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diff --git a/old/62453-0.txt b/old/62453-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index da04ad6..0000000 --- a/old/62453-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3978 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Achilles, by Carl Frederich Becker - -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'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Achilles - Life Stories for Young People - -Author: Carl Frederich Becker - -Translator: George P. Upton - -Release Date: June 23, 2020 [EBook #62453] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ACHILLES *** - - - - -Produced by D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: _DEATH OF HECTOR_] - - _Life Stories for Young People_ - - - - - ACHILLES - - - _Translated, and abridged from the German of - Carl Friedrich Becker_ - - BY - GEORGE P. UPTON - _Translator of “Memories,” “Immensee,” etc._ - - WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS - - [Illustration: A. C. McCLURG & CO.] - - CHICAGO - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1912 - - Copyright - A. C. McClurg & Co. - 1912 - Published September, 1912 - - THE·PLIMPTON·PRESS - [W·D·O] - NORWOOD·MASS·U·S·A - - - - - Translator’s Preface - - -In tracing the career of Achilles in connection with the Trojan war, -that inimitable classic story-teller, Carl Friedrich Becker, follows the -lines of Homer’s Iliad. He gives the reader a graphic picture of the -stirring events in the ten years’ siege maintained by the Greeks, under -the leadership of Agamemnon, king of Mycenæ, in their finally successful -effort to redress the injury done to Menelaus, king of Sparta, whose -wife, Helen, was carried off by Paris. The striking points in this -thrilling narrative are the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles; the -exploits of Hector, noblest character of them all; the human -impersonations of the gods, who take part in the strife—some on one -side, some on the other; the death of Patroclus; the final -reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon and the former’s tremendous -exploits; the death of Hector, and the touching interview with the aged -Priam, who seeks to recover his body. - -The ultimate fate of Achilles and the fall of the city are not told, nor -the wretched end of Agamemnon, who, according to Æschylus, was killed by -Clytemnestra, the queen, upon his return. Hector is one of the most -conspicuous figures in this great drama and appears only second to -Achilles among all the warriors. The exciting Trojan war story has never -been told more graphically or interestingly in modern prose than in -Becker’s version. In adapting it to the series of “Life Stories” the -translator has been obliged to abridge the original work somewhat, but -the parts omitted do not interfere with the flow of the story. - - G. P. U. - -Chicago, _May_, 1912. - - - - - Contents - - - Chapter Page - I The Greeks March Against Troy—Agamemnon Quarrels with Achilles 11 - II Thetis Promises to Aid the Angry Achilles and Begs Jupiter’s - Assistance—Juno is Angry—Agamemnon and the Other Princes - Summon the Greeks to Battle 21 - III Meeting of the Armies—Menelaus and Paris—Agamemnon Leads the - Greeks into Battle 28 - IV Continuation of the Battle—The Gods Take Part 38 - V The Greeks are Successful—Hector Hastens to the City—Glaucus - and Diomedes, Hector and Andromache 46 - VI Hector and Ajax in Single Combat—A Truce—Another Battle at - the Ships 53 - VII Agamemnon Advises Flight—Council of the Princes—A Deputation - is Sent to Achilles 63 - VIII Agamemnon in Battle—Many of the Greeks are Wounded 71 - IX Agamemnon Consoled—The Gods Take Part in the Strife and the - Trojans are Driven Back 82 - X Jupiter’s Message to Poseidon—The Battle for the Ships 90 - XI Patroclus Hastens into Battle and Scatters the Trojans—Hector - and Patroclus 97 - XII The Fight for Patroclus’ Body—Achilles Mourns His Fallen - Friend—Thetis and Vulcan—The Shield of Achilles 104 - XIII Achilles and Agamemnon Become Reconciled—Achilles Goes into - Battle 115 - XIV Achilles in Battle—His Fight on the River Scamander 120 - XV Hector and Achilles—Hector’s Death 131 - XVI Priam and Achilles—Hector’s Burial in Troy 139 - - - - - Illustrations - - - Death of Hector _Frontispiece_ - Rescue of Paris by Aphrodite 34 - Thetis Consoling Achilles 110 - - - - - Achilles - - - - - Chapter I - The Greeks March against Troy—Agamemnon Quarrels with Achilles - - -Troy was a small portion of that section of Asia Minor which was later -called Phrygia. Its northern coast touched the entrance to the -Hellespont. It was very densely populated and had, besides many little -plantations, villages, and settlements of farmers or herdsmen, a large -city with a strong wall, towers, and gates. Homer never called the city -Troy, but always Ilios or Ilium. The surroundings he calls Troy and the -inhabitants Trojans, after an ancestor named Tros, who was said to have -founded the city. He describes them as a bold, enterprising people, who -lived in a high degree of comfort and practised many arts of which the -Europeans of that time were ignorant. - -The Achaians, as Homer calls the inhabitants of Greece, and the Trojans, -engaged in mutual depredations upon each other’s property,—until at last -the long-standing national hatred broke out violently through the fault -of the Trojans. Alexandros, or Paris, one of the sons of the old Trojan -king, Priam, sailed across to Europe and paid a visit to King Menelaus, -ruler over several cities in Sparta. He was hospitably received and -entertained for many days, but repaid his good host with most shameless -ingratitude. He persuaded the queen, the beautiful Helen, to forget her -duty and flee with him. Menelaus sought revenge and called upon his -brother Agamemnon, ruler over Mycenæ, old Nestor of Pylos, Ulysses of -Ithaca, and many other valiant princes to ally themselves with him. A -number of young lords who had long been wishing to take part in some -glorious enterprise, like the expedition of the Argonauts, of which -their fathers had so much to tell, offered their services with -innumerable followers. - -News of the mighty campaign which was being arranged spread throughout -Greece, causing great rejoicing. Everyone looked upon it as a great -opportunity and an event in which it would be shameful not to take part. -A whole year passed in preparing the equipments. In the meanwhile Nestor -and Ulysses travelled about everywhere to persuade the princes of Greece -and its neighboring islands, who had hesitated hitherto, not to miss -their share in the honors and spoils which so brilliant a campaign was -sure to afford. For the object was nothing less than the destruction of -the celebrated city of Troy, and the booty which was to be expected from -such a rich people was incalculable. They had excellent success on this -recruiting expedition, calling upon Peleus, father of Achilles in -Thessalia, King Idomeneus in Crete, old Telamon in Salamis, and others. - -The harbor of Aulis in Bœotia was selected for the place of meeting and -at the appointed time more than one thousand ships assembled, with men -from all parts of Greece. They agreed to offer the command to Agamemnon, -one of the foremost among the princes, partly because he had brought the -largest following and partly because he and his brother had organized -the campaign. He was, besides, a clever and honorable man and a brave -warrior, although considerably inferior in physical strength to -Achilles, the invincible. - -All was ready for departure, but the ships waited in vain for a -favorable wind. It was supposed that some god was delaying the voyage -and that he must be propitiated by an offering, so the priest Calchas -was commanded to consult the oracle. After observing the usual signs he -announced that Agamemnon had slain a sacred animal in the chase, thereby -offending Artemis, who now demanded a human sacrifice in the shape of -Agamemnon’s eldest daughter, Iphigenia. She was accordingly brought to -the altar, but Artemis relented at the moment when the fatal stroke was -about to be given, removed the trembling maiden in a dense cloud, and -put an animal in her place. When Iphigenia awoke from her swoon, she -found herself in the temple of Artemis in Taurus, where she served for a -long time as priestess. - -The same day, after this sacrifice, a favorable wind swelled the sails -and the impatient heroes boarded their ships. In a few days the fleet -arrived at Troy. On the way they had stopped to plunder a few cities on -the islands of Scyros and Lesbos, had killed the men, and taken the -women on board as slaves. After landing they proceeded in the same -manner in the country about Troy. At the end of the war the godlike -Achilles boasted that he alone with his Myrmidons had conquered twelve -rich cities by sea and eleven by land in the Trojan territory. The booty -which each skirmishing party brought in to camp was divided and the -chief always received the