th' arm'rer's hand

Had beaten out, and lin'd with stout bull's-hide;

With golden rods, continuous, all around

He thus equipp'd, two jav'lins brandishing,

Strode onward, as a lion, mountain-bred, 325

 : ;

394 HOMEirS ILIAD. XII.

Whom, fasting long, his dauntless courage leads

To assail the flock, though in well-guarded fold

\. though the shej)herds there he find, prepar'd

With dogs and lances to protect the sheep,

Not unattempted will he lea\'e the fold; 330

But, springing to the midst, he bears his prey

In triumph thence ; or in the onset falls,

Wounded by jav'lins hurl'd by stalwart hands:

So, prompted by his godlike courage, burn'd

Sarpedon to assail the lofty wall, 335

And storm the ramparts ; and to Glaucus thus.

Son of Hippolochus, his speech address'd

" Whence is it, Glaucus, that in Lycian land

We two at feasts the foremost seats may claim,

The largest portions, and the fullest cups? 340

Why held as Gods in honour? why endow'd

With ample heritage, by Xanthus' banks,

Of vineyard, and of wheat-producing land?

Then by the Lycians should we not be seen

The foremost to affront the raging fight? 345

So may our well-arm'd Lycians make their boast;

'
To no inglorious Kings we Lycians owe
 ; " ' ;

Book XII. HOMER'S ILIAD. 395

Allegiance ; they on richest viands feed

Of luscious flavour drink the choicest wine;

But still their valour brightest shows ; and they, 350

Where Lycians war, are foremost in the light

friend ! if we, survivors of this war,

Could live, from age and death for ever free,

Thou shouldst not see me foremost in the fight.

Nor would I urge thee to the glorious field: 355

But since on man ten thousand forms of death

Attend, which none may 'scape, then on, that we

!
May glory on others gain, or they on us

Thus he ; nor Glaucus from his bidding shrank

And forward straight they led the Lycian pow'rs. 300

Menestheus, son of Peteus, A\ith dismay

Observ'd their movement ; for on his command,

Inspiring terror, their attack ^\"as made.

He look'd around him to the Grecian toAv'rs,

If any chief might there be found, to save 365

His comrades from destruction; there he saw,

Of war insatiable, th' xVjaces twain;

^Vnd Teucer, from the tent but ne\\l}' come,

Hard by; nor yet could reach them with his voice;
 ; : ; ;:

396 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Such was tlie din, such tuiniilt rose to Heav'n, 370

From clatt'ring shields, and horsehair-crested helms,

And batter'd gates, now all at once assail'd

Before them fiercely strove th' assaulting bands

0 break their way ; he then Thootes sent,

His herald, to th' Ajaces, craving aid. 375

"Haste thee, Thootes, on th' Ajaces call,

On both, 'twere better; so we best may hope

To 'scape the death, Avhich else is near at hand

So fierce the pressure of the Lycian chiefs,

Undaunted now, as ever, in the fight. 380

But if they too are hardly press'd, at least

Let Ajax, son of Telamon, be sj)ar'd.

And with him Teucer, skill'd to draw the bow."

He said ; the herald heard, and straight obey'd

Along the Mall, where stood the brass-clad Greeks, 385

He ran, and standing near th' Ajaces, said:

"Ajaces, leaders of the brass-clad Greeks,

Tlie son of Heav'n-born Peteus craves your aid.

To share a\\hile the laboui's of his guard

Both, if it may be ; so he best may hope 390

To 'scape the death, which else is near at hand

 : ;;

. HOMER'S ILIAD. 397

So fierce the pressure of the Lycian chiefs,

Undaunted now, as ever, in the fight.

But if ye too are hardly press'd, at least

Let Ajax, son of Telamon, be spar'd, 395

And with hiin Teucer, skill'd to draw the bow."

He said: the mighty son of Telamon

Consenting, thus address'd Oileus' son

" Ajax, do thou and yaliant Lycomede

Exhort the Greeks the struggle to maintain 400

While I go yonder, to affront the war,

To aid their need, and back return in haste."

Thus saying, Ajax Telamon set forth,

And with him Teucer went, his father's son.

While by Pandion Teucer's bow was borne. 405

At brave Menestheus' tow'r, Avithin the wall,

Arriv'd, sore press'd they found the garrison

For like a whirlwind on the ramparts pour'd

The Lycians' valiant councillors and chiefs.

They quickly join'd the fi-ay, and loud arose 410

The battle-cry ; first Ajax Telamon

Sarpedou's comrade, brave Epicles, slew,

Struck by a rugged stone, within the wall

 ;

3)8 HOMEE'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Which hiy, the topmost of the parapet,

Of size prodigious ; which with both his hands 415

A man in youth's full vigour scarce could raise,

As men are now; he lifted it on high.

And downward hurl'd ; tlie four-pealc'd helm it broke,

Crushing the bone, and shatt'ring all the skull;

He, like a diver, from the lofty tow'r 420

Fell headlong down, and life forsook his bones.

Teucer, meanwhile, n-om off the lofty wall

The valiant Glaucus, pressing to the fight,

Strucli \\ith an arrow, where he saw his arm

Unguarded ; he no longer brook'd the fray 425

Back from the wall he sprang, in hopes to hide

From Grecian eyes his woimd, that none might see.

