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diff --git a/2199-0.txt b/2199-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..df03efb --- /dev/null +++ b/2199-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,14943 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer + +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 +www.gutenberg.org. 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. + +Title: The Iliad + +Author: Homer + +Translator: Samuel Butler + +Release Date: September 18, 1999 [eBook #2199] +[Most recently updated: August 16, 2022] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: Jim Tinsley +Revised by Richard Tonsing. + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD *** + + + + + THE ILIAD OF HOMER + + Rendered into English Prose for + the use of those who cannot + read the original + + + by Samuel Butler + + + + +Contents + + + BOOK I. + BOOK II. + BOOK III. + BOOK IV. + BOOK V. + BOOK VI. + BOOK VII + BOOK VIII. + BOOK IX. + BOOK X. + BOOK XI. + BOOK XII. + BOOK XIII. + BOOK XIV. + BOOK XV. + BOOK XVI. + BOOK XVII. + BOOK XVIII. + BOOK XIX. + BOOK XX. + BOOK XXI. + BOOK XXII. + BOOK XXIII. + BOOK XXIV. + + + + +BOOK I. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + As he spoke the son of Saturn bowed his dark brows, and the + ambrosial locks swayed on his immortal head, till vast Olympus + reeled. + + 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.” + + “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.” + + “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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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:— + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis, and stationed them + alongside those of the Athenians. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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? + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Acamas and the warrior Peirous commanded the Thracians and those + that came from beyond the mighty stream of the Hellespont. + + Euphemus, son of Troezenus, the son of Ceos, was captain of the + Ciconian spearsmen. + + Pyraechmes led the Paeonian archers from distant Amydon, by the + broad waters of the river Axius, the fairest that flow upon the + earth. + + 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. + + Odius and Epistrophus were captains over the Halizoni from + distant Alybe, where there are mines of silver. + + 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. + + Phorcys, again, and noble Ascanius led the Phrygians from the far + country of Ascania, and both were eager for the fray. + + 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. + + 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. + + Sarpedon and Glaucus led the Lycians from their distant land, by + the eddying waters of the Xanthus. + + + + +BOOK III. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + “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.” + + She knew not that both these heroes were already lying under the + earth in their own land of Lacedaemon. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + At this Helen was frightened. She wrapped her mantle about her + and went in silence, following the goddess and unnoticed by the + Trojan women. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the Achaeans shouted in + applause. + + + + +BOOK IV. + + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK V. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + And Jove answered, “Set Minerva on to him, for she punishes him + more often than any one else does.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK VI. + + + Glaucus and Diomed—The story of Bellerophon—Hector and + Andromache. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + With this he went his way, and the black rim of hide that went + round his shield beat against his neck and his ancles. + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + “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.” + + + + +BOOK VII. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.’” + + 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. + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK VIII. + + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK IX. + + + The Embassy to Achilles. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK X. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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?” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XI. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him, and set off + running by the ships and tents of the Achaeans. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + “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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XII. + + + The Trojans and their allies break the wall, led on by Hector. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XIII. + + + Neptune helps the Achaeans—The feats of Idomeneus—Hector at the + ships. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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: + + “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.” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + Meriones, peer of fleet Mars, then led the way till they came to + the part of the host which Idomeneus had named. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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!” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XIV. + + + Agamemnon proposes that the Achaeans should sail home, and is + rebuked by Ulysses—Juno beguiles Jupiter—Hector is wounded. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + Thus did he speak; whereon they did even as he had said and set + out, King Agamemnon leading the way. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + Thereon laughter-loving Venus said, “I cannot and must not refuse + you, for you sleep in the arms of Jove who is our king.” + + 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.” + + When she heard this Juno smiled, and still smiling she laid the + girdle in her bosom. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + As he spoke fear fell upon them, and every man looked round about + to see whither he might fly for safety. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XV. + + + Jove awakes, tells Apollo to heal Hector, and the Trojans again + become victorious. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XVI. + + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + When he had made his drink-offering and had thus prayed, Achilles + went inside his tent and put back the cup into his chest. + + Then he again came out, for he still loved to look upon the + fierce fight that raged between the Trojans and Achaeans. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XVII. + + + The fight around the body of Patroclus. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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? + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + On this Idomeneus lashed the horses to the ships, for fear had + taken hold upon him. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XVIII. + + + The grief of Achilles over Patroclus—The visit of Thetis to + Vulcan and the armour that he made for Achilles. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + And Achilles said, “Iris, which of the gods was it that sent you + to me?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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:— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + All round the outermost rim of the shield he set the mighty + stream of the river Oceanus. + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XIX. + + + Achilles is reconciled with Agamemnon, puts on the armour which + Vulcan had made him, and goes out to fight. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + Thus did he speak, and the Achaeans rejoiced in that he had put + away his anger. + + 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. + + “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.’ + + “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.’ + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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— + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + So saying, with a loud cry he drove his horses to the front. + + + + +BOOK XX. + + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XXI. + + + The fight between Achilles and the river Scamander—The gods fight + among themselves—Achilles drives the Trojans within their gates. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + When she had thus spoken Vulcan quenched his flames, and the + river went back once more into his own fair bed. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + + + +BOOK XXII. + + + The death of Hector. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + Thus did he urge Minerva who was already eager, and down she + darted from the topmost summits of Olympus. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + In such wise did she cry aloud amid her tears, and the women + joined in her lament. + + + + +BOOK XXIII. + + + The funeral of Patroclus, and the funeral games. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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— + + “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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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— + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + The horses feared the rebuke of their master, and went faster, so + that they were soon nearly up with the others. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + Achilles smiled as he heard this, and was pleased with + Antilochus, who was one of his dearest comrades. So he said— + + “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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + King Agamemnon assented. So he gave the bronze spear to Meriones, + and handed the goodly cauldron to Talthybius his esquire. + + + + +BOOK XXIV. + + + Priam ransoms the body of Hector—Hector’s funeral. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + 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?” + + 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.” + + 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?” + + “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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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.” + + 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. + + Thus, then, did they celebrate the funeral of Hector tamer of + horses. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD *** + +***** This file should be named 2199-0.txt or 2199-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/9/2199/ + +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. + +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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