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diff --git a/2199-h/2199-h.htm b/2199-h/2199-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d08e56b --- /dev/null +++ b/2199-h/2199-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14805 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta charset="UTF-8" /> + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> +<style> /* <![CDATA[ */ + +body { margin-right: 20%; + margin-left: 20%; + text-align: justify } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 175%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} +h3 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em;} +h4,.ph4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.intro {font-size: 80% ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +.cellpadding4 {padding: 3px;} +.border3 {padding: 3px;} + /* ]]> */ </style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Iliad</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Homer</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Samuel Butler</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 18, 1999 [eBook #2199]<br /> +[Most recently updated: August 16, 2022]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Jim Tinsley<br />Revised by Richard Tonsing.</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***</div> + +<div class='ph4'>There are several editions of this ebook in the Project Gutenberg collection. Various characteristics of each ebook are listed to aid in selecting the preferred file.<br /> +Click on any of the filenumbers below to quickly view each ebook.</div> + +<table style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" class="cellpadding4 border3"> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/22382/22382-h/22382-h.htm"> +22382</a> </b> </td><td>(With 800 linked footnotes, No illustrations) +</td></tr> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/16452/16452-h/16452-h.htm"> +16452</a></b></td><td>(In blank verse, Many footnotes.) +</td></tr> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2199/2199-h/2199-h.htm"> +2199</a></b> </td><td>(No footnotes or illustrations) +</td></tr> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6130/6130-h/6130-h.htm"> +6130</a></b> </td><td>(Many line drawings, and 300 footnotes) +</td></tr> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3059/3059-h/3059-h.htm"> +3059</a></b> </td><td> +</td></tr> + +<tr><td> + <b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6150/6150-h/6150-h.htm"> +6150</a></b> </td><td> +</td></tr> + +</table> + +<h1>THE ILIAD OF HOMER</h1> + +<div class='ph4'>Rendered into English Prose for<br /> +the use of those who cannot<br /> +read the original</div> + +<h2>by Samuel Butler</h2> + +<hr /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap01">BOOK I.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap02">BOOK II.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap03">BOOK III.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap04">BOOK IV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap05">BOOK V.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap06">BOOK VI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap07">BOOK VII</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap08">BOOK VIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap09">BOOK IX.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap10">BOOK X.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap11">BOOK XI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap12">BOOK XII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td> +</tr> + +</table> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap01"></a>BOOK I.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles—Achilles withdraws from + the war, and sends his mother Thetis to ask Jove to help the Trojans—Scene + between Jove and Juno on Olympus. + </p> + <p> + Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought + countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying + down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, + for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled from the day on which the son + of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one + another. + </p> + <p> + And which of the gods was it that set them on to quarrel? It was the son + of Jove and Leto; for he was angry with the king and sent a pestilence + upon the host to plague the people, because the son of Atreus had + dishonoured Chryses his priest. Now Chryses had come to the ships of the + Achaeans to free his daughter, and had brought with him a great ransom: + moreover he bore in his hand the sceptre of Apollo wreathed with a + suppliant’s wreath, and he besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two + sons of Atreus, who were their chiefs. + </p> + <p> + “Sons of Atreus,” he cried, “and all other Achaeans, may the gods who + dwell in Olympus grant you to sack the city of Priam, and to reach your + homes in safety; but free my daughter, and accept a ransom for her, in + reverence to Apollo, son of Jove.” + </p> + <p> + On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the + priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who + spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away. “Old man,” said he, “let + me not find you tarrying about our ships, nor yet coming hereafter. Your + sceptre of the god and your wreath shall profit you nothing. I will not + free her. She shall grow old in my house at Argos far from her own home, + busying herself with her loom and visiting my couch; so go, and do not + provoke me or it shall be the worse for you.” + </p> + <p> + The old man feared him and obeyed. Not a word he spoke, but went by the + shore of the sounding sea and prayed apart to King Apollo whom lovely Leto + had borne. “Hear me,” he cried, “O god of the silver bow, that protectest + Chryse and holy Cilla and rulest Tenedos with thy might, hear me oh thou + of Sminthe. If I have ever decked your temple with garlands, or burned + your thigh-bones in fat of bulls or goats, grant my prayer, and let your + arrows avenge these my tears upon the Danaans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. He came down furious from + the summits of Olympus, with his bow and his quiver upon his shoulder, and + the arrows rattled on his back with the rage that trembled within him. He + sat himself down away from the ships with a face as dark as night, and his + silver bow rang death as he shot his arrow in the midst of them. First he + smote their mules and their hounds, but presently he aimed his shafts at + the people themselves, and all day long the pyres of the dead were + burning. + </p> + <p> + For nine whole days he shot his arrows among the people, but upon the + tenth day Achilles called them in assembly—moved thereto by Juno, + who saw the Achaeans in their death-throes and had compassion upon them. + Then, when they were got together, he rose and spoke among them. + </p> + <p> + “Son of Atreus,” said he, “I deem that we should now turn roving home if + we would escape destruction, for we are being cut down by war and + pestilence at once. Let us ask some priest or prophet, or some reader of + dreams (for dreams, too, are of Jove) who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo + is so angry, and say whether it is for some vow that we have broken, or + hecatomb that we have not offered, and whether he will accept the savour + of lambs and goats without blemish, so as to take away the plague from + us.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he sat down, and Calchas son of Thestor, wisest of + augurs, who knew things past present and to come, rose to speak. He it was + who had guided the Achaeans with their fleet to Ilius, through the + prophesyings with which Phoebus Apollo had inspired him. With all + sincerity and goodwill he addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Achilles, loved of heaven, you bid me tell you about the anger of King + Apollo, I will therefore do so; but consider first and swear that you will + stand by me heartily in word and deed, for I know that I shall offend one + who rules the Argives with might, to whom all the Achaeans are in + subjection. A plain man cannot stand against the anger of a king, who if + he swallow his displeasure now, will yet nurse revenge till he has wreaked + it. Consider, therefore, whether or no you will protect me.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “Fear not, but speak as it is borne in upon you + from heaven, for by Apollo, Calchas, to whom you pray, and whose oracles + you reveal to us, not a Danaan at our ships shall lay his hand upon you, + while I yet live to look upon the face of the earth—no, not though + you name Agamemnon himself, who is by far the foremost of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon the seer spoke boldly. “The god,” he said, “is angry neither about + vow nor hecatomb, but for his priest’s sake, whom Agamemnon has + dishonoured, in that he would not free his daughter nor take a ransom for + her; therefore has he sent these evils upon us, and will yet send others. + He will not deliver the Danaans from this pestilence till Agamemnon has + restored the girl without fee or ransom to her father, and has sent a holy + hecatomb to Chryse. Thus we may perhaps appease him.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he sat down, and Agamemnon rose in anger. His heart was + black with rage, and his eyes flashed fire as he scowled on Calchas and + said, “Seer of evil, you never yet prophesied smooth things concerning me, + but have ever loved to foretell that which was evil. You have brought me + neither comfort nor performance; and now you come seeing among Danaans, + and saying that Apollo has plagued us because I would not take a ransom + for this girl, the daughter of Chryses. I have set my heart on keeping her + in my own house, for I love her better even than my own wife Clytemnestra, + whose peer she is alike in form and feature, in understanding and + accomplishments. Still I will give her up if I must, for I would have the + people live, not die; but you must find me a prize instead, or I alone + among the Argives shall be without one. This is not well; for you behold, + all of you, that my prize is to go elsewhither.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, covetous beyond all + mankind, how shall the Achaeans find you another prize? We have no common + store from which to take one. Those we took from the cities have been + awarded; we cannot disallow the awards that have been made already. Give + this girl, therefore, to the god, and if ever Jove grants us to sack the + city of Troy we will requite you three and fourfold.” + </p> + <p> + Then Agamemnon said, “Achilles, valiant though you be, you shall not thus + outwit me. You shall not overreach and you shall not persuade me. Are you + to keep your own prize, while I sit tamely under my loss and give up the + girl at your bidding? Let the Achaeans find me a prize in fair exchange to + my liking, or I will come and take your own, or that of Ajax or of + Ulysses; and he to whomsoever I may come shall rue my coming. But of this + we will take thought hereafter; for the present, let us draw a ship into + the sea, and find a crew for her expressly; let us put a hecatomb on + board, and let us send Chryseis also; further, let some chief man among us + be in command, either Ajax, or Idomeneus, or yourself, son of Peleus, + mighty warrior that you are, that we may offer sacrifice and appease the + anger of the god.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles scowled at him and answered, “You are steeped in insolence and + lust of gain. With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, + either on foray or in open fighting? I came not warring here for any ill + the Trojans had done me. I have no quarrel with them. They have not raided + my cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on the rich plains of + Phthia; for between me and them there is a great space, both mountain and + sounding sea. We have followed you, Sir Insolence! for your pleasure, not + ours—to gain satisfaction from the Trojans for your shameless self + and for Menelaus. You forget this, and threaten to rob me of the prize for + which I have toiled, and which the sons of the Achaeans have given me. + Never when the Achaeans sack any rich city of the Trojans do I receive so + good a prize as you do, though it is my hands that do the better part of + the fighting. When the sharing comes, your share is far the largest, and + I, forsooth, must go back to my ships, take what I can get and be + thankful, when my labour of fighting is done. Now, therefore, I shall go + back to Phthia; it will be much better for me to return home with my + ships, for I will not stay here dishonoured to gather gold and substance + for you.” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “Fly if you will, I shall make you no prayers to + stay you. I have others here who will do me honour, and above all Jove, + the lord of counsel. There is no king here so hateful to me as you are, + for you are ever quarrelsome and ill-affected. What though you be brave? + Was it not heaven that made you so? Go home, then, with your ships and + comrades to lord it over the Myrmidons. I care neither for you nor for + your anger; and thus will I do: since Phoebus Apollo is taking Chryseis + from me, I shall send her with my ship and my followers, but I shall come + to your tent and take your own prize Briseis, that you may learn how much + stronger I am than you are, and that another may fear to set himself up as + equal or comparable with me.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Peleus was furious, and his heart within his shaggy breast was + divided whether to draw his sword, push the others aside, and kill the son + of Atreus, or to restrain himself and check his anger. While he was thus + in two minds, and was drawing his mighty sword from its scabbard, Minerva + came down from heaven (for Juno had sent her in the love she bore to them + both), and seized the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, visible to him + alone, for of the others no man could see her. Achilles turned in amaze, + and by the fire that flashed from her eyes at once knew that she was + Minerva. “Why are you here,” said he, “daughter of aegis-bearing Jove? To + see the pride of Agamemnon, son of Atreus? Let me tell you—and it + shall surely be—he shall pay for this insolence with his life.” + </p> + <p> + And Minerva said, “I come from heaven, if you will hear me, to bid you + stay your anger. Juno has sent me, who cares for both of you alike. Cease, + then, this brawling, and do not draw your sword; rail at him if you will, + and your railing will not be vain, for I tell you—and it shall + surely be—that you shall hereafter receive gifts three times as + splendid by reason of this present insult. Hold, therefore, and obey.” + </p> + <p> + “Goddess,” answered Achilles, “however angry a man may be, he must do as + you two command him. This will be best, for the gods ever hear the prayers + of him who has obeyed them.” + </p> + <p> + He stayed his hand on the silver hilt of his sword, and thrust it back + into the scabbard as Minerva bade him. Then she went back to Olympus among + the other gods, and to the house of aegis-bearing Jove. + </p> + <p> + But the son of Peleus again began railing at the son of Atreus, for he was + still in a rage. “Wine-bibber,” he cried, “with the face of a dog and the + heart of a hind, you never dare to go out with the host in fight, nor yet + with our chosen men in ambuscade. You shun this as you do death itself. + You had rather go round and rob his prizes from any man who contradicts + you. You devour your people, for you are king over a feeble folk; + otherwise, son of Atreus, henceforward you would insult no man. Therefore + I say, and swear it with a great oath—nay, by this my sceptre which + shalt sprout neither leaf nor shoot, nor bud anew from the day on which it + left its parent stem upon the mountains—for the axe stripped it of + leaf and bark, and now the sons of the Achaeans bear it as judges and + guardians of the decrees of heaven—so surely and solemnly do I swear + that hereafter they shall look fondly for Achilles and shall not find him. + In the day of your distress, when your men fall dying by the murderous + hand of Hector, you shall not know how to help them, and shall rend your + heart with rage for the hour when you offered insult to the bravest of the + Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + With this the son of Peleus dashed his gold-bestudded sceptre on the + ground and took his seat, while the son of Atreus was beginning fiercely + from his place upon the other side. Then uprose smooth-tongued Nestor, the + facile speaker of the Pylians, and the words fell from his lips sweeter + than honey. Two generations of men born and bred in Pylos had passed away + under his rule, and he was now reigning over the third. With all sincerity + and goodwill, therefore, he addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth,” he said, “a great sorrow has befallen the Achaean land. + Surely Priam with his sons would rejoice, and the Trojans be glad at heart + if they could hear this quarrel between you two, who are so excellent in + fight and counsel. I am older than either of you; therefore be guided by + me. Moreover I have been the familiar friend of men even greater than you + are, and they did not disregard my counsels. Never again can I behold such + men as Pirithous and Dryas shepherd of his people, or as Caeneus, Exadius, + godlike Polyphemus, and Theseus son of Aegeus, peer of the immortals. + These were the mightiest men ever born upon this earth: mightiest were + they, and when they fought the fiercest tribes of mountain savages they + utterly overthrew them. I came from distant Pylos, and went about among + them, for they would have me come, and I fought as it was in me to do. Not + a man now living could withstand them, but they heard my words, and were + persuaded by them. So be it also with yourselves, for this is the more + excellent way. Therefore, Agamemnon, though you be strong, take not this + girl away, for the sons of the Achaeans have already given her to + Achilles; and you, Achilles, strive not further with the king, for no man + who by the grace of Jove wields a sceptre has like honour with Agamemnon. + You are strong, and have a goddess for your mother; but Agamemnon is + stronger than you, for he has more people under him. Son of Atreus, check + your anger, I implore you; end this quarrel with Achilles, who in the day + of battle is a tower of strength to the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “Sir, all that you have said is true, but this + fellow must needs become our lord and master: he must be lord of all, king + of all, and captain of all, and this shall hardly be. Granted that the + gods have made him a great warrior, have they also given him the right to + speak with railing?” + </p> + <p> + Achilles interrupted him. “I should be a mean coward,” he cried, “were I + to give in to you in all things. Order other people about, not me, for I + shall obey no longer. Furthermore I say—and lay my saying to your + heart—I shall fight neither you nor any man about this girl, for + those that take were those also that gave. But of all else that is at my + ship you shall carry away nothing by force. Try, that others may see; if + you do, my spear shall be reddened with your blood.” + </p> + <p> + When they had quarrelled thus angrily, they rose, and broke up the + assembly at the ships of the Achaeans. The son of Peleus went back to his + tents and ships with the son of Menoetius and his company, while Agamemnon + drew a vessel into the water and chose a crew of twenty oarsmen. He + escorted Chryseis on board and sent moreover a hecatomb for the god. And + Ulysses went as captain. + </p> + <p> + These, then, went on board and sailed their ways over the sea. But the son + of Atreus bade the people purify themselves; so they purified themselves + and cast their filth into the sea. Then they offered hecatombs of bulls + and goats without blemish on the sea-shore, and the smoke with the savour + of their sacrifice rose curling up towards heaven. + </p> + <p> + Thus did they busy themselves throughout the host. But Agamemnon did not + forget the threat that he had made Achilles, and called his trusty + messengers and squires Talthybius and Eurybates. “Go,” said he, “to the + tent of Achilles, son of Peleus; take Briseis by the hand and bring her + hither; if he will not give her I shall come with others and take her—which + will press him harder.” + </p> + <p> + He charged them straightly further and dismissed them, whereon they went + their way sorrowfully by the seaside, till they came to the tents and + ships of the Myrmidons. They found Achilles sitting by his tent and his + ships, and ill-pleased he was when he beheld them. They stood fearfully + and reverently before him, and never a word did they speak, but he knew + them and said, “Welcome, heralds, messengers of gods and men; draw near; + my quarrel is not with you but with Agamemnon who has sent you for the + girl Briseis. Therefore, Patroclus, bring her and give her to them, but + let them be witnesses by the blessed gods, by mortal men, and by the + fierceness of Agamemnon’s anger, that if ever again there be need of me to + save the people from ruin, they shall seek and they shall not find. + Agamemnon is mad with rage and knows not how to look before and after that + the Achaeans may fight by their ships in safety.” + </p> + <p> + Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him. He brought Briseis from + the tent and gave her over to the heralds, who took her with them to the + ships of the Achaeans—and the woman was loth to go. Then Achilles + went all alone by the side of the hoar sea, weeping and looking out upon + the boundless waste of waters. He raised his hands in prayer to his + immortal mother, “Mother,” he cried, “you bore me doomed to live but for a + little season; surely Jove, who thunders from Olympus, might have made + that little glorious. It is not so. Agamemnon, son of Atreus, has done me + dishonour, and has robbed me of my prize by force.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he wept aloud, and his mother heard him where she was sitting + in the depths of the sea hard by the old man her father. Forthwith she + rose as it were a grey mist out of the waves, sat down before him as he + stood weeping, caressed him with her hand, and said, “My son, why are you + weeping? What is it that grieves you? Keep it not from me, but tell me, + that we may know it together.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles drew a deep sigh and said, “You know it; why tell you what you + know well already? We went to Thebe the strong city of Eetion, sacked it, + and brought hither the spoil. The sons of the Achaeans shared it duly + among themselves, and chose lovely Chryseis as the meed of Agamemnon; but + Chryses, priest of Apollo, came to the ships of the Achaeans to free his + daughter, and brought with him a great ransom: moreover he bore in his + hand the sceptre of Apollo, wreathed with a suppliant’s wreath, and he + besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two sons of Atreus who were + their chiefs. + </p> + <p> + “On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the + priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who + spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away. So he went back in anger, + and Apollo, who loved him dearly, heard his prayer. Then the god sent a + deadly dart upon the Argives, and the people died thick on one another, + for the arrows went everywhither among the wide host of the Achaeans. At + last a seer in the fulness of his knowledge declared to us the oracles of + Apollo, and I was myself first to say that we should appease him. Whereon + the son of Atreus rose in anger, and threatened that which he has since + done. The Achaeans are now taking the girl in a ship to Chryse, and + sending gifts of sacrifice to the god; but the heralds have just taken + from my tent the daughter of Briseus, whom the Achaeans had awarded to + myself. + </p> + <p> + “Help your brave son, therefore, if you are able. Go to Olympus, and if + you have ever done him service in word or deed, implore the aid of Jove. + Ofttimes in my father’s house have I heard you glory in that you alone of + the immortals saved the son of Saturn from ruin, when the others, with + Juno, Neptune, and Pallas Minerva would have put him in bonds. It was you, + goddess, who delivered him by calling to Olympus the hundred-handed + monster whom gods call Briareus, but men Aegaeon, for he is stronger even + than his father; when therefore he took his seat all-glorious beside the + son of Saturn, the other gods were afraid, and did not bind him. Go, then, + to him, remind him of all this, clasp his knees, and bid him give succour + to the Trojans. Let the Achaeans be hemmed in at the sterns of their + ships, and perish on the sea-shore, that they may reap what joy they may + of their king, and that Agamemnon may rue his blindness in offering insult + to the foremost of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thetis wept and answered, “My son, woe is me that I should have borne or + suckled you. Would indeed that you had lived your span free from all + sorrow at your ships, for it is all too brief; alas, that you should be at + once short of life and long of sorrow above your peers: woe, therefore, + was the hour in which I bore you; nevertheless I will go to the snowy + heights of Olympus, and tell this tale to Jove, if he will hear our + prayer: meanwhile stay where you are with your ships, nurse your anger + against the Achaeans, and hold aloof from fight. For Jove went yesterday + to Oceanus, to a feast among the Ethiopians, and the other gods went with + him. He will return to Olympus twelve days hence; I will then go to his + mansion paved with bronze and will beseech him; nor do I doubt that I + shall be able to persuade him.” + </p> + <p> + On this she left him, still furious at the loss of her that had been taken + from him. Meanwhile Ulysses reached Chryse with the hecatomb. When they + had come inside the harbour they furled the sails and laid them in the + ship’s hold; they slackened the forestays, lowered the mast into its + place, and rowed the ship to the place where they would have her lie; + there they cast out their mooring-stones and made fast the hawsers. They + then got out upon the sea-shore and landed the hecatomb for Apollo; + Chryseis also left the ship, and Ulysses led her to the altar to deliver + her into the hands of her father. “Chryses,” said he, “King Agamemnon has + sent me to bring you back your child, and to offer sacrifice to Apollo on + behalf of the Danaans, that we may propitiate the god, who has now brought + sorrow upon the Argives.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he gave the girl over to her father, who received her gladly, + and they ranged the holy hecatomb all orderly round the altar of the god. + They washed their hands and took up the barley-meal to sprinkle over the + victims, while Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud on their + behalf. “Hear me,” he cried, “O god of the silver bow, that protectest + Chryse and holy Cilla, and rulest Tenedos with thy might. Even as thou + didst hear me aforetime when I prayed, and didst press hardly upon the + Achaeans, so hear me yet again, and stay this fearful pestilence from the + Danaans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. When they had done praying + and sprinkling the barley-meal, they drew back the heads of the victims + and killed and flayed them. They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them + round in two layers of fat, set some pieces of raw meat on the top of + them, and then Chryses laid them on the wood fire and poured wine over + them, while the young men stood near him with five-pronged spits in their + hands. When the thigh-bones were burned and they had tasted the inward + meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon the spits, roasted + them till they were done, and drew them off: then, when they had finished + their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and every man had his + full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to + eat and drink, pages filled the mixing-bowl with wine and water and handed + it round, after giving every man his drink-offering. + </p> + <p> + Thus all day long the young men worshipped the god with song, hymning him + and chaunting the joyous paean, and the god took pleasure in their voices; + but when the sun went down, and it came on dark, they laid themselves down + to sleep by the stern cables of the ship, and when the child of morning, + rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they again set sail for the host of the + Achaeans. Apollo sent them a fair wind, so they raised their mast and + hoisted their white sails aloft. As the sail bellied with the wind the + ship flew through the deep blue water, and the foam hissed against her + bows as she sped onward. When they reached the wide-stretching host of the + Achaeans, they drew the vessel ashore, high and dry upon the sands, set + her strong props beneath her, and went their ways to their own tents and + ships. + </p> + <p> + But Achilles abode at his ships and nursed his anger. He went not to the + honourable assembly, and sallied not forth to fight, but gnawed at his own + heart, pining for battle and the war-cry. + </p> + <p> + Now after twelve days the immortal gods came back in a body to Olympus, + and Jove led the way. Thetis was not unmindful of the charge her son had + laid upon her, so she rose from under the sea and went through great + heaven with early morning to Olympus, where she found the mighty son of + Saturn sitting all alone upon its topmost ridges. She sat herself down + before him, and with her left hand seized his knees, while with her right + she caught him under the chin, and besought him, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Father Jove, if I ever did you service in word or deed among the + immortals, hear my prayer, and do honour to my son, whose life is to be + cut short so early. King Agamemnon has dishonoured him by taking his prize + and keeping her. Honour him then yourself, Olympian lord of counsel, and + grant victory to the Trojans, till the Achaeans give my son his due and + load him with riches in requital.” + </p> + <p> + Jove sat for a while silent, and without a word, but Thetis still kept + firm hold of his knees, and besought him a second time. “Incline your + head,” said she, “and promise me surely, or else deny me—for you + have nothing to fear—that I may learn how greatly you disdain me.” + </p> + <p> + At this Jove was much troubled and answered, “I shall have trouble if you + set me quarrelling with Juno, for she will provoke me with her taunting + speeches; even now she is always railing at me before the other gods and + accusing me of giving aid to the Trojans. Go back now, lest she should + find out. I will consider the matter, and will bring it about as you wish. + See, I incline my head that you may believe me. This is the most solemn + promise that I can give to any god. I never recall my word, or deceive, or + fail to do what I say, when I have nodded my head.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the son of Saturn bowed his dark brows, and the ambrosial + locks swayed on his immortal head, till vast Olympus reeled. + </p> + <p> + When the pair had thus laid their plans, they parted—Jove to his + house, while the goddess quitted the splendour of Olympus, and plunged + into the depths of the sea. The gods rose from their seats, before the + coming of their sire. Not one of them dared to remain sitting, but all + stood up as he came among them. There, then, he took his seat. But Juno, + when she saw him, knew that he and the old merman’s daughter, + silver-footed Thetis, had been hatching mischief, so she at once began to + upbraid him. “Trickster,” she cried, “which of the gods have you been + taking into your counsels now? You are always settling matters in secret + behind my back, and have never yet told me, if you could help it, one word + of your intentions.” + </p> + <p> + “Juno,” replied the sire of gods and men, “you must not expect to be + informed of all my counsels. You are my wife, but you would find it hard + to understand them. When it is proper for you to hear, there is no one, + god or man, who will be told sooner, but when I mean to keep a matter to + myself, you must not pry nor ask questions.” + </p> + <p> + “Dread son of Saturn,” answered Juno, “what are you talking about? I? Pry + and ask questions? Never. I let you have your own way in everything. + Still, I have a strong misgiving that the old merman’s daughter Thetis has + been talking you over, for she was with you and had hold of your knees + this self-same morning. I believe, therefore, that you have been promising + her to give glory to Achilles, and to kill much people at the ships of the + Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + “Wife,” said Jove, “I can do nothing but you suspect me and find it out. + You will take nothing by it, for I shall only dislike you the more, and it + will go harder with you. Granted that it is as you say; I mean to have it + so; sit down and hold your tongue as I bid you for if I once begin to lay + my hands about you, though all heaven were on your side it would profit + you nothing.” + </p> + <p> + On this Juno was frightened, so she curbed her stubborn will and sat down + in silence. But the heavenly beings were disquieted throughout the house + of Jove, till the cunning workman Vulcan began to try and pacify his + mother Juno. “It will be intolerable,” said he, “if you two fall to + wrangling and setting heaven in an uproar about a pack of mortals. If such + ill counsels are to prevail, we shall have no pleasure at our banquet. Let + me then advise my mother—and she must herself know that it will be + better—to make friends with my dear father Jove, lest he again scold + her and disturb our feast. If the Olympian Thunderer wants to hurl us all + from our seats, he can do so, for he is far the strongest, so give him + fair words, and he will then soon be in a good humour with us.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he took a double cup of nectar, and placed it in his mother’s + hand. “Cheer up, my dear mother,” said he, “and make the best of it. I + love you dearly, and should be very sorry to see you get a thrashing; + however grieved I might be, I could not help, for there is no standing + against Jove. Once before when I was trying to help you, he caught me by + the foot and flung me from the heavenly threshold. All day long from morn + till eve, was I falling, till at sunset I came to ground in the island of + Lemnos, and there I lay, with very little life left in me, till the + Sintians came and tended me.” + </p> + <p> + Juno smiled at this, and as she smiled she took the cup from her son’s + hands. Then Vulcan drew sweet nectar from the mixing-bowl, and served it + round among the gods, going from left to right; and the blessed gods + laughed out a loud applause as they saw him bustling about the heavenly + mansion. + </p> + <p> + Thus through the livelong day to the going down of the sun they feasted, + and every one had his full share, so that all were satisfied. Apollo + struck his lyre, and the Muses lifted up their sweet voices, calling and + answering one another. But when the sun’s glorious light had faded, they + went home to bed, each in his own abode, which lame Vulcan with his + consummate skill had fashioned for them. So Jove, the Olympian Lord of + Thunder, hied him to the bed in which he always slept; and when he had got + on to it he went to sleep, with Juno of the golden throne by his side. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap02"></a>BOOK II.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Jove sends a lying dream to Agamemnon, who thereon calls the chiefs in + assembly, and proposes to sound the mind of his army—In the end they + march to fight—Catalogue of the Achaean and Trojan forces. + </p> + <p> + Now the other gods and the armed warriors on the plain slept soundly, but + Jove was wakeful, for he was thinking how to do honour to Achilles, and + destroyed much people at the ships of the Achaeans. In the end he deemed + it would be best to send a lying dream to King Agamemnon; so he called one + to him and said to it, “Lying Dream, go to the ships of the Achaeans, into + the tent of Agamemnon, and say to him word for word as I now bid you. Tell + him to get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for he shall take Troy. + There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them + to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + The dream went when it had heard its message, and soon reached the ships + of the Achaeans. It sought Agamemnon son of Atreus and found him in his + tent, wrapped in a profound slumber. It hovered over his head in the + likeness of Nestor, son of Neleus, whom Agamemnon honoured above all his + councillors, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the welfare of his host and + so much other care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at + once, for I come as a messenger from Jove, who, though he be not near, yet + takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the Achaeans + instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer divided + counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her own mind, and + woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this, and when you + wake see that it does not escape you.” + </p> + <p> + The dream then left him, and he thought of things that were surely not to + be accomplished. He thought that on that same day he was to take the city + of Priam, but he little knew what was in the mind of Jove, who had many + another hard-fought fight in store alike for Danaans and Trojans. Then + presently he woke, with the divine message still ringing in his ears; so + he sat upright, and put on his soft shirt so fair and new, and over this + his heavy cloak. He bound his sandals on to his comely feet, and slung his + silver-studded sword about his shoulders; then he took the imperishable + staff of his father, and sallied forth to the ships of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + The goddess Dawn now wended her way to vast Olympus that she might herald + day to Jove and to the other immortals, and Agamemnon sent the criers + round to call the people in assembly; so they called them and the people + gathered thereon. But first he summoned a meeting of the elders at the + ship of Nestor king of Pylos, and when they were assembled he laid a + cunning counsel before them. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” said he, “I have had a dream from heaven in the dead of + night, and its face and figure resembled none but Nestor’s. It hovered + over my head and said, ‘You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the + welfare of his host and so much other care upon his shoulders should dock + his sleep. Hear me at once, for I am a messenger from Jove, who, though he + be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the + Achaeans instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no + longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her + own mind, and woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember + this.’ The dream then vanished and I awoke. Let us now, therefore, arm the + sons of the Achaeans. But it will be well that I should first sound them, + and to this end I will tell them to fly with their ships; but do you + others go about among the host and prevent their doing so.” + </p> + <p> + He then sat down, and Nestor the prince of Pylos with all sincerity and + goodwill addressed them thus: “My friends,” said he, “princes and + councillors of the Argives, if any other man of the Achaeans had told us + of this dream we should have declared it false, and would have had nothing + to do with it. But he who has seen it is the foremost man among us; we + must therefore set about getting the people under arms.” + </p> + <p> + With this he led the way from the assembly, and the other sceptred kings + rose with him in obedience to the word of Agamemnon; but the people + pressed forward to hear. They swarmed like bees that sally from some + hollow cave and flit in countless throng among the spring flowers, bunched + in knots and clusters; even so did the mighty multitude pour from ships + and tents to the assembly, and range themselves upon the wide-watered + shore, while among them ran Wildfire Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging + them ever to the fore. Thus they gathered in a pell-mell of mad confusion, + and the earth groaned under the tramp of men as the people sought their + places. Nine heralds went crying about among them to stay their tumult and + bid them listen to the kings, till at last they were got into their + several places and ceased their clamour. Then King Agamemnon rose, holding + his sceptre. This was the work of Vulcan, who gave it to Jove the son of + Saturn. Jove gave it to Mercury, slayer of Argus, guide and guardian. King + Mercury gave it to Pelops, the mighty charioteer, and Pelops to Atreus, + shepherd of his people. Atreus, when he died, left it to Thyestes, rich in + flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left it to be borne by Agamemnon, that he + might be lord of all Argos and of the isles. Leaning, then, on his + sceptre, he addressed the Argives. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” he said, “heroes, servants of Mars, the hand of heaven has + been laid heavily upon me. Cruel Jove gave me his solemn promise that I + should sack the city of Priam before returning, but he has played me + false, and is now bidding me go ingloriously back to Argos with the loss + of much people. Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many a proud city + in the dust, as he will yet lay others, for his power is above all. It + will be a sorry tale hereafter that an Achaean host, at once so great and + valiant, battled in vain against men fewer in number than themselves; but + as yet the end is not in sight. Think that the Achaeans and Trojans have + sworn to a solemn covenant, and that they have each been numbered—the + Trojans by the roll of their householders, and we by companies of ten; + think further that each of our companies desired to have a Trojan + householder to pour out their wine; we are so greatly more in number that + full many a company would have to go without its cup-bearer. But they have + in the town allies from other places, and it is these that hinder me from + being able to sack the rich city of Ilius. Nine of Jove’s years are gone; + the timbers of our ships have rotted; their tackling is sound no longer. + Our wives and little ones at home look anxiously for our coming, but the + work that we came hither to do has not been done. Now, therefore, let us + all do as I say: let us sail back to our own land, for we shall not take + Troy.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he moved the hearts of the multitude, so many of them as + knew not the cunning counsel of Agamemnon. They surged to and fro like the + waves of the Icarian Sea, when the east and south winds break from + heaven’s clouds to lash them; or as when the west wind sweeps over a field + of corn and the ears bow beneath the blast, even so were they swayed as + they flew with loud cries towards the ships, and the dust from under their + feet rose heavenward. They cheered each other on to draw the ships into + the sea; they cleared the channels in front of them; they began taking + away the stays from underneath them, and the welkin rang with their glad + cries, so eager were they to return. + </p> + <p> + Then surely the Argives would have returned after a fashion that was not + fated. But Juno said to Minerva, “Alas, daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, + unweariable, shall the Argives fly home to their own land over the broad + sea, and leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for + whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their + homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by + man, that they draw not their ships into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva was not slack to do her bidding. Down she darted from the topmost + summits of Olympus, and in a moment she was at the ships of the Achaeans. + There she found Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, standing alone. He had + not as yet laid a hand upon his ship, for he was grieved and sorry; so she + went close up to him and said, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you + going to fling yourselves into your ships and be off home to your own land + in this way? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still + keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, + far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to + them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses knew the voice as that of the goddess: he flung his cloak from him + and set off to run. His servant Eurybates, a man of Ithaca, who waited on + him, took charge of the cloak, whereon Ulysses went straight up to + Agamemnon and received from him his ancestral, imperishable staff. With + this he went about among the ships of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Whenever he met a king or chieftain, he stood by him and spoke him fairly. + “Sir,” said he, “this flight is cowardly and unworthy. Stand to your post, + and bid your people also keep their places. You do not yet know the full + mind of Agamemnon; he was sounding us, and ere long will visit the + Achaeans with his displeasure. We were not all of us at the council to + hear what he then said; see to it lest he be angry and do us a mischief; + for the pride of kings is great, and the hand of Jove is with them.” + </p> + <p> + But when he came across any common man who was making a noise, he struck + him with his staff and rebuked him, saying, “Sirrah, hold your peace, and + listen to better men than yourself. You are a coward and no soldier; you + are nobody either in fight or council; we cannot all be kings; it is not + well that there should be many masters; one man must be supreme—one + king to whom the son of scheming Saturn has given the sceptre of + sovereignty over you all.” + </p> + <p> + Thus masterfully did he go about among the host, and the people hurried + back to the council from their tents and ships with a sound as the thunder + of surf when it comes crashing down upon the shore, and all the sea is in + an uproar. + </p> + <p> + The rest now took their seats and kept to their own several places, but + Thersites still went on wagging his unbridled tongue—a man of many + words, and those unseemly; a monger of sedition, a railer against all who + were in authority, who cared not what he said, so that he might set the + Achaeans in a laugh. He was the ugliest man of all those that came before + Troy—bandy-legged, lame of one foot, with his two shoulders rounded + and hunched over his chest. His head ran up to a point, but there was + little hair on the top of it. Achilles and Ulysses hated him worst of all, + for it was with them that he was most wont to wrangle; now, however, with + a shrill squeaky voice he began heaping his abuse on Agamemnon. The + Achaeans were angry and disgusted, yet none the less he kept on brawling + and bawling at the son of Atreus. + </p> + <p> + “Agamemnon,” he cried, “what ails you now, and what more do you want? Your + tents are filled with bronze and with fair women, for whenever we take a + town we give you the pick of them. Would you have yet more gold, which + some Trojan is to give you as a ransom for his son, when I or another + Achaean has taken him prisoner? or is it some young girl to hide and lie + with? It is not well that you, the ruler of the Achaeans, should bring + them into such misery. Weakling cowards, women rather than men, let us + sail home, and leave this fellow here at Troy to stew in his own meeds of + honour, and discover whether we were of any service to him or no. Achilles + is a much better man than he is, and see how he has treated him—robbing + him of his prize and keeping it himself. Achilles takes it meekly and + shows no fight; if he did, son of Atreus, you would never again insult + him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus railed Thersites, but Ulysses at once went up to him and rebuked him + sternly. “Check your glib tongue, Thersites,” said he, “and babble not a + word further. Chide not with princes when you have none to back you. There + is no viler creature come before Troy with the sons of Atreus. Drop this + chatter about kings, and neither revile them nor keep harping about going + home. We do not yet know how things are going to be, nor whether the + Achaeans are to return with good success or evil. How dare you gibe at + Agamemnon because the Danaans have awarded him so many prizes? I tell you, + therefore—and it shall surely be—that if I again catch you + talking such nonsense, I will either forfeit my own head and be no more + called father of Telemachus, or I will take you, strip you stark naked, + and whip you out of the assembly till you go blubbering back to the + ships.” + </p> + <p> + On this he beat him with his staff about the back and shoulders till he + dropped and fell a-weeping. The golden sceptre raised a bloody weal on his + back, so he sat down frightened and in pain, looking foolish as he wiped + the tears from his eyes. The people were sorry for him, yet they laughed + heartily, and one would turn to his neighbour saying, “Ulysses has done + many a good thing ere now in fight and council, but he never did the + Argives a better turn than when he stopped this fellow’s mouth from + prating further. He will give the kings no more of his insolence.” + </p> + <p> + Thus said the people. Then Ulysses rose, sceptre in hand, and Minerva in + the likeness of a herald bade the people be still, that those who were far + off might hear him and consider his council. He therefore with all + sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “King Agamemnon, the Achaeans are for making you a by-word among all + mankind. They forget the promise they made you when they set out from + Argos, that you should not return till you had sacked the town of Troy, + and, like children or widowed women, they murmur and would set off + homeward. True it is that they have had toil enough to be disheartened. A + man chafes at having to stay away from his wife even for a single month, + when he is on shipboard, at the mercy of wind and sea, but it is now nine + long years that we have been kept here; I cannot, therefore, blame the + Achaeans if they turn restive; still we shall be shamed if we go home + empty after so long a stay—therefore, my friends, be patient yet a + little longer that we may learn whether the prophesyings of Calchas were + false or true. + </p> + <p> + “All who have not since perished must remember as though it were yesterday + or the day before, how the ships of the Achaeans were detained in Aulis + when we were on our way hither to make war on Priam and the Trojans. We + were ranged round about a fountain offering hecatombs to the gods upon + their holy altars, and there was a fine plane-tree from beneath which + there welled a stream of pure water. Then we saw a prodigy; for Jove sent + a fearful serpent out of the ground, with blood-red stains upon its back, + and it darted from under the altar on to the plane-tree. Now there was a + brood of young sparrows, quite small, upon the topmost bough, peeping out + from under the leaves, eight in all, and their mother that hatched them + made nine. The serpent ate the poor cheeping things, while the old bird + flew about lamenting her little ones; but the serpent threw his coils + about her and caught her by the wing as she was screaming. Then, when he + had eaten both the sparrow and her young, the god who had sent him made + him become a sign; for the son of scheming Saturn turned him into stone, + and we stood there wondering at that which had come to pass. Seeing, then, + that such a fearful portent had broken in upon our hecatombs, Calchas + forthwith declared to us the oracles of heaven. ‘Why, Achaeans,’ said he, + ‘are you thus speechless? Jove has sent us this sign, long in coming, and + long ere it be fulfilled, though its fame shall last for ever. As the + serpent ate the eight fledglings and the sparrow that hatched them, which + makes nine, so shall we fight nine years at Troy, but in the tenth shall + take the town.’ This was what he said, and now it is all coming true. Stay + here, therefore, all of you, till we take the city of Priam.” + </p> + <p> + On this the Argives raised a shout, till the ships rang again with the + uproar. Nestor, knight of Gerene, then addressed them. “Shame on you,” he + cried, “to stay talking here like children, when you should fight like + men. Where are our covenants now, and where the oaths that we have taken? + Shall our counsels be flung into the fire, with our drink-offerings and + the right hands of fellowship wherein we have put our trust? We waste our + time in words, and for all our talking here shall be no further forward. + Stand, therefore, son of Atreus, by your own steadfast purpose; lead the + Argives on to battle, and leave this handful of men to rot, who scheme, + and scheme in vain, to get back to Argos ere they have learned whether + Jove be true or a liar. For the mighty son of Saturn surely promised that + we should succeed, when we Argives set sail to bring death and destruction + upon the Trojans. He showed us favourable signs by flashing his lightning + on our right hands; therefore let none make haste to go till he has first + lain with the wife of some Trojan, and avenged the toil and sorrow that he + has suffered for the sake of Helen. Nevertheless, if any man is in such + haste to be at home again, let him lay his hand to his ship that he may + meet his doom in the sight of all. But, O king, consider and give ear to + my counsel, for the word that I say may not be neglected lightly. Divide + your men, Agamemnon, into their several tribes and clans, that clans and + tribes may stand by and help one another. If you do this, and if the + Achaeans obey you, you will find out who, both chiefs and peoples, are + brave, and who are cowards; for they will vie against the other. Thus you + shall also learn whether it is through the counsel of heaven or the + cowardice of man that you shall fail to take the town.” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, you have again outdone the sons of the + Achaeans in counsel. Would, by Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I + had among them ten more such councillors, for the city of King Priam would + then soon fall beneath our hands, and we should sack it. But the son of + Saturn afflicts me with bootless wranglings and strife. Achilles and I are + quarrelling about this girl, in which matter I was the first to offend; if + we can be of one mind again, the Trojans will not stave off destruction + for a day. Now, therefore, get your morning meal, that our hosts join in + fight. Whet well your spears; see well to the ordering of your shields; + give good feeds to your horses, and look your chariots carefully over, + that we may do battle the livelong day; for we shall have no rest, not for + a moment, till night falls to part us. The bands that bear your shields + shall be wet with the sweat upon your shoulders, your hands shall weary + upon your spears, your horses shall steam in front of your chariots, and + if I see any man shirking the fight, or trying to keep out of it at the + ships, there shall be no help for him, but he shall be a prey to dogs and + vultures.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and the Achaeans roared applause. As when the waves run + high before the blast of the south wind and break on some lofty headland, + dashing against it and buffeting it without ceasing, as the storms from + every quarter drive them, even so did the Achaeans rise and hurry in all + directions to their ships. There they lighted their fires at their tents + and got dinner, offering sacrifice every man to one or other of the gods, + and praying each one of them that he might live to come out of the fight. + Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed a fat five-year-old bull to the mighty + son of Saturn, and invited the princes and elders of his host. First he + asked Nestor and King Idomeneus, then the two Ajaxes and the son of + Tydeus, and sixthly Ulysses, peer of gods in counsel; but Menelaus came of + his own accord, for he knew how busy his brother then was. They stood + round the bull with the barley-meal in their hands, and Agamemnon prayed, + saying, “Jove, most glorious, supreme, that dwellest in heaven, and ridest + upon the storm-cloud, grant that the sun may not go down, nor the night + fall, till the palace of Priam is laid low, and its gates are consumed + with fire. Grant that my sword may pierce the shirt of Hector about his + heart, and that full many of his comrades may bite the dust as they fall + dying round him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he prayed, but the son of Saturn would not fulfil his prayer. He + accepted the sacrifice, yet none the less increased their toil + continually. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal + upon the victim, they drew back its head, killed it, and then flayed it. + They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and + set pieces of raw meat on the top of them. These they burned upon the + split logs of firewood, but they spitted the inward meats, and held them + in the flames to cook. When the thigh-bones were burned, and they had + tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon + spits, roasted them till they were done, and drew them off; then, when + they had finished their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and + every man had his full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they + had had enough to eat and drink, Nestor, knight of Gerene, began to speak. + “King Agamemnon,” said he, “let us not stay talking here, nor be slack in + the work that heaven has put into our hands. Let the heralds summon the + people to gather at their several ships; we will then go about among the + host, that we may begin fighting at once.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and Agamemnon heeded his words. He at once sent the + criers round to call the people in assembly. So they called them, and the + people gathered thereon. The chiefs about the son of Atreus chose their + men and marshalled them, while Minerva went among them holding her + priceless aegis that knows neither age nor death. From it there waved a + hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven, and each one of them worth + a hundred oxen. With this she darted furiously everywhere among the hosts + of the Achaeans, urging them forward, and putting courage into the heart + of each, so that he might fight and do battle without ceasing. Thus war + became sweeter in their eyes even than returning home in their ships. As + when some great forest fire is raging upon a mountain top and its light is + seen afar, even so as they marched the gleam of their armour flashed up + into the firmament of heaven. + </p> + <p> + They were like great flocks of geese, or cranes, or swans on the plain + about the waters of Cayster, that wing their way hither and thither, + glorying in the pride of flight, and crying as they settle till the fen is + alive with their screaming. Even thus did their tribes pour from ships and + tents on to the plain of the Scamander, and the ground rang as brass under + the feet of men and horses. They stood as thick upon the flower-bespangled + field as leaves that bloom in summer. + </p> + <p> + As countless swarms of flies buzz around a herdsman’s homestead in the + time of spring when the pails are drenched with milk, even so did the + Achaeans swarm on to the plain to charge the Trojans and destroy them. + </p> + <p> + The chiefs disposed their men this way and that before the fight began, + drafting them out as easily as goatherds draft their flocks when they have + got mixed while feeding; and among them went King Agamemnon, with a head + and face like Jove the lord of thunder, a waist like Mars, and a chest + like that of Neptune. As some great bull that lords it over the herds upon + the plain, even so did Jove make the son of Atreus stand peerless among + the multitude of heroes. + </p> + <p> + And now, O Muses, dwellers in the mansions of Olympus, tell me—for + you are goddesses and are in all places so that you see all things, while + we know nothing but by report—who were the chiefs and princes of the + Danaans? As for the common soldiers, they were so that I could not name + every single one of them though I had ten tongues, and though my voice + failed not and my heart were of bronze within me, unless you, O Olympian + Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, were to recount them to me. + Nevertheless, I will tell the captains of the ships and all the fleet + together. + </p> + <p> + Peneleos, Leitus, Arcesilaus, Prothoenor, and Clonius were captains of the + Boeotians. These were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis, and who + held Schoenus, Scolus, and the highlands of Eteonus, with Thespeia, Graia, + and the fair city of Mycalessus. They also held Harma, Eilesium, and + Erythrae; and they had Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon; Ocalea and the strong + fortress of Medeon; Copae, Eutresis, and Thisbe the haunt of doves; + Coronea, and the pastures of Haliartus; Plataea and Glisas; the fortress + of Thebes the less; holy Onchestus with its famous grove of Neptune; Arne + rich in vineyards; Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon upon the sea. From + these there came fifty ships, and in each there were a hundred and twenty + young men of the Boeotians. + </p> + <p> + Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Mars, led the people that dwelt in + Aspledon and Orchomenus the realm of Minyas. Astyoche a noble maiden bore + them in the house of Actor son of Azeus; for she had gone with Mars + secretly into an upper chamber, and he had lain with her. With these there + came thirty ships. + </p> + <p> + The Phoceans were led by Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of mighty Iphitus + the son of Naubolus. These were they that held Cyparissus, rocky Pytho, + holy Crisa, Daulis, and Panopeus; they also that dwelt in Anemorea and + Hyampolis, and about the waters of the river Cephissus, and Lilaea by the + springs of the Cephissus; with their chieftains came forty ships, and they + marshalled the forces of the Phoceans, which were stationed next to the + Boeotians, on their left. + </p> + <p> + Ajax, the fleet son of Oileus, commanded the Locrians. He was not so + great, nor nearly so great, as Ajax the son of Telamon. He was a little + man, and his breastplate was made of linen, but in use of the spear he + excelled all the Hellenes and the Achaeans. These dwelt in Cynus, Opous, + Calliarus, Bessa, Scarphe, fair Augeae, Tarphe, and Thronium about the + river Boagrius. With him there came forty ships of the Locrians who dwell + beyond Euboea. + </p> + <p> + The fierce Abantes held Euboea with its cities, Chalcis, Eretria, Histiaea + rich in vines, Cerinthus upon the sea, and the rock-perched town of Dium; + with them were also the men of Carystus and Styra; Elephenor of the race + of Mars was in command of these; he was son of Chalcodon, and chief over + all the Abantes. With him they came, fleet of foot and wearing their hair + long behind, brave warriors, who would ever strive to tear open the + corslets of their foes with their long ashen spears. Of these there came + fifty ships. + </p> + <p> + And they that held the strong city of Athens, the people of great + Erechtheus, who was born of the soil itself, but Jove’s daughter, Minerva, + fostered him, and established him at Athens in her own rich sanctuary. + There, year by year, the Athenian youths worship him with sacrifices of + bulls and rams. These were commanded by Menestheus, son of Peteos. No man + living could equal him in the marshalling of chariots and foot soldiers. + Nestor could alone rival him, for he was older. With him there came fifty + ships. + </p> + <p> + Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis, and stationed them alongside those + of the Athenians. + </p> + <p> + The men of Argos, again, and those who held the walls of Tiryns, with + Hermione, and Asine upon the gulf; Troezene, Eionae, and the vineyard + lands of Epidaurus; the Achaean youths, moreover, who came from Aegina and + Mases; these were led by Diomed of the loud battle-cry, and Sthenelus son + of famed Capaneus. With them in command was Euryalus, son of king + Mecisteus, son of Talaus; but Diomed was chief over them all. With these + there came eighty ships. + </p> + <p> + Those who held the strong city of Mycenae, rich Corinth and Cleonae; + Orneae, Araethyrea, and Licyon, where Adrastus reigned of old; Hyperesia, + high Gonoessa, and Pellene; Aegium and all the coast-land round about + Helice; these sent a hundred ships under the command of King Agamemnon, + son of Atreus. His force was far both finest and most numerous, and in + their midst was the king himself, all glorious in his armour of gleaming + bronze—foremost among the heroes, for he was the greatest king, and + had most men under him. + </p> + <p> + And those that dwelt in Lacedaemon, lying low among the hills, Pharis, + Sparta, with Messe the haunt of doves; Bryseae, Augeae, Amyclae, and Helos + upon the sea; Laas, moreover, and Oetylus; these were led by Menelaus of + the loud battle-cry, brother to Agamemnon, and of them there were sixty + ships, drawn up apart from the others. Among them went Menelaus himself, + strong in zeal, urging his men to fight; for he longed to avenge the toil + and sorrow that he had suffered for the sake of Helen. + </p> + <p> + The men of Pylos and Arene, and Thryum where is the ford of the river + Alpheus; strong Aipy, Cyparisseis, and Amphigenea; Pteleum, Helos, and + Dorium, where the Muses met Thamyris, and stilled his minstrelsy for ever. + He was returning from Oechalia, where Eurytus lived and reigned, and + boasted that he would surpass even the Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing + Jove, if they should sing against him; whereon they were angry, and maimed + him. They robbed him of his divine power of song, and thenceforth he could + strike the lyre no more. These were commanded by Nestor, knight of Gerene, + and with him there came ninety ships. + </p> + <p> + And those that held Arcadia, under the high mountain of Cyllene, near the + tomb of Aepytus, where the people fight hand to hand; the men of Pheneus + also, and Orchomenus rich in flocks; of Rhipae, Stratie, and bleak Enispe; + of Tegea and fair Mantinea; of Stymphelus and Parrhasia; of these King + Agapenor son of Ancaeus was commander, and they had sixty ships. Many + Arcadians, good soldiers, came in each one of them, but Agamemnon found + them the ships in which to cross the sea, for they were not a people that + occupied their business upon the waters. + </p> + <p> + The men, moreover, of Buprasium and of Elis, so much of it as is enclosed + between Hyrmine, Myrsinus upon the sea-shore, the rock Olene and Alesium. + These had four leaders, and each of them had ten ships, with many Epeans + on board. Their captains were Amphimachus and Thalpius—the one, son + of Cteatus, and the other, of Eurytus—both of the race of Actor. The + two others were Diores, son of Amarynceus, and Polyxenus, son of King + Agasthenes, son of Augeas. + </p> + <p> + And those of Dulichium with the sacred Echinean islands, who dwelt beyond + the sea off Elis; these were led by Meges, peer of Mars, and the son of + valiant Phyleus, dear to Jove, who quarrelled with his father, and went to + settle in Dulichium. With him there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + Ulysses led the brave Cephallenians, who held Ithaca, Neritum with its + forests, Crocylea, rugged Aegilips, Samos and Zacynthus, with the mainland + also that was over against the islands. These were led by Ulysses, peer of + Jove in counsel, and with him there came twelve ships. + </p> + <p> + Thoas, son of Andraemon, commanded the Aetolians, who dwelt in Pleuron, + Olenus, Pylene, Chalcis by the sea, and rocky Calydon, for the great king + Oeneus had now no sons living, and was himself dead, as was also + golden-haired Meleager, who had been set over the Aetolians to be their + king. And with Thoas there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + The famous spearsman Idomeneus led the Cretans, who held Cnossus, and the + well-walled city of Gortys; Lyctus also, Miletus and Lycastus that lies + upon the chalk; the populous towns of Phaestus and Rhytium, with the other + peoples that dwelt in the hundred cities of Crete. All these were led by + Idomeneus, and by Meriones, peer of murderous Mars. And with these there + came eighty ships. + </p> + <p> + Tlepolemus, son of Hercules, a man both brave and large of stature, + brought nine ships of lordly warriors from Rhodes. These dwelt in Rhodes + which is divided among the three cities of Lindus, Ielysus, and Cameirus, + that lies upon the chalk. These were commanded by Tlepolemus, son of + Hercules by Astyochea, whom he had carried off from Ephyra, on the river + Selleis, after sacking many cities of valiant warriors. When Tlepolemus + grew up, he killed his father’s uncle Licymnius, who had been a famous + warrior in his time, but was then grown old. On this he built himself a + fleet, gathered a great following, and fled beyond the sea, for he was + menaced by the other sons and grandsons of Hercules. After a voyage, + during which he suffered great hardship, he came to Rhodes, where the + people divided into three communities, according to their tribes, and were + dearly loved by Jove, the lord of gods and men; wherefore the son of + Saturn showered down great riches upon them. + </p> + <p> + And Nireus brought three ships from Syme—Nireus, who was the + handsomest man that came up under Ilius of all the Danaans after the son + of Peleus—but he was a man of no substance, and had but a small + following. + </p> + <p> + And those that held Nisyrus, Crapathus, and Casus, with Cos, the city of + Eurypylus, and the Calydnian islands, these were commanded by Pheidippus + and Antiphus, two sons of King Thessalus the son of Hercules. And with + them there came thirty ships. + </p> + <p> + Those again who held Pelasgic Argos, Alos, Alope, and Trachis; and those + of Phthia and Hellas the land of fair women, who were called Myrmidons, + Hellenes, and Achaeans; these had fifty ships, over which Achilles was in + command. But they now took no part in the war, inasmuch as there was no + one to marshal them; for Achilles stayed by his ships, furious about the + loss of the girl Briseis, whom he had taken from Lyrnessus at his own + great peril, when he had sacked Lyrnessus and Thebe, and had overthrown + Mynes and Epistrophus, sons of king Evenor, son of Selepus. For her sake + Achilles was still grieving, but ere long he was again to join them. + </p> + <p> + And those that held Phylace and the flowery meadows of Pyrasus, sanctuary + of Ceres; Iton, the mother of sheep; Antrum upon the sea, and Pteleum that + lies upon the grass lands. Of these brave Protesilaus had been captain + while he was yet alive, but he was now lying under the earth. He had left + a wife behind him in Phylace to tear her cheeks in sorrow, and his house + was only half finished, for he was slain by a Dardanian warrior while + leaping foremost of the Achaeans upon the soil of Troy. Still, though his + people mourned their chieftain, they were not without a leader, for + Podarces, of the race of Mars, marshalled them; he was son of Iphiclus, + rich in sheep, who was the son of Phylacus, and he was own brother to + Protesilaus, only younger, Protesilaus being at once the elder and the + more valiant. So the people were not without a leader, though they mourned + him whom they had lost. With him there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + And those that held Pherae by the Boebean lake, with Boebe, Glaphyrae, and + the populous city of Iolcus, these with their eleven ships were led by + Eumelus, son of Admetus, whom Alcestis bore to him, loveliest of the + daughters of Pelias. + </p> + <p> + And those that held Methone and Thaumacia, with Meliboea and rugged + Olizon, these were led by the skilful archer Philoctetes, and they had + seven ships, each with fifty oarsmen all of them good archers; but + Philoctetes was lying in great pain in the Island of Lemnos, where the + sons of the Achaeans left him, for he had been bitten by a poisonous water + snake. There he lay sick and sorry, and full soon did the Argives come to + miss him. But his people, though they felt his loss were not leaderless, + for Medon, the bastard son of Oileus by Rhene, set them in array. + </p> + <p> + Those, again, of Tricca and the stony region of Ithome, and they that held + Oechalia, the city of Oechalian Eurytus, these were commanded by the two + sons of Aesculapius, skilled in the art of healing, Podalirius and + Machaon. And with them there came thirty ships. + </p> + <p> + The men, moreover, of Ormenius, and by the fountain of Hypereia, with + those that held Asterius, and the white crests of Titanus, these were led + by Eurypylus, the son of Euaemon, and with them there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + Those that held Argissa and Gyrtone, Orthe, Elone, and the white city of + Oloosson, of these brave Polypoetes was leader. He was son of Pirithous, + who was son of Jove himself, for Hippodameia bore him to Pirithous on the + day when he took his revenge on the shaggy mountain savages and drove them + from Mt. Pelion to the Aithices. But Polypoetes was not sole in command, + for with him was Leonteus, of the race of Mars, who was son of Coronus, + the son of Caeneus. And with these there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + Guneus brought two and twenty ships from Cyphus, and he was followed by + the Enienes and the valiant Peraebi, who dwelt about wintry Dodona, and + held the lands round the lovely river Titaresius, which sends its waters + into the Peneus. They do not mingle with the silver eddies of the Peneus, + but flow on the top of them like oil; for the Titaresius is a branch of + dread Orcus and of the river Styx. + </p> + <p> + Of the Magnetes, Prothous son of Tenthredon was commander. They were they + that dwelt about the river Peneus and Mt. Pelion. Prothous, fleet of foot, + was their leader, and with him there came forty ships. + </p> + <p> + Such were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans. Who, then, O Muse, was + the foremost, whether man or horse, among those that followed after the + sons of Atreus? + </p> + <p> + Of the horses, those of the son of Pheres were by far the finest. They + were driven by Eumelus, and were as fleet as birds. They were of the same + age and colour, and perfectly matched in height. Apollo, of the silver + bow, had bred them in Perea—both of them mares, and terrible as Mars + in battle. Of the men, Ajax, son of Telamon, was much the foremost so long + as Achilles’ anger lasted, for Achilles excelled him greatly and he had + also better horses; but Achilles was now holding aloof at his ships by + reason of his quarrel with Agamemnon, and his people passed their time + upon the sea-shore, throwing discs or aiming with spears at a mark, and in + archery. Their horses stood each by his own chariot, champing lotus and + wild celery. The chariots were housed under cover, but their owners, for + lack of leadership, wandered hither and thither about the host and went + not forth to fight. + </p> + <p> + Thus marched the host like a consuming fire, and the earth groaned beneath + them when the lord of thunder is angry and lashes the land about Typhoeus + among the Arimi, where they say Typhoeus lies. Even so did the earth groan + beneath them as they sped over the plain. + </p> + <p> + And now Iris, fleet as the wind, was sent by Jove to tell the bad news + among the Trojans. They were gathered in assembly, old and young, at + Priam’s gates, and Iris came close up to Priam, speaking with the voice of + Priam’s son Polites, who, being fleet of foot, was stationed as watchman + for the Trojans on the tomb of old Aesyetes, to look out for any sally of + the Achaeans. In his likeness Iris spoke, saying, “Old man, you talk idly, + as in time of peace, while war is at hand. I have been in many a battle, + but never yet saw such a host as is now advancing. They are crossing the + plain to attack the city as thick as leaves or as the sands of the sea. + Hector, I charge you above all others, do as I say. There are many allies + dispersed about the city of Priam from distant places and speaking divers + tongues. Therefore, let each chief give orders to his own people, setting + them severally in array and leading them forth to battle.” + </p> + <p> + Thus she spoke, but Hector knew that it was the goddess, and at once broke + up the assembly. The men flew to arms; all the gates were opened, and the + people thronged through them, horse and foot, with the tramp as of a great + multitude. + </p> + <p> + Now there is a high mound before the city, rising by itself upon the + plain. Men call it Batieia, but the gods know that it is the tomb of lithe + Myrine. Here the Trojans and their allies divided their forces. + </p> + <p> + Priam’s son, great Hector of the gleaming helmet, commanded the Trojans, + and with him were arrayed by far the greater number and most valiant of + those who were longing for the fray. + </p> + <p> + The Dardanians were led by brave Aeneas, whom Venus bore to Anchises, when + she, goddess though she was, had lain with him upon the mountain slopes of + Ida. He was not alone, for with him were the two sons of Antenor, + Archelochus and Acamas, both skilled in all the arts of war. + </p> + <p> + They that dwelt in Telea under the lowest spurs of Mt. Ida, men of + substance, who drink the limpid waters of the Aesepus, and are of Trojan + blood—these were led by Pandarus son of Lycaon, whom Apollo had + taught to use the bow. + </p> + <p> + They that held Adresteia and the land of Apaesus, with Pityeia, and the + high mountain of Tereia—these were led by Adrestus and Amphius, + whose breastplate was of linen. These were the sons of Merops of Percote, + who excelled in all kinds of divination. He told them not to take part in + the war, but they gave him no heed, for fate lured them to destruction. + </p> + <p> + They that dwelt about Percote and Practius, with Sestos, Abydos, and + Arisbe—these were led by Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a brave commander—Asius, + the son of Hyrtacus, whom his powerful dark bay steeds, of the breed that + comes from the river Selleis, had brought from Arisbe. + </p> + <p> + Hippothous led the tribes of Pelasgian spearsmen, who dwelt in fertile + Larissa—Hippothous, and Pylaeus of the race of Mars, two sons of the + Pelasgian Lethus, son of Teutamus. + </p> + <p> + Acamas and the warrior Peirous commanded the Thracians and those that came + from beyond the mighty stream of the Hellespont. + </p> + <p> + Euphemus, son of Troezenus, the son of Ceos, was captain of the Ciconian + spearsmen. + </p> + <p> + Pyraechmes led the Paeonian archers from distant Amydon, by the broad + waters of the river Axius, the fairest that flow upon the earth. + </p> + <p> + The Paphlagonians were commanded by stout-hearted Pylaemanes from Enetae, + where the mules run wild in herds. These were they that held Cytorus and + the country round Sesamus, with the cities by the river Parthenius, + Cromna, Aegialus, and lofty Erithini. + </p> + <p> + Odius and Epistrophus were captains over the Halizoni from distant Alybe, + where there are mines of silver. + </p> + <p> + Chromis, and Ennomus the augur, led the Mysians, but his skill in augury + availed not to save him from destruction, for he fell by the hand of the + fleet descendant of Aeacus in the river, where he slew others also of the + Trojans. + </p> + <p> + Phorcys, again, and noble Ascanius led the Phrygians from the far country + of Ascania, and both were eager for the fray. + </p> + <p> + Mesthles and Antiphus commanded the Meonians, sons of Talaemenes, born to + him of the Gygaean lake. These led the Meonians, who dwelt under Mt. + Tmolus. + </p> + <p> + Nastes led the Carians, men of a strange speech. These held Miletus and + the wooded mountain of Phthires, with the water of the river Maeander and + the lofty crests of Mt. Mycale. These were commanded by Nastes and + Amphimachus, the brave sons of Nomion. He came into the fight with gold + about him, like a girl; fool that he was, his gold was of no avail to save + him, for he fell in the river by the hand of the fleet descendant of + Aeacus, and Achilles bore away his gold. + </p> + <p> + Sarpedon and Glaucus led the Lycians from their distant land, by the + eddying waters of the Xanthus. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap03"></a>BOOK III.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Alexandria, also called Paris, challenges Menelaus—Helen and Priam + view the Achaeans from the wall—The covenant—Paris and + Menelaus fight, and Paris is worsted—Venus carries him off to save + him—Scene between him and Helen. + </p> + <p> + When the companies were thus arrayed, each under its own captain, the + Trojans advanced as a flight of wild-fowl or cranes that scream overhead + when rain and winter drive them over the flowing waters of Oceanus to + bring death and destruction on the Pygmies, and they wrangle in the air as + they fly; but the Achaeans marched silently, in high heart, and minded to + stand by one another. + </p> + <p> + As when the south wind spreads a curtain of mist upon the mountain tops, + bad for shepherds but better than night for thieves, and a man can see no + further than he can throw a stone, even so rose the dust from under their + feet as they made all speed over the plain. + </p> + <p> + When they were close up with one another, Alexandrus came forward as + champion on the Trojan side. On his shoulders he bore the skin of a + panther, his bow, and his sword, and he brandished two spears shod with + bronze as a challenge to the bravest of the Achaeans to meet him in single + fight. Menelaus saw him thus stride out before the ranks, and was glad as + a hungry lion that lights on the carcase of some goat or horned stag, and + devours it there and then, though dogs and youths set upon him. Even thus + was Menelaus glad when his eyes caught sight of Alexandrus, for he deemed + that now he should be revenged. He sprang, therefore, from his chariot, + clad in his suit of armour. + </p> + <p> + Alexandrus quailed as he saw Menelaus come forward, and shrank in fear of + his life under cover of his men. As one who starts back affrighted, + trembling and pale, when he comes suddenly upon a serpent in some mountain + glade, even so did Alexandrus plunge into the throng of Trojan warriors, + terror-stricken at the sight of the son of Atreus. + </p> + <p> + Then Hector upbraided him. “Paris,” said he, “evil-hearted Paris, fair to + see, but woman-mad, and false of tongue, would that you had never been + born, or that you had died unwed. Better so, than live to be disgraced and + looked askance at. Will not the Achaeans mock at us and say that we have + sent one to champion us who is fair to see but who has neither wit nor + courage? Did you not, such as you are, get your following together and + sail beyond the seas? Did you not from your a far country carry off a + lovely woman wedded among a people of warriors—to bring sorrow upon + your father, your city, and your whole country, but joy to your enemies, + and hang-dog shamefacedness to yourself? And now can you not dare face + Menelaus and learn what manner of man he is whose wife you have stolen? + Where indeed would be your lyre and your love-tricks, your comely locks + and your fair favour, when you were lying in the dust before him? The + Trojans are a weak-kneed people, or ere this you would have had a shirt of + stones for the wrongs you have done them.” + </p> + <p> + And Alexandrus answered, “Hector, your rebuke is just. You are hard as the + axe which a shipwright wields at his work, and cleaves the timber to his + liking. As the axe in his hand, so keen is the edge of your scorn. Still, + taunt me not with the gifts that golden Venus has given me; they are + precious; let not a man disdain them, for the gods give them where they + are minded, and none can have them for the asking. If you would have me do + battle with Menelaus, bid the Trojans and Achaeans take their seats, while + he and I fight in their midst for Helen and all her wealth. Let him who + shall be victorious and prove to be the better man take the woman and all + she has, to bear them to his home, but let the rest swear to a solemn + covenant of peace whereby you Trojans shall stay here in Troy, while the + others go home to Argos and the land of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + When Hector heard this he was glad, and went about among the Trojan ranks + holding his spear by the middle to keep them back, and they all sat down + at his bidding: but the Achaeans still aimed at him with stones and + arrows, till Agamemnon shouted to them saying, “Hold, Argives, shoot not, + sons of the Achaeans; Hector desires to speak.” + </p> + <p> + They ceased taking aim and were still, whereon Hector spoke. “Hear from my + mouth,” said he, “Trojans and Achaeans, the saying of Alexandrus, through + whom this quarrel has come about. He bids the Trojans and Achaeans lay + their armour upon the ground, while he and Menelaus fight in the midst of + you for Helen and all her wealth. Let him who shall be victorious and + prove to be the better man take the woman and all she has, to bear them to + his own home, but let the rest swear to a solemn covenant of peace.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and they all held their peace, till Menelaus of the loud + battle-cry addressed them. “And now,” he said, “hear me too, for it is I + who am the most aggrieved. I deem that the parting of Achaeans and Trojans + is at hand, as well it may be, seeing how much have suffered for my + quarrel with Alexandrus and the wrong he did me. Let him who shall die, + die, and let the others fight no more. Bring, then, two lambs, a white ram + and a black ewe, for Earth and Sun, and we will bring a third for Jove. + Moreover, you shall bid Priam come, that he may swear to the covenant + himself; for his sons are high-handed and ill to trust, and the oaths of + Jove must not be transgressed or taken in vain. Young men’s minds are + light as air, but when an old man comes he looks before and after, deeming + that which shall be fairest upon both sides.” + </p> + <p> + The Trojans and Achaeans were glad when they heard this, for they thought + that they should now have rest. They backed their chariots toward the + ranks, got out of them, and put off their armour, laying it down upon the + ground; and the hosts were near to one another with a little space between + them. Hector sent two messengers to the city to bring the lambs and to bid + Priam come, while Agamemnon told Talthybius to fetch the other lamb from + the ships, and he did as Agamemnon had said. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Iris went to Helen in the form of her sister-in-law, wife of the + son of Antenor, for Helicaon, son of Antenor, had married Laodice, the + fairest of Priam’s daughters. She found her in her own room, working at a + great web of purple linen, on which she was embroidering the battles + between Trojans and Achaeans, that Mars had made them fight for her sake. + Iris then came close up to her and said, “Come hither, child, and see the + strange doings of the Trojans and Achaeans. Till now they have been + warring upon the plain, mad with lust of battle, but now they have left + off fighting, and are leaning upon their shields, sitting still with their + spears planted beside them. Alexandrus and Menelaus are going to fight + about yourself, and you are to be the wife of him who is the victor.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the goddess, and Helen’s heart yearned after her former + husband, her city, and her parents. She threw a white mantle over her + head, and hurried from her room, weeping as she went, not alone, but + attended by two of her handmaids, Aethrae, daughter of Pittheus, and + Clymene. And straightway they were at the Scaean gates. + </p> + <p> + The two sages, Ucalegon and Antenor, elders of the people, were seated by + the Scaean gates, with Priam, Panthous, Thymoetes, Lampus, Clytius, and + Hiketaon of the race of Mars. These were too old to fight, but they were + fluent orators, and sat on the tower like cicales that chirrup delicately + from the boughs of some high tree in a wood. When they saw Helen coming + towards the tower, they said softly to one another, “Small wonder that + Trojans and Achaeans should endure so much and so long, for the sake of a + woman so marvellously and divinely lovely. Still, fair though she be, let + them take her and go, or she will breed sorrow for us and for our children + after us.” + </p> + <p> + But Priam bade her draw nigh. “My child,” said he, “take your seat in + front of me that you may see your former husband, your kinsmen and your + friends. I lay no blame upon you, it is the gods, not you who are to + blame. It is they that have brought about this terrible war with the + Achaeans. Tell me, then, who is yonder huge hero so great and goodly? I + have seen men taller by a head, but none so comely and so royal. Surely he + must be a king.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” answered Helen, “father of my husband, dear and reverend in my + eyes, would that I had chosen death rather than to have come here with + your son, far from my bridal chamber, my friends, my darling daughter, and + all the companions of my girlhood. But it was not to be, and my lot is one + of tears and sorrow. As for your question, the hero of whom you ask is + Agamemnon, son of Atreus, a good king and a brave soldier, brother-in-law + as surely as that he lives, to my abhorred and miserable self.” + </p> + <p> + The old man marvelled at him and said, “Happy son of Atreus, child of good + fortune. I see that the Achaeans are subject to you in great multitudes. + When I was in Phrygia I saw much horsemen, the people of Otreus and of + Mygdon, who were camping upon the banks of the river Sangarius; I was + their ally, and with them when the Amazons, peers of men, came up against + them, but even they were not so many as the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + The old man next looked upon Ulysses; “Tell me,” he said, “who is that + other, shorter by a head than Agamemnon, but broader across the chest and + shoulders? His armour is laid upon the ground, and he stalks in front of + the ranks as it were some great woolly ram ordering his ewes.” + </p> + <p> + And Helen answered, “He is Ulysses, a man of great craft, son of Laertes. + He was born in rugged Ithaca, and excels in all manner of stratagems and + subtle cunning.” + </p> + <p> + On this Antenor said, “Madam, you have spoken truly. Ulysses once came + here as envoy about yourself, and Menelaus with him. I received them in my + own house, and therefore know both of them by sight and conversation. When + they stood up in presence of the assembled Trojans, Menelaus was the + broader shouldered, but when both were seated Ulysses had the more royal + presence. After a time they delivered their message, and the speech of + Menelaus ran trippingly on the tongue; he did not say much, for he was a + man of few words, but he spoke very clearly and to the point, though he + was the younger man of the two; Ulysses, on the other hand, when he rose + to speak, was at first silent and kept his eyes fixed upon the ground. + There was no play nor graceful movement of his sceptre; he kept it + straight and stiff like a man unpractised in oratory—one might have + taken him for a mere churl or simpleton; but when he raised his voice, and + the words came driving from his deep chest like winter snow before the + wind, then there was none to touch him, and no man thought further of what + he looked like.” + </p> + <p> + Priam then caught sight of Ajax and asked, “Who is that great and goodly + warrior whose head and broad shoulders tower above the rest of the + Argives?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” answered Helen, “is huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans, and on the + other side of him, among the Cretans, stands Idomeneus looking like a god, + and with the captains of the Cretans round him. Often did Menelaus receive + him as a guest in our house when he came visiting us from Crete. I see, + moreover, many other Achaeans whose names I could tell you, but there are + two whom I can nowhere find, Castor, breaker of horses, and Pollux the + mighty boxer; they are children of my mother, and own brothers to myself. + Either they have not left Lacedaemon, or else, though they have brought + their ships, they will not show themselves in battle for the shame and + disgrace that I have brought upon them.” + </p> + <p> + She knew not that both these heroes were already lying under the earth in + their own land of Lacedaemon. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the heralds were bringing the holy oath-offerings through the + city—two lambs and a goatskin of wine, the gift of earth; and Idaeus + brought the mixing-bowl and the cups of gold. He went up to Priam and + said, “Son of Laomedon, the princes of the Trojans and Achaeans bid you + come down on to the plain and swear to a solemn covenant. Alexandrus and + Menelaus are to fight for Helen in single combat, that she and all her + wealth may go with him who is the victor. We are to swear to a solemn + covenant of peace whereby we others shall dwell here in Troy, while the + Achaeans return to Argos and the land of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + The old man trembled as he heard, but bade his followers yoke the horses, + and they made all haste to do so. He mounted the chariot, gathered the + reins in his hand, and Antenor took his seat beside him; they then drove + through the Scaean gates on to the plain. When they reached the ranks of + the Trojans and Achaeans they left the chariot, and with measured pace + advanced into the space between the hosts. + </p> + <p> + Agamemnon and Ulysses both rose to meet them. The attendants brought on + the oath-offerings and mixed the wine in the mixing-bowls; they poured + water over the hands of the chieftains, and the son of Atreus drew the + dagger that hung by his sword, and cut wool from the lambs’ heads; this + the men-servants gave about among the Trojan and Achaean princes, and the + son of Atreus lifted up his hands in prayer. “Father Jove,” he cried, + “that rulest in Ida, most glorious in power, and thou oh Sun, that seest + and givest ear to all things, Earth and Rivers, and ye who in the realms + below chastise the soul of him that has broken his oath, witness these + rites and guard them, that they be not vain. If Alexandrus kills Menelaus, + let him keep Helen and all her wealth, while we sail home with our ships; + but if Menelaus kills Alexandrus, let the Trojans give back Helen and all + that she has; let them moreover pay such fine to the Achaeans as shall be + agreed upon, in testimony among those that shall be born hereafter. And if + Priam and his sons refuse such fine when Alexandrus has fallen, then will + I stay here and fight on till I have got satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew his knife across the throats of the victims, and laid + them down gasping and dying upon the ground, for the knife had reft them + of their strength. Then they poured wine from the mixing-bowl into the + cups, and prayed to the everlasting gods, saying, Trojans and Achaeans + among one another, “Jove, most great and glorious, and ye other + everlasting gods, grant that the brains of them who shall first sin + against their oaths—of them and their children—may be shed + upon the ground even as this wine, and let their wives become the slaves + of strangers.” + </p> + <p> + Thus they prayed, but not as yet would Jove grant them their prayer. Then + Priam, descendant of Dardanus, spoke, saying, “Hear me, Trojans and + Achaeans, I will now go back to the wind-beaten city of Ilius: I dare not + with my own eyes witness this fight between my son and Menelaus, for Jove + and the other immortals alone know which shall fall.” + </p> + <p> + On this he laid the two lambs on his chariot and took his seat. He + gathered the reins in his hand, and Antenor sat beside him; the two then + went back to Ilius. Hector and Ulysses measured the ground, and cast lots + from a helmet of bronze to see which should take aim first. Meanwhile the + two hosts lifted up their hands and prayed saying, “Father Jove, that + rulest from Ida, most glorious in power, grant that he who first brought + about this war between us may die, and enter the house of Hades, while we + others remain at peace and abide by our oaths.” + </p> + <p> + Great Hector now turned his head aside while he shook the helmet, and the + lot of Paris flew out first. The others took their several stations, each + by his horses and the place where his arms were lying, while Alexandrus, + husband of lovely Helen, put on his goodly armour. First he greaved his + legs with greaves of good make and fitted with ancle-clasps of silver; + after this he donned the cuirass of his brother Lycaon, and fitted it to + his own body; he hung his silver-studded sword of bronze about his + shoulders, and then his mighty shield. On his comely head he set his + helmet, well wrought, with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly + above it, and he grasped a redoubtable spear that suited his hands. In + like fashion Menelaus also put on his armour. + </p> + <p> + When they had thus armed, each amid his own people, they strode fierce of + aspect into the open space, and both Trojans and Achaeans were struck with + awe as they beheld them. They stood near one another on the measured + ground, brandishing their spears, and each furious against the other. + Alexandrus aimed first, and struck the round shield of the son of Atreus, + but the spear did not pierce it, for the shield turned its point. Menelaus + next took aim, praying to Father Jove as he did so. “King Jove,” he said, + “grant me revenge on Alexandrus who has wronged me; subdue him under my + hand that in ages yet to come a man may shrink from doing ill deeds in the + house of his host.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it at the shield of + Alexandrus. Through shield and cuirass it went, and tore the shirt by his + flank, but Alexandrus swerved aside, and thus saved his life. Then the son + of Atreus drew his sword, and drove at the projecting part of his helmet, + but the sword fell shivered in three or four pieces from his hand, and he + cried, looking towards Heaven, “Father Jove, of all gods thou art the most + despiteful; I made sure of my revenge, but the sword has broken in my + hand, my spear has been hurled in vain, and I have not killed him.” + </p> + <p> + With this he flew at Alexandrus, caught him by the horse-hair plume of his + helmet, and began dragging him towards the Achaeans. The strap of the + helmet that went under his chin was choking him, and Menelaus would have + dragged him off to his own great glory had not Jove’s daughter Venus been + quick to mark and to break the strap of ox-hide, so that the empty helmet + came away in his hand. This he flung to his comrades among the Achaeans, + and was again springing upon Alexandrus to run him through with a spear, + but Venus snatched him up in a moment (as a god can do), hid him under a + cloud of darkness, and conveyed him to his own bedchamber. + </p> + <p> + Then she went to call Helen, and found her on a high tower with the Trojan + women crowding round her. She took the form of an old woman who used to + dress wool for her when she was still in Lacedaemon, and of whom she was + very fond. Thus disguised she plucked her by perfumed robe and said, “Come + hither; Alexandrus says you are to go to the house; he is on his bed in + his own room, radiant with beauty and dressed in gorgeous apparel. No one + would think he had just come from fighting, but rather that he was going + to a dance, or had done dancing and was sitting down.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she moved the heart of Helen to anger. When she marked + the beautiful neck of the goddess, her lovely bosom, and sparkling eyes, + she marvelled at her and said, “Goddess, why do you thus beguile me? Are + you going to send me afield still further to some man whom you have taken + up in Phrygia or fair Meonia? Menelaus has just vanquished Alexandrus, and + is to take my hateful self back with him. You are come here to betray me. + Go sit with Alexandrus yourself; henceforth be goddess no longer; never + let your feet carry you back to Olympus; worry about him and look after + him till he make you his wife, or, for the matter of that, his slave—but + me? I shall not go; I can garnish his bed no longer; I should be a by-word + among all the women of Troy. Besides, I have trouble on my mind.” + </p> + <p> + Venus was very angry, and said, “Bold hussy, do not provoke me; if you do, + I shall leave you to your fate and hate you as much as I have loved you. I + will stir up fierce hatred between Trojans and Achaeans, and you shall + come to a bad end.” + </p> + <p> + At this Helen was frightened. She wrapped her mantle about her and went in + silence, following the goddess and unnoticed by the Trojan women. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the house of Alexandrus the maid-servants set about + their work, but Helen went into her own room, and the laughter-loving + goddess took a seat and set it for her facing Alexandrus. On this Helen, + daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, sat down, and with eyes askance began to + upbraid her husband. + </p> + <p> + “So you are come from the fight,” said she; “would that you had fallen + rather by the hand of that brave man who was my husband. You used to brag + that you were a better man with hands and spear than Menelaus. Go, then, + and challenge him again—but I should advise you not to do so, for if + you are foolish enough to meet him in single combat, you will soon fall by + his spear.” + </p> + <p> + And Paris answered, “Wife, do not vex me with your reproaches. This time, + with the help of Minerva, Menelaus has vanquished me; another time I may + myself be victor, for I too have gods that will stand by me. Come, let us + lie down together and make friends. Never yet was I so passionately + enamoured of you as at this moment—not even when I first carried you + off from Lacedaemon and sailed away with you—not even when I had + converse with you upon the couch of love in the island of Cranae was I so + enthralled by desire of you as now.” On this he led her towards the bed, + and his wife went with him. + </p> + <p> + Thus they laid themselves on the bed together; but the son of Atreus + strode among the throng, looking everywhere for Alexandrus, and no man, + neither of the Trojans nor of the allies, could find him. If they had seen + him they were in no mind to hide him, for they all of them hated him as + they did death itself. Then Agamemnon, king of men, spoke, saying, “Hear + me, Trojans, Dardanians, and allies. The victory has been with Menelaus; + therefore give back Helen with all her wealth, and pay such fine as shall + be agreed upon, in testimony among them that shall be born hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the Achaeans shouted in applause. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + A quarrel in Olympus—Minerva goes down and persuades Fandarus to + violate the oaths by wounding Menelaus with an arrow—Agamemnon makes + a speech and sends for Machaon—He then goes about among his captains + and upbraids Ulysses and Sthenelus, who each of them retort fiercely—Diomed + checks Sthenelus, and the two hosts then engage, with great slaughter on + either side. + </p> + <p> + Now the gods were sitting with Jove in council upon the golden floor while + Hebe went round pouring out nectar for them to drink, and as they pledged + one another in their cups of gold they looked down upon the town of Troy. + The son of Saturn then began to tease Juno, talking at her so as to + provoke her. “Menelaus,” said he, “has two good friends among the + goddesses, Juno of Argos, and Minerva of Alalcomene, but they only sit + still and look on, while Venus keeps ever by Alexandrus’ side to defend + him in any danger; indeed she has just rescued him when he made sure that + it was all over with him—for the victory really did lie with + Menelaus. We must consider what we shall do about all this; shall we set + them fighting anew or make peace between them? If you will agree to this + last Menelaus can take back Helen and the city of Priam may remain still + inhabited.