And triumph o'er him with insulting words.

With grief Sarpedon saw his friend withdraw.

Yet not relax'd his efforts; Thestor's son, 430

Alcmaon, with his spear he stabb'd, and back

The weapon drew; he, following, prostrate fell.

And loudly rang his arms of polish'd brass.

Then at the parapet, with stalwart hand,

Sarpedon tugg'd; and yielding to his force 435

 ! :

Book XII. HOMEK'S ILIAD. 399

Down fell the block entire ; the wall laid bare,

To many at once the breach gaxe open way.

Ajax and Teucer him at once assail'd ;

This with an arrow struck the glitt'ring belt

Around his breast, whence hung his pond'rous shield ; 440

But Jove, who ^\ild not that his son should fall

Before the ships, the weapon turn'd aside.

Then forward Ajax sprang, and with his spear

Thrust at the shield ; the weapon pass'd not through,

Yet check'd his bold advance; a little space 445

Back he recoil'd, but not the more withdrew,

His soul on glory intent; and rallying quick,

Thus to the warlike Lycians shouted loud

" Why, Lycians, thus your wonted might relax ?

'Tis hard for one alone, how brave soe'er, 450

Ev'n though he break the rampart down, to force

A passage to the ships ; but on with me

For work is here for many hands to do."

He said; and by the King's rebuke abash'd.

With fiercer zeal the Lycians press'd aroimd 455

Their King and councillor; on th' other side

Withm the wall tlie Greeks their squadrons mass'd;

 ; ;

400 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Then were great deeds acliiev'd nor ; througli the breach

Could the brave troops of Lycia to the ships

Their passage force ; nor could the warrior Greeks 460

Eepel the Lycians from the ground, where they,

Before the wall, had made their footing good.

As when two neighbours, in a common field,

Each line in hand, Avithin a narrow space,

About the limits of their land contend 465

Between them thus the rampart drew the line

O'er which the fuU-orb'd shields of tough buU's-hide,

And lighter bucklers on the warriors' breasts

On either side they clove; and many a wound

The pitiless weapons dealt, on some who, turn'd, 470

Their neck and back laid bare; on many more

Who full m front, and through their shields were struck.

On ev'ry side the parapet and tow'rs

With Greek and Trojan blood were spatter'd o'er.

Nor yet, ev'n so, the Greeks to flight were driv'n; 475

But as a woman that for wages spins.

Honest and true, Avith wool and weights in hand,

In even balance holds the scales, to mete

Her humble hire, her children's maintenance;

 ; : ;

. HOMER'S ILIAD. 401

80 even hung the balance of the war, 480

Till Jove \\itli highest honour Hector crowuVl^

The son of Priam ; he, the foremost, scal'd

The wall, and loudly on the Trojans call'd

"On, A^aliant Trojans, on! the Grecian wall

Break down, and wrap their ships in blazing fires." 485

Thus he, exhorting, spoke; they heard him all,

And to the wall rush'd numberless, and s\\arm'd

Upon the ramparts, bristling thick with spears.

Then Hector, stooping, seiz'd a poud'rous stone

That lay before the gates ; 'twas broad below, 490

But sharp above ; and scarce two lab'ring men.

The strongest, from the ground could raise it up,

And load upon a wain ; as men are now

But he unaided lifted it with ease.

So light it seem'd, by grace of Saturn's son. 495

As. in one hand a shepherd bears with ease

A full-siz'd fleece, and scarcely feels the weight

So Hector tow'rd the portals bore the stone.

Which clos'd the lofty double-folding gates,

Within defended by two massive bars 500

Laid crosswise, and Avith one cross bolt secur'd.

VOL. I. 2d
 ; ; ;;

402 HOMER'S ILIAD. Book XII.

Close to the gate he stood ; and plantings firm

His foot, to oive liis arm its utmost pow'r,

Full on the middle dash'd tlie mighty mass.

The hinges both gave way ; tlie pond'rous stone 505

Fell inwards ; widely gap'd the op'nmg gates

Nor might the bars within the blow sustain:

This Avay and that the sever'd portals flew

Before the crashing missile ; dark as night

His low'rmg brow, great Hector sprang within ;

.51

Bright flash'd the brazen armour on his breast.

As through the gates, two jav'lins in his liand.

He sprang; the Gods except, no poi\'r might meet

That onset; blaz'd his eyes with lurid tire.

Then to the Trojans, turning to the throng, 5 in

He call'd aloud to scale the lofty wall

They heard, and straight obey'd ; some scal'd the wall

Some through the strong-built gates continuous pour'<l

While in confusion irretrievable

Fled to their ships the panic-stricken Greeks. 520

END OF VOL. T.

LONDON : rUINTF.D BT W, CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFOHD STRF.ET

AND CHARINfi CROSS.

to
 university of Toronto
•
Library

DO NOT
REMOVE
THE
IvO
I to CARD
FROM
THIS
••V
POCKET

Acme Library Card Pocket

Under Pat. "Ref. Index File"
Made by LIBRARY BUREAU