best of everything. The inhabitants of the -capital were safe behind their walls, and as the Greek forces were -seldom united, the Trojans were often able, by a sudden sortie, to -repulse the attacking parties which ventured too near the gates. This -desultory warfare continued for several years, until many of the -Achaians began to long for home. But they were ashamed to depart thus, -without having accomplished their object. The leaders concentrated their -men and began the siege in earnest. - -The Trojans now took measures for more careful defence and sent to the -neighboring peoples to demand their aid. Many princes responded to the -call with their followers, until they had formed an alliance equal in -strength to the Achaians. In the tenth year of the siege fortune seemed -to have turned her back on the Greeks, for besides the hardships of war, -they had to contend with a pestilence, and finally were nearly destroyed -by the Trojans, while their two mightiest chiefs, Agamemnon and -Achilles, were quarrelling. - -Agamemnon had plundered a city and had taken Chryseïs, daughter of a -priest of Apollo, for his slave. In the same way Achilles had become -possessed of a maid named Briseïs, to whom he became so attached that he -wished to keep her always with him. After a time the priest appeared in -the Greek camp with rich presents to ransom his daughter, but Agamemnon -did not wish to give up the maiden and returned a harsh answer. The -Greeks urged him to release the maid out of respect for the priest and -for fear of Apollo’s wrath, but the obstinate man refused to listen to -reason and bade the father depart on pain of chastisement. With loud -lamentations the old man retired to the seacoast and prayed to Apollo. -The legend tells us that Apollo at once left Olympus, seated himself at -some distance from the ships, and began to shoot his arrows into the -Greek camp. Whatever was struck died a sudden death by the plague. First -the donkeys and dogs and then the men fell victims. The pestilence raged -for nine days, during which the funeral pyres burned incessantly. - -This filled the leaders with great apprehension, so that on the tenth -day Achilles summoned a folk assembly and advised the people to call -upon the seer Calchas to discover what fault of the army had brought -this woe upon them and by means of what sacrifice the god might be -appeased. Calchas hesitated, but at length answered that he knew the -reason, but feared to give it until the bravest among the heroes had -sworn to protect him in case a man of great power among the Achaians -should be angry at his decree. Then Achilles stood up and made a public -vow to protect him, even though the man he meant were Agamemnon, -mightiest of the Greeks. “Very well, then,” replied Calchas, “I will -declare the truth. Yes, it is Agamemnon with whom Apollo is angry, for -he has dishonored his priest and has refused to restore his daughter to -him. Therefore hath he sent this punishment upon us and we cannot escape -it until the maiden shall be returned freely to her father and a rich -sacrifice has been offered to the god upon his holy altar.” - -Agamemnon, trembling with rage, cried: “Miserable seer, must I do -penance for the people’s sins? The maiden is wise and well trained in -feminine tasks. I prize her above my spouse, Clytemnestra, and must I -give her up? Let it be so; take her! I will bear even more than this for -the people’s good. But I tell you, ye must provide another gift in her -place, for she was my share of the booty.” - -“Avaricious, insatiable man,” answered Achilles, “what dost thou demand? -I knew not that we had treasures in reserve. Therefore be patient until -the gods aid us to conquer rich Troy. Then thou mayst replace thy -treasure many times over.” - -Although this speech was just, the angry man imagined that it was -intended in mockery and he cried: “Not so, Achilles; strong and brave as -thou art, thou shalt not intimidate me! Dost thou expect to keep thy -spoils and the others theirs, while mine is taken from me? I tell thee, -if I receive no compensation, I will myself take it from thy tent or -those of Ulysses or of Ajax, or wherever I please, and let him whom I -despoil avenge himself. Take now the maiden, put her aboard the ship, -together with the sacrificial steer, and row her to Chryse, where her -father lives, that the god may no longer be angry with us.” - -This speech infuriated Achilles and he cried angrily: “What! Thou -wouldst take away my prize? Did we march against the Trojans for our own -sakes? Not I, indeed! They never injured me, nor ever robbed me of a -horse or cow, nor pillaged my newly sown fields. I was well protected by -wooded hills and the broad sea and never thought of Troy in my Phthian -home. It was solely on thy account, thou selfish, shameless man, that I -came hither to avenge thine and thy brother’s sullied honor. And this -hast thou so speedily forgotten and threatenest even to take away the -spoils which the Achaians have unanimously accorded me and which I have -honestly earned? Have I not hitherto borne the chief burden of the war? -Who has fought as much as I? Let him appear! And when have I received -prizes like thine? Thou hast always taken the best of everything, while -I have contented myself with little. Very well! Thou mayest fight alone! -I return to Phthia!” - -“Fly, if thy heart bids thee!” flashed forth Agamemnon in anger. “Truly -I shall not beg thee to remain. There are other warriors here through -whom Jupiter will help me to achieve honor. Thou hast been obnoxious to -me from the beginning. Thou hast ever loved quarrelling and strife and -hast never kept peace. Thy strength hath been given thee by the gods and -thou dost pride thyself altogether too much upon it. Thou mayest sail -away with all thy followers and rule peacefully over thy Myrmidons. Thy -wrath is nothing to me. But I tell thee, that as Phœbus Apollo has taken -Chryse’s daughter from me, I shall take from thee the rosy daughter of -Briseïs, thy prize, so that thou mayest learn how much more powerful I -am than thou, and that no other in future shall dare to defy me as thou -hast done.” - -In a rage Achilles drew his shining sword from its scabbard to cut down -Agamemnon. Suddenly, unseen by all the rest, the goddess Athena stood -behind him and whispered to him not to draw his sword against the king, -but that he might scold as much as he pleased. “Thy word I must obey, oh -goddess,” answered Achilles, “though anger fills my heart. The gods -attend those who follow their counsel.” With these words he returned his -sword to its scabbard, but turning to Agamemnon he cried: “Thou -miserable drunkard, with the look of a dog and the courage of a hare! -Never hast thou dared to risk a decisive battle or to lie in ambush with -the other nobles; but it is more comfortable to take away his prize from -the single man who opposes thee. I swear that thou shalt never again see -me raise my arm against the Trojans, though all thy Achaians should -perish and thou shouldst beseech me on thy knees to save thee.” - -Thus he spake, and dashing his sceptre upon the ground, sat down in -silence. Agamemnon was preparing to answer this passionate speech when -up rose old Nestor, reverenced like a father by everyone for his age, -wisdom, and experience. When it was seen that he wished to speak all -were quiet. Even Agamemnon bridled his anger, and the well-meaning old -man began: “Dear friends, what are you about! What an unhappy fate do ye -bring upon us all! How Priam, his sons, and the whole Trojan people will -rejoice when they hear that the foremost Achaians are quarrelling. -Listen to me, for ye are all much younger than I. However much power the -Achaians have given thee, Agamemnon, do not abuse it. Let Achilles keep -the prize with which the Achaians have rewarded him. And thou, Achilles, -do not defy the king, for never has Jupiter crowned a king with such -honor as this one. Though thou art stronger than he and boastest thyself -of divine ancestry, he is the more powerful and all the people obey -him.” - -“Truly, honorable father,” answered Agamemnon, “thou hast spoken -worthily. But this man is unreasonable; he wishes to be above all -others, to rule all, to make laws for all.” - -Achilles interrupted him. “Indeed I should be a coward did I submit to -all thy insults. I will keep the vow I have sworn. One thing I will -say—if the Achaians wish the maiden they have given me, they may have -her. But woe to thee if thou layest hands upon my other spoils.” - -Agamemnon insisted on taking the maiden, and he had the power to carry -out his threats. Wisdom counselled Achilles to surrender what he was not -strong enough to hold. He withdrew from the quarrel with more dignity -than his unjust enemy, and his threat of abandoning the war gave him -ample satisfaction. The result proved his value. He had thus far been -the only one able to vanquish Hector, Priam’s most valiant son; and now -that he had withdrawn, it was the Trojans, day after day, who