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva and Juno muttered their discontent as they sat side by side + hatching mischief for the Trojans. Minerva scowled at her father, for she + was in a furious passion with him, and said nothing, but Juno could not + contain herself. “Dread son of Saturn,” said she, “what, pray, is the + meaning of all this? Is my trouble, then, to go for nothing, and the sweat + that I have sweated, to say nothing of my horses, while getting the people + together against Priam and his children? Do as you will, but we other gods + shall not all of us approve your counsel.” + </p> + <p> + Jove was angry and answered, “My dear, what harm have Priam and his sons + done you that you are so hotly bent on sacking the city of Ilius? Will + nothing do for you but you must go within their walls and eat Priam raw, with + his sons and all the other Trojans to boot? Have it your own way then; for + I would not have this matter become a bone of contention between us. I say + further, and lay my saying to your heart, if ever I want to sack a city + belonging to friends of yours, you must not try to stop me; you will have + to let me do it, for I am giving in to you sorely against my will. Of all + inhabited cities under the sun and stars of heaven, there was none that I + so much respected as Ilius with Priam and his whole people. Equitable + feasts were never wanting about my altar, nor the savour of burning fat, + which is honour due to ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “My own three favourite cities,” answered Juno, “are Argos, Sparta, and + Mycenae. Sack them whenever you may be displeased with them. I shall not + defend them and I shall not care. Even if I did, and tried to stay you, I + should take nothing by it, for you are much stronger than I am, but I will + not have my own work wasted. I too am a god and of the same race with + yourself. I am Saturn’s eldest daughter, and am honourable not on this + ground only, but also because I am your wife, and you are king over the + gods. Let it be a case, then, of give-and-take between us, and the rest of + the gods will follow our lead. Tell Minerva to go and take part in the + fight at once, and let her contrive that the Trojans shall be the first to + break their oaths and set upon the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + The sire of gods and men heeded her words, and said to Minerva, “Go at + once into the Trojan and Achaean hosts, and contrive that the Trojans + shall be the first to break their oaths and set upon the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + This was what Minerva was already eager to do, so down she darted from the + topmost summits of Olympus. She shot through the sky as some brilliant + meteor which the son of scheming Saturn has sent as a sign to mariners or + to some great army, and a fiery train of light follows in its wake. The + Trojans and Achaeans were struck with awe as they beheld, and one would + turn to his neighbour, saying, “Either we shall again have war and din of + combat, or Jove the lord of battle will now make peace between us.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse. Then Minerva took the form of Laodocus, son of + Antenor, and went through the ranks of the Trojans to find Pandarus, the + redoubtable son of Lycaon. She found him standing among the stalwart + heroes who had followed him from the banks of the Aesopus, so she went + close up to him and said, “Brave son of Lycaon, will you do as I tell you? + If you dare send an arrow at Menelaus you will win honour and thanks from + all the Trojans, and especially from prince Alexandrus—he would be + the first to requite you very handsomely if he could see Menelaus mount + his funeral pyre, slain by an arrow from your hand. Take your home aim + then, and pray to Lycian Apollo, the famous archer; vow that when you get + home to your strong city of Zelea you will offer a hecatomb of firstling + lambs in his honour.” + </p> + <p> + His fool’s heart was persuaded, and he took his bow from its case. This + bow was made from the horns of a wild ibex which he had killed as it was + bounding from a rock; he had stalked it, and it had fallen as the arrow + struck it to the heart. Its horns were sixteen palms long, and a worker in + horn had made them into a bow, smoothing them well down, and giving them + tips of gold. When Pandarus had strung his bow he laid it carefully on the + ground, and his brave followers held their shields before him lest the + Achaeans should set upon him before he had shot Menelaus. Then he opened + the lid of his quiver and took out a winged arrow that had not yet been + shot, fraught with the pangs of death. He laid the arrow on the string and + prayed to Lycian Apollo, the famous archer, vowing that when he got home + to his strong city of Zelea he would offer a hecatomb of firstling lambs + in his honour. He laid the notch of the arrow on the ox-hide bowstring, and + drew both notch and string to his breast till the arrow-head was near the + bow; then when the bow was arched into a half-circle he let fly, and the + bow twanged, and the string sang as the arrow flew gladly on over the + heads of the throng. + </p> + <p> + But the blessed gods did not forget thee, O Menelaus, and Jove’s daughter, + driver of the spoil, was the first to stand before thee and ward off the + piercing arrow. She turned it from his skin as a mother whisks a fly from + off her child when it is sleeping sweetly; she guided it to the part where + the golden buckles of the belt that passed over his double cuirass were + fastened, so the arrow struck the belt that went tightly round him. It + went right through this and through the cuirass of cunning workmanship; it + also pierced the belt beneath it, which he wore next his skin to keep out + darts or arrows; it was this that served him in the best stead, + nevertheless the arrow went through it and grazed the top of the skin, so + that blood began flowing from the wound. + </p> + <p> + As when some woman of Meonia or Caria strains purple dye on to a piece of + ivory that is to be the cheek-piece of a horse, and is to be laid up in a + treasure house—many a knight is fain to bear it, but the king keeps + it as an ornament of which both horse and driver may be proud—even + so, O Menelaus, were your shapely thighs and your legs down to your fair + ancles stained with blood. + </p> + <p> + When King Agamemnon saw the blood flowing from the wound he was afraid, + and so was brave Menelaus himself till he saw that the barbs of the arrow + and the thread that bound the arrow-head to the shaft were still outside + the wound. Then he took heart, but Agamemnon heaved a deep sigh as he held + Menelaus’s hand in his own, and his comrades made moan in concert. “Dear + brother,” he cried, “I have been the death of you in pledging this + covenant and letting you come forward as our champion. The Trojans have + trampled on their oaths and have wounded you; nevertheless the oath, the + blood of lambs, the drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship in + which we have put our trust shall not be vain. If he that rules Olympus + fulfil it not here and now, he will yet fulfil it hereafter, and they + shall pay dearly with their lives and with their wives and children. The + day will surely come when mighty Ilius shall be laid low, with Priam and + Priam’s people, when the son of Saturn from his high throne shall + overshadow them with his awful aegis in punishment of their present + treachery. This shall surely be; but how, Menelaus, shall I mourn you, if + it be your lot now to die? I should return to Argos as a by-word, for the + Achaeans will at once go home. We shall leave Priam and the Trojans the + glory of still keeping Helen, and the earth will rot your bones as you lie + here at Troy with your purpose not fulfilled. Then shall some braggart + Trojan leap upon your tomb and say, ‘Ever thus may Agamemnon wreak his + vengeance; he brought his army in vain; he is gone home to his own land + with empty ships, and has left Menelaus behind him.’ Thus will one of them + say, and may the earth then swallow me.” + </p> + <p> + But Menelaus reassured him and said, “Take heart, and do not alarm the + people; the arrow has not struck me in a mortal part, for my outer belt of + burnished metal first stayed it, and under this my cuirass and the belt of + mail which the bronze-smiths made me.” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “I trust, dear Menelaus, that it may be even so, + but the surgeon shall examine your wound and lay herbs upon it to relieve + your pain.” + </p> + <p> + He then said to Talthybius, “Talthybius, tell Machaon, son to the great + physician, Aesculapius, to come and see Menelaus immediately. Some Trojan + or Lycian archer has wounded him with an arrow to our dismay, and to his + own great glory.” + </p> + <p> + Talthybius did as he was told, and went about the host trying to find + Machaon. Presently he found standing amid the brave warriors who had + followed him from Tricca; thereon he went up to him and said, “Son of + Aesculapius, King Agamemnon says you are to come and see Menelaus + immediately. Some Trojan or Lycian archer has wounded him with an arrow to + our dismay and to his own great glory.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and Machaon was moved to go. They passed through the + spreading host of the Achaeans and went on till they came to the place + where Menelaus had been wounded and was lying with the chieftains gathered + in a circle round him. Machaon passed into the middle of the ring and at + once drew the arrow from the belt, bending its barbs back through the + force with which he pulled it out. He undid the burnished belt, and + beneath this the cuirass and the belt of mail which the bronze-smiths had + made; then, when he had seen the wound, he wiped away the blood and + applied some soothing drugs which Chiron had given to Aesculapius out of + the good will he bore him. + </p> + <p> + While they were thus busy about Menelaus, the Trojans came forward against + them, for they had put on their armour, and now renewed the fight. + </p> + <p> + You would not have then found Agamemnon asleep nor cowardly and unwilling + to fight, but eager rather for the fray. He left his chariot rich with + bronze and his panting steeds in charge of Eurymedon, son of Ptolemaeus + the son of Peiraeus, and bade him hold them in readiness against the time + his limbs should weary of going about and giving orders to so many, for he + went among the ranks on foot. When he saw men hasting to the front he + stood by them and cheered them on. “Argives,” said he, “slacken not one + whit in your onset; father Jove will be no helper of liars; the Trojans + have been the first to break their oaths and to attack us; therefore they + shall be devoured of vultures; we shall take their city and carry off + their wives and children in our ships.” + </p> + <p> + But he angrily rebuked those whom he saw shirking and disinclined to + fight. “Argives,” he cried, “cowardly miserable creatures, have you no + shame to stand here like frightened fawns who, when they can no longer + scud over the plain, huddle together, but show no fight? You are as dazed + and spiritless as deer. Would you wait till the Trojans reach the sterns + of our ships as they lie on the shore, to see whether the son of Saturn + will hold his hand over you to protect you?” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he go about giving his orders among the ranks. Passing through + the crowd, he came presently on the Cretans, arming round Idomeneus, who + was at their head, fierce as a wild boar, while Meriones was bringing up + the battalions that were in the rear. Agamemnon was glad when he saw him, + and spoke him fairly. “Idomeneus,” said he, “I treat you with greater + distinction than I do any others of the Achaeans, whether in war or in + other things, or at table. When the princes are mixing my choicest wines + in the mixing-bowls, they have each of them a fixed allowance, but your + cup is kept always full like my own, that you may drink whenever you are + minded. Go, therefore, into battle, and show yourself the man you have + been always proud to be.” + </p> + <p> + Idomeneus answered, “I will be a trusty comrade, as I promised you from + the first I would be. Urge on the other Achaeans, that we may join battle + at once, for the Trojans have trampled upon their covenants. Death and + destruction shall be theirs, seeing they have been the first to break + their oaths and to attack us.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Atreus went on, glad at heart, till he came upon the two Ajaxes + arming themselves amid a host of foot soldiers. As when a goat-herd from + some high post watches a storm drive over the deep before the west wind—black + as pitch is the offing and a mighty whirlwind draws towards him, so that + he is afraid and drives his flock into a cave—even thus did the + ranks of stalwart youths move in a dark mass to battle under the Ajaxes, + horrid with shield and spear. Glad was King Agamemnon when he saw them. + “No need,” he cried, “to give orders to such leaders of the Argives as you + are, for of your own selves you spur your men on to fight with might and + main. Would, by father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo that all were so minded + as you are, for the city of Priam would then soon fall beneath our hands, + and we should sack it.” + </p> + <p> + With this he left them and went onward to Nestor, the facile speaker of + the Pylians, who was marshalling his men and urging them on, in company + with Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, Haemon, and Bias shepherd of his people. + He placed his knights with their chariots and horses in the front rank, + while the foot soldiers, brave men and many, whom he could trust, were in + the rear. The cowards he drove into the middle, that they might fight + whether they would or no. He gave his orders to the knights first, bidding + them hold their horses well in hand, so as to avoid confusion. “Let no + man,” he said, “relying on his strength or horsemanship, get before the + others and engage singly with the Trojans, nor yet let him lag behind or + you will weaken your attack; but let each when he meets an enemy’s chariot + throw his spear from his own; this be much the best; this is how the men + of old took towns and strongholds; in this wise were they minded.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did the old man charge them, for he had been in many a fight, and + King Agamemnon was glad. “I wish,” he said to him, “that your limbs were + as supple and your strength as sure as your judgment is; but age, the + common enemy of mankind, has laid his hand upon you; would that it had + fallen upon some other, and that you were still young.” + </p> + <p> + And Nestor, knight of Gerene, answered, “Son of Atreus, I too would gladly + be the man I was when I slew mighty Ereuthalion; but the gods will not + give us everything at one and the same time. I was then young, and now I + am old; still I can go with my knights and give them that counsel which + old men have a right to give. The wielding of the spear I leave to those + who are younger and stronger than myself.” + </p> + <p> + Agamemnon went his way rejoicing, and presently found Menestheus, son of + Peteos, tarrying in his place, and with him were the Athenians loud of + tongue in battle. Near him also tarried cunning Ulysses, with his sturdy + Cephallenians round him; they had not yet heard the battle-cry, for the + ranks of Trojans and Achaeans had only just begun to move, so they were + standing still, waiting for some other columns of the Achaeans to attack + the Trojans and begin the fighting. When he saw this Agamemnon rebuked + them and said, “Son of Peteos, and you other, steeped in cunning, heart of + guile, why stand you here cowering and waiting on others? You two should + be of all men foremost when there is hard fighting to be done, for you are + ever foremost to accept my invitation when we councillors of the Achaeans + are holding feast. You are glad enough then to take your fill of roast + meats and to drink wine as long as you please, whereas now you would not + care though you saw ten columns of Achaeans engage the enemy in front of + you.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses glared at him and answered, “Son of Atreus, what are you talking + about? How can you say that we are slack? When the Achaeans are in full + fight with the Trojans, you shall see, if you care to do so, that the + father of Telemachus will join battle with the foremost of them. You are + talking idly.” + </p> + <p> + When Agamemnon saw that Ulysses was angry, he smiled pleasantly at him and + withdrew his words. “Ulysses,” said he, “noble son of Laertes, excellent + in all good counsel, I have neither fault to find nor orders to give you, + for I know your heart is right, and that you and I are of a mind. Enough; + I will make you amends for what I have said, and if any ill has now been + spoken may the gods bring it to nothing.” + </p> + <p> + He then left them and went on to others. Presently he saw the son of + Tydeus, noble Diomed, standing by his chariot and horses, with Sthenelus + the son of Capaneus beside him; whereon he began to upbraid him. “Son of + Tydeus,” he said, “why stand you cowering here upon the brink of battle? + Tydeus did not shrink thus, but was ever ahead of his men when leading + them on against the foe—so, at least, say they that saw him in + battle, for I never set eyes upon him myself. They say that there was no + man like him. He came once to Mycenae, not as an enemy but as a guest, in + company with Polynices to recruit his forces, for they were levying war + against the strong city of Thebes, and prayed our people for a body of + picked men to help them. The men of Mycenae were willing to let them have + one, but Jove dissuaded them by showing them unfavourable omens. Tydeus, + therefore, and Polynices went their way. When they had got as far the + deep-meadowed and rush-grown banks of the Aesopus, the Achaeans sent + Tydeus as their envoy, and he found the Cadmeans gathered in great numbers + to a banquet in the house of Eteocles. Stranger though he was, he knew no + fear on finding himself single-handed among so many, but challenged them + to contests of all kinds, and in each one of them was at once victorious, + so mightily did Minerva help him. The Cadmeans were incensed at his + success, and set a force of fifty youths with two captains—the + godlike hero Maeon, son of Haemon, and Polyphontes, son of Autophonus—at + their head, to lie in wait for him on his return journey; but Tydeus slew + every man of them, save only Maeon, whom he let go in obedience to + heaven’s omens. Such was Tydeus of Aetolia. His son can talk more glibly, + but he cannot fight as his father did.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed made no answer, for he was shamed by the rebuke of Agamemnon; but + the son of Capaneus took up his words and said, “Son of Atreus, tell no + lies, for you can speak truth if you will. We boast ourselves as even + better men than our fathers; we took seven-gated Thebes, though the wall + was stronger and our men were fewer in number, for we trusted in the omens + of the gods and in the help of Jove, whereas they perished through their + own sheer folly; hold not, then, our fathers in like honour with us.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed looked sternly at him and said, “Hold your peace, my friend, as I + bid you. It is not amiss that Agamemnon should urge the Achaeans forward, + for the glory will be his if we take the city, and his the shame if we are + vanquished. Therefore let us acquit ourselves with valour.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he sprang from his chariot, and his armour rang so fiercely + about his body that even a brave man might well have been scared to hear + it. + </p> + <p> + As when some mighty wave that thunders on the beach when the west wind has + lashed it into fury—it has reared its head afar and now comes + crashing down on the shore; it bows its arching crest high over the jagged + rocks and spews its salt foam in all directions—even so did the + serried phalanxes of the Danaans march steadfastly to battle. The chiefs + gave orders each to his own people, but the men said never a word; no man + would think it, for huge as the host was, it seemed as though there was + not a tongue among them, so silent were they in their obedience; and as + they marched the armour about their bodies glistened in the sun. But the + clamour of the Trojan ranks was as that of many thousand ewes that stand + waiting to be milked in the yards of some rich flock-master, and bleat + incessantly in answer to the bleating of their lambs; for they had not one + speech nor language, but their tongues were diverse, and they came from + many different places. These were inspired of Mars, but the others by + Minerva—and with them came Panic, Rout, and Strife whose fury never + tires, sister and friend of murderous Mars, who, from being at first but + low in stature, grows till she uprears her head to heaven, though her feet + are still on earth. She it was that went about among them and flung down + discord to the waxing of sorrow with even hand between them. + </p> + <p> + When they were got together in one place shield clashed with shield and + spear with spear in the rage of battle. The bossed shields beat one upon + another, and there was a tramp as of a great multitude—death-cry and + shout of triumph of slain and slayers, and the earth ran red with blood. + As torrents swollen with rain course madly down their deep channels till + the angry floods meet in some gorge, and the shepherd on the hillside + hears their roaring from afar—even such was the toil and uproar of + the hosts as they joined in battle. + </p> + <p> + First Antilochus slew an armed warrior of the Trojans, Echepolus, son of + Thalysius, fighting in the foremost ranks. He struck at the projecting + part of his helmet and drove the spear into his brow; the point of bronze + pierced the bone, and darkness veiled his eyes; headlong as a tower he + fell amid the press of the fight, and as he dropped King Elephenor, son of + Chalcodon and captain of the proud Abantes began dragging him out of reach + of the darts that were falling around him, in haste to strip him of his + armour. But his purpose was not for long; Agenor saw him haling the body + away, and smote him in the side with his bronze-shod spear—for as he + stooped his side was left unprotected by his shield—and thus he + perished. Then the fight between Trojans and Achaeans grew furious over + his body, and they flew upon each other like wolves, man and man crushing + one upon the other. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith Ajax, son of Telamon, slew the fair youth Simoeisius, son of + Anthemion, whom his mother bore by the banks of the Simois, as she was + coming down from Mt. Ida, where she had been with her parents to see their + flocks. Therefore he was named Simoeisius, but he did not live to pay his + parents for his rearing, for he was cut off untimely by the spear of + mighty Ajax, who struck him in the breast by the right nipple as he was + coming on among the foremost fighters; the spear went right through his + shoulder, and he fell as a poplar that has grown straight and tall in a + meadow by some mere, and its top is thick with branches. Then the + wheelwright lays his axe to its roots that he may fashion a felloe for the + wheel of some goodly chariot, and it lies seasoning by the waterside. In + such wise did Ajax fell to earth Simoeisius, son of Anthemion. Thereon + Antiphus of the gleaming corslet, son of Priam, hurled a spear at Ajax + from amid the crowd and missed him, but he hit Leucus, the brave comrade + of Ulysses, in the groin, as he was dragging the body of Simoeisius over + to the other side; so he fell upon the body and loosed his hold upon it. + Ulysses was furious when he saw Leucus slain, and strode in full armour + through the front ranks till he was quite close; then he glared round + about him and took aim, and the Trojans fell back as he did so. His dart + was not sped in vain, for it struck Democoon, the bastard son of Priam, + who had come to him from Abydos, where he had charge of his father’s + mares. Ulysses, infuriated by the death of his comrade, hit him with his + spear on one temple, and the bronze point came through on the other side + of his forehead. Thereon darkness veiled his eyes, and his armour rang + rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Hector, and they that + were in front, then gave round while the Argives raised a shout and drew + off the dead, pressing further forward as they did so. But Apollo looked + down from Pergamus and called aloud to the Trojans, for he was displeased. + “Trojans,” he cried, “rush on the foe, and do not let yourselves be thus + beaten by the Argives. Their skins are not stone nor iron that when you hit + them you do them no harm. Moreover, Achilles, the son of lovely Thetis, is + not fighting, but is nursing his anger at the ships.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the mighty god, crying to them from the city, while Jove’s + redoubtable daughter, the Trito-born, went about among the host of the + Achaeans, and urged them forward whenever she beheld them slackening. + </p> + <p> + Then fate fell upon Diores, son of Amarynceus, for he was struck by a + jagged stone near the ancle of his right leg. He that hurled it was + Peirous, son of Imbrasus, captain of the Thracians, who had come from + Aenus; the bones and both the tendons were crushed by the pitiless stone. + He fell to the ground on his back, and in his death-throes stretched out + his hands towards his comrades. But Peirous, who had wounded him, sprang + on him and thrust a spear into his belly, so that his bowels came gushing + out upon the ground, and darkness veiled his eyes. As he was leaving the + body, Thoas of Aetolia struck him in the chest near the nipple, and the + point fixed itself in his lungs. Thoas came close up to him, pulled the + spear out of his chest, and then drawing his sword, smote him in the + middle of the belly so that he died; but he did not strip him of his + armour, for his Thracian comrades, men who wear their hair in a tuft at + the top of their heads, stood round the body and kept him off with their + long spears for all his great stature and valour; so he was driven back. + Thus the two corpses lay stretched on earth near to one another, the one + captain of the Thracians and the other of the Epeans; and many another + fell round them. + </p> + <p> + And now no man would have made light of the fighting if he could have gone + about among it scatheless and unwounded, with Minerva leading him by the + hand, and protecting him from the storm of spears and arrows. For many + Trojans and Achaeans on that day lay stretched side by side face downwards + upon the earth. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap05"></a>BOOK V.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The exploits of Diomed, who, though wounded by Pandarus, continues + fighting—He kills Pandarus and wounds AEneas—Venus rescues + AEneas, but being wounded by Diomed, commits him to the care of Apollo and + goes to Olympus, where she is tended by her mother Dione—Mars + encourages the Trojans, and AEneas returns to the fight cured of his wound—Minerva + and Juno help the Achaeans, and by the advice of the former Diomed wounds + Mars, who returns to Olympus to get cured. + </p> + <p> + Then Pallas Minerva put valour into the heart of Diomed, son of Tydeus, + that he might excel all the other Argives, and cover himself with glory. + She made a stream of fire flare from his shield and helmet like the star + that shines most brilliantly in summer after its bath in the waters of + Oceanus—even such a fire did she kindle upon his head and shoulders + as she bade him speed into the thickest hurly-burly of the fight. + </p> + <p> + Now there was a certain rich and honourable man among the Trojans, priest + of Vulcan, and his name was Dares. He had two sons, Phegeus and Idaeus, + both of them skilled in all the arts of war. These two came forward from + the main body of Trojans, and set upon Diomed, he being on foot, while + they fought from their chariot. When they were close up to one another, + Phegeus took aim first, but his spear went over Diomed’s left shoulder + without hitting him. Diomed then threw, and his spear sped not in vain, + for it hit Phegeus on the breast near the nipple, and he fell from his + chariot. Idaeus did not dare to bestride his brother’s body, but sprang + from the chariot and took to flight, or he would have shared his brother’s + fate; whereon Vulcan saved him by wrapping him in a cloud of darkness, + that his old father might not be utterly overwhelmed with grief; but the + son of Tydeus drove off with the horses, and bade his followers take them + to the ships. The Trojans were scared when they saw the two sons of Dares, + one of them in fright and the other lying dead by his chariot. Minerva, + therefore, took Mars by the hand and said, “Mars, Mars, bane of men, + blood-stained stormer of cities, may we not now leave the Trojans and + Achaeans to fight it out, and see to which of the two Jove will vouchsafe + the victory? Let us go away, and thus avoid his anger.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she drew Mars out of the battle, and set him down upon the + steep banks of the Scamander. Upon this the Danaans drove the Trojans + back, and each one of their chieftains killed his man. First King + Agamemnon flung mighty Odius, captain of the Halizoni, from his chariot. + The spear of Agamemnon caught him on the broad of his back, just as he was + turning in flight; it struck him between the shoulders and went right + through his chest, and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell + heavily to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Then Idomeneus killed Phaesus, son of Borus the Meonian, who had come from + Varne. Mighty Idomeneus speared him on the right shoulder as he was + mounting his chariot, and the darkness of death enshrouded him as he fell + heavily from the car. + </p> + <p> + The squires of Idomeneus spoiled him of his armour, while Menelaus, son of + Atreus, killed Scamandrius the son of Strophius, a mighty huntsman and + keen lover of the chase. Diana herself had taught him how to kill every + kind of wild creature that is bred in mountain forests, but neither she + nor his famed skill in archery could now save him, for the spear of + Menelaus struck him in the back as he was flying; it struck him between + the shoulders and went right through his chest, so that he fell headlong + and his armour rang rattling round him. + </p> + <p> + Meriones then killed Phereclus the son of Tecton, who was the son of + Hermon, a man whose hand was skilled in all manner of cunning workmanship, + for Pallas Minerva had dearly loved him. He it was that made the ships for + Alexandrus, which were the beginning of all mischief, and brought evil + alike both on the Trojans and on Alexandrus himself; for he heeded not the + decrees of heaven. Meriones overtook him as he was flying, and struck him + on the right buttock. The point of the spear went through the bone into + the bladder, and death came upon him as he cried aloud and fell forward on + his knees. + </p> + <p> + Meges, moreover, slew Pedaeus, son of Antenor, who, though he was a + bastard, had been brought up by Theano as one of her own children, for the + love she bore her husband. The son of Phyleus got close up to him and + drove a spear into the nape of his neck: it went under his tongue all + among his teeth, so he bit the cold bronze, and fell dead in the dust. + </p> + <p> + And Eurypylus, son of Euaemon, killed Hypsenor, the son of noble Dolopion, + who had been made priest of the river Scamander, and was honoured among + the people as though he were a god. Eurypylus gave him chase as he was + flying before him, smote him with his sword upon the arm, and lopped his + strong hand from off it. The bloody hand fell to the ground, and the + shades of death, with fate that no man can withstand, came over his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Thus furiously did the battle rage between them. As for the son of Tydeus, + you could not say whether he was more among the Achaeans or the Trojans. + He rushed across the plain like a winter torrent that has burst its + barrier in full flood; no dykes, no walls of fruitful vineyards can embank + it when it is swollen with rain from heaven, but in a moment it comes + tearing onward, and lays many a field waste that many a strong man’s hand + has reclaimed—even so were the dense phalanxes of the Trojans driven + in rout by the son of Tydeus, and many though they were, they dared not + abide his onslaught. + </p> + <p> + Now when the son of Lycaon saw him scouring the plain and driving the + Trojans pell-mell before him, he aimed an arrow and hit the front part of + his cuirass near the shoulder: the arrow went right through the metal and + pierced the flesh, so that the cuirass was covered with blood. On this the + son of Lycaon shouted in triumph, “Knights Trojans, come on; the bravest + of the Achaeans is wounded, and he will not hold out much longer if King + Apollo was indeed with me when I sped from Lycia hither.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he vaunt; but his arrow had not killed Diomed, who withdrew and + made for the chariot and horses of Sthenelus, the son of Capaneus. “Dear + son of Capaneus,” said he, “come down from your chariot, and draw the + arrow out of my shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + Sthenelus sprang from his chariot, and drew the arrow from the wound, + whereon the blood came spouting out through the hole that had been made in + his shirt. Then Diomed prayed, saying, “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing + Jove, unweariable, if ever you loved my father well and stood by him in + the thick of a fight, do the like now by me; grant me to come within a + spear’s throw of that man and kill him. He has been too quick for me and + has wounded me; and now he is boasting that I shall not see the light of + the sun much longer.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he prayed, and Pallas Minerva heard him; she made his limbs supple + and quickened his hands and his feet. Then she went up close to him and + said, “Fear not, Diomed, to do battle with the Trojans, for I have set in + your heart the spirit of your knightly father Tydeus. Moreover, I have + withdrawn the veil from your eyes, that you know gods and men apart. If, + then, any other god comes here and offers you battle, do not fight him; + but should Jove’s daughter Venus come, strike her with your spear and + wound her.” + </p> + <p> + When she had said this Minerva went away, and the son of Tydeus again took + his place among the foremost fighters, three times more fierce even than + he had been before. He was like a lion that some mountain shepherd has + wounded, but not killed, as he is springing over the wall of a sheep-yard + to attack the sheep. The shepherd has roused the brute to fury but cannot + defend his flock, so he takes shelter under cover of the buildings, while + the sheep, panic-stricken on being deserted, are smothered in heaps one on + top of the other, and the angry lion leaps out over the sheep-yard wall. + Even thus did Diomed go furiously about among the Trojans. + </p> + <p> + He killed Astynous, and Hypeiron shepherd of his people, the one with a + thrust of his spear, which struck him above the nipple, the other with a + sword-cut on the collar-bone, that severed his shoulder from his neck and + back. He let both of them lie, and went in pursuit of Abas and Polyidus, + sons of the old reader of dreams Eurydamas: they never came back for him + to read them any more dreams, for mighty Diomed made an end of them. He + then gave chase to Xanthus and Thoon, the two sons of Phaenops, both of + them very dear to him, for he was now worn out with age, and begat no more + sons to inherit his possessions. But Diomed took both their lives and left + their father sorrowing bitterly, for he nevermore saw them come home from + battle alive, and his kinsmen divided his wealth among themselves. + </p> + <p> + Then he came upon two sons of Priam, Echemmon and Chromius, as they were + both in one chariot. He sprang upon them as a lion fastens on the neck of + some cow or heifer when the herd is feeding in a coppice. For all their + vain struggles he flung them both from their chariot and stripped the + armour from their bodies. Then he gave their horses to his comrades to + take them back to the ships. + </p> + <p> + When Aeneas saw him thus making havoc among the ranks, he went through the + fight amid the rain of spears to see if he could find Pandarus. When he + had found the brave son of Lycaon he said, “Pandarus, where is now your + bow, your winged arrows, and your renown as an archer, in respect of which + no man here can rival you nor is there any in Lycia that can beat you? + Lift then your hands to Jove and send an arrow at this fellow who is going + so masterfully about, and has done such deadly work among the Trojans. He + has killed many a brave man—unless indeed he is some god who is + angry with the Trojans about their sacrifices, and has set his hand + against them in his displeasure.” + </p> + <p> + And the son of Lycaon answered, “Aeneas, I take him for none other than + the son of Tydeus. I know him by his shield, the visor of his helmet, and + by his horses. It is possible that he may be a god, but if he is the man I + say he is, he is not making all this havoc without heaven’s help, but has + some god by his side who is shrouded in a cloud of darkness, and who + turned my arrow aside when it had hit him. I have taken aim at him already + and hit him on the right shoulder; my arrow went through the breast-piece + of his cuirass; and I made sure I should send him hurrying to the world + below, but it seems that I have not killed him. There must be a god who is + angry with me. Moreover I have neither horse nor chariot. In my father’s + stables there are eleven excellent chariots, fresh from the builder, quite + new, with cloths spread over them; and by each of them there stand a pair + of horses, champing barley and rye; my old father Lycaon urged me again + and again when I was at home and on the point of starting, to take + chariots and horses with me that I might lead the Trojans in battle, but I + would not listen to him; it would have been much better if I had done so, + but I was thinking about the horses, which had been used to eat their + fill, and I was afraid that in such a great gathering of men they might be + ill-fed, so I left them at home and came on foot to Ilius armed only with + my bow and arrows. These it seems, are of no use, for I have already hit + two chieftains, the sons of Atreus and of Tydeus, and though I drew blood + surely enough, I have only made them still more furious. I did ill to take + my bow down from its peg on the day I led my band of Trojans to Ilius in + Hector’s service, and if ever I get home again to set eyes on my native + place, my wife, and the greatness of my house, may some one cut my head + off then and there if I do not break the bow and set it on a hot fire—such + pranks as it plays me.” + </p> + <p> + Aeneas answered, “Say no more. Things will not mend till we two go against + this man with chariot and horses and bring him to a trial of arms. Mount + my chariot, and note how cleverly the horses of Tros can speed hither and + thither over the plain in pursuit or flight. If Jove again vouchsafes + glory to the son of Tydeus they will carry us safely back to the city. + Take hold, then, of the whip and reins while I stand upon the car to + fight, or else do you wait this man’s onset while I look after the + horses.” + </p> + <p> + “Aeneas,” replied the son of Lycaon, “take the reins and drive; if we have + to fly before the son of Tydeus the horses will go better for their own + driver. If they miss the sound of your voice when they expect it they may + be frightened, and refuse to take us out of the fight. The son of Tydeus + will then kill both of us and take the horses. Therefore drive them + yourself and I will be ready for him with my spear.” + </p> + <p> + They then mounted the chariot and drove full speed towards the son of + Tydeus. Sthenelus, son of Capaneus, saw them coming and said to Diomed, + “Diomed, son of Tydeus, man after my own heart, I see two heroes speeding + towards you, both of them men of might the one a skilful archer, Pandarus + son of Lycaon, the other, Aeneas, whose sire is Anchises, while his mother + is Venus. Mount the chariot and let us retreat. Do not, I pray you, press + so furiously forward, or you may get killed.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed looked angrily at him and answered: “Talk not of flight, for I + shall not listen to you: I am of a race that knows neither flight nor + fear, and my limbs are as yet unwearied. I am in no mind to mount, but + will go against them even as I am; Pallas Minerva bids me be afraid of no + man, and even though one of them escape, their steeds shall not take both + back again. I say further, and lay my saying to your heart—if + Minerva sees fit to vouchsafe me the glory of killing both, stay your + horses here and make the reins fast to the rim of the chariot; then be + sure you spring Aeneas’ horses and drive them from the Trojan to the + Achaean ranks. They are of the stock that great Jove gave to Tros in + payment for his son Ganymede, and are the finest that live and move under + the sun. King Anchises stole the blood by putting his mares to them + without Laomedon’s knowledge, and they bore him six foals. Four are still + in his stables, but he gave the other two to Aeneas. We shall win great + glory if we can take them.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse, but the other two had now driven close up to them, + and the son of Lycaon spoke first. “Great and mighty son,” said he, “of + noble Tydeus, my arrow failed to lay you low, so I will now try with my + spear.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it from him. It struck the + shield of the son of Tydeus; the bronze point pierced it and passed on + till it reached the breastplate. Thereon the son of Lycaon shouted out and + said, “You are hit clean through the belly; you will not stand out for + long, and the glory of the fight is mine.” + </p> + <p> + But Diomed all undismayed made answer, “You have missed, not hit, and + before you two see the end of this matter one or other of you shall glut + tough-shielded Mars with his blood.” + </p> + <p> + With this he hurled his spear, and Minerva guided it on to Pandarus’s nose + near the eye. It went crashing in among his white teeth; the bronze point + cut through the root of his tongue, coming out under his chin, and his + glistening armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the + ground. The horses started aside for fear, and he was reft of life and + strength. + </p> + <p> + Aeneas sprang from his chariot armed with shield and spear, fearing lest + the Achaeans should carry off the body. He bestrode it as a lion in the + pride of strength, with shield and spear before him and a cry of battle on + his lips resolute to kill the first that should dare face him. But the son + of Tydeus caught up a mighty stone, so huge and great that as men now are + it would take two to lift it; nevertheless he bore it aloft with ease + unaided, and with this he struck Aeneas on the groin where the hip turns + in the joint that is called the “cup-bone.” The stone crushed this joint, + and broke both the sinews, while its jagged edges tore away all the flesh. + The hero fell on his knees, and propped himself with his hand resting on + the ground till the darkness of night fell upon his eyes. And now Aeneas, + king of men, would have perished then and there, had not his mother, + Jove’s daughter Venus, who had conceived him by Anchises when he was + herding cattle, been quick to mark, and thrown her two white arms about + the body of her dear son. She protected him by covering him with a fold of + her own fair garment, lest some Danaan should drive a spear into his + breast and kill him. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did she bear her dear son out of the fight. But the son of + Capaneus was not unmindful of the orders that Diomed had given him. He + made his own horses fast, away from the hurly-burly, by binding the reins + to the rim of the chariot. Then he sprang upon Aeneas’s horses and drove + them from the Trojan to the Achaean ranks. When he had so done he gave + them over to his chosen comrade Deipylus, whom he valued above all others + as the one who was most like-minded with himself, to take them on to the + ships. He then remounted his own chariot, seized the reins, and drove with + all speed in search of the son of Tydeus. + </p> + <p> + Now the son of Tydeus was in pursuit of the Cyprian goddess, spear in + hand, for he knew her to be feeble and not one of those goddesses that can + lord it among men in battle like Minerva or Enyo the waster of cities, and + when at last after a long chase he caught her up, he flew at her and + thrust his spear into the flesh of her delicate hand. The point tore + through the ambrosial robe which the Graces had woven for her, and pierced + the skin between her wrist and the palm of her hand, so that the immortal + blood, or ichor, that flows in the veins of the blessed gods, came pouring + from the wound; for the gods do not eat bread nor drink wine, hence they + have no blood such as ours, and are immortal. Venus screamed aloud, and + let her son fall, but Phoebus Apollo caught him in his arms, and hid him + in a cloud of darkness, lest some Danaan should drive a spear into his + breast and kill him; and Diomed shouted out as he left her, “Daughter of + Jove, leave war and battle alone, can you not be contented with beguiling + silly women? If you meddle with fighting you will get what will make you + shudder at the very name of war.” + </p> + <p> + The goddess went dazed and discomfited away, and Iris, fleet as the wind, + drew her from the throng, in pain and with her fair skin all besmirched. + She found fierce Mars waiting on the left of the battle, with his spear + and his two fleet steeds resting on a cloud; whereon she fell on her knees + before her brother and implored him to let her have his horses. “Dear + brother,” she cried, “save me, and give me your horses to take me to + Olympus where the gods dwell. I am badly wounded by a mortal, the son of + Tydeus, who would now fight even with father Jove.” + </p> + <p> + Thus she spoke, and Mars gave her his gold-bedizened steeds. She mounted + the chariot sick and sorry at heart, while Iris sat beside her and took + the reins in her hand. She lashed her horses on and they flew forward + nothing loth, till in a trice they were at high Olympus, where the gods + have their dwelling. There she stayed them, unloosed them from the + chariot, and gave them their ambrosial forage; but Venus flung herself on + to the lap of her mother Dione, who threw her arms about her and caressed + her, saying, “Which of the heavenly beings has been treating you in this + way, as though you had been doing something wrong in the face of day?” + </p> + <p> + And laughter-loving Venus answered, “Proud Diomed, the son of Tydeus, + wounded me because I was bearing my dear son Aeneas, whom I love best of + all mankind, out of the fight. The war is no longer one between Trojans + and Achaeans, for the Danaans have now taken to fighting with the + immortals.” + </p> + <p> + “Bear it, my child,” replied Dione, “and make the best of it. We dwellers + in Olympus have to put up with much at the hands of men, and we lay much + suffering on one another. Mars had to suffer when Otus and Ephialtes, + children of Aloeus, bound him in cruel bonds, so that he lay thirteen + months imprisoned in a vessel of bronze. Mars would have then perished had + not fair Eeriboea, stepmother to the sons of Aloeus, told Mercury, who + stole him away when he was already well-nigh worn out by the severity of + his bondage. Juno, again, suffered when the mighty son of Amphitryon + wounded her on the right breast with a three-barbed arrow, and nothing + could assuage her pain. So, also, did huge Hades, when this same man, the + son of aegis-bearing Jove, hit him with an arrow even at the gates of + hell, and hurt him badly. Thereon Hades went to the house of Jove on great + Olympus, angry and full of pain; and the arrow in his brawny shoulder + caused him great anguish till Paeeon healed him by spreading soothing + herbs on the wound, for Hades was not of mortal mould. Daring, + headstrong, evildoer who recked not of his sin in shooting the gods that + dwell in Olympus. And now Minerva has egged this son of Tydeus on against + yourself, fool that he is for not reflecting that no man who fights with + gods will live long or hear his children prattling about his knees when he + returns from battle. Let, then, the son of Tydeus see that he does not + have to fight with one who is stronger than you are. Then shall his brave + wife Aegialeia, daughter of Adrestus, rouse her whole house from sleep, + wailing for the loss of her wedded lord, Diomed the bravest of the + Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she wiped the ichor from the wrist of her daughter with both + hands, whereon the pain left her, and her hand was healed. But Minerva and + Juno, who were looking on, began to taunt Jove with their mocking talk, + and Minerva was first to speak. “Father Jove,” said she, “do not be angry + with me, but I think the Cyprian must have been persuading some one of the + Achaean women to go with the Trojans of whom she is so very fond, and + while caressing one or other of them she must have torn her delicate hand + with the gold pin of the woman’s brooch.” + </p> + <p> + The sire of gods and men smiled, and called golden Venus to his side. “My + child,” said he, “it has not been given you to be a warrior. Attend, + henceforth, to your own delightful matrimonial duties, and leave all this + fighting to Mars and to Minerva.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse. But Diomed sprang upon Aeneas, though he knew him + to be in the very arms of Apollo. Not one whit did he fear the mighty god, + so set was he on killing Aeneas and stripping him of his armour. Thrice + did he spring forward with might and main to slay him, and thrice did + Apollo beat back his gleaming shield. When he was coming on for the fourth + time, as though he were a god, Apollo shouted to him with an awful voice + and said, “Take heed, son of Tydeus, and draw off; think not to match + yourself against gods, for men that walk the earth cannot hold their own + with the immortals.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Tydeus then gave way for a little space, to avoid the anger of + the god, while Apollo took Aeneas out of the crowd and set him in sacred + Pergamus, where his temple stood. There, within the mighty sanctuary, + Latona and Diana healed him and made him glorious to behold, while Apollo + of the silver bow fashioned a wraith in the likeness of Aeneas, and armed + as he was. Round this the Trojans and Achaeans hacked at the bucklers + about one another’s breasts, hewing each other’s round shields and light + hide-covered targets. Then Phoebus Apollo said to Mars, “Mars, Mars, bane + of men, blood-stained stormer of cities, can you not go to this man, the + son of Tydeus, who would now fight even with father Jove, and draw him out + of the battle? He first went up to the Cyprian and wounded her in the hand + near her wrist, and afterwards sprang upon me too, as though he were a + god.” + </p> + <p> + He then took his seat on the top of Pergamus, while murderous Mars went + about among the ranks of the Trojans, cheering them on, in the likeness of + fleet Acamas chief of the Thracians. “Sons of Priam,” said he, “how long + will you let your people be thus slaughtered by the Achaeans? Would you + wait till they are at the walls of Troy? Aeneas the son of Anchises has + fallen, he whom we held in as high honour as Hector himself. Help me, + then, to rescue our brave comrade from the stress of the fight.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Then Sarpedon + rebuked Hector very sternly. “Hector,” said he, “where is your prowess + now? You used to say that though you had neither people nor allies you + could hold the town alone with your brothers and brothers-in-law. I see + not one of them here; they cower as hounds before a lion; it is we, your + allies, who bear the brunt of the battle. I have come from afar, even from + Lycia and the banks of the river Xanthus, where I have left my wife, my + infant son, and much wealth to tempt whoever is needy; nevertheless, I + head my Lycian soldiers and stand my ground against any who would fight me + though I have nothing here for the Achaeans to plunder, while you look on, + without even bidding your men stand firm in defence of their wives. See + that you fall not into the hands of your foes as men caught in the meshes + of a net, and they sack your fair city forthwith. Keep this before your + mind night and day, and beseech the captains of your allies to hold on + without flinching, and thus put away their reproaches from you.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Sarpedon, and Hector smarted under his words. He sprang from his + chariot clad in his suit of armour, and went about among the host + brandishing his two spears, exhorting the men to fight and raising the + terrible cry of battle. Then they rallied and again faced the Achaeans, + but the Argives stood compact and firm, and were not driven back. As the + breezes sport with the chaff upon some goodly threshing-floor, when men + are winnowing—while yellow Ceres blows with the wind to sift the + chaff from the grain, and the chaff-heaps grow whiter and whiter—even + so did the Achaeans whiten in the dust which the horses’ hoofs raised to + the firmament of heaven, as their drivers turned them back to battle, and + they bore down with might upon the foe. Fierce Mars, to help the Trojans, + covered them in a veil of darkness, and went about everywhere among them, + inasmuch as Phoebus Apollo had told him that when he saw Pallas Minerva + leave the fray he was to put courage into the hearts of the Trojans—for + it was she who was helping the Danaans. Then Apollo sent Aeneas forth from + his rich sanctuary, and filled his heart with valour, whereon he took his + place among his comrades, who were overjoyed at seeing him alive, sound, + and of a good courage; but they could not ask him how it had all happened, + for they were too busy with the turmoil raised by Mars and by Strife, who + raged insatiably in their midst. + </p> + <p> + The two Ajaxes, Ulysses and Diomed, cheered the Danaans on, fearless of + the fury and onset of the Trojans. They stood as still as clouds which the + son of Saturn has spread upon the mountain tops when there is no air and + fierce Boreas sleeps with the other boisterous winds whose shrill blasts + scatter the clouds in all directions—even so did the Danaans stand + firm and unflinching against the Trojans. The son of Atreus went about + among them and exhorted them. “My friends,” said he, “quit yourselves like + brave men, and shun dishonour in one another’s eyes amid the stress of + battle. They that shun dishonour more often live than get killed, but they + that fly save neither life nor name.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he hurled his spear and hit one of those who were in the front + rank, the comrade of Aeneas, Deicoon son of Pergasus, whom the Trojans + held in no less honour than the sons of Priam, for he was ever quick to + place himself among the foremost. The spear of King Agamemnon struck his + shield and went right through it, for the shield stayed it not. It drove + through his belt into the lower part of his belly, and his armour rang + rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Then Aeneas killed two champions of the Danaans, Crethon and Orsilochus. + Their father was a rich man who lived in the strong city of Phere and was + descended from the river Alpheus, whose broad stream flows through the + land of the Pylians. The river begat Orsilochus, who ruled over much + people and was father to Diocles, who in his turn begat twin sons, Crethon + and Orsilochus, well skilled in all the arts of war. These, when they grew + up, went to Ilius with the Argive fleet in the cause of Menelaus and + Agamemnon sons of Atreus, and there they both of them fell. As two lions + whom their dam has reared in the depths of some mountain forest to plunder + homesteads and carry off sheep and cattle till they get killed by the hand + of man, so were these two vanquished by Aeneas, and fell like high + pine-trees to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Brave Menelaus pitied them in their fall, and made his way to the front, + clad in gleaming bronze and brandishing his spear, for Mars egged him on + to do so with intent that he should be killed by Aeneas; but Antilochus + the son of Nestor saw him and sprang forward, fearing that the king might + come to harm and thus bring all their labour to nothing; when, therefore + Aeneas and Menelaus were setting their hands and spears against one + another eager to do battle, Antilochus placed himself by the side of + Menelaus. Aeneas, bold though he was, drew back on seeing the two heroes + side by side in front of him, so they drew the bodies of Crethon and + Orsilochus to the ranks of the Achaeans and committed the two poor fellows + into the hands of their comrades. They then turned back and fought in the + front ranks. + </p> + <p> + They killed Pylaemenes peer of Mars, leader of the Paphlagonian warriors. + Menelaus struck him on the collar-bone as he was standing on his chariot, + while Antilochus hit his charioteer and squire Mydon, the son of Atymnius, + who was turning his horses in flight. He hit him with a stone upon the + elbow, and the reins, enriched with white ivory, fell from his hands into + the dust. Antilochus rushed towards him and struck him on the temples with + his sword, whereon he fell head first from the chariot to the ground. + There he stood for a while with his head and shoulders buried deep in the + dust—for he had fallen on sandy soil till his horses kicked him and + laid him flat on the ground, as Antilochus lashed them and drove them off + to the host of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + But Hector marked them from across the ranks, and with a loud cry rushed + towards them, followed by the strong battalions of the Trojans. Mars and + dread Enyo led them on, she fraught with ruthless turmoil of battle, while + Mars wielded a monstrous spear, and went about, now in front of Hector and + now behind him. + </p> + <p> + Diomed shook with passion as he saw them. As a man crossing a wide plain + is dismayed to find himself on the brink of some great river rolling + swiftly to the sea—he sees its boiling waters and starts back in + fear—even so did the son of Tydeus give ground. Then he said to his + men, “My friends, how can we wonder that Hector wields the spear so well? + Some god is ever by his side to protect him, and now Mars is with him in + the likeness of mortal man. Keep your faces therefore towards the Trojans, + but give ground backwards, for we dare not fight with gods.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the Trojans drew close up, and Hector killed two men, both in + one chariot, Menesthes and Anchialus, heroes well versed in war. Ajax son + of Telamon pitied them in their fall; he came close up and hurled his + spear, hitting Amphius the son of Selagus, a man of great wealth who lived + in Paesus and owned much corn-growing land, but his lot had led him to + come to the aid of Priam and his sons. Ajax struck him in the belt; the + spear pierced the lower part of his belly, and he fell heavily to the + ground. Then Ajax ran towards him to strip him of his armour, but the + Trojans rained spears upon him, many of which fell upon his shield. He + planted his heel upon the body and drew out his spear, but the darts + pressed so heavily upon him that he could not strip the goodly armour from + his shoulders. The Trojan chieftains, moreover, many and valiant, came + about him with their spears, so that he dared not stay; great, brave and + valiant though he was, they drove him from them and he was beaten back. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did the battle rage between them. Presently the strong hand of + fate impelled Tlepolemus, the son of Hercules, a man both brave and of + great stature, to fight Sarpedon; so the two, son and grandson of great + Jove, drew near to one another, and Tlepolemus spoke first. “Sarpedon,” + said he, “councillor of the Lycians, why should you come skulking here you + who are a man of peace? They lie who call you son of aegis-bearing Jove, + for you are little like those who were of old his children. Far other was + Hercules, my own brave and lion-hearted father, who came here for the + horses of Laomedon, and though he had six ships only, and few men to + follow him, sacked the city of Ilius and made a wilderness of her + highways. You are a coward, and your people are falling from you. For all + your strength, and all your coming from Lycia, you will be no help to the + Trojans but will pass the gates of Hades vanquished by my hand.” + </p> + <p> + And Sarpedon, captain of the Lycians, answered, “Tlepolemus, your father + overthrew Ilius by reason of Laomedon’s folly in refusing payment to one + who had served him well. He would not give your father the horses which he + had come so far to fetch. As for yourself, you shall meet death by my + spear. You shall yield glory to myself, and your soul to Hades of the + noble steeds.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Sarpedon, and Tlepolemus upraised his spear. They threw at the + same moment, and Sarpedon struck his foe in the middle of his throat; the + spear went right through, and the darkness of death fell upon his eyes. + Tlepolemus’s spear struck Sarpedon on the left thigh with such force that + it tore through the flesh and grazed the bone, but his father as yet + warded off destruction from him. + </p> + <p> + His comrades bore Sarpedon out of the fight, in great pain by the weight + of the spear that was dragging from his wound. They were in such haste and + stress as they bore him that no one thought of drawing the spear from his + thigh so as to let him walk uprightly. Meanwhile the Achaeans carried off + the body of Tlepolemus, whereon Ulysses was moved to pity, and panted for + the fray as he beheld them. He doubted whether to pursue the son of Jove, + or to make slaughter of the Lycian rank and file; it was not decreed, + however, that he should slay the son of Jove; Minerva, therefore, turned + him against the main body of the Lycians. He killed Coeranus, Alastor, + Chromius, Alcandrus, Halius, Noemon, and Prytanis, and would have slain + yet more, had not great Hector marked him, and sped to the front of the + fight clad in his suit of mail, filling the Danaans with terror. Sarpedon + was glad when he saw him coming, and besought him, saying, “Son of Priam, + let me not be here to fall into the hands of the Danaans. Help me, and + since I may not return home to gladden the hearts of my wife and of my + infant son, let me die within the walls of your city.” + </p> + <p> + Hector made him no answer, but rushed onward to fall at once upon the + Achaeans and kill many among them. His comrades then bore Sarpedon away + and laid him beneath Jove’s spreading oak tree. Pelagon, his friend and + comrade, drew the spear out of his thigh, but Sarpedon fainted and a mist + came over his eyes. Presently he came to himself again, for the breath of + the north wind as it played upon him gave him new life, and brought him + out of the deep swoon into which he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Argives were neither driven towards their ships by Mars and + Hector, nor yet did they attack them; when they knew that Mars was with + the Trojans they retreated, but kept their faces still turned towards the + foe. Who, then, was first and who last to be slain by Mars and Hector? + They were valiant Teuthras, and Orestes the renowned charioteer, Trechus + the Aetolian warrior, Oenomaus, Helenus the son of Oenops, and Oresbius of + the gleaming girdle, who was possessed of great wealth, and dwelt by the + Cephisian lake with the other Boeotians who lived near him, owners of a + fertile country. + </p> + <p> + Now when the goddess Juno saw the Argives thus falling, she said to + Minerva, “Alas, daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, unweariable, the promise + we made Menelaus that he should not return till he had sacked the city of + Ilius will be of no effect if we let Mars rage thus furiously. Let us go + into the fray at once.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva did not gainsay her. Thereon the august goddess, daughter of great + Saturn, began to harness her gold-bedizened steeds. Hebe with all speed + fitted on the eight-spoked wheels of bronze that were on either side of + the iron axle-tree. The felloes of the wheels were of gold, imperishable, + and over these there was a tire of bronze, wondrous to behold. The naves + of the wheels were silver, turning round the axle upon either side. The + car itself was made with plaited bands of gold and silver, and it had a + double top-rail running all round it. From the body of the car there went + a pole of silver, on to the end of which she bound the golden yoke, with + the bands of gold that were to go under the necks of the horses. Then Juno + put her steeds under the yoke, eager for battle and the war-cry. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Minerva flung her richly embroidered vesture, made with her own + hands, on to her father’s threshold, and donned the shirt of Jove, arming + herself for battle. She threw her tasselled aegis about her shoulders, + wreathed round with Rout as with a fringe, and on it were Strife, and + Strength, and Panic whose blood runs cold; moreover there was the head of + the dread monster Gorgon, grim and awful to behold, portent of + aegis-bearing Jove. On her head she set her helmet of gold, with four + plumes, and coming to a peak both in front and behind—decked with + the emblems of a hundred cities; then she stepped into her flaming chariot + and grasped the spear, so stout and sturdy and strong, with which she + quells the ranks of heroes who have displeased her. Juno lashed the horses + on, and the gates of heaven bellowed as they flew open of their own accord—gates + over which the Hours preside, in whose hands are Heaven and Olympus, + either to open the dense cloud that hides them, or to close it. Through + these the goddesses drove their obedient steeds, and found the son of + Saturn sitting all alone on the topmost ridges of Olympus. There Juno + stayed her horses, and spoke to Jove the son of Saturn, lord of all. + “Father Jove,” said she, “are you not angry with Mars for these high + doings? how great and goodly a host of the Achaeans he has destroyed to my + great grief, and without either right or reason, while the Cyprian and + Apollo are enjoying it all at their ease and setting this unrighteous + madman on to do further mischief. I hope, Father Jove, that you will not + be angry if I hit Mars hard, and chase him out of the battle.” + </p> + <p> + And Jove answered, “Set Minerva on to him, for she punishes him more often + than any one else does.” + </p> + <p> + Juno did as he had said. She lashed her horses, and they flew forward + nothing loth midway betwixt earth and sky. As far as a man can see when he + looks out upon the sea from some high beacon, so far can the loud-neighing + horses of the gods spring at a single bound. When they reached Troy and + the place where its two flowing streams Simois and Scamander meet, there + Juno stayed them and took them from the chariot. She hid them in a thick + cloud, and Simois made ambrosia spring up for them to eat; the two + goddesses then went on, flying like turtledoves in their eagerness to help + the Argives. When they came to the part where the bravest and most in + number were gathered about mighty Diomed, fighting like lions or wild + boars of great strength and endurance, there Juno stood still and raised a + shout like that of brazen-voiced Stentor, whose cry was as loud as that of + fifty men together. “Argives,” she cried; “shame on cowardly creatures, + brave in semblance only; as long as Achilles was fighting, if his spear + was so deadly that the Trojans dared not show themselves outside the + Dardanian gates, but now they sally far from the city and fight even at + your ships.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she put heart and soul into them all, while Minerva + sprang to the side of the son of Tydeus, whom she found near his chariot + and horses, cooling the wound that Pandarus had given him. For the sweat + caused by the hand that bore the weight of his shield irritated the hurt: + his arm was weary with pain, and he was lifting up the strap to wipe away + the blood. The goddess laid her hand on the yoke of his horses and said, + “The son of Tydeus is not such another as his father. Tydeus was a little + man, but he could fight, and rushed madly into the fray even when I told + him not to do so. When he went all unattended as envoy to the city of + Thebes among the Cadmeans, I bade him feast in their houses and be at + peace; but with that high spirit which was ever present with him, he + challenged the youth of the Cadmeans, and at once beat them in all that he + attempted, so mightily did I help him. I stand by you too to protect you, + and I bid you be instant in fighting the Trojans; but either you are tired + out, or you are afraid and out of heart, and in that case I say that you + are no true son of Tydeus the son of Oeneus.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed answered, “I know you, goddess, daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, and + will hide nothing from you. I am not afraid nor out of heart, nor is there + any slackness in me. I am only following your own instructions; you told + me not to fight any of the blessed gods; but if Jove’s daughter Venus came + into battle I was to wound her with my spear. Therefore I am retreating, + and bidding the other Argives gather in this place, for I know that Mars + is now lording it in the field.” + </p> + <p> + “Diomed, son of Tydeus,” replied Minerva, “man after my own heart, fear + neither Mars nor any other of the immortals, for I will befriend you. Nay, + drive straight at Mars, and smite him in close combat; fear not this + raging madman, villain incarnate, first on one side and then on the other. + But now he was holding talk with Juno and myself, saying he would help the + Argives and attack the Trojans; nevertheless he is with the Trojans, and + has forgotten the Argives.” + </p> + <p> + With this she caught hold of Sthenelus and lifted him off the chariot on + to the ground. In a second he was on the ground, whereupon the goddess + mounted the car and placed herself by the side of Diomed. The oaken axle + groaned aloud under the burden of the awful goddess and the hero; Pallas + Minerva took the whip and reins, and drove straight at Mars. He was in the + act of stripping huge Periphas, son of Ochesius and bravest of the + Aetolians. Bloody Mars was stripping him of his armour, and Minerva donned + the helmet of Hades, that he might not see her; when, therefore, he saw + Diomed, he made straight for him and let Periphas lie where he had fallen. + As soon as they were at close quarters he let fly with his bronze spear + over the reins and yoke, thinking to take Diomed’s life, but Minerva + caught the spear in her hand and made it fly harmlessly over the chariot. + Diomed then threw, and Pallas Minerva drove the spear into the pit of + Mars’s stomach where his under-girdle went round him. There Diomed wounded + him, tearing his fair flesh and then drawing his spear out again. Mars + roared as loudly as nine or ten thousand men in the thick of a fight, and + the Achaeans and Trojans were struck with panic, so terrible was the cry + he raised. + </p> + <p> + As a dark cloud in the sky when it comes on to blow after heat, even so + did Diomed son of Tydeus see Mars ascend into the broad heavens. With all + speed he reached high Olympus, home of the gods, and in great pain sat + down beside Jove the son of Saturn. He showed Jove the immortal blood that + was flowing from his wound, and spoke piteously, saying, “Father Jove, are + you not angered by such doings? We gods are continually suffering in the + most cruel manner at one another’s hands while helping mortals; and we all + owe you a grudge for having begotten that mad termagant of a daughter, who + is always committing outrage of some kind. We other gods must all do as + you bid us, but her you neither scold nor punish; you encourage her + because the pestilent creature is your daughter. See how she has been + inciting proud Diomed to vent his rage on the immortal gods. First he went + up to the Cyprian and wounded her in the hand near her wrist, and then he + sprang upon me too as though he were a god. Had I not run for it I must + either have lain there for long enough in torments among the ghastly + corpses, or have been eaten alive with spears till I had no more strength + left in me.” + </p> + <p> + Jove looked angrily at him and said, “Do not come whining here, Sir + Facing-both-ways. I hate you worst of all the gods in Olympus, for you are + ever fighting and making mischief. You have the intolerable and stubborn + spirit of your mother Juno: it is all I can do to manage her, and it is + her doing that you are now in this plight: still, I cannot let you remain + longer in such great pain; you are my own offspring, and it was by me that + your mother conceived you; if, however, you had been the son of any other + god, you are so destructive that by this time you should have been lying + lower than the Titans.” + </p> + <p> + He then bade Paeeon heal him, whereon Paeeon spread pain-killing herbs + upon his wound and cured him, for he was not of mortal mould. As the juice + of the fig-tree curdles milk, and thickens it in a moment though it is + liquid, even so instantly did Paeeon cure fierce Mars. Then Hebe washed + him, and clothed him in goodly raiment, and he took his seat by his father + Jove all glorious to behold. + </p> + <p> + But Juno of Argos and Minerva of Alalcomene, now that they had put a stop + to the murderous doings of Mars, went back again to the house of Jove. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Glaucus and Diomed—The story of Bellerophon—Hector and + Andromache. + </p> + <p> + The fight between Trojans and Achaeans was now left to rage as it would, + and the tide of war surged hither and thither over the plain as they aimed + their bronze-shod spears at one another between the streams of Simois and + Xanthus. + </p> + <p> + First, Ajax son of Telamon, tower of strength to the Achaeans, broke a + phalanx of the Trojans, and came to the assistance of his comrades by + killing Acamas son of Eussorus, the best man among the Thracians, being + both brave and of great stature. The spear struck the projecting peak of + his helmet: its bronze point then went through his forehead into the + brain, and darkness veiled his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then Diomed killed Axylus son of Teuthranus, a rich man who lived in the + strong city of Arisbe, and was beloved by all men; for he had a house by + the roadside, and entertained every one who passed; howbeit not one of his + guests stood before him to save his life, and Diomed killed both him and + his squire Calesius, who was then his charioteer—so the pair passed + beneath the earth. + </p> + <p> + Euryalus killed Dresus and Opheltius, and then went in pursuit of Aesepus + and Pedasus, whom the naiad nymph Abarbarea had borne to noble Bucolion. + Bucolion was eldest son to Laomedon, but he was a bastard. While tending + his sheep he had converse with the nymph, and she conceived twin sons; + these the son of Mecisteus now slew, and he stripped the armour from their + shoulders. Polypoetes then killed Astyalus, Ulysses Pidytes of Percote, + and Teucer Aretaon. Ablerus fell by the spear of Nestor’s son Antilochus, + and Agamemnon, king of men, killed Elatus who dwelt in Pedasus by the + banks of the river Satnioeis. Leitus killed Phylacus as he was flying, and + Eurypylus slew Melanthus. + </p> + <p> + Then Menelaus of the loud war-cry took Adrestus alive, for his horses ran + into a tamarisk bush, as they were flying wildly over the plain, and broke + the pole from the car; they went on towards the city along with the others + in full flight, but Adrestus rolled out, and fell in the dust flat on his + face by the wheel of his chariot; Menelaus came up to him spear in hand, + but Adrestus caught him by the knees begging for his life. “Take me + alive,” he cried, “son of Atreus, and you shall have a full ransom for me: + my father is rich and has much treasure of gold, bronze, and wrought iron + laid by in his house. From this store he will give you a large ransom + should he hear of my being alive and at the ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he plead, and Menelaus was for yielding and giving him to a + squire to take to the ships of the Achaeans, but Agamemnon came running up + to him and rebuked him. “My good Menelaus,” said he, “this is no time for + giving quarter. Has, then, your house fared so well at the hands of the + Trojans? Let us not spare a single one of them—not even the child + unborn and in its mother’s womb; let not a man of them be left alive, but + let all in Ilius perish, unheeded and forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and his brother was persuaded by him, for his words + were just. Menelaus, therefore, thrust Adrestus from him, whereon King + Agamemnon struck him in the flank, and he fell: then the son of Atreus + planted his foot upon his breast to draw his spear from the body. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Nestor shouted to the Argives, saying, “My friends, Danaan + warriors, servants of Mars, let no man lag that he may spoil the dead, and + bring back much booty to the ships. Let us kill as many as we can; the + bodies will lie upon the plain, and you can despoil them later at your + leisure.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all. And now the Trojans + would have been routed and driven back into Ilius, had not Priam’s son + Helenus, wisest of augurs, said to Hector and Aeneas, “Hector and Aeneas, + you two are the mainstays of the Trojans and Lycians, for you are foremost + at all times, alike in fight and counsel; hold your ground here, and go + about among the host to rally them in front of the gates, or they will + fling themselves into the arms of their wives, to the great joy of our + foes. Then, when you have put heart into all our companies, we will stand + firm here and fight the Danaans however hard they press us, for there is + nothing else to be done. Meanwhile do you, Hector, go to the city and tell + our mother what is happening. Tell her to bid the matrons gather at the + temple of Minerva in the acropolis; let her then take her key and open the + doors of the sacred building; there, upon the knees of Minerva, let her + lay the largest, fairest robe she has in her house—the one she sets + most store by; let her, moreover, promise to sacrifice twelve yearling + heifers that have never yet felt the goad, in the temple of the goddess, + if she will take pity on the town, with the wives and little ones of the + Trojans, and keep the son of Tydeus from falling on the goodly city of + Ilius; for he fights with fury and fills men’s souls with panic. I hold + him mightiest of them all; we did not fear even their great champion + Achilles, son of a goddess though he be, as we do this man: his rage is + beyond all bounds, and there is none can vie with him in prowess.” + </p> + <p> + Hector did as his brother bade him. He sprang from his chariot, and went + about everywhere among the host, brandishing his spears, urging the men on + to fight, and raising the dread cry of battle. Thereon they rallied and + again faced the Achaeans, who gave ground and ceased their murderous + onset, for they deemed that some one of the immortals had come down from + starry heaven to help the Trojans, so strangely had they rallied. And + Hector shouted to the Trojans, “Trojans and allies, be men, my friends, + and fight with might and main, while I go to Ilius and tell the old men of + our council and our wives to pray to the gods and vow hecatombs in their + honour.” + </p> + <p> + With this he went his way, and the black rim of hide that went round his + shield beat against his neck and his ancles. + </p> + <p> + Then Glaucus son of Hippolochus, and the son of Tydeus went into the open + space between the hosts to fight in single combat. When they were close up + to one another Diomed of the loud war-cry was the first to speak. “Who, my + good sir,” said he, “who are you among men? I have never seen you in + battle until now, but you are daring beyond all others if you abide my + onset. Woe to those fathers whose sons face my might. If, however, you are + one of the immortals and have come down from heaven, I will not fight you; + for even valiant Lycurgus, son of Dryas, did not live long when he took to + fighting with the gods. He it was that drove the nursing women who were in + charge of frenzied Bacchus through the land of Nysa, and they flung their + thyrsi on the ground as murderous Lycurgus beat them with his oxgoad. + Bacchus himself plunged terror-stricken into the sea, and Thetis took him + to her bosom to comfort him, for he was scared by the fury with which the + man reviled him. Thereon the gods who live at ease were angry with + Lycurgus and the son of Saturn struck him blind, nor did he live much + longer after he had become hateful to the immortals. Therefore I will not + fight with the blessed gods; but if you are of them that eat the fruit of + the ground, draw near and meet your doom.” + </p> + <p> + And the son of Hippolochus answered, “Son of Tydeus, why ask me of my + lineage? Men come and go as leaves year by year upon the trees. Those of + autumn the wind sheds upon the ground, but when spring returns the forest + buds forth with fresh vines. Even so is it with the generations of + mankind, the new spring up as the old are passing away. If, then, you + would learn my descent, it is one that is well known to many. There is a + city in the heart of Argos, pasture land of horses, called Ephyra, where + Sisyphus lived, who was the craftiest of all mankind. He was the son of + Aeolus, and had a son named Glaucus, who was father to Bellerophon, whom + heaven endowed with the most surpassing comeliness and beauty. But Proetus + devised his ruin, and being stronger than he, drove him from the land of + the Argives, over which Jove had made him ruler. For Antea, wife of + Proetus, lusted after him, and would have had him lie with her in secret; + but Bellerophon was an honourable man and would not, so she told lies + about him to Proetus. ‘Proetus,’ said she, ‘kill Bellerophon or die, for + he would have had converse with me against my will.’ The king was angered, + but shrank from killing Bellerophon, so he sent him to Lycia with lying + letters of introduction, written on a folded tablet, and containing much + ill against the bearer. He bade Bellerophon show these letters to his + father-in-law, to the end that he might thus perish; Bellerophon therefore + went to Lycia, and the gods convoyed him safely. + </p> + <p> + “When he reached the river Xanthus, which is in Lycia, the king received + him with all goodwill, feasted him nine days, and killed nine heifers in + his honour, but when rosy-fingered morning appeared upon the tenth day, he + questioned him and desired to see the letter from his son-in-law Proetus. + When he had received the wicked letter he first commanded Bellerophon to + kill that savage monster, the Chimaera, who was not a human being, but a + goddess, for she had the head of a lion and the tail of a serpent, while + her body was that of a goat, and she breathed forth flames of fire; but + Bellerophon slew her, for he was guided by signs from heaven. He next + fought the far-famed Solymi, and this, he said, was the hardest of all his + battles. Thirdly, he killed the Amazons, women who were the peers of men, + and as he was returning thence the king devised yet another plan for his + destruction; he picked the bravest warriors in all Lycia, and placed them + in ambuscade, but not a man ever came back, for Bellerophon killed every + one of them. Then the king knew that he must be the valiant offspring of a + god, so he kept him in Lycia, gave him his daughter in marriage, and made + him of equal honour in the kingdom with himself; and the Lycians gave him + a piece of land, the best in all the country, fair with vineyards and + tilled fields, to have and to hold. + </p> + <p> + “The king’s daughter bore Bellerophon three children, Isander, + Hippolochus, and Laodameia. Jove, the lord of counsel, lay with Laodameia, + and she bore him noble Sarpedon; but when Bellerophon came to be hated by + all the gods, he wandered all desolate and dismayed upon the Alean plain, + gnawing at his own heart, and shunning the path of man. Mars, insatiate of + battle, killed his son Isander while he was fighting the Solymi; his + daughter was killed by Diana of the golden reins, for she was angered with + her; but Hippolochus was father to myself, and when he sent me to Troy he + urged me again and again to fight ever among the foremost and outvie my + peers, so as not to shame the blood of my fathers who were the noblest in + Ephyra and in all Lycia. This, then, is the descent I claim.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and the heart of Diomed was glad. He planted his spear + in the ground, and spoke to him with friendly words. “Then,” he said, “you + are an old friend of my father’s house. Great Oeneus once entertained + Bellerophon for twenty days, and the two exchanged presents. Oeneus gave a + belt rich with purple, and Bellerophon a double cup, which I left at home + when I set out for Troy. I do not remember Tydeus, for he was taken from + us while I was yet a child, when the army of the Achaeans was cut to + pieces before Thebes. Henceforth, however, I must be your host in middle + Argos, and you mine in Lycia, if I should ever go there; let us avoid one + another’s spears even during a general engagement; there are many noble + Trojans and allies whom I can kill, if I overtake them and heaven delivers + them into my hand; so again with yourself, there are many Achaeans whose + lives you may take if you can; we two, then, will exchange armour, that + all present may know of the old ties that subsist between us.” + </p> + <p> + With these words they sprang from their chariots, grasped one another’s + hands, and plighted friendship. But the son of Saturn made Glaucus take + leave of his wits, for he exchanged golden armour for bronze, the worth of + a hundred head of cattle for the worth of nine. + </p> + <p> + Now when Hector reached the Scaean gates and the oak tree, the wives and + daughters of the Trojans came running towards him to ask after their sons, + brothers, kinsmen, and husbands: he told them to set about praying to the + gods, and many were made sorrowful as they heard him. + </p> + <p> + Presently he reached the splendid palace of King Priam, adorned with + colonnades of hewn stone. In it there were fifty bedchambers—all of + hewn stone—built near one another, where the sons of Priam slept, + each with his wedded wife. Opposite these, on the other side the + courtyard, there were twelve upper rooms also of hewn stone for Priam’s + daughters, built near one another, where his sons-in-law slept with their + wives. When Hector got there, his fond mother came up to him with Laodice + the fairest of her daughters. She took his hand within her own and said, + “My son, why have you left the battle to come hither? Are the Achaeans, + woe betide them, pressing you hard about the city that you have thought + fit to come and uplift your hands to Jove from the citadel? Wait till I + can bring you wine that you may make offering to Jove and to the other + immortals, and may then drink and be refreshed. Wine gives a man fresh + strength when he is wearied, as you now are with fighting on behalf of + your kinsmen.” + </p> + <p> + And Hector answered, “Honoured mother, bring no wine, lest you unman me + and I forget my strength. I dare not make a drink-offering to Jove with + unwashed hands; one who is bespattered with blood and filth may not pray + to the son of Saturn. Get the matrons together, and go with offerings to + the temple of Minerva driver of the spoil; there, upon the knees of + Minerva, lay the largest and fairest robe you have in your house—the + one you set most store by; promise, moreover, to sacrifice twelve yearling + heifers that have never yet felt the goad, in the temple of the goddess if + she will take pity on the town, with the wives and little ones of the + Trojans, and keep the son of Tydeus from off the goodly city of Ilius, for + he fights with fury, and fills men’s souls with panic. Go, then, to the + temple of Minerva, while I seek Paris and exhort him, if he will hear my + words. Would that the earth might open her jaws and swallow him, for Jove + bred him to be the bane of the Trojans, and of Priam and Priam’s sons. + Could I but see him go down into the house of Hades, my heart would forget + its heaviness.” + </p> + <p> + His mother went into the house and called her waiting-women who gathered + the matrons throughout the city. She then went down into her fragrant + store-room, where her embroidered robes were kept, the work of Sidonian + women, whom Alexandrus had brought over from Sidon when he sailed the seas + upon that voyage during which he carried off Helen. Hecuba took out the + largest robe, and the one that was most beautifully enriched with + embroidery, as an offering to Minerva: it glittered like a star, and lay + at the very bottom of the chest. With this she went on her way and many + matrons with her. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the temple of Minerva, lovely Theano, daughter of + Cisseus and wife of Antenor, opened the doors, for the Trojans had made + her priestess of Minerva. The women lifted up their hands to the goddess + with a loud cry, and Theano took the robe to lay it upon the knees of + Minerva, praying the while to the daughter of great Jove. “Holy Minerva,” + she cried, “protectress of our city, mighty goddess, break the spear of + Diomed and lay him low before the Scaean gates. Do this, and we will + sacrifice twelve heifers that have never yet known the goad, in your + temple, if you will have pity upon the town, with the wives and little + ones of the Trojans.” Thus she prayed, but Pallas Minerva granted not her + prayer. + </p> + <p> + While they were thus praying to the daughter of great Jove, Hector went to + the fair house of Alexandrus, which he had built for him by the foremost + builders in the land. They had built him his house, storehouse, and + courtyard near those of Priam and Hector on the acropolis. Here Hector + entered, with a spear eleven cubits long in his hand; the bronze point + gleamed in front of him, and was fastened to the shaft of the spear by a + ring of gold. He found Alexandrus within the house, busied about his + armour, his shield and cuirass, and handling his curved bow; there, too, + sat Argive Helen with her women, setting them their several tasks; and as + Hector saw him he rebuked him with words of scorn. “Sir,” said he, “you do + ill to nurse this rancour; the people perish fighting round this our town; + you would yourself chide one whom you saw shirking his part in the combat. + Up then, or ere long the city will be in a blaze.” + </p> + <p> + And Alexandrus answered, “Hector, your rebuke is just; listen therefore, + and believe me when I tell you that I am not here so much through rancour + or ill-will towards the Trojans, as from a desire to indulge my grief. My + wife was even now gently urging me to battle, and I hold it better that I + should go, for victory is ever fickle. Wait, then, while I put on my + armour, or go first and I will follow. I shall be sure to overtake you.” + </p> + <p> + Hector made no answer, but Helen tried to soothe him. “Brother,” said she, + “to my abhorred and sinful self, would that a whirlwind had caught me up + on the day my mother brought me forth, and had borne me to some mountain + or to the waves of the roaring sea that should have swept me away ere this + mischief had come about. But, since the gods have devised these evils, + would, at any rate, that I had been wife to a better man—to one who + could smart under dishonour and men’s evil speeches. This fellow was never + yet to be depended upon, nor never will be, and he will surely reap what + he has sown. Still, brother, come in and rest upon this seat, for it is + you who bear the brunt of that toil that has been caused by my hateful + self and by the sin of Alexandrus—both of whom Jove has doomed to be + a theme of song among those that shall be born hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + And Hector answered, “Bid me not be seated, Helen, for all the goodwill + you bear me. I cannot stay. I am in haste to help the Trojans, who miss me + greatly when I am not among them; but urge your husband, and of his own + self also let him make haste to overtake me before I am out of the city. I + must go home to see my household, my wife and my little son, for I know + not whether I shall ever again return to them, or whether the gods will + cause me to fall by the hands of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Then Hector left her, and forthwith was at his own house. He did not find + Andromache, for she was on the wall with her child and one of her maids, + weeping bitterly. Seeing, then, that she was not within, he stood on the + threshold of the women’s rooms and said, “Women, tell me, and tell me + true, where did Andromache go when she left the house? Was it to my + sisters, or to my brothers’ wives? or is she at the temple of Minerva + where the other women are propitiating the awful goddess?” + </p> + <p> + His good housekeeper answered, “Hector, since you bid me tell you truly, + she did not go to your sisters nor to your brothers’ wives, nor yet to the + temple of Minerva, where the other women are propitiating the awful + goddess, but she is on the high wall of Ilius, for she had heard the + Trojans were being hard pressed, and that the Achaeans were in great + force: she went to the wall in frenzied haste, and the nurse went with her + carrying the child.” + </p> + <p> + Hector hurried from the house when she had done speaking, and went down + the streets by the same way that he had come. When he had gone through the + city and had reached the Scaean gates through which he would go out on to + the plain, his wife came running towards him, Andromache, daughter of + great Eetion who ruled in Thebe under the wooded slopes of Mt. Placus, and + was king of the Cilicians. His daughter had married Hector, and now came + to meet him with a nurse who carried his little child in her bosom—a + mere babe. Hector’s darling son, and lovely as a star. Hector had named + him Scamandrius, but the people called him Astyanax, for his father stood + alone as chief guardian of Ilius. Hector smiled as he looked upon the boy, + but he did not speak, and Andromache stood by him weeping and taking his + hand in her own. “Dear husband,” said she, “your valour will bring you to + destruction; think on your infant son, and on my hapless self who ere long + shall be your widow—for the Achaeans will set upon you in a body and + kill you. It would be better for me, should I lose you, to lie dead and + buried, for I shall have nothing left to comfort me when you are gone, + save only sorrow. I have neither father nor mother now. Achilles slew my + father when he sacked Thebe the goodly city of the Cilicians. He slew him, + but did not for very shame despoil him; when he had burned him in his + wondrous armour, he raised a barrow over his ashes and the mountain + nymphs, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, planted a grove of elms about his + tomb. I had seven brothers in my father’s house, but on the same day they + all went within the house of Hades. Achilles killed them as they were with + their sheep and cattle. My mother—her who had been queen of all the + land under Mt. Placus—he brought hither with the spoil, and freed + her for a great sum, but the archer-queen Diana took her in the house of + your father. Nay—Hector—you who to me are father, mother, + brother, and dear husband—have mercy upon me; stay here upon this + wall; make not your child fatherless, and your wife a widow; as for the + host, place them near the fig-tree, where the city can be best scaled, and + the wall is weakest. Thrice have the bravest of them come thither and + assailed it, under the two Ajaxes, Idomeneus, the sons of Atreus, and the + brave son of Tydeus, either of their own bidding, or because some + soothsayer had told them.” + </p> + <p> + And Hector answered, “Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with + what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked + battle like a coward? I cannot do so: I know nothing save to fight bravely + in the forefront of the Trojan host and win renown alike for my father and + myself. Well do I know that the day will surely come when mighty Ilius + shall be destroyed with Priam and Priam’s people, but I grieve for none of + these—not even for Hecuba, nor King Priam, nor for my brothers many + and brave who may fall in the dust before their foes—for none of + these do I grieve as for yourself when the day shall come on which some + one of the Achaeans shall rob you for ever of your freedom, and bear you + weeping away. It may be that you will have to ply the loom in Argos at the + bidding of a mistress, or to fetch water from the springs Messeis or + Hypereia, treated brutally by some cruel task-master; then will one say + who sees you weeping, ‘She was wife to Hector, the bravest warrior among + the Trojans during the war before Ilius.’ On this your tears will break + forth anew for him who would have put away the day of captivity from you. + May I lie dead under the barrow that is heaped over my body ere I hear + your cry as they carry you into bondage.” + </p> + <p> + He stretched his arms towards his child, but the boy cried and nestled in + his nurse’s bosom, scared at the sight of his father’s armour, and at the + horse-hair plume that nodded fiercely from his helmet. His father and + mother laughed to see him, but Hector took the helmet from his head and + laid it all gleaming upon the ground. Then he took his darling child, + kissed him, and dandled him in his arms, praying over him the while to + Jove and to all the gods. “Jove,” he cried, “grant that this my child may + be even as myself, chief among the Trojans; let him be not less excellent + in strength, and let him rule Ilius with his might. Then may one say of + him as he comes from battle, ‘The son is far better than the father.’ May + he bring back the blood-stained spoils of him whom he has laid low, and + let his mother’s heart be glad.” + </p> + <p> + With this he laid the child again in the arms of his wife, who took him to + her own soft bosom, smiling through her tears. As her husband watched her + his heart yearned towards her and he caressed her fondly, saying, “My own + wife, do not take these things too bitterly to heart. No one can hurry me + down to Hades before my time, but if a man’s hour is come, be he brave or + be he coward, there is no escape for him when he has once been born. Go, + then, within the house, and busy yourself with your daily duties, your + loom, your distaff, and the ordering of your servants; for war is man’s + matter, and mine above all others of them that have been born in Ilius.” + </p> + <p> + He took his plumed helmet from the ground, and his wife went back again to + her house, weeping bitterly and often looking back towards him. When she + reached her home she found her maidens within, and bade them all join in + her lament; so they mourned Hector in his own house though he was yet + alive, for they deemed that they should never see him return safe from + battle, and from the furious hands of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Paris did not remain long in his house. He donned his goodly armour + overlaid with bronze, and hasted through the city as fast as his feet + could take him. As a horse, stabled and fed, breaks loose and gallops + gloriously over the plain to the place where he is wont to bathe in the + fair-flowing river—he holds his head high, and his mane streams upon + his shoulders as he exults in his strength and flies like the wind to the + haunts and feeding ground of the mares—even so went forth Paris from + high Pergamus, gleaming like sunlight in his armour, and he laughed aloud + as he sped swiftly on his way. Forthwith he came upon his brother Hector, + who was then turning away from the place where he had held converse with + his wife, and he was himself the first to speak. “Sir,” said he, “I fear + that I have kept you waiting when you are in haste, and have not come as + quickly as you bade me.” + </p> + <p> + “My good brother,” answered Hector, “you fight bravely, and no man with + any justice can make light of your doings in battle. But you are careless + and wilfully remiss. It grieves me to the heart to hear the ill that the + Trojans speak about you, for they have suffered much on your account. Let + us be going, and we will make things right hereafter, should Jove + vouchsafe us to set the cup of our deliverance before ever-living gods of + heaven in our own homes, when we have chased the Achaeans from Troy.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Hector and Ajax fight—Hector is getting worsted when night comes on + and parts them—They exchange presents—The burial of the dead, + and the building of a wall round their ships by the Achaeans—The + Achaeans buy their wine of Agamemnon and Menelaus. + </p> + <p> + With these words Hector passed through the gates, and his brother + Alexandrus with him, both eager for the fray. As when heaven sends a + breeze to sailors who have long looked for one in vain, and have laboured + at their oars till they are faint with toil, even so welcome was the sight + of these two heroes to the Trojans. + </p> + <p> + Thereon Alexandrus killed Menesthius the son of Areithous; he lived in + Arne, and was son of Areithous the Mace-man, and of Phylomedusa. Hector + threw a spear at Eioneus and struck him dead with a wound in the neck + under the bronze rim of his helmet. Glaucus, moreover, son of Hippolochus, + captain of the Lycians, in hard hand-to-hand fight smote Iphinous son of + Dexius on the shoulder, as he was springing on to his chariot behind his + fleet mares; so he fell to earth from the car, and there was no life left + in him. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, Minerva saw these men making havoc of the Argives, she + darted down to Ilius from the summits of Olympus, and Apollo, who was + looking on from Pergamus, went out to meet her; for he wanted the Trojans + to be victorious. The pair met by the oak tree, and King Apollo son of + Jove was first to speak. “What would you have,” said he, “daughter of + great Jove, that your proud spirit has sent you hither from Olympus? Have + you no pity upon the Trojans, and would you incline the scales of victory + in favour of the Danaans? Let me persuade you—for it will be better + thus—stay the combat for to-day, but let them renew the fight + hereafter till they compass the doom of Ilius, since you goddesses have + made up your minds to destroy the city.” + </p> + <p> + And Minerva answered, “So be it, Far-Darter; it was in this mind that I + came down from Olympus to the Trojans and Achaeans. Tell me, then, how do + you propose to end this present fighting?” + </p> + <p> + Apollo, son of Jove, replied, “Let us incite great Hector to challenge + some one of the Danaans in single combat; on this the Achaeans will be + shamed into finding a man who will fight him.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva assented, and Helenus son of Priam divined the counsel of the + gods; he therefore went up to Hector and said, “Hector son of Priam, peer + of gods in counsel, I am your brother, let me then persuade you. Bid the + other Trojans and Achaeans all of them take their seats, and challenge the + best man among the Achaeans to meet you in single combat. I have heard the + voice of the ever-living gods, and the hour of your doom is not yet come.” + </p> + <p> + Hector was glad when he heard this saying, and went in among the Trojans, + grasping his spear by the middle to hold them back, and they all sat down. + Agamemnon also bade the Achaeans be seated. But Minerva and Apollo, in the + likeness of vultures, perched on father Jove’s high oak tree, proud of + their men; and the ranks sat close ranged together, bristling with shield + and helmet and spear. As when the rising west wind furs the face of the + sea and the waters grow dark beneath it, so sat the companies of Trojans + and Achaeans upon the plain. And Hector spoke thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Hear me, Trojans and Achaeans, that I may speak even as I am minded; Jove + on his high throne has brought our oaths and covenants to nothing, and + foreshadows ill for both of us, till you either take the towers of Troy, + or are yourselves vanquished at your ships. The princes of the Achaeans + are here present in the midst of you; let him, then, that will fight me + stand forward as your champion against Hector. Thus I say, and may Jove be + witness between us. If your champion slay me, let him strip me of my + armour and take it to your ships, but let him send my body home that the + Trojans and their wives may give me my dues of fire when I am dead. In + like manner, if Apollo vouchsafe me glory and I slay your champion, I will + strip him of his armour and take it to the city of Ilius, where I will + hang it in the temple of Apollo, but I will give up his body, that the + Achaeans may bury him at their ships,and then build him a mound by the + wide waters of the Hellespont. Then will one say hereafter as he sails his + ship over the sea, ‘This is the monument of one who died long since a + champion who was slain by mighty Hector.’ Thus will one say, and my fame + shall not be lost.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, but they all held their peace, ashamed to decline the + challenge, yet fearing to accept it, till at last Menelaus rose and + rebuked them, for he was angry. “Alas,” he cried, “vain braggarts, women + forsooth not men, double-dyed indeed will be the stain upon us if no man + of the Danaans will now face Hector. May you be turned every man of you + into earth and water as you sit spiritless and inglorious in your places. + I will myself go out against this man, but the upshot of the fight will be + from on high in the hands of the immortal gods.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put on his armour; and then, O Menelaus, your life + would have come to an end at the hands of hands of Hector, for he was far + better the man, had not the princes of the Achaeans sprung upon you and + checked you. King Agamemnon caught him by the right hand and said, + “Menelaus, you are mad; a truce to this folly. Be patient in spite of + passion, do not think of fighting a man so much stronger than yourself as + Hector son of Priam, who is feared by many another as well as you. Even + Achilles, who is far more doughty than you are, shrank from meeting him in + battle. Sit down your own people, and the Achaeans will send some other + champion to fight Hector; fearless and fond of battle though he be, I ween + his knees will bend gladly under him if he comes out alive from the + hurly-burly of this fight.” + </p> + <p> + With these words of reasonable counsel he persuaded his brother, whereon + his squires gladly stripped the armour from off his shoulders. Then Nestor + rose and spoke, “Of a truth,” said he, “the Achaean land is fallen upon + evil times. The old knight Peleus, counsellor and orator among the + Myrmidons, loved when I was in his house to question me concerning the + race and lineage of all the Argives. How would it not grieve him could he + hear of them as now quailing before Hector? Many a time would he lift his + hands in prayer that his soul might leave his body and go down within the + house of Hades. Would, by father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I were + still young and strong as when the Pylians and Arcadians were gathered in + fight by the rapid river Celadon under the walls of Pheia, and round about + the waters of the river Iardanus. The godlike hero Ereuthalion stood + forward as their champion, with the armour of King Areithous upon his + shoulders—Areithous whom men and women had surnamed ‘the Mace-man,’ + because he fought neither with bow nor spear, but broke the battalions of + the foe with his iron mace. Lycurgus killed him, not in fair fight, but by + entrapping him in a narrow way where his mace served him in no stead; for + Lycurgus was too quick for him and speared him through the middle, so he + fell to earth on his back. Lycurgus then spoiled him of the armour which + Mars had given him, and bore it in battle thenceforward; but when he grew + old and stayed at home, he gave it to his faithful squire Ereuthalion, who + in this same armour challenged the foremost men among us. The others + quaked and quailed, but my high spirit bade me fight him though none other + would venture; I was the youngest man of them all; but when I fought him + Minerva vouchsafed me victory. He was the biggest and strongest man that + ever I killed, and covered much ground as he lay sprawling upon the earth. + Would that I were still young and strong as I then was, for the son of + Priam would then soon find one who would face him. But you, foremost among + the whole host though you be, have none of you any stomach for fighting + Hector.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did the old man rebuke them, and forthwith nine men started to their + feet. Foremost of all uprose King Agamemnon, and after him brave Diomed + the son of Tydeus. Next were the two Ajaxes, men clothed in valour as with + a garment, and then Idomeneus, and Meriones his brother in arms. After + these Eurypylus son of Euaemon, Thoas the son of Andraemon, and Ulysses + also rose. Then Nestor knight of Gerene again spoke, saying: “Cast lots + among you to see who shall be chosen. If he come alive out of this fight + he will have done good service alike to his own soul and to the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and when each of them had marked his lot, and had thrown it + into the helmet of Agamemnon son of Atreus, the people lifted their hands + in prayer, and thus would one of them say as he looked into the vault of + heaven, “Father Jove, grant that the lot fall on Ajax, or on the son of + Tydeus, or upon the king of rich Mycene himself.” + </p> + <p> + As they were speaking, Nestor knight of Gerene shook the helmet, and from + it there fell the very lot which they wanted—the lot of Ajax. The + herald bore it about and showed it to all the chieftains of the Achaeans, + going from left to right; but they none of them owned it. When, however, + in due course he reached the man who had written upon it and had put it + into the helmet, brave Ajax held out his hand, and the herald gave him the + lot. When Ajax saw his mark he knew it and was glad; he threw it to the + ground and said, “My friends, the lot is mine, and I rejoice, for I shall + vanquish Hector. I will put on my armour; meanwhile, pray to King Jove in + silence among yourselves that the Trojans may not hear you—or aloud + if you will, for we fear no man. None shall overcome me, neither by force + nor cunning, for I was born and bred in Salamis, and can hold my own in + all things.” + </p> + <p> + With this they fell praying to King Jove the son of Saturn, and thus would + one of them say as he looked into the vault of heaven, “Father Jove that + rulest from Ida, most glorious in power, vouchsafe victory to Ajax, and + let him win great glory: but if you wish well to Hector also and would + protect him, grant to each of them equal fame and prowess.” + </p> + <p> + Thus they prayed, and Ajax armed himself in his suit of gleaming bronze. + When he was in full array he sprang forward as monstrous Mars when he + takes part among men whom Jove has set fighting with one another—even + so did huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans, spring forward with a grim + smile on his face as he brandished his long spear and strode onward. The + Argives were elated as they beheld him, but the Trojans trembled in every + limb, and the heart even of Hector beat quickly, but he could not now + retreat and withdraw into the ranks behind him, for he had been the + challenger. Ajax came up bearing his shield in front of him like a wall—a + shield of bronze with seven folds of ox-hide—the work of Tychius, who + lived in Hyle and was by far the best worker in leather. He had made it + with the hides of seven full-fed bulls, and over these he had set an + eighth layer of bronze. Holding this shield before him, Ajax son of + Telamon came close up to Hector, and menaced him saying, “Hector, you + shall now learn, man to man, what kind of champions the Danaans have among + them even besides lion-hearted Achilles cleaver of the ranks of men. He + now abides at the ships in anger with Agamemnon shepherd of his people, + but there are many of us who are well able to face you; therefore begin + the fight.” + </p> + <p> + And Hector answered, “Noble Ajax, son of Telamon, captain of the host, + treat me not as though I were some puny boy or woman that cannot fight. I + have been long used to the blood and butcheries of battle. I am quick to + turn my leathern shield either to right or left, for this I deem the main + thing in battle. I can charge among the chariots and horsemen, and in hand + to hand fighting can delight the heart of Mars; howbeit I would not take + such a man as you are off his guard—but I will smite you openly if I + can.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it from him. It struck the + sevenfold shield in its outermost layer—the eighth, which was of + bronze—and went through six of the layers but in the seventh hide it + stayed. Then Ajax threw in his turn, and struck the round shield of the + son of Priam. The terrible spear went through his gleaming shield, and + pressed onward through his cuirass of cunning workmanship; it pierced the + shirt against his side, but he swerved and thus saved his life. They then + each of them drew out the spear from his shield, and fell on one another + like savage lions or wild boars of great strength and endurance: the son + of Priam struck the middle of Ajax’s shield, but the bronze did not break, + and the point of his dart was turned. Ajax then sprang forward and pierced + the shield of Hector; the spear went through it and staggered him as he + was springing forward to attack; it gashed his neck and the blood came + pouring from the wound, but even so Hector did not cease fighting; he gave + ground, and with his brawny hand seized a stone, rugged and huge, that was + lying upon the plain; with this he struck the shield of Ajax on the boss + that was in its middle, so that the bronze rang again. But Ajax in turn + caught up a far larger stone, swung it aloft, and hurled it with + prodigious force. This millstone of a rock broke Hector’s shield inwards + and threw him down on his back with the shield crushing him under it, but + Apollo raised him at once. Thereon they would have hacked at one another + in close combat with their swords, had not heralds, messengers of gods and + men, come forward, one from the Trojans and the other from the Achaeans—Talthybius + and Idaeus both of them honourable men; these parted them with their + staves, and the good herald Idaeus said, “My sons, fight no longer, you + are both of you valiant, and both are dear to Jove; we know this; but + night is now falling, and the behests of night may not be well gainsaid.” + </p> + <p> + Ajax son of Telamon answered, “Idaeus, bid Hector say so, for it was he + that challenged our princes. Let him speak first and I will accept his + saying.” + </p> + <p> + Then Hector said, “Ajax, heaven has vouchsafed you stature and strength, + and judgement; and in wielding the spear you excel all others of the + Achaeans. Let us for this day cease fighting; hereafter we will fight anew + till heaven decide between us, and give victory to one or to the other; + night is now falling, and the behests of night may not be well gainsaid. + Gladden, then, the hearts of the Achaeans at your ships, and more + especially those of your own followers and clansmen, while I, in the great + city of King Priam, bring comfort to the Trojans and their women, who vie + with one another in their prayers on my behalf. Let us, moreover, exchange + presents that it may be said among the Achaeans and Trojans, ‘They fought + with might and main, but were reconciled and parted in friendship.’” + </p> + <p> + On this he gave Ajax a silver-studded sword with its sheath and leathern + baldric, and in return Ajax gave him a girdle dyed with purple. Thus they + parted, the one going to the host of the Achaeans, and the other to that + of the Trojans, who rejoiced when they saw their hero come to them safe + and unharmed from the strong hands of mighty Ajax. They led him, + therefore, to the city as one that had been saved beyond their hopes. On + the other side the Achaeans brought Ajax elated with victory to Agamemnon. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the quarters of the son of Atreus, Agamemnon sacrificed + for them a five-year-old bull in honour of Jove the son of Saturn. They + flayed the carcass, made it ready, and divided it into joints; these they + cut carefully up into smaller pieces, putting them on the spits, roasting + them sufficiently, and then drawing them off. When they had done all this + and had prepared the feast, they ate it, and every man had his full and + equal share, so that all were satisfied, and King Agamemnon gave Ajax some + slices cut lengthways down the loin, as a mark of special honour. As soon + as they had had enough to eat and drink, old Nestor whose counsel was ever + truest began to speak; with all sincerity and goodwill, therefore, he + addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Son of Atreus, and other chieftains, inasmuch as many of the Achaeans are + now dead, whose blood Mars has shed by the banks of the Scamander, and + their souls have gone down to the house of Hades, it will be well when + morning comes that we should cease fighting; we will then wheel our dead + together with oxen and mules and burn them not far from the ships, that + when we sail hence we may take the bones of our comrades home to their + children. Hard by the funeral pyre we will build a barrow that shall be + raised from the plain for all in common; near this let us set about + building a high wall, to shelter ourselves and our ships, and let it have + well-made gates that there may be a way through them for our chariots. + Close outside we will dig a deep trench all round it to keep off both + horse and foot, that the Trojan chieftains may not bear hard upon us.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and the princes shouted in applause. Meanwhile the Trojans + held a council, angry and full of discord, on the acropolis by the gates + of King Priam’s palace; and wise Antenor spoke. “Hear me,” he said, + “Trojans, Dardanians, and allies, that I may speak even as I am minded. + Let us give up Argive Helen and her wealth to the sons of Atreus, for we + are now fighting in violation of our solemn covenants, and shall not + prosper till we have done as I say.” + </p> + <p> + He then sat down and Alexandrus husband of lovely Helen rose to speak. + “Antenor,” said he, “your words are not to my liking; you can find a + better saying than this if you will; if, however, you have spoken in good + earnest, then indeed has heaven robbed you of your reason. I will speak + plainly, and hereby notify to the Trojans that I will not give up the + woman; but the wealth that I brought home with her from Argos I will + restore, and will add yet further of my own.” + </p> + <p> + On this, when Paris had spoken and taken his seat, Priam of the race of + Dardanus, peer of gods in council, rose and with all sincerity and + goodwill addressed them thus: “Hear me, Trojans, Dardanians, and allies, + that I may speak even as I am minded. Get your suppers now as hitherto + throughout the city, but keep your watches and be wakeful. At daybreak let + Idaeus go to the ships, and tell Agamemnon and Menelaus sons of Atreus the + saying of Alexandrus through whom this quarrel has come about; and let him + also be instant with them that they now cease fighting till we burn our + dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till heaven decide between us and give + victory to one or to the other.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. They took supper in + their companies and at daybreak Idaeus went his way to the ships. He found + the Danaans, servants of Mars, in council at the stern of Agamemnon’s + ship, and took his place in the midst of them. “Son of Atreus,” he said, + “and princes of the Achaean host, Priam and the other noble Trojans have + sent me to tell you the saying of Alexandrus through whom this quarrel has + come about, if so be that you may find it acceptable. All the treasure he + took with him in his ships to Troy—would that he had sooner perished—he + will restore, and will add yet further of his own, but he will not give up + the wedded wife of Menelaus, though the Trojans would have him do so. + Priam bade me inquire further if you will cease fighting till we burn our + dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till heaven decide between us and give + victory to one or to the other.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace, but presently Diomed of the loud war-cry spoke, + saying, “Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even + a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand.” + </p> + <p> + The sons of the Achaeans shouted applause at the words that Diomed had + spoken, and thereon King Agamemnon said to Idaeus, “Idaeus, you have heard + the answer the Achaeans make you and I with them. But as concerning the + dead, I give you leave to burn them, for when men are once dead there + should be no grudging them the rites of fire. Let Jove the mighty husband + of Juno be witness to this covenant.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he upheld his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and Idaeus + went back to the strong city of Ilius. The Trojans and Dardanians were + gathered in council waiting his return; when he came, he stood in their + midst and delivered his message. As soon as they heard it they set about + their twofold labour, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in + wood. The Argives on their part also hastened from their ships, some to + gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood. + </p> + <p> + The sun was beginning to beat upon the fields, fresh risen into the vault + of heaven from the slow still currents of deep Oceanus, when the two + armies met. They could hardly recognise their dead, but they washed the + clotted gore from off them, shed tears over them, and lifted them upon + their waggons. Priam had forbidden the Trojans to wail aloud, so they + heaped their dead sadly and silently upon the pyre, and having burned them + went back to the city of Ilius. The Achaeans in like manner heaped their + dead sadly and silently on the pyre, and having burned them went back to + their ships. + </p> + <p> + Now in the twilight when it was not yet dawn, chosen bands of the Achaeans + were gathered round the pyre and built one barrow that was raised in + common for all, and hard by this they built a high wall to shelter + themselves and their ships; they gave it strong gates that there might be + a way through them for their chariots, and close outside it they dug a + trench deep and wide, and they planted it within with stakes. + </p> + <p> + Thus did the Achaeans toil, and the gods, seated by the side of Jove the + lord of lightning, marvelled at their great work; but Neptune, lord of the + earthquake, spoke, saying, “Father Jove, what mortal in the whole world + will again take the gods into his counsel? See you not how the Achaeans + have built a wall about their ships and driven a trench all round it, + without offering hecatombs to the gods? The fame of this wall will reach + as far as dawn itself, and men will no longer think anything of the one + which Phoebus Apollo and myself built with so much labour for Laomedon.” + </p> + <p> + Jove was displeased and answered, “What, O shaker of the earth, are you + talking about? A god less powerful than yourself might be alarmed at what + they are doing, but your fame reaches as far as dawn itself. Surely when + the Achaeans have gone home with their ships, you can shatter their wall + and fling it into the sea; you can cover the beach with sand again, and + the great wall of the Achaeans will then be utterly effaced.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse, and by sunset the work of the Achaeans was + completed; they then slaughtered oxen at their tents and got their supper. + Many ships had come with wine from Lemnos, sent by Eueneus the son of + Jason, born to him by Hypsipyle. The son of Jason freighted them with ten + thousand measures of wine, which he sent specially to the sons of Atreus, + Agamemnon and Menelaus. From this supply the Achaeans bought their wine, + some with bronze, some with iron, some with hides, some with whole + heifers, and some again with captives. They spread a goodly banquet and + feasted the whole night through, as also did the Trojans and their allies + in the city. But all the time Jove boded them ill and roared with his + portentous thunder. Pale fear got hold upon them, and they spilled the + wine from their cups on to the ground, nor did any dare drink till he had + made offerings to the most mighty son of Saturn. Then they laid themselves + down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Jove forbids the gods to interfere further—There is an even fight + till midday, but then Jove inclines the scales of victory in favour of the + Trojans, who eventually chase the Achaeans within their wall—Juno + and Minerva set out to help the Trojans: Jove sends Iris to turn them + back, but later on he promises Juno that she shall have her way in the end—Hector’s + triumph is stayed by nightfall—The Trojans bivouac on the plain. + </p> + <p> + Now when Morning, clad in her robe of saffron, had begun to suffuse light + over the earth, Jove called the gods in council on the topmost crest of + serrated Olympus. Then he spoke and all the other gods gave ear. “Hear + me,” said he, “gods and goddesses, that I may speak even as I am minded. + Let none of you neither goddess nor god try to cross me, but obey me every + one of you that I may bring this matter to an end. If I see anyone acting + apart and helping either Trojans or Danaans, he shall be beaten + inordinately ere he come back again to Olympus; or I will hurl him down + into dark Tartarus far into the deepest pit under the earth, where the + gates are iron and the floor bronze, as far beneath Hades as heaven is + high above the earth, that you may learn how much the mightiest I am among + you. Try me and find out for yourselves. Hangs me a golden chain from + heaven, and lay hold of it all of you, gods and goddesses together—tug + as you will, you will not drag Jove the supreme counsellor from heaven to + earth; but were I to pull at it myself I should draw you up with earth and + sea into the bargain, then would I bind the chain about some pinnacle of + Olympus and leave you all dangling in the mid firmament. So far am I above + all others either of gods or men.” + </p> + <p> + They were frightened and all of them of held their peace, for he had + spoken masterfully; but at last Minerva answered, “Father, son of Saturn, + king of kings, we all know that your might is not to be gainsaid, but we + are also sorry for the Danaan warriors, who are perishing and coming to a + bad end. We will, however, since you so bid us, refrain from actual + fighting, but we will make serviceable suggestions to the Argives that + they may not all of them perish in your displeasure.” + </p> + <p> + Jove smiled at her and answered, “Take heart, my child, Trito-born; I am + not really in earnest, and I wish to be kind to you.” + </p> + <p> + With this he yoked his fleet horses, with hoofs of bronze and manes of + glittering gold. He girded himself also with gold about the body, seized + his gold whip and took his seat in his chariot. Thereon he lashed his + horses and they flew forward nothing loth midway twixt earth and starry + heaven. After a while he reached many-fountained Ida, mother of wild + beasts, and Gargarus, where are his grove and fragrant altar. There the + father of gods and men stayed his horses, took them from the chariot, and + hid them in a thick cloud; then he took his seat all glorious upon the + topmost crests, looking down upon the city of Troy and the ships of the + Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + The Achaeans took their morning meal hastily at the ships, and afterwards + put on their armour. The Trojans on the other hand likewise armed + themselves throughout the city, fewer in numbers but nevertheless eager + perforce to do battle for their wives and children. All the gates were + flung wide open, and horse and foot sallied forth with the tramp as of a + great multitude. + </p> + <p> + When they were got together in one place, shield clashed with shield, and + spear with spear, in the conflict of mail-clad men. Mighty was the din as + the bossed shields pressed hard on one another—death—cry and + shout of triumph of slain and slayers, and the earth ran red with blood. + </p> + <p> + Now so long as the day waxed and it was still morning their weapons beat + against one another, and the people fell, but when the sun had reached + mid-heaven, the sire of all balanced his golden scales, and put two fates + of death within them, one for the Trojans and the other for the Achaeans. + He took the balance by the middle, and when he lifted it up the day of the + Achaeans sank; the death-fraught scale of the Achaeans settled down upon + the ground, while that of the Trojans rose heavenwards. Then he thundered + aloud from Ida, and sent the glare of his lightning upon the Achaeans; + when they saw this, pale fear fell upon them and they were sore afraid. + </p> + <p> + Idomeneus dared not stay nor yet Agamemnon, nor did the two Ajaxes, + servants of Mars, hold their ground. Nestor knight of Gerene alone stood + firm, bulwark of the Achaeans, not of his own will, but one of his horses + was disabled. Alexandrus husband of lovely Helen had hit it with an arrow + just on the top of its head where the mane begins to grow away from the + skull, a very deadly place. The horse bounded in his anguish as the arrow + pierced his brain, and his struggles threw others into confusion. The old + man instantly began cutting the traces with his sword, but Hector’s fleet + horses bore down upon him through the rout with their bold charioteer, + even Hector himself, and the old man would have perished there and then + had not Diomed been quick to mark, and with a loud cry called Ulysses to + help him. + </p> + <p> + “Ulysses,” he cried, “noble son of Laertes where are you flying to, with + your back turned like a coward? See that you are not struck with a spear + between the shoulders. Stay here and help me to defend Nestor from this + man’s furious onset.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses would not give ear, but sped onward to the ships of the Achaeans, + and the son of Tydeus flinging himself alone into the thick of the fight + took his stand before the horses of the son of Neleus. “Sir,” said he, + “these young warriors are pressing you hard, your force is spent, and age + is heavy upon you, your squire is naught, and your horses are slow to + move. Mount my chariot and see what the horses of Tros can do—how + cleverly they can scud hither and thither over the plain either in flight + or in pursuit. I took them from the hero Aeneas. Let our squires attend to + your own steeds, but let us drive mine straight at the Trojans, that + Hector may learn how furiously I too can wield my spear.” + </p> + <p> + Nestor knight of Gerene hearkened to his words. Thereon the doughty + squires, Sthenelus and kind-hearted Eurymedon, saw to Nestor’s horses, + while the two both mounted Diomed’s chariot. Nestor took the reins in his + hands and lashed the horses on; they were soon close up with Hector, and + the son of Tydeus aimed a spear at him as he was charging full speed + towards them. He missed him, but struck his charioteer and squire Eniopeus + son of noble Thebaeus in the breast by the nipple while the reins were in + his hands, so that he died there and then, and the horses swerved as he + fell headlong from the chariot. Hector was greatly grieved at the loss of + his charioteer, but let him lie for all his sorrow, while he went in quest + of another driver; nor did his steeds have to go long without one, for he + presently found brave Archeptolemus the son of Iphitus, and made him get + up behind the horses, giving the reins into his hand. + </p> + <p> + All had then been lost and no help for it, for they would have been penned + up in Ilius like sheep, had not the sire of gods and men been quick to + mark, and hurled a fiery flaming thunderbolt which fell just in front of + Diomed’s horses with a flare of burning brimstone. The horses were + frightened and tried to back beneath the car, while the reins dropped from + Nestor’s hands. Then he was afraid and said to Diomed, “Son of Tydeus, + turn your horses in flight; see you not that the hand of Jove is against + you? To-day he vouchsafes victory to Hector; to-morrow, if it so please + him, he will again grant it to ourselves; no man, however brave, may + thwart the purpose of Jove, for he is far stronger than any.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed answered, “All that you have said is true; there is a grief however + which pierces me to the very heart, for Hector will talk among the Trojans + and say, ‘The son of Tydeus fled before me to the ships.’ This is the + vaunt he will make, and may earth then swallow me.” + </p> + <p> + “Son of Tydeus,” replied Nestor, “what mean you? Though Hector say that + you are a coward the Trojans and Dardanians will not believe him, nor yet + the wives of the mighty warriors whom you have laid low.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he turned the horses back through the thick of the battle, and + with a cry that rent the air the Trojans and Hector rained their darts + after them. Hector shouted to him and said, “Son of Tydeus, the Danaans + have done you honour hitherto as regards your place at table, the meals + they give you, and the filling of your cup with wine. Henceforth they will + despise you, for you are become no better than a woman. Be off, girl and + coward that you are, you shall not scale our walls through any flinching + upon my part; neither shall you carry off our wives in your ships, for I + shall kill you with my own hand.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Tydeus was in two minds whether or no to turn his horses round + again and fight him. Thrice did he doubt, and thrice did Jove thunder from + the heights of Ida in token to the Trojans that he would turn the battle + in their favour. Hector then shouted to them and said, “Trojans, Lycians, + and Dardanians, lovers of close fighting, be men, my friends, and fight + with might and with main; I see that Jove is minded to vouchsafe victory + and great glory to myself, while he will deal destruction upon the + Danaans. Fools, for having thought of building this weak and worthless + wall. It shall not stay my fury; my horses will spring lightly over their + trench, and when I am at their ships forget not to bring me fire that I + may burn them, while I slaughter the Argives who will be all dazed and + bewildered by the smoke.” + </p> + <p> + Then he cried to his horses, “Xanthus and Podargus, and you Aethon and + goodly Lampus, pay me for your keep now and for all the honey-sweet corn + with which Andromache daughter of great Eetion has fed you, and for she + has mixed wine and water for you to drink whenever you would, before doing + so even for me who am her own husband. Haste in pursuit, that we may take + the shield of Nestor, the fame of which ascends to heaven, for it is of + solid gold, arm-rods and all, and that we may strip from the shoulders of + Diomed the cuirass which Vulcan made him. Could we take these two things, + the Achaeans would set sail in their ships this self-same night.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he vaunt, but Queen Juno made high Olympus quake as she shook + with rage upon her throne. Then said she to the mighty god of Neptune, + “What now, wide ruling lord of the earthquake? Can you find no compassion + in your heart for the dying Danaans, who bring you many a welcome offering + to Helice and to Aegae? Wish them well then. If all of us who are with the + Danaans were to drive the Trojans back and keep Jove from helping them, he + would have to sit there sulking alone on Ida.” + </p> + <p> + King Neptune was greatly troubled and answered, “Juno, rash of tongue, + what are you talking about? We other gods must not set ourselves against + Jove, for he is far stronger than we are.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse; but the whole space enclosed by the ditch, from + the ships even to the wall, was filled with horses and warriors, who were + pent up there by Hector son of Priam, now that the hand of Jove was with + him. He would even have set fire to the ships and burned them, had not + Queen Juno put it into the mind of Agamemnon, to bestir himself and to + encourage the Achaeans. To this end he went round the ships and tents + carrying a great purple cloak, and took his stand by the huge black hull + of Ulysses’ ship, which was middlemost of all; it was from this place that + his voice would carry farthest, on the one hand towards the tents of Ajax + son of Telamon, and on the other towards those of Achilles—for these + two heroes, well assured of their own strength, had valorously drawn up + their ships at the two ends of the line. From this spot then, with a voice + that could be heard afar, he shouted to the Danaans, saying, “Argives, + shame on you cowardly creatures, brave in semblance only; where are now + our vaunts that we should prove victorious—the vaunts we made so + vaingloriously in Lemnos, when we ate the flesh of horned cattle and + filled our mixing-bowls to the brim? You vowed that you would each of you + stand against a hundred or two hundred men, and now you prove no match + even for one—for Hector, who will be ere long setting our ships in a + blaze. Father Jove, did you ever so ruin a great king and rob him so + utterly of his greatness? Yet, when to my sorrow I was coming hither, I + never let my ship pass your altars without offering the fat and + thigh-bones of heifers upon every one of them, so eager was I to sack the + city of Troy. Vouchsafe me then this prayer—suffer us to escape at + any rate with our lives, and let not the Achaeans be so utterly vanquished + by the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pray, and father Jove pitying his tears vouchsafed him that + his people should live, not die; forthwith he sent them an eagle, most + unfailingly portentous of all birds, with a young fawn in its talons; the + eagle dropped the fawn by the altar on which the Achaeans sacrificed to + Jove the lord of omens; when, therefore, the people saw that the bird had + come from Jove, they sprang more fiercely upon the Trojans and fought more + boldly. + </p> + <p> + There was no man of all the many Danaans who could then boast that he had + driven his horses over the trench and gone forth to fight sooner than the + son of Tydeus; long before any one else could do so he slew an armed + warrior of the Trojans, Agelaus the son of Phradmon. He had turned his + horses in flight, but the spear struck him in the back midway between his + shoulders and went right through his chest, and his armour rang rattling + round him as he fell forward from his chariot. + </p> + <p> + After him came Agamemnon and Menelaus, sons of Atreus, the two Ajaxes + clothed in valour as with a garment, Idomeneus and his companion in arms + Meriones, peer of murderous Mars, and Eurypylus the brave son of Euaemon. + Ninth came Teucer with his bow, and took his place under cover of the + shield of Ajax son of Telamon. When Ajax lifted his shield Teucer would + peer round, and when he had hit any one in the throng, the man would fall + dead; then Teucer would hie back to Ajax as a child to its mother, and + again duck down under his shield. + </p> + <p> + Which of the Trojans did brave Teucer first kill? Orsilochus, and then + Ormenus and Ophelestes, Daetor, Chromius, and godlike Lycophontes, Amopaon + son of Polyaemon, and Melanippus. All these in turn did he lay low upon + the earth, and King Agamemnon was glad when he saw him making havoc of the + Trojans with his mighty bow. He went up to him and said, “Teucer, man + after my own heart, son of Telamon, captain among the host, shoot on, and + be at once the saving of the Danaans and the glory of your father Telamon, + who brought you up and took care of you in his own house when you were a + child, bastard though you were. Cover him with glory though he is far off; + I will promise and I will assuredly perform; if aegis-bearing Jove and + Minerva grant me to sack the city of Ilius, you shall have the next best + meed of honour after my own—a tripod, or two horses with their + chariot, or a woman who shall go up into your bed.” + </p> + <p> + And Teucer answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, you need not urge me; from + the moment we began to drive them back to Ilius, I have never ceased so + far as in me lies to look out for men whom I can shoot and kill; I have + shot eight barbed shafts, and all of them have been buried in the flesh of + warlike youths, but this mad dog I cannot hit.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he aimed another arrow straight at Hector, for he was bent on + hitting him; nevertheless he missed him, and the arrow hit Priam’s brave + son Gorgythion in the breast. His mother, fair Castianeira, lovely as a + goddess, had been married from Aesyme, and now he bowed his head as a + garden poppy in full bloom when it is weighed down by showers in spring—even + thus heavy bowed his head beneath the weight of his helmet. + </p> + <p> + Again he aimed at Hector, for he was longing to hit him, and again his + arrow missed, for Apollo turned it aside; but he hit Hector’s brave + charioteer Archeptolemus in the breast, by the nipple, as he was driving + furiously into the fight. The horses swerved aside as he fell headlong + from the chariot, and there was no life left in him. Hector was greatly + grieved at the loss of his charioteer, but for all his sorrow he let him + lie where he fell, and bade his brother Cebriones, who was hard by, take + the reins. Cebriones did as he had said. Hector thereon with a loud cry + sprang from his chariot to the ground, and seizing a great stone made + straight for Teucer with intent to kill him. Teucer had just taken an + arrow from his quiver and had laid it upon the bowstring, but Hector + struck him with the jagged stone as he was taking aim and drawing the + string to his shoulder; he hit him just where the collar-bone divides the + neck from the chest, a very deadly place, and broke the sinew of his arm + so that his wrist was less, and the bow dropped from his hand as he fell + forward on his knees. Ajax saw that his brother had fallen, and running + towards him bestrode him and sheltered him with his shield. Meanwhile his + two trusty squires, Mecisteus son of Echius, and Alastor, came up and bore + him to the ships groaning in his great pain. + </p> + <p> + Jove now again put heart into the Trojans, and they drove the Achaeans to + their deep trench with Hector in all his glory at their head. As a hound + grips a wild boar or lion in flank or buttock when he gives him chase, and + watches warily for his wheeling, even so did Hector follow close upon the + Achaeans, ever killing the hindmost as they rushed panic-stricken onwards. + When they had fled through the set stakes and trench and many Achaeans had + been laid low at the hands of the Trojans, they halted at their ships, + calling upon one another and praying every man instantly as they lifted up + their hands to the gods; but Hector wheeled his horses this way and that, + his eyes glaring like those of Gorgo or murderous Mars. + </p> + <p> + Juno when she saw them had pity upon them, and at once said to Minerva, + “Alas, child of aegis-bearing Jove, shall you and I take no more thought + for the dying Danaans, though it be the last time we ever do so? See how + they perish and come to a bad end before the onset of but a single man. + Hector the son of Priam rages with intolerable fury, and has already done + great mischief.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva answered, “Would, indeed, this fellow might die in his own land, + and fall by the hands of the Achaeans; but my father Jove is mad with + spleen, ever foiling me, ever headstrong and unjust. He forgets how often + I saved his son when he was worn out by the labours Eurystheus had laid on + him. He would weep till his cry came up to heaven, and then Jove would + send me down to help him; if I had had the sense to foresee all this, when + Eurystheus sent him to the house of Hades, to fetch the hell-hound from + Erebus, he would never have come back alive out of the deep waters of the + river Styx. And now Jove hates me, while he lets Thetis have her way + because she kissed his knees and took hold of his beard, when she was + begging him to do honour to Achilles. I shall know what to do next time he + begins calling me his grey-eyed darling. Get our horses ready, while I go + within the house of aegis-bearing Jove and put on my armour; we shall then + find out whether Priam’s son Hector will be glad to meet us in the + highways of battle, or whether the Trojans will glut hounds and vultures + with the fat of their flesh as they be dead by the ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did she speak and white-armed Juno, daughter of great Saturn, obeyed + her words; she set about harnessing her gold-bedizened steeds, while + Minerva daughter of aegis-bearing Jove flung her richly vesture, made with + her own hands, on to the threshold of her father, and donned the shirt of + Jove, arming herself for battle. Then she stepped into her flaming + chariot, and grasped the spear so stout and sturdy and strong with which + she quells the ranks of heroes who have displeased her. Juno lashed her + horses, and the gates of heaven bellowed as they flew open of their own + accord—gates over which the Hours preside, in whose hands are heaven + and Olympus, either to open the dense cloud that hides them or to close + it. Through these the goddesses drove their obedient steeds. + </p> + <p> + But father Jove when he saw them from Ida was very angry, and sent winged + Iris with a message to them. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, turn them back, + and see that they do not come near me, for if we come to fighting there + will be mischief. This is what I say, and this is what I mean to do. I + will lame their horses for them; I will hurl them from their chariot, and + will break it in pieces. It will take them all ten years to heal the + wounds my lightning shall inflict upon them; my grey-eyed daughter will + then learn what quarrelling with her father means. I am less surprised and + angry with Juno, for whatever I say she always contradicts me.” + </p> + <p> + With this Iris went her way, fleet as the wind, from the heights of Ida to + the lofty summits of Olympus. She met the goddesses at the outer gates of + its many valleys and gave them her message. “What,” said she, “are you + about? Are you mad? The son of Saturn forbids going. This is what he says, + and this is what he means to do, he will lame your horses for you, he will + hurl you from your chariot, and will break it in pieces. It will take you + all ten years to heal the wounds his lightning will inflict upon you, that + you may learn, grey-eyed goddess, what quarrelling with your father means. + He is less hurt and angry with Juno, for whatever he says she always + contradicts him but you, bold hussy, will you really dare to raise your + huge spear in defiance of Jove?” + </p> + <p> + With this she left them, and Juno said to Minerva, “Of a truth, child of + aegis-bearing Jove, I am not for fighting men’s battles further in + defiance of Jove. Let them live or die as luck will have it, and let Jove + mete out his judgements upon the Trojans and Danaans according to his own + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + She turned her steeds; the Hours presently unyoked them, made them fast to + their ambrosial mangers, and leaned the chariot against the end wall of + the courtyard. The two goddesses then sat down upon their golden thrones, + amid the company of the other gods; but they were very angry. + </p> + <p> + Presently father Jove drove his chariot to Olympus, and entered the + assembly of gods. The mighty lord of the earthquake unyoked his horses for + him, set the car upon its stand, and threw a cloth over it. Jove then sat + down upon his golden throne and Olympus reeled beneath him. Minerva and + Juno sat alone, apart from Jove, and neither spoke nor asked him + questions, but Jove knew what they meant, and said, “Minerva and Juno, why + are you so angry? Are you fatigued with killing so many of your dear + friends the Trojans? Be this as it may, such is the might of my hands that + all the gods in Olympus cannot turn me; you were both of you trembling all + over ere ever you saw the fight and its terrible doings. I tell you + therefore-and it would have surely been—I should have struck you + with lightning, and your chariots would never have brought you back again + to Olympus.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva and Juno groaned in spirit as they sat side by side and brooded + mischief for the Trojans. Minerva sat silent without a word, for she was + in a furious passion and bitterly incensed against her father; but Juno + could not contain herself and said, “What, dread son of Saturn, are you + talking about? We know how great your power is, nevertheless we have + compassion upon the Danaan warriors who are perishing and coming to a bad + end. We will, however, since you so bid us, refrain from actual fighting, + but we will make serviceable suggestions to the Argives, that they may not + all of them perish in your displeasure.” + </p> + <p> + And Jove answered, “To-morrow morning, Juno, if you choose to do so, you + will see the son of Saturn destroying large numbers of the Argives, for + fierce Hector shall not cease fighting till he has roused the son of + Peleus when they are fighting in dire straits at their ships’ sterns about + the body of Patroclus. Like it or no, this is how it is decreed; for aught + I care, you may go to the lowest depths beneath earth and sea, where + Iapetus and Saturn dwell in lone Tartarus with neither ray of light nor + breath of wind to cheer them. You may go on and on till you get there, and + I shall not care one whit for your displeasure; you are the greatest vixen + living.” + </p> + <p> + Juno made him no answer. The sun’s glorious orb now sank into Oceanus and + drew down night over the land. Sorry indeed were the Trojans when light + failed them, but welcome and thrice prayed for did darkness fall upon the + Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Then Hector led the Trojans back from the ships, and held a council on the + open space near the river, where there was a spot clear of corpses. They + left their chariots and sat down on the ground to hear the speech he made + them. He grasped a spear eleven cubits long, the bronze point of which + gleamed in front of it, while the ring round the spear-head was of gold. + Spear in hand he spoke. “Hear me,” said he, “Trojans, Dardanians, and + allies. I deemed but now that I should destroy the ships and all the + Achaeans with them ere I went back to Ilius, but darkness came on too + soon. It was this alone that saved them and their ships upon the sea-shore. + Now, therefore, let us obey the behests of night, and prepare our suppers. + Take your horses out of their chariots and give them their feeds of corn; + then make speed to bring sheep and cattle from the city; bring wine also + and corn for your horses and gather much wood, that from dark till dawn we + may burn watchfires whose flare may reach to heaven. For the Achaeans may + try to fly beyond the sea by night, and they must not embark scatheless + and unmolested; many a man among them must take a dart with him to nurse + at home, hit with spear or arrow as he is leaping on board his ship, that + others may fear to bring war and weeping upon the Trojans. Moreover let + the heralds tell it about the city that the growing youths and + grey-bearded men are to camp upon its heaven-built walls. Let the women + each of them light a great fire in her house, and let watch be safely kept + lest the town be entered by surprise while the host is outside. See to it, + brave Trojans, as I have said, and let this suffice for the moment; at + daybreak I will instruct you further. I pray in hope to Jove and to the + gods that we may then drive those fate-sped hounds from our land, for ’tis + the fates that have borne them and their ships hither. This night, + therefore, let us keep watch, but with early morning let us put on our + armour and rouse fierce war at the ships of the Achaeans; I shall then + know whether brave Diomed the son of Tydeus will drive me back from the + ships to the wall, or whether I shall myself slay him and carry off his + blood-stained spoils. To-morrow let him show his mettle, abide my spear if + he dare. I ween that at break of day, he shall be among the first to fall + and many another of his comrades round him. Would that I were as sure of + being immortal and never growing old, and of being worshipped like Minerva + and Apollo, as I am that this day will bring evil to the Argives.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Hector and the Trojans shouted applause. They took their + sweating steeds from under the yoke, and made them fast each by his own + chariot. They made haste to bring sheep and cattle from the city, they + brought wine also and corn from their houses and gathered much wood. They + then offered unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, and the wind carried + the sweet savour of sacrifice to heaven—but the blessed gods partook + not thereof, for they bitterly hated Ilius with Priam and Priam’s people. + Thus high in hope they sat through the livelong night by the highways of + war, and many a watchfire did they kindle. As when the stars shine clear, + and the moon is bright—there is not a breath of air, not a peak nor + glade nor jutting headland but it stands out in the ineffable radiance + that breaks from the serene of heaven; the stars can all of them be told + and the heart of the shepherd is glad—even thus shone the watchfires + of the Trojans before Ilius midway between the ships and the river + Xanthus. A thousand camp-fires gleamed upon the plain, and in the glow of + each there sat fifty men, while the horses, champing oats and corn beside + their chariots, waited till dawn should come. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The Embassy to Achilles. + </p> + <p> + Thus did the Trojans watch. But Panic, comrade of blood-stained Rout, had + taken fast hold of the Achaeans, and their princes were all of them in + despair. As when the two winds that blow from Thrace—the north and + the northwest—spring up of a sudden and rouse the fury of the main—in + a moment the dark waves uprear their heads and scatter their sea-wrack in + all directions—even thus troubled were the hearts of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + The son of Atreus in dismay bade the heralds call the people to a council + man by man, but not to cry the matter aloud; he made haste also himself to + call them, and they sat sorry at heart in their assembly. Agamemnon shed + tears as it were a running stream or cataract on the side of some sheer + cliff; and thus, with many a heavy sigh he spoke to the Achaeans. “My + friends,” said he, “princes and councillors of the Argives, the hand of + heaven has been laid heavily upon me. Cruel Jove gave me his solemn + promise that I should sack the city of Troy before returning, but he has + played me false, and is now bidding me go ingloriously back to Argos with + the loss of much people. Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many a + proud city in the dust as he will yet lay others, for his power is above + all. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say and sail back to our own + country, for we shall not take Troy.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and the sons of the Achaeans for a long while sat sorrowful + there, but they all held their peace, till at last Diomed of the loud + battle-cry made answer saying, “Son of Atreus, I will chide your folly, as + is my right in council. Be not then aggrieved that I should do so. In the + first place you attacked me before all the Danaans and said that I was a + coward and no soldier. The Argives young and old know that you did so. But + the son of scheming Saturn endowed you by halves only. He gave you honour + as the chief ruler over us, but valour, which is the highest both right + and might he did not give you. Sir, think you that the sons of the + Achaeans are indeed as unwarlike and cowardly as you say they are? If your + own mind is set upon going home—go—the way is open to you; the + many ships that followed you from Mycene stand ranged upon the sea-shore; + but the rest of us stay here till we have sacked Troy. Nay though these + too should turn homeward with their ships, Sthenelus and myself will still + fight on till we reach the goal of Ilius, for heaven was with us when we + came.” + </p> + <p> + The sons of the Achaeans shouted applause at the words of Diomed, and + presently Nestor rose to speak. “Son of Tydeus,” said he, “in war your + prowess is beyond question, and in council you excel all who are of your + own years; no one of the Achaeans can make light of what you say nor + gainsay it, but you have not yet come to the end of the whole matter. You + are still young—you might be the youngest of my own children—still + you have spoken wisely and have counselled the chief of the Achaeans not + without discretion; nevertheless I am older than you and I will tell you + everything; therefore let no man, not even King Agamemnon, disregard my + saying, for he that foments civil discord is a clanless, hearthless + outlaw. + </p> + <p> + “Now, however, let us obey the behests of night and get our suppers, but + let the sentinels every man of them camp by the trench that is without the + wall. I am giving these instructions to the young men; when they have been + attended to, do you, son of Atreus, give your orders, for you are the most + royal among us all. Prepare a feast for your councillors; it is right and + reasonable that you should do so; there is abundance of wine in your + tents, which the ships of the Achaeans bring from Thrace daily. You have + everything at your disposal wherewith to entertain guests, and you have + many subjects. When many are got together, you can be guided by him whose + counsel is wisest—and sorely do we need shrewd and prudent counsel, + for the foe has lit his watchfires hard by our ships. Who can be other + than dismayed? This night will either be the ruin of our host, or save + it.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. The sentinels went + out in their armour under command of Nestor’s son Thrasymedes, a captain + of the host, and of the bold warriors Ascalaphus and Ialmenus: there were + also Meriones, Aphareus and Deipyrus, and the son of Creion, noble + Lycomedes. There were seven captains of the sentinels, and with each there + went a hundred youths armed with long spears: they took their places + midway between the trench and the wall, and when they had done so they lit + their fires and got every man his supper. + </p> + <p> + The son of Atreus then bade many councillors of the Achaeans to his + quarters and prepared a great feast in their honour. They laid their hands + on the good things that were before them, and as soon as they had enough + to eat and drink, old Nestor, whose counsel was ever truest, was the first + to lay his mind before them. He, therefore, with all sincerity and + goodwill addressed them thus. + </p> + <p> + “With yourself, most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, will I + both begin my speech and end it, for you are king over much people. Jove, + moreover, has vouchsafed you to wield the sceptre and to uphold + righteousness, that you may take thought for your people under you; + therefore it behooves you above all others both to speak and to give ear, + and to out the counsel of another who shall have been minded to speak + wisely. All turns on you and on your commands, therefore I will say what I + think will be best. No man will be of a truer mind than that which has + been mine from the hour when you, sir, angered Achilles by taking the girl + Briseis from his tent against my judgment. I urged you not to do so, but + you yielded to your own pride, and dishonoured a hero whom heaven itself + had honoured—for you still hold the prize that had been awarded to + him. Now, however, let us think how we may appease him, both with presents + and fair speeches that may conciliate him.” + </p> + <p> + And King Agamemnon answered, “Sir, you have reproved my folly justly. I + was wrong. I own it. One whom heaven befriends is in himself a host, and + Jove has shown that he befriends this man by destroying much people of the + Achaeans. I was blinded with passion and yielded to my worser mind; + therefore I will make amends, and will give him great gifts by way of + atonement. I will tell them in the presence of you all. I will give him + seven tripods that have never yet been on the fire, and ten talents of + gold. I will give him twenty iron cauldrons and twelve strong horses that + have won races and carried off prizes. Rich, indeed, both in land and gold + is he that has as many prizes as my horses have won me. I will give him + seven excellent workwomen, Lesbians, whom I chose for myself when he took + Lesbos—all of surpassing beauty. I will give him these, and with + them her whom I erewhile took from him, the daughter of Briseus; and I + swear a great oath that I never went up into her couch, nor have been with + her after the manner of men and women. + </p> + <p> + “All these things will I give him now, and if hereafter the gods vouchsafe + me to sack the city of Priam, let him come when we Achaeans are dividing + the spoil, and load his ship with gold and bronze to his liking; + furthermore let him take twenty Trojan women, the loveliest after Helen + herself. Then, when we reach Achaean Argos, wealthiest of all lands, he + shall be my son-in-law and I will show him like honour with my own dear + son Orestes, who is being nurtured in all abundance. I have three + daughters, Chrysothemis, Laodice, and Iphianassa, let him take the one of + his choice, freely and without gifts of wooing, to the house of Peleus; I + will add such dower to boot as no man ever yet gave his daughter, and will + give him seven well-established cities, Cardamyle, Enope, and Hire, where + there is grass; holy Pherae and the rich meadows of Anthea; Aepea also, + and the vine-clad slopes of Pedasus, all near the sea, and on the borders + of sandy Pylos. The men that dwell there are rich in cattle and sheep; + they will honour him with gifts as though he were a god, and be obedient + to his comfortable ordinances. All this will I do if he will now forgo his + anger. Let him then yield; it is only Hades who is utterly ruthless and + unyielding—and hence he is of all gods the one most hateful to + mankind. Moreover I am older and more royal than himself. Therefore, let + him now obey me.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nestor answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon. + The gifts you offer are no small ones, let us then send chosen messengers, + who may go to the tent of Achilles son of Peleus without delay. Let those + go whom I shall name. Let Phoenix, dear to Jove, lead the way; let Ajax + and Ulysses follow, and let the heralds Odius and Eurybates go with them. + Now bring water for our hands, and bid all keep silence while we pray to + Jove the son of Saturn, if so be that he may have mercy upon us.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and his saying pleased them well. Men-servants poured + water over the hands of the guests, while pages filled the mixing-bowls + with wine and water, and handed it round after giving every man his + drink-offering; then, when they had made their offerings, and had drunk + each as much as he was minded, the envoys set out from the tent of + Agamemnon son of Atreus; and Nestor, looking first to one and then to + another, but most especially at Ulysses, was instant with them that they + should prevail with the noble son of Peleus. + </p> + <p> + They went their way by the shore of the sounding sea, and prayed earnestly + to earth-encircling Neptune that the high spirit of the son of Aeacus + might incline favourably towards them. When they reached the ships and + tents of the Myrmidons, they found Achilles playing on a lyre, fair, of + cunning workmanship, and its cross-bar was of silver. It was part of the + spoils which he had taken when he sacked the city of Eetion, and he was + now diverting himself with it and singing the feats of heroes. He was + alone with Patroclus, who sat opposite to him and said nothing, waiting + till he should cease singing. Ulysses and Ajax now came in—Ulysses + leading the way—and stood before him. Achilles sprang from his seat + with the lyre still in his hand, and Patroclus, when he saw the strangers, + rose also. Achilles then greeted them saying, “All hail and welcome—you + must come upon some great matter, you, who for all my anger are still + dearest to me of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + With this he led them forward, and bade them sit on seats covered with + purple rugs; then he said to Patroclus who was close by him, “Son of + Menoetius, set a larger bowl upon the table, mix less water with the wine, + and give every man his cup, for these are very dear friends, who are now + under my roof.” + </p> + <p> + Patroclus did as his comrade bade him; he set the chopping-block in front + of the fire, and on it he laid the loin of a sheep, the loin also of a + goat, and the chine of a fat hog. Automedon held the meat while Achilles + chopped it; he then sliced the pieces and put them on spits while the son + of Menoetius made the fire burn high. When the flame had died down, he + spread the embers, laid the spits on top of them, lifting them up and + setting them upon the spit-racks; and he sprinkled them with salt. When + the meat was roasted, he set it on platters, and handed bread round the + table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt them their portions. Then + Achilles took his seat facing Ulysses against the opposite wall, and bade + his comrade Patroclus offer sacrifice to the gods; so he cast the + offerings into the fire, and they laid their hands upon the good things + that were before them. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, + Ajax made a sign to Phoenix, and when he saw this, Ulysses filled his cup + with wine and pledged Achilles. + </p> + <p> + “Hail,” said he, “Achilles, we have had no scant of good cheer, neither in + the tent of Agamemnon, nor yet here; there has been plenty to eat and + drink, but our thought turns upon no such matter. Sir, we are in the face + of great disaster, and without your help know not whether we shall save + our fleet or lose it. The Trojans and their allies have camped hard by our + ships and by the wall; they have lit watchfires throughout their host and + deem that nothing can now prevent them from falling on our fleet. Jove, + moreover, has sent his lightnings on their right; Hector, in all his + glory, rages like a maniac; confident that Jove is with him he fears + neither god nor man, but is gone raving mad, and prays for the approach of + day. He vows that he will hew the high sterns of our ships in pieces, set + fire to their hulls, and make havoc of the Achaeans while they are dazed + and smothered in smoke; I much fear that heaven will make good his + boasting, and it will prove our lot to perish at Troy far from our home in + Argos. Up, then, and late though it be, save the sons of the Achaeans who + faint before the fury of the Trojans. You will repent bitterly hereafter + if you do not, for when the harm is done there will be no curing it; + consider ere it be too late, and save the Danaans from destruction. + </p> + <p> + “My good friend, when your father Peleus sent you from Phthia to + Agamemnon, did he not charge you saying, ‘Son, Minerva and Juno will make + you strong if they choose, but check your high temper, for the better part + is in goodwill. Eschew vain quarrelling, and the Achaeans old and young + will respect you more for doing so.’ These were his words, but you have + forgotten them. Even now, however, be appeased, and put away your anger + from you. Agamemnon will make you great amends if you will forgive him; + listen, and I will tell you what he has said in his tent that he will give + you. He will give you seven tripods that have never yet been on the fire, + and ten talents of gold; twenty iron cauldrons, and twelve strong horses + that have won races and carried off prizes. Rich indeed both in land and + gold is he who has as many prizes as these horses have won for Agamemnon. + Moreover he will give you seven excellent workwomen, Lesbians, whom he + chose for himself, when you took Lesbos—all of surpassing beauty. He + will give you these, and with them her whom he erewhile took from you, the + daughter of Briseus, and he will swear a great oath, he has never gone up + into her couch nor been with her after the manner of men and women. All + these things will he give you now down, and if hereafter the gods + vouchsafe him to sack the city of Priam, you can come when we Achaeans are + dividing the spoil, and load your ship with gold and bronze to your + liking. You can take twenty Trojan women, the loveliest after Helen + herself. Then, when we reach Achaean Argos, wealthiest of all lands, you + shall be his son-in-law, and he will show you like honour with his own + dear son Orestes, who is being nurtured in all abundance. Agamemnon has + three daughters, Chrysothemis, Laodice, and Iphianassa; you may take the + one of your choice, freely and without gifts of wooing, to the house of + Peleus; he will add such dower to boot as no man ever yet gave his + daughter, and will give you seven well-established cities, Cardamyle, + Enope, and Hire where there is grass; holy Pherae and the rich meadows of + Anthea; Aepea also, and the vine-clad slopes of Pedasus, all near the sea, + and on the borders of sandy Pylos. The men that dwell there are rich in + cattle and sheep; they will honour you with gifts as though were a god, + and be obedient to your comfortable ordinances. All this will he do if you + will now forgo your anger. Moreover, though you hate both him and his + gifts with all your heart, yet pity the rest of the Achaeans who are being + harassed in all their host; they will honour you as a god, and you will + earn great glory at their hands. You might even kill Hector; he will come + within your reach, for he is infatuated, and declares that not a Danaan + whom the ships have brought can hold his own against him.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles answered, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, I should give you + formal notice plainly and in all fixity of purpose that there be no more + of this cajoling, from whatsoever quarter it may come. Him do I hate even + as the gates of hell who says one thing while he hides another in his + heart; therefore I will say what I mean. I will be appeased neither by + Agamemnon son of Atreus nor by any other of the Danaans, for I see that I + have no thanks for all my fighting. He that fights fares no better than he + that does not; coward and hero are held in equal honour, and death deals + like measure to him who works and him who is idle. I have taken nothing by + all my hardships—with my life ever in my hand; as a bird when she + has found a morsel takes it to her nestlings, and herself fares hardly, + even so many a long night have I been wakeful, and many a bloody battle + have I waged by day against those who were fighting for their women. With + my ships I have taken twelve cities, and eleven round about Troy have I + stormed with my men by land; I took great store of wealth from every one + of them, but I gave all up to Agamemnon son of Atreus. He stayed where he + was by his ships, yet of what came to him he gave little, and kept much + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless he did distribute some meeds of honour among the chieftains + and kings, and these have them still; from me alone of the Achaeans did he + take the woman in whom I delighted—let him keep her and sleep with + her. Why, pray, must the Argives needs fight the Trojans? What made the + son of Atreus gather the host and bring them? Was it not for the sake of + Helen? Are the sons of Atreus the only men in the world who love their + wives? Any man of common right feeling will love and cherish her who is + his own, as I this woman, with my whole heart, though she was but a + fruitling of my spear. Agamemnon has taken her from me; he has played me + false; I know him; let him tempt me no further, for he shall not move me. + Let him look to you, Ulysses, and to the other princes to save his ships + from burning. He has done much without me already. He has built a wall; he + has dug a trench deep and wide all round it, and he has planted it within + with stakes; but even so he stays not the murderous might of Hector. So + long as I fought the Achaeans Hector suffered not the battle range far + from the city walls; he would come to the Scaean gates and to the oak + tree, but no further. Once he stayed to meet me and hardly did he escape + my onset: now, however, since I am in no mood to fight him, I will + to-morrow offer sacrifice to Jove and to all the gods; I will draw my + ships into the water and then victual them duly; to-morrow morning, if you + care to look, you will see my ships on the Hellespont, and my men rowing + out to sea with might and main. If great Neptune vouchsafes me a fair + passage, in three days I shall be in Phthia. I have much there that I left + behind me when I came here to my sorrow, and I shall bring back still + further store of gold, of red copper, of fair women, and of iron, my share + of the spoils that we have taken; but one prize, he who gave has + insolently taken away. Tell him all as I now bid you, and tell him in + public that the Achaeans may hate him and beware of him should he think + that he can yet dupe others for his effrontery never fails him. + </p> + <p> + “As for me, hound that he is, he dares not look me in the face. I will + take no counsel with him, and will undertake nothing in common with him. + He has wronged me and deceived me enough, he shall not cozen me further; + let him go his own way, for Jove has robbed him of his reason. I loathe + his presents, and for himself care not one straw. He may offer me ten or + even twenty times what he has now done, nay—not though it be all + that he has in the world, both now or ever shall have; he may promise me + the wealth of Orchomenus or of Egyptian Thebes, which is the richest city + in the whole world, for it has a hundred gates through each of which two + hundred men may drive at once with their chariots and horses; he may offer + me gifts as the sands of the sea or the dust of the plain in multitude, + but even so he shall not move me till I have been revenged in full for the + bitter wrong he has done me. I will not marry his daughter; she may be + fair as Venus, and skilful as Minerva, but I will have none of her: let + another take her, who may be a good match for her and who rules a larger + kingdom. If the gods spare me to return home, Peleus will find me a wife; + there are Achaean women in Hellas and Phthia, daughters of kings that have + cities under them; of these I can take whom I will and marry her. Many a + time was I minded when at home in Phthia to woo and wed a woman who would + make me a suitable wife, and to enjoy the riches of my old father Peleus. + My life is more to me than all the wealth of Ilius while it was yet at + peace before the Achaeans went there, or than all the treasure that lies + on the stone floor of Apollo’s temple beneath the cliffs of Pytho. Cattle + and sheep are to be had for harrying, and a man buy both tripods and + horses if he wants them, but when his life has once left him it can + neither be bought nor harried back again. + </p> + <p> + “My mother Thetis tells me that there are two ways in which I may meet my + end. If I stay here and fight, I shall not return alive but my name will + live for ever: whereas if I go home my name will die, but it will be long + ere death shall take me. To the rest of you, then, I say, ‘Go home, for + you will not take Ilius.’ Jove has held his hand over her to protect her, + and her people have taken heart. Go, therefore, as in duty bound, and tell + the princes of the Achaeans the message that I have sent them; tell them + to find some other plan for the saving of their ships and people, for so + long as my displeasure lasts the one that they have now hit upon may not + be. As for Phoenix, let him sleep here that he may sail with me in the + morning if he so will. But I will not take him by force.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace, dismayed at the sternness with which he had + denied them, till presently the old knight Phoenix in his great fear for + the ships of the Achaeans, burst into tears and said, “Noble Achilles, if + you are now minded to return, and in the fierceness of your anger will do + nothing to save the ships from burning, how, my son, can I remain here + without you? Your father Peleus bade me go with you when he sent you as a + mere lad from Phthia to Agamemnon. You knew nothing neither of war nor of + the arts whereby men make their mark in council, and he sent me with you + to train you in all excellence of speech and action. Therefore, my son, I + will not stay here without you—no, not though heaven itself + vouchsafe to strip my years from off me, and make me young as I was when I + first left Hellas the land of fair women. I was then flying the anger of + father Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who was furious with me in the matter of + his concubine, of whom he was enamoured to the wronging of his wife my + mother. My mother, therefore, prayed me without ceasing to lie with the + woman myself, that so she hate my father, and in the course of time I + yielded. But my father soon came to know, and cursed me bitterly, calling + the dread Erinyes to witness. He prayed that no son of mine might ever sit + upon knees—and the gods, Jove of the world below and awful + Proserpine, fulfilled his curse. I took counsel to kill him, but some god + stayed my rashness and bade me think on men’s evil tongues and how I + should be branded as the murderer of my father; nevertheless I could not + bear to stay in my father’s house with him so bitter against me. My + cousins and clansmen came about me, and pressed me sorely to remain; many + a sheep and many an ox did they slaughter, and many a fat hog did they set + down to roast before the fire; many a jar, too, did they broach of my + father’s wine. Nine whole nights did they set a guard over me taking it in + turns to watch, and they kept a fire always burning, both in the cloister + of the outer court and in the inner court at the doors of the room wherein + I lay; but when the darkness of the tenth night came, I broke through the + closed doors of my room, and climbed the wall of the outer court after + passing quickly and unperceived through the men on guard and the women + servants. I then fled through Hellas till I came to fertile Phthia, mother + of sheep, and to King Peleus, who made me welcome and treated me as a + father treats an only son who will be heir to all his wealth. He made me + rich and set me over much people, establishing me on the borders of Phthia + where I was chief ruler over the Dolopians. + </p> + <p> + “It was I, Achilles, who had the making of you; I loved you with all my + heart: for you would eat neither at home nor when you had gone out + elsewhere, till I had first set you upon my knees, cut up the dainty + morsel that you were to eat, and held the wine-cup to your lips. Many a + time have you slobbered your wine in baby helplessness over my shirt; I + had infinite trouble with you, but I knew that heaven had vouchsafed me no + offspring of my own, and I made a son of you, Achilles, that in my hour of + need you might protect me. Now, therefore, I say battle with your pride + and beat it; cherish not your anger for ever; the might and majesty of + heaven are more than ours, but even heaven may be appeased; and if a man + has sinned he prays the gods, and reconciles them to himself by his + piteous cries and by frankincense, with drink-offerings and the savour of + burnt sacrifice. For prayers are as daughters to great Jove; halt, + wrinkled, with eyes askance, they follow in the footsteps of sin, who, + being fierce and fleet of foot, leaves them far behind him, and ever + baneful to mankind outstrips them even to the ends of the world; but + nevertheless the prayers come hobbling and healing after. If a man has + pity upon these daughters of Jove when they draw near him, they will bless + him and hear him too when he is praying; but if he deny them and will not + listen to them, they go to Jove the son of Saturn and pray that he may + presently fall into sin—to his ruing bitterly hereafter. Therefore, + Achilles, give these daughters of Jove due reverence, and bow before them + as all good men will bow. Were not the son of Atreus offering you gifts + and promising others later—if he were still furious and implacable—I + am not he that would bid you throw off your anger and help the Achaeans, + no matter how great their need; but he is giving much now, and more + hereafter; he has sent his captains to urge his suit, and has chosen those + who of all the Argives are most acceptable to you; make not then their + words and their coming to be of none effect. Your anger has been righteous + so far. We have heard in song how heroes of old time quarrelled when they + were roused to fury, but still they could be won by gifts, and fair words + could soothe them. + </p> + <p> + “I have an old story in my mind—a very old one—but you are all + friends and I will tell it. The Curetes and the Aetolians were fighting + and killing one another round Calydon—the Aetolians defending the + city and the Curetes trying to destroy it. For Diana of the golden throne + was angry and did them hurt because Oeneus had not offered her his harvest + first-fruits. The other gods had all been feasted with hecatombs, but to + the daughter of great Jove alone he had made no sacrifice. He had + forgotten her, or somehow or other it had escaped him, and this was a + grievous sin. Thereon the archer goddess in her displeasure sent a + prodigious creature against him—a savage wild boar with great white + tusks that did much harm to his orchard lands, uprooting apple-trees in + full bloom and throwing them to the ground. But Meleager son of Oeneus got + huntsmen and hounds from many cities and killed it—for it was so + monstrous that not a few were needed, and many a man did it stretch upon + his funeral pyre. On this the goddess set the Curetes and the Aetolians + fighting furiously about the head and skin of the boar. + </p> + <p> + “So long as Meleager was in the field things went badly with the Curetes, + and for all their numbers they could not hold their ground under the city + walls; but in the course of time Meleager was angered as even a wise man + will sometimes be. He was incensed with his mother Althaea, and therefore + stayed at home with his wedded wife fair Cleopatra, who was daughter of + Marpessa daughter of Euenus, and of Ides the man then living. He it was + who took his bow and faced King Apollo himself for fair Marpessa’s sake; + her father and mother then named her Alcyone, because her mother had + mourned with the plaintive strains of the halcyon-bird when Phoebus Apollo + had carried her off. Meleager, then, stayed at home with Cleopatra, + nursing the anger which he felt by reason of his mother’s curses. His + mother, grieving for the death of her brother, prayed the gods, and beat + the earth with her hands, calling upon Hades and on awful Proserpine; she + went down upon her knees and her bosom was wet with tears as she prayed + that they would kill her son—and Erinys that walks in darkness and + knows no ruth heard her from Erebus. + </p> + <p> + “Then was heard the din of battle about the gates of Calydon, and the dull + thump of the battering against their walls. Thereon the elders of the + Aetolians besought Meleager; they sent the chiefest of their priests, and + begged him to come out and help them, promising him a great reward. They + bade him choose fifty plough-gates, the most fertile in the plain of + Calydon, the one-half vineyard and the other open plough-land. The old + warrior Oeneus implored him, standing at the threshold of his room and + beating the doors in supplication. His sisters and his mother herself + besought him sore, but he the more refused them; those of his comrades who + were nearest and dearest to him also prayed him, but they could not move + him till the foe was battering at the very doors of his chamber, and the + Curetes had scaled the walls and were setting fire to the city. Then at + last his sorrowing wife detailed the horrors that befall those whose city + is taken; she reminded him how the men are slain, and the city is given + over to the flames, while the women and children are carried into + captivity; when he heard all this, his heart was touched, and he donned + his armour to go forth. Thus of his own inward motion he saved the city of + the Aetolians; but they now gave him nothing of those rich rewards that + they had offered earlier, and though he saved the city he took nothing by + it. Be not then, my son, thus minded; let not heaven lure you into any + such course. When the ships are burning it will be a harder matter to save + them. Take the gifts, and go, for the Achaeans will then honour you as a + god; whereas if you fight without taking them, you may beat the battle + back, but you will not be held in like honour.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “Phoenix, old friend and father, I have no need of + such honour. I have honour from Jove himself, which will abide with me at + my ships while I have breath in my body, and my limbs are strong. I say + further—and lay my saying to your heart—vex me no more with + this weeping and lamentation, all in the cause of the son of Atreus. Love + him so well, and you may lose the love I bear you. You ought to help me + rather in troubling those that trouble me; be king as much as I am, and + share like honour with myself; the others shall take my answer; stay here + yourself and sleep comfortably in your bed; at daybreak we will consider + whether to remain or go.” + </p> + <p> + On this he nodded quietly to Patroclus as a sign that he was to prepare a + bed for Phoenix, and that the others should take their leave. Ajax son of + Telamon then said, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, let us be gone, for I + see that our journey is vain. We must now take our answer, unwelcome + though it be, to the Danaans who are waiting to receive it. Achilles is + savage and remorseless; he is cruel, and cares nothing for the love his + comrades lavished upon him more than on all the others. He is implacable—and + yet if a man’s brother or son has been slain he will accept a fine by way + of amends from him that killed him, and the wrong-doer having paid in full + remains in peace among his own people; but as for you, Achilles, the gods + have put a wicked unforgiving spirit in your heart, and this, all about + one single girl, whereas we now offer you the seven best we have, and much + else into the bargain. Be then of a more gracious mind, respect the + hospitality of your own roof. We are with you as messengers from the host + of the Danaans, and would fain be held nearest and dearest to yourself of + all the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + “Ajax,” replied Achilles, “noble son of Telamon, you have spoken much to + my liking, but my blood boils when I think it all over, and remember how + the son of Atreus treated me with contumely as though I were some vile + tramp, and that too in the presence of the Argives. Go, then, and deliver + your message; say that I will have no concern with fighting till Hector, + son of noble Priam, reaches the tents of the Myrmidons in his murderous + course, and flings fire upon their ships. For all his lust of battle, I + take it he will be held in check when he is at my own tent and ship.” + </p> + <p> + On this they took every man his double cup, made their drink-offerings, + and went back to the ships, Ulysses leading the way. But Patroclus told + his men and the maid-servants to make ready a comfortable bed for Phoenix; + they therefore did so with sheepskins, a rug, and a sheet of fine linen. + The old man then laid himself down and waited till morning came. But + Achilles slept in an inner room, and beside him the daughter of Phorbas + lovely Diomede, whom he had carried off from Lesbos. Patroclus lay on the + other side of the room, and with him fair Iphis whom Achilles had given + him when he took Scyros the city of Enyeus. + </p> + <p> + When the envoys reached the tents of the son of Atreus, the Achaeans rose, + pledged them in cups of gold, and began to question them. King Agamemnon + was the first to do so. “Tell me, Ulysses,” said he, “will he save the + ships from burning, or did he refuse, and is he still furious?” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, + Achilles will not be calmed, but is more fiercely angry than ever, and + spurns both you and your gifts. He bids you take counsel with the Achaeans + to save the ships and host as you best may; as for himself, he said that + at daybreak he should draw his ships into the water. He said further that + he should advise every one to sail home likewise, for that you will not + reach the goal of Ilius. ‘Jove,’ he said, ‘has laid his hand over the city + to protect it, and the people have taken heart.’ This is what he said, and + the others who were with me can tell you the same story—Ajax and the + two heralds, men, both of them, who may be trusted. The old man Phoenix + stayed where he was to sleep, for so Achilles would have it, that he might + go home with him in the morning if he so would; but he will not take him + by force.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace, sitting for a long time silent and dejected, by + reason of the sternness with which Achilles had refused them, till + presently Diomed said, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, + you ought not to have sued the son of Peleus nor offered him gifts. He is + proud enough as it is, and you have encouraged him in his pride still + further. Let him stay or go as he will. He will fight later when he is in + the humour, and heaven puts it in his mind to do so. Now, therefore, let + us all do as I say; we have eaten and drunk our fill, let us then take our + rest, for in rest there is both strength and stay. But when fair + rosy-fingered morn appears, forthwith bring out your host and your + horsemen in front of the ships, urging them on, and yourself fighting + among the foremost.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and the other chieftains approved his words. They then made + their drink-offerings and went every man to his own tent, where they laid + down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap10"></a>BOOK X.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Ulysses and Diomed go out as spies, and meet Dolon, who gives them + information: they then kill him, and profiting by what he had told them, + kill Rhesus king of the Thracians and take his horses. + </p> + <p> + Now the other princes of the Achaeans slept soundly the whole night + through, but Agamemnon son of Atreus was troubled, so that he could get no + rest. As when fair Juno’s lord flashes his lightning in token of great + rain or hail or snow when the snow-flakes whiten the ground, or again as a + sign that he will open the wide jaws of hungry war, even so did Agamemnon + heave many a heavy sigh, for his soul trembled within him. When he looked + upon the plain of Troy he marvelled at the many watchfires burning in + front of Ilius, and at the sound of pipes and flutes and of the hum of + men, but when presently he turned towards the ships and hosts of the + Achaeans, he tore his hair by handfuls before Jove on high, and groaned + aloud for the very disquietness of his soul. In the end he deemed it best + to go at once to Nestor son of Neleus, and see if between them they could + find any way of the Achaeans from destruction. He therefore rose, put on + his shirt, bound his sandals about his comely feet, flung the skin of a + huge tawny lion over his shoulders—a skin that reached his feet—and + took his spear in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Neither could Menelaus sleep, for he, too, boded ill for the Argives who + for his sake had sailed from far over the seas to fight the Trojans. He + covered his broad back with the skin of a spotted panther, put a casque of + bronze upon his head, and took his spear in his brawny hand. Then he went + to rouse his brother, who was by far the most powerful of the Achaeans, + and was honoured by the people as though he were a god. He found him by + the stern of his ship already putting his goodly array about his + shoulders, and right glad was he that his brother had come. + </p> + <p> + Menelaus spoke first. “Why,” said he, “my dear brother, are you thus + arming? Are you going to send any of our comrades to exploit the Trojans? + I greatly fear that no one will do you this service, and spy upon the + enemy alone in the dead of night. It will be a deed of great daring.” + </p> + <p> + And King Agamemnon answered, “Menelaus, we both of us need shrewd counsel + to save the Argives and our ships, for Jove has changed his mind, and + inclines towards Hector’s sacrifices rather than ours. I never saw nor + heard tell of any man as having wrought such ruin in one day as Hector has + now wrought against the sons of the Achaeans—and that too of his own + unaided self, for he is son neither to god nor goddess. The Argives will + rue it long and deeply. Run, therefore, with all speed by the line of the + ships, and call Ajax and Idomeneus. Meanwhile I will go to Nestor, and bid + him rise and go about among the companies of our sentinels to give them + their instructions; they will listen to him sooner than to any man, for + his own son, and Meriones brother in arms to Idomeneus, are captains over + them. It was to them more particularly that we gave this charge.” + </p> + <p> + Menelaus replied, “How do I take your meaning? Am I to stay with them and + wait your coming, or shall I return here as soon as I have given your + orders?” “Wait,” answered King Agamemnon, “for there are so many paths + about the camp that we might miss one another. Call every man on your way, + and bid him be stirring; name him by his lineage and by his father’s name, + give each all titular observance, and stand not too much upon your own + dignity; we must take our full share of toil, for at our birth Jove laid + this heavy burden upon us.” + </p> + <p> + With these instructions he sent his brother on his way, and went on to + Nestor shepherd of his people. He found him sleeping in his tent hard by + his own ship; his goodly armour lay beside him—his shield, his two + spears and his helmet; beside him also lay the gleaming girdle with which + the old man girded himself when he armed to lead his people into battle—for + his age stayed him not. He raised himself on his elbow and looked up at + Agamemnon. “Who is it,” said he, “that goes thus about the host and the + ships alone and in the dead of night, when men are sleeping? Are you + looking for one of your mules or for some comrade? Do not stand there and + say nothing, but speak. What is your business?” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, son of Neleus, honour to the Achaean + name, it is I, Agamemnon son of Atreus, on whom Jove has laid labour and + sorrow so long as there is breath in my body and my limbs carry me. I am + thus abroad because sleep sits not upon my eyelids, but my heart is big + with war and with the jeopardy of the Achaeans. I am in great fear for the + Danaans. I am at sea, and without sure counsel; my heart beats as though + it would leap out of my body, and my limbs fail me. If then you can do + anything—for you too cannot sleep—let us go the round of the + watch, and see whether they are drowsy with toil and sleeping to the + neglect of their duty. The enemy is encamped hard and we know not but he + may attack us by night.” + </p> + <p> + Nestor replied, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, Jove + will not do all for Hector that Hector thinks he will; he will have + troubles yet in plenty if Achilles will lay aside his anger. I will go + with you, and we will rouse others, either the son of Tydeus, or Ulysses, + or fleet Ajax and the valiant son of Phyleus. Some one had also better go + and call Ajax and King Idomeneus, for their ships are not near at hand but + the farthest of all. I cannot however refrain from blaming Menelaus, much + as I love him and respect him—and I will say so plainly, even at the + risk of offending you—for sleeping and leaving all this trouble to + yourself. He ought to be going about imploring aid from all the princes of + the Achaeans, for we are in extreme danger.” + </p> + <p> + And Agamemnon answered, “Sir, you may sometimes blame him justly, for he + is often remiss and unwilling to exert himself—not indeed from + sloth, nor yet heedlessness, but because he looks to me and expects me to + take the lead. On this occasion, however, he was awake before I was, and + came to me of his own accord. I have already sent him to call the very men + whom you have named. And now let us be going. We shall find them with the + watch outside the gates, for it was there I said that we would meet them.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” answered Nestor, “the Argives will not blame him nor + disobey his orders when he urges them to fight or gives them + instructions.” + </p> + <p> + With this he put on his shirt, and bound his sandals about his comely + feet. He buckled on his purple coat, of two thicknesses, large, and of a + rough shaggy texture, grasped his redoubtable bronze-shod spear, and + wended his way along the line of the Achaean ships. First he called loudly + to Ulysses peer of gods in counsel and woke him, for he was soon roused by + the sound of the battle-cry. He came outside his tent and said, “Why do + you go thus alone about the host, and along the line of the ships in the + stillness of the night? What is it that you find so urgent?” And Nestor + knight of Gerene answered, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, take it not + amiss, for the Achaeans are in great straits. Come with me and let us wake + some other, who may advise well with us whether we shall fight or fly.” + </p> + <p> + On this Ulysses went at once into his tent, put his shield about his + shoulders and came out with them. First they went to Diomed son of Tydeus, + and found him outside his tent clad in his armour with his comrades + sleeping round him and using their shields as pillows; as for their + spears, they stood upright on the spikes of their butts that were driven + into the ground, and the burnished bronze flashed afar like the lightning + of father Jove. The hero was sleeping upon the skin of an ox, with a piece + of fine carpet under his head; Nestor went up to him and stirred him with + his heel to rouse him, upbraiding him and urging him to bestir himself. + “Wake up,” he exclaimed, “son of Tydeus. How can you sleep on in this way? + Can you not see that the Trojans are encamped on the brow of the plain + hard by our ships, with but a little space between us and them?” + </p> + <p> + On these words Diomed leaped up instantly and said, “Old man, your heart + is of iron; you rest not one moment from your labours. Are there no + younger men among the Achaeans who could go about to rouse the princes? + There is no tiring you.” + </p> + <p> + And Nestor knight of Gerene made answer, “My son, all that you have said + is true. I have good sons, and also much people who might call the + chieftains, but the Achaeans are in the gravest danger; life and death are + balanced as it were on the edge of a razor. Go then, for you are younger + than I, and of your courtesy rouse Ajax and the fleet son of Phyleus.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed threw the skin of a great tawny lion about his shoulders—a + skin that reached his feet—and grasped his spear. When he had roused + the heroes, he brought them back with him; they then went the round of + those who were on guard, and found the captains not sleeping at their + posts but wakeful and sitting with their arms about them. As sheep dogs + that watch their flocks when they are yarded, and hear a wild beast coming + through the mountain forest towards them—forthwith there is a hue + and cry of dogs and men, and slumber is broken—even so was sleep + chased from the eyes of the Achaeans as they kept the watches of the + wicked night, for they turned constantly towards the plain whenever they + heard any stir among the Trojans. The old man was glad and bade them be of + good cheer. “Watch on, my children,” said he, “and let not sleep get hold + upon you, lest our enemies triumph over us.” + </p> + <p> + With this he passed the trench, and with him the other chiefs of the + Achaeans who had been called to the council. Meriones and the brave son of + Nestor went also, for the princes bade them. When they were beyond the + trench that was dug round the wall they held their meeting on the open + ground where there was a space clear of corpses, for it was here that when + night fell Hector had turned back from his onslaught on the Argives. They + sat down, therefore, and held debate with one another. + </p> + <p> + Nestor spoke first. “My friends,” said he, “is there any man bold enough + to venture among the Trojans, and cut off some straggler, or bring us news + of what the enemy mean to do whether they will stay here by the ships away + from the city, or whether, now that they have worsted the Achaeans, they + will retire within their walls. If he could learn all this and come back + safely here, his fame would be high as heaven in the mouths of all men, + and he would be rewarded richly; for the chiefs from all our ships would + each of them give him a black ewe with her lamb—which is a present + of surpassing value—and he would be asked as a guest to all feasts + and clan-gatherings.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace, but Diomed of the loud war-cry spoke saying, + “Nestor, gladly will I visit the host of the Trojans over against us, but + if another will go with me I shall do so in greater confidence and + comfort. When two men are together, one of them may see some opportunity + which the other has not caught sight of; if a man is alone he is less full + of resource, and his wit is weaker.” + </p> + <p> + On this several offered to go with Diomed. The two Ajaxes, servants of + Mars, Meriones, and the son of Nestor all wanted to go, so did Menelaus + son of Atreus; Ulysses also wished to go among the host of the Trojans, + for he was ever full of daring, and thereon Agamemnon king of men spoke + thus: “Diomed,” said he, “son of Tydeus, man after my own heart, choose + your comrade for yourself—take the best man of those that have + offered, for many would now go with you. Do not through delicacy reject + the better man, and take the worst out of respect for his lineage, because + he is of more royal blood.” + </p> + <p> + He said this because he feared for Menelaus. Diomed answered, “If you bid + me take the man of my own choice, how in that case can I fail to think of + Ulysses, than whom there is no man more eager to face all kinds of danger—and + Pallas Minerva loves him well? If he were to go with me we should pass + safely through fire itself, for he is quick to see and understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Son of Tydeus,” replied Ulysses, “say neither good nor ill about me, for + you are among Argives who know me well. Let us be going, for the night + wanes and dawn is at hand. The stars have gone forward, two-thirds of the + night are already spent, and the third is alone left us.” + </p> + <p> + They then put on their armour. Brave Thrasymedes provided the son of + Tydeus with a sword and a shield (for he had left his own at his ship) and + on his head he set a helmet of bull’s hide without either peak or crest; + it is called a skull-cap and is a common headgear. Meriones found a bow + and quiver for Ulysses, and on his head he set a leathern helmet that was + lined with a strong plaiting of leathern thongs, while on the outside it + was thickly studded with boar’s teeth, well and skilfully set into it; + next the head there was an inner lining of felt. This helmet had been + stolen by Autolycus out of Eleon when he broke into the house of Amyntor + son of Ormenus. He gave it to Amphidamas of Cythera to take to Scandea, + and Amphidamas gave it as a guest-gift to Molus, who gave it to his son + Meriones; and now it was set upon the head of Ulysses. + </p> + <p> + When the pair had armed, they set out, and left the other chieftains + behind them. Pallas Minerva sent them a heron by the wayside upon their + right hands; they could not see it for the darkness, but they heard its + cry. Ulysses was glad when he heard it and prayed to Minerva: “Hear me,” + he cried, “daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, you who spy out all my ways and + who are with me in all my hardships; befriend me in this mine hour, and + grant that we may return to the ships covered with glory after having + achieved some mighty exploit that shall bring sorrow to the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + Then Diomed of the loud war-cry also prayed: “Hear me too,” said he, + “daughter of Jove, unweariable; be with me even as you were with my noble + father Tydeus when he went to Thebes as envoy sent by the Achaeans. He + left the Achaeans by the banks of the river Aesopus, and went to the city + bearing a message of peace to the Cadmeians; on his return thence, with + your help, goddess, he did great deeds of daring, for you were his ready + helper. Even so guide me and guard me now, and in return I will offer you + in sacrifice a broad-browed heifer of a year old, unbroken, and never yet + brought by man under the yoke. I will gild her horns and will offer her up + to you in sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + Thus they prayed, and Pallas Minerva heard their prayer. When they had + done praying to the daughter of great Jove, they went their way like two + lions prowling by night amid the armour and blood-stained bodies of them + that had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Neither again did Hector let the Trojans sleep; for he too called the + princes and councillors of the Trojans that he might set his counsel + before them. “Is there one,” said he, “who for a great reward will do me + the service of which I will tell you? He shall be well paid if he will. I + will give him a chariot and a couple of horses, the fleetest that can be + found at the ships of the Achaeans, if he will dare this thing; and he + will win infinite honour to boot; he must go to the ships and find out + whether they are still guarded as heretofore, or whether now that we have + beaten them the Achaeans design to fly, and through sheer exhaustion are + neglecting to keep their watches.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace; but there was among the Trojans a certain man + named Dolon, son of Eumedes, the famous herald—a man rich in gold + and bronze. He was ill-favoured, but a good runner, and was an only son + among five sisters. He it was that now addressed the Trojans. “I, Hector,” + said he, “Will to the ships and will exploit them. But first hold up your + sceptre and swear that you will give me the chariot, bedight with bronze, + and the horses that now carry the noble son of Peleus. I will make you a + good scout, and will not fail you. I will go through the host from one end + to the other till I come to the ship of Agamemnon, where I take it the + princes of the Achaeans are now consulting whether they shall fight or + fly.” + </p> + <p> + When he had done speaking Hector held up his sceptre, and swore him his + oath saying, “May Jove the thundering husband of Juno bear witness that no + other Trojan but yourself shall mount those steeds, and that you shall + have your will with them for ever.” + </p> + <p> + The oath he swore was bootless, but it made Dolon more keen on going. He + hung his bow over his shoulder, and as an overall he wore the skin of a + grey wolf, while on his head he set a cap of ferret skin. Then he took a + pointed javelin, and left the camp for the ships, but he was not to return + with any news for Hector. When he had left the horses and the troops + behind him, he made all speed on his way, but Ulysses perceived his coming + and said to Diomed, “Diomed, here is some one from the camp; I am not sure + whether he is a spy, or whether it is some thief who would plunder the + bodies of the dead; let him get a little past us, we can then spring upon + him and take him. If, however, he is too quick for us, go after him with + your spear and hem him in towards the ships away from the Trojan camp, to + prevent his getting back to the town.” + </p> + <p> + With this they turned out of their way and lay down among the corpses. + Dolon suspected nothing and soon passed them, but when he had got about as + far as the distance by which a mule-plowed furrow exceeds one that has + been ploughed by oxen (for mules can plow fallow land quicker than oxen) + they ran after him, and when he heard their footsteps he stood still, for + he made sure they were friends from the Trojan camp come by Hector’s + orders to bid him return; when, however, they were only a spear’s cast, or + less, away from him, he saw that they were enemies and ran as fast as his + legs could take him. The others gave chase at once, and as a couple of + well-trained hounds press forward after a doe or hare that runs screaming + in front of them, even so did the son of Tydeus and Ulysses pursue Dolon + and cut him off from his own people. But when he had fled so far towards + the ships that he would soon have fallen in with the outposts, Minerva + infused fresh strength into the son of Tydeus for fear some other of the + Achaeans might have the glory of being first to hit him, and he might + himself be only second; he therefore sprang forward with his spear and + said, “Stand, or I shall throw my spear, and in that case I shall soon + make an end of you.” + </p> + <p> + He threw as he spoke, but missed his aim on purpose. The dart flew over + the man’s right shoulder, and then stuck in the ground. He stood stock + still, trembling and in great fear; his teeth chattered, and he turned + pale with fear. The two came breathless up to him and seized his hands, + whereon he began to weep and said, “Take me alive; I will ransom myself; + we have great store of gold, bronze, and wrought iron, and from this my + father will satisfy you with a very large ransom, should he hear of my + being alive at the ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” replied Ulysses, “let no thought of death be in your mind; but + tell me, and tell me true, why are you thus going about alone in the dead + of night away from your camp and towards the ships, while other men are + sleeping? Is it to plunder the bodies of the slain, or did Hector send you + to spy out what was going on at the ships? Or did you come here of your + own mere notion?” + </p> + <p> + Dolon answered, his limbs trembling beneath him: “Hector, with his vain + flattering promises, lured me from my better judgement. He said he would + give me the horses of the noble son of Peleus and his bronze-bedizened + chariot; he bade me go through the darkness of the flying night, get close + to the enemy, and find out whether the ships are still guarded as + heretofore, or whether, now that we have beaten them, the Achaeans design + to fly, and through sheer exhaustion are neglecting to keep their + watches.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses smiled at him and answered, “You had indeed set your heart upon a + great reward, but the horses of the descendant of Aeacus are hardly to be + kept in hand or driven by any other mortal man than Achilles himself, + whose mother was an immortal. But tell me, and tell me true, where did you + leave Hector when you started? Where lies his armour and his horses? How, + too, are the watches and sleeping-ground of the Trojans ordered? What are + their plans? Will they stay here by the ships and away from the city, or + now that they have worsted the Achaeans, will they retire within their + walls?” + </p> + <p> + And Dolon answered, “I will tell you truly all. Hector and the other + councillors are now holding conference by the monument of great Ilus, away + from the general tumult; as for the guards about which you ask me, there + is no chosen watch to keep guard over the host. The Trojans have their + watchfires, for they are bound to have them; they, therefore, are awake + and keep each other to their duty as sentinels; but the allies who have + come from other places are asleep and leave it to the Trojans to keep + guard, for their wives and children are not here.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses then said, “Now tell me; are they sleeping among the Trojan + troops, or do they lie apart? Explain this that I may understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you truly all,” replied Dolon. “To the seaward lie the + Carians, the Paeonian bowmen, the Leleges, the Cauconians, and the noble + Pelasgi. The Lycians and proud Mysians, with the Phrygians and Meonians, + have their place on the side towards Thymbra; but why ask about all this? + If you want to find your way into the host of the Trojans, there are the + Thracians, who have lately come here and lie apart from the others at the + far end of the camp; and they have Rhesus son of Eioneus for their king. + His horses are the finest and strongest that I have ever seen, they are + whiter than snow and fleeter than any wind that blows. His chariot is + bedight with silver and gold, and he has brought his marvellous golden + armour, of the rarest workmanship—too splendid for any mortal man to + carry, and meet only for the gods. Now, therefore, take me to the ships or + bind me securely here, until you come back and have proved my words + whether they be false or true.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed looked sternly at him and answered, “Think not, Dolon, for all the + good information you have given us, that you shall escape now you are in + our hands, for if we ransom you or let you go, you will come some second + time to the ships of the Achaeans either as a spy or as an open enemy, but + if I kill you and an end of you, you will give no more trouble.” + </p> + <p> + On this Dolon would have caught him by the beard to beseech him further, + but Diomed struck him in the middle of his neck with his sword and cut + through both sinews so that his head fell rolling in the dust while he was + yet speaking. They took the ferret skin cap from his head, and also the + wolf-skin, the bow, and his long spear. Ulysses hung them up aloft in + honour of Minerva the goddess of plunder, and prayed saying, “Accept + these, goddess, for we give them to you in preference to all the gods in + Olympus: therefore speed us still further towards the horses and + sleeping-ground of the Thracians.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he took the spoils and set them upon a tamarisk tree, and + they marked the place by pulling up reeds and gathering boughs of tamarisk + that they might not miss it as they came back through the flying hours of + darkness. The two then went onwards amid the fallen armour and the blood, + and came presently to the company of Thracian soldiers, who were sleeping, + tired out with their day’s toil; their goodly armour was lying on the + ground beside them all orderly in three rows, and each man had his yoke of + horses beside him. Rhesus was sleeping in the middle, and hard by him his + horses were made fast to the topmost rim of his chariot. Ulysses from some + way off saw him and said, “This, Diomed, is the man, and these are the + horses about which Dolon whom we killed told us. Do your very utmost; + dally not about your armour, but loose the horses at once—or else + kill the men yourself, while I see to the horses.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon Minerva put courage into the heart of Diomed, and he smote them + right and left. They made a hideous groaning as they were being hacked + about, and the earth was red with their blood. As a lion springs furiously + upon a flock of sheep or goats when he finds them without their shepherd, + so did the son of Tydeus set upon the Thracian soldiers till he had killed + twelve. As he killed them Ulysses came and drew them aside by their feet + one by one, that the horses might go forward freely without being + frightened as they passed over the dead bodies, for they were not yet used + to them. When the son of Tydeus came to the king, he killed him too (which + made thirteen), as he was breathing hard, for by the counsel of Minerva an + evil dream, the seed of Oeneus, hovered that night over his head. + Meanwhile Ulysses untied the horses, made them fast one to another and + drove them off, striking them with his bow, for he had forgotten to take + the whip from the chariot. Then he whistled as a sign to Diomed. + </p> + <p> + But Diomed stayed where he was, thinking what other daring deed he might + accomplish. He was doubting whether to take the chariot in which the + king’s armour was lying, and draw it out by the pole, or to lift the + armour out and carry it off; or whether again, he should not kill some + more Thracians. While he was thus hesitating Minerva came up to him and + said, “Get back, Diomed, to the ships or you may be driven thither, should + some other god rouse the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed knew that it was the goddess, and at once sprang upon the horses. + Ulysses beat them with his bow and they flew onward to the ships of the + Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + But Apollo kept no blind look-out when he saw Minerva with the son of + Tydeus. He was angry with her, and coming to the host of the Trojans he + roused Hippocoon, a counsellor of the Thracians and a noble kinsman of + Rhesus. He started up out of his sleep and saw that the horses were no + longer in their place, and that the men were gasping in their death-agony; + on this he groaned aloud, and called upon his friend by name. Then the + whole Trojan camp was in an uproar as the people kept hurrying together, + and they marvelled at the deeds of the heroes who had now got away towards + the ships. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the place where they had killed Hector’s scout, Ulysses + stayed his horses, and the son of Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed + the blood-stained spoils in the hands of Ulysses and remounted: then he + lashed the horses onwards, and they flew forward nothing loth towards the + ships as though of their own free will. Nestor was first to hear the tramp + of their feet. “My friends,” said he, “princes and counsellors of the + Argives, shall I guess right or wrong?—but I must say what I think: + there is a sound in my ears as of the tramp of horses. I hope it may be + Diomed and Ulysses driving in horses from the Trojans, but I much fear + that the bravest of the Argives may have come to some harm at their + hands.” + </p> + <p> + He had hardly done speaking when the two men came in and dismounted, + whereon the others shook hands right gladly with them and congratulated + them. Nestor knight of Gerene was first to question them. “Tell me,” said + he, “renowned Ulysses, how did you two come by these horses? Did you steal + in among the Trojan forces, or did some god meet you and give them to you? + They are like sunbeams. I am well conversant with the Trojans, for old + warrior though I am I never hold back by the ships, but I never yet saw or + heard of such horses as these are. Surely some god must have met you and + given them to you, for you are both of you dear to Jove, and to Jove’s + daughter Minerva.” + </p> + <p> + And Ulysses answered, “Nestor son of Neleus, honour to the Achaean name, + heaven, if it so will, can give us even better horses than these, for the + gods are far mightier than we are. These horses, however, about which you + ask me, are freshly come from Thrace. Diomed killed their king with the + twelve bravest of his companions. Hard by the ships we took a thirteenth + man—a scout whom Hector and the other Trojans had sent as a spy upon + our ships.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed as he spoke and drove the horses over the ditch, while the + other Achaeans followed him gladly. When they reached the strongly built + quarters of the son of Tydeus, they tied the horses with thongs of leather + to the manger, where the steeds of Diomed stood eating their sweet corn, + but Ulysses hung the blood-stained spoils of Dolon at the stern of his + ship, that they might prepare a sacred offering to Minerva. As for + themselves, they went into the sea and washed the sweat from their bodies, + and from their necks and thighs. When the sea-water had taken all the + sweat from off them, and had refreshed them, they went into the baths and + washed themselves. After they had so done and had anointed themselves with + oil, they sat down to table, and drawing from a full mixing-bowl, made a + drink-offering of wine to Minerva. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap11"></a>BOOK XI.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + In the forenoon the fight is equal, but Agamemnon turns the fortune of the + day towards the Achaeans until he gets wounded and leaves the field—Hector + then drives everything before him till he is wounded by Diomed—Paris + wounds Diomed—Ulysses, Nestor, and Idomeneus perform prodigies of + valour—Machaon is wounded—Nestor drives him off in his chariot—Achilles + sees the pair driving towards the camp and sends Patroclus to ask who it + is that is wounded—This is the beginning of evil for Patroclus—Nestor + makes a long speech. + </p> + <p> + And now as Dawn rose from her couch beside Tithonus, harbinger of light + alike to mortals and immortals, Jove sent fierce Discord with the ensign + of war in her hands to the ships of the Achaeans. She took her stand by + the huge black hull of Ulysses’ ship which was middlemost of all, so that + her voice might carry farthest on either side, on the one hand towards the + tents of Ajax son of Telamon, and on the other towards those of Achilles—for + these two heroes, well assured of their own strength, had valorously drawn + up their ships at the two ends of the line. There she took her stand, and + raised a cry both loud and shrill that filled the Achaeans with courage, + giving them heart to fight resolutely and with all their might, so that + they had rather stay there and do battle than go home in their ships. + </p> + <p> + The son of Atreus shouted aloud and bade the Argives gird themselves for + battle while he put on his armour. First he girded his goodly greaves + about his legs, making them fast with ankle-clasps of silver; and about + his chest he set the breastplate which Cinyras had once given him as a + guest-gift. It had been noised abroad as far as Cyprus that the Achaeans + were about to sail for Troy, and therefore he gave it to the king. It had + ten courses of dark cyanus, twelve of gold, and ten of tin. There were + serpents of cyanus that reared themselves up towards the neck, three upon + either side, like the rainbows which the son of Saturn has set in heaven + as a sign to mortal men. About his shoulders he threw his sword, studded + with bosses of gold; and the scabbard was of silver with a chain of gold + wherewith to hang it. He took moreover the richly-dight shield that + covered his body when he was in battle—fair to see, with ten circles + of bronze running all round it. On the body of the shield there were + twenty bosses of white tin, with another of dark cyanus in the middle: + this last was made to show a Gorgon’s head, fierce and grim, with Rout and + Panic on either side. The band for the arm to go through was of silver, on + which there was a writhing snake of cyanus with three heads that sprang + from a single neck, and went in and out among one another. On his head + Agamemnon set a helmet, with a peak before and behind, and four plumes of + horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it; then he grasped two + redoubtable bronze-shod spears, and the gleam of his armour shot from him + as a flame into the firmament, while Juno and Minerva thundered in honour + of the king of rich Mycene. + </p> + <p> + Every man now left his horses in charge of his charioteer to hold them in + readiness by the trench, while he went into battle on foot clad in full + armour, and a mighty uproar rose on high into the dawning. The chiefs were + armed and at the trench before the horses got there, but these came up + presently. The son of Saturn sent a portent of evil sound about their + host, and the dew fell red with blood, for he was about to send many a + brave man hurrying down to Hades. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans, on the other side upon the rising slope of the plain, were + gathered round great Hector, noble Polydamas, Aeneas who was honoured by + the Trojans like an immortal, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybus, + Agenor, and young Acamas beauteous as a god. Hector’s round shield showed + in the front rank, and as some baneful star that shines for a moment + through a rent in the clouds and is again hidden beneath them; even so was + Hector now seen in the front ranks and now again in the hindermost, and + his bronze armour gleamed like the lightning of aegis-bearing Jove. + </p> + <p> + And now as a band of reapers mow swathes of wheat or barley upon a rich + man’s land, and the sheaves fall thick before them, even so did the + Trojans and Achaeans fall upon one another; they were in no mood for + yielding but fought like wolves, and neither side got the better of the + other. Discord was glad as she beheld them, for she was the only god that + went among them; the others were not there, but stayed quietly each in his + own home among the dells and valleys of Olympus. All of them blamed the + son of Saturn for wanting to give victory to the Trojans, but father Jove + heeded them not: he held aloof from all, and sat apart in his all-glorious + majesty, looking down upon the city of the Trojans, the ships of the + Achaeans, the gleam of bronze, and alike upon the slayers and on the + slain. + </p> + <p> + Now so long as the day waxed and it was still morning, their darts rained + thick on one another and the people perished, but as the hour drew nigh + when a woodman working in some mountain forest will get his midday meal—for + he has felled till his hands are weary; he is tired out, and must now have + food—then the Danaans with a cry that rang through all their ranks, + broke the battalions of the enemy. Agamemnon led them on, and slew first + Bienor, a leader of his people, and afterwards his comrade and charioteer + Oileus, who sprang from his chariot and was coming full towards him; but + Agamemnon struck him on the forehead with his spear; his bronze visor was + of no avail against the weapon, which pierced both bronze and bone, so + that his brains were battered in and he was killed in full fight. + </p> + <p> + Agamemnon stripped their shirts from off them and left them with their + breasts all bare to lie where they had fallen. He then went on to kill + Isus and Antiphus two sons of Priam, the one a bastard, the other born in + wedlock; they were in the same chariot—the bastard driving, while + noble Antiphus fought beside him. Achilles had once taken both of them + prisoners in the glades of Ida, and had bound them with fresh withes as + they were shepherding, but he had taken a ransom for them; now, however, + Agamemnon son of Atreus smote Isus in the chest above the nipple with his + spear, while he struck Antiphus hard by the ear and threw him from his + chariot. Forthwith he stripped their goodly armour from off them and + recognized them, for he had already seen them at ships when Achilles + brought them in from Ida. As a lion fastens on the fawns of a hind and + crushes them in his great jaws, robbing them of their tender life while he + on his way back to his lair—the hind can do nothing for them even + though she be close by, for she is in an agony of fear, and flies through + the thick forest, sweating, and at her utmost speed before the mighty + monster—so, no man of the Trojans could help Isus and Antiphus, for + they were themselves flying in panic before the Argives. + </p> + <p> + Then King Agamemnon took the two sons of Antimachus, Pisander and brave + Hippolochus. It was Antimachus who had been foremost in preventing Helen’s + being restored to Menelaus, for he was largely bribed by Alexandrus; and + now Agamemnon took his two sons, both in the same chariot, trying to bring + their horses to a stand—for they had lost hold of the reins and the + horses were mad with fear. The son of Atreus sprang upon them like a lion, + and the pair besought him from their chariot. “Take us alive,” they cried, + “son of Atreus, and you shall receive a great ransom for us. Our father + Antimachus has great store of gold, bronze, and wrought iron, and from + this he will satisfy you with a very large ransom should he hear of our + being alive at the ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + With such piteous words and tears did they beseech the king, but they + heard no pitiful answer in return. “If,” said Agamemnon, “you are sons of + Antimachus, who once at a council of Trojans proposed that Menelaus and + Ulysses, who had come to you as envoys, should be killed and not suffered + to return, you shall now pay for the foul iniquity of your father.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he felled Pisander from his chariot to the earth, smiting him + on the chest with his spear, so that he lay face uppermost upon the + ground. Hippolochus fled, but him too did Agamemnon smite; he cut off his + hands and his head—which he sent rolling in among the crowd as + though it were a ball. There he let them both lie, and wherever the ranks + were thickest thither he flew, while the other Achaeans followed. Foot + soldiers drove the foot soldiers of the foe in rout before them, and slew + them; horsemen did the like by horsemen, and the thundering tramp of the + horses raised a cloud of dust from off the plain. King Agamemnon followed + after, ever slaying them and cheering on the Achaeans. As when some mighty + forest is all ablaze—the eddying gusts whirl fire in all directions + till the thickets shrivel and are consumed before the blast of the flame—even + so fell the heads of the flying Trojans before Agamemnon son of Atreus, + and many a noble pair of steeds drew an empty chariot along the highways + of war, for lack of drivers who were lying on the plain, more useful now + to vultures than to their wives. + </p> + <p> + Jove drew Hector away from the darts and dust, with the carnage and din of + battle; but the son of Atreus sped onwards, calling out lustily to the + Danaans. They flew on by the tomb of old Ilus, son of Dardanus, in the + middle of the plain, and past the place of the wild fig-tree making always + for the city—the son of Atreus still shouting, and with hands all + bedrabbled in gore; but when they had reached the Scaean gates and the oak + tree, there they halted and waited for the others to come up. Meanwhile + the Trojans kept on flying over the middle of the plain like a herd of + cows maddened with fright when a lion has attacked them in the dead of + night—he springs on one of them, seizes her neck in the grip of his + strong teeth and then laps up her blood and gorges himself upon her + entrails—even so did King Agamemnon son of Atreus pursue the foe, + ever slaughtering the hindmost as they fled pell-mell before him. Many a + man was flung headlong from his chariot by the hand of the son of Atreus, + for he wielded his spear with fury. + </p> + <p> + But when he was just about to reach the high wall and the city, the father + of gods and men came down from heaven and took his seat, thunderbolt in + hand, upon the crest of many-fountained Ida. He then told Iris of the + golden wings to carry a message for him. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, and + speak thus to Hector—say that so long as he sees Agamemnon heading + his men and making havoc of the Trojan ranks, he is to keep aloof and bid + the others bear the brunt of the battle, but when Agamemnon is wounded + either by spear or arrow, and takes to his chariot, then will I vouchsafe + him strength to slay till he reach the ships and night falls at the going + down of the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Iris hearkened and obeyed. Down she went to strong Ilius from the crests + of Ida, and found Hector son of Priam standing by his chariot and horses. + Then she said, “Hector son of Priam, peer of gods in counsel, father Jove + has sent me to bear you this message—so long as you see Agamemnon + heading his men and making havoc of the Trojan ranks, you are to keep + aloof and bid the others bear the brunt of the battle, but when Agamemnon + is wounded either by spear or arrow, and takes to his chariot, then will + Jove vouchsafe you strength to slay till you reach the ships, and till + night falls at the going down of the sun.” + </p> + <p> + When she had thus spoken Iris left him, and Hector sprang full armed from + his chariot to the ground, brandishing his spear as he went about + everywhere among the host, cheering his men on to fight, and stirring the + dread strife of battle. The Trojans then wheeled round, and again met the + Achaeans, while the Argives on their part strengthened their battalions. + The battle was now in array and they stood face to face with one another, + Agamemnon ever pressing forward in his eagerness to be ahead of all + others. + </p> + <p> + Tell me now ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus, who, whether + of the Trojans or of their allies, was first to face Agamemnon? It was + Iphidamas son of Antenor, a man both brave and of great stature, who was + brought up in fertile Thrace, the mother of sheep. Cisses, his mother’s + father, brought him up in his own house when he was a child—Cisses, + father to fair Theano. When he reached manhood, Cisses would have kept him + there, and was for giving him his daughter in marriage, but as soon as he + had married he set out to fight the Achaeans with twelve ships that + followed him: these he had left at Percote and had come on by land to + Ilius. He it was that now met Agamemnon son of Atreus. When they were + close up with one another, the son of Atreus missed his aim, and Iphidamas + hit him on the girdle below the cuirass and then flung himself upon him, + trusting to his strength of arm; the girdle, however, was not pierced, nor + nearly so, for the point of the spear struck against the silver and was + turned aside as though it had been lead: King Agamemnon caught it from his + hand, and drew it towards him with the fury of a lion; he then drew his + sword, and killed Iphidamas by striking him on the neck. So there the poor + fellow lay, sleeping a sleep as it were of bronze, killed in the defence + of his fellow-citizens, far from his wedded wife, of whom he had had no + joy though he had given much for her: he had given a hundred head of + cattle down, and had promised later on to give a thousand sheep and goats + mixed, from the countless flocks of which he was possessed. Agamemnon son + of Atreus then despoiled him, and carried off his armour into the host of + the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + When noble Coon, Antenor’s eldest son, saw this, sore indeed were his eyes + at the sight of his fallen brother. Unseen by Agamemnon he got beside him, + spear in hand, and wounded him in the middle of his arm below the elbow, + the point of the spear going right through the arm. Agamemnon was + convulsed with pain, but still not even for this did he leave off + struggling and fighting, but grasped his spear that flew as fleet as the + wind, and sprang upon Coon who was trying to drag off the body of his + brother—his father’s son—by the foot, and was crying for help + to all the bravest of his comrades; but Agamemnon struck him with a + bronze-shod spear and killed him as he was dragging the dead body through + the press of men under cover of his shield: he then cut off his head, + standing over the body of Iphidamas. Thus did the sons of Antenor meet + their fate at the hands of the son of Atreus, and go down into the house + of Hades. + </p> + <p> + As long as the blood still welled warm from his wound Agamemnon went about + attacking the ranks of the enemy with spear and sword and with great + handfuls of stone, but when the blood had ceased to flow and the wound + grew dry, the pain became great. As the sharp pangs which the Eilithuiae, + goddesses of childbirth, daughters of Juno and dispensers of cruel pain, + send upon a woman when she is in labour—even so sharp were the pangs + of the son of Atreus. He sprang on to his chariot, and bade his charioteer + drive to the ships, for he was in great agony. With a loud clear voice he + shouted to the Danaans, “My friends, princes and counsellors of the + Argives, defend the ships yourselves, for Jove has not suffered me to + fight the whole day through against the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + With this the charioteer turned his horses towards the ships, and they + flew forward nothing loth. Their chests were white with foam and their + bellies with dust, as they drew the wounded king out of the battle. + </p> + <p> + When Hector saw Agamemnon quit the field, he shouted to the Trojans and + Lycians saying, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanian warriors, be men, my + friends, and acquit yourselves in battle bravely; their best man has left + them, and Jove has vouchsafed me a great triumph; charge the foe with your + chariots that you may win still greater glory.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all, and as a huntsman + hounds his dogs on against a lion or wild boar, even so did Hector, peer + of Mars, hound the proud Trojans on against the Achaeans. Full of hope he + plunged in among the foremost, and fell on the fight like some fierce + tempest that swoops down upon the sea, and lashes its deep blue waters + into fury. + </p> + <p> + What, then is the full tale of those whom Hector son of Priam killed in + the hour of triumph which Jove then vouchsafed him? First Asaeus, + Autonous, and Opites; Dolops son of Clytius, Opheltius and Agelaus; + Aesymnus, Orus and Hipponous steadfast in battle; these chieftains of the + Achaeans did Hector slay, and then he fell upon the rank and file. As when + the west wind hustles the clouds of the white south and beats them down + with the fierceness of its fury—the waves of the sea roll high, and + the spray is flung aloft in the rage of the wandering wind—even so + thick were the heads of them that fell by the hand of Hector. + </p> + <p> + All had then been lost and no help for it, and the Achaeans would have + fled pell-mell to their ships, had not Ulysses cried out to Diomed, “Son + of Tydeus, what has happened to us that we thus forget our prowess? Come, + my good fellow, stand by my side and help me, we shall be shamed for ever + if Hector takes the ships.” + </p> + <p> + And Diomed answered, “Come what may, I will stand firm; but we shall have + scant joy of it, for Jove is minded to give victory to the Trojans rather + than to us.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he struck Thymbraeus from his chariot to the ground, + smiting him in the left breast with his spear, while Ulysses killed Molion + who was his squire. These they let lie, now that they had stopped their + fighting; the two heroes then went on playing havoc with the foe, like two + wild boars that turn in fury and rend the hounds that hunt them. Thus did + they turn upon the Trojans and slay them, and the Achaeans were thankful + to have breathing time in their flight from Hector. + </p> + <p> + They then took two princes with their chariot, the two sons of Merops of + Percote, who excelled all others in the arts of divination. He had + forbidden his sons to go to the war, but they would not obey him, for fate + lured them to their fall. Diomed son of Tydeus slew them both and stripped + them of their armour, while Ulysses killed Hippodamus and Hypeirochus. + </p> + <p> + And now the son of Saturn as he looked down from Ida ordained that neither + side should have the advantage, and they kept on killing one another. The + son of Tydeus speared Agastrophus son of Paeon in the hip-joint with his + spear. His chariot was not at hand for him to fly with, so blindly + confident had he been. His squire was in charge of it at some distance and + he was fighting on foot among the foremost until he lost his life. Hector + soon marked the havoc Diomed and Ulysses were making, and bore down upon + them with a loud cry, followed by the Trojan ranks; brave Diomed was + dismayed when he saw them, and said to Ulysses who was beside him, “Great + Hector is bearing down upon us and we shall be undone; let us stand firm + and wait his onset.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it, nor did he miss his mark. + He had aimed at Hector’s head near the top of his helmet, but bronze was + turned by bronze, and Hector was untouched, for the spear was stayed by + the visored helm made with three plates of metal, which Phoebus Apollo had + given him. Hector sprang back with a great bound under cover of the ranks; + he fell on his knees and propped himself with his brawny hand leaning on + the ground, for darkness had fallen on his eyes. The son of Tydeus having + thrown his spear dashed in among the foremost fighters, to the place where + he had seen it strike the ground; meanwhile Hector recovered himself and + springing back into his chariot mingled with the crowd, by which means he + saved his life. But Diomed made at him with his spear and said, “Dog, you + have again got away though death was close on your heels. Phoebus Apollo, + to whom I ween you pray ere you go into battle, has again saved you, + nevertheless I will meet you and make an end of you hereafter, if there is + any god who will stand by me too and be my helper. For the present I must + pursue those I can lay hands on.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he began stripping the spoils from the son of Paeon, but + Alexandrus husband of lovely Helen aimed an arrow at him, leaning against + a pillar of the monument which men had raised to Ilus son of Dardanus, a + ruler in days of old. Diomed had taken the cuirass from off the breast of + Agastrophus, his heavy helmet also, and the shield from off his shoulders, + when Paris drew his bow and let fly an arrow that sped not from his hand + in vain, but pierced the flat of Diomed’s right foot, going right through + it and fixing itself in the ground. Thereon Paris with a hearty laugh + sprang forward from his hiding-place, and taunted him saying, “You are + wounded—my arrow has not been shot in vain; would that it had hit + you in the belly and killed you, for thus the Trojans, who fear you as + goats fear a lion, would have had a truce from evil.” + </p> + <p> + Diomed all undaunted answered, “Archer, you who without your bow are + nothing, slanderer and seducer, if you were to be tried in single combat + fighting in full armour, your bow and your arrows would serve you in + little stead. Vain is your boast in that you have scratched the sole of my + foot. I care no more than if a girl or some silly boy had hit me. A + worthless coward can inflict but a light wound; when I wound a man though + I but graze his skin it is another matter, for my weapon will lay him low. + His wife will tear her cheeks for grief and his children will be + fatherless: there will he rot, reddening the earth with his blood, and + vultures, not women, will gather round him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, but Ulysses came up and stood over him. Under this cover he + sat down to draw the arrow from his foot, and sharp was the pain he + suffered as he did so. Then he sprang on to his chariot and bade the + charioteer drive him to the ships, for he was sick at heart. + </p> + <p> + Ulysses was now alone; not one of the Argives stood by him, for they were + all panic-stricken. “Alas,” said he to himself in his dismay, “what will + become of me? It is ill if I turn and fly before these odds, but it will + be worse if I am left alone and taken prisoner, for the son of Saturn has + struck the rest of the Danaans with panic. But why talk to myself in this + way? Well do I know that though cowards quit the field, a hero, whether he + wound or be wounded, must stand firm and hold his own.” + </p> + <p> + While he was thus in two minds, the ranks of the Trojans advanced and + hemmed him in, and bitterly did they come to rue it. As hounds and lusty + youths set upon a wild boar that sallies from his lair whetting his white + tusks—they attack him from every side and can hear the gnashing of + his jaws, but for all his fierceness they still hold their ground—even + so furiously did the Trojans attack Ulysses. First he sprang spear in hand + upon Deiopites and wounded him on the shoulder with a downward blow; then + he killed Thoon and Ennomus. After these he struck Chersidamas in the + loins under his shield as he had just sprung down from his chariot; so he + fell in the dust and clutched the earth in the hollow of his hand. These + he let lie, and went on to wound Charops son of Hippasus own brother to + noble Socus. Socus, hero that he was, made all speed to help him, and when + he was close to Ulysses he said, “Far-famed Ulysses, insatiable of craft + and toil, this day you shall either boast of having killed both the sons + of Hippasus and stripped them of their armour, or you shall fall before my + spear.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he struck the shield of Ulysses. The spear went through + the shield and passed on through his richly wrought cuirass, tearing the + flesh from his side, but Pallas Minerva did not suffer it to pierce the + entrails of the hero. Ulysses knew that his hour was not yet come, but he + gave ground and said to Socus, “Wretch, you shall now surely die. You have + stayed me from fighting further with the Trojans, but you shall now fall + by my spear, yielding glory to myself, and your soul to Hades of the noble + steeds.” + </p> + <p> + Socus had turned in flight, but as he did so, the spear struck him in the + back midway between the shoulders, and went right through his chest. He + fell heavily to the ground and Ulysses vaunted over him saying, “O Socus, + son of Hippasus tamer of horses, death has been too quick for you and you + have not escaped him: poor wretch, not even in death shall your father and + mother close your eyes, but the ravening vultures shall enshroud you with + the flapping of their dark wings and devour you. Whereas even though I + fall the Achaeans will give me my due rites of burial.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he drew Socus’s heavy spear out of his flesh and from his + shield, and the blood welled forth when the spear was withdrawn so that he + was much dismayed. When the Trojans saw that Ulysses was bleeding they + raised a great shout and came on in a body towards him; he therefore gave + ground, and called his comrades to come and help him. Thrice did he cry as + loudly as man can cry, and thrice did brave Menelaus hear him; he turned, + therefore, to Ajax who was close beside him and said, “Ajax, noble son of + Telamon, captain of your people, the cry of Ulysses rings in my ears, as + though the Trojans had cut him off and were worsting him while he is + single-handed. Let us make our way through the throng; it will be well + that we defend him; I fear he may come to harm for all his valour if he be + left without support, and the Danaans would miss him sorely.” + </p> + <p> + He led the way and mighty Ajax went with him. The Trojans had gathered + round Ulysses like ravenous mountain jackals round the carcase of some + horned stag that has been hit with an arrow—the stag has fled at + full speed so long as his blood was warm and his strength has lasted, but + when the arrow has overcome him, the savage jackals devour him in the + shady glades of the forest. Then heaven sends a fierce lion thither, + whereon the jackals fly in terror and the lion robs them of their prey—even + so did Trojans many and brave gather round crafty Ulysses, but the hero + stood at bay and kept them off with his spear. Ajax then came up with his + shield before him like a wall, and stood hard by, whereon the Trojans fled + in all directions. Menelaus took Ulysses by the hand, and led him out of + the press while his squire brought up his chariot, but Ajax rushed + furiously on the Trojans and killed Doryclus, a bastard son of Priam; then + he wounded Pandocus, Lysandrus, Pyrasus, and Pylartes; as some swollen + torrent comes rushing in full flood from the mountains on to the plain, + big with the rain of heaven—many a dry oak and many a pine does it + engulf, and much mud does it bring down and cast into the sea—even + so did brave Ajax chase the foe furiously over the plain, slaying both men + and horses. + </p> + <p> + Hector did not yet know what Ajax was doing, for he was fighting on the + extreme left of the battle by the banks of the river Scamander, where the + carnage was thickest and the war-cry loudest round Nestor and brave + Idomeneus. Among these Hector was making great slaughter with his spear + and furious driving, and was destroying the ranks that were opposed to + him; still the Achaeans would have given no ground, had not Alexandrus + husband of lovely Helen stayed the prowess of Machaon, shepherd of his + people, by wounding him in the right shoulder with a triple-barbed arrow. + The Achaeans were in great fear that as the fight had turned against them + the Trojans might take him prisoner, and Idomeneus said to Nestor, “Nestor + son of Neleus, honour to the Achaean name, mount your chariot at once; + take Machaon with you and drive your horses to the ships as fast as you + can. A physician is worth more than several other men put together, for he + can cut out arrows and spread healing herbs.” + </p> + <p> + Nestor knight of Gerene did as Idomeneus had counselled; he at once + mounted his chariot, and Machaon son of the famed physician Aesculapius, + went with him. He lashed his horses and they flew onward nothing loth + towards the ships, as though of their own free will. + </p> + <p> + Then Cebriones seeing the Trojans in confusion said to Hector from his + place beside him, “Hector, here are we two fighting on the extreme wing of + the battle, while the other Trojans are in pell-mell rout, they and their + horses. Ajax son of Telamon is driving them before him; I know him by the + breadth of his shield: let us turn our chariot and horses thither, where + horse and foot are fighting most desperately, and where the cry of battle + is loudest.” + </p> + <p> + With this he lashed his goodly steeds, and when they felt the whip they + drew the chariot full speed among the Achaeans and Trojans, over the + bodies and shields of those that had fallen: the axle was bespattered with + blood, and the rail round the car was covered with splashes both from the + horses’ hoofs and from the tyres of the wheels. Hector tore his way + through and flung himself into the thick of the fight, and his presence + threw the Danaans into confusion, for his spear was not long idle; + nevertheless though he went among the ranks with sword and spear, and + throwing great stones, he avoided Ajax son of Telamon, for Jove would have + been angry with him if he had fought a better man than himself. + </p> + <p> + Then father Jove from his high throne struck fear into the heart of Ajax, + so that he stood there dazed and threw his shield behind him—looking + fearfully at the throng of his foes as though he were some wild beast, and + turning hither and thither but crouching slowly backwards. As peasants + with their hounds chase a lion from their stockyard, and watch by night to + prevent his carrying off the pick of their herd—he makes his greedy + spring, but in vain, for the darts from many a strong hand fall thick + around him, with burning brands that scare him for all his fury, and when + morning comes he slinks foiled and angry away—even so did Ajax, + sorely against his will, retreat angrily before the Trojans, fearing for + the ships of the Achaeans. Or as some lazy ass that has had many a cudgel + broken about his back, when he into a field begins eating the corn—boys + beat him but he is too many for them, and though they lay about with their + sticks they cannot hurt him; still when he has had his fill they at last + drive him from the field—even so did the Trojans and their allies + pursue great Ajax, ever smiting the middle of his shield with their darts. + Now and again he would turn and show fight, keeping back the battalions of + the Trojans, and then he would again retreat; but he prevented any of them + from making his way to the ships. Single-handed he stood midway between + the Trojans and Achaeans: the spears that sped from their hands stuck some + of them in his mighty shield, while many, though thirsting for his blood, + fell to the ground ere they could reach him to the wounding of his fair + flesh. + </p> + <p> + Now when Eurypylus the brave son of Euaemon saw that Ajax was being + overpowered by the rain of arrows, he went up to him and hurled his spear. + He struck Apisaon son of Phausius in the liver below the midriff, and laid + him low. Eurypylus sprang upon him, and stripped the armour from his + shoulders; but when Alexandrus saw him, he aimed an arrow at him which + struck him in the right thigh; the arrow broke, but the point that was + left in the wound dragged on the thigh; he drew back, therefore, under + cover of his comrades to save his life, shouting as he did so to the + Danaans, “My friends, princes and counsellors of the Argives, rally to the + defence of Ajax who is being overpowered, and I doubt whether he will come + out of the fight alive. Hither, then, to the rescue of great Ajax son of + Telamon.” + </p> + <p> + Even so did he cry when he was wounded; thereon the others came near, and + gathered round him, holding their shields upwards from their shoulders so + as to give him cover. Ajax then made towards them, and turned round to + stand at bay as soon as he had reached his men. + </p> + <p> + Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire. Meanwhile the mares of + Neleus, all in a lather with sweat, were bearing Nestor out of the fight, + and with him Machaon shepherd of his people. Achilles saw and took note, + for he was standing on the stern of his ship watching the hard stress and + struggle of the fight. He called from the ship to his comrade Patroclus, + who heard him in the tent and came out looking like Mars himself—here + indeed was the beginning of the ill that presently befell him. “Why,” said + he, “Achilles, do you call me? What do you want with me?” And Achilles + answered, “Noble son of Menoetius, man after my own heart, I take it that + I shall now have the Achaeans praying at my knees, for they are in great + straits; go, Patroclus, and ask Nestor who it is that he is bearing away + wounded from the field; from his back I should say it was Machaon son of + Aesculapius, but I could not see his face for the horses went by me at + full speed.” + </p> + <p> + Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him, and set off running by + the ships and tents of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + When Nestor and Machaon had reached the tents of the son of Neleus, they + dismounted, and an esquire, Eurymedon, took the horses from the chariot. + The pair then stood in the breeze by the seaside to dry the sweat from + their shirts, and when they had so done they came inside and took their + seats. Fair Hecamede, whom Nestor had had awarded to him from Tenedos when + Achilles took it, mixed them a mess; she was daughter of wise Arsinous, + and the Achaeans had given her to Nestor because he excelled all of them + in counsel. First she set for them a fair and well-made table that had + feet of cyanus; on it there was a vessel of bronze and an onion to give + relish to the drink, with honey and cakes of barley-meal. There was also a + cup of rare workmanship which the old man had brought with him from home, + studded with bosses of gold; it had four handles, on each of which there + were two golden doves feeding, and it had two feet to stand on. Any one + else would hardly have been able to lift it from the table when it was + full, but Nestor could do so quite easily. In this the woman, as fair as a + goddess, mixed them a mess with Pramnian wine; she grated goat’s milk + cheese into it with a bronze grater, threw in a handful of white + barley-meal, and having thus prepared the mess she bade them drink it. + When they had done so and had thus quenched their thirst, they fell + talking with one another, and at this moment Patroclus appeared at the + door. + </p> + <p> + When the old man saw him he sprang from his seat, seized his hand, led him + into the tent, and bade him take his place among them; but Patroclus stood + where he was and said, “Noble sir, I may not stay, you cannot persuade me + to come in; he that sent me is not one to be trifled with, and he bade me + ask who the wounded man was whom you were bearing away from the field. I + can now see for myself that he is Machaon, shepherd of his people. I must + go back and tell Achilles. You, sir, know what a terrible man he is, and + how ready to blame even where no blame should lie.” + </p> + <p> + And Nestor answered, “Why should Achilles care to know how many of the + Achaeans may be wounded? He recks not of the dismay that reigns in our + host; our most valiant chieftains lie disabled, brave Diomed, son of + Tydeus, is wounded; so are Ulysses and Agamemnon; Eurypylus has been hit + with an arrow in the thigh, and I have just been bringing this man from + the field—he too wounded with an arrow. Nevertheless, Achilles, so + valiant though he be, cares not and knows no ruth. Will he wait till the + ships, do what we may, are in a blaze, and we perish one upon the other? + As for me, I have no strength nor stay in me any longer; would that I were + still young and strong as in the days when there was a fight between us + and the men of Elis about some cattle-raiding. I then killed Itymoneus, + the valiant son of Hypeirochus, a dweller in Elis, as I was driving in the + spoil; he was hit by a dart thrown by my hand while fighting in the front + rank in defence of his cows, so he fell and the country people around him + were in great fear. We drove off a vast quantity of booty from the plain, + fifty herds of cattle and as many flocks of sheep; fifty droves also of + pigs, and as many wide-spreading flocks of goats. Of horses, moreover, we + seized a hundred and fifty, all of them mares, and many had foals running + with them. All these did we drive by night to Pylus, the city of Neleus, + taking them within the city; and the heart of Neleus was glad in that I + had taken so much, though it was the first time I had ever been in the + field. At daybreak the heralds went round crying that all in Elis to whom + there was a debt owing should come; and the leading Pylians assembled to + divide the spoils. There were many to whom the Epeans owed chattels, for + we men of Pylus were few and had been oppressed with wrong; in former + years Hercules had come, and had laid his hand heavy upon us, so that all + our best men had perished. Neleus had had twelve sons, but I alone was + left; the others had all been killed. The Epeans presuming upon all this + had looked down upon us and had done us much evil. My father chose a herd + of cattle and a great flock of sheep—three hundred in all—and + he took their shepherds with him, for there was a great debt due to him in + Elis, to wit four horses, winners of prizes. They and their chariots with + them had gone to the games and were to run for a tripod, but King Augeas + took them, and sent back their driver grieving for the loss of his horses. + Neleus was angered by what he had both said and done, and took great value + in return, but he divided the rest, that no man might have less than his + full share. + </p> + <p> + “Thus did we order all things, and offer sacrifices to the gods throughout + the city; but three days afterwards the Epeans came in a body, many in + number, they and their chariots, in full array, and with them the two + Moliones in their armour, though they were still lads and unused to + fighting. Now there is a certain town, Thryoessa, perched upon a rock on + the river Alpheus, the border city of Pylus. This they would destroy, and + pitched their camp about it, but when they had crossed their whole plain, + Minerva darted down by night from Olympus and bade us set ourselves in + array; and she found willing soldiers in Pylos, for the men meant + fighting. Neleus would not let me arm, and hid my horses, for he said that + as yet I could know nothing about war; nevertheless Minerva so ordered the + fight that, all on foot as I was, I fought among our mounted forces and + vied with the foremost of them. There is a river Minyeius that falls into + the sea near Arene, and there they that were mounted (and I with them) + waited till morning, when the companies of foot soldiers came up with us + in force. Thence in full panoply and equipment we came towards noon to the + sacred waters of the Alpheus, and there we offered victims to almighty + Jove, with a bull to Alpheus, another to Neptune, and a herd-heifer to + Minerva. After this we took supper in our companies, and laid us down to + rest each in his armour by the river. + </p> + <p> + “The Epeans were beleaguering the city and were determined to take it, but + ere this might be there was a desperate fight in store for them. When the + sun’s rays began to fall upon the earth we joined battle, praying to Jove + and to Minerva, and when the fight had begun, I was the first to kill my + man and take his horses—to wit the warrior Mulius. He was son-in-law + to Augeas, having married his eldest daughter, golden-haired Agamede, who + knew the virtues of every herb which grows upon the face of the earth. I + speared him as he was coming towards me, and when he fell headlong in the + dust, I sprang upon his chariot and took my place in the front ranks. The + Epeans fled in all directions when they saw the captain of their horsemen + (the best man they had) laid low, and I swept down on them like a + whirlwind, taking fifty chariots—and in each of them two men bit the + dust, slain by my spear. I should have even killed the two Moliones, sons + of Actor, unless their real father, Neptune lord of the earthquake, had + hidden them in a thick mist and borne them out of the fight. Thereon Jove + vouchsafed the Pylians a great victory, for we chased them far over the + plain, killing the men and bringing in their armour, till we had brought + our horses to Buprasium, rich in wheat, and to the Olenian rock, with the + hill that is called Alision, at which point Minerva turned the people + back. There I slew the last man and left him; then the Achaeans drove + their horses back from Buprasium to Pylos and gave thanks to Jove among + the gods, and among mortal men to Nestor. + </p> + <p> + “Such was I among my peers, as surely as ever was, but Achilles is for + keeping all his valour for himself; bitterly will he rue it hereafter when + the host is being cut to pieces. My good friend, did not Menoetius charge + you thus, on the day when he sent you from Phthia to Agamemnon? Ulysses + and I were in the house, inside, and heard all that he said to you; for we + came to the fair house of Peleus while beating up recruits throughout all + Achaea, and when we got there we found Menoetius and yourself, and + Achilles with you. The old knight Peleus was in the outer court, roasting + the fat thigh-bones of a heifer to Jove the lord of thunder; and he held a + gold chalice in his hand from which he poured drink-offerings of wine over + the burning sacrifice. You two were busy cutting up the heifer, and at + that moment we stood at the gates, whereon Achilles sprang to his feet, + led us by the hand into the house, placed us at table, and set before us + such hospitable entertainment as guests expect. When we had satisfied + ourselves with meat and drink, I said my say and urged both of you to join + us. You were ready enough to do so, and the two old men charged you much + and straitly. Old Peleus bade his son Achilles fight ever among the + foremost and outvie his peers, while Menoetius the son of Actor spoke thus + to you: ‘My son,’ said he, ‘Achilles is of nobler birth than you are, but + you are older than he, though he is far the better man of the two. Counsel + him wisely, guide him in the right way, and he will follow you to his own + profit.’ Thus did your father charge you, but you have forgotten; + nevertheless, even now, say all this to Achilles if he will listen to you. + Who knows but with heaven’s help you may talk him over, for it is good to + take a friend’s advice. If, however, he is fearful about some oracle, or + if his mother has told him something from Jove, then let him send you, and + let the rest of the Myrmidons follow with you, if perchance you may bring + light and saving to the Danaans. And let him send you into battle clad in + his own armour, that the Trojans may mistake you for him and leave off + fighting; the sons of the Achaeans may thus have time to get their breath, + for they are hard pressed and there is little breathing time in battle. + You, who are fresh, might easily drive a tired enemy back to his walls and + away from the tents and ships.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he moved the heart of Patroclus, who set off running by + the line of the ships to Achilles, descendant of Aeacus. When he had got + as far as the ships of Ulysses, where was their place of assembly and + court of justice, with their altars dedicated to the gods, Eurypylus son + of Euaemon, met him, wounded in the thigh with an arrow, and limping out + of the fight. Sweat rained from his head and shoulders, and black blood + welled from his cruel wound, but his mind did not wander. The son of + Menoetius when he saw him had compassion upon him and spoke piteously + saying, “O unhappy princes and counsellors of the Danaans, are you then + doomed to feed the hounds of Troy with your fat, far from your friends and + your native land? Say, noble Eurypylus, will the Achaeans be able to hold + great Hector in check, or will they fall now before his spear?” + </p> + <p> + Wounded Eurypylus made answer, “Noble Patroclus, there is no hope left for + the Achaeans but they will perish at their ships. All they that were + princes among us are lying struck down and wounded at the hands of the + Trojans, who are waxing stronger and stronger. But save me and take me to + your ship; cut out the arrow from my thigh; wash the black blood from off + it with warm water, and lay upon it those gracious herbs which, so they + say, have been shown you by Achilles, who was himself shown them by + Chiron, most righteous of all the centaurs. For of the physicians + Podalirius and Machaon, I hear that the one is lying wounded in his tent + and is himself in need of healing, while the other is fighting the Trojans + upon the plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Hero Eurypylus,” replied the brave son of Menoetius, “how may these + things be? What can I do? I am on my way to bear a message to noble + Achilles from Nestor of Gerene, bulwark of the Achaeans, but even so I + will not be unmindful of your distress.” + </p> + <p> + With this he clasped him round the middle and led him into the tent, and a + servant, when he saw him, spread bullock-skins on the ground for him to + lie on. He laid him at full length and cut out the sharp arrow from his + thigh; he washed the black blood from the wound with warm water; he then + crushed a bitter herb, rubbing it between his hands, and spread it upon + the wound; this was a virtuous herb which killed all pain; so the wound + presently dried and the blood left off flowing. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap12"></a>BOOK XII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The Trojans and their allies break the wall, led on by Hector. + </p> + <p> + So the son of Menoetius was attending to the hurt of Eurypylus within the + tent, but the Argives and Trojans still fought desperately, nor were the + trench and the high wall above it, to keep the Trojans in check longer. + They had built it to protect their ships, and had dug the trench all round + it that it might safeguard both the ships and the rich spoils which they + had taken, but they had not offered hecatombs to the gods. It had been + built without the consent of the immortals, and therefore it did not last. + So long as Hector lived and Achilles nursed his anger, and so long as the + city of Priam remained untaken, the great wall of the Achaeans stood firm; + but when the bravest of the Trojans were no more, and many also of the + Argives, though some were yet left alive—when, moreover, the city + was sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back with their + ships to their own country—then Neptune and Apollo took counsel to + destroy the wall, and they turned on to it the streams of all the rivers + from Mount Ida into the sea, Rhesus, Heptaporus, Caresus, Rhodius, + Grenicus, Aesopus, and goodly Scamander, with Simois, where many a shield + and helm had fallen, and many a hero of the race of demigods had bitten + the dust. Phoebus Apollo turned the mouths of all these rivers together + and made them flow for nine days against the wall, while Jove rained the + whole time that he might wash it sooner into the sea. Neptune himself, + trident in hand, surveyed the work and threw into the sea all the + foundations of beams and stones which the Achaeans had laid with so much + toil; he made all level by the mighty stream of the Hellespont, and then + when he had swept the wall away he spread a great beach of sand over the + place where it had been. This done he turned the rivers back into their + old courses. + </p> + <p> + This was what Neptune and Apollo were to do in after time; but as yet + battle and turmoil were still raging round the wall till its timbers rang + under the blows that rained upon them. The Argives, cowed by the scourge + of Jove, were hemmed in at their ships in fear of Hector the mighty + minister of Rout, who as heretofore fought with the force and fury of a + whirlwind. As a lion or wild boar turns fiercely on the dogs and men that + attack him, while these form a solid wall and shower their javelins as + they face him—his courage is all undaunted, but his high spirit will + be the death of him; many a time does he charge at his pursuers to scatter + them, and they fall back as often as he does so—even so did Hector + go about among the host exhorting his men, and cheering them on to cross + the trench. + </p> + <p> + But the horses dared not do so, and stood neighing upon its brink, for the + width frightened them. They could neither jump it nor cross it, for it had + overhanging banks all round upon either side, above which there were the + sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaeans had planted so close and strong + as a defence against all who would assail it; a horse, therefore, could + not get into it and draw his chariot after him, but those who were on foot + kept trying their very utmost. Then Polydamas went up to Hector and said, + “Hector, and you other captains of the Trojans and allies, it is madness + for us to try and drive our horses across the trench; it will be very hard + to cross, for it is full of sharp stakes, and beyond these there is the + wall. Our horses therefore cannot get down into it, and would be of no use + if they did; moreover it is a narrow place and we should come to harm. If, + indeed, great Jove is minded to help the Trojans, and in his anger will + utterly destroy the Achaeans, I would myself gladly see them perish now + and here far from Argos; but if they should rally and we are driven back + from the ships pell-mell into the trench there will be not so much as a + man get back to the city to tell the tale. Now, therefore, let us all do + as I say; let our squires hold our horses by the trench, but let us follow + Hector in a body on foot, clad in full armour, and if the day of their + doom is at hand the Achaeans will not be able to withstand us.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Polydamas and his saying pleased Hector, who sprang in full + armour to the ground, and all the other Trojans, when they saw him do so, + also left their chariots. Each man then gave his horses over to his + charioteer in charge to hold them ready for him at the trench. Then they + formed themselves into companies, made themselves ready, and in five + bodies followed their leaders. Those that went with Hector and Polydamas + were the bravest and most in number, and the most determined to break + through the wall and fight at the ships. Cebriones was also joined with + them as third in command, for Hector had left his chariot in charge of a + less valiant soldier. The next company was led by Paris, Alcathous, and + Agenor; the third by Helenus and Deiphobus, two sons of Priam, and with + them was the hero Asius—Asius, the son of Hyrtacus, whose great + black horses of the breed that comes from the river Selleis had brought + him from Arisbe. Aeneas, the valiant son of Anchises, led the fourth; he + and the two sons of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, men well versed in + all the arts of war. Sarpedon was captain over the allies, and took with + him Glaucus and Asteropaeus whom he deemed most valiant after himself—for + he was far the best man of them all. These helped to array one another in + their ox-hide shields, and then charged straight at the Danaans, for they + felt sure that they would not hold out longer and that they should + themselves now fall upon the ships. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the Trojans and their allies now followed the counsel of + Polydamas but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, would not leave his horses and his + esquire behind him; in his foolhardiness he took them on with him towards + the ships, nor did he fail to come by his end in consequence. Nevermore + was he to return to wind-beaten Ilius, exulting in his chariot and his + horses; ere he could do so, death of ill-omened name had overshadowed him + and he had fallen by the spear of Idomeneus the noble son of Deucalion. He + had driven towards the left wing of the ships, by which way the Achaeans + used to return with their chariots and horses from the plain. Hither he + drove and found the gates with their doors opened wide, and the great bar + down—for the gatemen kept them open so as to let those of their + comrades enter who might be flying towards the ships. Hither of set + purpose did he direct his horses, and his men followed him with a loud + cry, for they felt sure that the Achaeans would not hold out longer, and + that they should now fall upon the ships. Little did they know that at the + gates they should find two of the bravest chieftains, proud sons of the + fighting Lapithae—the one, Polypoetes, mighty son of Pirithous, and + the other Leonteus, peer of murderous Mars. These stood before the gates + like two high oak trees upon the mountains, that tower from their + wide-spreading roots, and year after year battle with wind and rain—even + so did these two men await the onset of great Asius confidently and + without flinching. The Trojans led by him and by Iamenus, Orestes, Adamas + the son of Asius, Thoon and Oenomaus, raised a loud cry of battle and made + straight for the wall, holding their shields of dry ox-hide above their + heads; for a while the two defenders remained inside and cheered the + Achaeans on to stand firm in the defence of their ships; when, however, + they saw that the Trojans were attacking the wall, while the Danaans were + crying out for help and being routed, they rushed outside and fought in + front of the gates like two wild boars upon the mountains that abide the + attack of men and dogs, and charging on either side break down the wood + all round them tearing it up by the roots, and one can hear the clattering + of their tusks, till some one hits them and makes an end of them—even + so did the gleaming bronze rattle about their breasts, as the weapons fell + upon them; for they fought with great fury, trusting to their own prowess + and to those who were on the wall above them. These threw great stones at + their assailants in defence of themselves their tents and their ships. The + stones fell thick as the flakes of snow which some fierce blast drives + from the dark clouds and showers down in sheets upon the earth—even + so fell the weapons from the hands alike of Trojans and Achaeans. Helmet + and shield rang out as the great stones rained upon them, and Asius, the + son of Hyrtacus, in his dismay cried aloud and smote his two thighs. + “Father Jove,” he cried, “of a truth you too are altogether given to + lying. I made sure the Argive heroes could not withstand us, whereas like + slim-waisted wasps, or bees that have their nests in the rocks by the + wayside—they leave not the holes wherein they have built undefended, + but fight for their little ones against all who would take them—even + so these men, though they be but two, will not be driven from the gates, + but stand firm either to slay or be slain.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke, but moved not the mind of Jove, whose counsel it then was to + give glory to Hector. Meanwhile the rest of the Trojans were fighting + about the other gates; I, however, am no god to be able to tell about all + these things, for the battle raged everywhere about the stone wall as it + were a fiery furnace. The Argives, discomfited though they were, were + forced to defend their ships, and all the gods who were defending the + Achaeans were vexed in spirit; but the Lapithae kept on fighting with + might and main. + </p> + <p> + Thereon Polypoetes, mighty son of Pirithous, hit Damasus with a spear upon + his cheek-pierced helmet. The helmet did not protect him, for the point of + the spear went through it, and broke the bone, so that the brain inside + was scattered about, and he died fighting. He then slew Pylon and Ormenus. + Leonteus, of the race of Mars, killed Hippomachus the son of Antimachus by + striking him with his spear upon the girdle. He then drew his sword and + sprang first upon Antiphates whom he killed in combat, and who fell face + upwards on the earth. After him he killed Menon, Iamenus, and Orestes, and + laid them low one after the other. + </p> + <p> + While they were busy stripping the armour from these heroes, the youths + who were led on by Polydamas and Hector (and these were the greater part + and the most valiant of those that were trying to break through the wall + and fire the ships) were still standing by the trench, uncertain what they + should do; for they had seen a sign from heaven when they had essayed to + cross it—a soaring eagle that flew skirting the left wing of their + host, with a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons still alive and + struggling to escape. The snake was still bent on revenge, wriggling and + twisting itself backwards till it struck the bird that held it, on the + neck and breast; whereon the bird being in pain, let it fall, dropping it + into the middle of the host, and then flew down the wind with a sharp cry. + The Trojans were struck with terror when they saw the snake, portent of + aegis-bearing Jove, writhing in the midst of them, and Polydamas went up + to Hector and said, “Hector, at our councils of war you are ever given to + rebuke me, even when I speak wisely, as though it were not well, forsooth, + that one of the people should cross your will either in the field or at + the council board; you would have them support you always: nevertheless I + will say what I think will be best; let us not now go on to fight the + Danaans at their ships, for I know what will happen if this soaring eagle + which skirted the left wing of our host with a monstrous blood-red snake + in its talons (the snake being still alive) was really sent as an omen to + the Trojans on their essaying to cross the trench. The eagle let go her + hold; she did not succeed in taking it home to her little ones, and so + will it be—with ourselves; even though by a mighty effort we break + through the gates and wall of the Achaeans, and they give way before us, + still we shall not return in good order by the way we came, but shall + leave many a man behind us whom the Achaeans will do to death in defence + of their ships. Thus would any seer who was expert in these matters, and + was trusted by the people, read the portent.” + </p> + <p> + Hector looked fiercely at him and said, “Polydamas, I like not of your + reading. You can find a better saying than this if you will. If, however, + you have spoken in good earnest, then indeed has heaven robbed you of your + reason. You would have me pay no heed to the counsels of Jove, nor to the + promises he made me—and he bowed his head in confirmation; you bid + me be ruled rather by the flight of wild-fowl. What care I whether they + fly towards dawn or dark, and whether they be on my right hand or on my + left? Let us put our trust rather in the counsel of great Jove, king of + mortals and immortals. There is one omen, and one only—that a man + should fight for his country. Why are you so fearful? Though we be all of + us slain at the ships of the Argives you are not likely to be killed + yourself, for you are not steadfast nor courageous. If you will not fight, + or would talk others over from doing so, you shall fall forthwith before + my spear.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he led the way, and the others followed after with a cry + that rent the air. Then Jove the lord of thunder sent the blast of a + mighty wind from the mountains of Ida, that bore the dust down towards the + ships; he thus lulled the Achaeans into security, and gave victory to + Hector and to the Trojans, who, trusting to their own might and to the + signs he had shown them, essayed to break through the great wall of the + Achaeans. They tore down the breastworks from the walls, and overthrew the + battlements; they upheaved the buttresses, which the Achaeans had set in + front of the wall in order to support it; when they had pulled these down + they made sure of breaking through the wall, but the Danaans still showed + no sign of giving ground; they still fenced the battlements with their + shields of ox-hide, and hurled their missiles down upon the foe as soon as + any came below the wall. + </p> + <p> + The two Ajaxes went about everywhere on the walls cheering on the + Achaeans, giving fair words to some while they spoke sharply to any one + whom they saw to be remiss. “My friends,” they cried, “Argives one and all—good + bad and indifferent, for there was never fight yet, in which all were of + equal prowess—there is now work enough, as you very well know, for + all of you. See that you none of you turn in flight towards the ships, + daunted by the shouting of the foe, but press forward and keep one another + in heart, if it may so be that Olympian Jove the lord of lightning will + vouchsafe us to repel our foes, and drive them back towards the city.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did the two go about shouting and cheering the Achaeans on. As the + flakes that fall thick upon a winter’s day, when Jove is minded to snow + and to display these his arrows to mankind—he lulls the wind to + rest, and snows hour after hour till he has buried the tops of the high + mountains, the headlands that jut into the sea, the grassy plains, and the + tilled fields of men; the snow lies deep upon the forelands, and havens of + the grey sea, but the waves as they come rolling in stay it that it can + come no further, though all else is wrapped as with a mantle, so heavy are + the heavens with snow—even thus thickly did the stones fall on one + side and on the other, some thrown at the Trojans, and some by the Trojans + at the Achaeans; and the whole wall was in an uproar. + </p> + <p> + Still the Trojans and brave Hector would not yet have broken down the + gates and the great bar, had not Jove turned his son Sarpedon against the + Argives as a lion against a herd of horned cattle. Before him he held his + shield of hammered bronze, that the smith had beaten so fair and round, + and had lined with ox-hides which he had made fast with rivets of gold all + round the shield; this he held in front of him, and brandishing his two + spears came on like some lion of the wilderness, who has been long + famished for want of meat and will dare break even into a well-fenced + homestead to try and get at the sheep. He may find the shepherds keeping + watch over their flocks with dogs and spears, but he is in no mind to be + driven from the fold till he has had a try for it; he will either spring + on a sheep and carry it off, or be hit by a spear from some strong hand—even + so was Sarpedon fain to attack the wall and break down its battlements. + Then he said to Glaucus son of Hippolochus, “Glaucus, why in Lycia do we + receive especial honour as regards our place at table? Why are the + choicest portions served us and our cups kept brimming, and why do men + look up to us as though we were gods? Moreover we hold a large estate by + the banks of the river Xanthus, fair with orchard lawns and wheat-growing + land; it becomes us, therefore, to take our stand at the head of all the + Lycians and bear the brunt of the fight, that one may say to another, ‘Our + princes in Lycia eat the fat of the land and drink best of wine, but they + are fine fellows; they fight well and are ever at the front in battle.’ My + good friend, if, when we were once out of this fight, we could escape old + age and death thenceforward and forever, I should neither press forward + myself nor bid you do so, but death in ten thousand shapes hangs ever over + our heads, and no man can elude him; therefore let us go forward and + either win glory for ourselves, or yield it to another.” + </p> + <p> + Glaucus heeded his saying, and the pair forthwith led on the host of + Lycians. Menestheus son of Peteos was dismayed when he saw them, for it + was against his part of the wall that they came—bringing destruction + with them; he looked along the wall for some chieftain to support his + comrades and saw the two Ajaxes, men ever eager for the fray, and Teucer, + who had just come from his tent, standing near them; but he could not make + his voice heard by shouting to them, so great an uproar was there from + crashing shields and helmets and the battering of gates with a din which + reached the skies. For all the gates had been closed, and the Trojans were + hammering at them to try and break their way through them. Menestheus, + therefore, sent Thootes with a message to Ajax. “Run, good Thootes,” he + said, “and call Ajax, or better still bid both come, for it will be all + over with us here directly; the leaders of the Lycians are upon us, men + who have ever fought desperately heretofore. But if they have too much on + their hands to let them come, at any rate let Ajax son of Telamon do so, + and let Teucer, the famous bowman, come with him.” + </p> + <p> + The messenger did as he was told, and set off running along the wall of + the Achaeans. When he reached the Ajaxes he said to them, “Sirs, princes + of the Argives, the son of noble Peteos bids you come to him for a while + and help him. You had better both come if you can, or it will be all over + with him directly; the leaders of the Lycians are upon him, men who have + ever fought desperately heretofore; if you have too much on your hands to + let both come, at any rate let Ajax, son of Telamon, do so, and let + Teucer, the famous bowman, come with him.” + </p> + <p> + Great Ajax son of Telamon heeded the message, and at once spoke to the son + of Oileus. “Ajax,” said he, “do you two, yourself and brave Lycomedes, + stay here and keep the Danaans in heart to fight their hardest. I will go + over yonder, and bear my part in the fray, but I will come back here at + once as soon as I have given them the help they need.” + </p> + <p> + With this, Ajax son of Telamon set off, and Teucer, his brother by the + same father, went also, with Pandion to carry Teucer’s bow. They went + along inside the wall, and when they came to the tower where Menestheus + was (and hard pressed indeed did they find him) the brave captains and + leaders of the Lycians were storming the battlements as it were a thick + dark cloud, fighting in close quarters, and raising the battle-cry aloud. + </p> + <p> + First, Ajax son of Telamon killed brave Epicles, a comrade of Sarpedon, + hitting him with a jagged stone that lay by the battlements at the very + top of the wall. As men now are, even one who is in the bloom of youth + could hardly lift it with his two hands, but Ajax raised it high aloft and + flung it down, smashing Epicles’ four-crested helmet so that the bones of + his head were crushed to pieces, and he fell from the high wall as though + he were diving, with no more life left in him. Then Teucer wounded Glaucus + the brave son of Hippolochus as he was coming on to attack the wall. He + saw his shoulder bare and aimed an arrow at it, which made Glaucus leave + off fighting. Thereon he sprang covertly down for fear some of the + Achaeans might see that he was wounded and taunt him. Sarpedon was stung + with grief when he saw Glaucus leave him, still he did not leave off + fighting, but aimed his spear at Alcmaon the son of Thestor and hit him. + He drew his spear back again and Alcmaon came down headlong after it with + his bronzed armour rattling round him. Then Sarpedon seized the battlement + in his strong hands, and tugged at it till it all gave way together, and a + breach was made through which many might pass. + </p> + <p> + Ajax and Teucer then both of them attacked him. Teucer hit him with an + arrow on the band that bore the shield which covered his body, but Jove + saved his son from destruction that he might not fall by the ships’ + sterns. Meanwhile Ajax sprang on him and pierced his shield, but the spear + did not go clean through, though it hustled him back that he could come on + no further. He therefore retired a little space from the battlement, yet + without losing all his ground, for he still thought to cover himself with + glory. Then he turned round and shouted to the brave Lycians saying, + “Lycians, why do you thus fail me? For all my prowess I cannot break + through the wall and open a way to the ships single-handed. Come close on + behind me, for the more there are of us the better.” + </p> + <p> + The Lycians, shamed by his rebuke, pressed closer round him who was their + counsellor and their king. The Argives on their part got their men in + fighting order within the wall, and there was a deadly struggle between + them. The Lycians could not break through the wall and force their way to + the ships, nor could the Danaans drive the Lycians from the wall now that + they had once reached it. As two men, measuring-rods in hand, quarrel + about their boundaries in a field that they own in common, and stickle for + their rights though they be but in a mere strip, even so did the + battlements now serve as a bone of contention, and they beat one another’s + round shields for their possession. Many a man’s body was wounded with the + pitiless bronze, as he turned round and bared his back to the foe, and + many were struck clean through their shields; the wall and battlements + were everywhere deluged with the blood alike of Trojans and of Achaeans. + But even so the Trojans could not rout the Achaeans, who still held on; + and as some honest hard-working woman weighs wool in her balance and sees + that the scales be true, for she would gain some pitiful earnings for her + little ones, even so was the fight balanced evenly between them till the + time came when Jove gave the greater glory to Hector son of Priam, who was + first to spring towards the wall of the Achaeans. When he had done so, he + cried aloud to the Trojans, “Up, Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, + and fling fire upon their ships.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he hound them on, and in one body they rushed straight at the + wall as he had bidden them, and scaled the battlements with sharp spears + in their hands. Hector laid hold of a stone that lay just outside the + gates and was thick at one end but pointed at the other; two of the best + men in a town, as men now are, could hardly raise it from the ground and + put it on to a waggon, but Hector lifted it quite easily by himself, for + the son of scheming Saturn made it light for him. As a shepherd picks up a + ram’s fleece with one hand and finds it no burden, so easily did Hector + lift the great stone and drive it right at the doors that closed the gates + so strong and so firmly set. These doors were double and high, and were + kept closed by two cross-bars to which there was but one key. When he had + got close up to them, Hector strode towards them that his blow might gain + in force and struck them in the middle, leaning his whole weight against + them. He broke both hinges, and the stone fell inside by reason of its + great weight. The portals re-echoed with the sound, the bars held no + longer, and the doors flew open, one one way, and the other the other, + through the force of the blow. Then brave Hector leaped inside with a face + as dark as that of flying night. The gleaming bronze flashed fiercely + about his body and he had two spears in his hand. None but a god could + have withstood him as he flung himself into the gateway, and his eyes + glared like fire. Then he turned round towards the Trojans and called on + them to scale the wall, and they did as he bade them—some of them at + once climbing over the wall, while others passed through the gates. The + Danaans then fled panic-stricken towards their ships, and all was uproar + and confusion. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Neptune helps the Achaeans—The feats of Idomeneus—Hector at + the ships. + </p> + <p> + Now when Jove had thus brought Hector and the Trojans to the ships, he + left them to their never-ending toil, and turned his keen eyes away, + looking elsewhither towards the horse-breeders of Thrace, the Mysians, + fighters at close quarters, the noble Hippemolgi, who live on milk, and + the Abians, justest of mankind. He no longer turned so much as a glance + towards Troy, for he did not think that any of the immortals would go and + help either Trojans or Danaans. + </p> + <p> + But King Neptune had kept no blind look-out; he had been looking + admiringly on the battle from his seat on the topmost crests of wooded + Samothrace, whence he could see all Ida, with the city of Priam and the + ships of the Achaeans. He had come from under the sea and taken his place + here, for he pitied the Achaeans who were being overcome by the Trojans; + and he was furiously angry with Jove. + </p> + <p> + Presently he came down from his post on the mountain top, and as he strode + swiftly onwards the high hills and the forest quaked beneath the tread of + his immortal feet. Three strides he took, and with the fourth he reached + his goal—Aegae, where is his glittering golden palace, imperishable, + in the depths of the sea. When he got there, he yoked his fleet + brazen-footed steeds with their manes of gold all flying in the wind; he + clothed himself in raiment of gold, grasped his gold whip, and took his + stand upon his chariot. As he went his way over the waves the sea-monsters + left their lairs, for they knew their lord, and came gambolling round him + from every quarter of the deep, while the sea in her gladness opened a + path before his chariot. So lightly did the horses fly that the bronze + axle of the car was not even wet beneath it; and thus his bounding steeds + took him to the ships of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Now there is a certain huge cavern in the depths of the sea midway between + Tenedos and rocky Imbrus; here Neptune lord of the earthquake stayed his + horses, unyoked them, and set before them their ambrosial forage. He + hobbled their feet with hobbles of gold which none could either unloose or + break, so that they might stay there in that place until their lord should + return. This done he went his way to the host of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Now the Trojans followed Hector son of Priam in close array like a + storm-cloud or flame of fire, fighting with might and main and raising the + cry battle; for they deemed that they should take the ships of the + Achaeans and kill all their chiefest heroes then and there. Meanwhile + earth-encircling Neptune lord of the earthquake cheered on the Argives, + for he had come up out of the sea and had assumed the form and voice of + Calchas. + </p> + <p> + First he spoke to the two Ajaxes, who were doing their best already, and + said, “Ajaxes, you two can be the saving of the Achaeans if you will put + out all your strength and not let yourselves be daunted. I am not afraid + that the Trojans, who have got over the wall in force, will be victorious + in any other part, for the Achaeans can hold all of them in check, but I + much fear that some evil will befall us here where furious Hector, who + boasts himself the son of great Jove himself, is leading them on like a + pillar of flame. May some god, then, put it into your hearts to make a + firm stand here, and to incite others to do the like. In this case you + will drive him from the ships even though he be inspired by Jove himself.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the earth-encircling lord of the earthquake struck both of + them with his sceptre and filled their hearts with daring. He made their + legs light and active, as also their hands and their feet. Then, as the + soaring falcon poises on the wing high above some sheer rock, and + presently swoops down to chase some bird over the plain, even so did + Neptune lord of the earthquake wing his flight into the air and leave + them. Of the two, swift Ajax son of Oileus was the first to know who it + was that had been speaking with them, and said to Ajax son of Telamon, + “Ajax, this is one of the gods that dwell on Olympus, who in the likeness + of the prophet is bidding us fight hard by our ships. It was not Calchas + the seer and diviner of omens; I knew him at once by his feet and knees as + he turned away, for the gods are soon recognised. Moreover I feel the lust + of battle burn more fiercely within me, while my hands and my feet under + me are more eager for the fray.” + </p> + <p> + And Ajax son of Telamon answered, “I too feel my hands grasp my spear more + firmly; my strength is greater, and my feet more nimble; I long, moreover, + to meet furious Hector son of Priam, even in single combat.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse, exulting in the hunger after battle with which the + god had filled them. Meanwhile the earth-encircler roused the Achaeans, + who were resting in the rear by the ships overcome at once by hard + fighting and by grief at seeing that the Trojans had got over the wall in + force. Tears began falling from their eyes as they beheld them, for they + made sure that they should not escape destruction; but the lord of the + earthquake passed lightly about among them and urged their battalions to + the front. + </p> + <p> + First he went up to Teucer and Leitus, the hero Peneleos, and Thoas and + Deipyrus; Meriones also and Antilochus, valiant warriors; all did he + exhort. “Shame on you young Argives,” he cried, “it was on your prowess I + relied for the saving of our ships; if you fight not with might and main, + this very day will see us overcome by the Trojans. Of a truth my eyes + behold a great and terrible portent which I had never thought to see—the + Trojans at our ships—they, who were heretofore like panic-stricken + hinds, the prey of jackals and wolves in a forest, with no strength but in + flight for they cannot defend themselves. Hitherto the Trojans dared not + for one moment face the attack of the Achaeans, but now they have sallied + far from their city and are fighting at our very ships through the + cowardice of our leader and the disaffection of the people themselves, who + in their discontent care not to fight in defence of the ships but are + being slaughtered near them. True, King Agamemnon son of Atreus is the + cause of our disaster by having insulted the son of Peleus, still this is + no reason why we should leave off fighting. Let us be quick to heal, for + the hearts of the brave heal quickly. You do ill to be thus remiss, you, + who are the finest soldiers in our whole army. I blame no man for keeping + out of battle if he is a weakling, but I am indignant with such men as you + are. My good friends, matters will soon become even worse through this + slackness; think, each one of you, of his own honour and credit, for the + hazard of the fight is extreme. Great Hector is now fighting at our ships; + he has broken through the gates and the strong bolt that held them.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did the earth-encircler address the Achaeans and urge them on. + Thereon round the two Ajaxes there gathered strong bands of men, of whom + not even Mars nor Minerva, marshaller of hosts could make light if they + went among them, for they were the picked men of all those who were now + awaiting the onset of Hector and the Trojans. They made a living fence, + spear to spear, shield to shield, buckler to buckler, helmet to helmet, + and man to man. The horse-hair crests on their gleaming helmets touched + one another as they nodded forward, so closely serried were they; the + spears they brandished in their strong hands were interlaced, and their + hearts were set on battle. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans advanced in a dense body, with Hector at their head pressing + right on as a rock that comes thundering down the side of some mountain + from whose brow the winter torrents have torn it; the foundations of the + dull thing have been loosened by floods of rain, and as it bounds headlong + on its way it sets the whole forest in an uproar; it swerves neither to + right nor left till it reaches level ground, but then for all its fury it + can go no further—even so easily did Hector for a while seem as + though he would career through the tents and ships of the Achaeans till he + had reached the sea in his murderous course; but the closely serried + battalions stayed him when he reached them, for the sons of the Achaeans + thrust at him with swords and spears pointed at both ends, and drove him + from them so that he staggered and gave ground; thereon he shouted to the + Trojans, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians, fighters in close combat, + stand firm: the Achaeans have set themselves as a wall against me, but + they will not check me for long; they will give ground before me if the + mightiest of the gods, the thundering spouse of Juno, has indeed inspired + my onset.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Deiphobus son of + Priam went about among them intent on deeds of daring with his round + shield before him, under cover of which he strode quickly forward. + Meriones took aim at him with a spear, nor did he fail to hit the broad + orb of ox-hide; but he was far from piercing it for the spear broke in two + pieces long ere he could do so; moreover Deiphobus had seen it coming and + had held his shield well away from him. Meriones drew back under cover of + his comrades, angry alike at having failed to vanquish Deiphobus, and + having broken his spear. He turned therefore towards the ships and tents + to fetch a spear which he had left behind in his tent. + </p> + <p> + The others continued fighting, and the cry of battle rose up into the + heavens. Teucer son of Telamon was the first to kill his man, to wit, the + warrior Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich in horses. Until the Achaeans came he + had lived in Pedaeum, and had married Medesicaste, a bastard daughter of + Priam; but on the arrival of the Danaan fleet he had gone back to Ilius, + and was a great man among the Trojans, dwelling near Priam himself, who + gave him like honour with his own sons. The son of Telamon now struck him + under the ear with a spear which he then drew back again, and Imbrius fell + headlong as an ash-tree when it is felled on the crest of some high + mountain beacon, and its delicate green foliage comes toppling down to the + ground. Thus did he fall with his bronze-dight armour ringing harshly + round him, and Teucer sprang forward with intent to strip him of his + armour; but as he was doing so, Hector took aim at him with a spear. + Teucer saw the spear coming and swerved aside, whereon it hit Amphimachus, + son of Cteatus son of Actor, in the chest as he was coming into battle, + and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. + Hector sprang forward to take Amphimachus’s helmet from off his temples, + and in a moment Ajax threw a spear at him, but did not wound him, for he + was encased all over in his terrible armour; nevertheless the spear struck + the boss of his shield with such force as to drive him back from the two + corpses, which the Achaeans then drew off. Stichius and Menestheus, + captains of the Athenians, bore away Amphimachus to the host of the + Achaeans, while the two brave and impetuous Ajaxes did the like by + Imbrius. As two lions snatch a goat from the hounds that have it in their + fangs, and bear it through thick brushwood high above the ground in their + jaws, thus did the Ajaxes bear aloft the body of Imbrius, and strip it of + its armour. Then the son of Oileus severed the head from the neck in + revenge for the death of Amphimachus, and sent it whirling over the crowd + as though it had been a ball, till it fell in the dust at Hector’s feet. + </p> + <p> + Neptune was exceedingly angry that his grandson Amphimachus should have + fallen; he therefore went to the tents and ships of the Achaeans to urge + the Danaans still further, and to devise evil for the Trojans. Idomeneus + met him, as he was taking leave of a comrade, who had just come to him + from the fight, wounded in the knee. His fellow-soldiers bore him off the + field, and Idomeneus having given orders to the physicians went on to his + tent, for he was still thirsting for battle. Neptune spoke in the likeness + and with the voice of Thoas son of Andraemon who ruled the Aetolians of + all Pleuron and high Calydon, and was honoured among his people as though + he were a god. “Idomeneus,” said he, “lawgiver to the Cretans, what has + now become of the threats with which the sons of the Achaeans used to + threaten the Trojans?” + </p> + <p> + And Idomeneus chief among the Cretans answered, “Thoas, no one, so far as + I know, is in fault, for we can all fight. None are held back neither by + fear nor slackness, but it seems to be the will of almighty Jove that the + Achaeans should perish ingloriously here far from Argos: you, Thoas, have + been always staunch, and you keep others in heart if you see any fail in + duty; be not then remiss now, but exhort all to do their utmost.” + </p> + <p> + To this Neptune lord of the earthquake made answer, “Idomeneus, may he + never return from Troy, but remain here for dogs to batten upon, who is + this day wilfully slack in fighting. Get your armour and go, we must make + all haste together if we may be of any use, though we are only two. Even + cowards gain courage from companionship, and we two can hold our own with + the bravest.” + </p> + <p> + Therewith the god went back into the thick of the fight, and Idomeneus + when he had reached his tent donned his armour, grasped his two spears, + and sallied forth. As the lightning which the son of Saturn brandishes + from bright Olympus when he would show a sign to mortals, and its gleam + flashes far and wide—even so did his armour gleam about him as he + ran. Meriones his sturdy squire met him while he was still near his tent + (for he was going to fetch his spear) and Idomeneus said: + </p> + <p> + “Meriones, fleet son of Molus, best of comrades, why have you left the + field? Are you wounded, and is the point of the weapon hurting you? or + have you been sent to fetch me? I want no fetching; I had far rather fight + than stay in my tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Idomeneus,” answered Meriones, “I come for a spear, if I can find one in + my tent; I have broken the one I had, in throwing it at the shield of + Deiphobus.” + </p> + <p> + And Idomeneus captain of the Cretans answered, “You will find one spear, + or twenty if you so please, standing up against the end wall of my tent. I + have taken them from Trojans whom I have killed, for I am not one to keep + my enemy at arm’s length; therefore I have spears, bossed shields, + helmets, and burnished corslets.” + </p> + <p> + Then Meriones said, “I too in my tent and at my ship have spoils taken + from the Trojans, but they are not at hand. I have been at all times + valorous, and wherever there has been hard fighting have held my own among + the foremost. There may be those among the Achaeans who do not know how I + fight, but you know it well enough yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Idomeneus answered, “I know you for a brave man: you need not tell me. If + the best men at the ships were being chosen to go on an ambush—and + there is nothing like this for showing what a man is made of; it comes out + then who is cowardly and who brave; the coward will change colour at every + touch and turn; he is full of fears, and keeps shifting his weight first + on one knee and then on the other; his heart beats fast as he thinks of + death, and one can hear the chattering of his teeth; whereas the brave man + will not change colour nor be frightened on finding himself in ambush, but + is all the time longing to go into action—if the best men were being + chosen for such a service, no one could make light of your courage nor + feats of arms. If you were struck by a dart or smitten in close combat, it + would not be from behind, in your neck nor back, but the weapon would hit + you in the chest or belly as you were pressing forward to a place in the + front ranks. But let us no longer stay here talking like children, lest we + be ill spoken of; go, fetch your spear from the tent at once.” + </p> + <p> + On this Meriones, peer of Mars, went to the tent and got himself a spear + of bronze. He then followed after Idomeneus, big with great deeds of + valour. As when baneful Mars sallies forth to battle, and his son Panic so + strong and dauntless goes with him, to strike terror even into the heart + of a hero—the pair have gone from Thrace to arm themselves among the + Ephyri or the brave Phlegyans, but they will not listen to both the + contending hosts, and will give victory to one side or to the other—even + so did Meriones and Idomeneus, captains of men, go out to battle clad in + their bronze armour. Meriones was first to speak. “Son of Deucalion,” said + he, “where would you have us begin fighting? On the right wing of the + host, in the centre, or on the left wing, where I take it the Achaeans + will be weakest?” + </p> + <p> + Idomeneus answered, “There are others to defend the centre—the two + Ajaxes and Teucer, who is the finest archer of all the Achaeans, and is + good also in a hand-to-hand fight. These will give Hector son of Priam + enough to do; fight as he may, he will find it hard to vanquish their + indomitable fury, and fire the ships, unless the son of Saturn fling a + firebrand upon them with his own hand. Great Ajax son of Telamon will + yield to no man who is in mortal mould and eats the grain of Ceres, if + bronze and great stones can overthrow him. He would not yield even to + Achilles in hand-to-hand fight, and in fleetness of foot there is none to + beat him; let us turn therefore towards the left wing, that we may know + forthwith whether we are to give glory to some other, or he to us.” + </p> + <p> + Meriones, peer of fleet Mars, then led the way till they came to the part + of the host which Idomeneus had named. + </p> + <p> + Now when the Trojans saw Idomeneus coming on like a flame of fire, him and + his squire clad in their richly wrought armour, they shouted and made + towards him all in a body, and a furious hand-to-hand fight raged under + the ships’ sterns. Fierce as the shrill winds that whistle upon a day when + dust lies deep on the roads, and the gusts raise it into a thick cloud—even + such was the fury of the combat, and might and main did they hack at each + other with spear and sword throughout the host. The field bristled with + the long and deadly spears which they bore. Dazzling was the sheen of + their gleaming helmets, their fresh-burnished breastplates, and glittering + shields as they joined battle with one another. Iron indeed must be his + courage who could take pleasure in the sight of such a turmoil, and look + on it without being dismayed. + </p> + <p> + Thus did the two mighty sons of Saturn devise evil for mortal heroes. Jove + was minded to give victory to the Trojans and to Hector, so as to do + honour to fleet Achilles, nevertheless he did not mean to utterly + overthrow the Achaean host before Ilius, and only wanted to glorify Thetis + and her valiant son. Neptune on the other hand went about among the + Argives to incite them, having come up from the grey sea in secret, for he + was grieved at seeing them vanquished by the Trojans, and was furiously + angry with Jove. Both were of the same race and country, but Jove was + elder born and knew more, therefore Neptune feared to defend the Argives + openly, but in the likeness of man, he kept on encouraging them throughout + their host. Thus, then, did these two devise a knot of war and battle, + that none could unloose or break, and set both sides tugging at it, to the + failing of men’s knees beneath them. + </p> + <p> + And now Idomeneus, though his hair was already flecked with grey, called + loud on the Danaans and spread panic among the Trojans as he leaped in + among them. He slew Othryoneus from Cabesus, a sojourner, who had but + lately come to take part in the war. He sought Cassandra, the fairest of + Priam’s daughters, in marriage, but offered no gifts of wooing, for he + promised a great thing, to wit, that he would drive the sons of the + Achaeans willy nilly from Troy; old King Priam had given his consent and + promised her to him, whereon he fought on the strength of the promises + thus made to him. Idomeneus aimed a spear, and hit him as he came striding + on. His cuirass of bronze did not protect him, and the spear stuck in his + belly, so that he fell heavily to the ground. Then Idomeneus vaunted over + him saying, “Othryoneus, there is no one in the world whom I shall admire + more than I do you, if you indeed perform what you have promised Priam son + of Dardanus in return for his daughter. We too will make you an offer; we + will give you the loveliest daughter of the son of Atreus, and will bring + her from Argos for you to marry, if you will sack the goodly city of Ilius + in company with ourselves; so come along with me, that we may make a + covenant at the ships about the marriage, and we will not be hard upon you + about gifts of wooing.” + </p> + <p> + With this Idomeneus began dragging him by the foot through the thick of + the fight, but Asius came up to protect the body, on foot, in front of his + horses which his esquire drove so close behind him that he could feel + their breath upon his shoulder. He was longing to strike down Idomeneus, + but ere he could do so Idomeneus smote him with his spear in the throat + under the chin, and the bronze point went clean through it. He fell as an + oak, or poplar, or pine which shipwrights have felled for ship’s timber + upon the mountains with whetted axes—even thus did he lie full + length in front of his chariot and horses, grinding his teeth and + clutching at the blood-stained dust. His charioteer was struck with panic + and did not dare turn his horses round and escape: thereupon Antilochus + hit him in the middle of his body with a spear; his cuirass of bronze did + not protect him, and the spear stuck in his belly. He fell gasping from + his chariot and Antilochus, great Nestor’s son, drove his horses from the + Trojans to the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Deiphobus then came close up to Idomeneus to avenge Asius, and took aim at + him with a spear, but Idomeneus was on the look-out and avoided it, for he + was covered by the round shield he always bore—a shield of ox-hide + and bronze with two arm-rods on the inside. He crouched under cover of + this, and the spear flew over him, but the shield rang out as the spear + grazed it, and the weapon sped not in vain from the strong hand of + Deiphobus, for it struck Hypsenor son of Hippasus, shepherd of his people, + in the liver under the midriff, and his limbs failed beneath him. + Deiphobus vaunted over him and cried with a loud voice saying, “Of a truth + Asius has not fallen unavenged; he will be glad even while passing into + the house of Hades, strong warden of the gate, that I have sent some one + to escort him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he vaunt, and the Argives were stung by his saying. Noble + Antilochus was more angry than any one, but grief did not make him forget + his friend and comrade. He ran up to him, bestrode him, and covered him + with his shield; then two of his staunch comrades, Mecisteus son of + Echius, and Alastor, stooped down, and bore him away groaning heavily to + the ships. But Idomeneus ceased not his fury. He kept on striving + continually either to enshroud some Trojan in the darkness of death, or + himself to fall while warding off the evil day from the Achaeans. Then + fell Alcathous son of noble Aesyetes; he was son-in-law to Anchises, + having married his eldest daughter Hippodameia, who was the darling of her + father and mother, and excelled all her generation in beauty, + accomplishments, and understanding, wherefore the bravest man in all Troy + had taken her to wife—him did Neptune lay low by the hand of + Idomeneus, blinding his bright eyes and binding his strong limbs in + fetters so that he could neither go back nor to one side, but stood stock + still like pillar or lofty tree when Idomeneus struck him with a spear in + the middle of his chest. The coat of mail that had hitherto protected his + body was now broken, and rang harshly as the spear tore through it. He + fell heavily to the ground, and the spear stuck in his heart, which still + beat, and made the butt-end of the spear quiver till dread Mars put an end + to his life. Idomeneus vaunted over him and cried with a loud voice + saying, “Deiphobus, since you are in a mood to vaunt, shall we cry quits + now that we have killed three men to your one? Nay, sir, stand in fight + with me yourself, that you may learn what manner of Jove-begotten man am I + that have come hither. Jove first begot Minos, chief ruler in Crete, and + Minos in his turn begot a son, noble Deucalion. Deucalion begot me to be a + ruler over many men in Crete, and my ships have now brought me hither, to + be the bane of yourself, your father, and the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and Deiphobus was in two minds, whether to go back and + fetch some other Trojan to help him, or to take up the challenge + single-handed. In the end, he deemed it best to go and fetch Aeneas, whom + he found standing in the rear, for he had long been aggrieved with Priam + because in spite of his brave deeds he did not give him his due share of + honour. Deiphobus went up to him and said, “Aeneas, prince among the + Trojans, if you know any ties of kinship, help me now to defend the body + of your sister’s husband; come with me to the rescue of Alcathous, who + being husband to your sister brought you up when you were a child in his + house, and now Idomeneus has slain him.