were the -victors. It seemed as though a god had doomed the Greeks to destruction. - -Agamemnon first sent Ulysses to conduct his slave and the appointed -animals for the sacrifice to her father’s home. Next he called upon two -heralds to fetch the beautiful Briseïs from Achilles’ tent. They obeyed -his command in fear and trembling. But Achilles banished their fears, -saying: “Come hither, ye sacred messengers and peace be with ye. For ye -are not to blame, but he who sends ye. He shall have the maid. Go, -Patroclus, and fetch her out. Ye are all witnesses before gods and men -that I have sworn never to lift a hand again for Agamemnon against -Troy.” - -They received the maid from the hands of his friend, Patroclus, and she -went reluctantly away with them, often glancing sorrowfully backward -toward the tent of her former beloved master. - - - - - Chapter II - Thetis Promises to Aid the Angry Achilles and Begs Jupiter’s - Assistance—Juno is Angry—Agamemnon and the Other Princes Summon the - Greeks to Battle - - -Achilles gazed gloomily after the men, then arose quickly and seated -himself far from his companions on the beach, looking moodily out over -the dark waters. He bethought him of his mother, Thetis, who lived in -the blue depths of the sea, spread out his arms, and prayed to her for -aid. She heard him and hastened to appear. Floating over the sea like a -cloud, she seated herself beside her weeping son and tenderly caressed -him. “Dear son, why dost thou weep?” she asked. “What troubles thee? -Speak! Conceal nothing from me.” With deep sighs he related what had -happened to him, begging his mother to avenge his wrongs and to -intercede for him with Jupiter. - -It was early on the twelfth day since Achilles had retired from the fray -when Thetis rose from the dark waves and ascended the heights of -Olympus. She found the mighty Jupiter seated on the summit of the -mountain, apart from the other gods, bowed herself before him, embraced -his knees with her left hand, and caressed his chin with her right hand. -“Father Jupiter,” she said coaxingly, “if thou lovest me, grant me a -boon and show favor to my son, who has but a short life to live. Give -him redress against Agamemnon and let the Trojans prevail, until the -Achaians shall be obliged to recompense him with redoubled honors, for -this base insult.” - -The father of the gods and men began dejectedly: “Thou wilt involve me -in strife and enmity with Juno. Even now she quarrels with me and says I -am aiding the Trojans. Leave me quickly, that she may not see thee, and -I will grant thy request with a nod.” - -The goddess descended from the shining heights of Olympus into the -depths of the sea, while Jupiter arose and went to his palace. When the -gods saw him coming they all left their places and went respectfully to -meet him. He approached the throne and seated himself. But his jealous -consort had noticed Thetis and began straightway to pick a quarrel with -him. “Yes, I saw the silver-footed Thetis at thy knee, saw thy nod, and -saw her depart content. Doubtless thou art about to honor Achilles once -more, castigate the Achaians, and protect the insolent Trojans.” - -“Thou art continually spying upon me,” answered the ruler. “But it shall -do thee no good—I do as I please. Therefore sit still and be silent, for -shouldst thou arouse my anger, all the immortals together could not save -thee from my powerful hands.” - -Thus spake the Thunderer, and Juno was frightened. All the gods were -sorry for her, especially Hephæstus, the artist god of fire; for she was -his mother, and he had already learned that Jove’s threats often -received terrible fulfilment. He began in his mother’s behalf: “It is -intolerable that thou shouldst quarrel over mortals. I admonish thee, -mother, to bear thyself acceptably, that our father may be content and -our feast be undisturbed.” He took his goblet, and handing it to his -mother, said: “Be patient, dear mother, even though grieved at heart, -that I may not have to look upon thy punishment. Once before when he -struck thee and I attempted to restrain him, he took me by the heel and -cast me down into the air, so that I fell for a whole day before I -struck the earth, and I have limped ever since.” - -The mother smiled and took the cup, and Hephæstus filled the goblets of -the other gods. Then Apollo with his muses broke forth in sweet song, -and thus the day passed among the immortals in blissful contentment. -When Helios had put out his flaming torch, each went to his dwelling to -rest. Jove was the only one whom sleep fled. He meditated anxiously how -he might favor Achilles by defeating the Greeks. He sent a deceptive -dream to Agamemnon, telling him to prepare for battle and that it would -be easy for him to conquer the city. As soon as he awoke, Agamemnon told -the other princes of his dream. The assembly was called together. -Agamemnon was uncertain whether he dared call upon the discontented -army, and wishing first to feel his way, he began to talk of their -return. “Here we have lain for ten years,” he said. “The ships are -rotting, the anchor ropes are mouldering, and we have as yet -accomplished nothing. Indeed the gods seem to be against us. Therefore -my advice is that we quickly put to sea and sail for home before the -Trojans do us a greater mischief. You all must see that we cannot take -the city.” - -He had scarcely ended when the whole company rushed exultantly away to -the ships, for all were anxious to return to their homes. This was more -than the king had expected and he looked on in despair, while the other -brave leaders gnashed their teeth. They were powerless to stay the -tumultuous rabble until Ulysses, hurrying forward with quick presence of -mind, admonished leaders and men to return to the assembly. “Do not be -in such a hurry,” he would say when he met one of the princes; “hear the -end. Thou dost not know the king’s mind yet. He but wished to test us, -and woe to thee if the mighty king’s wrath overtake thee.” Then he drove -the people back, and they came with a roar like angry waves breaking on -a rocky shore. They knew Ulysses’ warlike spirit and feared he might -advise renewal of the struggle. Only respect for his great authority -moved them to return. - -When all the princes were seated and order had once more been restored, -Ulysses was about to take up the sceptre. Suddenly Thersites pushed -forward. He was despised by the whole army as a quarrelsome, insolent -fellow, who seldom let an opportunity go by to insult the princes, not -excepting Agamemnon himself, with mocking, rebellious words. He was the -ugliest of all the Greeks, having a lame foot, a deformed shoulder, a -pointed, bald head, and a cast in one eye. - -“What wilt thou now, Atreus’ son?” he shrieked at Agamemnon. “I should -have thought thou hadst collected enough money and valuable spoils to -have satisfied thy avarice. Dost thou desire still more? Must the -Achaians still sacrifice themselves to fill thy insatiable throat? Are -ye not ashamed, ye princes, to suffer such a king to lead ye to -destruction? But ye are women or ye would desert him and embark without -him.” - -“Silence, foolish babbler!” cried Ulysses. “If I ever again hear thee -slander one of us so shamelessly, true as I live, I will tear thy -clothes from thy body and whip thee out of the assembly so that the -whole camp shall hear thy cries!” Thus spake the hero, beating him about -the back and shoulders with the sceptre, so that he cowered down and -then ran away crying out. - -The heralds now commanded silence as Ulysses again stood up to speak. -Turning to Agamemnon he said: “Oh son of Atreus, how badly have the -Achaians kept faith with thee. They promised not to return home until we -had conquered Troy, and now they act like children. I do not blame -anyone for longing for his home after ten years of absence. But just -because we have waited so long, it were a shame to return when we are so -near the goal. For we must succeed or all the signs of the immortal Jove -are a mockery. Did not Calchas tell us, back in Aulis, how it would be? -Do ye not remember the sparrow’s nest in the beautiful maple tree near -our altar? I can still see the spotted serpent gliding up its trunk and -swallowing the eight young birds and catching the frightened mother bird -at last by the wing. We were all alarmed at the omen, but Calchas -interpreted the occurrence favorably. He said: ‘The war shall consume -nine years, but in the tenth, Troy shall fall.’ Behold, friends, the -prophecy is about to be fulfilled, and will ye now flee? Wait but a -short time until we have taken the proud city of Priam, and then let us -depart laden with rich booty and crowned with immortal glory.” - -Old Nestor next arose to persuade those who still hesitated. “That is -right,” he said. “Let reason speak to you. Shall our great plans go up -in smoke and shall our sacred vows to Menelaus and his good brother, -Agamemnon, be broken? Indeed no! Lead the Achaians into battle, great -king, and most of them will, I hope, cheerfully follow thee. Let the men -be gathered together by tribes, that each may fight for his own blood. -Then thou shalt clearly see whether the gods protect the city or whether -it is the cowardice and ignorance of our army which defeats us.” - -“Well spoken!” cried Agamemnon. “We must not rest until the fortress is -taken. Jove will surely aid us. His flashing lightnings as we left Aulis -are the surest pledge of this. The city would already be ours had I ten -men in my army as wise as thou art, O Nestor, and alas! had Achilles not -left us—Achilles, whom I have wounded so sorely. But come! Let everyone -prepare for the battle. Let us quickly refresh and strengthen ourselves -and then advance upon the city in a body.” - -With these words he dismissed the assembly and the people streamed back -to the tents to arm themselves and take some food. The king invited all -the chiefs to join him at breakfast in his tent. Nestor, Idomeneus, the -two brave Ajaxes, Diomedes, and Ulysses were there, besides his brother -Menelaus. They took a steer, strewing sacred barley upon it, and while -they all stood about it in a circle, Agamemnon lifted up his voice and -prayed to Jupiter for victory. Alas! he did not know that the god had -turned against him. - -The drivers harnessed their horses, the warriors donned helmet and -shield and took up their lances, and the heralds lifted up their mighty -voices above the din, to call the stragglers together. Company after -company, they assembled like a swarm of migrating birds. Then the -princes hastily mustered the ranks and arranged the races and tribes as -Nestor had advised. But the king called to them in a loud voice to fight -bravely, and when all was in readiness they swept forwards with a din -and outcry, like a flock of screeching cranes. - - - - - Chapter III -Meeting of the Armies—Menelaus and Paris—Agamemnon Leads the Greeks into - Battle - - -The Trojan nobles were holding a council of war before the palace when -Iris, a messenger from Jupiter, appearing in the shape of Priam’s son -Polites, joined them. He came from one of the watch towers and brought -the news that an incalculable number of Achaians was approaching. -Hastily the council broke up, each chief going to assemble his people, -that they might be ready to meet the Greeks before they should reach the -city wall. In their midst were many heroes, but distinguished amongst -them all for invincible strength and heroic courage were Hector, son of -Priam, several of his brothers, and also Æneas, a connection of the -royal house. - -Masses of men now poured out of the open city gates and ranged -themselves in long lines of battle. The Achaians advanced ever nearer, -but could not be distinguished for the tremendous dust which arose -before them, enveloping them like a cloud. When they came to a -standstill the leaders at last recognized one another. In front of the -Trojans marched the godlike Paris, wearing a leopard skin, his bow slung -over his shoulder, his sword on his thigh, and swinging two javelins in -his right hand. With mocking words he challenged the bravest Achaians to -combat. His arch-enemy, Menelaus, was the first to hear him and his -heart swelled with anger, while he burned to meet the robber of his -honor. He guided his chariot toward him, sprang hastily down, and ran to -meet him, eager as a lion to spring upon its prey. The handsome youth -was frightened at his appearance and fled, vanishing among the throng of -Trojans. - -His brother Hector saw his flight and was indignant at the sight. -“Coward,” he cried, “would that thou hadst never been born or else hadst -died ere ever thou didst learn to seduce women! Now thou hast made a -laughing-stock of thyself before both armies. I can only wonder how thou -hadst ever the courage to go to a foreign land and there to steal away a -beautiful woman. The deed has been the undoing of us all and brought -eternal shame upon thyself. Menelaus appears quite different to thee -to-day, I suppose, from what he did then? Had he caught thee, thy lute -and curled hair, thy slender shape, and the favor of Aphrodite had -availed thee little. Were the Trojans not a cowardly rabble thou wouldst -long ago have paid the penalty for all thou hast brought upon them.” - -Paris answered: “Thou art right, brother. But forgive me. Wouldst thou -see me fight, bid the others cease and let me challenge Menelaus to -single combat before the people. Then let whichever is the victor take -Helen, with all the other treasures, that the Trojans and Achaians may -part in peace.” - -These words pleased Hector and he advanced, holding out his lance before -the Greeks and calling upon them to cease fighting. The arrows of the -enemy fell about him like rain until Agamemnon spied him and cried -loudly: “Stop, men! Do not shoot, for he wishes to speak to us.” - -Hector called out: “Hear me now, Achaians and Trojans! Paris, my -brother, the cause of all this trouble, would also make an end of it and -challenges Menelaus to single combat. Whichever wins shall take both -Helen and the treasure and the death of the vanquished shall end the -war. Ye shall all return to your homes and we will swear a bond of -friendship.” - -Menelaus listened, well pleased, and stepped forth to accept the -challenge, only stipulating that a solemn pledge should be taken with -all the customary sacrifices and observances and that King Priam should -himself be present at the combat. All this was willingly granted. - -In the meanwhile Agamemnon and Hector sent for the lambs and goats for -the sacrifice. Priam was seated upon the city wall near the Scæan gate -with the elders who were no longer able to go into battle, and there the -message was brought him by a herald. Helen also received the message, -which she heard with pleasure, hoping in her heart that Menelaus might -be the victor; for she had begun to long for her former husband, her -native city, and old friends. She hastily wrapped herself in a silvery -veil of linen and hurried away to the Scæan gate, accompanied by two -female attendants. The aged men at the tower were entranced with her -beauty and compared her to one of the immortal goddesses. Priam welcomed -her kindly, saying: “Approach, my daughter. Sit here beside me, that -thou mayest see all thy dear relatives and thy former husband. Do not -weep. It is not thy fault. It is the immortal gods who have sent us this -unhappy war. But tell me, who is that stately man who stands out amongst -all the others, so noble and commanding in appearance?” - -“How kind thou art, gracious father, and how unhappy am I!” answered -Helen. “Would I had died ere I followed thy son hither. That stately -hero of whom thou speakest is Agamemnon, the powerful king of Mycenæ. He -was my brother-in-law. Alas! would that he were now.” - -“So that is Agamemnon!” replied Priam slowly, observing him with -admiration. “But tell me more. I see one who is not so tall, but with -broad chest and mighty shoulders. He has laid his weapons upon the -ground and goes among the soldiers, from one company to another, even as -a ram musters the flock.” - -“That is Ulysses, Laërtes’ son,” said Helen; “a good soldier and the -wisest of them all in council.” - -“That is true, and now I recognize him myself,” said Antenor. “He came -with Menelaus into the city, as ambassador from the Achaians, to make -terms for thee.” - -“But look!” cried Priam. “There go two others, who appear to be powerful -kings.” - -“Truly they are valiant heroes,” answered Helen. “The first is Ajax of -Salamis and the other Idomeneus, king of Crete. He often visited us and -Menelaus entertained him gladly, for he is an excellent man.” - -While this conversation was going on, there came a herald to the aged -king to announce that the chariot was waiting to take him to the -battlefield. On their arrival in the midst of the two armies, Agamemnon -advanced to meet the king, surrounded by the other princes. Heralds went -among the company, sprinkling the hands of each with water; for none -might perform a sacred rite with unclean hands. Then Agamemnon drew a -great knife from his belt and sheared the wool from the lambs’ heads and -the heralds gave a piece of it to each prince. Then Agamemnon lifted up -his hands and prayed: “Father Jupiter, glorious ruler, and thou, Helios, -all-seeing sungod; ye Streams and Earth and ye Shades who punish those -who swear falsely, be ye witnesses of our vows and of this solemn -treaty. If Paris vanquish King Menelaus, he shall keep Helen and her -treasures and we will return to our country. But if he fall in the -fight, the Trojans shall give up the woman, together with all the -treasure, and pay us besides a fair tribute in this and future years. -And should they ever refuse to fulfil this vow, I shall renew the war -and never stop until I have received full satisfaction.” All took the -oath and the king cut the throats of the lambs and laid them down upon -the ground. Then each took wine and poured the first drops upon the -earth in honor of the gods, saying: “May Jupiter thus spill the blood of -him who shall first break the sacred oath.” - -“Worthy men,” said old Priam, with tears in his eyes, “grant me leave to -return home that I may not look upon the combat. Let Jupiter decide. He -knoweth best the right.” With these words he was lifted into his chariot -and Antenor drove him swiftly to the palace. - -Hector and Ulysses, the arbiters of the combat, now measured off the -ground and put the lots in a helmet, one for Menelaus and one for Paris, -in order to decide who should first cast his spear. Hector shook the -helmet until one of the lots flew out. It was that of Paris. The -bystanders at once retired to a distance and seated themselves in a -circle. Paris, in shining armor and carrying a heavy javelin, advanced -from one side and Menelaus from the other into the middle of the arena. -They shook their weapons fiercely and Paris was the first to cast his -javelin. But he struck only the edge of Menelaus’ shield; the point was -bent and the spear fell harmless to the ground. - -Menelaus cast his spear with such force that it pierced the shield and -would have penetrated his heart had Paris not quickly sprung aside. But -while he was gazing in dismay at the wreck of his shield, Menelaus -sprang upon him with drawn sword and had cloven his head in twain had -not the thick helmet shivered the brittle blade. For the third time he -sprang at Paris and seized him by the helmet to throw him to the ground, -but at the same moment the chin strap broke and Menelaus’ arm flew up -and he found himself holding the empty helmet in his hand. Paris took -the opportunity to rush away and take refuge among the Trojans, and when -Menelaus turned to cast his spear a second time at him, he had already -disappeared. It was the friendly goddess Aphrodite who had saved him. - -While the Greeks were loudly acclaiming the victor, Jupiter put it into -the heart of a Trojan to shoot an arrow at Menelaus. Pandarus was the -man’s name and Athena herself had put the arrow into his hands just as -Menelaus passed under the city wall. But the wound was not dangerous and -was quickly dressed by Machaon with a salve which he always carried -about him. The victorious cries of the Achaians now changed to cries of -rage. All condemned the treacherous act and called down the vengeance of -Jupiter upon the Trojan people. - - [Illustration: _RESCUE OF PARIS BY APHRODITE_] - -Agamemnon assembled his cohorts once more and hastened among the ranks -encouraging, threatening. Brave Idomeneus he found ready armed amongst -his Cretans. Next he mustered the tribes under command of the two -Ajaxes, which were ready to go into battle. The next company that he met -were the Pylians, under the command of young princes whom old Nestor -directed. The old man was even now going about among the men, -restraining the horsemen and placing the weaker in the middle, with the -more courageous and experienced at the front and on the sides, and -giving much valuable advice to the young leaders. Well pleased, -Agamemnon hurried on to the Athenians and Cephallenians, led by -Menestheus and Ulysses. He found the two chieftains conversing -unconcernedly together and called to them: “Is this the interest ye take -in the war? All the rest are armed and ready and would ye be left -behind? Ye are always foremost at the banquet and now ye look on while -ten companies of Achaians enter the battlefield before ye.” - -Ulysses answered, darkly frowning: “What words are these, oh ruler? When -hast thou ever found us tardy in battle? When the fight begins we shall -not be far away, and thou shalt see the father of Telemachus at the -front amongst the Trojan horsemen. Those were empty words thou spakest!” -Smiling at his anger Agamemnon answered: “Noble son of Laërtes, thou -needest no advice nor blame from me, for we are of one mind. Let it be -forgotten if I have spoken harshly.” - -He hastened to the next company, where he found Diomedes and Sthenelus -standing together in their chariot, the former with sad and disheartened -mien. “What, son of Tydeus!” he said to him, “thou seemest disturbed and -art trembling. Thy noble father knew no fear. What deeds that man -accomplished! His son is less heroic in battle, though more ready of -tongue.” - -“Speak not falsely, Atride,” answered Sthenelus, as Diomedes bowed -respectfully under the king’s reproaches. “We boast ourselves braver -than our fathers, for they led many foot-soldiers and horsemen to Thebes -and failed to take the city, while we stormed it with but few followers. -Do not praise our fathers at our expense.” - -“Silence, friend,” interrupted Diomedes. “I do not blame Agamemnon for -inciting the Achaians to battle. The fame and gain will be his if the -war is ended gloriously, and his the disgrace and ruin should the -Achaians be put to flight.” - -With these words he sprang from the chariot, so that his bronze harness -rattled, and began to arm himself for the fight. Agamemnon passed on. -While he was mustering the right wing, the left advanced to the attack. -They moved slowly and silently forward, enveloped in a cloud of dust. At -last Achaians and Trojans met; shield rang against shield, lance broke -lance. Now loud shouts arose, and mingled with the battle cries were -heard the groans of the wounded and dying being dragged away by their -friends, that they might not be trampled upon or subjected to the -cruelties of the enemy. Above the din of battle rose the commands of the -chieftains and the cries of the soldiers. Swords hissed through the air, -spears whistled, shields rang against one another. - -Hector, seeing his companions give way, called to them: “Forward, Trojan -horsemen! Come, do not leave the field to the Argives. They are made -neither of iron nor stone that our spears should rebound from them, and -Achilles, the great hero, no longer fights in their ranks.” - -The Trojans took courage at this and renewed the battle. Diores, the -Greek, was stretched senseless upon the ground by a heavy stone, and -just as his conqueror, the Trojan Peirus, had given him the deathblow -with his spear and was about to strip his victim, Thoas the Ætolian -rushed upon him with his sword and he fell across the body of Diores. -But Thoas was obliged to flee in turn, for the Trojans ran up to carry -off Peirus, and he had to seek other booty. It had been a hot day and -horse and rider were panting. - - - - - Chapter IV - Continuation of the Battle—The Gods Take Part - - -The sun stood high in the heavens and the battle continued to rage with -the greatest bitterness. Hector and Æneas, Agamemnon, Ulysses, and the -other great heroes raged about the broad battlefield like beasts of -prey. Diomedes was especially favored by Athena on this great day and -laid many warriors in the dust. Among the Trojans, two sons of the rich -and pious priest of Vulcan, Dares, spurred forward from the swarm of -warriors against him. One of them cast his spear at the hero, but missed -the mark, which but served to enrage the warrior. He grimly cast back at -the youth and pierced him through the heart. His brother turned and fled -and Diomedes quickly seized the handsome steeds and commanded his men to -conduct them to the ships. - -One could not tell to which side Diomedes belonged, for he was always in -the midst of the fight. He was at last espied by Pandarus, the same who -had broken the oath by shooting at Menelaus. He approached Diomedes -stealthily from behind and shot a sharp arrow into his right shoulder, -so that blood stained his coat of mail. “Come, ye Trojans,” he cried, “I -have wounded the most formidable of the Achaians.” But the arrow had not -penetrated so deeply as he thought. Diomedes sought his charioteer -Sthenelus. “Friend,” he said, “come quickly and pluck this arrow from my -shoulder.” As it was withdrawn, blood spurted from the wound and the -warrior prayed to Athena: “Hear me, goddess, and as thou hast ever been -my protector in battle, oh aid me now and let me slay the man who hath -wounded me and boasts that I shall not much longer see the light of -day.” - -The goddess heard him and stanched the blood. “Thou canst return to the -fight,” she said. “I have endowed thee with the strength and courage of -thy father and will distinguish thee to-day above all other Achaians. -Only take care not to oppose the immortal gods in battle, but attack all -others courageously. If Jupiter’s daughter Aphrodite should enter the -field, thou mayest wound her with thy sharp spear.” The goddess -disappeared and Diomedes flew back to the foremost ranks with renewed -ardor. Behind him came his followers, ready to strip his victims of -their armor and to carry away the captured horses and chariots. Æneas -called upon Pandarus and said: “Where are to-day thy bow and -never-failing arrows? Here is a chance to distinguish thyself. See, -there is a man who has slain many, and none of our warriors can prevail -against him.” - -“That is Diomedes, son of Tydeus,” interrupted Pandarus; “he must be -under the