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he moved the heart of Aeneas, and he went in pursuit of + Idomeneus, big with great deeds of valour; but Idomeneus was not to be + thus daunted as though he were a mere child; he held his ground as a wild + boar at bay upon the mountains, who abides the coming of a great crowd of + men in some lonely place—the bristles stand upright on his back, his + eyes flash fire, and he whets his tusks in his eagerness to defend himself + against hounds and men—even so did famed Idomeneus hold his ground + and budge not at the coming of Aeneas. He cried aloud to his comrades + looking towards Ascalaphus, Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones, and Antilochus, + all of them brave soldiers—“Hither my friends,” he cried, “and leave + me not single-handed—I go in great fear by fleet Aeneas, who is + coming against me, and is a redoubtable dispenser of death battle. + Moreover he is in the flower of youth when a man’s strength is greatest; + if I was of the same age as he is and in my present mind, either he or I + should soon bear away the prize of victory.” + </p> + <p> + On this, all of them as one man stood near him, shield on shoulder. Aeneas + on the other side called to his comrades, looking towards Deiphobus, + Paris, and Agenor, who were leaders of the Trojans along with himself, and + the people followed them as sheep follow the ram when they go down to + drink after they have been feeding, and the heart of the shepherd is glad—even + so was the heart of Aeneas gladdened when he saw his people follow him. + </p> + <p> + Then they fought furiously in close combat about the body of Alcathous, + wielding their long spears; and the bronze armour about their bodies rang + fearfully as they took aim at one another in the press of the fight, while + the two heroes Aeneas and Idomeneus, peers of Mars, outvied everyone in + their desire to hack at each other with sword and spear. Aeneas took aim + first, but Idomeneus was on the look-out and avoided the spear, so that it + sped from Aeneas’ strong hand in vain, and fell quivering in the ground. + Idomeneus meanwhile smote Oenomaus in the middle of his belly, and broke + the plate of his corslet, whereon his bowels came gushing out and he + clutched the earth in the palms of his hands as he fell sprawling in the + dust. Idomeneus drew his spear out of the body, but could not strip him of + the rest of his armour for the rain of darts that were showered upon him: + moreover his strength was now beginning to fail him so that he could no + longer charge, and could neither spring forward to recover his own weapon + nor swerve aside to avoid one that was aimed at him; therefore, though he + still defended himself in hand-to-hand fight, his heavy feet could not + bear him swiftly out of the battle. Deiphobus aimed a spear at him as he + was retreating slowly from the field, for his bitterness against him was + as fierce as ever, but again he missed him, and hit Ascalaphus, the son of + Mars; the spear went through his shoulder, and he clutched the earth in + the palms of his hands as he fell sprawling in the dust. + </p> + <p> + Grim Mars of awful voice did not yet know that his son had fallen, for he + was sitting on the summits of Olympus under the golden clouds, by command + of Jove, where the other gods were also sitting, forbidden to take part in + the battle. Meanwhile men fought furiously about the body. Deiphobus tore + the helmet from off his head, but Meriones sprang upon him, and struck him + on the arm with a spear so that the visored helmet fell from his hand and + came ringing down upon the ground. Thereon Meriones sprang upon him like a + vulture, drew the spear from his shoulder, and fell back under cover of + his men. Then Polites, own brother of Deiphobus passed his arms around his + waist, and bore him away from the battle till he got to his horses that + were standing in the rear of the fight with the chariot and their driver. + These took him towards the city groaning and in great pain, with the blood + flowing from his arm. + </p> + <p> + The others still fought on, and the battle-cry rose to heaven without + ceasing. Aeneas sprang on Aphareus son of Caletor, and struck him with a + spear in his throat which was turned towards him; his head fell on one + side, his helmet and shield came down along with him, and death, life’s + foe, was shed around him. Antilochus spied his chance, flew forward + towards Thoon, and wounded him as he was turning round. He laid open the + vein that runs all the way up the back to the neck; he cut this vein clean + away throughout its whole course, and Thoon fell in the dust face upwards, + stretching out his hands imploringly towards his comrades. Antilochus + sprang upon him and stripped the armour from his shoulders, glaring round + him fearfully as he did so. The Trojans came about him on every side and + struck his broad and gleaming shield, but could not wound his body, for + Neptune stood guard over the son of Nestor, though the darts fell thickly + round him. He was never clear of the foe, but was always in the thick of + the fight; his spear was never idle; he poised and aimed it in every + direction, so eager was he to hit someone from a distance or to fight him + hand to hand. + </p> + <p> + As he was thus aiming among the crowd, he was seen by Adamas, son of + Asius, who rushed towards him and struck him with a spear in the middle of + his shield, but Neptune made its point without effect, for he grudged him + the life of Antilochus. One half, therefore, of the spear stuck fast like + a charred stake in Antilochus’s shield, while the other lay on the ground. + Adamas then sought shelter under cover of his men, but Meriones followed + after and hit him with a spear midway between the private parts and the + navel, where a wound is particularly painful to wretched mortals. There + did Meriones transfix him, and he writhed convulsively about the spear as + some bull whom mountain herdsmen have bound with ropes of withes and are + taking away perforce. Even so did he move convulsively for a while, but + not for very long, till Meriones came up and drew the spear out of his + body, and his eyes were veiled in darkness. + </p> + <p> + Helenus then struck Deipyrus with a great Thracian sword, hitting him on + the temple in close combat and tearing the helmet from his head; the + helmet fell to the ground, and one of those who were fighting on the + Achaean side took charge of it as it rolled at his feet, but the eyes of + Deipyrus were closed in the darkness of death. + </p> + <p> + On this Menelaus was grieved, and made menacingly towards Helenus, + brandishing his spear; but Helenus drew his bow, and the two attacked one + another at one and the same moment, the one with his spear, and the other + with his bow and arrow. The son of Priam hit the breastplate of Menelaus’s + corslet, but the arrow glanced from off it. As black beans or pulse come + pattering down on to a threshing-floor from the broad winnowing-shovel, + blown by shrill winds and shaken by the shovel—even so did the arrow + glance off and recoil from the shield of Menelaus, who in his turn wounded + the hand with which Helenus carried his bow; the spear went right through + his hand and stuck in the bow itself, so that to his life he retreated + under cover of his men, with his hand dragging by his side—for the + spear weighed it down till Agenor drew it out and bound the hand carefully + up in a woollen sling which his esquire had with him. + </p> + <p> + Pisander then made straight at Menelaus—his evil destiny luring him + on to his doom, for he was to fall in fight with you, O Menelaus. When the + two were hard by one another the spear of the son of Atreus turned aside + and he missed his aim; Pisander then struck the shield of brave Menelaus + but could not pierce it, for the shield stayed the spear and broke the + shaft; nevertheless he was glad and made sure of victory; forthwith, + however, the son of Atreus drew his sword and sprang upon him. Pisander + then seized the bronze battle-axe, with its long and polished handle of + olive wood that hung by his side under his shield, and the two made at one + another. Pisander struck the peak of Menelaus’s crested helmet just under + the crest itself, and Menelaus hit Pisander as he was coming towards him, + on the forehead, just at the rise of his nose; the bones cracked and his + two gore-bedrabbled eyes fell by his feet in the dust. He fell backwards + to the ground, and Menelaus set his heel upon him, stripped him of his + armour, and vaunted over him saying, “Even thus shall you Trojans leave + the ships of the Achaeans, proud and insatiate of battle though you be, + nor shall you lack any of the disgrace and shame which you have heaped + upon myself. Cowardly she-wolves that you are, you feared not the anger of + dread Jove, avenger of violated hospitality, who will one day destroy your + city; you stole my wedded wife and wickedly carried off much treasure when + you were her guest, and now you would fling fire upon our ships, and kill + our heroes. A day will come when, rage as you may, you shall be stayed. O + father Jove, you, who they say art above all, both gods and men, in + wisdom, and from whom all things that befall us do proceed, how can you + thus favour the Trojans—men so proud and overweening, that they are + never tired of fighting? All things pall after a while—sleep, love, + sweet song, and stately dance—still these are things of which a man + would surely have his fill rather than of battle, whereas it is of battle + that the Trojans are insatiate.” + </p> + <p> + So saying Menelaus stripped the blood-stained armour from the body of + Pisander, and handed it over to his men; then he again ranged himself + among those who were in the front of the fight. + </p> + <p> + Harpalion son of King Pylaemenes then sprang upon him; he had come to + fight at Troy along with his father, but he did not go home again. He + struck the middle of Menelaus’s shield with his spear but could not pierce + it, and to save his life drew back under cover of his men, looking round + him on every side lest he should be wounded. But Meriones aimed a + bronze-tipped arrow at him as he was leaving the field, and hit him on the + right buttock; the arrow pierced the bone through and through, and + penetrated the bladder, so he sat down where he was and breathed his last + in the arms of his comrades, stretched like a worm upon the ground and + watering the earth with the blood that flowed from his wound. The brave + Paphlagonians tended him with all due care; they raised him into his + chariot, and bore him sadly off to the city of Troy; his father went also + with him weeping bitterly, but there was no ransom that could bring his + dead son to life again. + </p> + <p> + Paris was deeply grieved by the death of Harpalion, who was his host when + he went among the Paphlagonians; he aimed an arrow, therefore, in order to + avenge him. Now there was a certain man named Euchenor, son of Polyidus + the prophet, a brave man and wealthy, whose home was in Corinth. This + Euchenor had set sail for Troy well knowing that it would be the death of + him, for his good old father Polyidus had often told him that he must + either stay at home and die of a terrible disease, or go with the Achaeans + and perish at the hands of the Trojans; he chose, therefore, to avoid + incurring the heavy fine the Achaeans would have laid upon him, and at the + same time to escape the pain and suffering of disease. Paris now smote him + on the jaw under his ear, whereon the life went out of him and he was + enshrouded in the darkness of death. + </p> + <p> + Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire. But Hector had not yet + heard, and did not know that the Argives were making havoc of his men on + the left wing of the battle, where the Achaeans ere long would have + triumphed over them, so vigorously did Neptune cheer them on and help + them. He therefore held on at the point where he had first forced his way + through the gates and the wall, after breaking through the serried ranks + of Danaan warriors. It was here that the ships of Ajax and Protesilaus + were drawn up by the sea-shore; here the wall was at its lowest, and the + fight both of man and horse raged most fiercely. The Boeotians and the + Ionians with their long tunics, the Locrians, the men of Phthia, and the + famous force of the Epeans could hardly stay Hector as he rushed on + towards the ships, nor could they drive him from them, for he was as a + wall of fire. The chosen men of the Athenians were in the van, led by + Menestheus son of Peteos, with whom were also Pheidas, Stichius, and + stalwart Bias; Meges son of Phyleus, Amphion, and Dracius commanded the + Epeans, while Medon and staunch Podarces led the men of Phthia. Of these, + Medon was bastard son to Oileus and brother of Ajax, but he lived in + Phylace away from his own country, for he had killed the brother of his + stepmother Eriopis, the wife of Oileus; the other, Podarces, was the son + of Iphiclus, son of Phylacus. These two stood in the van of the Phthians, + and defended the ships along with the Boeotians. + </p> + <p> + Ajax son of Oileus, never for a moment left the side of Ajax, son of + Telamon, but as two swart oxen both strain their utmost at the plough + which they are drawing in a fallow field, and the sweat steams upwards + from about the roots of their horns—nothing but the yoke divides + them as they break up the ground till they reach the end of the field—even + so did the two Ajaxes stand shoulder to shoulder by one another. Many and + brave comrades followed the son of Telamon, to relieve him of his shield + when he was overcome with sweat and toil, but the Locrians did not follow + so close after the son of Oileus, for they could not hold their own in a + hand-to-hand fight. They had no bronze helmets with plumes of horse-hair, + neither had they shields nor ashen spears, but they had come to Troy armed + with bows, and with slings of twisted wool from which they showered their + missiles to break the ranks of the Trojans. The others, therefore, with + their heavy armour bore the brunt of the fight with the Trojans and with + Hector, while the Locrians shot from behind, under their cover; and thus + the Trojans began to lose heart, for the arrows threw them into confusion. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans would now have been driven in sorry plight from the ships and + tents back to windy Ilius, had not Polydamas presently said to Hector, + “Hector, there is no persuading you to take advice. Because heaven has so + richly endowed you with the arts of war, you think that you must therefore + excel others in counsel; but you cannot thus claim preeminence in all + things. Heaven has made one man an excellent soldier; of another it has + made a dancer or a singer and player on the lyre; while yet in another + Jove has implanted a wise understanding of which men reap fruit to the + saving of many, and he himself knows more about it than any one; therefore + I will say what I think will be best. The fight has hemmed you in as with + a circle of fire, and even now that the Trojans are within the wall some + of them stand aloof in full armour, while others are fighting scattered + and outnumbered near the ships. Draw back, therefore, and call your + chieftains round you, that we may advise together whether to fall now upon + the ships in the hope that heaven may vouchsafe us victory, or to beat a + retreat while we can yet safely do so. I greatly fear that the Achaeans + will pay us their debt of yesterday in full, for there is one abiding at + their ships who is never weary of battle, and who will not hold aloof much + longer.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Polydamas, and his words pleased Hector well. He sprang in full + armour from his chariot and said, “Polydamas, gather the chieftains here; + I will go yonder into the fight, but will return at once when I have given + them their orders.” + </p> + <p> + He then sped onward, towering like a snowy mountain, and with a loud cry + flew through the ranks of the Trojans and their allies. When they heard + his voice they all hastened to gather round Polydamas, the excellent son + of Panthous, but Hector kept on among the foremost, looking everywhere to + find Deiphobus and prince Helenus, Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of + Hyrtacus; living, indeed, and scatheless he could no longer find them, for + the two last were lying by the sterns of the Achaean ships, slain by the + Argives, while the others had been also stricken and wounded by them; but + upon the left wing of the dread battle he found Alexandrus, husband of + lovely Helen, cheering his men and urging them on to fight. He went up to + him and upbraided him. “Paris,” said he, “evil-hearted Paris, fair to see + but woman-mad and false of tongue, where are Deiphobus and King Helenus? + Where are Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of Hyrtacus? Where too is + Othryoneus? Ilius is undone and will now surely fall!” + </p> + <p> + Alexandrus answered, “Hector, why find fault when there is no one to find + fault with? I should hold aloof from battle on any day rather than this, + for my mother bore me with nothing of the coward about me. From the moment + when you set our men fighting about the ships we have been staying here + and doing battle with the Danaans. Our comrades about whom you ask me are + dead; Deiphobus and King Helenus alone have left the field, wounded both + of them in the hand, but the son of Saturn saved them alive. Now, + therefore, lead on where you would have us go, and we will follow with + right goodwill; you shall not find us fail you in so far as our strength + holds out, but no man can do more than in him lies, no matter how willing + he may be.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he satisfied his brother, and the two went towards the + part of the battle where the fight was thickest, about Cebriones, brave + Polydamas, Phalces, Orthaeus, godlike Polyphetes, Palmys, Ascanius, and + Morys son of Hippotion, who had come from fertile Ascania on the preceding + day to relieve other troops. Then Jove urged them on to fight. They flew + forth like the blasts of some fierce wind that strike earth in the van of + a thunderstorm—they buffet the salt sea into an uproar; many and + mighty are the great waves that come crashing in one after the other upon + the shore with their arching heads all crested with foam—even so did + rank behind rank of Trojans arrayed in gleaming armour follow their + leaders onward. The way was led by Hector son of Priam, peer of murderous + Mars, with his round shield before him—his shield of ox-hides + covered with plates of bronze—and his gleaming helmet upon his + temples. He kept stepping forward under cover of his shield in every + direction, making trial of the ranks to see if they would give way before + him, but he could not daunt the courage of the Achaeans. Ajax was the + first to stride out and challenge him. “Sir,” he cried, “draw near; why do + you think thus vainly to dismay the Argives? We Achaeans are excellent + soldiers, but the scourge of Jove has fallen heavily upon us. Your heart, + forsooth, is set on destroying our ships, but we too have hands that can + keep you at bay, and your own fair town shall be sooner taken and sacked + by ourselves. The time is near when you shall pray Jove and all the gods + in your flight, that your steeds may be swifter than hawks as they raise + the dust on the plain and bear you back to your city.” + </p> + <p> + As he was thus speaking a bird flew by upon his right hand, and the host + of the Achaeans shouted, for they took heart at the omen. But Hector + answered, “Ajax, braggart and false of tongue, would that I were as sure + of being son for evermore to aegis-bearing Jove, with Queen Juno for my + mother, and of being held in like honour with Minerva and Apollo, as I am + that this day is big with the destruction of the Achaeans; and you shall + fall among them if you dare abide my spear; it shall rend your fair body + and bid you glut our hounds and birds of prey with your fat and your + flesh, as you fall by the ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he led the way and the others followed after with a cry + that rent the air, while the host shouted behind them. The Argives on + their part raised a shout likewise, nor did they forget their prowess, but + stood firm against the onslaught of the Trojan chieftains, and the cry + from both the hosts rose up to heaven and to the brightness of Jove’s + presence. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Agamemnon proposes that the Achaeans should sail home, and is rebuked by + Ulysses—Juno beguiles Jupiter—Hector is wounded. + </p> + <p> + Nestor was sitting over his wine, but the cry of battle did not escape + him, and he said to the son of Aesculapius, “What, noble Machaon, is the + meaning of all this? The shouts of men fighting by our ships grow stronger + and stronger; stay here, therefore, and sit over your wine, while fair + Hecamede heats you a bath and washes the clotted blood from off you. I + will go at once to the look-out station and see what it is all about.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he took up the shield of his son Thrasymedes that was lying in + his tent, all gleaming with bronze, for Thrasymedes had taken his father’s + shield; he grasped his redoubtable bronze-shod spear, and as soon as he + was outside saw the disastrous rout of the Achaeans who, now that their + wall was overthrown, were flying pell-mell before the Trojans. As when + there is a heavy swell upon the sea, but the waves are dumb—they + keep their eyes on the watch for the quarter whence the fierce winds may + spring upon them, but they stay where they are and set neither this way + nor that, till some particular wind sweeps down from heaven to determine + them—even so did the old man ponder whether to make for the crowd of + Danaans, or go in search of Agamemnon. In the end he deemed it best to go + to the son of Atreus; but meanwhile the hosts were fighting and killing + one another, and the hard bronze rattled on their bodies, as they thrust + at one another with their swords and spears. + </p> + <p> + The wounded kings, the son of Tydeus, Ulysses, and Agamemnon son of + Atreus, fell in with Nestor as they were coming up from their ships—for + theirs were drawn up some way from where the fighting was going on, being + on the shore itself inasmuch as they had been beached first, while the + wall had been built behind the hindermost. The stretch of the shore, wide + though it was, did not afford room for all the ships, and the host was + cramped for space, therefore they had placed the ships in rows one behind + the other, and had filled the whole opening of the bay between the two + points that formed it. The kings, leaning on their spears, were coming out + to survey the fight, being in great anxiety, and when old Nestor met them + they were filled with dismay. Then King Agamemnon said to him, “Nestor son + of Neleus, honour to the Achaean name, why have you left the battle to + come hither? I fear that what dread Hector said will come true, when he + vaunted among the Trojans saying that he would not return to Ilius till he + had fired our ships and killed us; this is what he said, and now it is all + coming true. Alas! others of the Achaeans, like Achilles, are in such + anger with me that they refuse to fight by the sterns of our ships.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nestor knight of Gerene, answered, “It is indeed as you say; it is + all coming true at this moment, and even Jove who thunders from on high + cannot prevent it. Fallen is the wall on which we relied as an impregnable + bulwark both for us and our fleet. The Trojans are fighting stubbornly and + without ceasing at the ships; look where you may you cannot see from what + quarter the rout of the Achaeans is coming; they are being killed in a + confused mass and the battle-cry ascends to heaven; let us think, if + counsel can be of any use, what we had better do; but I do not advise our + going into battle ourselves, for a man cannot fight when he is wounded.” + </p> + <p> + And King Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, if the Trojans are indeed fighting + at the rear of our ships, and neither the wall nor the trench has served + us—over which the Danaans toiled so hard, and which they deemed + would be an impregnable bulwark both for us and our fleet—I see it + must be the will of Jove that the Achaeans should perish ingloriously + here, far from Argos. I knew when Jove was willing to defend us, and I + know now that he is raising the Trojans to like honour with the gods, + while us, on the other hand, he has bound hand and foot. Now, therefore, + let us all do as I say; let us bring down the ships that are on the beach + and draw them into the water; let us make them fast to their + mooring-stones a little way out, against the fall of night—if even + by night the Trojans will desist from fighting; we may then draw down the + rest of the fleet. There is nothing wrong in flying ruin even by night. It + is better for a man that he should fly and be saved than be caught and + killed.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses looked fiercely at him and said, “Son of Atreus, what are you + talking about? Wretch, you should have commanded some other and baser + army, and not been ruler over us to whom Jove has allotted a life of hard + fighting from youth to old age, till we every one of us perish. Is it thus + that you would quit the city of Troy, to win which we have suffered so + much hardship? Hold your peace, lest some other of the Achaeans hear you + say what no man who knows how to give good counsel, no king over so great + a host as that of the Argives should ever have let fall from his lips. I + despise your judgement utterly for what you have been saying. Would you, + then, have us draw down our ships into the water while the battle is + raging, and thus play further into the hands of the conquering Trojans? It + would be ruin; the Achaeans will not go on fighting when they see the + ships being drawn into the water, but will cease attacking and keep + turning their eyes towards them; your counsel, therefore, sir captain, + would be our destruction.” + </p> + <p> + Agamemnon answered, “Ulysses, your rebuke has stung me to the heart. I am + not, however, ordering the Achaeans to draw their ships into the sea + whether they will or no. Someone, it may be, old or young, can offer us + better counsel which I shall rejoice to hear.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Diomed, “Such an one is at hand; he is not far to seek, if you + will listen to me and not resent my speaking though I am younger than any + of you. I am by lineage son to a noble sire, Tydeus, who lies buried at + Thebes. For Portheus had three noble sons, two of whom, Agrius and Melas, + abode in Pleuron and rocky Calydon. The third was the knight Oeneus, my + father’s father, and he was the most valiant of them all. Oeneus remained + in his own country, but my father (as Jove and the other gods ordained it) + migrated to Argos. He married into the family of Adrastus, and his house + was one of great abundance, for he had large estates of rich corn-growing + land, with much orchard ground as well, and he had many sheep; moreover he + excelled all the Argives in the use of the spear. You must yourselves have + heard whether these things are true or no; therefore when I say well + despise not my words as though I were a coward or of ignoble birth. I say, + then, let us go to the fight as we needs must, wounded though we be. When + there, we may keep out of the battle and beyond the range of the spears + lest we get fresh wounds in addition to what we have already, but we can + spur on others, who have been indulging their spleen and holding aloof + from battle hitherto.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak; whereon they did even as he had said and set out, King + Agamemnon leading the way. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Neptune had kept no blind look-out, and came up to them in the + semblance of an old man. He took Agamemnon’s right hand in his own and + said, “Son of Atreus, I take it Achilles is glad now that he sees the + Achaeans routed and slain, for he is utterly without remorse—may he + come to a bad end and heaven confound him. As for yourself, the blessed + gods are not yet so bitterly angry with you but that the princes and + counsellors of the Trojans shall again raise the dust upon the plain, and + you shall see them flying from the ships and tents towards their city.” + </p> + <p> + With this he raised a mighty cry of battle, and sped forward to the plain. + The voice that came from his deep chest was as that of nine or ten + thousand men when they are shouting in the thick of a fight, and it put + fresh courage into the hearts of the Achaeans to wage war and do battle + without ceasing. + </p> + <p> + Juno of the golden throne looked down as she stood upon a peak of Olympus + and her heart was gladdened at the sight of him who was at once her + brother and her brother-in-law, hurrying hither and thither amid the + fighting. Then she turned her eyes to Jove as he sat on the topmost crests + of many-fountained Ida, and loathed him. She set herself to think how she + might hoodwink him, and in the end she deemed that it would be best for + her to go to Ida and array herself in rich attire, in the hope that Jove + might become enamoured of her, and wish to embrace her. While he was thus + engaged a sweet and careless sleep might be made to steal over his eyes + and senses. + </p> + <p> + She went, therefore, to the room which her son Vulcan had made her, and + the doors of which he had cunningly fastened by means of a secret key so + that no other god could open them. Here she entered and closed the doors + behind her. She cleansed all the dirt from her fair body with ambrosia, + then she anointed herself with olive oil, ambrosial, very soft, and + scented specially for herself—if it were so much as shaken in the + bronze-floored house of Jove, the scent pervaded the universe of heaven + and earth. With this she anointed her delicate skin, and then she plaited + the fair ambrosial locks that flowed in a stream of golden tresses from + her immortal head. She put on the wondrous robe which Minerva had worked + for her with consummate art, and had embroidered with manifold devices; + she fastened it about her bosom with golden clasps, and she girded herself + with a girdle that had a hundred tassels: then she fastened her earrings, + three brilliant pendants that glistened most beautifully, through the + pierced lobes of her ears, and threw a lovely new veil over her head. She + bound her sandals on to her feet, and when she had arrayed herself + perfectly to her satisfaction, she left her room and called Venus to come + aside and speak to her. “My dear child,” said she, “will you do what I am + going to ask of you, or will you refuse me because you are angry at my + being on the Danaan side, while you are on the Trojan?” + </p> + <p> + Jove’s daughter Venus answered, “Juno, august queen of goddesses, daughter + of mighty Saturn, say what you want, and I will do it for you at once, if + I can, and if it can be done at all.” + </p> + <p> + Then Juno told her a lying tale and said, “I want you to endow me with + some of those fascinating charms, the spells of which bring all things + mortal and immortal to your feet. I am going to the world’s end to visit + Oceanus (from whom all we gods proceed) and mother Tethys: they received + me in their house, took care of me, and brought me up, having taken me + over from Rhaea when Jove imprisoned great Saturn in the depths that are + under earth and sea. I must go and see them that I may make peace between + them; they have been quarrelling, and are so angry that they have not + slept with one another this long while; if I can bring them round and + restore them to one another’s embraces, they will be grateful to me and + love me for ever afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon laughter-loving Venus said, “I cannot and must not refuse you, for + you sleep in the arms of Jove who is our king.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she loosed from her bosom the curiously embroidered girdle + into which all her charms had been wrought—love, desire, and that + sweet flattery which steals the judgement even of the most prudent. She + gave the girdle to Juno and said, “Take this girdle wherein all my charms + reside and lay it in your bosom. If you will wear it I promise you that + your errand, be it what it may, will not be bootless.” + </p> + <p> + When she heard this Juno smiled, and still smiling she laid the girdle in + her bosom. + </p> + <p> + Venus now went back into the house of Jove, while Juno darted down from + the summits of Olympus. She passed over Pieria and fair Emathia, and went + on and on till she came to the snowy ranges of the Thracian horsemen, over + whose topmost crests she sped without ever setting foot to ground. When + she came to Athos she went on over the waves of the sea till she reached + Lemnos, the city of noble Thoas. There she met Sleep, own brother to + Death, and caught him by the hand, saying, “Sleep, you who lord it alike + over mortals and immortals, if you ever did me a service in times past, do + one for me now, and I shall be grateful to you ever after. Close Jove’s + keen eyes for me in slumber while I hold him clasped in my embrace, and I + will give you a beautiful golden seat, that can never fall to pieces; my + clubfooted son Vulcan shall make it for you, and he shall give it a + footstool for you to rest your fair feet upon when you are at table.” + </p> + <p> + Then Sleep answered, “Juno, great queen of goddesses, daughter of mighty + Saturn, I would lull any other of the gods to sleep without compunction, + not even excepting the waters of Oceanus from whom all of them proceed, + but I dare not go near Jove, nor send him to sleep unless he bids me. I + have had one lesson already through doing what you asked me, on the day + when Jove’s mighty son Hercules set sail from Ilius after having sacked + the city of the Trojans. At your bidding I suffused my sweet self over the + mind of aegis-bearing Jove, and laid him to rest; meanwhile you hatched a + plot against Hercules, and set the blasts of the angry winds beating upon + the sea, till you took him to the goodly city of Cos, away from all his + friends. Jove was furious when he awoke, and began hurling the gods about + all over the house; he was looking more particularly for myself, and would + have flung me down through space into the sea where I should never have + been heard of any more, had not Night who cows both men and gods protected + me. I fled to her and Jove left off looking for me in spite of his being + so angry, for he did not dare do anything to displease Night. And now you + are again asking me to do something on which I cannot venture.” + </p> + <p> + And Juno said, “Sleep, why do you take such notions as those into your + head? Do you think Jove will be as anxious to help the Trojans, as he was + about his own son? Come, I will marry you to one of the youngest of the + Graces, and she shall be your own—Pasithea, whom you have always + wanted to marry.” + </p> + <p> + Sleep was pleased when he heard this, and answered, “Then swear it to me + by the dread waters of the river Styx; lay one hand on the bounteous + earth, and the other on the sheen of the sea, so that all the gods who + dwell down below with Saturn may be our witnesses, and see that you really + do give me one of the youngest of the Graces—Pasithea, whom I have + always wanted to marry.” + </p> + <p> + Juno did as he had said. She swore, and invoked all the gods of the nether + world, who are called Titans, to witness. When she had completed her oath, + the two enshrouded themselves in a thick mist and sped lightly forward, + leaving Lemnos and Imbrus behind them. Presently they reached + many-fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, and Lectum where they left the + sea to go on by land, and the tops of the trees of the forest soughed + under the going of their feet. Here Sleep halted, and ere Jove caught + sight of him he climbed a lofty pine-tree—the tallest that reared + its head towards heaven on all Ida. He hid himself behind the branches and + sat there in the semblance of the sweet-singing bird that haunts the + mountains and is called Chalcis by the gods, but men call it Cymindis. + Juno then went to Gargarus, the topmost peak of Ida, and Jove, driver of + the clouds, set eyes upon her. As soon as he did so he became inflamed + with the same passionate desire for her that he had felt when they had + first enjoyed each other’s embraces, and slept with one another without + their dear parents knowing anything about it. He went up to her and said, + “What do you want that you have come hither from Olympus—and that + too with neither chariot nor horses to convey you?” + </p> + <p> + Then Juno told him a lying tale and said, “I am going to the world’s end, + to visit Oceanus, from whom all we gods proceed, and mother Tethys; they + received me into their house, took care of me, and brought me up. I must + go and see them that I may make peace between them: they have been + quarrelling, and are so angry that they have not slept with one another + this long time. The horses that will take me over land and sea are + stationed on the lowermost spurs of many-fountained Ida, and I have come + here from Olympus on purpose to consult you. I was afraid you might be + angry with me later on, if I went to the house of Oceanus without letting + you know.” + </p> + <p> + And Jove said, “Juno, you can choose some other time for paying your visit + to Oceanus—for the present let us devote ourselves to love and to + the enjoyment of one another. Never yet have I been so overpowered by + passion neither for goddess nor mortal woman as I am at this moment for + yourself—not even when I was in love with the wife of Ixion who bore + me Pirithous, peer of gods in counsel, nor yet with Danae the + daintily-ancled daughter of Acrisius, who bore me the famed hero Perseus. + Then there was the daughter of Phoenix, who bore me Minos and + Rhadamanthus: there was Semele, and Alcmena in Thebes by whom I begot my + lion-hearted son Hercules, while Semele became mother to Bacchus the + comforter of mankind. There was queen Ceres again, and lovely Leto, and + yourself—but with none of these was I ever so much enamoured as I + now am with you.” + </p> + <p> + Juno again answered him with a lying tale. “Most dread son of Saturn,” she + exclaimed, “what are you talking about? Would you have us enjoy one + another here on the top of Mount Ida, where everything can be seen? What + if one of the ever-living gods should see us sleeping together, and tell + the others? It would be such a scandal that when I had risen from your + embraces I could never show myself inside your house again; but if you are + so minded, there is a room which your son Vulcan has made me, and he has + given it good strong doors; if you would so have it, let us go thither and + lie down.” + </p> + <p> + And Jove answered, “Juno, you need not be afraid that either god or man + will see you, for I will enshroud both of us in such a dense golden cloud, + that the very sun for all his bright piercing beams shall not see through + it.” + </p> + <p> + With this the son of Saturn caught his wife in his embrace; whereon the + earth sprouted them a cushion of young grass, with dew-bespangled lotus, + crocus, and hyacinth, so soft and thick that it raised them well above the + ground. Here they laid themselves down and overhead they were covered by a + fair cloud of gold, from which there fell glittering dew-drops. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did the sire of all things repose peacefully on the crest of + Ida, overcome at once by sleep and love, and he held his spouse in his + arms. Meanwhile Sleep made off to the ships of the Achaeans, to tell + earth-encircling Neptune, lord of the earthquake. When he had found him he + said, “Now, Neptune, you can help the Danaans with a will, and give them + victory though it be only for a short time while Jove is still sleeping. I + have sent him into a sweet slumber, and Juno has beguiled him into going + to bed with her.” + </p> + <p> + Sleep now departed and went his ways to and fro among mankind, leaving + Neptune more eager than ever to help the Danaans. He darted forward among + the first ranks and shouted saying, “Argives, shall we let Hector son of + Priam have the triumph of taking our ships and covering himself with + glory? This is what he says that he shall now do, seeing that Achilles is + still in dudgeon at his ship; we shall get on very well without him if we + keep each other in heart and stand by one another. Now, therefore, let us + all do as I say. Let us each take the best and largest shield we can lay + hold of, put on our helmets, and sally forth with our longest spears in + our hands; I will lead you on, and Hector son of Priam, rage as he may, + will not dare to hold out against us. If any good staunch soldier has only + a small shield, let him hand it over to a worse man, and take a larger one + for himself.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. The son of Tydeus, + Ulysses, and Agamemnon, wounded though they were, set the others in array, + and went about everywhere effecting the exchanges of armour; the most + valiant took the best armour, and gave the worse to the worse man. When + they had donned their bronze armour they marched on with Neptune at their + head. In his strong hand he grasped his terrible sword, keen of edge and + flashing like lightning; woe to him who comes across it in the day of + battle; all men quake for fear and keep away from it. + </p> + <p> + Hector on the other side set the Trojans in array. Thereon Neptune and + Hector waged fierce war on one another—Hector on the Trojan and + Neptune on the Argive side. Mighty was the uproar as the two forces met; + the sea came rolling in towards the ships and tents of the Achaeans, but + waves do not thunder on the shore more loudly when driven before the blast + of Boreas, nor do the flames of a forest fire roar more fiercely when it + is well alight upon the mountains, nor does the wind bellow with ruder + music as it tears on through the tops of when it is blowing its hardest, + than the terrible shout which the Trojans and Achaeans raised as they + sprang upon one another. + </p> + <p> + Hector first aimed his spear at Ajax, who was turned full towards him, nor + did he miss his aim. The spear struck him where two bands passed over his + chest—the band of his shield and that of his silver-studded sword—and + these protected his body. Hector was angry that his spear should have been + hurled in vain, and withdrew under cover of his men. As he was thus + retreating, Ajax son of Telamon, struck him with a stone, of which there + were many lying about under the men’s feet as they fought—brought + there to give support to the ships’ sides as they lay on the shore. Ajax + caught up one of them and struck Hector above the rim of his shield close + to his neck; the blow made him spin round like a top and reel in all + directions. As an oak falls headlong when uprooted by the lightning flash + of father Jove, and there is a terrible smell of brimstone—no man + can help being dismayed if he is standing near it, for a thunderbolt is a + very awful thing—even so did Hector fall to earth and bite the dust. + His spear fell from his hand, but his shield and helmet were made fast + about his body, and his bronze armour rang about him. + </p> + <p> + The sons of the Achaeans came running with a loud cry towards him, hoping + to drag him away, and they showered their darts on the Trojans, but none + of them could wound him before he was surrounded and covered by the + princes Polydamas, Aeneas, Agenor, Sarpedon captain of the Lycians, and + noble Glaucus. Of the others, too, there was not one who was unmindful of + him, and they held their round shields over him to cover him. His comrades + then lifted him off the ground and bore him away from the battle to the + place where his horses stood waiting for him at the rear of the fight with + their driver and the chariot; these then took him towards the city + groaning and in great pain. When they reached the ford of the fair stream + of Xanthus, begotten of Immortal Jove, they took him from off his chariot + and laid him down on the ground; they poured water over him, and as they + did so he breathed again and opened his eyes. Then kneeling on his knees + he vomited blood, but soon fell back on to the ground, and his eyes were + again closed in darkness for he was still stunned by the blow. + </p> + <p> + When the Argives saw Hector leaving the field, they took heart and set + upon the Trojans yet more furiously. Ajax fleet son of Oileus began by + springing on Satnius son of Enops, and wounding him with his spear: a fair + naiad nymph had borne him to Enops as he was herding cattle by the banks + of the river Satnioeis. The son of Oileus came up to him and struck him in + the flank so that he fell, and a fierce fight between Trojans and Danaans + raged round his body. Polydamas son of Panthous drew near to avenge him, + and wounded Prothoenor son of Areilycus on the right shoulder; the + terrible spear went right through his shoulder, and he clutched the earth + as he fell in the dust. Polydamas vaunted loudly over him saying, “Again I + take it that the spear has not sped in vain from the strong hand of the + son of Panthous; an Argive has caught it in his body, and it will serve + him for a staff as he goes down into the house of Hades.” + </p> + <p> + The Argives were maddened by this boasting. Ajax son of Telamon was more + angry than any, for the man had fallen close beside him; so he aimed at + Polydamas as he was retreating, but Polydamas saved himself by swerving + aside and the spear struck Archelochus son of Antenor, for heaven + counselled his destruction; it struck him where the head springs from the + neck at the top joint of the spine, and severed both the tendons at the + back of the head. His head, mouth, and nostrils reached the ground long + before his legs and knees could do so, and Ajax shouted to Polydamas + saying, “Think, Polydamas, and tell me truly whether this man is not as + well worth killing as Prothoenor was: he seems rich, and of rich family, a + brother, it may be, or son of the knight Antenor, for he is very like + him.” + </p> + <p> + But he knew well who it was, and the Trojans were greatly angered. Acamas + then bestrode his brother’s body and wounded Promachus the Boeotian with + his spear, for he was trying to drag his brother’s body away. Acamas + vaunted loudly over him saying, “Argive archers, braggarts that you are, + toil and suffering shall not be for us only, but some of you too shall + fall here as well as ourselves. See how Promachus now sleeps, vanquished + by my spear; payment for my brother’s blood has not been long delayed; a + man, therefore, may well be thankful if he leaves a kinsman in his house + behind him to avenge his fall.” + </p> + <p> + His taunts infuriated the Argives, and Peneleos was more enraged than any + of them. He sprang towards Acamas, but Acamas did not stand his ground, + and he killed Ilioneus son of the rich flock-master Phorbas, whom Mercury + had favoured and endowed with greater wealth than any other of the + Trojans. Ilioneus was his only son, and Peneleos now wounded him in the + eye under his eyebrows, tearing the eye-ball from its socket: the spear + went right through the eye into the nape of the neck, and he fell, + stretching out both hands before him. Peneleos then drew his sword and + smote him on the neck, so that both head and helmet came tumbling down to + the ground with the spear still sticking in the eye; he then held up the + head, as though it had been a poppy-head, and showed it to the Trojans, + vaunting over them as he did so. “Trojans,” he cried, “bid the father and + mother of noble Ilioneus make moan for him in their house, for the wife + also of Promachus son of Alegenor will never be gladdened by the coming of + her dear husband—when we Argives return with our ships from Troy.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke fear fell upon them, and every man looked round about to see + whither he might fly for safety. + </p> + <p> + Tell me now, O Muses that dwell on Olympus, who was the first of the + Argives to bear away blood-stained spoils after Neptune lord of the + earthquake had turned the fortune of war. Ajax son of Telamon was first to + wound Hyrtius son of Gyrtius, captain of the staunch Mysians. Antilochus + killed Phalces and Mermerus, while Meriones slew Morys and Hippotion, + Teucer also killed Prothoon and Periphetes. The son of Atreus then wounded + Hyperenor shepherd of his people, in the flank, and the bronze point made + his entrails gush out as it tore in among them; on this his life came + hurrying out of him at the place where he had been wounded, and his eyes + were closed in darkness. Ajax son of Oileus killed more than any other, + for there was no man so fleet as he to pursue flying foes when Jove had + spread panic among them. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Jove awakes, tells Apollo to heal Hector, and the Trojans again become + victorious. + </p> + <p> + But when their flight had taken them past the trench and the set stakes, + and many had fallen by the hands of the Danaans, the Trojans made a halt + on reaching their chariots, routed and pale with fear. Jove now woke on + the crests of Ida, where he was lying with golden-throned Juno by his + side, and starting to his feet he saw the Trojans and Achaeans, the one + thrown into confusion, and the others driving them pell-mell before them + with King Neptune in their midst. He saw Hector lying on the ground with + his comrades gathered round him, gasping for breath, wandering in mind and + vomiting blood, for it was not the feeblest of the Achaeans who struck + him. + </p> + <p> + The sire of gods and men had pity on him, and looked fiercely on Juno. “I + see, Juno,” said he, “you mischief-making trickster, that your cunning has + stayed Hector from fighting and has caused the rout of his host. I am in + half a mind to thrash you, in which case you will be the first to reap the + fruits of your scurvy knavery. Do you not remember how once upon a time I + had you hanged? I fastened two anvils on to your feet, and bound your + hands in a chain of gold which none might break, and you hung in mid-air + among the clouds. All the gods in Olympus were in a fury, but they could + not reach you to set you free; when I caught any one of them I gripped him + and hurled him from the heavenly threshold till he came fainting down to + earth; yet even this did not relieve my mind from the incessant anxiety + which I felt about noble Hercules whom you and Boreas had spitefully + conveyed beyond the seas to Cos, after suborning the tempests; but I + rescued him, and notwithstanding all his mighty labours I brought him back + again to Argos. I would remind you of this that you may learn to leave off + being so deceitful, and discover how much you are likely to gain by the + embraces out of which you have come here to trick me.” + </p> + <p> + Juno trembled as he spoke, and said, “May heaven above and earth below be + my witnesses, with the waters of the river Styx—and this is the most + solemn oath that a blessed god can take—nay, I swear also by your + own almighty head and by our bridal bed—things over which I could + never possibly perjure myself—that Neptune is not punishing Hector + and the Trojans and helping the Achaeans through any doing of mine; it is + all of his own mere motion because he was sorry to see the Achaeans hard + pressed at their ships: if I were advising him, I should tell him to do as + you bid him.” + </p> + <p> + The sire of gods and men smiled and answered, “If you, Juno, were always + to support me when we sit in council of the gods, Neptune, like it or no, + would soon come round to your and my way of thinking. If, then, you are + speaking the truth and mean what you say, go among the rank and file of + the gods, and tell Iris and Apollo lord of the bow, that I want them—Iris, + that she may go to the Achaean host and tell Neptune to leave off fighting + and go home, and Apollo, that he may send Hector again into battle and + give him fresh strength; he will thus forget his present sufferings, and + drive the Achaeans back in confusion till they fall among the ships of + Achilles son of Peleus. Achilles will then send his comrade Patroclus into + battle, and Hector will kill him in front of Ilius after he has slain many + warriors, and among them my own noble son Sarpedon. Achilles will kill + Hector to avenge Patroclus, and from that time I will bring it about that + the Achaeans shall persistently drive the Trojans back till they fulfil + the counsels of Minerva and take Ilius. But I will not stay my anger, nor + permit any god to help the Danaans till I have accomplished the desire of + the son of Peleus, according to the promise I made by bowing my head on + the day when Thetis touched my knees and besought me to give him honour.” + </p> + <p> + Juno heeded his words and went from the heights of Ida to great Olympus. + Swift as the thought of one whose fancy carries him over vast continents, + and he says to himself, “Now I will be here, or there,” and he would have + all manner of things—even so swiftly did Juno wing her way till she + came to high Olympus and went in among the gods who were gathered in the + house of Jove. When they saw her they all of them came up to her, and held + out their cups to her by way of greeting. She let the others be, but took + the cup offered her by lovely Themis, who was first to come running up to + her. “Juno,” said she, “why are you here? And you seem troubled—has + your husband the son of Saturn been frightening you?” + </p> + <p> + And Juno answered, “Themis, do not ask me about it. You know what a proud + and cruel disposition my husband has. Lead the gods to table, where you + and all the immortals can hear the wicked designs which he has avowed. + Many a one, mortal and immortal, will be angered by them, however + peaceably he may be feasting now.” + </p> + <p> + On this Juno sat down, and the gods were troubled throughout the house of + Jove. Laughter sat on her lips but her brow was furrowed with care, and + she spoke up in a rage. “Fools that we are,” she cried, “to be thus madly + angry with Jove; we keep on wanting to go up to him and stay him by force + or by persuasion, but he sits aloof and cares for nobody, for he knows + that he is much stronger than any other of the immortals. Make the best, + therefore, of whatever ills he may choose to send each one of you; Mars, I + take it, has had a taste of them already, for his son Ascalaphus has + fallen in battle—the man whom of all others he loved most dearly and + whose father he owns himself to be.” + </p> + <p> + When he heard this Mars smote his two sturdy thighs with the flat of his + hands, and said in anger, “Do not blame me, you gods that dwell in heaven, + if I go to the ships of the Achaeans and avenge the death of my son, even + though it end in my being struck by Jove’s lightning and lying in blood + and dust among the corpses.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he gave orders to yoke his horses Panic and Rout, while he put + on his armour. On this, Jove would have been roused to still more fierce + and implacable enmity against the other immortals, had not Minerva, + alarmed for the safety of the gods, sprung from her seat and hurried + outside. She tore the helmet from his head and the shield from his + shoulders, and she took the bronze spear from his strong hand and set it + on one side; then she said to Mars, “Madman, you are undone; you have ears + that hear not, or you have lost all judgement and understanding; have you + not heard what Juno has said on coming straight from the presence of + Olympian Jove? Do you wish to go through all kinds of suffering before you + are brought back sick and sorry to Olympus, after having caused infinite + mischief to all us others? Jove would instantly leave the Trojans and + Achaeans to themselves; he would come to Olympus to punish us, and would + grip us up one after another, guilty or not guilty. Therefore lay aside + your anger for the death of your son; better men than he have either been + killed already or will fall hereafter, and one cannot protect every one’s + whole family.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she took Mars back to his seat. Meanwhile Juno called + Apollo outside, with Iris the messenger of the gods. “Jove,” she said to + them, “desires you to go to him at once on Mt. Ida; when you have seen him + you are to do as he may then bid you.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon Juno left them and resumed her seat inside, while Iris and Apollo + made all haste on their way. When they reached many-fountained Ida, mother + of wild beasts, they found Jove seated on topmost Gargarus with a fragrant + cloud encircling his head as with a diadem. They stood before his + presence, and he was pleased with them for having been so quick in obeying + the orders his wife had given them. + </p> + <p> + He spoke to Iris first. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, tell King Neptune what + I now bid you—and tell him true. Bid him leave off fighting, and + either join the company of the gods, or go down into the sea. If he takes + no heed and disobeys me, let him consider well whether he is strong enough + to hold his own against me if I attack him. I am older and much stronger + than he is; yet he is not afraid to set himself up as on a level with + myself, of whom all the other gods stand in awe.” + </p> + <p> + Iris, fleet as the wind, obeyed him, and as the cold hail or snow-flakes + that fly from out the clouds before the blast of Boreas, even so did she + wing her way till she came close up to the great shaker of the earth. Then + she said, “I have come, O dark-haired king that holds the world in his + embrace, to bring you a message from Jove. He bids you leave off fighting, + and either join the company of the gods or go down into the sea; if, + however, you take no heed and disobey him, he says he will come down here + and fight you. He would have you keep out of his reach, for he is older + and much stronger than you are, and yet you are not afraid to set yourself + up as on a level with himself, of whom all the other gods stand in awe.” + </p> + <p> + Neptune was very angry and said, “Great heavens! strong as Jove may be, he + has said more than he can do if he has threatened violence against me, who + am of like honour with himself. We were three brothers whom Rhea bore to + Saturn—Jove, myself, and Hades who rules the world below. Heaven and + earth were divided into three parts, and each of us was to have an equal + share. When we cast lots, it fell to me to have my dwelling in the sea for + evermore; Hades took the darkness of the realms under the earth, while air + and sky and clouds were the portion that fell to Jove; but earth and great + Olympus are the common property of all. Therefore I will not walk as Jove + would have me. For all his strength, let him keep to his own third share + and be contented without threatening to lay hands upon me as though I were + nobody. Let him keep his bragging talk for his own sons and daughters, who + must perforce obey him.” + </p> + <p> + Iris fleet as the wind then answered, “Am I really, Neptune, to take this + daring and unyielding message to Jove, or will you reconsider your answer? + Sensible people are open to argument, and you know that the Erinyes always + range themselves on the side of the older person.” + </p> + <p> + Neptune answered, “Goddess Iris, your words have been spoken in season. It + is well when a messenger shows so much discretion. Nevertheless it cuts me + to the very heart that any one should rebuke so angrily another who is his + own peer, and of like empire with himself. Now, however, I will give way + in spite of my displeasure; furthermore let me tell you, and I mean what I + say—if contrary to the desire of myself, Minerva driver of the + spoil, Juno, Mercury, and King Vulcan, Jove spares steep Ilius, and will + not let the Achaeans have the great triumph of sacking it, let him + understand that he will incur our implacable resentment.” + </p> + <p> + Neptune now left the field to go down under the sea, and sorely did the + Achaeans miss him. Then Jove said to Apollo, “Go, dear Phoebus, to Hector, + for Neptune who holds the earth in his embrace has now gone down under the + sea to avoid the severity of my displeasure. Had he not done so those gods + who are below with Saturn would have come to hear of the fight between us. + It is better for both of us that he should have curbed his anger and kept + out of my reach, for I should have had much trouble with him. Take, then, + your tasselled aegis, and shake it furiously, so as to set the Achaean + heroes in a panic; take, moreover, brave Hector, O Far-Darter, into your + own care, and rouse him to deeds of daring, till the Achaeans are sent + flying back to their ships and to the Hellespont. From that point I will + think it well over, how the Achaeans may have a respite from their + troubles.” + </p> + <p> + Apollo obeyed his father’s saying, and left the crests of Ida, flying like + a falcon, bane of doves and swiftest of all birds. He found Hector no + longer lying upon the ground, but sitting up, for he had just come to + himself again. He knew those who were about him, and the sweat and hard + breathing had left him from the moment when the will of aegis-bearing Jove + had revived him. Apollo stood beside him and said, “Hector son of Priam, + why are you so faint, and why are you here away from the others? Has any + mishap befallen you?” + </p> + <p> + Hector in a weak voice answered, “And which, kind sir, of the gods are + you, who now ask me thus? Do you not know that Ajax struck me on the chest + with a stone as I was killing his comrades at the ships of the Achaeans, + and compelled me to leave off fighting? I made sure that this very day I + should breathe my last and go down into the house of Hades.” + </p> + <p> + Then King Apollo said to him, “Take heart; the son of Saturn has sent you + a mighty helper from Ida to stand by you and defend you, even me, Phoebus + Apollo of the golden sword, who have been guardian hitherto not only of + yourself but of your city. Now, therefore, order your horsemen to drive + their chariots to the ships in great multitudes. I will go before your + horses to smooth the way for them, and will turn the Achaeans in flight.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he infused great strength into the shepherd of his people. And + as a horse, stabled and full-fed, breaks loose and gallops gloriously over + the plain to the place where he is wont to take his bath in the river—he + tosses his head, and his mane streams over his shoulders as in all the + pride of his strength he flies full speed to the pastures where the mares + are feeding—even so Hector, when he heard what the god said, urged + his horsemen on, and sped forward as fast as his limbs could take him. As + country peasants set their hounds on to a homed stag or wild goat—he + has taken shelter under rock or thicket, and they cannot find him, but, + lo, a bearded lion whom their shouts have roused stands in their path, and + they are in no further humour for the chase—even so the Achaeans + were still charging on in a body, using their swords and spears pointed at + both ends, but when they saw Hector going about among his men they were + afraid, and their hearts fell down into their feet. + </p> + <p> + Then spoke Thoas son of Andraemon, leader of the Aetolians, a man who + could throw a good throw, and who was staunch also in close fight, while + few could surpass him in debate when opinions were divided. He then with + all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: “What, in heaven’s name, + do I now see? Is it not Hector come to life again? Every one made sure he + had been killed by Ajax son of Telamon, but it seems that one of the gods + has again rescued him. He has killed many of us Danaans already, and I + take it will yet do so, for the hand of Jove must be with him or he would + never dare show himself so masterful in the forefront of the battle. Now, + therefore, let us all do as I say; let us order the main body of our + forces to fall back upon the ships, but let those of us who profess to be + the flower of the army stand firm, and see whether we cannot hold Hector + back at the point of our spears as soon as he comes near us; I conceive + that he will then think better of it before he tries to charge into the + press of the Danaans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. Those who were about + Ajax and King Idomeneus, the followers moreover of Teucer, Meriones, and + Meges peer of Mars called all their best men about them and sustained the + fight against Hector and the Trojans, but the main body fell back upon the + ships of the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans pressed forward in a dense body, with Hector striding on at + their head. Before him went Phoebus Apollo shrouded in cloud about his + shoulders. He bore aloft the terrible aegis with its shaggy fringe, which + Vulcan the smith had given Jove to strike terror into the hearts of men. + With this in his hand he led on the Trojans. + </p> + <p> + The Argives held together and stood their ground. The cry of battle rose + high from either side, and the arrows flew from the bowstrings. Many a + spear sped from strong hands and fastened in the bodies of many a valiant + warrior, while others fell to earth midway, before they could taste of + man’s fair flesh and glut themselves with blood. So long as Phoebus Apollo + held his aegis quietly and without shaking it, the weapons on either side + took effect and the people fell, but when he shook it straight in the face + of the Danaans and raised his mighty battle-cry their hearts fainted + within them and they forgot their former prowess. As when two wild beasts + spring in the dead of night on a herd of cattle or a large flock of sheep + when the herdsman is not there—even so were the Danaans struck + helpless, for Apollo filled them with panic and gave victory to Hector and + the Trojans. + </p> + <p> + The fight then became more scattered and they killed one another where + they best could. Hector killed Stichius and Arcesilaus, the one, leader of + the Boeotians, and the other, friend and comrade of Menestheus. Aeneas + killed Medon and Iasus. The first was bastard son to Oileus, and brother + to Ajax, but he lived in Phylace away from his own country, for he had + killed a man, a kinsman of his stepmother Eriopis whom Oileus had married. + Iasus had become a leader of the Athenians, and was son of Sphelus the son + of Boucolos. Polydamas killed Mecisteus, and Polites Echius, in the front + of the battle, while Agenor slew Clonius. Paris struck Deiochus from + behind in the lower part of the shoulder, as he was flying among the + foremost, and the point of the spear went clean through him. + </p> + <p> + While they were spoiling these heroes of their armour, the Achaeans were + flying pell-mell to the trench and the set stakes, and were forced back + within their wall. Hector then cried out to the Trojans, “Forward to the + ships, and let the spoils be. If I see any man keeping back on the other + side the wall away from the ships I will have him killed: his kinsmen and + kinswomen shall not give him his dues of fire, but dogs shall tear him in + pieces in front of our city.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he laid his whip about his horses’ shoulders and called to the + Trojans throughout their ranks; the Trojans shouted with a cry that rent + the air, and kept their horses neck and neck with his own. Phoebus Apollo + went before, and kicked down the banks of the deep trench into its middle + so as to make a great broad bridge, as broad as the throw of a spear when + a man is trying his strength. The Trojan battalions poured over the + bridge, and Apollo with his redoubtable aegis led the way. He kicked down + the wall of the Achaeans as easily as a child who playing on the sea-shore + has built a house of sand and then kicks it down again and destroys it—even + so did you, O Apollo, shed toil and trouble upon the Argives, filling them + with panic and confusion. + </p> + <p> + Thus then were the Achaeans hemmed in at their ships, calling out to one + another and raising their hands with loud cries every man to heaven. + Nestor of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achaeans, lifted up his hands + to the starry firmament of heaven, and prayed more fervently than any of + them. “Father Jove,” said he, “if ever any one in wheat-growing Argos + burned you fat thigh-bones of sheep or heifer and prayed that he might + return safely home, whereon you bowed your head to him in assent, bear it + in mind now, and suffer not the Trojans to triumph thus over the + Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + All-counselling Jove thundered loudly in answer to the prayer of the aged + son of Neleus. When they heard Jove thunder they flung themselves yet more + fiercely on the Achaeans. As a wave breaking over the bulwarks of a ship + when the sea runs high before a gale—for it is the force of the wind + that makes the waves so great—even so did the Trojans spring over + the wall with a shout, and drive their chariots onwards. The two sides + fought with their double-pointed spears in hand-to-hand encounter-the + Trojans from their chariots, and the Achaeans climbing up into their ships + and wielding the long pikes that were lying on the decks ready for use in + a sea-fight, jointed and shod with bronze. + </p> + <p> + Now Patroclus, so long as the Achaeans and Trojans were fighting about the + wall, but were not yet within it and at the ships, remained sitting in the + tent of good Eurypylus, entertaining him with his conversation and + spreading herbs over his wound to ease his pain. When, however, he saw the + Trojans swarming through the breach in the wall, while the Achaeans were + clamouring and struck with panic, he cried aloud, and smote his two thighs + with the flat of his hands. “Eurypylus,” said he in his dismay, “I know + you want me badly, but I cannot stay with you any longer, for there is + hard fighting going on; a servant shall take care of you now, for I must + make all speed to Achilles, and induce him to fight if I can; who knows + but with heaven’s help I may persuade him. A man does well to listen to + the advice of a friend.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus spoken he went his way. The Achaeans stood firm and + resisted the attack of the Trojans, yet though these were fewer in number, + they could not drive them back from the ships, neither could the Trojans + break the Achaean ranks and make their way in among the tents and ships. + As a carpenter’s line gives a true edge to a piece of ship’s timber, in + the hand of some skilled workman whom Minerva has instructed in all kinds + of useful arts—even so level was the issue of the fight between the + two sides, as they fought some round one and some round another. + </p> + <p> + Hector made straight for Ajax, and the two fought fiercely about the same + ship. Hector could not force Ajax back and fire the ship, nor yet could + Ajax drive Hector from the spot to which heaven had brought him. + </p> + <p> + Then Ajax struck Caletor son of Clytius in the chest with a spear as he + was bringing fire towards the ship. He fell heavily to the ground and the + torch dropped from his hand. When Hector saw his cousin fallen in front of + the ship he shouted to the Trojans and Lycians saying, “Trojans, Lycians, + and Dardanians good in close fight, bate not a jot, but rescue the son of + Clytius lest the Achaeans strip him of his armour now that he has fallen.” + </p> + <p> + He then aimed a spear at Ajax, and missed him, but he hit Lycophron a + follower of Ajax, who came from Cythera, but was living with Ajax inasmuch + as he had killed a man among the Cythereans. Hector’s spear struck him on + the head below the ear, and he fell headlong from the ship’s prow on to + the ground with no life left in him. Ajax shook with rage and said to his + brother, “Teucer, my good fellow, our trusty comrade the son of Mastor has + fallen, he came to live with us from Cythera and whom we honoured as much + as our own parents. Hector has just killed him; fetch your deadly arrows + at once and the bow which Phoebus Apollo gave you.” + </p> + <p> + Teucer heard him and hastened towards him with his bow and quiver in his + hands. Forthwith he showered his arrows on the Trojans, and hit Cleitus + the son of Pisenor, comrade of Polydamas the noble son of Panthous, with + the reins in his hands as he was attending to his horses; he was in the + middle of the very thickest part of the fight, doing good service to + Hector and the Trojans, but evil had now come upon him, and not one of + those who were fain to do so could avert it, for the arrow struck him on + the back of the neck. He fell from his chariot and his horses shook the + empty car as they swerved aside. King Polydamas saw what had happened, and + was the first to come up to the horses; he gave them in charge to Astynous + son of Protiaon, and ordered him to look on, and to keep the horses near + at hand. He then went back and took his place in the front ranks. + </p> + <p> + Teucer then aimed another arrow at Hector, and there would have been no + more fighting at the ships if he had hit him and killed him then and + there: Jove, however, who kept watch over Hector, had his eyes on Teucer, + and deprived him of his triumph, by breaking his bowstring for him just as + he was drawing it and about to take his aim; on this the arrow went astray + and the bow fell from his hands. Teucer shook with anger and said to his + brother, “Alas, see how heaven thwarts us in all we do; it has broken my + bowstring and snatched the bow from my hand, though I strung it this + self-same morning that it might serve me for many an arrow.” + </p> + <p> + Ajax son of Telamon answered, “My good fellow, let your bow and your + arrows be, for Jove has made them useless in order to spite the Danaans. + Take your spear, lay your shield upon your shoulder, and both fight the + Trojans yourself and urge others to do so. They may be successful for the + moment but if we fight as we ought they will find it a hard matter to take + the ships.” + </p> + <p> + Teucer then took his bow and put it by in his tent. He hung a shield four + hides thick about his shoulders, and on his comely head he set his helmet + well wrought with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it; + he grasped his redoubtable bronze-shod spear, and forthwith he was by the + side of Ajax. + </p> + <p> + When Hector saw that Teucer’s bow was of no more use to him, he shouted + out to the Trojans and Lycians, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians good in + close fight, be men, my friends, and show your mettle here at the ships, + for I see the weapon of one of their chieftains made useless by the hand + of Jove. It is easy to see when Jove is helping people and means to help + them still further, or again when he is bringing them down and will do + nothing for them; he is now on our side, and is going against the Argives. + Therefore swarm round the ships and fight. If any of you is struck by + spear or sword and loses his life, let him die; he dies with honour who + dies fighting for his country; and he will leave his wife and children + safe behind him, with his house and allotment unplundered if only the + Achaeans can be driven back to their own land, they and their ships.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Ajax on the other + side exhorted his comrades saying, “Shame on you Argives, we are now + utterly undone, unless we can save ourselves by driving the enemy from our + ships. Do you think, if Hector takes them, that you will be able to get + home by land? Can you not hear him cheering on his whole host to fire our + fleet, and bidding them remember that they are not at a dance but in + battle? Our only course is to fight them with might and main; we had + better chance it, life or death, once for all, than fight long and without + issue hemmed in at our ships by worse men than ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put life and soul into them all. Hector then killed + Schedius son of Perimedes, leader of the Phoceans, and Ajax killed + Laodamas captain of foot soldiers and son to Antenor. Polydamas killed + Otus of Cyllene a comrade of the son of Phyleus and chief of the proud + Epeans. When Meges saw this he sprang upon him, but Polydamas crouched + down, and he missed him, for Apollo would not suffer the son of Panthous + to fall in battle; but the spear hit Croesmus in the middle of his chest, + whereon he fell heavily to the ground, and Meges stripped him of his + armour. At that moment the valiant soldier Dolops son of Lampus sprang + upon Lampus was son of Laomedon and noted for his valour, while his son + Dolops was versed in all the ways of war. He then struck the middle of the + son of Phyleus’ shield with his spear, setting on him at close quarters, + but his good corslet made with plates of metal saved him; Phyleus had + brought it from Ephyra and the river Selleis, where his host, King + Euphetes, had given it him to wear in battle and protect him. It now + served to save the life of his son. Then Meges struck the topmost crest of + Dolops’s bronze helmet with his spear and tore away its plume of + horse-hair, so that all newly dyed with scarlet as it was it tumbled down + into the dust. While he was still fighting and confident of victory, + Menelaus came up to help Meges, and got by the side of Dolops unperceived; + he then speared him in the shoulder, from behind, and the point, driven so + furiously, went through into his chest, whereon he fell headlong. The two + then made towards him to strip him of his armour, but Hector called on all + his brothers for help, and he especially upbraided brave Melanippus son of + Hiketaon, who erewhile used to pasture his herds of cattle in Percote + before the war broke out; but when the ships of the Danaans came, he went + back to Ilius, where he was eminent among the Trojans, and lived near + Priam who treated him as one of his own sons. Hector now rebuked him and + said, “Why, Melanippus, are we thus remiss? do you take no note of the + death of your kinsman, and do you not see how they are trying to take + Dolops’s armour? Follow me; there must be no fighting the Argives from a + distance now, but we must do so in close combat till either we kill them + or they take the high wall of Ilius and slay her people.” + </p> + <p> + He led on as he spoke, and the hero Melanippus followed after. Meanwhile + Ajax son of Telamon was cheering on the Argives. “My friends,” he cried, + “be men, and fear dishonour; quit yourselves in battle so as to win + respect from one another. Men who respect each other’s good opinion are + less likely to be killed than those who do not, but in flight there is + neither gain nor glory.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he exhort men who were already bent upon driving back the + Trojans. They laid his words to heart and hedged the ships as with a wall + of bronze, while Jove urged on the Trojans. Menelaus of the loud + battle-cry urged Antilochus on. “Antilochus,” said he, “you are young and + there is none of the Achaeans more fleet of foot or more valiant than you + are. See if you cannot spring upon some Trojan and kill him.” + </p> + <p> + He hurried away when he had thus spurred Antilochus, who at once darted + out from the front ranks and aimed a spear, after looking carefully round + him. The Trojans fell back as he threw, and the dart did not speed from + his hand without effect, for it struck Melanippus the proud son of + Hiketaon in the breast by the nipple as he was coming forward, and his + armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. + Antilochus sprang upon him as a dog springs on a fawn which a hunter has + hit as it was breaking away from its covert, and killed it. Even so, O + Melanippus, did stalwart Antilochus spring upon you to strip you of your + armour; but noble Hector marked him, and came running up to him through + the thick of the battle. Antilochus, brave soldier though he was, would + not stay to face him, but fled like some savage creature which knows it + has done wrong, and flies, when it has killed a dog or a man who is + herding his cattle, before a body of men can be gathered to attack it. + Even so did the son of Nestor fly, and the Trojans and Hector with a cry + that rent the air showered their weapons after him; nor did he turn round + and stay his flight till he had reached his comrades. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans, fierce as lions, were still rushing on towards the ships in + fulfilment of the behests of Jove who kept spurring them on to new deeds + of daring, while he deadened the courage of the Argives and defeated them + by encouraging the Trojans. For he meant giving glory to Hector son of + Priam, and letting him throw fire upon the ships, till he had fulfilled + the unrighteous prayer that Thetis had made him; Jove, therefore, bided + his time till he should see the glare of a blazing ship. From that hour he + was about so to order that the Trojans should be driven back from the + ships and to vouchsafe glory to the Achaeans. With this purpose he + inspired Hector son of Priam, who was eager enough already, to assail the + ships. His fury was as that of Mars, or as when a fire is raging in the + glades of some dense forest upon the mountains; he foamed at the mouth, + his eyes glared under his terrible eyebrows, and his helmet quivered on + his temples by reason of the fury with which he fought. Jove from heaven + was with him, and though he was but one against many, vouchsafed him + victory and glory; for he was doomed to an early death, and already Pallas + Minerva was hurrying on the hour of his destruction at the hands of the + son of Peleus. Now, however, he kept trying to break the ranks of the + enemy wherever he could see them thickest, and in the goodliest armour; + but do what he might he could not break through them, for they stood as a + tower foursquare, or as some high cliff rising from the grey sea that + braves the anger of the gale, and of the waves that thunder up against it. + He fell upon them like flames of fire from every quarter. As when a wave, + raised mountain high by wind and storm, breaks over a ship and covers it + deep in foam, the fierce winds roar against the mast, the hearts of the + sailors fail them for fear, and they are saved but by a very little from + destruction—even so were the hearts of the Achaeans fainting within + them. Or as a savage lion attacking a herd of cows while they are feeding + by thousands in the low-lying meadows by some wide-watered shore—the + herdsman is at his wit’s end how to protect his herd and keeps going about + now in the van and now in the rear of his cattle, while the lion springs + into the thick of them and fastens on a cow so that they all tremble for + fear—even so were the Achaeans utterly panic-stricken by Hector and + father Jove. Nevertheless Hector only killed Periphetes of Mycenae; he was + son of Copreus who was wont to take the orders of King Eurystheus to + mighty Hercules, but the son was a far better man than the father in every + way; he was fleet of foot, a valiant warrior, and in understanding ranked + among the foremost men of Mycenae. He it was who then afforded Hector a + triumph, for as he was turning back he stumbled against the rim of his + shield which reached his feet, and served to keep the javelins off him. He + tripped against this and fell face upward, his helmet ringing loudly about + his head as he did so. Hector saw him fall and ran up to him; he then + thrust a spear into his chest, and killed him close to his own comrades. + These, for all their sorrow, could not help him for they were themselves + terribly afraid of Hector. + </p> + <p> + They had now reached the ships and the prows of those that had been drawn + up first were on every side of them, but the Trojans came pouring after + them. The Argives were driven back from the first row of ships, but they + made a stand by their tents without being broken up and scattered; shame + and fear restrained them. They kept shouting incessantly to one another, + and Nestor of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achaeans, was loudest in + imploring every man by his parents, and beseeching him to stand firm. + </p> + <p> + “Be men, my friends,” he cried, “and respect one another’s good opinion. + Think, all of you, on your children, your wives, your property, and your + parents whether these be alive or dead. On their behalf though they are + not here, I implore you to stand firm, and not to turn in flight.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Minerva lifted the + thick veil of darkness from their eyes, and much light fell upon them, + alike on the side of the ships and on that where the fight was raging. + They could see Hector and all his men, both those in the rear who were + taking no part in the battle, and those who were fighting by the ships. + </p> + <p> + Ajax could not bring himself to retreat along with the rest, but strode + from deck to deck with a great sea-pike in his hands twelve cubits long + and jointed with rings. As a man skilled in feats of horsemanship couples + four horses together and comes tearing full speed along the public way + from the country into some large town—many both men and women marvel + as they see him for he keeps all the time changing his horse, springing + from one to another without ever missing his feet while the horses are at + a gallop—even so did Ajax go striding from one ship’s deck to + another, and his voice went up into the heavens. He kept on shouting his + orders to the Danaans and exhorting them to defend their ships and tents; + neither did Hector remain within the main body of the Trojan warriors, but + as a dun eagle swoops down upon a flock of wild-fowl feeding near a river—geese, + it may be, or cranes, or long-necked swans—even so did Hector make + straight for a dark-prowed ship, rushing right towards it; for Jove with + his mighty hand impelled him forward, and roused his people to follow him. + </p> + <p> + And now the battle again raged furiously at the ships. You would have + thought the men were coming on fresh and unwearied, so fiercely did they + fight; and this was the mind in which they were—the Achaeans did not + believe they should escape destruction but thought themselves doomed, + while there was not a Trojan but his heart beat high with the hope of + firing the ships and putting the Achaean heroes to the sword. + </p> + <p> + Thus were the two sides minded. Then Hector seized the stern of the good + ship that had brought Protesilaus to Troy, but never bore him back to his + native land. Round this ship there raged a close hand-to-hand fight + between Danaans and Trojans. They did not fight at a distance with bows + and javelins, but with one mind hacked at one another in close combat with + their mighty swords and spears pointed at both ends; they fought moreover + with keen battle-axes and with hatchets. Many a good stout blade hilted + and scabbarded with iron, fell from hand or shoulder as they fought, and + the earth ran red with blood. Hector, when he had seized the ship, would + not loose his hold but held on to its curved stern and shouted to the + Trojans, “Bring fire, and raise the battle-cry all of you with a single + voice. Now has Jove vouchsafed us a day that will pay us for all the rest; + this day we shall take the ships which came hither against heaven’s will, + and which have caused us such infinite suffering through the cowardice of + our councillors, who when I would have done battle at the ships held me + back and forbade the host to follow me; if Jove did then indeed warp our + judgements, himself now commands me and cheers me on.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke thus the Trojans sprang yet more fiercely on the Achaeans, and + Ajax no longer held his ground, for he was overcome by the darts that were + flung at him, and made sure that he was doomed. Therefore he left the + raised deck at the stern, and stepped back on to the seven-foot bench of + the oarsmen. Here he stood on the look-out, and with his spear held back + any Trojan whom he saw bringing fire to the ships. All the time he kept on + shouting at the top of his voice and exhorting the Danaans. “My friends,” + he cried, “Danaan heroes, servants of Mars, be men my friends, and fight + with might and with main. Can we hope to find helpers hereafter, or a wall + to shield us more surely than the one we have? There is no strong city + within reach, whence we may draw fresh forces to turn the scales in our + favour. We are on the plain of the armed Trojans with the sea behind us, + and far from our own country. Our salvation, therefore, is in the might of + our hands and in hard fighting.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he wielded his spear with still greater fury, and when any + Trojan made towards the ships with fire at Hector’s bidding, he would be + on the look-out for him, and drive at him with his long spear. Twelve men + did he thus kill in hand-to-hand fight before the ships. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Fire being now thrown on the ship of Protesilaus, Patroclus fights in the + armour of Achilles—He drives the Trojans back, but is in the end + killed by Euphorbus and Hector. + </p> + <p> + Thus did they fight about the ship of Protesilaus. Then Patroclus drew + near to Achilles with tears welling from his eyes, as from some spring + whose crystal stream falls over the ledges of a high precipice. When + Achilles saw him thus weeping he was sorry for him and said, “Why, + Patroclus, do you stand there weeping like some silly child that comes + running to her mother, and begs to be taken up and carried—she + catches hold of her mother’s dress to stay her though she is in a hurry, + and looks tearfully up until her mother carries her—even such tears, + Patroclus, are you now shedding. Have you anything to say to the Myrmidons + or to myself? or have you had news from Phthia which you alone know? They + tell me Menoetius son of Actor is still alive, as also Peleus son of + Aeacus, among the Myrmidons—men whose loss we two should bitterly + deplore; or are you grieving about the Argives and the way in which they + are being killed at the ships, through their own high-handed doings? Do + not hide anything from me but tell me that both of us may know about it.” + </p> + <p> + Then, O knight Patroclus, with a deep sigh you answered, “Achilles, son of + Peleus, foremost champion of the Achaeans, do not be angry, but I weep for + the disaster that has now befallen the Argives. All those who have been + their champions so far are lying at the ships, wounded by sword or spear. + Brave Diomed son of Tydeus has been hit with a spear, while famed Ulysses + and Agamemnon have received sword-wounds; Eurypylus again has been struck + with an arrow in the thigh; skilled apothecaries are attending to these + heroes, and healing them of their wounds; are you still, O Achilles, so + inexorable? May it never be my lot to nurse such a passion as you have + done, to the baning of your own good name. Who in future story will speak + well of you unless you now save the Argives from ruin? You know no pity; + knight Peleus was not your father nor Thetis your mother, but the grey sea + bore you and the sheer cliffs begot you, so cruel and remorseless are you. + If however you are kept back through knowledge of some oracle, or if your + mother Thetis has told you something from the mouth of Jove, at least send + me and the Myrmidons with me, if I may bring deliverance to the Danaans. + Let me moreover wear your armour; the Trojans may thus mistake me for you + and quit the field, so that the hard-pressed sons of the Achaeans may have + breathing time—which while they are fighting may hardly be. We who + are fresh might soon drive tired men back from our ships and tents to + their own city.” + </p> + <p> + He knew not what he was asking, nor that he was suing for his own + destruction. Achilles was deeply moved and answered, “What, noble + Patroclus, are you saying? I know no prophesyings which I am heeding, nor + has my mother told me anything from the mouth of Jove, but I am cut to the + very heart that one of my own rank should dare to rob me because he is + more powerful than I am. This, after all that I have gone through, is more + than I can endure. The girl whom the sons of the Achaeans chose for me, + whom I won as the fruit of my spear on having sacked a city—her has + King Agamemnon taken from me as though I were some common vagrant. Still, + let bygones be bygones: no man may keep his anger for ever; I said I would + not relent till battle and the cry of war had reached my own ships; + nevertheless, now gird my armour about your shoulders, and lead the + Myrmidons to battle, for the dark cloud of Trojans has burst furiously + over our fleet; the Argives are driven back on to the beach, cooped within + a narrow space, and the whole people of Troy has taken heart to sally out + against them, because they see not the visor of my helmet gleaming near + them. Had they seen this, there would not have been a creek nor grip that + had not been filled with their dead as they fled back again. And so it + would have been, if only King Agamemnon had dealt fairly by me. As it is + the Trojans have beset our host. Diomed son of Tydeus no longer wields his + spear to defend the Danaans, neither have I heard the voice of the son of + Atreus coming from his hated head, whereas that of murderous Hector rings + in my cars as he gives orders to the Trojans, who triumph over the + Achaeans and fill the whole plain with their cry of battle. But even so, + Patroclus, fall upon them and save the fleet, lest the Trojans fire it and + prevent us from being able to return. Do, however, as I now bid you, that + you may win me great honour from all the Danaans, and that they may + restore the girl to me again and give me rich gifts into the bargain. When + you have driven the Trojans from the ships, come back again. Though Juno’s + thundering husband should put triumph within your reach, do not fight the + Trojans further in my absence, or you will rob me of glory that should be + mine. And do not for lust of battle go on killing the Trojans nor lead the + Achaeans on to Ilius, lest one of the ever-living gods from Olympus attack + you—for Phoebus Apollo loves them well: return when you have freed + the ships from peril, and let others wage war upon the plain. Would, by + father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that not a single man of all the Trojans + might be left alive, nor yet of the Argives, but that we two might be + alone left to tear aside the mantle that veils the brow of Troy.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse. But Ajax could no longer hold his ground for the + shower of darts that rained upon him; the will of Jove and the javelins of + the Trojans were too much for him; the helmet that gleamed about his + temples rang with the continuous clatter of the missiles that kept pouring + on to it and on to the cheek-pieces that protected his face. Moreover his + left shoulder was tired with having held his shield so long, yet for all + this, let fly at him as they would, they could not make him give ground. + He could hardly draw his breath, the sweat rained from every pore of his + body, he had not a moment’s respite, and on all sides he was beset by + danger upon danger. + </p> + <p> + And now, tell me, O Muses that hold your mansions on Olympus, how fire was + thrown upon the ships of the Achaeans. Hector came close up and let drive + with his great sword at the ashen spear of Ajax. He cut it clean in two + just behind where the point was fastened on to the shaft of the spear. + Ajax, therefore, had now nothing but a headless spear, while the bronze + point flew some way off and came ringing down on to the ground. Ajax knew + the hand of heaven in this, and was dismayed at seeing that Jove had now + left him utterly defenceless and was willing victory for the Trojans. + Therefore he drew back, and the Trojans flung fire upon the ship which was + at once wrapped in flame. + </p> + <p> + The fire was now flaring about the ship’s stern, whereon Achilles smote + his two thighs and said to Patroclus, “Up, noble knight, for I see the + glare of hostile fire at our fleet; up, lest they destroy our ships, and + there be no way by which we may retreat. Gird on your armour at once while + I call our people together.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Patroclus put on his armour. First he greaved his legs with + greaves of good make, and fitted with ancle-clasps of silver; after this + he donned the cuirass of the son of Aeacus, richly inlaid and studded. He + hung his silver-studded sword of bronze about his shoulders, and then his + mighty shield. On his comely head he set his helmet, well wrought, with a + crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it. He grasped two + redoubtable spears that suited his hands, but he did not take the spear of + noble Achilles, so stout and strong, for none other of the Achaeans could + wield it, though Achilles could do so easily. This was the ashen spear + from Mount Pelion, which Chiron had cut upon a mountain top and had given + to Peleus, wherewith to deal out death among heroes. He bade Automedon + yoke his horses with all speed, for he was the man whom he held in honour + next after Achilles, and on whose support in battle he could rely most + firmly. Automedon therefore yoked the fleet horses Xanthus and Balius, + steeds that could fly like the wind: these were they whom the harpy + Podarge bore to the west wind, as she was grazing in a meadow by the + waters of the river Oceanus. In the side traces he set the noble horse + Pedasus, whom Achilles had brought away with him when he sacked the city + of Eetion, and who, mortal steed though he was, could take his place along + with those that were immortal. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Achilles went about everywhere among the tents, and bade his + Myrmidons put on their armour. Even as fierce ravening wolves that are + feasting upon a homed stag which they have killed upon the mountains, and + their jaws are red with blood—they go in a pack to lap water from + the clear spring with their long thin tongues; and they reek of blood and + slaughter; they know not what fear is, for it is hunger drives them—even + so did the leaders and counsellors of the Myrmidons gather round the good + squire of the fleet descendant of Aeacus, and among them stood Achilles + himself cheering on both men and horses. + </p> + <p> + Fifty ships had noble Achilles brought to Troy, and in each there was a + crew of fifty oarsmen. Over these he set five captains whom he could + trust, while he was himself commander over them all. Menesthius of the + gleaming corslet, son to the river Spercheius that streams from heaven, + was captain of the first company. Fair Polydora daughter of Peleus bore + him to ever-flowing Spercheius—a woman mated with a god—but he + was called son of Borus son of Perieres, with whom his mother was living + as his wedded wife, and who gave great wealth to gain her. The second + company was led by noble Eudorus, son to an unwedded woman. Polymele, + daughter of Phylas the graceful dancer, bore him; the mighty slayer of + Argos was enamoured of her as he saw her among the singing women at a + dance held in honour of Diana the rushing huntress of the golden arrows; + he therefore—Mercury, giver of all good—went with her into an + upper chamber, and lay with her in secret, whereon she bore him a noble + son Eudorus, singularly fleet of foot and in fight valiant. When Ilithuia + goddess of the pains of childbirth brought him to the light of day, and + he saw the face of the sun, mighty Echecles son of Actor took the mother + to wife, and gave great wealth to gain her, but her father Phylas brought + the child up, and took care of him, doting as fondly upon him as though he + were his own son. The third company was led by Pisander son of Maemalus, + the finest spearman among all the Myrmidons next to Achilles’ own comrade + Patroclus. The old knight Phoenix was captain of the fourth company, and + Alcimedon, noble son of Laerceus of the fifth. + </p> + <p> + When Achilles had chosen his men and had stationed them all with their + captains, he charged them straitly saying, “Myrmidons, remember your + threats against the Trojans while you were at the ships in the time of my + anger, and you were all complaining of me. ‘Cruel son of Peleus,’ you + would say, ‘your mother must have suckled you on gall, so ruthless are + you. You keep us here at the ships against our will; if you are so + relentless it were better we went home over the sea.’ Often have you + gathered and thus chided with me. The hour is now come for those high + feats of arms that you have so long been pining for, therefore keep high + hearts each one of you to do battle with the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all, and they serried + their companies yet more closely when they heard the words of their king. + As the stones which a builder sets in the wall of some high house which is + to give shelter from the winds—even so closely were the helmets and + bossed shields set against one another. Shield pressed on shield, helm on + helm, and man on man; so close were they that the horse-hair plumes on the + gleaming ridges of their helmets touched each other as they bent their + heads. + </p> + <p> + In front of them all two men put on their armour—Patroclus and + Automedon—two men, with but one mind to lead the Myrmidons. Then + Achilles went inside his tent and opened the lid of the strong chest which + silver-footed Thetis had given him to take on board ship, and which she + had filled with shirts, cloaks to keep out the cold, and good thick rugs. + In this chest he had a cup of rare workmanship, from which no man but + himself might drink, nor would he make offering from it to any other god + save only to father Jove. He took the cup from the chest and cleansed it + with sulphur; this done he rinsed it clean water, and after he had washed + his hands he drew wine. Then he stood in the middle of the court and + prayed, looking towards heaven, and making his drink-offering of wine; nor + was he unseen of Jove whose joy is in thunder. “King Jove,” he cried, + “lord of Dodona, god of the Pelasgi, who dwellest afar, you who hold + wintry Dodona in your sway, where your prophets the Selli dwell around you + with their feet unwashed and their couches made upon the ground—if + you heard me when I prayed to you aforetime, and did me honour while you + sent disaster on the Achaeans, vouchsafe me now the fulfilment of yet this + further prayer. I shall stay here where my ships are lying, but I shall + send my comrade into battle at the head of many Myrmidons. Grant, O + all-seeing Jove, that victory may go with him; put your courage into his + heart that Hector may learn whether my squire is man enough to fight + alone, or whether his might is only then so indomitable when I myself + enter the turmoil of war. Afterwards when he has chased the fight and the + cry of battle from the ships, grant that he may return unharmed, with his + armour and his comrades, fighters in close combat.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pray, and all-counselling Jove heard his prayer. Part of it he + did indeed vouchsafe him—but not the whole. He granted that + Patroclus should thrust back war and battle from the ships, but refused to + let him come safely out of the fight. + </p> + <p> + When he had made his drink-offering and had thus prayed, Achilles went + inside his tent and put back the cup into his chest. + </p> + <p> + Then he again came out, for he still loved to look upon the fierce fight + that raged between the Trojans and Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the armed band that was about Patroclus marched on till they + sprang high in hope upon the Trojans. They came swarming out like wasps + whose nests are by the roadside, and whom silly children love to tease, + whereon any one who happens to be passing may get stung—or again, if + a wayfarer going along the road vexes them by accident, every wasp will + come flying out in a fury to defend his little ones—even with such + rage and courage did the Myrmidons swarm from their ships, and their cry + of battle rose heavenwards. Patroclus called out to his men at the top of + his voice, “Myrmidons, followers of Achilles son of Peleus, be men my + friends, fight with might and with main, that we may win glory for the son + of Peleus, who is far the foremost man at the ships of the Argives—he, + and his close fighting followers. The son of Atreus King Agamemnon will + thus learn his folly in showing no respect to the bravest of the + Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he put heart and soul into them all, and they fell in a + body upon the Trojans. The ships rang again with the cry which the + Achaeans raised, and when the Trojans saw the brave son of Menoetius and + his squire all gleaming in their armour, they were daunted and their + battalions were thrown into confusion, for they thought the fleet son of + Peleus must now have put aside his anger, and have been reconciled to + Agamemnon; every one, therefore, looked round about to see whither he + might fly for safety. + </p> + <p> + Patroclus first aimed a spear into the middle of the press where men were + packed most closely, by the stern of the ship of Protesilaus. He hit + Pyraechmes who had led his Paeonian horsemen from the Amydon and the broad + waters of the river Axius; the spear struck him on the right shoulder, and + with a groan he fell backwards in the dust; on this his men were thrown + into confusion, for by killing their leader, who was the finest soldier + among them, Patroclus struck panic into them all. He thus drove them from + the ship and quenched the fire that was then blazing—leaving the + half-burnt ship to lie where it was. The Trojans were now driven back with + a shout that rent the skies, while the Danaans poured after them from + their ships, shouting also without ceasing. As when Jove, gatherer of the + thunder-cloud, spreads a dense canopy on the top of some lofty mountain, + and all the peaks, the jutting headlands, and forest glades show out in + the great light that flashes from the bursting heavens, even so when the + Danaans had now driven back the fire from their ships, they took breath + for a little while; but the fury of the fight was not yet over, for the + Trojans were not driven back in utter rout, but still gave battle, and + were ousted from their ground only by sheer fighting. + </p> + <p> + The fight then became more scattered, and the chieftains killed one + another when and how they could. The valiant son of Menoetius first drove + his spear into the thigh of Areilycus just as he was turning round; the + point went clean through, and broke the bone so that he fell forward. + Meanwhile Menelaus struck Thoas in the chest, where it was exposed near + the rim of his shield, and he fell dead. The son of Phyleus saw Amphiclus + about to attack him, and ere he could do so took aim at the upper part of + his thigh, where the muscles are thicker than in any other part; the spear + tore through all the sinews of the leg, and his eyes were closed in + darkness. Of the sons of Nestor one, Antilochus, speared Atymnius, driving + the point of the spear through his throat, and down he fell. Maris then + sprang on Antilochus in hand-to-hand fight to avenge his brother, and + bestrode the body spear in hand; but valiant Thrasymedes was too quick for + him, and in a moment had struck him in the shoulder ere he could deal his + blow; his aim was true, and the spear severed all the muscles at the root + of his arm, and tore them right down to the bone, so he fell heavily to + the ground and his eyes were closed in darkness. Thus did these two noble + comrades of Sarpedon go down to Erebus slain by the two sons of Nestor; + they were the warrior sons of Amisodorus, who had reared the invincible + Chimaera, to the bane of many. Ajax son of Oileus sprang on Cleobulus and + took him alive as he was entangled in the crush; but he killed him then + and there by a sword-blow on the neck. The sword reeked with his blood, + while dark death and the strong hand of fate gripped him and closed his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Peneleos and Lycon now met in close fight, for they had missed each other + with their spears. They had both thrown without effect, so now they drew + their swords. Lycon struck the plumed crest of Peneleos’ helmet but his + sword broke at the hilt, while Peneleos smote Lycon on the neck under the + ear. The blade sank so deep that the head was held on by nothing but the + skin, and there was no more life left in him. Meriones gave chase to + Acamas on foot and caught him up just as he was about to mount his + chariot; he drove a spear through his right shoulder so that he fell + headlong from the car, and his eyes were closed in darkness. Idomeneus + speared Erymas in the mouth; the bronze point of the spear went clean + through it beneath the brain, crashing in among the white bones and + smashing them up. His teeth were all of them knocked out and the blood + came gushing in a stream from both his eyes; it also came gurgling up from + his mouth and nostrils, and the darkness of death enfolded him round + about. + </p> + <p> + Thus did these chieftains of the Danaans each of them kill his man. As + ravening wolves seize on kids or lambs, fastening on them when they are + alone on the hillsides and have strayed from the main flock through the + carelessness of the shepherd—and when the wolves see this they + pounce upon them at once because they cannot defend themselves—even + so did the Danaans now fall on the Trojans, who fled with ill-omened cries + in their panic and had no more fight left in them. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile great Ajax kept on trying to drive a spear into Hector, but + Hector was so skilful that he held his broad shoulders well under cover of + his ox-hide shield, ever on the look-out for the whizzing of the arrows + and the heavy thud of the spears. He well knew that the fortunes of the + day had changed, but still stood his ground and tried to protect his + comrades. + </p> + <p> + As when a cloud goes up into heaven from Olympus, rising out of a clear + sky when Jove is brewing a gale—even with such panic stricken rout + did the Trojans now fly, and there was no order in their going. Hector’s + fleet horses bore him and his armour out of the fight, and he left the + Trojan host penned in by the deep trench against their will. Many a yoke + of horses snapped the pole of their chariots in the trench and left their + master’s car behind them. Patroclus gave chase, calling impetuously on the + Danaans and full of fury against the Trojans, who, being now no longer in + a body, filled all the ways with their cries of panic and rout; the air + was darkened with the clouds of dust they raised, and the horses strained + every nerve in their flight from the tents and ships towards the city. + </p> + <p> + Patroclus kept on heading his horses wherever he saw most men flying in + confusion, cheering on his men the while. Chariots were being smashed in + all directions, and many a man came tumbling down from his own car to fall + beneath the wheels of that of Patroclus, whose immortal steeds, given by + the gods to Peleus, sprang over the trench at a bound as they sped onward. + He was intent on trying to get near Hector, for he had set his heart on + spearing him, but Hector’s horses were now hurrying him away. As the whole + dark earth bows before some tempest on an autumn day when Jove rains his + hardest to punish men for giving crooked judgement in their courts, and + driving justice therefrom without heed to the decrees of heaven—all + the rivers run full and the torrents tear many a new channel as they roar + headlong from the mountains to the dark sea, and it fares ill with the + works of men—even such was the stress and strain of the Trojan + horses in their flight. + </p> + <p> + Patroclus now cut off the battalions that were nearest to him and drove + them back to the ships. They were doing their best to reach the city, but + he would not let them, and bore down on them between the river and the + ships and wall. Many a fallen comrade did he then avenge. First he hit + Pronous with a spear on the chest where it was exposed near the rim of his + shield, and he fell heavily to the ground. Next he sprang on Thestor son + of Enops, who was sitting all huddled up in his chariot, for he had lost + his head and the reins had been torn out of his hands. Patroclus went up + to him and drove a spear into his right jaw; he thus hooked him by the + teeth and the spear pulled him over the rim of his car, as one who sits at + the end of some jutting rock and draws a strong fish out of the sea with a + hook and a line—even so with his spear did he pull Thestor all + gaping from his chariot; he then threw him down on his face and he died + while falling. On this, as Erylaus was on coming to attack him, he struck + him full on the head with a stone, and his brains were all battered inside + his helmet, whereon he fell headlong to the ground and the pangs of death + took hold upon him. Then he laid low, one after the other, Erymas, + Amphoterus, Epaltes, Tlepolemus, Echius son of Damastor, Pyris, Ipheus, + Euippus and Polymelus son of Argeas. + </p> + <p> + Now when Sarpedon saw his comrades, men who wore ungirdled tunics, being + overcome by Patroclus son of Menoetius, he rebuked the Lycians saying. + “Shame on you, where are you flying to? Show your mettle; I will myself + meet this man in fight and learn who it is that is so masterful; he has + done us much hurt, and has stretched many a brave man upon the ground.” + </p> + <p> + He sprang from his chariot as he spoke, and Patroclus, when he saw this, + leaped on to the ground also. The two then rushed at one another with loud + cries like eagle-beaked crook-taloned vultures that scream and tear at one + another in some high mountain fastness. + </p> + <p> + The son of scheming Saturn looked down upon them in pity and said to Juno + who was his wife and sister, “Alas, that it should be the lot of Sarpedon + whom I love so dearly to perish by the hand of Patroclus. I am in two + minds whether to catch him up out of the fight and set him down safe and + sound in the fertile land of Lycia, or to let him now fall by the hand of + the son of Menoetius.” + </p> + <p> + And Juno answered, “Most dread son of Saturn, what is this that you are + saying? Would you snatch a mortal man, whose doom has long been fated, out + of the jaws of death? Do as you will, but we shall not all of us be of + your mind. I say further, and lay my saying to your heart, that if you + send Sarpedon safely to his own home, some other of the gods will be also + wanting to escort his son out of battle, for there are many sons of gods + fighting round the city of Troy, and you will make every one jealous. If, + however, you are fond of him and pity him, let him indeed fall by the hand + of Patroclus, but as soon as the life is gone out of him, send Death and + sweet Sleep to bear him off the field and take him to the broad lands of + Lycia, where his brothers and his kinsmen will bury him with mound and + pillar, in due honour to the dead.” + </p> + <p> + The sire of gods and men assented, but he shed a rain of blood upon the + earth in honour of his son whom Patroclus was about to kill on the rich + plain of Troy far from his home. + </p> + <p> + When they were now come close to one another Patroclus struck Thrasydemus, + the brave squire of Sarpedon, in the lower part of the belly, and killed + him. Sarpedon then aimed a spear at Patroclus and missed him, but he + struck the horse Pedasus in the right shoulder, and it screamed aloud as + it lay, groaning in the dust until the life went out of it. The other two + horses began to plunge; the pole of the chariot cracked and they got + entangled in the reins through the fall of the horse that was yoked along + with them; but Automedon knew what to do; without the loss of a moment he + drew the keen blade that hung by his sturdy thigh and cut the third horse + adrift; whereon the other two righted themselves, and pulling hard at the + reins again went together into battle. + </p> + <p> + Sarpedon now took a second aim at Patroclus, and again missed him, the + point of the spear passed over his left shoulder without hitting him. + Patroclus then aimed in his turn, and the spear sped not from his hand in + vain, for he hit Sarpedon just where the midriff surrounds the + ever-beating heart. He fell like some oak or silver poplar or tall pine to + which woodmen have laid their axes upon the mountains to make timber for + ship-building—even so did he lie stretched at full length in front + of his chariot and horses, moaning and clutching at the blood-stained + dust. As when a lion springs with a bound upon a herd of cattle and + fastens on a great black bull which dies bellowing in its clutches—even + so did the leader of the Lycian warriors struggle in death as he fell by + the hand of Patroclus. He called on his trusty comrade and said, “Glaucus, + my brother, hero among heroes, put forth all your strength, fight with + might and main, now if ever quit yourself like a valiant soldier. First go + about among the Lycian captains and bid them fight for Sarpedon; then + yourself also do battle to save my armour from being taken. My name will + haunt you henceforth and for ever if the Achaeans rob me of my armour now + that I have fallen at their ships. Do your very utmost and call all my + people together.” + </p> + <p> + Death closed his eyes as he spoke. Patroclus planted his heel on his + breast and drew the spear from his body, whereon his senses came out along + with it, and he drew out both spear-point and Sarpedon’s soul at the same + time. Hard by the Myrmidons held his snorting steeds, who were wild with + panic at finding themselves deserted by their lords. + </p> + <p> + Glaucus was overcome with grief when he heard what Sarpedon said, for he + could not help him. He had to support his arm with his other hand, being + in great pain through the wound which Teucer’s arrow had given him when + Teucer was defending the wall as he, Glaucus, was assailing it. Therefore + he prayed to far-darting Apollo saying, “Hear me O king from your seat, + may be in the rich land of Lycia, or may be in Troy, for in all places you + can hear the prayer of one who is in distress, as I now am. I have a + grievous wound; my hand is aching with pain, there is no staunching the + blood, and my whole arm drags by reason of my hurt, so that I cannot grasp + my sword nor go among my foes and fight them, though our prince, Jove’s + son Sarpedon, is slain. Jove defended not his son, do you, therefore, O + king, heal me of my wound, ease my pain and grant me strength both to + cheer on the Lycians and to fight along with them round the body of him + who has fallen.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. He eased his pain, + staunched the black blood from the wound, and gave him new strength. + Glaucus perceived this, and was thankful that the mighty god had answered + his prayer; forthwith, therefore, he went among the Lycian captains, and + bade them come to fight about the body of Sarpedon. From these he strode + on among the Trojans to Polydamas son of Panthous and Agenor; he then went + in search of Aeneas and Hector, and when he had found them he said, + “Hector, you have utterly forgotten your allies, who languish here for + your sake far from friends and home while you do nothing to support them. + Sarpedon leader of the Lycian warriors has fallen—he who was at once + the right and might of Lycia; Mars has laid him low by the spear of + Patroclus. Stand by him, my friends, and suffer not the Myrmidons to strip + him of his armour, nor to treat his body with contumely in revenge for all + the Danaans whom we have speared at the ships.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the Trojans were plunged in extreme and ungovernable grief; + for Sarpedon, alien though he was, had been one of the main stays of their + city, both as having much people with him, and himself the foremost among + them all. Led by Hector, who was infuriated by the fall of Sarpedon, they + made instantly for the Danaans with all their might, while the undaunted + spirit of Patroclus son of Menoetius cheered on the Achaeans. First he + spoke to the two Ajaxes, men who needed no bidding. “Ajaxes,” said he, + “may it now please you to show yourselves the men you have always been, or + even better—Sarpedon is fallen—he who was first to overleap + the wall of the Achaeans; let us take the body and outrage it; let us + strip the armour from his shoulders, and kill his comrades if they try to + rescue his body.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke to men who of themselves were full eager; both sides, therefore, + the Trojans and Lycians on the one hand, and the Myrmidons and Achaeans on + the other, strengthened their battalions, and fought desperately about the + body of Sarpedon, shouting fiercely the while. Mighty was the din of their + armour as they came together, and Jove shed a thick darkness over the + fight, to increase the toil of the battle over the body of his son. + </p> + <p> + At first the Trojans made some headway against the Achaeans, for one of + the best men among the Myrmidons was killed, Epeigeus, son of noble + Agacles who had erewhile been king in the good city of Budeum; but + presently, having killed a valiant kinsman of his own, he took refuge with + Peleus and Thetis, who sent him to Ilius the land of noble steeds to fight + the Trojans under Achilles. Hector now struck him on the head with a stone + just as he had caught hold of the body, and his brains inside his helmet + were all battered in, so that he fell face foremost upon the body of + Sarpedon, and there died. Patroclus was enraged by the death of his + comrade, and sped through the front ranks as swiftly as a hawk that swoops + down on a flock of daws or starlings. Even so swiftly, O noble knight + Patroclus, did you make straight for the Lycians and Trojans to avenge + your comrade. Forthwith he struck Sthenelaus the son of Ithaemenes on the + neck with a stone, and broke the tendons that join it to the head and + spine. On this Hector and the front rank of his men gave ground. As far as + a man can throw a javelin when competing for some prize, or even in battle—so + far did the Trojans now retreat before the Achaeans. Glaucus, captain of + the Lycians, was the first to rally them, by killing Bathycles son of + Chalcon who lived in Hellas and was the richest man among the Myrmidons. + Glaucus turned round suddenly, just as Bathycles who was pursuing him was + about to lay hold of him, and drove his spear right into the middle of his + chest, whereon he fell heavily to the ground, and the fall of so good a + man filled the Achaeans with dismay, while the Trojans were exultant, and + came up in a body round the corpse. Nevertheless the Achaeans, mindful of + their prowess, bore straight down upon them. + </p> + <p> + Meriones then killed a helmed warrior of the Trojans, Laogonus son of + Onetor, who was priest of Jove of Mt. Ida, and was honoured by the people + as though he were a god. Meriones struck him under the jaw and ear, so + that life went out of him and the darkness of death laid hold upon him. + Aeneas then aimed a spear at Meriones, hoping to hit him under the shield + as he was advancing, but Meriones saw it coming and stooped forward to + avoid it, whereon the spear flew past him and the point stuck in the + ground, while the butt-end went on quivering till Mars robbed it of its + force. The spear, therefore, sped from Aeneas’s hand in vain and fell + quivering to the ground. Aeneas was angry and said, “Meriones, you are a + good dancer, but if I had hit you my spear would soon have made an end of + you.” + </p> + <p> + And Meriones answered, “Aeneas, for all your bravery, you will not be able + to make an end of every one who comes against you. You are only a mortal + like myself, and if I were to hit you in the middle of your shield with my + spear, however strong and self-confident you may be, I should soon + vanquish you, and you would yield your life to Hades of the noble steeds.” + </p> + <p> + On this the son of Menoetius rebuked him and said, “Meriones, hero though + you be, you should not speak thus; taunting speeches, my good friend, will + not make the Trojans draw away from the dead body; some of them must go + under ground first; blows for battle, and words for council; fight, + therefore, and say nothing.” + </p> + <p> + He led the way as he spoke and the hero went forward with him. As the + sound of woodcutters in some forest glade upon the mountains—and the + thud of their axes is heard afar—even such a din now rose from + earth-clash of bronze armour and of good ox-hide shields, as men smote + each other with their swords and spears pointed at both ends. A man had + need of good eyesight now to know Sarpedon, so covered was he from head to + foot with spears and blood and dust. Men swarmed about the body, as flies + that buzz round the full milk-pails in spring when they are brimming with + milk—even so did they gather round Sarpedon; nor did Jove turn his + keen eyes away for one moment from the fight, but kept looking at it all + the time, for he was settling how best to kill Patroclus, and considering + whether Hector should be allowed to end him now in the fight round the + body of Sarpedon, and strip him of his armour, or whether he should let + him give yet further trouble to the Trojans. In the end, he deemed it best + that the brave squire of Achilles son of Peleus should drive Hector and + the Trojans back towards the city and take the lives of many. First, + therefore, he made Hector turn fainthearted, whereon he mounted his + chariot and fled, bidding the other Trojans fly also, for he saw that the + scales of Jove had turned against him. Neither would the brave Lycians + stand firm; they were dismayed when they saw their king lying struck to + the heart amid a heap of corpses—for when the son of Saturn made the + fight wax hot many had fallen above him. The Achaeans, therefore stripped + the gleaming armour from his shoulders and the brave son of Menoetius gave + it to his men to take to the ships. Then Jove lord of the storm-cloud said + to Apollo, “Dear Phoebus, go, I pray you, and take Sarpedon out of range + of the weapons; cleanse the black blood from off him, and then bear him a + long way off where you may wash him in the river, anoint him with + ambrosia, and clothe him in immortal raiment; this done, commit him to the + arms of the two fleet messengers, Death, and Sleep, who will carry him + straightway to the rich land of Lycia, where his brothers and kinsmen will + inter him, and will raise both mound and pillar to his memory, in due + honour to the dead.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke. Apollo obeyed his father’s saying, and came down from the + heights of Ida into the thick of the fight; forthwith he took Sarpedon out + of range of the weapons, and then bore him a long way off, where he washed + him in the river, anointed him with ambrosia and clothed him in immortal + raiment; this done, he committed him to the arms of the two fleet + messengers, Death, and Sleep, who presently set him down in the rich land + of Lycia. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Patroclus, with many a shout to his horses and to Automedon, + pursued the Trojans and Lycians in the pride and foolishness of his heart. + Had he but obeyed the bidding of the son of Peleus, he would have escaped + death and have been scatheless; but the counsels of Jove pass man’s + understanding; he will put even a brave man to flight and snatch victory + from his grasp, or again he will set him on to fight, as he now did when + he put a high spirit into the heart of Patroclus. + </p> + <p> + Who then first, and who last, was slain by you, O Patroclus, when the gods + had now called you to meet your doom? First Adrestus, Autonous, Echeclus, + Perimus the son of Megas, Epistor and Melanippus; after these he killed + Elasus, Mulius, and Pylartes. These he slew, but the rest saved themselves + by flight. + </p> + <p> + The sons of the Achaeans would now have taken Troy by the hands of + Patroclus, for his spear flew in all directions, had not Phoebus Apollo + taken his stand upon the wall to defeat his purpose and to aid the + Trojans. Thrice did Patroclus charge at an angle of the high wall, and + thrice did Apollo beat him back, striking his shield with his own immortal + hands. When Patroclus was coming on like a god for yet a fourth time, + Apollo shouted to him with an awful voice and said, “Draw back, noble + Patroclus, it is not your lot to sack the city of the Trojan chieftains, + nor yet will it be that of Achilles who is a far better man than you are.” + On hearing this, Patroclus withdrew to some distance and avoided the anger + of Apollo. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Hector was waiting with his horses inside the Scaean gates, in + doubt whether to drive out again and go on fighting, or to call the army + inside the gates. As he was thus doubting Phoebus Apollo drew near him in + the likeness of a young and lusty warrior Asius, who was Hector’s uncle, + being own brother to Hecuba, and son of Dymas who lived in Phrygia by the + waters of the river Sangarius; in his likeness Jove’s son Apollo now spoke + to Hector saying, “Hector, why have you left off fighting? It is ill done + of you. If I were as much better a man than you, as I am worse, you should + soon rue your slackness. Drive straight towards Patroclus, if so be that + Apollo may grant you a triumph over him, and you may rule him.” + </p> + <p> + With this the god went back into the hurly-burly, and Hector bade + Cebriones drive again into the fight. Apollo passed in among them, and + struck panic into the Argives, while he gave triumph to Hector and the + Trojans. Hector let the other Danaans alone and killed no man, but drove + straight at Patroclus. Patroclus then sprang from his chariot to the + ground, with a spear in his left hand, and in his right a jagged stone as + large as his hand could hold. He stood still and threw it, nor did it go + far without hitting some one; the cast was not in vain, for the stone + struck Cebriones, Hector’s charioteer, a bastard son of Priam, as he held + the reins in his hands. The stone hit him on the forehead and drove his + brows into his head for the bone was smashed, and his eyes fell to the + ground at his feet. He dropped dead from his chariot as though he were + diving, and there was no more life left in him. Over him did you then + vaunt, O knight Patroclus, saying, “Bless my heart, how active he is, and + how well he dives. If we had been at sea this fellow would have dived from + the ship’s side and brought up as many oysters as the whole crew could + stomach, even in rough water, for he has dived beautifully off his chariot + on to the ground. It seems, then, that there are divers also among the + Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he flung himself on Cebriones with the spring, as it were, of + a lion that while attacking a stockyard is himself struck in the chest, + and his courage is his own bane—even so furiously, O Patroclus, did + you then spring upon Cebriones. Hector sprang also from his chariot to the + ground. The pair then fought over the body of Cebriones. As two lions + fight fiercely on some high mountain over the body of a stag that they + have killed, even so did these two mighty warriors, Patroclus son of + Menoetius and brave Hector, hack and hew at one another over the corpse of + Cebriones. Hector would not let him go when he had once got him by the + head, while Patroclus kept fast hold of his feet, and a fierce fight raged + between the other Danaans and Trojans. As the east and south wind buffet + one another when they beat upon some dense forest on the mountains—there + is beech and ash and spreading cornel; the top of the trees roar as they + beat on one another, and one can hear the boughs cracking and breaking—even + so did the Trojans and Achaeans spring upon one another and lay about each + other, and neither side would give way. Many a pointed spear fell to + ground and many a winged arrow sped from its bowstring about the body of + Cebriones; many a great stone, moreover, beat on many a shield as they + fought around his body, but there he lay in the whirling clouds of dust, + all huge and hugely, heedless of his driving now. + </p> + <p> + So long as the sun was still high in mid-heaven the weapons of either side + were alike deadly, and the people fell; but when he went down towards the + time when men loose their oxen, the Achaeans proved to be beyond all + forecast stronger, so that they drew Cebriones out of range of the darts + and tumult of the Trojans, and stripped the armour from his shoulders. + Then Patroclus sprang like Mars with fierce intent and a terrific shout + upon the Trojans, and thrice did he kill nine men; but as he was coming on + like a god for a time, then, O Patroclus, was the hour of your end + approaching, for Phoebus fought you in fell earnest. Patroclus did not see + him as he moved about in the crush, for he was enshrouded in thick + darkness, and the god struck him from behind on his back and his broad + shoulders with the flat of his hand, so that his eyes turned dizzy. + Phoebus Apollo beat the helmet from off his head, and it rolled rattling + off under the horses’ feet, where its horse-hair plumes were all begrimed + with dust and blood. Never indeed had that helmet fared so before, for it + had served to protect the head and comely forehead of the godlike hero + Achilles. Now, however, Zeus delivered it over to be worn by Hector. + Nevertheless the end of Hector also was near. The bronze-shod spear, so + great and so strong, was broken in the hand of Patroclus, while his shield + that covered him from head to foot fell to the ground as did also the band + that held it, and Apollo undid the fastenings of his corslet. + </p> + <p> + On this his mind became clouded; his limbs failed him, and he stood as one + dazed; whereon Euphorbus son of Panthous a Dardanian, the best spearman of + his time, as also the finest horseman and fleetest runner, came behind him + and struck him in the back with a spear, midway between the shoulders. + This man as soon as ever he had come up with his chariot had dismounted + twenty men, so proficient was he in all the arts of war—he it was, O + knight Patroclus, that first drove a weapon into you, but he did not quite + overpower you. Euphorbus then ran back into the crowd, after drawing his + ashen spear out of the wound; he would not stand firm and wait for + Patroclus, unarmed though he now was, to attack him; but Patroclus + unnerved, alike by the blow the god had given him and by the spear-wound, + drew back under cover of his men in fear for his life. Hector on this, + seeing him to be wounded and giving ground, forced his way through the + ranks, and when close up with him struck him in the lower part of the + belly with a spear, driving the bronze point right through it, so that he + fell heavily to the ground to the great grief of the Achaeans. As when a + lion has fought some fierce wild boar and worsted him—the two fight + furiously upon the mountains over some little fountain at which they would + both drink, and the lion has beaten the boar till he can hardly breathe—even + so did Hector son of Priam take the life of the brave son of Menoetius who + had killed so many, striking him from close at hand, and vaunting over him + the while. “Patroclus,” said he, “you deemed that you should sack our + city, rob our Trojan women of their freedom, and carry them off in your + ships to your own country. Fool; Hector and his fleet horses were ever + straining their utmost to defend them. I am foremost of all the Trojan + warriors to stave the day of bondage from off them; as for you, vultures + shall devour you here. Poor wretch, Achilles with all his bravery availed + you nothing; and yet I ween when you left him he charged you straitly + saying, ‘Come not back to the ships, knight Patroclus, till you have rent + the blood-stained shirt of murderous Hector about his body.’ Thus I ween + did he charge you, and your fool’s heart answered him ‘yea’ within you.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the life ebbed out of you, you answered, O knight Patroclus: + “Hector, vaunt as you will, for Jove the son of Saturn and Apollo have + vouchsafed you victory; it is they who have vanquished me so easily, and + they who have stripped the armour from my shoulders; had twenty such men + as you attacked me, all of them would have fallen before my spear. Fate + and the son of Leto have overpowered me, and among mortal men Euphorbus; + you are yourself third only in the killing of me. I say further, and lay + my saying to your heart, you too shall live but for a little season; death + and the day of your doom are close upon you, and they will lay you low by + the hand of Achilles son of Aeacus.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus spoken his eyes were closed in death, his soul left his + body and flitted down to the house of Hades, mourning its sad fate and + bidding farewell to the youth and vigor of its manhood. Dead though he + was, Hector still spoke to him saying, “Patroclus, why should you thus + foretell my doom? Who knows but Achilles, son of lovely Thetis, may be + smitten by my spear and die before me?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew the bronze spear from the wound, planting his foot + upon the body, which he thrust off and let lie on its back. He then went + spear in hand after Automedon, squire of the fleet descendant of Aeacus, + for he longed to lay him low, but the immortal steeds which the gods had + given as a rich gift to Peleus bore him swiftly from the field. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The fight around the body of Patroclus. + </p> + <p> + Brave Menelaus son of Atreus now came to know that Patroclus had fallen, + and made his way through the front ranks clad in full armour to bestride + him. As a cow stands lowing over her first calf, even so did yellow-haired + Menelaus bestride Patroclus. He held his round shield and his spear in + front of him, resolute to kill any who should dare face him. But the son + of Panthous had also noted the body, and came up to Menelaus saying, + “Menelaus, son of Atreus, draw back, leave the body, and let the + blood-stained spoils be. I was first of the Trojans and their brave allies + to drive my spear into Patroclus, let me, therefore, have my full glory + among the Trojans, or I will take aim and kill you.” + </p> + <p> + To this Menelaus answered in great anger “By father Jove, boasting is an + ill thing. The pard is not more bold, nor the lion nor savage wild boar, + which is fiercest and most dauntless of all creatures, than are the proud + sons of Panthous. Yet Hyperenor did not see out the days of his youth when + he made light of me and withstood me, deeming me the meanest soldier among + the Danaans. His own feet never bore him back to gladden his wife and + parents. Even so shall I make an end of you too, if you withstand me; get + you back into the crowd and do not face me, or it shall be worse for you. + Even a fool may be wise after the event.” + </p> + <p> + Euphorbus would not listen, and said, “Now indeed, Menelaus, shall you pay + for the death of my brother over whom you vaunted, and whose wife you + widowed in her bridal chamber, while you brought grief unspeakable on his + parents. I shall comfort these poor people if I bring your head and armour + and place them in the hands of Panthous and noble Phrontis. The time is + come when this matter shall be fought out and settled, for me or against + me.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he struck Menelaus full on the shield, but the spear did not + go through, for the shield turned its point. Menelaus then took aim, + praying to father Jove as he did so; Euphorbus was drawing back, and + Menelaus struck him about the roots of his throat, leaning his whole + weight on the spear, so as to drive it home. The point went clean through + his neck, and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the + ground. His hair which was like that of the Graces, and his locks so + deftly bound in bands of silver and gold, were all bedrabbled with blood. + As one who has grown a fine young olive tree in a clear space where there + is abundance of water—the plant is full of promise, and though the + winds beat upon it from every quarter it puts forth its white blossoms + till the blasts of some fierce hurricane sweep down upon it and level it + with the ground—even so did Menelaus strip the fair youth Euphorbus + of his armour after he had slain him. Or as some fierce lion upon the + mountains in the pride of his strength fastens on the finest heifer in a + herd as it is feeding—first he breaks her neck with his strong jaws, + and then gorges on her blood and entrails; dogs and shepherds raise a hue + and cry against him, but they stand aloof and will not come close to him, + for they are pale with fear—even so no one had the courage to face + valiant Menelaus. The son of Atreus would have then carried off the armour + of the son of Panthous with ease, had not Phoebus Apollo been angry, and + in the guise of Mentes chief of the Cicons incited Hector to attack him. + “Hector,” said he, “you are now going after the horses of the noble son of + Aeacus, but you will not take them; they cannot be kept in hand and driven + by mortal man, save only by Achilles, who is son to an immortal mother. + Meanwhile Menelaus son of Atreus has bestridden the body of Patroclus and + killed the noblest of the Trojans, Euphorbus son of Panthous, so that he + can fight no more.” + </p> + <p> + The god then went back into the toil and turmoil, but the soul of Hector + was darkened with a cloud of grief; he looked along the ranks and saw + Euphorbus lying on the ground with the blood still flowing from his wound, + and Menelaus stripping him of his armour. On this he made his way to the + front like a flame of fire, clad in his gleaming armour, and crying with a + loud voice. When the son of Atreus heard him, he said to himself in his + dismay, “Alas! what shall I do? I may not let the Trojans take the armour + of Patroclus who has fallen fighting on my behalf, lest some Danaan who + sees me should cry shame upon me. Still if for my honour’s sake I fight + Hector and the Trojans single-handed, they will prove too many for me, for + Hector is bringing them up in force. Why, however, should I thus hesitate? + When a man fights in despite of heaven with one whom a god befriends, he + will soon rue it. Let no Danaan think ill of me if I give place to Hector, + for the hand of heaven is with him. Yet, if I could find Ajax, the two of + us would fight Hector and heaven too, if we might only save the body of + Patroclus for Achilles son of Peleus. This, of many evils would be the + least.” + </p> + <p> + While he was thus in two minds, the Trojans came up to him with Hector at + their head; he therefore drew back and left the body, turning about like + some bearded lion who is being chased by dogs and men from a stockyard + with spears and hue and cry, whereon he is daunted and slinks sulkily off—even + so did Menelaus son of Atreus turn and leave the body of Patroclus. When + among the body of his men, he looked around for mighty Ajax son of + Telamon, and presently saw him on the extreme left of the fight, cheering + on his men and exhorting them to keep on fighting, for Phoebus Apollo had + spread a great panic among them. He ran up to him and said, “Ajax, my good + friend, come with me at once to dead Patroclus, if so be that we may take + the body to Achilles—as for his armour, Hector already has it.” + </p> + <p> + These words stirred the heart of Ajax, and he made his way among the front + ranks, Menelaus going with him. Hector had stripped Patroclus of his + armour, and was dragging him away to cut off his head and take the body to + fling before the dogs of Troy. But Ajax came up with his shield like wall + before him, on which Hector withdrew under shelter of his men, and sprang + on to his chariot, giving the armour over to the Trojans to take to the + city, as a great trophy for himself; Ajax, therefore, covered the body of + Patroclus with his broad shield and bestrode him; as a lion stands over + his whelps if hunters have come upon him in a forest when he is with his + little ones—in the pride and fierceness of his strength he draws his + knit brows down till they cover his eyes—even so did Ajax bestride + the body of Patroclus, and by his side stood Menelaus son of Atreus, + nursing great sorrow in his heart. + </p> + <p> + Then Glaucus son of Hippolochus looked fiercely at Hector and rebuked him + sternly. “Hector,” said he, “you make a brave show, but in fight you are + sadly wanting. A runaway like yourself has no claim to so great a + reputation. Think how you may now save your town and citadel by the hands + of your own people born in Ilius; for you will get no Lycians to fight for + you, seeing what thanks they have had for their incessant hardships. Are + you likely, sir, to do anything to help a man of less note, after leaving + Sarpedon, who was at once your guest and comrade in arms, to be the spoil + and prey of the Danaans? So long as he lived he did good service both to + your city and yourself; yet you had no stomach to save his body from the + dogs. If the Lycians will listen to me, they will go home and leave Troy + to its fate. If the Trojans had any of that daring fearless spirit which + lays hold of men who are fighting for their country and harassing those + who would attack it, we should soon bear off Patroclus into Ilius. Could + we get this dead man away and bring him into the city of Priam, the + Argives would readily give up the armour of Sarpedon, and we should get + his body to boot. For he whose squire has been now killed is the foremost + man at the ships of the Achaeans—he and his close fighting + followers. Nevertheless you dared not make a stand against Ajax, nor face + him, eye to eye, with battle all round you, for he is a braver man than + you are.” + </p> + <p> + Hector scowled at him and answered, “Glaucus, you should know better. I + have held you so far as a man of more understanding than any in all Lycia, + but now I despise you for saying that I am afraid of Ajax. I fear neither + battle nor the din of chariots, but Jove’s will is stronger than ours; + Jove at one time makes even a strong man draw back and snatches victory + from his grasp, while at another he will set him on to fight. Come hither + then, my friend, stand by me and see indeed whether I shall play the + coward the whole day through as you say, or whether I shall not stay some + even of the boldest Danaans from fighting round the body of Patroclus.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he called loudly on the Trojans saying, “Trojans, Lycians, and + Dardanians, fighters in close combat, be men, my friends, and fight might + and main, while I put on the goodly armour of Achilles, which I took when + I killed Patroclus.” + </p> + <p> + With this Hector left the fight, and ran full speed after his men who were + taking the armour of Achilles to Troy, but had not yet got far. Standing + for a while apart from the woeful fight, he changed his armour. His own he + sent to the strong city of Ilius and to the Trojans, while he put on the + immortal armour of the son of Peleus, which the gods had given to Peleus, + who in his age gave it to his son; but the son did not grow old in his + father’s armour. + </p> + <p> + When Jove, lord of the storm-cloud, saw Hector standing aloof and arming + himself in the armour of the son of Peleus, he wagged his head and + muttered to himself saying, “A! poor wretch, you arm in the armour of a + hero, before whom many another trembles, and you reck nothing of the doom + that is already close upon you. You have killed his comrade so brave and + strong, but it was not well that you should strip the armour from his head + and shoulders. I do indeed endow you with great might now, but as against + this you shall not return from battle to lay the armour of the son of + Peleus before Andromache.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Saturn bowed his portentous brows, and Hector fitted the armour + to his body, while terrible Mars entered into him, and filled his whole + body with might and valour. With a shout he strode in among the allies, + and his armour flashed about him so that he seemed to all of them like the + great son of Peleus himself. He went about among them and cheered them on—Mesthles, + Glaucus, Medon, Thersilochus, Asteropaeus, Deisenor and Hippothous, + Phorcys, Chromius and Ennomus the augur. All these did he exhort saying, + “Hear me, allies from other cities who are here in your thousands, it was + not in order to have a crowd about me that I called you hither each from + his several city, but that with heart and soul you might defend the wives + and little ones of the Trojans from the fierce Achaeans. For this do I + oppress my people with your food and the presents that make you rich. + Therefore turn, and charge at the foe, to stand or fall as is the game of + war; whoever shall bring Patroclus, dead though he be, into the hands of + the Trojans, and shall make Ajax give way before him, I will give him one + half of the spoils while I keep the other. He will thus share like honour + with myself.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus spoken they charged full weight upon the Danaans with + their spears held out before them, and the hopes of each ran high that he + should force Ajax son of Telamon to yield up the body—fools that + they were, for he was about to take the lives of many. Then Ajax said to + Menelaus, “My good friend Menelaus, you and I shall hardly come out of + this fight alive. I am less concerned for the body of Patroclus, who will + shortly become meat for the dogs and vultures of Troy, than for the safety + of my own head and yours. Hector has wrapped us round in a storm of battle + from every quarter, and our destruction seems now certain. Call then upon + the princes of the Danaans if there is any who can hear us.” + </p> + <p> + Menelaus did as he said, and shouted to the Danaans for help at the top of + his voice. “My friends,” he cried, “princes and counsellors of the + Argives, all you who with Agamemnon and Menelaus drink at the public cost, + and give orders each to his own people as Jove vouchsafes him power and + glory, the fight is so thick about me that I cannot distinguish you + severally; come on, therefore, every man unbidden, and think it shame that + Patroclus should become meat and morsel for Trojan hounds.” + </p> + <p> + Fleet Ajax son of Oileus heard him and was first to force his way through + the fight and run to help him. Next came Idomeneus and Meriones his + esquire, peer of murderous Mars. As for the others that came into the + fight after these, who of his own self could name them? + </p> + <p> + The Trojans with Hector at their head charged in a body. As a great wave + that comes thundering in at the mouth of some heaven-born river, and the + rocks that jut into the sea ring with the roar of the breakers that beat + and buffet them—even with such a roar did the Trojans come on; but + the Achaeans in singleness of heart stood firm about the son of Menoetius, + and fenced him with their bronze shields. Jove, moreover, hid the + brightness of their helmets in a thick cloud, for he had borne no grudge + against the son of Menoetius while he was still alive and squire to the + descendant of Aeacus; therefore he was loth to let him fall a prey to the + dogs of his foes the Trojans, and urged his comrades on to defend him. + </p> + <p> + At first the Trojans drove the Achaeans back, and they withdrew from the + dead man daunted. The Trojans did not succeed in killing any one, + nevertheless they drew the body away. But the Achaeans did not lose it + long, for Ajax, foremost of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus alike + in stature and prowess, quickly rallied them and made towards the front + like a wild boar upon the mountains when he stands at bay in the forest + glades and routs the hounds and lusty youths that have attacked him—even + so did Ajax son of Telamon passing easily in among the phalanxes of the + Trojans, disperse those who had bestridden Patroclus and were most bent on + winning glory by dragging him off to their city. At this moment Hippothous + brave son of the Pelasgian Lethus, in his zeal for Hector and the Trojans, + was dragging the body off by the foot through the press of the fight, + having bound a strap round the sinews near the ancle; but a mischief soon + befell him from which none of those could save him who would have gladly + done so, for the son of Telamon sprang forward and smote him on his + bronze-cheeked helmet. The plumed headpiece broke about the point of the + weapon, struck at once by the spear and by the strong hand of Ajax, so + that the bloody brain came oozing out through the crest-socket. His + strength then failed him and he let Patroclus’ foot drop from his hand, as + he fell full length dead upon the body; thus he died far from the fertile + land of Larissa, and never repaid his parents the cost of bringing him up, + for his life was cut short early by the spear of mighty Ajax. Hector then + took aim at Ajax with a spear, but he saw it coming and just managed to + avoid it; the spear passed on and struck Schedius son of noble Iphitus, + captain of the Phoceans, who dwelt in famed Panopeus and reigned over much + people; it struck him under the middle of the collar-bone the bronze point + went right through him, coming out at the bottom of his shoulder-blade, + and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. + Ajax in his turn struck noble Phorcys son of Phaenops in the middle of the + belly as he was bestriding Hippothous, and broke the plate of his cuirass; + whereon the spear tore out his entrails and he clutched the ground in his + palm as he fell to earth. Hector and those who were in the front rank then + gave ground, while the Argives raised a loud cry of triumph, and drew off + the bodies of Phorcys and Hippothous which they stripped presently of + their armour. + </p> + <p> + The Trojans would now have been worsted by the brave Achaeans and driven + back to Ilius through their own cowardice, while the Argives, so great was + their courage and endurance, would have achieved a triumph even against + the will of Jove, if Apollo had not roused Aeneas, in the likeness of + Periphas son of Epytus, an attendant who had grown old in the service of + Aeneas’ aged father, and was at all times devoted to him. In his likeness, + then, Apollo said, “Aeneas, can you not manage, even though heaven be + against us, to save high Ilius? I have known men, whose numbers, courage, + and self-reliance have saved their people in spite of Jove, whereas in + this case he would much rather give victory to us than to the Danaans, if + you would only fight instead of being so terribly afraid.” + </p> + <p> + Aeneas knew Apollo when he looked straight at him, and shouted to Hector + saying, “Hector and all other Trojans and allies, shame on us if we are + beaten by the Achaeans and driven back to Ilius through our own cowardice. + A god has just come up to me and told me that Jove the supreme disposer + will be with us. Therefore let us make for the Danaans, that it may go + hard with them ere they bear away dead Patroclus to the ships.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he sprang out far in front of the others, who then rallied and + again faced the Achaeans. Aeneas speared Leiocritus son of Arisbas, a + valiant follower of Lycomedes, and Lycomedes was moved with pity as he saw + him fall; he therefore went close up, and speared Apisaon son of Hippasus + shepherd of his people in the liver under the midriff, so that he died; he + had come from fertile Paeonia and was the best man of them all after + Asteropaeus. Asteropaeus flew forward to avenge him and attack the + Danaans, but this might no longer be, inasmuch as those about Patroclus + were well covered by their shields, and held their spears in front of + them, for Ajax had given them strict orders that no man was either to give + ground, or to stand out before the others, but all were to hold well + together about the body and fight hand to hand. Thus did huge Ajax bid + them, and the earth ran red with blood as the corpses fell thick on one + another alike on the side of the Trojans and allies, and on that of the + Danaans; for these last, too, fought no bloodless fight though many fewer + of them perished, through the care they took to defend and stand by one + another. + </p> + <p> + Thus did they fight as it were a flaming fire; it seemed as though it had + gone hard even with the sun and moon, for they were hidden over all that + part where the bravest heroes were fighting about the dead son of + Menoetius, whereas the other Danaans and Achaeans fought at their ease in + full daylight with brilliant sunshine all round them, and there was not a + cloud to be seen neither on plain nor mountain. These last moreover would + rest for a while and leave off fighting, for they were some distance apart + and beyond the range of one another’s weapons, whereas those who were in + the thick of the fray suffered both from battle and darkness. All the best + of them were being worn out by the great weight of their armour, but the + two valiant heroes, Thrasymedes and Antilochus, had not yet heard of the + death of Patroclus, and believed him to be still alive and leading the van + against the Trojans; they were keeping themselves in reserve against the + death or rout of their own comrades, for so Nestor had ordered when he + sent them from the ships into battle. + </p> + <p> + Thus through the livelong day did they wage fierce war, and the sweat of + their toil rained ever on their legs under them, and on their hands and + eyes, as they fought over the squire of the fleet son of Peleus. It was as + when a man gives a great ox-hide all drenched in fat to his men, and bids + them stretch it; whereon they stand round it in a ring and tug till the + moisture leaves it, and the fat soaks in for the many that pull at it, and + it is well stretched—even so did the two sides tug the dead body + hither and thither within the compass of but a little space—the + Trojans steadfastly set on dragging it into Ilius, while the Achaeans were + no less so on taking it to their ships; and fierce was the fight between + them. Not Mars himself the lord of hosts, nor yet Minerva, even in their + fullest fury could make light of such a battle. + </p> + <p> + Such fearful turmoil of men and horses did Jove on that day ordain round + the body of Patroclus. Meanwhile Achilles did not know that he had fallen, + for the fight was under the wall of Troy a long way off the ships. He had + no idea, therefore, that Patroclus was dead, and deemed that he would + return alive as soon as he had gone close up to the gates. He knew that he + was not to sack the city neither with nor without himself, for his mother + had often told him this when he had sat alone with her, and she had + informed him of the counsels of great Jove. Now, however, she had not told + him how great a disaster had befallen him in the death of the one who was + far dearest to him of all his comrades. + </p> + <p> + The others still kept on charging one another round the body with their + pointed spears and killing each other. Then would one say, “My friends, we + can never again show our faces at the ships—better, and greatly + better, that earth should open and swallow us here in this place, than + that we should let the Trojans have the triumph of bearing off Patroclus + to their city.” + </p> + <p> + The Trojans also on their part spoke to one another saying, “Friends, + though we fall to a man beside this body, let none shrink from fighting.” + With such words did they exhort each other. They fought and fought, and an + iron clank rose through the void air to the brazen vault of heaven. The + horses of the descendant of Aeacus stood out of the fight and wept when + they heard that their driver had been laid low by the hand of murderous + Hector. Automedon, valiant son of Diores, lashed them again and again; + many a time did he speak kindly to them, and many a time did he upbraid + them, but they would neither go back to the ships by the waters of the + broad Hellespont, nor yet into battle among the Achaeans; they stood with + their chariot stock still, as a pillar set over the tomb of some dead man + or woman, and bowed their heads to the ground. Hot tears fell from their + eyes as they mourned the loss of their charioteer, and their noble manes + drooped all wet from under the yoke-straps on either side the yoke. + </p> + <p> + The son of Saturn saw them and took pity upon their sorrow. He wagged his + head, and muttered to himself, saying, “Poor things, why did we give you + to King Peleus who is a mortal, while you are yourselves ageless and + immortal? Was it that you might share the sorrows that befall mankind? for + of all creatures that live and move upon the earth there is none so + pitiable as he is—still, Hector son of Priam shall drive neither you + nor your chariot. I will not have it. It is enough that he should have the + armour over which he vaunts so vainly. Furthermore I will give you + strength of heart and limb to bear Automedon safely to the ships from + battle, for I shall let the Trojans triumph still further, and go on + killing till they reach the ships; whereon night shall fall and darkness + overshadow the land.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he breathed heart and strength into the horses so that they + shook the dust from out of their manes, and bore their chariot swiftly + into the fight that raged between Trojans and Achaeans. Behind them fought + Automedon full of sorrow for his comrade, as a vulture amid a flock of + geese. In and out, and here and there, full speed he dashed amid the + throng of the Trojans, but for all the fury of his pursuit he killed no + man, for he could not wield his spear and keep his horses in hand when + alone in the chariot; at last, however, a comrade, Alcimedon, son of + Laerces son of Haemon caught sight of him and came up behind his chariot. + “Automedon,” said he, “what god has put this folly into your heart and + robbed you of your right mind, that you fight the Trojans in the front + rank single-handed? He who was your comrade is slain, and Hector plumes + himself on being armed in the armour of the descendant of Aeacus.” + </p> + <p> + Automedon son of Diores answered, “Alcimedon, there is no one else who can + control and guide the immortal steeds so well as you can, save only + Patroclus—while he was alive—peer of gods in counsel. Take + then the whip and reins, while I go down from the car and fight.” + </p> + <p> + Alcimedon sprang on to the chariot, and caught up the whip and reins, + while Automedon leaped from off the car. When Hector saw him he said to + Aeneas who was near him, “Aeneas, counsellor of the mail-clad Trojans, I + see the steeds of the fleet son of Aeacus come into battle with weak hands + to drive them. I am sure, if you think well, that we might take them; they + will not dare face us if we both attack them.” + </p> + <p> + The valiant son of Anchises was of the same mind, and the pair went right + on, with their shoulders covered under shields of tough dry ox-hide, + overlaid with much bronze. Chromius and Aretus went also with them, and + their hearts beat high with hope that they might kill the men and capture + the horses—fools that they were, for they were not to return + scatheless from their meeting with Automedon, who prayed to father Jove + and was forthwith filled with courage and strength abounding. He turned to + his trusty comrade Alcimedon and said, “Alcimedon, keep your horses so + close up that I may feel their breath upon my back; I doubt that we shall + not stay Hector son of Priam till he has killed us and mounted behind the + horses; he will then either spread panic among the ranks of the Achaeans, + or himself be killed among the foremost.” + </p> + <p> + On this he cried out to the two Ajaxes and Menelaus, “Ajaxes captains of + the Argives, and Menelaus, give the dead body over to them that are best + able to defend it, and come to the rescue of us living; for Hector and + Aeneas who are the two best men among the Trojans, are pressing us hard in + the full tide of war. Nevertheless the issue lies on the lap of heaven, I + will therefore hurl my spear and leave the rest to Jove.” + </p> + <p> + He poised and hurled as he spoke, whereon the spear struck the round + shield of Aretus, and went right through it for the shield stayed it not, + so that it was driven through his belt into the lower part of his belly. + As when some sturdy youth, axe in hand, deals his blow behind the horns of + an ox and severs the tendons at the back of its neck so that it springs + forward and then drops, even so did Aretus give one bound and then fall on + his back the spear quivering in his body till it made an end of him. + Hector then aimed a spear at Automedon but he saw it coming and stooped + forward to avoid it, so that it flew past him and the point stuck in the + ground, while the butt-end went on quivering till Mars robbed it of its + force. They would then have fought hand to hand with swords had not the + two Ajaxes forced their way through the crowd when they heard their + comrade calling, and parted them for all their fury—for Hector, + Aeneas, and Chromius were afraid and drew back, leaving Aretus to lie + there struck to the heart. Automedon, peer of fleet Mars, then stripped + him of his armour and vaunted over him saying, “I have done little to + assuage my sorrow for the son of Menoetius, for the man I have killed is + not so good as he was.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he took the blood-stained spoils and laid them upon his + chariot; then he mounted the car with his hands and feet all steeped in + gore as a lion that has been gorging upon a bull. + </p> + <p> + And now the fierce groanful fight again raged about Patroclus, for Minerva + came down from heaven and roused its fury by the command of far-seeing + Jove, who had changed his mind and sent her to encourage the Danaans. As + when Jove bends his bright bow in heaven in token to mankind either of war + or of the chill storms that stay men from their labour and plague the + flocks—even so, wrapped in such radiant raiment, did Minerva go in + among the host and speak man by man to each. First she took the form and + voice of Phoenix and spoke to Menelaus son of Atreus, who was standing + near her. “Menelaus,” said she, “it will be shame and dishonour to you, if + dogs tear the noble comrade of Achilles under the walls of Troy. Therefore + be staunch, and urge your men to be so also.” + </p> + <p> + Menelaus answered, “Phoenix, my good old friend, may Minerva vouchsafe me + strength and keep the darts from off me, for so shall I stand by Patroclus + and defend him; his death has gone to my heart, but Hector is as a raging + fire and deals his blows without ceasing, for Jove is now granting him a + time of triumph.” + </p> + <p> + Minerva was pleased at his having named herself before any of the other + gods. Therefore she put strength into his knees and shoulders, and made + him as bold as a fly, which, though driven off will yet come again and + bite if it can, so dearly does it love man’s blood—even so bold as + this did she make him as he stood over Patroclus and threw his spear. Now + there was among the Trojans a man named Podes, son of Eetion, who was both + rich and valiant. Hector held him in the highest honour for he was his + comrade and boon companion; the spear of Menelaus struck this man in the + girdle just as he had turned in flight, and went right through him. + Whereon he fell heavily forward, and Menelaus son of Atreus drew off his + body from the Trojans into the ranks of his own people. + </p> + <p> + Apollo then went up to Hector and spurred him on to fight, in the likeness + of Phaenops son of Asius who lived in Abydos and was the most favoured of + all Hector’s guests. In his likeness Apollo said, “Hector, who of the + Achaeans will fear you henceforward now that you have quailed before + Menelaus who has ever been rated poorly as a soldier? Yet he has now got a + corpse away from the Trojans single-handed, and has slain your own true + comrade, a man brave among the foremost, Podes son of Eetion.” + </p> + <p> + A dark cloud of grief fell upon Hector as he heard, and he made his way to + the front clad in full armour. Thereon the son of Saturn seized his bright + tasselled aegis, and veiled Ida in cloud: he sent forth his lightnings and + his thunders, and as he shook his aegis he gave victory to the Trojans and + routed the Achaeans. + </p> + <p> + The panic was begun by Peneleos the Boeotian, for while keeping his face + turned ever towards the foe he had been hit with a spear on the upper part + of the shoulder; a spear thrown by Polydamas had grazed the top of the + bone, for Polydamas had come up to him and struck him from close at hand. + Then Hector in close combat struck Leitus son of noble Alectryon in the + hand by the wrist, and disabled him from fighting further. He looked about + him in dismay, knowing that never again should he wield spear in battle + with the Trojans. While Hector was in pursuit of Leitus, Idomeneus struck + him on the breastplate over his chest near the nipple; but the spear broke + in the shaft, and the Trojans cheered aloud. Hector then aimed at + Idomeneus son of Deucalion as he was standing on his chariot, and very + narrowly missed him, but the spear hit Coiranus, a follower and charioteer + of Meriones who had come with him from Lyctus. Idomeneus had left the + ships on foot and would have afforded a great triumph to the Trojans if + Coiranus had not driven quickly up to him, he therefore brought life and + rescue to Idomeneus, but himself fell by the hand of murderous Hector. For + Hector hit him on the jaw under the ear; the end of the spear drove out + his teeth and cut his tongue in two pieces, so that he fell from his + chariot and let the reins fall to the ground. Meriones gathered them up + from the ground and took them into his own hands, then he said to + Idomeneus, “Lay on, till you get back to the ships, for you must see that + the day is no longer ours.” + </p> + <p> + On this Idomeneus lashed the horses to the ships, for fear had taken hold + upon him. + </p> + <p> + Ajax and Menelaus noted how Jove had turned the scale in favour of the + Trojans, and Ajax was first to speak. “Alas,” said he, “even a fool may + see that father Jove is helping the Trojans. All their weapons strike + home; no matter whether it be a brave man or a coward that hurls them, + Jove speeds all alike, whereas ours fall each one of them without effect. + What, then, will be best both as regards rescuing the body, and our return + to the joy of our friends who will be grieving as they look hitherwards; + for they will make sure that nothing can now check the terrible hands of + Hector, and that he will fling himself upon our ships. I wish that some + one would go and tell the son of Peleus at once, for I do not think he can + have yet heard the sad news that the dearest of his friends has fallen. + But I can see not a man among the Achaeans to send, for they and their + chariots are alike hidden in darkness. O father Jove, lift this cloud from + over the sons of the Achaeans; make heaven serene, and let us see; if you + will that we perish, let us fall at any rate by daylight.” + </p> + <p> + Father Jove heard him and had compassion upon his tears. Forthwith he + chased away the cloud of darkness, so that the sun shone out and all the + fighting was revealed. Ajax then said to Menelaus, “Look, Menelaus, and if + Antilochus son of Nestor be still living, send him at once to tell + Achilles that by far the dearest to him of all his comrades has fallen.” + </p> + <p> + Menelaus heeded his words and went his way as a lion from a stockyard—the + lion is tired of attacking the men and hounds, who keep watch the whole + night through and will not let him feast on the fat of their herd. In his + lust of meat he makes straight at them but in vain, for darts from strong + hands assail him, and burning brands which daunt him for all his hunger, + so in the morning he slinks sulkily away—even so did Menelaus sorely + against his will leave Patroclus, in great fear lest the Achaeans should + be driven back in rout and let him fall into the hands of the foe. He + charged Meriones and the two Ajaxes straitly saying, “Ajaxes and Meriones, + leaders of the Argives, now indeed remember how good Patroclus was; he was + ever courteous while alive, bear it in mind now that he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + With this Menelaus left them, looking round him as keenly as an eagle, + whose sight they say is keener than that of any other bird—however + high he may be in the heavens, not a hare that runs can escape him by + crouching under bush or thicket, for he will swoop down upon it and make + an end of it—even so, O Menelaus, did your keen eyes range round the + mighty host of your followers to see if you could find the son of Nestor + still alive. Presently Menelaus saw him on the extreme left of the battle + cheering on his men and exhorting them to fight boldly. Menelaus went up + to him and said, “Antilochus, come here and listen to sad news, which I + would indeed were untrue. You must see with your own eyes that heaven is + heaping calamity upon the Danaans, and giving victory to the Trojans. + Patroclus has fallen, who was the bravest of the Achaeans, and sorely will + the Danaans miss him. Run instantly to the ships and tell Achilles, that + he may come to rescue the body and bear it to the ships. As for the + armour, Hector already has it.” + </p> + <p> + Antilochus was struck with horror. For a long time he was speechless; his + eyes filled with tears and he could find no utterance, but he did as + Menelaus had said, and set off running as soon as he had given his armour + to a comrade, Laodocus, who was wheeling his horses round, close beside + him. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did he run weeping from the field, to carry the bad news to + Achilles son of Peleus. Nor were you, O Menelaus, minded to succour his + harassed comrades, when Antilochus had left the Pylians—and greatly + did they miss him—but he sent them noble Thrasymedes, and himself + went back to Patroclus. He came running up to the two Ajaxes and said, “I + have sent Antilochus to the ships to tell Achilles, but rage against + Hector as he may, he cannot come, for he cannot fight without armour. What + then will be our best plan both as regards rescuing the dead, and our own + escape from death amid the battle-cries of the Trojans?” + </p> + <p> + Ajax answered, “Menelaus, you have said well: do you, then, and Meriones + stoop down, raise the body, and bear it out of the fray, while we two + behind you keep off Hector and the Trojans, one in heart as in name, and + long used to fighting side by side with one another.” + </p> + <p> + On this Menelaus and Meriones took the dead man in their arms and lifted + him high aloft with a great effort. The Trojan host raised a hue and cry + behind them when they saw the Achaeans bearing the body away, and flew + after them like hounds attacking a wounded boar at the loo of a band of + young huntsmen. For a while the hounds fly at him as though they would + tear him in pieces, but now and again he turns on them in a fury, scaring + and scattering them in all directions—even so did the Trojans for a + while charge in a body, striking with sword and with spears pointed at + both the ends, but when the two Ajaxes faced them and stood at bay, they + would turn pale and no man dared press on to fight further about the dead. + </p> + <p> + In this wise did the two heroes strain every nerve to bear the body to the + ships out of the fight. The battle raged round them like fierce flames + that when once kindled spread like wildfire over a city, and the houses + fall in the glare of its burning—even such was the roar and tramp of + men and horses that pursued them as they bore Patroclus from the field. Or + as mules that put forth all their strength to draw some beam or great + piece of ship’s timber down a rough mountain-track, and they pant and + sweat as they go—even so did Menelaus and Meriones pant and sweat as they + bore the body of Patroclus. Behind them the two Ajaxes held stoutly out. + As some wooded mountain-spur that stretches across a plain will turn water + and check the flow even of a great river, nor is there any stream strong + enough to break through it—even so did the two Ajaxes face the + Trojans and stem the tide of their fighting though they kept pouring on + towards them and foremost among them all was Aeneas son of Anchises with + valiant Hector. As a flock of daws or starlings fall to screaming and + chattering when they see a falcon, foe to all small birds, come soaring + near them, even so did the Achaean youth raise a babel of cries as they + fled before Aeneas and Hector, unmindful of their former prowess. In the + rout of the Danaans much goodly armour fell round about the trench, and of + fighting there was no end. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The grief of Achilles over Patroclus—The visit of Thetis to Vulcan + and the armour that he made for Achilles. + </p> + <p> + Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire. Meanwhile the fleet + runner Antilochus, who had been sent as messenger, reached Achilles, and + found him sitting by his tall ships and boding that which was indeed too + surely true. “Alas,” said he to himself in the heaviness of his heart, + “why are the Achaeans again scouring the plain and flocking towards the + ships? Heaven grant the gods be not now bringing that sorrow upon me of + which my mother Thetis spoke, saying that while I was yet alive the + bravest of the Myrmidons should fall before the Trojans, and see the light + of the sun no longer. I fear the brave son of Menoetius has fallen through + his own daring and yet I bade him return to the ships as soon as he had + driven back those that were bringing fire against them, and not join + battle with Hector.” + </p> + <p> + As he was thus pondering, the son of Nestor came up to him and told his + sad tale, weeping bitterly the while. “Alas,” he cried, “son of noble + Peleus, I bring you bad tidings, would indeed that they were untrue. + Patroclus has fallen, and a fight is raging about his naked body—for + Hector holds his armour.” + </p> + <p> + A dark cloud of grief fell upon Achilles as he listened. He filled both + hands with dust from off the ground, and poured it over his head, + disfiguring his comely face, and letting the refuse settle over his shirt + so fair and new. He flung himself down all huge and hugely at full length, + and tore his hair with his hands. The bondswomen whom Achilles and + Patroclus had taken captive screamed aloud for grief, beating their + breasts, and with their limbs failing them for sorrow. Antilochus bent + over him the while, weeping and holding both his hands as he lay groaning + for he feared that he might plunge a knife into his own throat. Then + Achilles gave a loud cry and his mother heard him as she was sitting in + the depths of the sea by the old man her father, whereon she screamed, and + all the goddesses daughters of Nereus that dwelt at the bottom of the sea, + came gathering round her. There were Glauce, Thalia and Cymodoce, Nesaia, + Speo, Thoe and dark-eyed Halie, Cymothoe, Actaea and Limnorea, Melite, + Iaera, Amphithoe and Agave, Doto and Proto, Pherusa and Dynamene, + Dexamene, Amphinome and Callianeira, Doris, Panope, and the famous + sea-nymph Galatea, Nemertes, Apseudes and Callianassa. There were also + Clymene, Ianeira and Ianassa, Maera, Oreithuia and Amatheia of the lovely + locks, with other Nereids who dwell in the depths of the sea. The crystal + cave was filled with their multitude and they all beat their breasts while + Thetis led them in their lament. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” she cried, “sisters, daughters of Nereus, that you may hear the + burden of my sorrows. Alas, woe is me, woe in that I have borne the most + glorious of offspring. I bore him fair and strong, hero among heroes, and + he shot up as a sapling; I tended him as a plant in a goodly garden, and + sent him with his ships to Ilius to fight the Trojans, but never shall I + welcome him back to the house of Peleus. So long as he lives to look upon + the light of the sun he is in heaviness, and though I go to him I cannot + help him. Nevertheless I will go, that I may see my dear son and learn + what sorrow has befallen him though he is still holding aloof from + battle.” + </p> + <p> + She left the cave as she spoke, while the others followed weeping after, + and the waves opened a path before them. When they reached the rich plain + of Troy, they came up out of the sea in a long line on to the sands, at + the place where the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up in close order + round the tents of Achilles. His mother went up to him as he lay groaning; + she laid her hand upon his head and spoke piteously, saying, “My son, why + are you thus weeping? What sorrow has now befallen you? Tell me; hide it + not from me. Surely Jove has granted you the prayer you made him, when you + lifted up your hands and besought him that the Achaeans might all of them + be pent up at their ships, and rue it bitterly in that you were no longer + with them.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles groaned and answered, “Mother, Olympian Jove has indeed + vouchsafed me the fulfilment of my prayer, but what boots it to me, seeing + that my dear comrade Patroclus has fallen—he whom I valued more than + all others, and loved as dearly as my own life? I have lost him; aye, and + Hector when he had killed him stripped the wondrous armour, so glorious to + behold, which the gods gave to Peleus when they laid you in the couch of a + mortal man. Would that you were still dwelling among the immortal + sea-nymphs, and that Peleus had taken to himself some mortal bride. For + now you shall have grief infinite by reason of the death of that son whom + you can never welcome home—nay, I will not live nor go about among + mankind unless Hector fall by my spear, and thus pay me for having slain + Patroclus son of Menoetius.” + </p> + <p> + Thetis wept and answered, “Then, my son, is your end near at hand—for + your own death awaits you full soon after that of Hector.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Achilles in his great grief, “I would die here and now, in that + I could not save my comrade. He has fallen far from home, and in his hour + of need my hand was not there to help him. What is there for me? Return to + my own land I shall not, and I have brought no saving neither to Patroclus + nor to my other comrades of whom so many have been slain by mighty Hector; + I stay here by my ships a bootless burden upon the earth, I, who in fight + have no peer among the Achaeans, though in council there are better than + I. Therefore, perish strife both from among gods and men, and anger, + wherein even a righteous man will harden his heart—which rises up in + the soul of a man like smoke, and the taste thereof is sweeter than drops + of honey. Even so has Agamemnon angered me. And yet—so be it, for it + is over; I will force my soul into subjection as I needs must; I will go; + I will pursue Hector who has slain him whom I loved so dearly, and will + then abide my doom when it may please Jove and the other gods to send it. + Even Hercules, the best beloved of Jove—even he could not escape the + hand of death, but fate and Juno’s fierce anger laid him low, as I too + shall lie when I am dead if a like doom awaits me. Till then I will win + fame, and will bid Trojan and Dardanian women wring tears from their + tender cheeks with both their hands in the grievousness of their great + sorrow; thus shall they know that he who has held aloof so long will hold + aloof no longer. Hold me not back, therefore, in the love you bear me, for + you shall not move me.” + </p> + <p> + Then silver-footed Thetis answered, “My son, what you have said is true. + It is well to save your comrades from destruction, but your armour is in + the hands of the Trojans; Hector bears it in triumph upon his own + shoulders. Full well I know that his vaunt shall not be lasting, for his + end is close at hand; go not, however, into the press of battle till you + see me return hither; to-morrow at break of day I shall be here, and will + bring you goodly armour from King Vulcan.” + </p> + <p> + On this she left her brave son, and as she turned away she said to the + sea-nymphs her sisters, “Dive into the bosom of the sea and go to the + house of the old sea-god my father. Tell him everything; as for me, I will + go to the cunning workman Vulcan on high Olympus, and ask him to provide + my son with a suit of splendid armour.” + </p> + <p> + When she had so said, they dived forthwith beneath the waves, while + silver-footed Thetis went her way that she might bring the armour for her + son. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did her feet bear the goddess to Olympus, and meanwhile the + Achaeans were flying with loud cries before murderous Hector till they + reached the ships and the Hellespont, and they could not draw the body of + Mars’s servant Patroclus out of reach of the weapons that were showered + upon him, for Hector son of Priam with his host and horsemen had again + caught up to him like the flame of a fiery furnace; thrice did brave + Hector seize him by the feet, striving with might and main to draw him + away and calling loudly on the Trojans, and thrice did the two Ajaxes, + clothed in valour as with a garment, beat him from off the body; but all + undaunted he would now charge into the thick of the fight, and now again + he would stand still and cry aloud, but he would give no ground. As upland + shepherds that cannot chase some famished lion from a carcase, even so + could not the two Ajaxes scare Hector son of Priam from the body of + Patroclus. + </p> + <p> + And now he would even have dragged it off and have won imperishable glory, + had not Iris fleet as the wind, winged her way as messenger from Olympus + to the son of Peleus and bidden him arm. She came secretly without the + knowledge of Jove and of the other gods, for Juno sent her, and when she + had got close to him she said, “Up, son of Peleus, mightiest of all + mankind; rescue Patroclus about whom this fearful fight is now raging by + the ships. Men are killing one another, the Danaans in defence of the dead + body, while the Trojans are trying to hale it away, and take it to windy + Ilius: Hector is the most furious of them all; he is for cutting the head + from the body and fixing it on the stakes of the wall. Up, then, and bide + here no longer; shrink from the thought that Patroclus may become meat for + the dogs of Troy. Shame on you, should his body suffer any kind of + outrage.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles said, “Iris, which of the gods was it that sent you to me?” + </p> + <p> + Iris answered, “It was Juno the royal spouse of Jove, but the son of + Saturn does not know of my coming, nor yet does any other of the immortals + who dwell on the snowy summits of Olympus.” + </p> + <p> + Then fleet Achilles answered her saying, “How can I go up into the battle? + They have my armour. My mother forbade me to arm till I should see her + come, for she promised to bring me goodly armour from Vulcan; I know no + man whose arms I can put on, save only the shield of Ajax son of Telamon, + and he surely must be fighting in the front rank and wielding his spear + about the body of dead Patroclus.” + </p> + <p> + Iris said, “We know that your armour has been taken, but go as you are; go + to the deep trench and show yourself before the Trojans, that they may + fear you and cease fighting. Thus will the fainting sons of the Achaeans + gain some brief breathing time, which in battle may hardly be.” + </p> + <p> + Iris left him when she had so spoken. But Achilles dear to Jove arose, and + Minerva flung her tasselled aegis round his strong shoulders; she crowned + his head with a halo of golden cloud from which she kindled a glow of + gleaming fire. As the smoke that goes up into heaven from some city that + is being beleaguered on an island far out at sea—all day long do men + sally from the city and fight their hardest, and at the going down of the + sun the line of beacon-fires blazes forth, flaring high for those that + dwell near them to behold, if so be that they may come with their ships + and succour them—even so did the light flare from the head of + Achilles, as he stood by the trench, going beyond the wall—but he + did not join the Achaeans for he heeded the charge which his mother laid + upon him. + </p> + <p> + There did he stand and shout aloud. Minerva also raised her voice from + afar, and spread terror unspeakable among the Trojans. Ringing as the note + of a trumpet that sounds alarm then the foe is at the gates of a city, + even so brazen was the voice of the son of Aeacus, and when the Trojans + heard its clarion tones they were dismayed; the horses turned back with + their chariots for they boded mischief, and their drivers were awe-struck + by the steady flame which the grey-eyed goddess had kindled above the head + of the great son of Peleus. + </p> + <p> + Thrice did Achilles raise his loud cry as he stood by the trench, and + thrice were the Trojans and their brave allies thrown into confusion; + whereon twelve of their noblest champions fell beneath the wheels of their + chariots and perished by their own spears. The Achaeans to their great joy + then drew Patroclus out of reach of the weapons, and laid him on a litter: + his comrades stood mourning round him, and among them fleet Achilles who + wept bitterly as he saw his true comrade lying dead upon his bier. He had + sent him out with horses and chariots into battle, but his return he was + not to welcome. + </p> + <p> + Then Juno sent the busy sun, loth though he was, into the waters of + Oceanus; so he set, and the Achaeans had rest from the tug and turmoil of + war. + </p> + <p> + Now the Trojans when they had come out of the fight, unyoked their horses + and gathered in assembly before preparing their supper. They kept their + feet, nor would any dare to sit down, for fear had fallen upon them all + because Achilles had shown himself after having held aloof so long from + battle. Polydamas son of Panthous was first to speak, a man of judgement, + who alone among them could look both before and after. He was comrade to + Hector, and they had been born upon the same night; with all sincerity and + goodwill, therefore, he addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Look to it well, my friends; I would urge you to go back now to your city + and not wait here by the ships till morning, for we are far from our + walls. So long as this man was at enmity with Agamemnon the Achaeans were + easier to deal with, and I would have gladly camped by the ships in the + hope of taking them; but now I go in great fear of the fleet son of + Peleus; he is so daring that he will never bide here on the plain whereon + the Trojans and Achaeans fight with equal valour, but he will try to storm + our city and carry off our women. Do then as I say, and let us retreat. + For this is what will happen. The darkness of night will for a time stay + the son of Peleus, but if he find us here in the morning when he sallies + forth in full armour, we shall have knowledge of him in good earnest. Glad + indeed will he be who can escape and get back to Ilius, and many a Trojan + will become meat for dogs and vultures may I never live to hear it. If we + do as I say, little though we may like it, we shall have strength in + counsel during the night, and the great gates with the doors that close + them will protect the city. At dawn we can arm and take our stand on the + walls; he will then rue it if he sallies from the ships to fight us. He + will go back when he has given his horses their fill of being driven all + whithers under our walls, and will be in no mind to try and force his way + into the city. Neither will he ever sack it, dogs shall devour him ere he + do so.” + </p> + <p> + Hector looked fiercely at him and answered, “Polydamas, your words are not + to my liking in that you bid us go back and be pent within the city. Have + you not had enough of being cooped up behind walls? In the old-days the + city of Priam was famous the whole world over for its wealth of gold and + bronze, but our treasures are wasted out of our houses, and much goods + have been sold away to Phrygia and fair Meonia, for the hand of Jove has + been laid heavily upon us. Now, therefore, that the son of scheming Saturn + has vouchsafed me to win glory here and to hem the Achaeans in at their + ships, prate no more in this fool’s wise among the people. You will have + no man with you; it shall not be; do all of you as I now say;—take + your suppers in your companies throughout the host, and keep your watches + and be wakeful every man of you. If any Trojan is uneasy about his + possessions, let him gather them and give them out among the people. + Better let these, rather than the Achaeans, have them. At daybreak we will + arm and fight about the ships; granted that Achilles has again come + forward to defend them, let it be as he will, but it shall go hard with + him. I shall not shun him, but will fight him, to fall or conquer. The god + of war deals out like measure to all, and the slayer may yet be slain.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Hector; and the Trojans, fools that they were, shouted in + applause, for Pallas Minerva had robbed them of their understanding. They + gave ear to Hector with his evil counsel, but the wise words of Polydamas + no man would heed. They took their supper throughout the host, and + meanwhile through the whole night the Achaeans mourned Patroclus, and the + son of Peleus led them in their lament. He laid his murderous hands upon + the breast of his comrade, groaning again and again as a bearded lion when + a man who was chasing deer has robbed him of his young in some dense + forest; when the lion comes back he is furious, and searches dingle and + dell to track the hunter if he can find him, for he is mad with rage—even + so with many a sigh did Achilles speak among the Myrmidons saying, “Alas! + vain were the words with which I cheered the hero Menoetius in his own + house; I said that I would bring his brave son back again to Opoeis after + he had sacked Ilius and taken his share of the spoils—but Jove does + not give all men their heart’s desire. The same soil shall be reddened + here at Troy by the blood of us both, for I too shall never be welcomed + home by the old knight Peleus, nor by my mother Thetis, but even in this + place shall the earth cover me. Nevertheless, O Patroclus, now that I am + left behind you, I will not bury you, till I have brought hither the head + and armour of mighty Hector who has slain you. Twelve noble sons of + Trojans will I behead before your bier to avenge you; till I have done so + you shall lie as you are by the ships, and fair women of Troy and + Dardanus, whom we have taken with spear and strength of arm when we sacked + men’s goodly cities, shall weep over you both night and day.” + </p> + <p> + Then Achilles told his men to set a large tripod upon the fire that they + might wash the clotted gore from off Patroclus. Thereon they set a tripod + full of bath water on to a clear fire: they threw sticks on to it to make + it blaze, and the water became hot as the flame played about the belly of + the tripod. When the water in the cauldron was boiling they washed the + body, anointed it with oil, and closed its wounds with ointment that had + been kept nine years. Then they laid it on a bier and covered it with a + linen cloth from head to foot, and over this they laid a fair white robe. + Thus all night long did the Myrmidons gather round Achilles to mourn + Patroclus. + </p> + <p> + Then Jove said to Juno his sister-wife, “So, Queen Juno, you have gained + your end, and have roused fleet Achilles. One would think that the + Achaeans were of your own flesh and blood.” + </p> + <p> + And Juno answered, “Dread son of Saturn, why should you say this thing? + May not a man though he be only mortal and knows less than we do, do what + he can for another person? And shall not I—foremost of all goddesses + both by descent and as wife to you who reign in heaven—devise evil + for the Trojans if I am angry with them?” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse. Meanwhile Thetis came to the house of Vulcan, + imperishable, star-bespangled, fairest of the abodes in heaven, a house of + bronze wrought by the lame god’s own hands. She found him busy with his + bellows, sweating and hard at work, for he was making twenty tripods that + were to stand by the wall of his house, and he set wheels of gold under + them all that they might go of their own selves to the assemblies of the + gods, and come back again—marvels indeed to see. They were finished + all but the ears of cunning workmanship which yet remained to be fixed to + them: these he was now fixing, and he was hammering at the rivets. While + he was thus at work silver-footed Thetis came to the house. Charis, of + graceful head-dress, wife to the far-famed lame god, came towards her as + soon as she saw her, and took her hand in her own, saying, “Why have you + come to our house, Thetis, honoured and ever welcome—for you do not + visit us often? Come inside and let me set refreshment before you.” + </p> + <p> + The goddess led the way as she spoke, and bade Thetis sit on a richly + decorated seat inlaid with silver; there was a footstool also under her + feet. Then she called Vulcan and said, “Vulcan, come here, Thetis wants + you”; and the far-famed lame god answered, “Then it is indeed an august + and honoured goddess who has come here; she it was that took care of me + when I was suffering from the heavy fall which I had through my cruel + mother’s anger—for she would have got rid of me because I was lame. + It would have gone hardly with me had not Eurynome, daughter of the + ever-encircling waters of Oceanus, and Thetis, taken me to their bosom. + Nine years did I stay with them, and many beautiful works in bronze, + brooches, spiral armlets, cups, and chains, did I make for them in their + cave, with the roaring waters of Oceanus foaming as they rushed ever past + it; and no one knew, neither of gods nor men, save only Thetis and + Eurynome who took care of me. If, then, Thetis has come to my house I must + make her due requital for having saved me; entertain her, therefore, with + all hospitality, while I put by my bellows and all my tools.” + </p> + <p> + On this the mighty monster hobbled off from his anvil, his thin legs + plying lustily under him. He set the bellows away from the fire, and + gathered his tools into a silver chest. Then he took a sponge and washed + his face and hands, his shaggy chest and brawny neck; he donned his shirt, + grasped his strong staff, and limped towards the door. There were golden + handmaids also who worked for him, and were like real young women, with + sense and reason, voice also and strength, and all the learning of the + immortals; these busied themselves as the king bade them, while he drew + near to Thetis, seated her upon a goodly seat, and took her hand in his + own, saying, “Why have you come to our house, Thetis honoured and ever + welcome—for you do not visit us often? Say what you want, and I will + do it for you at once if I can, and if it can be done at all.” + </p> + <p> + Thetis wept and answered, “Vulcan, is there another goddess in Olympus + whom the son of Saturn has been pleased to try with so much affliction as + he has me? Me alone of the marine goddesses did he make subject to a + mortal husband, Peleus son of Aeacus, and sorely against my will did I + submit to the embraces of one who was but mortal, and who now stays at + home worn out with age. Neither is this all. Heaven vouchsafed me a son, + hero among heroes, and he shot up as a sapling. I tended him as a plant in + a goodly garden and sent him with his ships to Ilius to fight the Trojans, + but never shall I welcome him back to the house of Peleus. So long as he + lives to look upon the light of the sun, he is in heaviness, and though I + go to him I cannot help him; King Agamemnon has made him give up the + maiden whom the sons of the Achaeans had awarded him, and he wastes with + sorrow for her sake. Then the Trojans hemmed the Achaeans in at their + ships’ sterns and would not let them come forth; the elders, therefore, of + the Argives besought Achilles and offered him great treasure, whereon he + refused to bring deliverance to them himself, but put his own armour on + Patroclus and sent him into the fight with much people after him. All day + long they fought by the Scaean gates and would have taken the city there + and then, had not Apollo vouchsafed glory to Hector and slain the valiant + son of Menoetius after he had done the Trojans much evil. Therefore I am + suppliant at your knees if haply you may be pleased to provide my son, + whose end is near at hand, with helmet and shield, with goodly greaves + fitted with ancle-clasps, and with a breastplate, for he lost his own when + his true comrade fell at the hands of the Trojans, and he now lies + stretched on earth in the bitterness of his soul.” + </p> + <p> + And Vulcan answered, “Take heart, and be no more disquieted about this + matter; would that I could hide him from death’s sight when his hour is + come, so surely as I can find him armour that shall amaze the eyes of all + who behold it.” + </p> + <p> + When he had so said he left her and went to his bellows, turning them + towards the fire and bidding them do their office. Twenty bellows blew + upon the melting-pots, and they blew blasts of every kind, some fierce to + help him when he had need of them, and others less strong as Vulcan willed + it in the course of his work. He threw tough copper into the fire, and + tin, with silver and gold; he set his great anvil on its block, and with + one hand grasped his mighty hammer while he took the tongs in the other. + </p> + <p> + First he shaped the shield so great and strong, adorning it all over and + binding it round with a gleaming circuit in three layers; and the baldric + was made of silver. He made the shield in five thicknesses, and with many + a wonder did his cunning hand enrich it. + </p> + <p> + He wrought the earth, the heavens, and the sea; the moon also at her full + and the untiring sun, with all the signs that glorify the face of heaven—the + Pleiads, the Hyads, huge Orion, and the Bear, which men also call the Wain + and which turns round ever in one place, facing Orion, and alone never + dips into the stream of Oceanus. + </p> + <p> + He wrought also two cities, fair to see and busy with the hum of men. In + the one were weddings and wedding-feasts, and they were going about the + city with brides whom they were escorting by torchlight from their + chambers. Loud rose the cry of Hymen, and the youths danced to the music + of flute and lyre, while the women stood each at her house door to see + them. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the people were gathered in assembly, for there was a quarrel, + and two men were wrangling about the blood-money for a man who had been + killed, the one saying before the people that he had paid damages in full, + and the other that he had not been paid. Each was trying to make his own + case good, and the people took sides, each man backing the side that he + had taken; but the heralds kept them back, and the elders sate on their + seats of stone in a solemn circle, holding the staves which the heralds + had put into their hands. Then they rose and each in his turn gave + judgement, and there were two talents laid down, to be given to him whose + judgement should be deemed the fairest. + </p> + <p> + About the other city there lay encamped two hosts in gleaming armour, and + they were divided whether to sack it, or to spare it and accept the half + of what it contained. But the men of the city would not yet consent, and + armed themselves for a surprise; their wives and little children kept + guard upon the walls, and with them were the men who were past fighting + through age; but the others sallied forth with Mars and Pallas Minerva at + their head—both of them wrought in gold and clad in golden raiment, + great and fair with their armour as befitting gods, while they that + followed were smaller. When they reached the place where they would lay + their ambush, it was on a riverbed to which live stock of all kinds would + come from far and near to water; here, then, they lay concealed, clad in + full armour. Some way off them there were two scouts who were on the + look-out for the coming of sheep or cattle, which presently came, followed + by two shepherds who were playing on their pipes, and had not so much as a + thought of danger. When those who were in ambush saw this, they cut off + the flocks and herds and killed the shepherds. Meanwhile the besiegers, + when they heard much noise among the cattle as they sat in council, sprang + to their horses, and made with all speed towards them; when they reached + them they set battle in array by the banks of the river, and the hosts + aimed their bronze-shod spears at one another. With them were Strife and + Riot, and fell Fate who was dragging three men after her, one with a fresh + wound, and the other unwounded, while the third was dead, and she was + dragging him along by his heel: and her robe was bedrabbled in men’s + blood. They went in and out with one another and fought as though they + were living people haling away one another’s dead. + </p> + <p> + He wrought also a fair fallow field, large and thrice ploughed already. + Many men were working at the plough within it, turning their oxen to and + fro, furrow after furrow. Each time that they turned on reaching the + headland a man would come up to them and give them a cup of wine, and they + would go back to their furrows looking forward to the time when they + should again reach the headland. The part that they had ploughed was dark + behind them, so that the field, though it was of gold, still looked as if + it were being ploughed—very curious to behold. + </p> + <p> + He wrought also a field of harvest corn, and the reapers were reaping with + sharp sickles in their hands. Swathe after swathe fell to the ground in a + straight line behind them, and the binders bound them in bands of twisted + straw. There were three binders, and behind them there were boys who + gathered the cut corn in armfuls and kept on bringing them to be bound: + among them all the owner of the land stood by in silence and was glad. The + servants were getting a meal ready under an oak, for they had sacrificed a + great ox, and were busy cutting him up, while the women were making a + porridge of much white barley for the labourers’ dinner. + </p> + <p> + He wrought also a vineyard, golden and fair to see, and the vines were + loaded with grapes. The bunches overhead were black, but the vines were + trained on poles of silver. He ran a ditch of dark metal all round it, and + fenced it with a fence of tin; there was only one path to it, and by this + the vintagers went when they would gather the vintage. Youths and maidens + all blithe and full of glee, carried the luscious fruit in plaited + baskets; and with them there went a boy who made sweet music with his + lyre, and sang the Linos-song with his clear boyish voice. + </p> + <p> + He wrought also a herd of horned cattle. He made the cows of gold and tin, + and they lowed as they came full speed out of the yards to go and feed + among the waving reeds that grow by the banks of the river. Along with the + cattle there went four shepherds, all of them in gold, and their nine + fleet dogs went with them. Two terrible lions had fastened on a bellowing + bull that was with the foremost cows, and bellow as he might they haled + him, while the dogs and men gave chase: the lions tore through the bull’s + thick hide and were gorging on his blood and bowels, but the herdsmen were + afraid to do anything, and only hounded on their dogs; the dogs dared not + fasten on the lions but stood by barking and keeping out of harm’s way. + </p> + <p> + The god wrought also a pasture in a fair mountain dell, and a large flock + of sheep, with a homestead and huts, and sheltered sheepfolds. + </p> + <p> + Furthermore he wrought a green, like that which Daedalus once made in + Cnossus for lovely Ariadne. Hereon there danced youths and maidens whom + all would woo, with their hands on one another’s wrists. The maidens wore + robes of light linen, and the youths well woven shirts that were slightly + oiled. The girls were crowned with garlands, while the young men had + daggers of gold that hung by silver baldrics; sometimes they would dance + deftly in a ring with merry twinkling feet, as it were a potter sitting at + his work and making trial of his wheel to see whether it will run, and + sometimes they would go all in line with one another, and much people was + gathered joyously about the green. There was a bard also to sing to them + and play his lyre, while two tumblers went about performing in the midst + of them when the man struck up with his tune. + </p> + <p> + All round the outermost rim of the shield he set the mighty stream of the + river Oceanus. + </p> + <p> + Then when he had fashioned the shield so great and strong, he made a + breastplate also that shone brighter than fire. He made a helmet, close + fitting to the brow, and richly worked, with a golden plume overhanging + it; and he made greaves also of beaten tin. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, when the famed lame god had made all the armour, he took it and + set it before the mother of Achilles; whereon she darted like a falcon + from the snowy summits of Olympus and bore away the gleaming armour from + the house of Vulcan. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Achilles is reconciled with Agamemnon, puts on the armour which Vulcan had + made him, and goes out to fight. + </p> + <p> + Now when Dawn in robe of saffron was hasting from the streams of Oceanus, + to bring light to mortals and immortals, Thetis reached the ships with the + armour that the god had given her. She found her son fallen about the body + of Patroclus and weeping bitterly. Many also of his followers were weeping + round him, but when the goddess came among them she clasped his hand in + her own, saying, “My son, grieve as we may we must let this man lie, for + it is by heaven’s will that he has fallen; now, therefore, accept from + Vulcan this rich and goodly armour, which no man has ever yet borne upon + his shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she set the armour before Achilles, and it rang out bravely + as she did so. The Myrmidons were struck with awe, and none dared look + full at it, for they were afraid; but Achilles was roused to still greater + fury, and his eyes gleamed with a fierce light, for he was glad when he + handled the splendid present which the god had made him. Then, as soon as + he had satisfied himself with looking at it, he said to his mother, + “Mother, the god has given me armour, meet handiwork for an immortal and + such as no-one living could have fashioned; I will now arm, but I much + fear that flies will settle upon the son of Menoetius and breed worms + about his wounds, so that his body, now he is dead, will be disfigured and + the flesh will rot.” + </p> + <p> + Silver-footed Thetis answered, “My son, be not disquieted about this + matter. I will find means to protect him from the swarms of noisome flies + that prey on the bodies of men who have been killed in battle. He may lie + for a whole year, and his flesh shall still be as sound as ever, or even + sounder. Call, therefore, the Achaean heroes in assembly; unsay your anger + against Agamemnon; arm at once, and fight with might and main.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she put strength and courage into his heart, and she then + dropped ambrosia and red nectar into the wounds of Patroclus, that his + body might suffer no change. + </p> + <p> + Then Achilles went out upon the sea-shore, and with a loud cry called on + the Achaean heroes. On this even those who as yet had stayed always at the + ships, the pilots and helmsmen, and even the stewards who were about the + ships and served out rations, all came to the place of assembly because + Achilles had shown himself after having held aloof so long from fighting. + Two sons of Mars, Ulysses and the son of Tydeus, came limping, for their + wounds still pained them; nevertheless they came, and took their seats in + the front row of the assembly. Last of all came Agamemnon, king of men, he + too wounded, for Coon son of Antenor had struck him with a spear in + battle. + </p> + <p> + When the Achaeans were got together Achilles rose and said, “Son of + Atreus, surely it would have been better alike for both you and me, when + we two were in such high anger about Briseis, surely it would have been + better, had Diana’s arrow slain her at the ships on the day when I took + her after having sacked Lyrnessus. For so, many an Achaean the less would + have bitten dust before the foe in the days of my anger. It has been well + for Hector and the Trojans, but the Achaeans will long indeed remember our + quarrel. Now, however, let it be, for it is over. If we have been angry, + necessity has schooled our anger. I put it from me: I dare not nurse it + for ever; therefore, bid the Achaeans arm forthwith that I may go out + against the Trojans, and learn whether they will be in a mind to sleep by + the ships or no. Glad, I ween, will he be to rest his knees who may fly my + spear when I wield it.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and the Achaeans rejoiced in that he had put away his + anger. + </p> + <p> + Then Agamemnon spoke, rising in his place, and not going into the middle + of the assembly. “Danaan heroes,” said he, “servants of Mars, it is well + to listen when a man stands up to speak, and it is not seemly to interrupt + him, or it will go hard even with a practised speaker. Who can either hear + or speak in an uproar? Even the finest orator will be disconcerted by it. + I will expound to the son of Peleus, and do you other Achaeans heed me and + mark me well. Often have the Achaeans spoken to me of this matter and + upbraided me, but it was not I that did it: Jove, and Fate, and Erinys + that walks in darkness struck me mad when we were assembled on the day + that I took from Achilles the meed that had been awarded to him. What + could I do? All things are in the hand of heaven, and Folly, eldest of + Jove’s daughters, shuts men’s eyes to their destruction. She walks + delicately, not on the solid earth, but hovers over the heads of men to + make them stumble or to ensnare them. + </p> + <p> + “Time was when she fooled Jove himself, who they say is greatest whether + of gods or men; for Juno, woman though she was, beguiled him on the day + when Alcmena was to bring forth mighty Hercules in the fair city of + Thebes. He told it out among the gods saying, ‘Hear me, all gods and + goddesses, that I may speak even as I am minded; this day shall an + Ilithuia, helper of women who are in labour, bring a man child into the + world who shall be lord over all that dwell about him who are of my blood + and lineage.’ Then said Juno all crafty and full of guile, ‘You will play + false, and will not hold to your word. Swear me, O Olympian, swear me a + great oath, that he who shall this day fall between the feet of a woman, + shall be lord over all that dwell about him who are of your blood and + lineage.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus she spoke, and Jove suspected her not, but swore the great oath, to + his much ruing thereafter. For Juno darted down from the high summit of + Olympus, and went in haste to Achaean Argos where she knew that the noble + wife of Sthenelus son of Perseus then was. She being with child and in her + seventh month, Juno brought the child to birth though there was a month + still wanting, but she stayed the offspring of Alcmena, and kept back the + Ilithuiae. Then she went to tell Jove the son of Saturn, and said, ‘Father + Jove, lord of the lightning—I have a word for your ear. There is a + fine child born this day, Eurystheus, son to Sthenelus the son of Perseus; + he is of your lineage; it is well, therefore, that he should reign over + the Argives.’ + </p> + <p> + “On this Jove was stung to the very quick, and in his rage he caught Folly + by the hair, and swore a great oath that never should she again invade + starry heaven and Olympus, for she was the bane of all. Then he whirled + her round with a twist of his hand, and flung her down from heaven so that + she fell on to the fields of mortal men; and he was ever angry with her + when he saw his son groaning under the cruel labours that Eurystheus laid + upon him. Even so did I grieve when mighty Hector was killing the Argives + at their ships, and all the time I kept thinking of Folly who had so baned + me. I was blind, and Jove robbed me of my reason; I will now make + atonement, and will add much treasure by way of amends. Go, therefore, + into battle, you and your people with you. I will give you all that + Ulysses offered you yesterday in your tents: or if it so please you, wait, + though you would fain fight at once, and my squires shall bring the gifts + from my ship, that you may see whether what I give you is enough.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “Son of Atreus, king of men Agamemnon, you can give + such gifts as you think proper, or you can withhold them: it is in your + own hands. Let us now set battle in array; it is not well to tarry talking + about trifles, for there is a deed which is as yet to do. Achilles shall + again be seen fighting among the foremost, and laying low the ranks of the + Trojans: bear this in mind each one of you when he is fighting.” + </p> + <p> + Then Ulysses said, “Achilles, godlike and brave, send not the Achaeans + thus against Ilius to fight the Trojans fasting, for the battle will be no + brief one, when it is once begun, and heaven has filled both sides with + fury; bid them first take food both bread and wine by the ships, for in + this there is strength and stay. No man can do battle the livelong day to + the going down of the sun if he is without food; however much he may want + to fight his strength will fail him before he knows it; hunger and thirst + will find him out, and his limbs will grow weary under him. But a man can + fight all day if he is full fed with meat and wine; his heart beats high, + and his strength will stay till he has routed all his foes; therefore, + send the people away and bid them prepare their meal; King Agamemnon will + bring out the gifts in presence of the assembly, that all may see them and + you may be satisfied. Moreover let him swear an oath before the Argives + that he has never gone up into the couch of Briseis, nor been with her + after the manner of men and women; and do you, too, show yourself of a + gracious mind; let Agamemnon entertain you in his tents with a feast of + reconciliation, that so you may have had your dues in full. As for you, + son of Atreus, treat people more righteously in future; it is no disgrace + even to a king that he should make amends if he was wrong in the first + instance.” + </p> + <p> + And King Agamemnon answered, “Son of Laertes, your words please me well, + for throughout you have spoken wisely. I will swear as you would have me + do; I do so of my own free will, neither shall I take the name of heaven + in vain. Let, then, Achilles wait, though he would fain fight at once, and + do you others wait also, till the gifts come from my tent and we ratify + the oath with sacrifice. Thus, then, do I charge you: take some noble + young Achaeans with you, and bring from my tents the gifts that I promised + yesterday to Achilles, and bring the women also; furthermore let + Talthybius find me a boar from those that are with the host, and make it + ready for sacrifice to Jove and to the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Achilles, “Son of Atreus, king of men Agamemnon, see to these + matters at some other season, when there is breathing time and when I am + calmer. Would you have men eat while the bodies of those whom Hector son + of Priam slew are still lying mangled upon the plain? Let the sons of the + Achaeans, say I, fight fasting and without food, till we have avenged + them; afterwards at the going down of the sun let them eat their fill. As + for me, Patroclus is lying dead in my tent, all hacked and hewn, with his + feet to the door, and his comrades are mourning round him. Therefore I can + take thought of nothing save only slaughter and blood and the rattle in + the throat of the dying.” + </p> + <p> + Ulysses answered, “Achilles, son of Peleus, mightiest of all the Achaeans, + in battle you are better than I, and that more than a little, but in + counsel I am much before you, for I am older and of greater knowledge. + Therefore be patient under my words. Fighting is a thing of which men soon + surfeit, and when Jove, who is war’s steward, weighs the upshot, it may + well prove that the straw which our sickles have reaped is far heavier + than the grain. It may not be that the Achaeans should mourn the dead with + their bellies; day by day men fall thick and threefold continually; when + should we have respite from our sorrow? Let us mourn our dead for a day + and bury them out of sight and mind, but let those of us who are left eat + and drink that we may arm and fight our foes more fiercely. In that hour + let no man hold back, waiting for a second summons; such summons shall + bode ill for him who is found lagging behind at our ships; let us rather + sally as one man and loose the fury of war upon the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus spoken he took with him the sons of Nestor, with Meges + son of Phyleus, Thoas, Meriones, Lycomedes son of Creontes, and + Melanippus, and went to the tent of Agamemnon son of Atreus. The word was + not sooner said than the deed was done: they brought out the seven tripods + which Agamemnon had promised, with the twenty metal cauldrons and the + twelve horses; they also brought the women skilled in useful arts, seven + in number, with Briseis, which made eight. Ulysses weighed out the ten + talents of gold and then led the way back, while the young Achaeans + brought the rest of the gifts, and laid them in the middle of the + assembly. + </p> + <p> + Agamemnon then rose, and Talthybius whose voice was like that of a god + came to him with the boar. The son of Atreus drew the knife which he wore + by the scabbard of his mighty sword, and began by cutting off some + bristles from the boar, lifting up his hands in prayer as he did so. The + other Achaeans sat where they were all silent and orderly to hear the + king, and Agamemnon looked into the vault of heaven and prayed saying, “I + call Jove the first and mightiest of all gods to witness, I call also + Earth and Sun and the Erinyes who dwell below and take vengeance on him + who shall swear falsely, that I have laid no hand upon the girl Briseis, + neither to take her to my bed nor otherwise, but that she has remained in + my tents inviolate. If I swear falsely may heaven visit me with all the + penalties which it metes out to those who perjure themselves.” + </p> + <p> + He cut the boar’s throat as he spoke, whereon Talthybius whirled it round + his head, and flung it into the wide sea to feed the fishes. Then Achilles + also rose and said to the Argives, “Father Jove, of a truth you blind + men’s eyes and bane them. The son of Atreus had not else stirred me to so + fierce an anger, nor so stubbornly taken Briseis from me against my will. + Surely Jove must have counselled the destruction of many an Argive. Go, + now, and take your food that we may begin fighting.” + </p> + <p> + On this he broke up the assembly, and every man went back to his own ship. + The Myrmidons attended to the presents and took them away to the ship of + Achilles. They placed them in his tents, while the stable-men drove the + horses in among the others. + </p> + <p> + Briseis, fair as Venus, when she saw the mangled body of Patroclus, flung + herself upon it and cried aloud, tearing her breast, her neck, and her + lovely face with both her hands. Beautiful as a goddess she wept and said, + “Patroclus, dearest friend, when I went hence I left you living; I return, + O prince, to find you dead; thus do fresh sorrows multiply upon me one + after the other. I saw him to whom my father and mother married me, cut + down before our city, and my three own dear brothers perished with him on + the self-same day; but you, Patroclus, even when Achilles slew my husband + and sacked the city of noble Mynes, told me that I was not to weep, for + you said you would make Achilles marry me, and take me back with him to + Phthia, we should have a wedding feast among the Myrmidons. You were + always kind to me and I shall never cease to grieve for you.” + </p> + <p> + She wept as she spoke, and the women joined in her lament-making as though + their tears were for Patroclus, but in truth each was weeping for her own + sorrows. The elders of the Achaeans gathered round Achilles and prayed him + to take food, but he groaned and would not do so. “I pray you,” said he, + “if any comrade will hear me, bid me neither eat nor drink, for I am in + great heaviness, and will stay fasting even to the going down of the sun.” + </p> + <p> + On this he sent the other princes away, save only the two sons of Atreus + and Ulysses, Nestor, Idomeneus, and the knight Phoenix, who stayed behind + and tried to comfort him in the bitterness of his sorrow: but he would not + be comforted till he should have flung himself into the jaws of battle, + and he fetched sigh on sigh, thinking ever of Patroclus. Then he said— + </p> + <p> + “Hapless and dearest comrade, you it was who would get a good dinner ready + for me at once and without delay when the Achaeans were hasting to fight + the Trojans; now, therefore, though I have meat and drink in my tents, yet + will I fast for sorrow. Grief greater than this I could not know, not even + though I were to hear of the death of my father, who is now in Phthia + weeping for the loss of me his son, who am here fighting the Trojans in a + strange land for the accursed sake of Helen, nor yet though I should hear + that my son is no more—he who is being brought up in Scyros—if + indeed Neoptolemus is still living. Till now I made sure that I alone was + to fall here at Troy away from Argos, while you were to return to Phthia, + bring back my son with you in your own ship, and show him all my property, + my bondsmen, and the greatness of my house—for Peleus must surely be + either dead, or what little life remains to him is oppressed alike with + the infirmities of age and ever present fear lest he should hear the sad + tidings of my death.” + </p> + <p> + He wept as he spoke, and the elders sighed in concert as each thought on + what he had left at home behind him. The son of Saturn looked down with + pity upon them, and said presently to Minerva, “My child, you have quite + deserted your hero; is he then gone so clean out of your recollection? + There he sits by the ships all desolate for the loss of his dear comrade, + and though the others are gone to their dinner he will neither eat nor + drink. Go then and drop nectar and ambrosia into his breast, that he may + know no hunger.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he urged Minerva, who was already of the same mind. She + darted down from heaven into the air like some falcon sailing on his broad + wings and screaming. Meanwhile the Achaeans were arming throughout the + host, and when Minerva had dropped nectar and ambrosia into Achilles so + that no cruel hunger should cause his limbs to fail him, she went back to + the house of her mighty father. Thick as the chill snow-flakes shed from + the hand of Jove and borne on the keen blasts of the north wind, even so + thick did the gleaming helmets, the bossed shields, the strongly plated + breastplates, and the ashen spears stream from the ships. The sheen + pierced the sky, the whole land was radiant with their flashing armour, + and the sound of the tramp of their treading rose from under their feet. + In the midst of them all Achilles put on his armour; he gnashed his teeth, + his eyes gleamed like fire, for his grief was greater than he could bear. + Thus, then, full of fury against the Trojans, did he don the gift of the + god, the armour that Vulcan had made him. + </p> + <p> + First he put on the goodly greaves fitted with ancle-clasps, and next he + did on the breastplate about his chest. He slung the silver-studded sword + of bronze about his shoulders, and then took up the shield so great and + strong that shone afar with a splendour as of the moon. As the light seen + by sailors from out at sea, when men have lit a fire in their homestead + high up among the mountains, but the sailors are carried out to sea by + wind and storm far from the haven where they would be—even so did + the gleam of Achilles’ wondrous shield strike up into the heavens. He + lifted the redoubtable helmet, and set it upon his head, from whence it + shone like a star, and the golden plumes which Vulcan had set thick about + the ridge of the helmet, waved all around it. Then Achilles made trial of + himself in his armour to see whether it fitted him, so that his limbs + could play freely under it, and it seemed to buoy him up as though it had + been wings. + </p> + <p> + He also drew his father’s spear out of the spear-stand, a spear so great + and heavy and strong that none of the Achaeans save only Achilles had + strength to wield it; this was the spear of Pelian ash from the topmost + ridges of Mt. Pelion, which Chiron had once given to Peleus, fraught with + the death of heroes. Automedon and Alcimus busied themselves with the + harnessing of his horses; they made the bands fast about them, and put the + bit in their mouths, drawing the reins back towards the chariot. + Automedon, whip in hand, sprang up behind the horses, and after him + Achilles mounted in full armour, resplendent as the sun-god Hyperion. Then + with a loud voice he chided with his father’s horses saying, “Xanthus and + Balius, famed offspring of Podarge—this time when we have done + fighting be sure and bring your driver safely back to the host of the + Achaeans, and do not leave him dead on the plain as you did Patroclus.” + </p> + <p> + Then fleet Xanthus answered under the yoke—for white-armed Juno had + endowed him with human speech—and he bowed his head till his mane + touched the ground as it hung down from under the yoke-band. “Dread + Achilles,” said he, “we will indeed save you now, but the day of your + death is near, and the blame will not be ours, for it will be heaven and + stern fate that will destroy you. Neither was it through any sloth or + slackness on our part that the Trojans stripped Patroclus of his armour; + it was the mighty god whom lovely Leto bore that slew him as he fought + among the foremost, and vouchsafed a triumph to Hector. We two can fly as + swiftly as Zephyrus who they say is fleetest of all winds; nevertheless it + is your doom to fall by the hand of a man and of a god.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus said the Erinyes stayed his speech, and Achilles answered + him in great sadness, saying, “Why, O Xanthus, do you thus foretell my + death? You need not do so, for I well know that I am to fall here, far + from my dear father and mother; none the more, however, shall I stay my + hand till I have given the Trojans their fill of fighting.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, with a loud cry he drove his horses to the front. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The gods hold a council and determine to watch the fight, from the hill + Callicolone, and the barrow of Hercules—A fight between Achilles and + AEneas is interrupted by Neptune, who saves AEneas—Achilles kills + many Trojans. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did the Achaeans arm by their ships round you, O son of + Peleus, who were hungering for battle; while the Trojans over against them + armed upon the rise of the plain. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Jove from the top of many-delled Olympus, bade Themis gather the + gods in council, whereon she went about and called them to the house of + Jove. There was not a river absent except Oceanus, nor a single one of the + nymphs that haunt fair groves, or springs of rivers and meadows of green + grass. When they reached the house of cloud-compelling Jove, they took + their seats in the arcades of polished marble which Vulcan with his + consummate skill had made for father Jove. + </p> + <p> + In such wise, therefore, did they gather in the house of Jove. Neptune + also, lord of the earthquake, obeyed the call of the goddess, and came up + out of the sea to join them. There, sitting in the midst of them, he asked + what Jove’s purpose might be. “Why,” said he, “wielder of the lightning, + have you called the gods in council? Are you considering some matter that + concerns the Trojans and Achaeans—for the blaze of battle is on the + point of being kindled between them?” + </p> + <p> + And Jove answered, “You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and wherefore I + have called you hither. I take thought for them even in their destruction. + For my own part I shall stay here seated on Mt. Olympus and look on in + peace, but do you others go about among Trojans and Achaeans, and help + either side as you may be severally disposed. If Achilles fights the + Trojans without hindrance they will make no stand against him; they have + ever trembled at the sight of him, and now that he is roused to such fury + about his comrade, he will override fate itself and storm their city.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Jove and gave the word for war, whereon the gods took their + several sides and went into battle. Juno, Pallas Minerva, earth-encircling + Neptune, Mercury bringer of good luck and excellent in all cunning—all + these joined the host that came from the ships; with them also came Vulcan + in all his glory, limping, but yet with his thin legs plying lustily under + him. Mars of gleaming helmet joined the Trojans, and with him Apollo of + locks unshorn, and the archer goddess Diana, Leto, Xanthus, and + laughter-loving Venus. + </p> + <p> + So long as the gods held themselves aloof from mortal warriors the + Achaeans were triumphant, for Achilles who had long refused to fight was + now with them. There was not a Trojan but his limbs failed him for fear as + he beheld the fleet son of Peleus all glorious in his armour, and looking + like Mars himself. When, however, the Olympians came to take their part + among men, forthwith uprose strong Strife, rouser of hosts, and Minerva + raised her loud voice, now standing by the deep trench that ran outside + the wall, and now shouting with all her might upon the shore of the + sounding sea. Mars also bellowed out upon the other side, dark as some + black thunder-cloud, and called on the Trojans at the top of his voice, + now from the acropolis, and now speeding up the side of the river Simois + till he came to the hill Callicolone. + </p> + <p> + Thus did the gods spur on both hosts to fight, and rouse fierce contention + also among themselves. The sire of gods and men thundered from heaven + above, while from beneath Neptune shook the vast earth, and bade the high + hills tremble. The spurs and crests of many-fountained Ida quaked, as also + the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. Hades, king of the + realms below, was struck with fear; he sprang panic-stricken from his + throne and cried aloud in terror lest Neptune, lord of the earthquake, + should crack the ground over his head, and lay bare his mouldy mansions to + the sight of mortals and immortals—mansions so ghastly grim that + even the gods shudder to think of them. Such was the uproar as the gods + came together in battle. Apollo with his arrows took his stand to face + King Neptune, while Minerva took hers against the god of war; the + archer goddess Diana with her golden arrows, sister of far-darting Apollo, + stood to face Juno; Mercury the lusty bringer of good luck faced Leto, + while the mighty eddying river whom men can Scamander, but gods Xanthus, + matched himself against Vulcan. + </p> + <p> + The gods, then, were thus ranged against one another. But the heart of + Achilles was set on meeting Hector son of Priam, for it was with his blood + that he longed above all things else to glut the stubborn lord of battle. + Meanwhile Apollo set Aeneas on to attack the son of Peleus, and put + courage into his heart, speaking with the voice of Lycaon son of Priam. In + his likeness therefore, he said to Aeneas, “Aeneas, counsellor of the + Trojans, where are now the brave words with which you vaunted over your + wine before the Trojan princes, saying that you would fight Achilles son + of Peleus in single combat?” + </p> + <p> + And Aeneas answered, “Why do you thus bid me fight the proud son of + Peleus, when I am in no mind to do so? Were I to face him now, it would + not be for the first time. His spear has already put me to flight from + Ida, when he attacked our cattle and sacked Lyrnessus and Pedasus; Jove + indeed saved me in that he vouchsafed me strength to fly, else had I + fallen by the hands of Achilles and Minerva, who went before him to + protect him and urged him to fall upon the Lelegae and Trojans. No man may + fight Achilles, for one of the gods is always with him as his guardian + angel, and even were it not so, his weapon flies ever straight, and fails + not to pierce the flesh of him who is against him; if heaven would let me + fight him on even terms he should not soon overcome me, though he boasts + that he is made of bronze.” + </p> + <p> + Then said King Apollo, son to Jove, “Nay, hero, pray to the ever-living + gods, for men say that you were born of Jove’s daughter Venus, whereas + Achilles is son to a goddess of inferior rank. Venus is child to Jove, + while Thetis is but daughter to the old man of the sea. Bring, therefore, + your spear to bear upon him, and let him not scare you with his taunts and + menaces.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he put courage into the heart of the shepherd of his people, + and he strode in full armour among the ranks of the foremost fighters. Nor + did the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Juno, as he went + forth into the throng to meet Achilles. She called the gods about her, and + said, “Look to it, you two, Neptune and Minerva, and consider how this + shall be; Phoebus Apollo has been sending Aeneas clad in full armour to + fight Achilles. Shall we turn him back at once, or shall one of us stand + by Achilles and endow him with strength so that his heart fail not, and he + may learn that the chiefs of the immortals are on his side, while the + others who have all along been defending the Trojans are but vain helpers? + Let us all come down from Olympus and join in the fight, that this day he + may take no hurt at the hands of the Trojans. Hereafter let him suffer + whatever fate may have spun out for him when he was begotten and his + mother bore him. If Achilles be not thus assured by the voice of a god, he + may come to fear presently when one of us meets him in battle, for the + gods are terrible if they are seen face to face.” + </p> + <p> + Neptune lord of the earthquake answered her saying, “Juno, restrain your + fury; it is not well; I am not in favour of forcing the other gods to + fight us, for the advantage is too greatly on our own side; let us take + our places on some hill out of the beaten track, and let mortals fight it + out among themselves. If Mars or Phoebus Apollo begin fighting, or keep + Achilles in check so that he cannot fight, we too, will at once raise the + cry of battle, and in that case they will soon leave the field and go back + vanquished to Olympus among the other gods.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the dark-haired god led the way to the high earth-barrow + of Hercules, built round solid masonry, and made by the Trojans and Pallas + Minerva for him to fly to when the sea-monster was chasing him from the + shore on to the plain. Here Neptune and those that were with him took + their seats, wrapped in a thick cloud of darkness; but the other gods + seated themselves on the brow of Callicolone round you, O Phoebus, and + Mars the waster of cities. + </p> + <p> + Thus did the gods sit apart and form their plans, but neither side was + willing to begin battle with the other, and Jove from his seat on high was + in command over them all. Meanwhile the whole plain was alive with men and + horses, and blazing with the gleam of armour. The earth rang again under + the tramp of their feet as they rushed towards each other, and two + champions, by far the foremost of them all, met between the hosts to fight—to + wit, Aeneas son of Anchises, and noble Achilles. + </p> + <p> + Aeneas was first to stride forward in attack, his doughty helmet tossing + defiance as he came on. He held his strong shield before his breast, and + brandished his bronze spear. The son of Peleus from the other side sprang + forth to meet him, like some fierce lion that the whole country-side has + met to hunt and kill—at first he bodes no ill, but when some daring + youth has struck him with a spear, he crouches openmouthed, his jaws foam, + he roars with fury, he lashes his tail from side to side about his ribs + and loins, and glares as he springs straight before him, to find out + whether he is to slay, or be slain among the foremost of his foes—even + with such fury did Achilles burn to spring upon Aeneas. + </p> + <p> + When they were now close up with one another Achilles was first to speak. + “Aeneas,” said he, “why do you stand thus out before the host to fight me? + Is it that you hope to reign over the Trojans in the seat of Priam? Nay, + though you kill me Priam will not hand his kingdom over to you. He is a + man of sound judgement, and he has sons of his own. Or have the Trojans + been allotting you a demesne of passing richness, fair with orchard lawns + and corn lands, if you should slay me? This you shall hardly do. I have + discomfited you once already. Have you forgotten how when you were alone I + chased you from your herds helter-skelter down the slopes of Ida? You did + not turn round to look behind you; you took refuge in Lyrnessus, but I + attacked the city, and with the help of Minerva and father Jove I sacked + it and carried its women into captivity, though Jove and the other gods + rescued you. You think they will protect you now, but they will not do so; + therefore I say go back into the host, and do not face me, or you will rue + it. Even a fool may be wise after the event.” + </p> + <p> + Then Aeneas answered, “Son of Peleus, think not that your words can scare + me as though I were a child. I too, if I will, can brag and talk unseemly. + We know one another’s race and parentage as matters of common fame, though + neither have you ever seen my parents nor I yours. Men say that you are + son to noble Peleus, and that your mother is Thetis, fair-haired daughter + of the sea. I have noble Anchises for my father, and Venus for my mother; + the parents of one or other of us shall this day mourn a son, for it will + be more than silly talk that shall part us when the fight is over. Learn, + then, my lineage if you will—and it is known to many. + </p> + <p> + “In the beginning Dardanus was the son of Jove, and founded Dardania, for + Ilius was not yet stablished on the plain for men to dwell in, and her + people still abode on the spurs of many-fountained Ida. Dardanus had a + son, king Erichthonius, who was wealthiest of all men living; he had three + thousand mares that fed by the water-meadows, they and their foals with + them. Boreas was enamoured of them as they were feeding, and covered them + in the semblance of a dark-maned stallion. Twelve filly foals did they + conceive and bear him, and these, as they sped over the rich plain, would + go bounding on over the ripe ears of corn and not break them; or again + when they would disport themselves on the broad back of Ocean they could + gallop on the crest of a breaker. Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the + Trojans, and Tros had three noble sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede who + was comeliest of mortal men; wherefore the gods carried him off to be + Jove’s cup-bearer, for his beauty’s sake, that he might dwell among the + immortals. Ilus begat Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonus, Priam, + Lampus, Clytius, and Hiketaon of the stock of Mars. But Assaracus was + father to Capys, and Capys to Anchises, who was my father, while Hector is + son to Priam. + </p> + <p> + “Such do I declare my blood and lineage, but as for valour, Jove gives it + or takes it as he will, for he is lord of all. And now let there be no + more of this prating in mid-battle as though we were children. We could + fling taunts without end at one another; a hundred-oared galley would not + hold them. The tongue can run all whithers and talk all wise; it can go + here and there, and as a man says, so shall he be gainsaid. What is the + use of our bandying hard like women who when they fall foul of one another + go out and wrangle in the streets, one half true and the other lies, as + rage inspires them? No words of yours shall turn me now that I am fain to + fight—therefore let us make trial of one another with our spears.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drove his spear at the great and terrible shield of + Achilles, which rang out as the point struck it. The son of Peleus held + the shield before him with his strong hand, and he was afraid, for he + deemed that Aeneas’s spear would go through it quite easily, not + reflecting that the god’s glorious gifts were little likely to yield + before the blows of mortal men; and indeed Aeneas’s spear did not pierce + the shield, for the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed the point. It + went through two layers, but the god had made the shield in five, two of + bronze, the two innermost ones of tin, and one of gold; it was in this + that the spear was stayed. + </p> + <p> + Achilles in his turn threw, and struck the round shield of Aeneas at the + very edge, where the bronze was thinnest; the spear of Pelian ash went + clean through, and the shield rang under the blow; Aeneas was afraid, and + crouched backwards, holding the shield away from him; the spear, however, + flew over his back, and stuck quivering in the ground, after having gone + through both circles of the sheltering shield. Aeneas though he had + avoided the spear, stood still, blinded with fear and grief because the + weapon had gone so near him; then Achilles sprang furiously upon him, with + a cry as of death and with his keen blade drawn, and Aeneas seized a great + stone, so huge that two men, as men now are, would be unable to lift it, + but Aeneas wielded it quite easily. + </p> + <p> + Aeneas would then have struck Achilles as he was springing towards him, + either on the helmet, or on the shield that covered him, and Achilles + would have closed with him and despatched him with his sword, had not + Neptune lord of the earthquake been quick to mark, and said forthwith to + the immortals, “Alas, I am sorry for great Aeneas, who will now go down to + the house of Hades, vanquished by the son of Peleus. Fool that he was to + give ear to the counsel of Apollo. Apollo will never save him from + destruction. Why should this man suffer when he is guiltless, to no + purpose, and in another’s quarrel? Has he not at all times offered + acceptable sacrifice to the gods that dwell in heaven? Let us then snatch + him from death’s jaws, lest the son of Saturn be angry should Achilles + slay him. It is fated, moreover, that he should escape, and that the race + of Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all the sons born to him of mortal + women, shall not perish utterly without seed or sign. For now indeed has + Jove hated the blood of Priam, while Aeneas shall reign over the Trojans, + he and his children’s children that shall be born hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + Then answered Juno, “Earth-shaker, look to this matter yourself, and + consider concerning Aeneas, whether you will save him, or suffer him, + brave though he be, to fall by the hand of Achilles son of Peleus. For of + a truth we two, I and Pallas Minerva, have sworn full many a time before + all the immortals, that never would we shield Trojans from destruction, + not even when all Troy is burning in the flames that the Achaeans shall + kindle.” + </p> + <p> + When earth-encircling Neptune heard this he went into the battle amid the + clash of spears, and came to the place where Achilles and Aeneas were. + Forthwith he shed a darkness before the eyes of the son of Peleus, drew + the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aeneas, and laid it at + the feet of Achilles. Then he lifted Aeneas on high from off the earth and + hurried him away. Over the heads of many a band of warriors both horse and + foot did he soar as the god’s hand sped him, till he came to the very + fringe of the battle where the Cauconians were arming themselves for + fight. Neptune, shaker of the earth, then came near to him and said, + “Aeneas, what god has egged you on to this folly in fighting the son of + Peleus, who is both a mightier man of valour and more beloved of heaven + than you are? Give way before him whensoever you meet him, lest you go + down to the house of Hades even though fate would have it otherwise. When + Achilles is dead you may then fight among the foremost undaunted, for none + other of the Achaeans shall slay you.” + </p> + <p> + The god left him when he had given him these instructions, and at once + removed the darkness from before the eyes of Achilles, who opened them + wide indeed and said in great anger, “Alas! what marvel am I now + beholding? Here is my spear upon the ground, but I see not him whom I + meant to kill when I hurled it. Of a truth Aeneas also must be under + heaven’s protection, although I had thought his boasting was idle. Let him + go hang; he will be in no mood to fight me further, seeing how narrowly he + has missed being killed. I will now give my orders to the Danaans and + attack some other of the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + He sprang forward along the line and cheered his men on as he did so. “Let + not the Trojans,” he cried, “keep you at arm’s length, Achaeans, but go + for them and fight them man for man. However valiant I may be, I cannot + give chase to so many and fight all of them. Even Mars, who is an + immortal, or Minerva, would shrink from flinging himself into the jaws of + such a fight and laying about him; nevertheless, so far as in me lies I + will show no slackness of hand or foot nor want of endurance, not even for + a moment; I will utterly break their ranks, and woe to the Trojan who + shall venture within reach of my spear.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he exhort them. Meanwhile Hector called upon the Trojans and + declared that he would fight Achilles. “Be not afraid, proud Trojans,” + said he, “to face the son of Peleus; I could fight gods myself if the + battle were one of words only, but they would be more than a match for me, + if we had to use our spears. Even so the deed of Achilles will fall + somewhat short of his word; he will do in part, and the other part he will + clip short. I will go up against him though his hands be as fire—though + his hands be fire and his strength iron.” + </p> + <p> + Thus urged the Trojans lifted up their spears against the Achaeans, and + raised the cry of battle as they flung themselves into the midst of their + ranks. But Phoebus Apollo came up to Hector and said, “Hector, on no + account must you challenge Achilles to single combat; keep a look-out for + him while you are under cover of the others and away from the thick of the + fight, otherwise he will either hit you with a spear or cut you down at + close quarters.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, and Hector drew back within the crowd, for he was afraid + when he heard what the god had said to him. Achilles then sprang upon the + Trojans with a terrible cry, clothed in valour as with a garment. First he + killed Iphition son of Otrynteus, a leader of much people whom a naiad + nymph had borne to Otrynteus waster of cities, in the land of Hyde under + the snowy heights of Mt. Tmolus. Achilles struck him full on the head as + he was coming on towards him, and split it clean in two; whereon he fell + heavily to the ground and Achilles vaunted over him saying, “You be low, + son of Otrynteus, mighty hero; your death is here, but your lineage is on + the Gygaean lake where your father’s estate lies, by Hyllus, rich in fish, + and the eddying waters of Hermus.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he vaunt, but darkness closed the eyes of the other. The chariots + of the Achaeans cut him up as their wheels passed over him in the front of + the battle, and after him Achilles killed Demoleon, a valiant man of war + and son to Antenor. He struck him on the temple through his bronze-cheeked + helmet. The helmet did not stay the spear, but it went right on, crushing + the bone so that the brain inside was shed in all directions, and his lust + of fighting was ended. Then he struck Hippodamas in the midriff as he was + springing down from his chariot in front of him, and trying to escape. He + breathed his last, bellowing like a bull bellows when young men are + dragging him to offer him in sacrifice to the King of Helice, and the + heart of the earth-shaker is glad; even so did he bellow as he lay dying. + Achilles then went in pursuit of Polydorus son of Priam, whom his father + had always forbidden to fight because he was the youngest of his sons, the + one he loved best, and the fastest runner. He, in his folly and showing + off the fleetness of his feet, was rushing about among front ranks until + he lost his life, for Achilles struck him in the middle of the back as he + was darting past him: he struck him just at the golden fastenings of his + belt and where the two pieces of the double breastplate overlapped. The + point of the spear pierced him through and came out by the navel, whereon + he fell groaning on to his knees and a cloud of darkness overshadowed him + as he sank holding his entrails in his hands. + </p> + <p> + When Hector saw his brother Polydorus with his entrails in his hands and + sinking down upon the ground, a mist came over his eyes, and he could not + bear to keep longer at a distance; he therefore poised his spear and + darted towards Achilles like a flame of fire. When Achilles saw him he + bounded forward and vaunted saying, “This is he that has wounded my heart + most deeply and has slain my beloved comrade. Not for long shall we two + quail before one another on the highways of war.” + </p> + <p> + He looked fiercely on Hector and said, “Draw near, that you may meet your + doom the sooner.” Hector feared him not and answered, “Son of Peleus, + think not that your words can scare me as though I were a child; I too if + I will can brag and talk unseemly; I know that you are a mighty warrior, + mightier by far than I, nevertheless the issue lies in the lap of heaven + whether I, worse man though I be, may not slay you with my spear, for this + too has been found keen ere now.” + </p> + <p> + He hurled his spear as he spoke, but Minerva breathed upon it, and though + she breathed but very lightly she turned it back from going towards + Achilles, so that it returned to Hector and lay at his feet in front of + him. Achilles then sprang furiously on him with a loud cry, bent on + killing him, but Apollo caught him up easily as a god can, and hid him in + a thick darkness. Thrice did Achilles spring towards him spear in hand, + and thrice did he waste his blow upon the air. When he rushed forward for + the fourth time as though he were a god, he shouted aloud saying, “Hound, + this time too you have escaped death—but of a truth it came + exceedingly near you. Phoebus Apollo, to whom it seems you pray before you + go into battle, has again saved you; but if I too have any friend among + the gods I will surely make an end of you when I come across you at some + other time. Now, however, I will pursue and overtake other Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + On this he struck Dryops with his spear, about the middle of his neck, and + he fell headlong at his feet. There he let him lie and stayed Demouchus + son of Philetor, a man both brave and of great stature, by hitting him on + the knee with a spear; then he smote him with his sword and killed him. + After this he sprang on Laogonus and Dardanus, sons of Bias, and threw + them from their chariot, the one with a blow from a thrown spear, while + the other he cut down in hand-to-hand fight. There was also Tros the son + of Alastor—he came up to Achilles and clasped his knees in the hope + that he would spare him and not kill him but let him go, because they were + both of the same age. Fool, he might have known that he should not prevail + with him, for the man was in no mood for pity or forbearance but was in + grim earnest. Therefore when Tros laid hold of his knees and sought a + hearing for his prayers, Achilles drove his sword into his liver, and the + liver came rolling out, while his bosom was all covered with the black + blood that welled from the wound. Thus did death close his eyes as he lay + lifeless. + </p> + <p> + Achilles then went up to Mulius and struck him on the ear with a spear, + and the bronze spear-head came right out at the other ear. He also struck + Echeclus son of Agenor on the head with his sword, which became warm with + the blood, while death and stern fate closed the eyes of Echeclus. Next in + order the bronze point of his spear wounded Deucalion in the fore-arm + where the sinews of the elbow are united, whereon he waited Achilles’ + onset with his arm hanging down and death staring him in the face. + Achilles cut his head off with a blow from his sword and flung it helmet + and all away from him, and the marrow came oozing out of his backbone as + he lay. He then went in pursuit of Rhigmus, noble son of Peires, who had + come from fertile Thrace, and struck him through the middle with a spear + which fixed itself in his belly, so that he fell headlong from his + chariot. He also speared Areithous squire to Rhigmus in the back as he was + turning his horses in flight, and thrust him from his chariot, while the + horses were struck with panic. + </p> + <p> + As a fire raging in some mountain glen after long drought—and the + dense forest is in a blaze, while the wind carries great tongues of fire + in every direction—even so furiously did Achilles rage, wielding his + spear as though he were a god, and giving chase to those whom he would + slay, till the dark earth ran with blood. Or as one who yokes broad-browed + oxen that they may tread barley in a threshing-floor—and it is soon + bruised small under the feet of the lowing cattle—even so did the + horses of Achilles trample on the shields and bodies of the slain. The + axle underneath and the railing that ran round the car were bespattered + with clots of blood thrown up by the horses’ hoofs, and from the tyres of + the wheels; but the son of Peleus pressed on to win still further glory, + and his hands were bedrabbled with gore. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The fight between Achilles and the river Scamander—The gods fight + among themselves—Achilles drives the Trojans within their gates. + </p> + <p> + Now when they came to the ford of the full-flowing river Xanthus, begotten + of immortal Jove, Achilles cut their forces in two: one half he chased + over the plain towards the city by the same way that the Achaeans had + taken when flying panic-stricken on the preceding day with Hector in full + triumph; this way did they fly pell-mell, and Juno sent down a thick mist + in front of them to stay them. The other half were hemmed in by the deep + silver-eddying stream, and fell into it with a great uproar. The waters + resounded, and the banks rang again, as they swam hither and thither with + loud cries amid the whirling eddies. As locusts flying to a river before + the blast of a grass fire—the flame comes on and on till at last it + overtakes them and they huddle into the water—even so was the + eddying stream of Xanthus filled with the uproar of men and horses, all + struggling in confusion before Achilles. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith the hero left his spear upon the bank, leaning it against a + tamarisk bush, and plunged into the river like a god, armed with his sword + only. Fell was his purpose as he hewed the Trojans down on every side. + Their dying groans rose hideous as the sword smote them, and the river ran + red with blood. As when fish fly scared before a huge dolphin, and fill + every nook and corner of some fair haven—for he is sure to eat all + he can catch—even so did the Trojans cower under the banks of the + mighty river, and when Achilles’ arms grew weary with killing them, he + drew twelve youths alive out of the water, to sacrifice in revenge for + Patroclus son of Menoetius. He drew them out like dazed fawns, bound their + hands behind them with the girdles of their own shirts, and gave them over + to his men to take back to the ships. Then he sprang into the river, + thirsting for still further blood. + </p> + <p> + There he found Lycaon, son of Priam seed of Dardanus, as he was escaping + out of the water; he it was whom he had once taken prisoner when he was in + his father’s vineyard, having set upon him by night, as he was cutting + young shoots from a wild fig-tree to make the wicker sides of a chariot. + Achilles then caught him to his sorrow unawares, and sent him by sea to + Lemnos, where the son of Jason bought him. But a guest-friend, Eetion of + Imbros, freed him with a great sum, and sent him to Arisbe, whence he had + escaped and returned to his father’s house. He had spent eleven days + happily with his friends after he had come from Lemnos, but on the twelfth + heaven again delivered him into the hands of Achilles, who was to send him + to the house of Hades sorely against his will. He was unarmed when + Achilles caught sight of him, and had neither helmet nor shield; nor yet + had he any spear, for he had thrown all his armour from him on to the + bank, and was sweating with his struggles to get out of the river, so that + his strength was now failing him. + </p> + <p> + Then Achilles said to himself in his surprise, “What marvel do I see here? + If this man can come back alive after having been sold over into Lemnos, I + shall have the Trojans also whom I have slain rising from the world below. + Could not even the waters of the grey sea imprison him, as they do many + another whether he will or no? This time let him taste my spear, that I + may know for certain whether mother earth who can keep even a strong man + down, will be able to hold him, or whether thence too he will return.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he pause and ponder. But Lycaon came up to him dazed and trying + hard to embrace his knees, for he would fain live, not die. Achilles + thrust at him with his spear, meaning to kill him, but Lycaon ran + crouching up to him and caught his knees, whereby the spear passed over + his back, and stuck in the ground, hungering though it was for blood. With + one hand he caught Achilles’ knees as he besought him, and with the other + he clutched the spear and would not let it go. Then he said, “Achilles, + have mercy upon me and spare me, for I am your suppliant. It was in your + tents that I first broke bread on the day when you took me prisoner in the + vineyard; after which you sold me away to Lemnos far from my father and my + friends, and I brought you the price of a hundred oxen. I have paid three + times as much to gain my freedom; it is but twelve days that I have come + to Ilius after much suffering, and now cruel fate has again thrown me into + your hands. Surely father Jove must hate me, that he has given me over to + you a second time. Short of life indeed did my mother Laothoe bear me, + daughter of aged Altes—of Altes who reigns over the warlike Lelegae + and holds steep Pedasus on the river Satnioeis. Priam married his daughter + along with many other women and two sons were born of her, both of whom + you will have slain. Your spear slew noble Polydorus as he was fighting in + the front ranks, and now evil will here befall me, for I fear that I shall + not escape you since heaven has delivered me over to you. Furthermore I + say, and lay my saying to your heart, spare me, for I am not of the same + womb as Hector who slew your brave and noble comrade.” + </p> + <p> + With such words did the princely son of Priam beseech Achilles; but + Achilles answered him sternly. “Idiot,” said he, “talk not to me of + ransom. Until Patroclus fell I preferred to give the Trojans quarter, and + sold beyond the sea many of those whom I had taken alive; but now not a + man shall live of those whom heaven delivers into my hands before the city + of Ilius—and of all Trojans it shall fare hardest with the sons of + Priam. Therefore, my friend, you too shall die. Why should you whine in + this way? Patroclus fell, and he was a better man than you are. I too—see + you not how I am great and goodly? I am son to a noble father, and have a + goddess for my mother, but the hands of doom and death overshadow me all + as surely. The day will come, either at dawn or dark, or at the noontide, + when one shall take my life also in battle, either with his spear, or with + an arrow sped from his bow.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and Lycaon’s heart sank within him. He loosed his hold + of the spear, and held out both hands before him; but Achilles drew his + keen blade, and struck him by the collar-bone on his neck; he plunged his + two-edged sword into him to the very hilt, whereon he lay at full length + on the ground, with the dark blood welling from him till the earth was + soaked. Then Achilles caught him by the foot and flung him into the river + to go down stream, vaunting over him the while, and saying, “Lie there + among the fishes, who will lick the blood from your wound and gloat over + it; your mother shall not lay you on any bier to mourn you, but the eddies + of Scamander shall bear you into the broad bosom of the sea. There shall + the fishes feed on the fat of Lycaon as they dart under the dark ripple of + the waters—so perish all of you till we reach the citadel of strong + Ilius—you in flight, and I following after to destroy you. The river + with its broad silver stream shall serve you in no stead, for all the + bulls you offered him and all the horses that you flung living into his + waters. None the less miserably shall you perish till there is not a man + of you but has paid in full for the death of Patroclus and the havoc you + wrought among the Achaeans whom you have slain while I held aloof from + battle.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Achilles, but the river grew more and more angry, and pondered + within himself how he should stay the hand of Achilles and save the + Trojans from disaster. Meanwhile the son of Peleus, spear in hand, sprang + upon Asteropaeus son of Pelegon to kill him. He was son to the broad river + Axius and Periboea eldest daughter of Acessamenus; for the river had lain + with her. Asteropaeus stood up out of the water to face him with a spear + in either hand, and Xanthus filled him with courage, being angry for the + death of the youths whom Achilles was slaying ruthlessly within his + waters. When they were close up with one another Achilles was first to + speak. “Who and whence are you,” said he, “who dare to face me? Woe to the + parents whose son stands up against me.” And the son of Pelegon answered, + “Great son of Peleus, why should you ask my lineage. I am from the fertile + land of far Paeonia, captain of the Paeonians, and it is now eleven days + that I am at Ilius. I am of the blood of the river Axius—of Axius + that is the fairest of all rivers that run. He begot the famed warrior + Pelegon, whose son men call me. Let us now fight, Achilles.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he defy him, and Achilles raised his spear of Pelian ash. + Asteropaeus failed with both his spears, for he could use both hands + alike; with the one spear he struck Achilles’ shield, but did not pierce + it, for the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed the point; with the + other spear he grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm drawing dark blood, + but the spear itself went by him and fixed itself in the ground, foiled of + its bloody banquet. Then Achilles, fain to kill him, hurled his spear at + Asteropaeus, but failed to hit him and struck the steep bank of the river, + driving the spear half its length into the earth. The son of Peleus then + drew his sword and sprang furiously upon him. Asteropaeus vainly tried to + draw Achilles’ spear out of the bank by main force; thrice did he tug at + it, trying with all his might to draw it out, and thrice he had to leave + off trying; the fourth time he tried to bend and break it, but ere he + could do so Achilles smote him with his sword and killed him. He struck + him in the belly near the navel, so that all his bowels came gushing out + on to the ground, and the darkness of death came over him as he lay + gasping. Then Achilles set his foot on his chest and spoiled him of his + armour, vaunting over him and saying, “Lie there—begotten of a river + though you be, it is hard for you to strive with the offspring of Saturn’s + son. You declare yourself sprung from the blood of a broad river, but I am + of the seed of mighty Jove. My father is Peleus, son of Aeacus ruler over + the many Myrmidons, and Aeacus was the son of Jove. Therefore as Jove is + mightier than any river that flows into the sea, so are his children + stronger than those of any river whatsoever. Moreover you have a great + river hard by if he can be of any use to you, but there is no fighting + against Jove the son of Saturn, with whom not even King Achelous can + compare, nor the mighty stream of deep-flowing Oceanus, from whom all + rivers and seas with all springs and deep wells proceed; even Oceanus + fears the lightnings of great Jove, and his thunder that comes crashing + out of heaven.” + </p> + <p> + With this he drew his bronze spear out of the bank, and now that he had + killed Asteropaeus, he let him lie where he was on the sand, with the dark + water flowing over him and the eels and fishes busy nibbling and gnawing + the fat that was about his kidneys. Then he went in chase of the + Paeonians, who were flying along the bank of the river in panic when they + saw their leader slain by the hands of the son of Peleus. Therein he slew + Thersilochus, Mydon, Astypylus, Mnesus, Thrasius, Oeneus, and Ophelestes, + and he would have slain yet others, had not the river in anger taken human + form, and spoken to him from out the deep waters saying, “Achilles, if you + excel all in strength, so do you also in wickedness, for the gods are ever + with you to protect you: if, then, the son of Saturn has vouchsafed it to + you to destroy all the Trojans, at any rate drive them out of my stream, + and do your grim work on land. My fair waters are now filled with corpses, + nor can I find any channel by which I may pour myself into the sea for I + am choked with dead, and yet you go on mercilessly slaying. I am in + despair, therefore, O captain of your host, trouble me no further.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles answered, “So be it, Scamander, Jove-descended; but I will never + cease dealing out death among the Trojans, till I have pent them up in + their city, and made trial of Hector face to face, that I may learn + whether he is to vanquish me, or I him.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he set upon the Trojans with a fury like that of the gods. But + the river said to Apollo, “Surely, son of Jove, lord of the silver bow, + you are not obeying the commands of Jove who charged you straitly that you + should stand by the Trojans and defend them, till twilight fades, and + darkness is over the earth.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Achilles sprang from the bank into mid-stream, whereon the river + raised a high wave and attacked him. He swelled his stream into a torrent, + and swept away the many dead whom Achilles had slain and left within his + waters. These he cast out on to the land, bellowing like a bull the while, + but the living he saved alive, hiding them in his mighty eddies. The great + and terrible wave gathered about Achilles, falling upon him and beating on + his shield, so that he could not keep his feet; he caught hold of a great + elm-tree, but it came up by the roots, and tore away the bank, damming the + stream with its thick branches and bridging it all across; whereby + Achilles struggled out of the stream, and fled full speed over the plain, + for he was afraid. + </p> + <p> + But the mighty god ceased not in his pursuit, and sprang upon him with a + dark-crested wave, to stay his hands and save the Trojans from + destruction. The son of Peleus darted away a spear’s throw from him; swift + as the swoop of a black hunter-eagle which is the strongest and fleetest + of all birds, even so did he spring forward, and the armour rang loudly + about his breast. He fled on in front, but the river with a loud roar came + tearing after. As one who would water his garden leads a stream from some + fountain over his plants, and all his ground—spade in hand he clears + away the dams to free the channels, and the little stones run rolling + round and round with the water as it goes merrily down the bank faster + than the man can follow—even so did the river keep catching up with + Achilles albeit he was a fleet runner, for the gods are stronger than men. + As often as he would strive to stand his ground, and see whether or no all + the gods in heaven were in league against him, so often would the mighty + wave come beating down upon his shoulders, and he would have to keep + flying on and on in great dismay; for the angry flood was tiring him out + as it flowed past him and ate the ground from under his feet. + </p> + <p> + Then the son of Peleus lifted up his voice to heaven saying, “Father Jove, + is there none of the gods who will take pity upon me, and save me from the + river? I do not care what may happen to me afterwards. I blame none of the + other dwellers on Olympus so severely as I do my dear mother, who has + beguiled and tricked me. She told me I was to fall under the walls of Troy + by the flying arrows of Apollo; would that Hector, the best man among the + Trojans, might there slay me; then should I fall a hero by the hand of a + hero; whereas now it seems that I shall come to a most pitiable end, + trapped in this river as though I were some swineherd’s boy, who gets + carried down a torrent while trying to cross it during a storm.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had spoken thus, Neptune and Minerva came up to him in the + likeness of two men, and took him by the hand to reassure him. Neptune + spoke first. “Son of Peleus,” said he, “be not so exceeding fearful; we + are two gods, come with Jove’s sanction to assist you, I, and Pallas + Minerva. It is not your fate to perish in this river; he will abate + presently as you will see; moreover we strongly advise you, if you will be + guided by us, not to stay your hand from fighting till you have pent the + Trojan host within the famed walls of Ilius—as many of them as may + escape. Then kill Hector and go back to the ships, for we will vouchsafe + you a triumph over him.” + </p> + <p> + When they had so said they went back to the other immortals, but Achilles + strove onward over the plain, encouraged by the charge the gods had laid + upon him. All was now covered with the flood of waters, and much goodly + armour of the youths that had been slain was rifting about, as also many + corpses, but he forced his way against the stream, speeding right onwards, + nor could the broad waters stay him, for Minerva had endowed him with + great strength. Nevertheless Scamander did not slacken in his pursuit, but + was still more furious with the son of Peleus. He lifted his waters into a + high crest and cried aloud to Simois saying, “Dear brother, let the two of + us unite to save this man, or he will sack the mighty city of King Priam, + and the Trojans will not hold out against him. Help me at once; fill your + streams with water from their sources, rouse all your torrents to a fury; + raise your wave on high, and let snags and stones come thundering down you + that we may make an end of this savage creature who is now lording it as + though he were a god. Nothing shall serve him longer, not strength nor + comeliness, nor his fine armour, which forsooth shall soon be lying low in + the deep waters covered over with mud. I will wrap him in sand, and pour + tons of shingle round him, so that the Achaeans shall not know how to + gather his bones for the silt in which I shall have hidden him, and when + they celebrate his funeral they need build no barrow.” + </p> + <p> + On this he upraised his tumultuous flood high against Achilles, seething + as it was with foam and blood and the bodies of the dead. The dark waters + of the river stood upright and would have overwhelmed the son of Peleus, + but Juno, trembling lest Achilles should be swept away in the mighty + torrent, lifted her voice on high and called out to Vulcan her son. + “Crook-foot,” she cried, “my child, be up and doing, for I deem it is with + you that Xanthus is fain to fight; help us at once, kindle a fierce fire; + I will then bring up the west and the white south wind in a mighty + hurricane from the sea, that shall bear the flames against the heads and + armour of the Trojans and consume them, while you go along the banks of + Xanthus burning his trees and wrapping him round with fire. Let him not + turn you back neither by fair words nor foul, and slacken not till I shout + and tell you. Then you may stay your flames.” + </p> + <p> + On this Vulcan kindled a fierce fire, which broke out first upon the plain + and burned the many dead whom Achilles had killed and whose bodies were + lying about in great numbers; by this means the plain was dried and the + flood stayed. As the north wind, blowing on an orchard that has been + sodden with autumn rain, soon dries it, and the heart of the owner is glad—even + so the whole plain was dried and the dead bodies were consumed. Then he + turned tongues of fire on to the river. He burned the elms the willows and + the tamarisks, the lotus also, with the rushes and marshy herbage that + grew abundantly by the banks of the river. The eels and fishes that go + darting about everywhere in the water, these, too, were sorely harassed by + the flames that cunning Vulcan had kindled, and the river himself was + scalded, so that he spoke saying, “Vulcan, there is no god can hold his + own against you. I cannot fight you when you flare out your flames in this + way; strive with me no longer. Let Achilles drive the Trojans out of their + city immediately. What have I to do with quarrelling and helping people?” + </p> + <p> + He was boiling as he spoke, and all his waters were seething. As a + cauldron upon a large fire boils when it is melting the lard of some + fatted hog, and the lard keeps bubbling up all over when the dry faggots + blaze under it—even so were the goodly waters of Xanthus heated with + the fire till they were boiling. He could flow no longer but stayed his + stream, so afflicted was he by the blasts of fire which cunning Vulcan had + raised. Then he prayed to Juno and besought her saying, “Juno, why should + your son vex my stream with such especial fury? I am not so much to blame + as all the others are who have been helping the Trojans. I will leave off, + since you so desire it, and let your son leave off also. Furthermore I + swear never again will I do anything to save the Trojans from destruction, + not even when all Troy is burning in the flames which the Achaeans will + kindle.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Juno heard this she said to her son Vulcan, “Son Vulcan, hold + now your flames; we ought not to use such violence against a god for the + sake of mortals.” + </p> + <p> + When she had thus spoken Vulcan quenched his flames, and the river went + back once more into his own fair bed. + </p> + <p> + Xanthus was now beaten, so these two left off fighting, for Juno stayed + them though she was still angry; but a furious quarrel broke out among the + other gods, for they were of divided counsels. They fell on one another + with a mighty uproar—earth groaned, and the spacious firmament rang + out as with a blare of trumpets. Jove heard as he was sitting on Olympus, + and laughed for joy when he saw the gods coming to blows among themselves. + They were not long about beginning, and Mars piercer of shields opened the + battle. Sword in hand he sprang at once upon Minerva and reviled her. + “Why, vixen,” said he, “have you again set the gods by the ears in the + pride and haughtiness of your heart? Have you forgotten how you set Diomed + son of Tydeus on to wound me, and yourself took visible spear and drove it + into me to the hurt of my fair body? You shall now suffer for what you + then did to me.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he struck her on the terrible tasselled aegis—so + terrible that not even can Jove’s lightning pierce it. Here did murderous + Mars strike her with his great spear. She drew back and with her strong + hand seized a stone that was lying on the plain—great and rugged and + black—which men of old had set for the boundary of a field. With + this she struck Mars on the neck, and brought him down. Nine roods did he + cover in his fall, and his hair was all soiled in the dust, while his + armour rang rattling round him. But Minerva laughed and vaunted over him + saying, “Idiot, have you not learned how far stronger I am than you, but + you must still match yourself against me? Thus do your mother’s curses now + roost upon you, for she is angry and would do you mischief because you + have deserted the Achaeans and are helping the Trojans.” + </p> + <p> + She then turned her two piercing eyes elsewhere, whereon Jove’s daughter + Venus took Mars by the hand and led him away groaning all the time, for it + was only with great difficulty that he had come to himself again. When + Queen Juno saw her, she said to Minerva, “Look, daughter of aegis-bearing + Jove, unweariable, that vixen Venus is again taking Mars through the crowd + out of the battle; go after her at once.” + </p> + <p> + Thus she spoke. Minerva sped after Venus with a will, and made at her, + striking her on the bosom with her strong hand so that she fell fainting + to the ground, and there they both lay stretched at full length. Then + Minerva vaunted over her saying, “May all who help the Trojans against the + Argives prove just as redoubtable and stalwart as Venus did when she came + across me while she was helping Mars. Had this been so, we should long + since have ended the war by sacking the strong city of Ilius.” + </p> + <p> + Juno smiled as she listened. Meanwhile King Neptune turned to Apollo + saying, “Phoebus, why should we keep each other at arm’s length? it is not + well, now that the others have begun fighting; it will be disgraceful to + us if we return to Jove’s bronze-floored mansion on Olympus without having + fought each other; therefore come on, you are the younger of the two, and + I ought not to attack you, for I am older and have had more experience. + Idiot, you have no sense, and forget how we two alone of all the gods + fared hardly round about Ilius when we came from Jove’s house and worked + for Laomedon a whole year at a stated wage and he gave us his orders. I + built the Trojans the wall about their city, so wide and fair that it + might be impregnable, while you, Phoebus, herded cattle for him in the + dales of many valleyed Ida. When, however, the glad hours brought round + the time of payment, mighty Laomedon robbed us of all our hire and sent us + off with nothing but abuse. He threatened to bind us hand and foot and + sell us over into some distant island. He tried, moreover, to cut off the + ears of both of us, so we went away in a rage, furious about the payment + he had promised us, and yet withheld; in spite of all this, you are now + showing favour to his people, and will not join us in compassing the utter + ruin of the proud Trojans with their wives and children.” + </p> + <p> + And King Apollo answered, “Lord of the earthquake, you would have no + respect for me if I were to fight you about a pack of miserable mortals, + who come out like leaves in summer and eat the fruit of the field, and + presently fall lifeless to the ground. Let us stay this fighting at once + and let them settle it among themselves.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away as he spoke, for he would lay no hand on the brother of his + own father. But his sister the huntress Diana, patroness of wild beasts, + was very angry with him and said, “So you would fly, Far-Darter, and hand + victory over to Neptune with a cheap vaunt to boot. Baby, why keep your + bow thus idle? Never let me again hear you bragging in my father’s house, + as you have often done in the presence of the immortals, that you would + stand up and fight with Neptune.” + </p> + <p> + Apollo made her no answer, but Jove’s august queen was angry and upbraided + her bitterly. “Bold vixen,” she cried, “how dare you cross me thus? For + all your bow you will find it hard to hold your own against me. Jove made + you as a lion among women, and lets you kill them whenever you choose. You + will find it better to chase wild beasts and deer upon the mountains than + to fight those who are stronger than you are. If you would try war, do so, + and find out by pitting yourself against me, how far stronger I am than + you are.” + </p> + <p> + She caught both Diana’s wrists with her left hand as she spoke, and with + her right she took the bow from her shoulders, and laughed as she beat her + with it about the ears while Diana wriggled and writhed under her blows. + Her swift arrows were shed upon the ground, and she fled weeping from + under Juno’s hand as a dove that flies before a falcon to the cleft of + some hollow rock, when it is her good fortune to escape. Even so did she + fly weeping away, leaving her bow and arrows behind her. + </p> + <p> + Then the slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, said to Leto, “Leto, I shall + not fight you; it is ill to come to blows with any of Jove’s wives. + Therefore boast as you will among the immortals that you worsted me in + fair fight.” + </p> + <p> + Leto then gathered up Diana’s bow and arrows that had fallen about amid + the whirling dust, and when she had got them she made all haste after her + daughter. Diana had now reached Jove’s bronze-floored mansion on Olympus, + and sat herself down with many tears on the knees of her father, while her + ambrosial raiment was quivering all about her. The son of Saturn drew her + towards him, and laughing pleasantly the while began to question her + saying, “Which of the heavenly beings, my dear child, has been treating + you in this cruel manner, as though you had been misconducting yourself in + the face of everybody?” and the fair-crowned goddess of the chase + answered, “It was your wife Juno, father, who has been beating me; it is + always her doing when there is any quarrelling among the immortals.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did they converse, and meanwhile Phoebus Apollo entered the strong + city of Ilius, for he was uneasy lest the wall should not hold out and the + Danaans should take the city then and there, before its hour had come; but + the rest of the ever-living gods went back, some angry and some triumphant + to Olympus, where they took their seats beside Jove lord of the storm-cloud, + while Achilles still kept on dealing out death alike on the Trojans + and on their horses. As when the smoke from some burning city ascends to + heaven when the anger of the gods has kindled it—there is then toil + for all, and sorrow for not a few—even so did Achilles bring toil + and sorrow on the Trojans. + </p> + <p> + Old King Priam stood on a high tower of the wall looking down on huge + Achilles as the Trojans fled panic-stricken before him, and there was none + to help them. Presently he came down from off the tower and with many a + groan went along the wall to give orders to the brave warders of the gate. + “Keep the gates,” said he, “wide open till the people come flying into the + city, for Achilles is hard by and is driving them in rout before him. I + see we are in great peril. As soon as our people are inside and in safety, + close the strong gates for I fear lest that terrible man should come + bounding inside along with the others.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke they drew back the bolts and opened the gates, and when these + were opened there was a haven of refuge for the Trojans. Apollo then came + full speed out of the city to meet them and protect them. Right for the + city and the high wall, parched with thirst and grimy with dust, still + they fled on, with Achilles wielding his spear furiously behind them. For + he was as one possessed, and was thirsting after glory. + </p> + <p> + Then had the sons of the Achaeans taken the lofty gates of Troy if Apollo + had not spurred on Agenor, valiant and noble son to Antenor. He put + courage into his heart, and stood by his side to guard him, leaning + against a beech tree and shrouded in thick darkness. When Agenor saw + Achilles he stood still and his heart was clouded with care. “Alas,” said + he to himself in his dismay, “if I fly before mighty Achilles, and go + where all the others are being driven in rout, he will none the less catch + me and kill me for a coward. How would it be were I to let Achilles drive + the others before him, and then fly from the wall to the plain that is + behind Ilius till I reach the spurs of Ida and can hide in the underwood + that is thereon? I could then wash the sweat from off me in the river and + in the evening return to Ilius. But why commune with myself in this way? + Like enough he would see me as I am hurrying from the city over the plain, + and would speed after me till he had caught me—I should stand no + chance against him, for he is mightiest of all mankind. What, then, if I + go out and meet him in front of the city? His flesh too, I take it, can be + pierced by pointed bronze. Life is the same in one and all, and men say + that he is but mortal despite the triumph that Jove son of Saturn + vouchsafes him.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he stood on his guard and awaited Achilles, for he was now fain + to fight him. As a leopardess that bounds from out a thick covert to + attack a hunter—she knows no fear and is not dismayed by the baying + of the hounds; even though the man be too quick for her and wound her + either with thrust or spear, still, though the spear has pierced her she + will not give in till she has either caught him in her grip or been killed + outright—even so did noble Agenor son of Antenor refuse to fly till + he had made trial of Achilles, and took aim at him with his spear, holding + his round shield before him and crying with a loud voice. “Of a truth,” + said he, “noble Achilles, you deem that you shall this day sack the city + of the proud Trojans. Fool, there will be trouble enough yet before it, + for there is many a brave man of us still inside who will stand in front + of our dear parents with our wives and children, to defend Ilius. Here + therefore, huge and mighty warrior though you be, here shall you die.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke his strong hand hurled his javelin from him, and the spear + struck Achilles on the leg beneath the knee; the greave of newly wrought + tin rang loudly, but the spear recoiled from the body of him whom it had + struck, and did not pierce it, for the god’s gift stayed it. Achilles in + his turn attacked noble Agenor, but Apollo would not vouchsafe him glory, + for he snatched Agenor away and hid him in a thick mist, sending him out + of the battle unmolested. Then he craftily drew the son of Peleus away + from going after the host, for he put on the semblance of Agenor and stood + in front of Achilles, who ran towards him to give him chase and pursued + him over the corn lands of the plain, turning him towards the deep waters + of the river Scamander. Apollo ran but a little way before him and + beguiled Achilles by making him think all the time that he was on the + point of overtaking him. Meanwhile the rabble of routed Trojans was + thankful to crowd within the city till their numbers thronged it; no + longer did they dare wait for one another outside the city walls, to learn + who had escaped and who were fallen in fight, but all whose feet and knees + could still carry them poured pell-mell into the town. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The death of Hector. + </p> + <p> + Thus the Trojans in the city, scared like fawns, wiped the sweat from off + them and drank to quench their thirst, leaning against the goodly + battlements, while the Achaeans with their shields laid upon their + shoulders drew close up to the walls. But stern fate bade Hector stay + where he was before Ilius and the Scaean gates. Then Phoebus Apollo spoke + to the son of Peleus saying, “Why, son of Peleus, do you, who are but man, + give chase to me who am immortal? Have you not yet found out that it is a + god whom you pursue so furiously? You did not harass the Trojans whom you + had routed, and now they are within their walls, while you have been + decoyed hither away from them. Me you cannot kill, for death can take no + hold upon me.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles was greatly angered and said, “You have baulked me, Far-Darter, + most malicious of all gods, and have drawn me away from the wall, where + many another man would have bitten the dust ere he got within Ilius; you + have robbed me of great glory and have saved the Trojans at no risk to + yourself, for you have nothing to fear, but I would indeed have my revenge + if it were in my power to do so.” + </p> + <p> + On this, with fell intent he made towards the city, and as the winning + horse in a chariot race strains every nerve when he is flying over the + plain, even so fast and furiously did the limbs of Achilles bear him + onwards. King Priam was first to note him as he scoured the plain, all + radiant as the star which men call Orion’s Hound, and whose beams blaze + forth in time of harvest more brilliantly than those of any other that + shines by night; brightest of them all though he be, he yet bodes ill for + mortals, for he brings fire and fever in his train—even so did + Achilles’ armour gleam on his breast as he sped onwards. Priam raised a + cry and beat his head with his hands as he lifted them up and shouted out + to his dear son, imploring him to return; but Hector still stayed before + the gates, for his heart was set upon doing battle with Achilles. The old + man reached out his arms towards him and bade him for pity’s sake come + within the walls. “Hector,” he cried, “my son, stay not to face this man + alone and unsupported, or you will meet death at the hands of the son of + Peleus, for he is mightier than you. Monster that he is; would indeed that + the gods loved him no better than I do, for so, dogs and vultures would + soon devour him as he lay stretched on earth, and a load of grief would be + lifted from my heart, for many a brave son has he reft from me, either by + killing them or selling them away in the islands that are beyond the sea: + even now I miss two sons from among the Trojans who have thronged within + the city, Lycaon and Polydorus, whom Laothoe peeress among women bore me. + Should they be still alive and in the hands of the Achaeans, we will + ransom them with gold and bronze, of which we have store, for the old man + Altes endowed his daughter richly; but if they are already dead and in the + house of Hades, sorrow will it be to us two who were their parents; albeit + the grief of others will be more short-lived unless you too perish at the + hands of Achilles. Come, then, my son, within the city, to be the guardian + of Trojan men and Trojan women, or you will both lose your own life and + afford a mighty triumph to the son of Peleus. Have pity also on your + unhappy father while life yet remains to him—on me, whom the son of + Saturn will destroy by a terrible doom on the threshold of old age, after + I have seen my sons slain and my daughters haled away as captives, my + bridal chambers pillaged, little children dashed to earth amid the rage of + battle, and my sons’ wives dragged away by the cruel hands of the + Achaeans; in the end fierce hounds will tear me in pieces at my own gates + after some one has beaten the life out of my body with sword or + spear-hounds that I myself reared and fed at my own table to guard my + gates, but who will yet lap my blood and then lie all distraught at my + doors. When a young man falls by the sword in battle, he may lie where he + is and there is nothing unseemly; let what will be seen, all is honourable + in death, but when an old man is slain there is nothing in this world more + pitiable than that dogs should defile his grey hair and beard and all that + men hide for shame.” + </p> + <p> + The old man tore his grey hair as he spoke, but he moved not the heart of + Hector. His mother hard by wept and moaned aloud as she bared her bosom + and pointed to the breast which had suckled him. “Hector,” she cried, + weeping bitterly the while, “Hector, my son, spurn not this breast, but + have pity upon me too: if I have ever given you comfort from my own bosom, + think on it now, dear son, and come within the wall to protect us from + this man; stand not without to meet him. Should the wretch kill you, + neither I nor your richly dowered wife shall ever weep, dear offshoot of + myself, over the bed on which you lie, for dogs will devour you at the + ships of the Achaeans.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did the two with many tears implore their son, but they moved not the + heart of Hector, and he stood his ground awaiting huge Achilles as he drew + nearer towards him. As a serpent in its den upon the mountains, full fed + with deadly poisons, waits for the approach of man—he is filled with + fury and his eyes glare terribly as he goes writhing round his den—even + so Hector leaned his shield against a tower that jutted out from the wall + and stood where he was, undaunted. + </p> + <p> + “Alas,” said he to himself in the heaviness of his heart, “if I go within + the gates, Polydamas will be the first to heap reproach upon me, for it + was he that urged me to lead the Trojans back to the city on that awful + night when Achilles again came forth against us. I would not listen, but + it would have been indeed better if I had done so. Now that my folly has + destroyed the host, I dare not look Trojan men and Trojan women in the + face, lest a worse man should say, ‘Hector has ruined us by his + self-confidence.’ Surely it would be better for me to return after having + fought Achilles and slain him, or to die gloriously here before the city. + What, again, if I were to lay down my shield and helmet, lean my spear + against the wall and go straight up to noble Achilles? What if I were to + promise to give up Helen, who was the fountainhead of all this war, and + all the treasure that Alexandrus brought with him in his ships to Troy, + aye, and to let the Achaeans divide the half of everything that the city + contains among themselves? I might make the Trojans, by the mouths of + their princes, take a solemn oath that they would hide nothing, but would + divide into two shares all that is within the city—but why argue + with myself in this way? Were I to go up to him he would show me no kind + of mercy; he would kill me then and there as easily as though I were a + woman, when I had off my armour. There is no parleying with him from some + rock or oak tree as young men and maidens prattle with one another. Better + fight him at once, and learn to which of us Jove will vouchsafe victory.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he stand and ponder, but Achilles came up to him as it were Mars + himself, plumed lord of battle. From his right shoulder he brandished his + terrible spear of Pelian ash, and the bronze gleamed around him like + flashing fire or the rays of the rising sun. Fear fell upon Hector as he + beheld him, and he dared not stay longer where he was but fled in dismay + from before the gates, while Achilles darted after him at his utmost + speed. As a mountain falcon, swiftest of all birds, swoops down upon some + cowering dove—the dove flies before him but the falcon with a shrill + scream follows close after, resolved to have her—even so did + Achilles make straight for Hector with all his might, while Hector fled + under the Trojan wall as fast as his limbs could take him. + </p> + <p> + On they flew along the waggon-road that ran hard by under the wall, past + the look-out station, and past the weather-beaten wild fig-tree, till they + came to two fair springs which feed the river Scamander. One of these two + springs is warm, and steam rises from it as smoke from a burning fire, but + the other even in summer is as cold as hail or snow, or the ice that forms + on water. Here, hard by the springs, are the goodly washing-troughs of + stone, where in the time of peace before the coming of the Achaeans the + wives and fair daughters of the Trojans used to wash their clothes. Past + these did they fly, the one in front and the other giving chase behind + him: good was the man that fled, but better far was he that followed + after, and swiftly indeed did they run, for the prize was no mere beast + for sacrifice or bullock’s hide, as it might be for a common foot-race, + but they ran for the life of Hector. As horses in a chariot race speed + round the turning-posts when they are running for some great prize—a + tripod or woman—at the games in honour of some dead hero, so did + these two run full speed three times round the city of Priam. All the gods + watched them, and the sire of gods and men was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Alas,” said he, “my eyes behold a man who is dear to me being pursued + round the walls of Troy; my heart is full of pity for Hector, who has + burned the thigh-bones of many a heifer in my honour, one while on the + crests of many-valleyed Ida, and again on the citadel of Troy; and now I + see noble Achilles in full pursuit of him round the city of Priam. What + say you? Consider among yourselves and decide whether we shall now save + him or let him fall, valiant though he be, before Achilles, son of + Peleus.” + </p> + <p> + Then Minerva said, “Father, wielder of the lightning, lord of cloud and + storm, what mean you? Would you pluck this mortal whose doom has long been + decreed out of the jaws of death? Do as you will, but we others shall not + be of a mind with you.” + </p> + <p> + And Jove answered, “My child, Trito-born, take heart. I did not speak in + full earnest, and I will let you have your way. Do without let or + hindrance as you are minded.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he urge Minerva who was already eager, and down she darted from + the topmost summits of Olympus. + </p> + <p> + Achilles was still in full pursuit of Hector, as a hound chasing a fawn + which he has started from its covert on the mountains, and hunts through + glade and thicket. The fawn may try to elude him by crouching under cover + of a bush, but he will scent her out and follow her up until he gets her—even + so there was no escape for Hector from the fleet son of Peleus. Whenever + he made a set to get near the Dardanian gates and under the walls, that + his people might help him by showering down weapons from above, Achilles + would gain on him and head him back towards the plain, keeping himself + always on the city side. As a man in a dream who fails to lay hands upon + another whom he is pursuing—the one cannot escape nor the other + overtake—even so neither could Achilles come up with Hector, nor + Hector break away from Achilles; nevertheless he might even yet have + escaped death had not the time come when Apollo, who thus far had + sustained his strength and nerved his running, was now no longer to stay + by him. Achilles made signs to the Achaean host, and shook his head to + show that no man was to aim a dart at Hector, lest another might win the + glory of having hit him and he might himself come in second. Then, at + last, as they were nearing the fountains for the fourth time, the father + of all balanced his golden scales and placed a doom in each of them, one + for Achilles and the other for Hector. As he held the scales by the + middle, the doom of Hector fell down deep into the house of Hades—and + then Phoebus Apollo left him. Thereon Minerva went close up to the son of + Peleus and said, “Noble Achilles, favoured of heaven, we two shall surely + take back to the ships a triumph for the Achaeans by slaying Hector, for + all his lust of battle. Do what Apollo may as he lies grovelling before + his father, aegis-bearing Jove, Hector cannot escape us longer. Stay here + and take breath, while I go up to him and persuade him to make a stand and + fight you.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Minerva. Achilles obeyed her gladly, and stood still, leaning + on his bronze-pointed ashen spear, while Minerva left him and went after + Hector in the form and with the voice of Deiphobus. She came close up to + him and said, “Dear brother, I see you are hard pressed by Achilles who is + chasing you at full speed round the city of Priam, let us await his onset + and stand on our defence.” + </p> + <p> + And Hector answered, “Deiphobus, you have always been dearest to me of all + my brothers, children of Hecuba and Priam, but henceforth I shall rate you + yet more highly, inasmuch as you have ventured outside the wall for my + sake when all the others remain inside.” + </p> + <p> + Then Minerva said, “Dear brother, my father and mother went down on their + knees and implored me, as did all my comrades, to remain inside, so great + a fear has fallen upon them all; but I was in an agony of grief when I + beheld you; now, therefore, let us two make a stand and fight, and let + there be no keeping our spears in reserve, that we may learn whether + Achilles shall kill us and bear off our spoils to the ships, or whether he + shall fall before you.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did Minerva inveigle him by her cunning, and when the two were now + close to one another great Hector was first to speak. “I will no longer + fly you, son of Peleus,” said he, “as I have been doing hitherto. Three + times have I fled round the mighty city of Priam, without daring to + withstand you, but now, let me either slay or be slain, for I am in the + mind to face you. Let us, then, give pledges to one another by our gods, + who are the fittest witnesses and guardians of all covenants; let it be + agreed between us that if Jove vouchsafes me the longer stay and I take + your life, I am not to treat your dead body in any unseemly fashion, but + when I have stripped you of your armour, I am to give up your body to the + Achaeans. And do you likewise.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles glared at him and answered, “Fool, prate not to me about + covenants. There can be no covenants between men and lions, wolves and + lambs can never be of one mind, but hate each other out and out all + through. Therefore there can be no understanding between you and me, nor + may there be any covenants between us, till one or other shall fall and + glut grim Mars with his life’s blood. Put forth all your strength; you + have need now to prove yourself indeed a bold soldier and man of war. You + have no more chance, and Pallas Minerva will forthwith vanquish you by my + spear: you shall now pay me in full for the grief you have caused me on + account of my comrades whom you have killed in battle.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it. Hector saw it coming and + avoided it; he watched it and crouched down so that it flew over his head + and stuck in the ground beyond; Minerva then snatched it up and gave it + back to Achilles without Hector’s seeing her; Hector thereon said to the + son of Peleus, “You have missed your aim, Achilles, peer of the gods, and + Jove has not yet revealed to you the hour of my doom, though you made sure + that he had done so. You were a false-tongued liar when you deemed that I + should forget my valour and quail before you. You shall not drive your + spear into the back of a runaway—drive it, should heaven so grant + you power, drive it into me as I make straight towards you; and now for + your own part avoid my spear if you can—would that you might receive + the whole of it into your body; if you were once dead the Trojans would + find the war an easier matter, for it is you who have harmed them most.” + </p> + <p> + He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it. His aim was true for he hit + the middle of Achilles’ shield, but the spear rebounded from it, and did + not pierce it. Hector was angry when he saw that the weapon had sped from + his hand in vain, and stood there in dismay for he had no second spear. + With a loud cry he called Deiphobus and asked him for one, but there was + no man; then he saw the truth and said to himself, “Alas! the gods have + lured me on to my destruction. I deemed that the hero Deiphobus was by my + side, but he is within the wall, and Minerva has inveigled me; death is + now indeed exceedingly near at hand and there is no way out of it—for + so Jove and his son Apollo the far-darter have willed it, though + heretofore they have been ever ready to protect me. My doom has come upon + me; let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me + first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew the keen blade that hung so great and strong by his + side, and gathering himself together be sprang on Achilles like a soaring + eagle which swoops down from the clouds on to some lamb or timid hare—even + so did Hector brandish his sword and spring upon Achilles. Achilles mad + with rage darted towards him, with his wondrous shield before his breast, + and his gleaming helmet, made with four layers of metal, nodding fiercely + forward. The thick tresses of gold with which Vulcan had crested the + helmet floated round it, and as the evening star that shines brighter than + all others through the stillness of night, even such was the gleam of the + spear which Achilles poised in his right hand, fraught with the death of + noble Hector. He eyed his fair flesh over and over to see where he could + best wound it, but all was protected by the goodly armour of which Hector + had spoiled Patroclus after he had slain him, save only the throat where + the collar-bones divide the neck from the shoulders, and this is a most + deadly place: here then did Achilles strike him as he was coming on + towards him, and the point of his spear went right through the fleshy part + of the neck, but it did not sever his windpipe so that he could still + speak. Hector fell headlong, and Achilles vaunted over him saying, + “Hector, you deemed that you should come off scatheless when you were + spoiling Patroclus, and recked not of myself who was not with him. Fool + that you were: for I, his comrade, mightier far than he, was still left + behind him at the ships, and now I have laid you low. The Achaeans shall + give him all due funeral rites, while dogs and vultures shall work their + will upon yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Then Hector said, as the life ebbed out of him, “I pray you by your life + and knees, and by your parents, let not dogs devour me at the ships of the + Achaeans, but accept the rich treasure of gold and bronze which my father + and mother will offer you, and send my body home, that the Trojans and + their wives may give me my dues of fire when I am dead.