protection of a god. Already my arrow has wounded him so that -blood spurted from the place, and in spite of this he is again in the -field wielding his deadly lance. I dare not aim at him again, for it is -unlucky to contend with the gods. Besides, I came on foot to Ilium and -have no horses or chariot.” - -“Come, friend, take mine and learn what Trojan horses are. Here, take -the whip and reins, while I remain on foot and watch the fight.” - -“Do thou guide the steeds thyself, Æneas, for they know thee; else might -Diomedes take them captive and slay us too. I will meet him with the -point of my sharp spear.” - -Together they mounted the handsome chariot and dashed toward Diomedes, -who was driving across the field with Sthenelus. “Look!” cried -Sthenelus. “There come two heroes making for us. Let me turn back, for -they seem bold warriors, and thou art weary with long fighting and thy -painful wound.” - -“Not so,” said Diomedes angrily. “It is not my custom thus to flee. I -will await them here, and if one of them escape, the other shall be my -prey. Do thou follow me, and if I should wound them both, seize thou the -enemy’s steeds. I know them. They are magnificent horses of the famous -breed which Jupiter once gave to King Thoas for his captured son -Ganymede. Hasten, for the chariot is already upon us.” - -He swung himself to the ground and at the same moment Pandarus’ arrow -struck his shield, and though it made him stagger, he shook the shield -in Pandarus’ face and cried: “Do not triumph too soon, but rather take -care that thou thyself escape death!” Æneas turned his steeds in terror, -but he could not save his friend; Diomedes’ spear had struck him down. -As Æneas descended to bear away the body, he too was sorely wounded. -Sthenelus meanwhile led away the beautiful steeds and they were taken to -Diomedes’ tents. - -Aphrodite now approached her fainting son and her merciful arms bore him -off the field. “It must be a goddess who has rescued him,” said Diomedes -to himself. “But it can be none other than Aphrodite, who appears so -unwarlike. Good, I will overtake her and attain undying fame.” He -hastened after the goddess, swung his spear, and wounded her in the -wrist, so that her clear blood stained the earth. The goddess screamed -and let the warrior slip from her arms, but he was again rescued by -Phœbus Apollo, who covered him with a dark cloud. - -Diomedes still pursued the goddess with loud cries. “Retire, daughter of -Jupiter, and leave the battlefield to men. It is bad enough that thou -causest women to bring such misery upon the nations. Woe to thee -shouldst thou come near me in the fight!” The goddess was terrified and -fled as fast as she could. Iris came to meet her and conducted her to -the edge of the battlefield, where Mars, the god of war, sat gloating -over his work. A cloud surrounded him and concealed him from mortal -eyes. “Dear brother,” said Aphrodite, “lend me thy horses that I may -quickly reach Olympus. Look! A mortal has wounded me.” Iris took the -reins and the horses flew swiftly away through the air. - -Meanwhile Diomedes was still on the field seeking Æneas, and not until -he heard Apollo’s threatening voice, “Take heed, son of Tydeus, and give -way, tremble and do not strive with the gods,” did he desist and -remember Athena’s warning. Apollo carried Aphrodite’s son to his sacred -temple on the heights of Pergamus. There he healed and strengthened him, -and the hero soon reappeared among his followers, who were amazed at the -miracle. He at once plunged into the fight and slew many brave youths -among the Achaians. - -Apollo had meanwhile complained to Mars of the defeat of the Trojans and -of Diomedes’ insolence in daring to attack the gods. The god of war, who -inclined first to one side, then to the other, was persuaded to take -part in the battle himself, and this time to support the Trojans. -Concealed in a cloud, he strode first before Hector, then before another -Trojan, and wherever he went the aim never failed. Diomedes, however, -had been endowed by his friend Athena with the power to recognize the -gods when they appeared amongst men, so that he was terrified, as he was -about to throw himself upon Hector, to see the war god striding before -him. He started back, and hastening toward the other Greek warriors -cried: “Take care, friends, give way and do not contend with the gods! -For Hector hath ever a god at his side. Mars is with him now in the -guise of a mortal.” Diomedes, in awe of Mars, retired from the field, -although the battle still raged. Hector slew two of the bravest Greek -warriors and captured their horses. Ajax of Salamis looked grimly on, -but did not dare attack him; he preferred to pursue a weaker man, -Amphius of Pæsus. - -The battle had begun almost under the walls of Troy, but the Greeks had -been forced back nearly to the ships, and they began to lose courage. -Juno and Athena now determined to protect their favorites; for had they -not promised Menelaus to avenge his wrongs? They signed Hebe to hitch -the horses to the splendid chariot. Athena donned her breastplate, put -on her golden helmet, and took up her mighty lance and the shield called -ægis. It was decorated with golden tassels and in the midst was the head -of Medusa, the mere sight of which turned men to stone. Thus armed, she -mounted the shining chariot, and Juno, standing beside her, guided the -steeds. The gates of heaven, guarded by the Horæ, opened of themselves -and the goddesses stormed the heights of Olympus, where the father of -the gods was sitting in solitude looking down upon the confusion. “Art -thou not angered, Father Jupiter,” spake Juno, “that Mars is destroying -the great and noble Achaian people? Wilt thou object if I force him from -the field?” - -Jupiter answered: “To work! Set Pallas Athena upon him. She will soon -discomfit him.” - -Overjoyed at the permission, Juno turned the horses and in an instant -they had descended to the field before Troy. They paused where the -Simois flows into the Scamander and enveloped chariot and steeds in a -thick cloud. Then they hastened to the side of Tydeus’ son, and in -Stentor’s shape and with his brazen voice Juno cried out: “Shame upon -ye, people of Argos, so glorious to look upon and so faint-hearted. When -Achilles was among you, the Trojans scarce ventured from the gates, but -now that the only man among you is gone, they push you back to the -ships.” - -Athena approached Diomedes where he stood beside his chariot, cooling -the wound which Pandarus had inflicted. He was just beginning to feel -the pain of it and could scarcely move his arm. He loosened the leather -straps and pressed out the blood. “Shame upon you, son of Tydeus,” said -the goddess reproachfully. “Thou art not as thy noble father. He was -more eager for the fray and slew countless men of Cadmus’ race before -Thebes. Thou knowest that I never leave thy side. Speak, how can fear -have dominion over thee?” - -“Goddess,” answered the hero, “for I recognize thy voice, neither sloth -nor fear restrain me, but I remember thy command. I plunged into the -thick of the fight and piled corpse on corpse, until I saw Mars, the -terrible, who fights in the front ranks of the Trojans. I gave way -before him and warned the others; for who shall fight against the gods?” - -The goddess answered: “Diomedes, beloved of my soul, henceforth fear -neither Mars nor any of the immortals, for I am beside thee. Turn thy -prancing horses upon Mars and wound him boldly at close range, the -unstable one.” - -She then took Sthenelus’ place in the chariot, wearing the helm of -Aides, which rendered her invisible even to Mars. She guided the chariot -straight towards him. When Mars saw Diomedes approaching he turned -towards him, and leaning over, was about to plunge his spear into his -body, but Athena turned it aside, and now Diomedes gave him such a -thrust in the side that a mortal would certainly have succumbed. He -withdrew the shaft and Mars fled, howling like ten thousand men. Both -Achaians and Trojans were terrified at the din and Diomedes was amazed -at his own deed and saw with astonishment the god rise up into the sky. -There he showed the painful wound to Jupiter and complained loudly of -Athena. - -But the father of the gods answered grimly: “Spare me thy whining! I -despise thee above all the gods. Thou hast always loved quarrels and -bickerings and art as stubborn and contentious as thy mother, Juno. But -I cannot see my son suffer.” With these words he commanded Pæon, the -physician of Olympus, to heal him. He placed a cooling balm upon the -wound and Mars was healed, for he was immortal. Then Juno bathed him and -clothed him with soft garments. As soon as the murderous Mars had been -driven from the field the goddesses returned to the dwellings of the -Olympian gods. - - - - - Chapter V - The Greeks are Successful—Hector Hastens to the City—Glaucus and - Diomedes, Hector and Andromache - - -The day was declining, but once more the Achaians pressed forward with -renewed