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles glared at him and answered, “Dog, talk not to me neither of knees + nor parents; would that I could be as sure of being able to cut your flesh + into pieces and eat it raw, for the ill you have done me, as I am that + nothing shall save you from the dogs—it shall not be, though they + bring ten or twenty-fold ransom and weigh it out for me on the spot, with + promise of yet more hereafter. Though Priam son of Dardanus should bid + them offer me your weight in gold, even so your mother shall never lay you + out and make lament over the son she bore, but dogs and vultures shall eat + you utterly up.” + </p> + <p> + Hector with his dying breath then said, “I know you what you are, and was + sure that I should not move you, for your heart is hard as iron; look to + it that I bring not heaven’s anger upon you on the day when Paris and + Phoebus Apollo, valiant though you be, shall slay you at the Scaean + gates.” + </p> + <p> + When he had thus said the shrouds of death enfolded him, whereon his soul + went out of him and flew down to the house of Hades, lamenting its sad + fate that it should enjoy youth and strength no longer. But Achilles said, + speaking to the dead body, “Die; for my part I will accept my fate + whensoever Jove and the other gods see fit to send it.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew his spear from the body and set it on one side; then + he stripped the blood-stained armour from Hector’s shoulders while the + other Achaeans came running up to view his wondrous strength and beauty; + and no one came near him without giving him a fresh wound. Then would one + turn to his neighbour and say, “It is easier to handle Hector now than + when he was flinging fire on to our ships”—and as he spoke he would + thrust his spear into him anew. + </p> + <p> + When Achilles had done spoiling Hector of his armour, he stood among the + Argives and said, “My friends, princes and counsellors of the Argives, now + that heaven has vouchsafed us to overcome this man, who has done us more + hurt than all the others together, consider whether we should not attack + the city in force, and discover in what mind the Trojans may be. We should + thus learn whether they will desert their city now that Hector has fallen, + or will still hold out even though he is no longer living. But why argue + with myself in this way, while Patroclus is still lying at the ships + unburied, and unmourned—he whom I can never forget so long as I am + alive and my strength fails not? Though men forget their dead when once + they are within the house of Hades, yet not even there will I forget the + comrade whom I have lost. Now, therefore, Achaean youths, let us raise the + song of victory and go back to the ships taking this man along with us; + for we have achieved a mighty triumph and have slain noble Hector to whom + the Trojans prayed throughout their city as though he were a god.” + </p> + <p> + On this he treated the body of Hector with contumely: he pierced the + sinews at the back of both his feet from heel to ancle and passed thongs + of ox-hide through the slits he had made: thus he made the body fast to + his chariot, letting the head trail upon the ground. Then when he had put + the goodly armour on the chariot and had himself mounted, he lashed his + horses on and they flew forward nothing loth. The dust rose from Hector as + he was being dragged along, his dark hair flew all abroad, and his head + once so comely was laid low on earth, for Jove had now delivered him into + the hands of his foes to do him outrage in his own land. + </p> + <p> + Thus was the head of Hector being dishonoured in the dust. His mother tore + her hair, and flung her veil from her with a loud cry as she looked upon + her son. His father made piteous moan, and throughout the city the people + fell to weeping and wailing. It was as though the whole of frowning Ilius + was being smirched with fire. Hardly could the people hold Priam back in + his hot haste to rush without the gates of the city. He grovelled in the + mire and besought them, calling each one of them by his name. “Let be, my + friends,” he cried, “and for all your sorrow, suffer me to go + single-handed to the ships of the Achaeans. Let me beseech this cruel and + terrible man, if maybe he will respect the feeling of his fellow-men, and + have compassion on my old age. His own father is even such another as + myself—Peleus, who bred him and reared him to be the bane of us + Trojans, and of myself more than of all others. Many a son of mine has he + slain in the flower of his youth, and yet, grieve for these as I may, I do + so for one—Hector—more than for them all, and the bitterness + of my sorrow will bring me down to the house of Hades. Would that he had + died in my arms, for so both his ill-starred mother who bore him, and + myself, should have had the comfort of weeping and mourning over him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak with many tears, and all the people of the city joined + in his lament. Hecuba then raised the cry of wailing among the Trojans. + “Alas, my son,” she cried, “what have I left to live for now that you are + no more? Night and day did I glory in you throughout the city, for you + were a tower of strength to all in Troy, and both men and women alike + hailed you as a god. So long as you lived you were their pride, but now + death and destruction have fallen upon you.” + </p> + <p> + Hector’s wife had as yet heard nothing, for no one had come to tell her + that her husband had remained without the gates. She was at her loom in an + inner part of the house, weaving a double purple web, and embroidering it + with many flowers. She told her maids to set a large tripod on the fire, + so as to have a warm bath ready for Hector when he came out of battle; + poor woman, she knew not that he was now beyond the reach of baths, and + that Minerva had laid him low by the hands of Achilles. She heard the cry + coming as from the wall, and trembled in every limb; the shuttle fell from + her hands, and again she spoke to her waiting-women. “Two of you,” she + said, “come with me that I may learn what it is that has befallen; I heard + the voice of my husband’s honoured mother; my own heart beats as though it + would come into my mouth and my limbs refuse to carry me; some great + misfortune for Priam’s children must be at hand. May I never live to hear + it, but I greatly fear that Achilles has cut off the retreat of brave + Hector and has chased him on to the plain where he was single-handed; I + fear he may have put an end to the reckless daring which possessed my + husband, who would never remain with the body of his men, but would dash + on far in front, foremost of them all in valour.” + </p> + <p> + Her heart beat fast, and as she spoke she flew from the house like a + maniac, with her waiting-women following after. When she reached the + battlements and the crowd of people, she stood looking out upon the wall, + and saw Hector being borne away in front of the city—the horses + dragging him without heed or care over the ground towards the ships of the + Achaeans. Her eyes were then shrouded as with the darkness of night and + she fell fainting backwards. She tore the attiring from her head and flung + it from her, the frontlet and net with its plaited band, and the veil + which golden Venus had given her on the day when Hector took her with him + from the house of Eetion, after having given countless gifts of wooing for + her sake. Her husband’s sisters and the wives of his brothers crowded + round her and supported her, for she was fain to die in her distraction; + when she again presently breathed and came to herself, she sobbed and made + lament among the Trojans saying, “Woe is me, O Hector; woe, indeed, that + to share a common lot we were born, you at Troy in the house of Priam, and + I at Thebes under the wooded mountain of Placus in the house of Eetion who + brought me up when I was a child—ill-starred sire of an ill-starred + daughter—would that he had never begotten me. You are now going into + the house of Hades under the secret places of the earth, and you leave me + a sorrowing widow in your house. The child, of whom you and I are the + unhappy parents, is as yet a mere infant. Now that you are gone, O Hector, + you can do nothing for him nor he for you. Even though he escape the + horrors of this woeful war with the Achaeans, yet shall his life + henceforth be one of labour and sorrow, for others will seize his lands. + The day that robs a child of his parents severs him from his own kind; his + head is bowed, his cheeks are wet with tears, and he will go about + destitute among the friends of his father, plucking one by the cloak and + another by the shirt. Some one or other of these may so far pity him as to + hold the cup for a moment towards him and let him moisten his lips, but he + must not drink enough to wet the roof of his mouth; then one whose parents + are alive will drive him from the table with blows and angry words. ‘Out + with you,’ he will say, ‘you have no father here,’ and the child will go + crying back to his widowed mother—he, Astyanax, who erewhile would + sit upon his father’s knees, and have none but the daintiest and choicest + morsels set before him. When he had played till he was tired and went to + sleep, he would lie in a bed, in the arms of his nurse, on a soft couch, + knowing neither want nor care, whereas now that he has lost his father his + lot will be full of hardship—he, whom the Trojans name Astyanax, + because you, O Hector, were the only defence of their gates and + battlements. The wriggling writhing worms will now eat you at the ships, + far from your parents, when the dogs have glutted themselves upon you. You + will lie naked, although in your house you have fine and goodly raiment + made by hands of women. This will I now burn; it is of no use to you, for + you can never again wear it, and thus you will have respect shown you by + the Trojans both men and women.” + </p> + <p> + In such wise did she cry aloud amid her tears, and the women joined in her + lament. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + The funeral of Patroclus, and the funeral games. + </p> + <p> + Thus did they make their moan throughout the city, while the Achaeans when + they reached the Hellespont went back every man to his own ship. But + Achilles would not let the Myrmidons go, and spoke to his brave comrades + saying, “Myrmidons, famed horsemen and my own trusted friends, not yet, + forsooth, let us unyoke, but with horse and chariot draw near to the body + and mourn Patroclus, in due honour to the dead. When we have had full + comfort of lamentation we will unyoke our horses and take supper all of us + here.” + </p> + <p> + On this they all joined in a cry of wailing and Achilles led them in their + lament. Thrice did they drive their chariots all sorrowing round the body, + and Thetis stirred within them a still deeper yearning. The sands of the + sea-shore and the men’s armour were wet with their weeping, so great a + minister of fear was he whom they had lost. Chief in all their mourning + was the son of Peleus: he laid his blood-stained hand on the breast of his + friend. “Fare well,” he cried, “Patroclus, even in the house of Hades. I + will now do all that I erewhile promised you; I will drag Hector hither + and let dogs devour him raw; twelve noble sons of Trojans will I also slay + before your pyre to avenge you.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he treated the body of noble Hector with contumely, laying it + at full length in the dust beside the bier of Patroclus. The others then + put off every man his armour, took the horses from their chariots, and + seated themselves in great multitude by the ship of the fleet descendant + of Aeacus, who thereon feasted them with an abundant funeral banquet. Many + a goodly ox, with many a sheep and bleating goat did they butcher and cut + up; many a tusked boar moreover, fat and well-fed, did they singe and set + to roast in the flames of Vulcan; and rivulets of blood flowed all round + the place where the body was lying. + </p> + <p> + Then the princes of the Achaeans took the son of Peleus to Agamemnon, but + hardly could they persuade him to come with them, so wroth was he for the + death of his comrade. As soon as they reached Agamemnon’s tent they told + the serving-men to set a large tripod over the fire in case they might + persuade the son of Peleus to wash the clotted gore from this body, but he + denied them sternly, and swore it with a solemn oath, saying, “Nay, by + King Jove, first and mightiest of all gods, it is not meet that water + should touch my body, till I have laid Patroclus on the flames, have built + him a barrow, and shaved my head—for so long as I live no such + second sorrow shall ever draw nigh me. Now, therefore, let us do all that + this sad festival demands, but at break of day, King Agamemnon, bid your + men bring wood, and provide all else that the dead may duly take into the + realm of darkness; the fire shall thus burn him out of our sight the + sooner, and the people shall turn again to their own labours.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. They made haste to + prepare the meal, they ate, and every man had his full share so that all + were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, the + others went to their rest each in his own tent, but the son of Peleus lay + grieving among his Myrmidons by the shore of the sounding sea, in an open + place where the waves came surging in one after another. Here a very deep + slumber took hold upon him and eased the burden of his sorrows, for his + limbs were weary with chasing Hector round windy Ilius. Presently the sad + spirit of Patroclus drew near him, like what he had been in stature, + voice, and the light of his beaming eyes, clad, too, as he had been clad + in life. The spirit hovered over his head and said— + </p> + <p> + “You sleep, Achilles, and have forgotten me; you loved me living, but now + that I am dead you think for me no further. Bury me with all speed that I + may pass the gates of Hades; the ghosts, vain shadows of men that can + labour no more, drive me away from them; they will not yet suffer me to + join those that are beyond the river, and I wander all desolate by the + wide gates of the house of Hades. Give me now your hand I pray you, for + when you have once given me my dues of fire, never shall I again come + forth out of the house of Hades. Nevermore shall we sit apart and take + sweet counsel among the living; the cruel fate which was my birth-right + has yawned its wide jaws around me—nay, you too Achilles, peer of + gods, are doomed to die beneath the wall of the noble Trojans. + </p> + <p> + “One prayer more will I make you, if you will grant it; let not my bones + be laid apart from yours, Achilles, but with them; even as we were brought + up together in your own home, what time Menoetius brought me to you as a + child from Opoeis because by a sad spite I had killed the son of + Amphidamas—not of set purpose, but in childish quarrel over the + dice. The knight Peleus took me into his house, entreated me kindly, and + named me to be your squire; therefore let our bones lie in but a single + urn, the two-handled golden vase given to you by your mother.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “Why, true heart, are you come hither to lay these + charges upon me? I will of my own self do all as you have bidden me. Draw + closer to me, let us once more throw our arms around one another, and find + sad comfort in the sharing of our sorrows.” + </p> + <p> + He opened his arms towards him as he spoke and would have clasped him in + them, but there was nothing, and the spirit vanished as a vapour, + gibbering and whining into the earth. Achilles sprang to his feet, smote + his two hands, and made lamentation saying, “Of a truth even in the house + of Hades there are ghosts and phantoms that have no life in them; all + night long the sad spirit of Patroclus has hovered over head making + piteous moan, telling me what I am to do for him, and looking wondrously + like himself.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak and his words set them all weeping and mourning about + the poor dumb dead, till rosy-fingered morn appeared. Then King Agamemnon + sent men and mules from all parts of the camp, to bring wood, and + Meriones, squire to Idomeneus, was in charge over them. They went out with + woodmen’s axes and strong ropes in their hands, and before them went the + mules. Up hill and down dale did they go, by straight ways and crooked, + and when they reached the heights of many-fountained Ida, they laid their + axes to the roots of many a tall branching oak that came thundering down + as they felled it. They split the trees and bound them behind the mules, + which then wended their way as they best could through the thick brushwood + on to the plain. All who had been cutting wood bore logs, for so Meriones + squire to Idomeneus had bidden them, and they threw them down in a line + upon the sea-shore at the place where Achilles would make a mighty monument + for Patroclus and for himself. + </p> + <p> + When they had thrown down their great logs of wood over the whole ground, + they stayed all of them where they were, but Achilles ordered his brave + Myrmidons to gird on their armour, and to yoke each man his horses; they + therefore rose, girded on their armour and mounted each his chariot—they + and their charioteers with them. The chariots went before, and they that + were on foot followed as a cloud in their tens of thousands after. In the + midst of them his comrades bore Patroclus and covered him with the locks + of their hair which they cut off and threw upon his body. Last came + Achilles with his head bowed for sorrow, so noble a comrade was he taking + to the house of Hades. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the place of which Achilles had told them they laid the + body down and built up the wood. Achilles then bethought him of another + matter. He went a space away from the pyre, and cut off the yellow lock + which he had let grow for the river Spercheius. He looked all sorrowfully + out upon the dark sea, and said, “Spercheius, in vain did my father Peleus + vow to you that when I returned home to my loved native land I should cut + off this lock and offer you a holy hecatomb; fifty she-goats was I to + sacrifice to you there at your springs, where is your grove and your altar + fragrant with burnt-offerings. Thus did my father vow, but you have not + fulfilled his prayer; now, therefore, that I shall see my home no more, I + give this lock as a keepsake to the hero Patroclus.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he placed the lock in the hands of his dear comrade, and all + who stood by were filled with yearning and lamentation. The sun would have + gone down upon their mourning had not Achilles presently said to + Agamemnon, “Son of Atreus, for it is to you that the people will give ear, + there is a time to mourn and a time to cease from mourning; bid the people + now leave the pyre and set about getting their dinners: we, to whom the + dead is dearest, will see to what is wanted here, and let the other + princes also stay by me.” + </p> + <p> + When King Agamemnon heard this he dismissed the people to their ships, but + those who were about the dead heaped up wood and built a pyre a hundred + feet this way and that; then they laid the dead all sorrowfully upon the + top of it. They flayed and dressed many fat sheep and oxen before the + pyre, and Achilles took fat from all of them and wrapped the body therein + from head to foot, heaping the flayed carcases all round it. Against the + bier he leaned two-handled jars of honey and unguents; four proud horses + did he then cast upon the pyre, groaning the while he did so. The dead + hero had had house-dogs; two of them did Achilles slay and threw upon the + pyre; he also put twelve brave sons of noble Trojans to the sword and laid + them with the rest, for he was full of bitterness and fury. Then he + committed all to the resistless and devouring might of the fire; he + groaned aloud and called on his dead comrade by name. “Fare well,” he + cried, “Patroclus, even in the house of Hades; I am now doing all that I + have promised you. Twelve brave sons of noble Trojans shall the flames + consume along with yourself, but dogs, not fire, shall devour the flesh of + Hector son of Priam.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he vaunt, but the dogs came not about the body of Hector, for + Jove’s daughter Venus kept them off him night and day, and anointed him + with ambrosial oil of roses that his flesh might not be torn when Achilles + was dragging him about. Phoebus Apollo moreover sent a dark cloud from + heaven to earth, which gave shade to the whole place where Hector lay, + that the heat of the sun might not parch his body. + </p> + <p> + Now the pyre about dead Patroclus would not kindle. Achilles therefore + bethought him of another matter; he went apart and prayed to the two winds + Boreas and Zephyrus vowing them goodly offerings. He made them many + drink-offerings from the golden cup and besought them to come and help him + that the wood might make haste to kindle and the dead bodies be consumed. + Fleet Iris heard him praying and started off to fetch the winds. They were + holding high feast in the house of boisterous Zephyrus when Iris came + running up to the stone threshold of the house and stood there, but as + soon as they set eyes on her they all came towards her and each of them + called her to him, but Iris would not sit down. “I cannot stay,” she said, + “I must go back to the streams of Oceanus and the land of the Ethiopians + who are offering hecatombs to the immortals, and I would have my share; + but Achilles prays that Boreas and shrill Zephyrus will come to him, and + he vows them goodly offerings; he would have you blow upon the pyre of + Patroclus for whom all the Achaeans are lamenting.” + </p> + <p> + With this she left them, and the two winds rose with a cry that rent the + air and swept the clouds before them. They blew on and on until they came + to the sea, and the waves rose high beneath them, but when they reached + Troy they fell upon the pyre till the mighty flames roared under the blast + that they blew. All night long did they blow hard and beat upon the fire, + and all night long did Achilles grasp his double cup, drawing wine from a + mixing-bowl of gold, and calling upon the spirit of dead Patroclus as he + poured it upon the ground until the earth was drenched. As a father mourns + when he is burning the bones of his bridegroom son whose death has wrung + the hearts of his parents, even so did Achilles mourn while burning the + body of his comrade, pacing round the bier with piteous groaning and + lamentation. + </p> + <p> + At length as the Morning Star was beginning to herald the light which + saffron-mantled Dawn was soon to suffuse over the sea, the flames fell and + the fire began to die. The winds then went home beyond the Thracian sea, + which roared and boiled as they swept over it. The son of Peleus now + turned away from the pyre and lay down, overcome with toil, till he fell + into a sweet slumber. Presently they who were about the son of Atreus drew + near in a body, and roused him with the noise and tramp of their coming. + He sat upright and said, “Son of Atreus, and all other princes of the + Achaeans, first pour red wine everywhere upon the fire and quench it; let + us then gather the bones of Patroclus son of Menoetius, singling them out + with care; they are easily found, for they lie in the middle of the pyre, + while all else, both men and horses, has been thrown in a heap and burned + at the outer edge. We will lay the bones in a golden urn, in two layers of + fat, against the time when I shall myself go down into the house of Hades. + As for the barrow, labour not to raise a great one now, but such as is + reasonable. Afterwards, let those Achaeans who may be left at the ships + when I am gone, build it both broad and high.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke and they obeyed the word of the son of Peleus. First they + poured red wine upon the thick layer of ashes and quenched the fire. With + many tears they singled out the whitened bones of their loved comrade and + laid them within a golden urn in two layers of fat: they then covered the + urn with a linen cloth and took it inside the tent. They marked off the + circle where the barrow should be, made a foundation for it about the + pyre, and forthwith heaped up the earth. When they had thus raised a mound + they were going away, but Achilles stayed the people and made them sit in + assembly. He brought prizes from the ships—cauldrons, tripods, + horses and mules, noble oxen, women with fair girdles, and swart iron. + </p> + <p> + The first prize he offered was for the chariot races—a woman skilled + in all useful arts, and a three-legged cauldron that had ears for handles, + and would hold twenty-two measures. This was for the man who came in + first. For the second there was a six-year old mare, unbroken, and in foal + to a he-ass; the third was to have a goodly cauldron that had never yet + been on the fire; it was still bright as when it left the maker, and would + hold four measures. The fourth prize was two talents of gold, and the + fifth a two-handled urn as yet unsoiled by smoke. Then he stood up and + spoke among the Argives saying— + </p> + <p> + “Son of Atreus, and all other Achaeans, these are the prizes that lie + waiting the winners of the chariot races. At any other time I should carry + off the first prize and take it to my own tent; you know how far my steeds + excel all others—for they are immortal; Neptune gave them to my + father Peleus, who in his turn gave them to myself; but I shall hold + aloof, I and my steeds that have lost their brave and kind driver, who + many a time has washed them in clear water and anointed their manes with + oil. See how they stand weeping here, with their manes trailing on the + ground in the extremity of their sorrow. But do you others set yourselves + in order throughout the host, whosoever has confidence in his horses and + in the strength of his chariot.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the son of Peleus and the drivers of chariots bestirred + themselves. First among them all uprose Eumelus, king of men, son of + Admetus, a man excellent in horsemanship. Next to him rose mighty Diomed + son of Tydeus; he yoked the Trojan horses which he had taken from Aeneas, + when Apollo bore him out of the fight. Next to him, yellow-haired Menelaus + son of Atreus rose and yoked his fleet horses, Agamemnon’s mare Aethe, and + his own horse Podargus. The mare had been given to Agamemnon by Echepolus + son of Anchises, that he might not have to follow him to Ilius, but might + stay at home and take his ease; for Jove had endowed him with great wealth + and he lived in spacious Sicyon. This mare, all eager for the race, did + Menelaus put under the yoke. + </p> + <p> + Fourth in order Antilochus, son to noble Nestor son of Neleus, made ready + his horses. These were bred in Pylos, and his father came up to him to + give him good advice of which, however, he stood in but little need. + “Antilochus,” said Nestor, “you are young, but Jove and Neptune have loved + you well, and have made you an excellent horseman. I need not therefore + say much by way of instruction. You are skilful at wheeling your horses + round the post, but the horses themselves are very slow, and it is this + that will, I fear, mar your chances. The other drivers know less than you + do, but their horses are fleeter; therefore, my dear son, see if you + cannot hit upon some artifice whereby you may insure that the prize shall + not slip through your fingers. The woodman does more by skill than by + brute force; by skill the pilot guides his storm-tossed barque over the + sea, and so by skill one driver can beat another. If a man go wide in + rounding this way and that, whereas a man who knows what he is doing may + have worse horses, but he will keep them well in hand when he sees the + doubling-post; he knows the precise moment at which to pull the rein, and + keeps his eye well on the man in front of him. I will give you this + certain token which cannot escape your notice. There is a stump of a dead + tree—oak or pine as it may be—some six feet above the ground, + and not yet rotted away by rain; it stands at the fork of the road; it has + two white stones set one on each side, and there is a clear course all + round it. It may have been a monument to some one long since dead, or it + may have been used as a doubling-post in days gone by; now, however, it + has been fixed on by Achilles as the mark round which the chariots shall + turn; hug it as close as you can, but as you stand in your chariot lean + over a little to the left; urge on your right-hand horse with voice and + lash, and give him a loose rein, but let the left-hand horse keep so close + in, that the nave of your wheel shall almost graze the post; but mind the + stone, or you will wound your horses and break your chariot in pieces, + which would be sport for others but confusion for yourself. Therefore, my + dear son, mind well what you are about, for if you can be first to round + the post there is no chance of any one giving you the go-by later, not + even though you had Adrestus’s horse Arion behind you—a horse which + is of divine race—or those of Laomedon, which are the noblest in + this country.” + </p> + <p> + When Nestor had made an end of counselling his son he sat down in his + place, and fifth in order Meriones got ready his horses. They then all + mounted their chariots and cast lots. Achilles shook the helmet, and the + lot of Antilochus son of Nestor fell out first; next came that of King + Eumelus, and after his, those of Menelaus son of Atreus and of Meriones. + The last place fell to the lot of Diomed son of Tydeus, who was the best + man of them all. They took their places in line; Achilles showed them the + doubling-post round which they were to turn, some way off upon the plain; + here he stationed his father’s follower Phoenix as umpire, to note the + running, and report truly. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant they all of them lashed their horses, struck them with + the reins, and shouted at them with all their might. They flew full speed + over the plain away from the ships, the dust rose from under them as it + were a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes were all flying in the wind. At + one moment the chariots seemed to touch the ground, and then again they + bounded into the air; the drivers stood erect, and their hearts beat fast + and furious in their lust of victory. Each kept calling on his horses, and + the horses scoured the plain amid the clouds of dust that they raised. + </p> + <p> + It was when they were doing the last part of the course on their way back + towards the sea that their pace was strained to the utmost and it was seen + what each could do. The horses of the descendant of Pheres now took the + lead, and close behind them came the Trojan stallions of Diomed. They + seemed as if about to mount Eumelus’s chariot, and he could feel their + warm breath on his back and on his broad shoulders, for their heads were + close to him as they flew over the course. Diomed would have now passed + him, or there would have been a dead heat, but Phoebus Apollo to spite him + made him drop his whip. Tears of anger fell from his eyes as he saw the + mares going on faster than ever, while his own horses lost ground through + his having no whip. Minerva saw the trick which Apollo had played the son + of Tydeus, so she brought him his whip and put spirit into his horses; + moreover she went after the son of Admetus in a rage and broke his yoke + for him; the mares went one to one side of the course, and the other to + the other, and the pole was broken against the ground. Eumelus was thrown + from his chariot close to the wheel; his elbows, mouth, and nostrils were + all torn, and his forehead was bruised above his eyebrows; his eyes filled + with tears and he could find no utterance. But the son of Tydeus turned + his horses aside and shot far ahead, for Minerva put fresh strength into + them and covered Diomed himself with glory. + </p> + <p> + Menelaus son of Atreus came next behind him, but Antilochus called to his + father’s horses. “On with you both,” he cried, “and do your very utmost. I + do not bid you try to beat the steeds of the son of Tydeus, for Minerva + has put running into them, and has covered Diomed with glory; but you must + overtake the horses of the son of Atreus and not be left behind, or Aethe + who is so fleet will taunt you. Why, my good fellows, are you lagging? I + tell you, and it shall surely be—Nestor will keep neither of you, + but will put both of you to the sword, if we win any the worse a prize + through your carelessness. Fly after them at your utmost speed; I will hit + on a plan for passing them in a narrow part of the way, and it shall not + fail me.” + </p> + <p> + They feared the rebuke of their master, and for a short space went + quicker. Presently Antilochus saw a narrow place where the road had sunk. + The ground was broken, for the winter’s rain had gathered and had worn the + road so that the whole place was deepened. Menelaus was making towards it + so as to get there first, for fear of a foul, but Antilochus turned his + horses out of the way, and followed him a little on one side. The son of + Atreus was afraid and shouted out, “Antilochus, you are driving + recklessly; rein in your horses; the road is too narrow here, it will be + wider soon, and you can pass me then; if you foul my chariot you may bring + both of us to a mischief.” + </p> + <p> + But Antilochus plied his whip, and drove faster, as though he had not + heard him. They went side by side for about as far as a young man can hurl + a disc from his shoulder when he is trying his strength, and then + Menelaus’s mares drew behind, for he left off driving for fear the horses + should foul one another and upset the chariots; thus, while pressing on in + quest of victory, they might both come headlong to the ground. Menelaus + then upbraided Antilochus and said, “There is no greater trickster living + than you are; go, and bad luck go with you; the Achaeans say not well that + you have understanding, and come what may you shall not bear away the + prize without sworn protest on my part.” + </p> + <p> + Then he called on his horses and said to them, “Keep your pace, and + slacken not; the limbs of the other horses will weary sooner than yours, + for they are neither of them young.” + </p> + <p> + The horses feared the rebuke of their master, and went faster, so that + they were soon nearly up with the others. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Achaeans from their seats were watching how the horses went, + as they scoured the plain amid clouds of their own dust. Idomeneus captain + of the Cretans was first to make out the running, for he was not in the + thick of the crowd, but stood on the most commanding part of the ground. + The driver was a long way off, but Idomeneus could hear him shouting, and + could see the foremost horse quite plainly—a chestnut with a round + white star, like the moon, on its forehead. He stood up and said among the + Argives, “My friends, princes and counsellors of the Argives, can you see + the running as well as I can? There seems to be another pair in front now, + and another driver; those that led off at the start must have been + disabled out on the plain. I saw them at first making their way round the + doubling-post, but now, though I search the plain of Troy, I cannot find + them. Perhaps the reins fell from the driver’s hand so that he lost + command of his horses at the doubling-post, and could not turn it. I + suppose he must have been thrown out there, and broken his chariot, while + his mares have left the course and gone off wildly in a panic. Come up and + see for yourselves, I cannot make out for certain, but the driver seems an + Aetolian by descent, ruler over the Argives, brave Diomed the son of + Tydeus.” + </p> + <p> + Ajax the son of Oileus took him up rudely and said, “Idomeneus, why should + you be in such a hurry to tell us all about it, when the mares are still + so far out upon the plain? You are none of the youngest, nor your eyes + none of the sharpest, but you are always laying down the law. You have no + right to do so, for there are better men here than you are. Eumelus’s + horses are in front now, as they always have been, and he is on the + chariot holding the reins.” + </p> + <p> + The captain of the Cretans was angry, and answered, “Ajax you are an + excellent railer, but you have no judgement, and are wanting in much else + as well, for you have a vile temper. I will wager you a tripod or + cauldron, and Agamemnon son of Atreus shall decide whose horses are first. + You will then know to your cost.” + </p> + <p> + Ajax son of Oileus was for making him an angry answer, and there would + have been yet further brawling between them, had not Achilles risen in his + place and said, “Cease your railing, Ajax and Idomeneus; it is not seemly; + you would be scandalised if you saw any one else do the like: sit down and + keep your eyes on the horses; they are speeding towards the winning-post + and will be here directly. You will then both of you know whose horses are + first, and whose come after.” + </p> + <p> + As he was speaking, the son of Tydeus came driving in, plying his whip + lustily from his shoulder, and his horses stepping high as they flew over + the course. The sand and grit rained thick on the driver, and the chariot + inlaid with gold and tin ran close behind his fleet horses. There was + little trace of wheel-marks in the fine dust, and the horses came flying + in at their utmost speed. Diomed stayed them in the middle of the crowd, + and the sweat from their manes and chests fell in streams on to the + ground. Forthwith he sprang from his goodly chariot, and leaned his whip + against his horses’ yoke; brave Sthenelus now lost no time, but at once + brought on the prize, and gave the woman and the ear-handled cauldron to + his comrades to take away. Then he unyoked the horses. + </p> + <p> + Next after him came in Antilochus of the race of Neleus, who had passed + Menelaus by a trick and not by the fleetness of his horses; but even so + Menelaus came in as close behind him as the wheel is to the horse that + draws both the chariot and its master. The end hairs of a horse’s tail + touch the tyre of the wheel, and there is never much space between wheel + and horse when the chariot is going; Menelaus was no further than this + behind Antilochus, though at first he had been a full disc’s throw behind + him. He had soon caught him up again, for Agamemnon’s mare Aethe kept + pulling stronger and stronger, so that if the course had been longer he + would have passed him, and there would not even have been a dead heat. + Idomeneus’s brave squire Meriones was about a spear’s cast behind + Menelaus. His horses were slowest of all, and he was the worst driver. + Last of them all came the son of Admetus, dragging his chariot and driving + his horses on in front. When Achilles saw him he was sorry, and stood up + among the Argives saying, “The best man is coming in last. Let us give him + a prize for it is reasonable. He shall have the second, but the first must + go to the son of Tydeus.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak and the others all of them applauded his saying, and + were for doing as he had said, but Nestor’s son Antilochus stood up and + claimed his rights from the son of Peleus. “Achilles,” said he, “I shall + take it much amiss if you do this thing; you would rob me of my prize, + because you think Eumelus’s chariot and horses were thrown out, and + himself too, good man that he is. He should have prayed duly to the + immortals; he would not have come in last if he had done so. If you are + sorry for him and so choose, you have much gold in your tents, with + bronze, sheep, cattle and horses. Take something from this store if you + would have the Achaeans speak well of you, and give him a better prize + even than that which you have now offered; but I will not give up the + mare, and he that will fight me for her, let him come on.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles smiled as he heard this, and was pleased with Antilochus, who was + one of his dearest comrades. So he said— + </p> + <p> + “Antilochus, if you would have me find Eumelus another prize, I will give + him the bronze breastplate with a rim of tin running all round it which I + took from Asteropaeus. It will be worth much money to him.” + </p> + <p> + He bade his comrade Automedon bring the breastplate from his tent, and he + did so. Achilles then gave it over to Eumelus, who received it gladly. + </p> + <p> + But Menelaus got up in a rage, furiously angry with Antilochus. An + attendant placed his staff in his hands and bade the Argives keep silence: + the hero then addressed them. “Antilochus,” said he, “what is this from + you who have been so far blameless? You have made me cut a poor figure and + baulked my horses by flinging your own in front of them, though yours are + much worse than mine are; therefore, O princes and counsellors of the + Argives, judge between us and show no favour, lest one of the Achaeans + say, ‘Menelaus has got the mare through lying and corruption; his horses + were far inferior to Antilochus’s, but he has greater weight and + influence.’ Nay, I will determine the matter myself, and no man will blame + me, for I shall do what is just. Come here, Antilochus, and stand, as our + custom is, whip in hand before your chariot and horses; lay your hand on + your steeds, and swear by earth-encircling Neptune that you did not + purposely and guilefully get in the way of my horses.” + </p> + <p> + And Antilochus answered, “Forgive me; I am much younger, King Menelaus, + than you are; you stand higher than I do and are the better man of the + two; you know how easily young men are betrayed into indiscretion; their + tempers are more hasty and they have less judgement; make due allowances + therefore, and bear with me; I will of my own accord give up the mare that + I have won, and if you claim any further chattel from my own possessions, + I would rather yield it to you, at once, than fall from your good graces + henceforth, and do wrong in the sight of heaven.” + </p> + <p> + The son of Nestor then took the mare and gave her over to Menelaus, whose + anger was thus appeased; as when dew falls upon a field of ripening corn, + and the lands are bristling with the harvest—even so, O Menelaus, + was your heart made glad within you. He turned to Antilochus and said, + “Now, Antilochus, angry though I have been, I can give way to you of my + own free will; you have never been headstrong nor ill-disposed hitherto, + but this time your youth has got the better of your judgement; be careful + how you outwit your betters in future; no one else could have brought me + round so easily, but your good father, your brother, and yourself have all + of you had infinite trouble on my behalf; I therefore yield to your + entreaty, and will give up the mare to you, mine though it indeed be; the + people will thus see that I am neither harsh nor vindictive.” + </p> + <p> + With this he gave the mare over to Antilochus’s comrade Noemon, and then + took the cauldron. Meriones, who had come in fourth, carried off the two + talents of gold, and the fifth prize, the two-handled urn, being + unawarded, Achilles gave it to Nestor, going up to him among the assembled + Argives and saying, “Take this, my good old friend, as an heirloom and + memorial of the funeral of Patroclus—for you shall see him no more + among the Argives. I give you this prize though you cannot win one; you + can now neither wrestle nor fight, and cannot enter for the javelin-match + nor foot-races, for the hand of age has been laid heavily upon you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he gave the urn over to Nestor, who received it gladly and + answered, “My son, all that you have said is true; there is no strength + now in my legs and feet, nor can I hit out with my hands from either + shoulder. Would that I were still young and strong as when the Epeans were + burying King Amarynceus in Buprasium, and his sons offered prizes in his + honour. There was then none that could vie with me neither of the Epeans + nor the Pylians themselves nor the Aetolians. In boxing I overcame + Clytomedes son of Enops, and in wrestling, Ancaeus of Pleuron who had come + forward against me. Iphiclus was a good runner, but I beat him, and threw + farther with my spear than either Phyleus or Polydorus. In chariot-racing + alone did the two sons of Actor surpass me by crowding their horses in + front of me, for they were angry at the way victory had gone, and at the + greater part of the prizes remaining in the place in which they had been + offered. They were twins, and the one kept on holding the reins, and + holding the reins, while the other plied the whip. Such was I then, but + now I must leave these matters to younger men; I must bow before the + weight of years, but in those days I was eminent among heroes. And now, + sir, go on with the funeral contests in honour of your comrade: gladly do + I accept this urn, and my heart rejoices that you do not forget me but are + ever mindful of my goodwill towards you, and of the respect due to me from + the Achaeans. For all which may the grace of heaven be vouchsafed you in + great abundance.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon the son of Peleus, when he had listened to all the thanks of + Nestor, went about among the concourse of the Achaeans, and presently + offered prizes for skill in the painful art of boxing. He brought out a + strong mule, and made it fast in the middle of the crowd—a she-mule + never yet broken, but six years old—when it is hardest of all to + break them: this was for the victor, and for the vanquished he offered a + double cup. Then he stood up and said among the Argives, “Son of Atreus, + and all other Achaeans, I invite our two champion boxers to lay about them + lustily and compete for these prizes. He to whom Apollo vouchsafes the + greater endurance, and whom the Achaeans acknowledge as victor, shall take + the mule back with him to his own tent, while he that is vanquished shall + have the double cup.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke there stood up a champion both brave and of great stature, a + skilful boxer, Epeus, son of Panopeus. He laid his hand on the mule and + said, “Let the man who is to have the cup come hither, for none but myself + will take the mule. I am the best boxer of all here present, and none can + beat me. Is it not enough that I should fall short of you in actual + fighting? Still, no man can be good at everything. I tell you plainly, and + it shall come true; if any man will box with me I will bruise his body and + break his bones; therefore let his friends stay here in a body and be at + hand to take him away when I have done with him.” + </p> + <p> + They all held their peace, and no man rose save Euryalus son of Mecisteus, + who was son of Talaus. Mecisteus went once to Thebes after the fall of + Oedipus, to attend his funeral, and he beat all the people of Cadmus. The + son of Tydeus was Euryalus’s second, cheering him on and hoping heartily + that he would win. First he put a waistband round him and then he gave him + some well-cut thongs of ox-hide; the two men being now girt went into the + middle of the ring, and immediately fell to; heavily indeed did they + punish one another and lay about them with their brawny fists. One could + hear the horrid crashing of their jaws, and they sweated from every pore + of their skin. Presently Epeus came on and gave Euryalus a blow on the jaw + as he was looking round; Euryalus could not keep his legs; they gave way + under him in a moment and he sprang up with a bound, as a fish leaps into + the air near some shore that is all bestrewn with sea-wrack, when Boreas + furs the top of the waves, and then falls back into deep water. But noble + Epeus caught hold of him and raised him up; his comrades also came round + him and led him from the ring, unsteady in his gait, his head hanging on + one side, and spitting great clots of gore. They set him down in a swoon + and then went to fetch the double cup. + </p> + <p> + The son of Peleus now brought out the prizes for the third contest and + showed them to the Argives. These were for the painful art of wrestling. + For the winner there was a great tripod ready for setting upon the fire, + and the Achaeans valued it among themselves at twelve oxen. For the loser + he brought out a woman skilled in all manner of arts, and they valued her + at four oxen. He rose and said among the Argives, “Stand forward, you who + will essay this contest.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith uprose great Ajax the son of Telamon, and crafty Ulysses, full + of wiles, rose also. The two girded themselves and went into the middle of + the ring. They gripped each other in their strong hands like the rafters + which some master-builder frames for the roof of a high house to keep the + wind out. Their backbones cracked as they tugged at one another with their + mighty arms—and sweat rained from them in torrents. Many a bloody + weal sprang up on their sides and shoulders, but they kept on striving + with might and main for victory and to win the tripod. Ulysses could not + throw Ajax, nor Ajax him; Ulysses was too strong for him; but when the + Achaeans began to tire of watching them, Ajax said to Ulysses, “Ulysses, + noble son of Laertes, you shall either lift me, or I you, and let Jove + settle it between us.” + </p> + <p> + He lifted him from the ground as he spoke, but Ulysses did not forget his + cunning. He hit Ajax in the hollow at back of his knee, so that he could + not keep his feet, but fell on his back with Ulysses lying upon his chest, + and all who saw it marvelled. Then Ulysses in turn lifted Ajax and stirred + him a little from the ground but could not lift him right off it, his knee + sank under him, and the two fell side by side on the ground and were all + begrimed with dust. They now sprang towards one another and were for + wrestling yet a third time, but Achilles rose and stayed them. “Put not + each other further,” said he, “to such cruel suffering; the victory is + with both alike, take each of you an equal prize, and let the other + Achaeans now compete.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak and they did even as he had said, and put on their + shirts again after wiping the dust from off their bodies. + </p> + <p> + The son of Peleus then offered prizes for speed in running—a + mixing-bowl beautifully wrought, of pure silver. It would hold six + measures, and far exceeded all others in the whole world for beauty; it + was the work of cunning artificers in Sidon, and had been brought into + port by Phoenicians from beyond the sea, who had made a present of it to + Thoas. Eueneus son of Jason had given it to Patroclus in ransom of Priam’s + son Lycaon, and Achilles now offered it as a prize in honour of his + comrade to him who should be the swiftest runner. For the second prize he + offered a large ox, well fattened, while for the last there was to be half + a talent of gold. He then rose and said among the Argives, “Stand forward, + you who will essay this contest.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith uprose fleet Ajax son of Oileus, with cunning Ulysses, and + Nestor’s son Antilochus, the fastest runner among all the youth of his + time. They stood side by side and Achilles showed them the goal. The + course was set out for them from the starting-post, and the son of Oileus + took the lead at once, with Ulysses as close behind him as the shuttle is + to a woman’s bosom when she throws the woof across the warp and holds it + close up to her; even so close behind him was Ulysses—treading in + his footprints before the dust could settle there, and Ajax could feel his + breath on the back of his head as he ran swiftly on. The Achaeans all + shouted applause as they saw him straining his utmost, and cheered him as + he shot past them; but when they were now nearing the end of the course + Ulysses prayed inwardly to Minerva. “Hear me,” he cried, “and help my + feet, O goddess.” Thus did he pray, and Pallas Minerva heard his prayer; + she made his hands and his feet feel light, and when the runners were at + the point of pouncing upon the prize, Ajax, through Minerva’s spite + slipped upon some offal that was lying there from the cattle which + Achilles had slaughtered in honour of Patroclus, and his mouth and + nostrils were all filled with cow dung. Ulysses therefore carried off the + mixing-bowl, for he got before Ajax and came in first. But Ajax took the + ox and stood with his hand on one of its horns, spitting the dung out of + his mouth. Then he said to the Argives, “Alas, the goddess has spoiled my + running; she watches over Ulysses and stands by him as though she were his + own mother.” Thus did he speak and they all of them laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + Antilochus carried off the last prize and smiled as he said to the + bystanders, “You all see, my friends, that now too the gods have shown + their respect for seniority. Ajax is somewhat older than I am, and as for + Ulysses, he belongs to an earlier generation, but he is hale in spite of + his years, and no man of the Achaeans can run against him save only + Achilles.” + </p> + <p> + He said this to pay a compliment to the son of Peleus, and Achilles + answered, “Antilochus, you shall not have praised me to no purpose; I + shall give you an additional half talent of gold.” He then gave the half + talent to Antilochus, who received it gladly. + </p> + <p> + Then the son of Peleus brought out the spear, helmet and shield that had + been borne by Sarpedon, and were taken from him by Patroclus. He stood up + and said among the Argives, “We bid two champions put on their armour, + take their keen blades, and make trial of one another in the presence of + the multitude; whichever of them can first wound the flesh of the other, + cut through his armour, and draw blood, to him will I give this goodly + Thracian sword inlaid with silver, which I took from Asteropaeus, but the + armour let both hold in partnership, and I will give each of them a hearty + meal in my own tent.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith uprose great Ajax the son of Telamon, as also mighty Diomed son + of Tydeus. When they had put on their armour each on his own side of the + ring, they both went into the middle eager to engage, and with fire + flashing from their eyes. The Achaeans marvelled as they beheld them, and + when the two were now close up with one another, thrice did they spring + forward and thrice try to strike each other in close combat. Ajax pierced + Diomed’s round shield, but did not draw blood, for the cuirass beneath the + shield protected him; thereon the son of Tydeus from over his huge shield + kept aiming continually at Ajax’s neck with the point of his spear, and + the Achaeans alarmed for his safety bade them leave off fighting and + divide the prize between them. Achilles then gave the great sword to the + son of Tydeus, with its scabbard, and the leathern belt with which to hang + it. + </p> + <p> + Achilles next offered the massive iron quoit which mighty Eetion had + erewhile been used to hurl, until Achilles had slain him and carried it + off in his ships along with other spoils. He stood up and said among the + Argives, “Stand forward, you who would essay this contest. He who wins it + will have a store of iron that will last him five years as they go rolling + round, and if his fair fields lie far from a town his shepherd or + ploughman will not have to make a journey to buy iron, for he will have a + stock of it on his own premises.” + </p> + <p> + Then uprose the two mighty men Polypoetes and Leonteus, with Ajax son of + Telamon and noble Epeus. They stood up one after the other and Epeus took + the quoit, whirled it, and flung it from him, which set all the Achaeans + laughing. After him threw Leonteus of the race of Mars. Ajax son of + Telamon threw third, and sent the quoit beyond any mark that had been made + yet, but when mighty Polypoetes took the quoit he hurled it as though it + had been a stockman’s stick which he sends flying about among his cattle + when he is driving them, so far did his throw out-distance those of the + others. All who saw it roared applause, and his comrades carried the prize + for him and set it on board his ship. + </p> + <p> + Achilles next offered a prize of iron for archery—ten double-edged + axes and ten with single edges: he set up a ship’s mast, some way off upon + the sands, and with a fine string tied a pigeon to it by the foot; this + was what they were to aim at. “Whoever,” he said, “can hit the pigeon + shall have all the axes and take them away with him; he who hits the + string without hitting the bird will have taken a worse aim and shall have + the single-edged axes.” + </p> + <p> + Then uprose King Teucer, and Meriones the stalwart squire of Idomeneus + rose also, They cast lots in a bronze helmet and the lot of Teucer fell + first. He let fly with his arrow forthwith, but he did not promise + hecatombs of firstling lambs to King Apollo, and missed his bird, for + Apollo foiled his aim; but he hit the string with which the bird was tied, + near its foot; the arrow cut the string clean through so that it hung down + towards the ground, while the bird flew up into the sky, and the Achaeans + shouted applause. Meriones, who had his arrow ready while Teucer was + aiming, snatched the bow out of his hand, and at once promised that he + would sacrifice a hecatomb of firstling lambs to Apollo lord of the bow; + then espying the pigeon high up under the clouds, he hit her in the middle + of the wing as she was circling upwards; the arrow went clean through the + wing and fixed itself in the ground at Meriones’ feet, but the bird + perched on the ship’s mast hanging her head and with all her feathers + drooping; the life went out of her, and she fell heavily from the mast. + Meriones, therefore, took all ten double-edged axes, while Teucer bore off + the single-edged ones to his ships. + </p> + <p> + Then the son of Peleus brought in a spear and a cauldron that had never + been on the fire; it was worth an ox, and was chased with a pattern of + flowers; and those that throw the javelin stood up—to wit the son of + Atreus, king of men Agamemnon, and Meriones, stalwart squire of Idomeneus. + But Achilles spoke saying, “Son of Atreus, we know how far you excel all + others both in power and in throwing the javelin; take the cauldron back + with you to your ships, but if it so please you, let us give the spear to + Meriones; this at least is what I should myself wish.” + </p> + <p> + King Agamemnon assented. So he gave the bronze spear to Meriones, and + handed the goodly cauldron to Talthybius his esquire. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a id="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2> + + <p class="intro"> + Priam ransoms the body of Hector—Hector’s funeral. + </p> + <p> + The assembly now broke up and the people went their ways each to his own + ship. There they made ready their supper, and then bethought them of the + blessed boon of sleep; but Achilles still wept for thinking of his dear + comrade, and sleep, before whom all things bow, could take no hold upon + him. This way and that did he turn as he yearned after the might and + manfulness of Patroclus; he thought of all they had done together, and all + they had gone through both on the field of battle and on the waves of the + weary sea. As he dwelt on these things he wept bitterly and lay now on his + side, now on his back, and now face downwards, till at last he rose and + went out as one distraught to wander upon the sea-shore. Then, when he saw + dawn breaking over beach and sea, he yoked his horses to his chariot, and + bound the body of Hector behind it that he might drag it about. Thrice did + he drag it round the tomb of the son of Menoetius, and then went back into + his tent, leaving the body on the ground full length and with its face + downwards. But Apollo would not suffer it to be disfigured, for he pitied + the man, dead though he now was; therefore he shielded him with his golden + aegis continually, that he might take no hurt while Achilles was dragging + him. + </p> + <p> + Thus shamefully did Achilles in his fury dishonour Hector; but the blessed + gods looked down in pity from heaven, and urged Mercury, slayer of Argus, + to steal the body. All were of this mind save only Juno, Neptune, and + Jove’s grey-eyed daughter, who persisted in the hate which they had ever + borne towards Ilius with Priam and his people; for they forgave not the + wrong done them by Alexandrus in disdaining the goddesses who came to him + when he was in his sheepyards, and preferring her who had offered him a + wanton to his ruin. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, the morning of the twelfth day had now come, Phoebus + Apollo spoke among the immortals saying, “You gods ought to be ashamed of + yourselves; you are cruel and hard-hearted. Did not Hector burn you + thigh-bones of heifers and of unblemished goats? And now dare you not + rescue even his dead body, for his wife to look upon, with his mother and + child, his father Priam, and his people, who would forthwith commit him to + the flames, and give him his due funeral rites? So, then, you would all be + on the side of mad Achilles, who knows neither right nor ruth? He is like + some savage lion that in the pride of his great strength and daring + springs upon men’s flocks and gorges on them. Even so has Achilles flung + aside all pity, and all that conscience which at once so greatly banes yet + greatly boons him that will heed it. A man may lose one far dearer than + Achilles has lost—a son, it may be, or a brother born from his own + mother’s womb; yet when he has mourned him and wept over him he will let + him bide, for it takes much sorrow to kill a man; whereas Achilles, now + that he has slain noble Hector, drags him behind his chariot round the + tomb of his comrade. It were better of him, and for him, that he should + not do so, for brave though he be we gods may take it ill that he should + vent his fury upon dead clay.” + </p> + <p> + Juno spoke up in a rage. “This were well,” she cried, “O lord of the + silver bow, if you would give like honour to Hector and to Achilles; but + Hector was mortal and suckled at a woman’s breast, whereas Achilles is the + offspring of a goddess whom I myself reared and brought up. I married her + to Peleus, who is above measure dear to the immortals; you gods came all + of you to her wedding; you feasted along with them yourself and brought + your lyre—false, and fond of low company, that you have ever been.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Jove, “Juno, be not so bitter. Their honour shall not be equal, + but of all that dwell in Ilius, Hector was dearest to the gods, as also to + myself, for his offerings never failed me. Never was my altar stinted of + its dues, nor of the drink-offerings and savour of sacrifice which we + claim of right. I shall therefore permit the body of mighty Hector to be + stolen; and yet this may hardly be without Achilles coming to know it, for + his mother keeps night and day beside him. Let some one of you, therefore, + send Thetis to me, and I will impart my counsel to her, namely that + Achilles is to accept a ransom from Priam, and give up the body.” + </p> + <p> + On this Iris fleet as the wind went forth to carry his message. Down she + plunged into the dark sea midway between Samos and rocky Imbrus; the + waters hissed as they closed over her, and she sank into the bottom as the + lead at the end of an ox-horn, that is sped to carry death to fishes. She + found Thetis sitting in a great cave with the other sea-goddesses gathered + round her; there she sat in the midst of them weeping for her noble son + who was to fall far from his own land, on the rich plains of Troy. Iris + went up to her and said, “Rise Thetis; Jove, whose counsels fail not, bids + you come to him.” And Thetis answered, “Why does the mighty god so bid me? + I am in great grief, and shrink from going in and out among the immortals. + Still, I will go, and the word that he may speak shall not be spoken in + vain.” + </p> + <p> + The goddess took her dark veil, than which there can be no robe more + sombre, and went forth with fleet Iris leading the way before her. The + waves of the sea opened them a path, and when they reached the shore they + flew up into the heavens, where they found the all-seeing son of Saturn + with the blessed gods that live for ever assembled near him. Minerva gave + up her seat to her, and she sat down by the side of father Jove. Juno then + placed a fair golden cup in her hand, and spoke to her in words of + comfort, whereon Thetis drank and gave her back the cup; and the sire of + gods and men was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + “So, goddess,” said he, “for all your sorrow, and the grief that I well + know reigns ever in your heart, you have come hither to Olympus, and I + will tell you why I have sent for you. This nine days past the immortals + have been quarrelling about Achilles waster of cities and the body of + Hector. The gods would have Mercury slayer of Argus steal the body, but in + furtherance of our peace and amity henceforward, I will concede such + honour to your son as I will now tell you. Go, then, to the host and lay + these commands upon him; say that the gods are angry with him, and that I + am myself more angry than them all, in that he keeps Hector at the ships + and will not give him up. He may thus fear me and let the body go. At the + same time I will send Iris to great Priam to bid him go to the ships of + the Achaeans, and ransom his son, taking with him such gifts for Achilles + as may give him satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + Silver-footed Thetis did as the god had told her, and forthwith down she + darted from the topmost summits of Olympus. She went to her son’s tents + where she found him grieving bitterly, while his trusty comrades round him + were busy preparing their morning meal, for which they had killed a great + woolly sheep. His mother sat down beside him and caressed him with her + hand saying, “My son, how long will you keep on thus grieving and making + moan? You are gnawing at your own heart, and think neither of food nor of + woman’s embraces; and yet these too were well, for you have no long time + to live, and death with the strong hand of fate are already close beside + you. Now, therefore, heed what I say, for I come as a messenger from Jove; + he says that the gods are angry with you, and himself more angry than them + all, in that you keep Hector at the ships and will not give him up. + Therefore let him go, and accept a ransom for his body.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “So be it. If Olympian Jove of his own motion thus + commands me, let him that brings the ransom bear the body away.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did mother and son talk together at the ships in long discourse with + one another. Meanwhile the son of Saturn sent Iris to the strong city of + Ilius. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, from the mansions of Olympus, and tell + King Priam in Ilius, that he is to go to the ships of the Achaeans and + free the body of his dear son. He is to take such gifts with him as shall + give satisfaction to Achilles, and he is to go alone, with no other + Trojan, save only some honoured servant who may drive his mules and + waggon, and bring back the body of him whom noble Achilles has slain. Let + him have no thought nor fear of death in his heart, for we will send the + slayer of Argus to escort him, and bring him within the tent of Achilles. + Achilles will not kill him nor let another do so, for he will take heed to + his ways and sin not, and he will entreat a suppliant with all honourable + courtesy.” + </p> + <p> + On this Iris, fleet as the wind, sped forth to deliver her message. She + went to Priam’s house, and found weeping and lamentation therein. His sons + were seated round their father in the outer courtyard, and their raiment + was wet with tears: the old man sat in the midst of them with his mantle + wrapped close about his body, and his head and neck all covered with the + filth which he had clutched as he lay grovelling in the mire. His + daughters and his sons’ wives went wailing about the house, as they + thought of the many and brave men who lay dead, slain by the Argives. The + messenger of Jove stood by Priam and spoke softly to him, but fear fell + upon him as she did so. “Take heart,” she said, “Priam offspring of + Dardanus, take heart and fear not. I bring no evil tidings, but am minded + well towards you. I come as a messenger from Jove, who though he be not + near, takes thought for you and pities you. The lord of Olympus bids you + go and ransom noble Hector, and take with you such gifts as shall give + satisfaction to Achilles. You are to go alone, with no Trojan, save only + some honoured servant who may drive your mules and waggon, and bring back + to the city the body of him whom noble Achilles has slain. You are to have + no thought, nor fear of death, for Jove will send the slayer of Argus to + escort you. When he has brought you within Achilles’ tent, Achilles will + not kill you nor let another do so, for he will take heed to his ways and + sin not, and he will entreat a suppliant with all honourable courtesy.” + </p> + <p> + Iris went her way when she had thus spoken, and Priam told his sons to get + a mule-waggon ready, and to make the body of the waggon fast upon the top + of its bed. Then he went down into his fragrant store-room, high-vaulted, + and made of cedar-wood, where his many treasures were kept, and he called + Hecuba his wife. “Wife,” said he, “a messenger has come to me from + Olympus, and has told me to go to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom my + dear son, taking with me such gifts as shall give satisfaction to + Achilles. What think you of this matter? for my own part I am greatly + moved to pass through the camps of the Achaeans and go to their ships.” + </p> + <p> + His wife cried aloud as she heard him, and said, “Alas, what has become of + that judgement for which you have been ever famous both among strangers + and your own people? How can you venture alone to the ships of the + Achaeans, and look into the face of him who has slain so many of your + brave sons? You must have iron courage, for if the cruel savage sees you + and lays hold on you, he will know neither respect nor pity. Let us then + weep Hector from afar here in our own house, for when I gave him birth the + threads of overruling fate were spun for him that dogs should eat his + flesh far from his parents, in the house of that terrible man on whose + liver I would fain fasten and devour it. Thus would I avenge my son, who + showed no cowardice when Achilles slew him, and thought neither of flight + nor of avoiding battle as he stood in defence of Trojan men and Trojan + women.” + </p> + <p> + Then Priam said, “I would go, do not therefore stay me nor be as a bird of + ill omen in my house, for you will not move me. Had it been some mortal + man who had sent me some prophet or priest who divines from sacrifice—I + should have deemed him false and have given him no heed; but now I have + heard the goddess and seen her face to face, therefore I will go and her + saying shall not be in vain. If it be my fate to die at the ships of the + Achaeans even so would I have it; let Achilles slay me, if I may but first + have taken my son in my arms and mourned him to my heart’s comforting.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he lifted the lids of his chests, and took out twelve goodly + vestments. He took also twelve cloaks of single fold, twelve rugs, twelve + fair mantles, and an equal number of shirts. He weighed out ten talents of + gold, and brought moreover two burnished tripods, four cauldrons, and a + very beautiful cup which the Thracians had given him when he had gone to + them on an embassy; it was very precious, but he grudged not even this, so + eager was he to ransom the body of his son. Then he chased all the Trojans + from the court and rebuked them with words of anger. “Out,” he cried, + “shame and disgrace to me that you are. Have you no grief in your own + homes that you are come to plague me here? Is it a small thing, think you, + that the son of Saturn has sent this sorrow upon me, to lose the bravest + of my sons? Nay, you shall prove it in person, for now he is gone the + Achaeans will have easier work in killing you. As for me, let me go down + within the house of Hades, ere mine eyes behold the sacking and wasting of + the city.” + </p> + <p> + He drove the men away with his staff, and they went forth as the old man + sped them. Then he called to his sons, upbraiding Helenus, Paris, noble + Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, Polites of the loud battle-cry, Deiphobus, + Hippothous, and Dius. These nine did the old man call near him. “Come to + me at once,” he cried, “worthless sons who do me shame; would that you had + all been killed at the ships rather than Hector. Miserable man that I am, + I have had the bravest sons in all Troy—noble Nestor, Troilus the + dauntless charioteer, and Hector who was a god among men, so that one + would have thought he was son to an immortal—yet there is not one of + them left. Mars has slain them and those of whom I am ashamed are alone + left me. Liars, and light of foot, heroes of the dance, robbers of lambs + and kids from your own people, why do you not get a waggon ready for me at + once, and put all these things upon it that I may set out on my way?” + </p> + <p> + Thus did he speak, and they feared the rebuke of their father. They + brought out a strong mule-waggon, newly made, and set the body of the + waggon fast on its bed. They took the mule-yoke from the peg on which it + hung, a yoke of boxwood with a knob on the top of it and rings for the + reins to go through. Then they brought a yoke-band eleven cubits long, to + bind the yoke to the pole; they bound it on at the far end of the pole, + and put the ring over the upright pin making it fast with three turns of + the band on either side the knob, and bending the thong of the yoke + beneath it. This done, they brought from the store-chamber the rich ransom + that was to purchase the body of Hector, and they set it all orderly on + the waggon; then they yoked the strong harness-mules which the Mysians had + on a time given as a goodly present to Priam; but for Priam himself they + yoked horses which the old king had bred, and kept for his own use. + </p> + <p> + Thus heedfully did Priam and his servant see to the yolking of their cars + at the palace. Then Hecuba came to them all sorrowful, with a golden + goblet of wine in her right hand, that they might make a drink-offering + before they set out. She stood in front of the horses and said, “Take + this, make a drink-offering to father Jove, and since you are minded to go + to the ships in spite of me, pray that you may come safely back from the + hands of your enemies. Pray to the son of Saturn lord of the whirlwind, + who sits on Ida and looks down over all Troy, pray him to send his swift + messenger on your right hand, the bird of omen which is strongest and most + dear to him of all birds, that you may see it with your own eyes and trust + it as you go forth to the ships of the Danaans. If all-seeing Jove will + not send you this messenger, however set upon it you may be, I would not + have you go to the ships of the Argives.” + </p> + <p> + And Priam answered, “Wife, I will do as you desire me; it is well to lift + hands in prayer to Jove, if so be he may have mercy upon me.” + </p> + <p> + With this the old man bade the serving-woman pour pure water over his + hands, and the woman came, bearing the water in a bowl. He washed his + hands and took the cup from his wife; then he made the drink-offering and + prayed, standing in the middle of the courtyard and turning his eyes to + heaven. “Father Jove,” he said, “that rulest from Ida, most glorious and + most great, grant that I may be received kindly and compassionately in the + tents of Achilles; and send your swift messenger upon my right hand, the + bird of omen which is strongest and most dear to you of all birds, that I + may see it with my own eyes and trust it as I go forth to the ships of the + Danaans.” + </p> + <p> + So did he pray, and Jove the lord of counsel heard his prayer. Forthwith + he sent an eagle, the most unerring portent of all birds that fly, the + dusky hunter that men also call the Black Eagle. His wings were spread + abroad on either side as wide as the well-made and well-bolted door of a + rich man’s chamber. He came to them flying over the city upon their right + hands, and when they saw him they were glad and their hearts took comfort + within them. The old man made haste to mount his chariot, and drove out + through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer + court. Before him went the mules drawing the four-wheeled waggon, and + driven by wise Idaeus; behind these were the horses, which the old man + lashed with his whip and drove swiftly through the city, while his friends + followed after, wailing and lamenting for him as though he were on his + road to death. As soon as they had come down from the city and had reached + the plain, his sons and sons-in-law who had followed him went back to + Ilius. + </p> + <p> + But Priam and Idaeus as they showed out upon the plain did not escape the + ken of all-seeing Jove, who looked down upon the old man and pitied him; + then he spoke to his son Mercury and said, “Mercury, for it is you who are + the most disposed to escort men on their way, and to hear those whom you + will hear, go, and so conduct Priam to the ships of the Achaeans that no + other of the Danaans shall see him nor take note of him until he reach the + son of Peleus.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke and Mercury, guide and guardian, slayer of Argus, did as he + was told. Forthwith he bound on his glittering golden sandals with which + he could fly like the wind over land and sea; he took the wand with which + he seals men’s eyes in sleep, or wakes them just as he pleases, and flew + holding it in his hand till he came to Troy and to the Hellespont. To look + at, he was like a young man of noble birth in the hey-day of his youth and + beauty with the down just coming upon his face. + </p> + <p> + Now when Priam and Idaeus had driven past the great tomb of Ilius, they + stayed their mules and horses that they might drink in the river, for the + shades of night were falling, when, therefore, Idaeus saw Mercury standing + near them he said to Priam, “Take heed, descendant of Dardanus; here is + matter which demands consideration. I see a man who I think will presently + fall upon us; let us fly with our horses, or at least embrace his knees + and implore him to take compassion upon us?” + </p> + <p> + When he heard this the old man’s heart failed him, and he was in great + fear; he stayed where he was as one dazed, and the hair stood on end over + his whole body; but the bringer of good luck came up to him and took him + by the hand, saying, “Whither, father, are you thus driving your mules and + horses in the dead of night when other men are asleep? Are you not afraid + of the fierce Achaeans who are hard by you, so cruel and relentless? + Should some one of them see you bearing so much treasure through the + darkness of the flying night, what would not your state then be? You are + no longer young, and he who is with you is too old to protect you from + those who would attack you. For myself, I will do you no harm, and I will + defend you from any one else, for you remind me of my own father.” + </p> + <p> + And Priam answered, “It is indeed as you say, my dear son; nevertheless + some god has held his hand over me, in that he has sent such a wayfarer as + yourself to meet me so opportunely; you are so comely in mien and figure, + and your judgement is so excellent that you must come of blessed parents.” + </p> + <p> + Then said the slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, “Sir, all that you have + said is right; but tell me and tell me true, are you taking this rich + treasure to send it to a foreign people where it may be safe, or are you + all leaving strong Ilius in dismay now that your son has fallen who was + the bravest man among you and was never lacking in battle with the + Achaeans?” + </p> + <p> + And Priam said, “Who are you, my friend, and who are your parents, that + you speak so truly about the fate of my unhappy son?” + </p> + <p> + The slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, answered him, “Sir, you would + prove me, that you question me about noble Hector. Many a time have I set + eyes upon him in battle when he was driving the Argives to their ships and + putting them to the sword. We stood still and marvelled, for Achilles in + his anger with the son of Atreus suffered us not to fight. I am his + squire, and came with him in the same ship. I am a Myrmidon, and my + father’s name is Polyctor: he is a rich man and about as old as you are; + he has six sons besides myself, and I am the seventh. We cast lots, and it + fell upon me to sail hither with Achilles. I am now come from the ships on + to the plain, for with daybreak the Achaeans will set battle in array + about the city. They chafe at doing nothing, and are so eager that their + princes cannot hold them back.” + </p> + <p> + Then answered Priam, “If you are indeed the squire of Achilles son of + Peleus, tell me now the whole truth. Is my son still at the ships, or has + Achilles hewn him limb from limb, and given him to his hounds?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied the slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, “neither hounds + nor vultures have yet devoured him; he is still just lying at the tents by + the ship of Achilles, and though it is now twelve days that he has lain + there, his flesh is not wasted nor have the worms eaten him although they + feed on warriors. At daybreak Achilles drags him cruelly round the + sepulchre of his dear comrade, but it does him no hurt. You should come + yourself and see how he lies fresh as dew, with the blood all washed away, + and his wounds every one of them closed though many pierced him with their + spears. Such care have the blessed gods taken of your brave son, for he + was dear to them beyond all measure.” + </p> + <p> + The old man was comforted as he heard him and said, “My son, see what a + good thing it is to have made due offerings to the immortals; for as sure + as that he was born my son never forgot the gods that hold Olympus, and + now they requite it to him even in death. Accept therefore at my hands + this goodly chalice; guard me and with heaven’s help guide me till I come + to the tent of the son of Peleus.” + </p> + <p> + Then answered the slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, “Sir, you are + tempting me and playing upon my youth, but you shall not move me, for you + are offering me presents without the knowledge of Achilles whom I fear and + hold it great guilt to defraud, lest some evil presently befall me; but as + your guide I would go with you even to Argos itself, and would guard you + so carefully whether by sea or land, that no one should attack you through + making light of him who was with you.” + </p> + <p> + The bringer of good luck then sprang on to the chariot, and seizing the + whip and reins he breathed fresh spirit into the mules and horses. When + they reached the trench and the wall that was before the ships, those who + were on guard had just been getting their suppers, and the slayer of Argus + threw them all into a deep sleep. Then he drew back the bolts to open the + gates, and took Priam inside with the treasure he had upon his waggon. Ere + long they came to the lofty dwelling of the son of Peleus for which the + Myrmidons had cut pine and which they had built for their king; when they + had built it they thatched it with coarse tussock-grass which they had + mown out on the plain, and all round it they made a large courtyard, which + was fenced with stakes set close together. The gate was barred with a + single bolt of pine which it took three men to force into its place, and + three to draw back so as to open the gate, but Achilles could draw it by + himself. Mercury opened the gate for the old man, and brought in the + treasure that he was taking with him for the son of Peleus. Then he sprang + from the chariot on to the ground and said, “Sir, it is I, immortal + Mercury, that am come with you, for my father sent me to escort you. I + will now leave you, and will not enter into the presence of Achilles, for + it might anger him that a god should befriend mortal men thus openly. Go + you within, and embrace the knees of the son of Peleus: beseech him by his + father, his lovely mother, and his son; thus you may move him.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Mercury went back to high Olympus. Priam sprang from his + chariot to the ground, leaving Idaeus where he was, in charge of the mules + and horses. The old man went straight into the house where Achilles, loved + of the gods, was sitting. There he found him with his men seated at a + distance from him: only two, the hero Automedon, and Alcimus of the race + of Mars, were busy in attendance about his person, for he had but just + done eating and drinking, and the table was still there. King Priam + entered without their seeing him, and going right up to Achilles he + clasped his knees and kissed the dread murderous hands that had slain so + many of his sons. + </p> + <p> + As when some cruel spite has befallen a man that he should have killed + some one in his own country, and must fly to a great man’s protection in a + land of strangers, and all marvel who see him, even so did Achilles marvel + as he beheld Priam. The others looked one to another and marvelled also, + but Priam besought Achilles saying, “Think of your father, O Achilles like + unto the gods, who is such even as I am, on the sad threshold of old age. + It may be that those who dwell near him harass him, and there is none to + keep war and ruin from him. Yet when he hears of you being still alive, he + is glad, and his days are full of hope that he shall see his dear son come + home to him from Troy; but I, wretched man that I am, had the bravest in + all Troy for my sons, and there is not one of them left. I had fifty sons + when the Achaeans came here; nineteen of them were from a single womb, and + the others were borne to me by the women of my household. The greater part + of them has fierce Mars laid low, and Hector, him who was alone left, him + who was the guardian of the city and ourselves, him have you lately slain; + therefore I am now come to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom his body + from you with a great ransom. Fear, O Achilles, the wrath of heaven; think + on your own father and have compassion upon me, who am the more pitiable, + for I have steeled myself as no man yet has ever steeled himself before + me, and have raised to my lips the hand of him who slew my son.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Priam, and the heart of Achilles yearned as he bethought him of + his father. He took the old man’s hand and moved him gently away. The two + wept bitterly—Priam, as he lay at Achilles’ feet, weeping for + Hector, and Achilles now for his father and now for Patroclus, till the + house was filled with their lamentation. But when Achilles was now sated + with grief and had unburthened the bitterness of his sorrow, he left his + seat and raised the old man by the hand, in pity for his white hair and + beard; then he said, “Unhappy man, you have indeed been greatly daring; + how could you venture to come alone to the ships of the Achaeans, and + enter the presence of him who has slain so many of your brave sons? You + must have iron courage: sit now upon this seat, and for all our grief we + will hide our sorrows in our hearts, for weeping will not avail us. The + immortals know no care, yet the lot they spin for man is full of sorrow; + on the floor of Jove’s palace there stand two urns, the one filled with + evil gifts, and the other with good ones. He for whom Jove the lord of + thunder mixes the gifts he sends, will meet now with good and now with + evil fortune; but he to whom Jove sends none but evil gifts will be + pointed at by the finger of scorn, the hand of famine will pursue him to + the ends of the world, and he will go up and down the face of the earth, + respected neither by gods nor men. Even so did it befall Peleus; the gods + endowed him with all good things from his birth upwards, for he reigned + over the Myrmidons excelling all men in prosperity and wealth, and mortal + though he was they gave him a goddess for his bride. But even on him too + did heaven send misfortune, for there is no race of royal children born to + him in his house, save one son who is doomed to die all untimely; nor may + I take care of him now that he is growing old, for I must stay here at + Troy to be the bane of you and your children. And you too, O Priam, I have + heard that you were aforetime happy. They say that in wealth and plenitude + of offspring you surpassed all that is in Lesbos, the realm of Makar to + the northward, Phrygia that is more inland, and those that dwell upon the + great Hellespont; but from the day when the dwellers in heaven sent this + evil upon you, war and slaughter have been about your city continually. + Bear up against it, and let there be some intervals in your sorrow. Mourn + as you may for your brave son, you will take nothing by it. You cannot + raise him from the dead, ere you do so yet another sorrow shall befall + you.” + </p> + <p> + And Priam answered, “O king, bid me not be seated, while Hector is still + lying uncared for in your tents, but accept the great ransom which I have + brought you, and give him to me at once that I may look upon him. May you + prosper with the ransom and reach your own land in safety, seeing that you + have suffered me to live and to look upon the light of the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles looked at him sternly and said, “Vex me, sir, no longer; I am of + myself minded to give up the body of Hector. My mother, daughter of the + old man of the sea, came to me from Jove to bid me deliver it to you. + Moreover I know well, O Priam, and you cannot hide it, that some god has + brought you to the ships of the Achaeans, for else, no man however strong + and in his prime would dare to come to our host; he could neither pass our + guard unseen, nor draw the bolt of my gates thus easily; therefore, + provoke me no further, lest I sin against the word of Jove, and suffer you + not, suppliant though you are, within my tents.” + </p> + <p> + The old man feared him and obeyed. Then the son of Peleus sprang like a + lion through the door of his house, not alone, but with him went his two + squires Automedon and Alcimus who were closer to him than any others of + his comrades now that Patroclus was no more. These unyoked the horses and + mules, and bade Priam’s herald and attendant be seated within the house. + They lifted the ransom for Hector’s body from the waggon, but they left + two mantles and a goodly shirt, that Achilles might wrap the body in them + when he gave it to be taken home. Then he called to his servants and + ordered them to wash the body and anoint it, but he first took it to a + place where Priam should not see it, lest if he did so, he should break + out in the bitterness of his grief, and enrage Achilles, who might then + kill him and sin against the word of Jove. When the servants had washed + the body and anointed it, and had wrapped it in a fair shirt and mantle, + Achilles himself lifted it on to a bier, and he and his men then laid it + on the waggon. He cried aloud as he did so and called on the name of his + dear comrade, “Be not angry with me, Patroclus,” he said, “if you hear + even in the house of Hades that I have given Hector to his father for a + ransom. It has been no unworthy one, and I will share it equitably with + you.” + </p> + <p> + Achilles then went back into the tent and took his place on the richly + inlaid seat from which he had risen, by the wall that was at right angles + to the one against which Priam was sitting. “Sir,” he said, “your son is + now laid upon his bier and is ransomed according to desire; you shall look + upon him when you take him away at daybreak; for the present let us + prepare our supper. Even lovely Niobe had to think about eating, though + her twelve children—six daughters and six lusty sons—had been + all slain in her house. Apollo killed the sons with arrows from his silver + bow, to punish Niobe, and Diana slew the daughters, because Niobe had + vaunted herself against Leto; she said Leto had borne two children only, + whereas she had herself borne many—whereon the two killed the many. + Nine days did they lie weltering, and there was none to bury them, for the + son of Saturn turned the people into stone; but on the tenth day the gods + in heaven themselves buried them, and Niobe then took food, being worn out + with weeping. They say that somewhere among the rocks on the mountain + pastures of Sipylus, where the nymphs live that haunt the river Achelous, + there, they say, she lives in stone and still nurses the sorrows sent upon + her by the hand of heaven. Therefore, noble sir, let us two now take food; + you can weep for your dear son hereafter as you are bearing him back to + Ilius—and many a tear will he cost you.” + </p> + <p> + With this Achilles sprang from his seat and killed a sheep of silvery + whiteness, which his followers skinned and made ready all in due order. + They cut the meat carefully up into smaller pieces, spitted them, and drew + them off again when they were well roasted. Automedon brought bread in + fair baskets and served it round the table, while Achilles dealt out the + meat, and they laid their hands on the good things that were before them. + As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Priam, descendant of + Dardanus, marvelled at the strength and beauty of Achilles for he was as a + god to see, and Achilles marvelled at Priam as he listened to him and + looked upon his noble presence. When they had gazed their fill Priam spoke + first. “And now, O king,” he said, “take me to my couch that we may lie + down and enjoy the blessed boon of sleep. Never once have my eyes been + closed from the day your hands took the life of my son; I have grovelled + without ceasing in the mire of my stable-yard, making moan and brooding + over my countless sorrows. Now, moreover, I have eaten bread and drunk + wine; hitherto I have tasted nothing.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Achilles told his men and the women servants to set beds in + the room that was in the gatehouse, and make them with good red rugs, and + spread coverlets on the top of them with woollen cloaks for Priam and + Idaeus to wear. So the maids went out carrying a torch and got the two + beds ready in all haste. Then Achilles said laughingly to Priam, “Dear + sir, you shall lie outside, lest some counsellor of those who in due + course keep coming to advise with me should see you here in the darkness + of the flying night, and tell it to Agamemnon. This might cause delay in + the delivery of the body. And now tell me and tell me true, for how many + days would you celebrate the funeral rites of noble Hector? Tell me, that + I may hold aloof from war and restrain the host.” + </p> + <p> + And Priam answered, “Since, then, you suffer me to bury my noble son with + all due rites, do thus, Achilles, and I shall be grateful. You know how we + are pent up within our city; it is far for us to fetch wood from the + mountain, and the people live in fear. Nine days, therefore, will we mourn + Hector in my house; on the tenth day we will bury him and there shall be a + public feast in his honour; on the eleventh we will build a mound over his + ashes, and on the twelfth, if there be need, we will fight.” + </p> + <p> + And Achilles answered, “All, King Priam, shall be as you have said. I will + stay our fighting for as long a time as you have named.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he laid his hand on the old man’s right wrist, in token that + he should have no fear; thus then did Priam and his attendant sleep there + in the forecourt, full of thought, while Achilles lay in an inner room of + the house, with fair Briseis by his side. + </p> + <p> + And now both gods and mortals were fast asleep through the livelong night, + but upon Mercury alone, the bringer of good luck, sleep could take no hold + for he was thinking all the time how to get King Priam away from the ships + without his being seen by the strong force of sentinels. He hovered + therefore over Priam’s head and said, “Sir, now that Achilles has spared + your life, you seem to have no fear about sleeping in the thick of your + foes. You have paid a great ransom, and have received the body of your + son; were you still alive and a prisoner the sons whom you have left at + home would have to give three times as much to free you; and so it would + be if Agamemnon and the other Achaeans were to know of your being here.” + </p> + <p> + When he heard this the old man was afraid and roused his servant. Mercury + then yoked their horses and mules, and drove them quickly through the host + so that no man perceived them. When they came to the ford of eddying + Xanthus, begotten of immortal Jove, Mercury went back to high Olympus, and + dawn in robe of saffron began to break over all the land. Priam and Idaeus + then drove on toward the city lamenting and making moan, and the mules + drew the body of Hector. No one neither man nor woman saw them, till + Cassandra, fair as golden Venus standing on Pergamus, caught sight of her + dear father in his chariot, and his servant that was the city’s herald + with him. Then she saw him that was lying upon the bier, drawn by the + mules, and with a loud cry she went about the city saying, “Come hither + Trojans, men and women, and look on Hector; if ever you rejoiced to see + him coming from battle when he was alive, look now on him that was the + glory of our city and all our people.” + </p> + <p> + At this there was not man nor woman left in the city, so great a sorrow + had possessed them. Hard by the gates they met Priam as he was bringing in + the body. Hector’s wife and his mother were the first to mourn him: they + flew towards the waggon and laid their hands upon his head, while the + crowd stood weeping round them. They would have stayed before the gates, + weeping and lamenting the livelong day to the going down of the sun, had + not Priam spoken to them from the chariot and said, “Make way for the + mules to pass you. Afterwards when I have taken the body home you shall + have your fill of weeping.” + </p> + <p> + On this the people stood asunder, and made a way for the waggon. When they + had borne the body within the house they laid it upon a bed and seated + minstrels round it to lead the dirge, whereon the women joined in the sad + music of their lament. Foremost among them all Andromache led their + wailing as she clasped the head of mighty Hector in her embrace. + “Husband,” she cried, “you have died young, and leave me in your house a + widow; he of whom we are the ill-starred parents is still a mere child, + and I fear he may not reach manhood. Ere he can do so our city will be + razed and overthrown, for you who watched over it are no more—you + who were its saviour, the guardian of our wives and children. Our women + will be carried away captives to the ships, and I among them; while you, + my child, who will be with me will be put to some unseemly tasks, working + for a cruel master. Or, may be, some Achaean will hurl you (O miserable + death) from our walls, to avenge some brother, son, or father whom Hector + slew; many of them have indeed bitten the dust at his hands, for your + father’s hand in battle was no light one. Therefore do the people mourn + him. You have left, O Hector, sorrow unutterable to your parents, and my + own grief is greatest of all, for you did not stretch forth your arms and + embrace me as you lay dying, nor say to me any words that might have lived + with me in my tears night and day for evermore.” + </p> + <p> + Bitterly did she weep the while, and the women joined in her lament. + Hecuba in her turn took up the strains of woe. “Hector,” she cried, + “dearest to me of all my children. So long as you were alive the gods + loved you well, and even in death they have not been utterly unmindful of + you; for when Achilles took any other of my sons, he would sell him beyond + the seas, to Samos Imbrus or rugged Lemnos; and when he had slain you too + with his sword, many a time did he drag you round the sepulchre of his + comrade—though this could not give him life—yet here you lie + all fresh as dew, and comely as one whom Apollo has slain with his + painless shafts.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did she too speak through her tears with bitter moan, and then Helen + for a third time took up the strain of lamentation. “Hector,” said she, + “dearest of all my brothers-in-law—for I am wife to Alexandrus who + brought me hither to Troy—would that I had died ere he did so—twenty + years are come and gone since I left my home and came from over the sea, + but I have never heard one word of insult or unkindness from you. When + another would chide with me, as it might be one of your brothers or + sisters or of your brothers’ wives, or my mother-in-law—for Priam + was as kind to me as though he were my own father—you would rebuke + and check them with words of gentleness and goodwill. Therefore my tears + flow both for you and for my unhappy self, for there is no one else in + Troy who is kind to me, but all shrink and shudder as they go by me.” + </p> + <p> + She wept as she spoke and the vast crowd that was gathered round her + joined in her lament. Then King Priam spoke to them saying, “Bring wood, O + Trojans, to the city, and fear no cunning ambush of the Argives, for + Achilles when he dismissed me from the ships gave me his word that they + should not attack us until the morning of the twelfth day.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith they yoked their oxen and mules and gathered together before the + city. Nine days long did they bring in great heaps of wood, and on the + morning of the tenth day with many tears they took brave Hector forth, + laid his dead body upon the summit of the pile, and set the fire thereto. + Then when the child of morning, rosy-fingered dawn, appeared on the + eleventh day, the people again assembled, round the pyre of mighty Hector. + When they were got together, they first quenched the fire with wine + wherever it was burning, and then his brothers and comrades with many a + bitter tear gathered his white bones, wrapped them in soft robes of + purple, and laid them in a golden urn, which they placed in a grave and + covered over with large stones set close together. Then they built a + barrow hurriedly over it keeping guard on every side lest the Achaeans + should attack them before they had finished. When they had heaped up the + barrow they went back again into the city, and being well assembled they + held high feast in the house of Priam their king. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did they celebrate the funeral of Hector tamer of horses. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + + + + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***</div> + +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 2199-h.htm or 2199-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/9/2199/</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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