courage, knowing that Mars was no longer on the field. The -Trojans gave way before them, and soon they were near enough to see -again the elders and the women upon the city walls. Hector and Æneas did -their best to spur the soldiers to resistance, but without avail. Then -Helenus, one of Priam’s sons, who had the gift of prophecy, spake unto -Hector: “Dear brother, do thou and Æneas try once more to encourage the -people. Then go and leave the battle to us. Hasten into the city. Tell -our mother quickly to summon the noble women of the city to Athena’s -sacred temple and there to lay her most costly garment in the lap of the -goddess. Furthermore she shall promise to sacrifice twelve yearling -calves upon Athena’s altar, if she will repulse that terrible warrior, -Tydeus’ son.” - -Hector carried out his brother’s bidding and while he was away the -Achaians regained the supremacy. Nestor went busily about admonishing -them not to waste any time in collecting booty, but only to kill, kill, -kill. Afterward, he said, there would be plenty of time to strip the -accoutrements from the slain. Diomedes the insatiable, panting still for -fresh conquests, espied a man among the Trojans whom he had never seen -before, but who appeared by his rich armor, his stature, and commanding -mien to be one of the leaders. When they had approached each other -within a spear’s cast, they both reined in their steeds and Diomedes -cried out to the enemy: “Who art thou, excellent sir? I have not seen -thee before, although thou seemest to be a practised warrior. Art thou -some god? Then would I not contend with thee, for such rashness hath -ever brought misfortune to a mortal. But if thou art a man like myself, -advance, that thou mayest quickly meet thy doom.” - -It was Glaucus, Hippolochus’ son, who answered: “Oh son of Tydeus, dost -thou ask who I am? The children of men are like the leaves of the -forest, blown about by the winds and budding anew when Spring -approaches. One flourishes and another fades. My race is a glorious one. -It sprang from the Argive land and my ancestors ruled the city of -Ephyra. Anolus was the founder of my family; Sisyphus, his son, was that -wise king whose son was Glaucus; his son in turn the glorious -Bellerophon, endowed by the gods with superhuman beauty and strength. -Who has not heard of his heroic deeds? He slew Chimæra, the creature -with a lion’s head, a dragon’s tail, and body of a goat—a savage, -ravening monster. Next he conquered the king’s hostile neighbors, -gaining every battle. The king gave him his beautiful daughter and half -of his kingdom. His two sons were Isander and Hippolochus, who is my -father. He sent me hither to Troy and admonished me to excel all others -and never to disgrace my ancestors.” - -Diomedes planted his spear in the sand, crying joyfully: “Then thou art -my friend for old times’ sake. My grandfather Œneus entertained the -glorious Bellerophon in his house for twenty days, and on his departure -they exchanged gifts in token of friendship. Œneus’ gift was a purple -girdle and Bellerophon’s a golden goblet, which I have in my possession -and often admire. Therefore thou shalt be my guest in Argos and I thine, -if I should ever visit Lycia. So let us avoid each other in the battle. -There remain enough Trojans for me and enough Achaians for thee to kill. -But as a pledge of the agreement let us exchange armor that it may be -seen that we are friends of old standing.” They descended from their -chariots, shook hands cordially, and took off their armor. Glaucus got -the worst of the bargain, for his breastplate and shield were of gold, -while those of Diomedes were only of brass. However, he gave them up -gladly. They then renewed their vows of friendship and drove rapidly -away in opposite directions. - -When Hector reached the Scæan gate he was surrounded by Trojan women -inquiring for their sons, brothers, and husbands, but he could not stay -to comfort them and hastened away to his father’s palace, where he -sought out his venerable mother, Hecuba. “Dear son,” she began, “why -hast thou deserted the battlefield to come hither? The cruel Achaians -are pressing us hard. But tarry until I bring thee good wine, that thou -mayest make an offering to the gods and then refresh thyself; for wine -giveth strength to a weary man.” - -“Not so, mother,” answered Hector. “Befouled as I am, how can I -sacrifice to the gods? Not for this did I come hither, but to bring thee -a message from Helenus.” Then he repeated his brother’s instructions and -Hecuba hastened to obey them. - -Hector meanwhile made his way to the handsome palace of Paris, where he -found his brother turning over and examining his weapons. Helen sat by -the fireside among her maidens, occupied with domestic tasks. “Strange -man!” said Hector. “I cannot understand thy conduct. The people are -melting away before the walls and this bloody battle is chiefly on thine -account. Thou wert always bitter against the slothful and hast ever -encouraged others to fight. Come, let us go, before the city is fired by -the enemy.” - -“Gladly will I follow thee, brother,” answered Paris. “Thy reproaches -are just. I have been brooding upon my misfortune, but my wife has just -persuaded me to return to the field, and I am ready. Tarry a while until -I have put on my armor or else go and I will follow thee.” - -“Dear Hector,” spake gracious Helen sadly, “how it grieves me to see you -all engaged in this cruel war, for the sake of a contemptible woman like -myself. O that I had been destroyed at birth or had been flung into the -sea! Or, if the gods have destined me to such misfortune, would at least -that I had fallen into the hands of a brave man, who would take the -disgrace and reproaches of his family to heart and could wipe out his -shame by heroic deeds. But Paris is not a man. Enter and be seated, -Hector, for thou has toiled most arduously in my behalf and suffered -most for thy brother’s crime.” - -“Thy gracious invitation I may not accept,” answered Hector, “for my -heart urges me to return to aid the Trojans. I beg thee persuade Paris -to overtake me before I leave the city. Now I must go to my own house to -see my wife once more and little son; for who knoweth whether I shall -ever return?” - -He did not find his spouse at home, but on the tower at the Scæan gate, -where she was following the fate of the Trojans. As he neared the gate -she came to meet him, the modest, sensible Andromache, and behind her -came the nurse with the little boy. His loving wife took him tenderly by -the hand and wept over him. “Thy courage will surely be thy death,” she -said. “Take pity on thy miserable wife and infant son, for the Achaians -will surely kill thee, and then I had best sink into the earth; for what -would remain for me? I am alone. Hector, thou art father and mother and -brother to me, my precious husband. Take pity on me and remain in the -tower. Do not make me a widow and thy son an orphan.” - -Hector answered: “Dearly beloved, I am troubled also at thy fate, but I -could not face the Trojan people if I shunned danger like a coward. -True, I foresee the day when sacred Ilium will fall, bringing disaster -upon the king and all the people, and thy fate touches me more nearly -than that of father, mother, or brothers. Thou mayest be carried away to -slavery in Argos to labor for a cruel mistress. Rather would I be in the -grave than see thee in misery.” - -Sadly the hero stretched out his arms to his boy, but the child hid his -face in the nurse’s bosom, terrified at the helmet with its fluttering -plumes. Smiling, the father took it off and laid it on the ground, and -now the boy went to him willingly. He kissed the child tenderly, and -turning his eyes heavenward prayed fervently; “Jupiter and ye other -gods, grant that my boy may be a leader among the Trojans like his -father and powerful in Ilium, that sometime it may be said: ‘He is much -greater than his father.’ May his mother rejoice in him.” - -As he placed the child in its mother’s arms, she smiled through her -tears. “Poor wife,” he said, caressing her, “do not grieve too much. I -shall not be sent to Hades unless it is my fate—no one can escape his -destiny, be he high or low. Do thou attend to thine affairs at home and -keep thy maidens busily at work. Men are made for war, and I most of -all.” He picked up his helmet and hurried away. Andromache went also, -but often turned to gaze after her dear husband. - -Paris overtook his brother at the gate. “Do not be angry, brother, at my -tardiness,” he said. “My good fellow,” answered Hector, “thou art a -brave warrior, but often indifferent. I cannot bear the scornful gossip -of the people who are enduring so much for thy sake. But we will talk of -this another time—perhaps when we shall make a thankoffering for the -defeat of the Achaians.” Thus speaking they hastened towards the -battlefield. - - - - - Chapter VI - Hector and Ajax in Single Combat—A Truce—Another Battle at the Ships - - -To the weary Trojans the appearance of the two heroes was as welcome as -a long-desired breeze after a calm at sea to a sailor, and they soon -made their presence felt. Pierced by Paris’ arrow, the excellent -Menestheus fell and Hector slew the valiant Eïoneus. Many another who -had believed Hector far away met death at his hands. - -Then came his brother Helenus, the seer, and bade him summon a warrior -from among the Achaians to come forth and fight with him in single -combat. The gods had revealed to him that the day of Hector’s doom was -not yet come. Immediately the hero ran to the front, and requesting a -truce cried out: “Hear me, ye Trojans and Achaians! Jupiter hath brought -to naught our agreement, and our quarrel has not been settled as we -hoped. Let us now arrange a second combat. Send your most valiant -warrior forth to fight with me. If he slay me, let him take my costly -armor, but my body he shall send to Ilium, that my bones may be burned -and the ashes preserved. Should the gods grant that I slay him, then I -will hang his armor in the temple of Phœbus Apollo. But ye may raise a -fitting monument on the shore, so that when his grandchild sails the -Hellespont and passes the high promontory he may say: ‘That is the -mighty monument to the brave hero whom Hector slew in the final -combat.’” - -For a while all was quiet in the Greek camp. Each was waiting for the -other to offer himself, for it was a hazardous undertaking. At last -Menelaus arose, overcome by a rising feeling of shame, and cried angrily -to the other princes: “Ha! ye who can boast so well at home and on the -battlefield are women, where is your courage now? It would indeed be our -everlasting shame if none of the Achaians dared match himself with -Hector. Sit still, ye cowards! I will gird myself for the fight. The -victory lies in the hands of the immortal gods.” - -He began to put on his armor, but the other kings, and even his brother, -restrained him. “Stay, my brother,” said Agamemnon; “do not be in a -hurry to take up the challenge. Some other valiant Achaian will -doubtless come forward.” Menelaus reluctantly obeyed, and now old Nestor -began to reproach the faint-hearted warriors. “Your hearts have no -courage and your bones no marrow,” he said. “If I were like myself of -old, when I slew the hero Ereuthalion, Hector should soon find his man.” - -Abashed at Nestor’s well-merited rebuke, nine men arose and came -forward. Agamemnon himself was among them and the two Ajaxes; the others -were Diomedes, Ulysses, Idomeneus, and his charioteer Meriones, -Eurypylus, and Thoas. It was proposed that they draw lots, and it fell -to the elder Ajax, who was proud of the honor that had come to him. “I -trust that Jupiter will give me the victory, for I am not unskilful and -fear not the foeman; but pray for me that Jupiter may give me success,” -he said. - -Ajax now rushed forward to meet the waiting Hector. Truly he was no mean -adversary, being a man of powerful build. His armor was impenetrable and -it was this fact alone which now saved him from certain death. His -shield was composed of seven layers of cowhide with an iron covering; -helmet and breastplate were equally strong. According to the custom of -the time, the combat did not begin at once and in silence, but the -warriors first paused to taunt and revile each other. - -Ajax cried out: “Now thou canst see, Hector, that there are still men -among the Achaians who are not afraid to accept thy challenge, even -though Achilles is not with us. I am but one of many. Come, let us to -work!” - -“Thinkest thou to anger me by thy defiance, son of Telamon?” answered -Hector. “Do not deceive thyself. I know how to hurl the spear and turn -the shield so that no bolt can touch me. My deeds bear witness to my -words. Beware, valiant hero, I shall not attack thee with craft, but -openly.” - -At the same moment he hurled the great spear with all his might, and it -pierced six of the leathern layers of Ajax’s shield before its power was -spent. Ajax quickly aimed his own at Hector’s breast. Hector’s shield -was not strong enough to withstand the blow; however, by a quick turn of -his body, he prevented the point from entering his flesh. Both men now -withdrew their spears from the shields and threw themselves upon each -other. But Hector’s well-aimed blow only blunted the point of his lance -and Ajax’s spear slipped on the smooth surface of Hector’s shield, -wounding him slightly in the neck. Then Hector turned hastily to pick up -a stone, which he hurled with all his might at Ajax’s head, but the hero -warded it off with his shield. Ajax then picked up a much larger stone, -which he threw, breaking Hector’s shield and wounding his knee. No doubt -Hector would have attacked him once more had the Greeks themselves not -interfered, sending forward a herald who separated the heroes, saying: -“Warriors, it is enough. Ye are good fighters and beloved of Jupiter; -that we have all seen. But night is falling and the darkness bids us -cease our strife.” - -“Very well, friend,” said Ajax. “Bid Hector lay down his arms, for he -began the fight. When he is ready to stop, I also am willing.” - -Then Hector said calmly: “Ajax, thou hast borne thyself manfully and -some god hath lent thee strength and skill. Let us now rest and renew -the fight another time, until death shall claim one of us. Go thou to -feast with thy people, while I return to Priam’s city. But before we -part let us exchange gifts that future generations may say, ‘Behold, -they fought a bitter fight, then parted in friendship.’” - -Thereupon he presented Ajax with his finely-chased sword with its -graceful scabbard and Ajax gave him his purple belt. Thus they parted, -each side welcoming his man with cries of triumphant joy. Agamemnon -entertained the chieftains in his tent as usual and to-day he set the -largest and choicest pieces before Ajax. When the meal was ended Nestor -began: “Listen to my advice, chieftains. Let us pause to-morrow long -enough to bury our dead. We will burn the bodies that each may gather -the ashes of his friends to bear them home to his people. But here we -will erect a great monument to mark the place where the brave warriors -have fallen. I have also another proposal to make. What think ye if we -should hastily construct a deep moat and a bulwark with a great gateway -around our camp? Then we should be as safe in our tents as in a walled -city.” The counsel of the old man was received with universal approval -and Agamemnon determined to set to work at once. - -The Trojan princes too were holding council to decide what they should -do to force the Achaians to retire. Antenor, the wise, urged the return -of Helen, but none would consent, not even Priam and Hector, to force -Paris to give up his beloved wife. “I will gladly return the treasure -which we took from Menelaus,” he said, “and give him plentifully of mine -own, if that will propitiate the Achaians. But never will I give up -Helen.” - -“For the present let us be on our guard,” answered King Priam, “and -to-morrow let Idæus go down and give Paris’ message to the Achaians and -ask if they are not inclined to an armistice, until we have burned the -dead and paid them funeral honors.” - -Early the next morning Idæus went forth on his errand. He entered -Agamemnon’s tent and delivered his message. The Greeks welcomed the -proposal for a truce, but Paris’ offer was rejected with disdain. “Let -no one take Paris’ property,” roared Diomedes. “We no longer fight for -Paris’ wealth, nor even for Helen. Even though he should send her back, -Troy shall fall, and truly the end is not far off!” Agamemnon and the -other chieftains all signified their approval and the herald took the -message back to the city. - -Meanwhile the greater part of the Achaians were engaged in digging a -moat and building a wall about the camp. The outcome showed that this -precaution had not been unnecessary, for as soon as the battle was -renewed the Achaians began to lose ground. Jupiter forbade the gods to -take sides, and driving the celestial steeds himself, he descended from -Olympus to Mount Ida, from whence he could observe the battlefield. The -slaughter had begun early in the morning and already many Trojans had -fallen, and still more Achaians, for the Trojans fought desperately. - -A little past noon a threatening storm gathered on Mount Ida and the -people recognized the presence of the father of the gods, for he alone -had power over the flashing lightning. It was soon apparent whom he -favored, for suddenly a terrible thunderbolt with blinding flashes -struck the foremost ranks of the Achaians, so that all were -panic-stricken and none dared remain on the field against the will of -Jupiter. All fled to the ships, pale with terror. Nestor was about to -follow, when an arrow from Paris’ bow laid one of his horses low, and if -Diomedes had not come to his rescue, he would certainly have fallen a -prey to the pursuing Trojans. Filled with renewed courage at the -thunderbolts of Jove, which they took for favorable omens, they were -like dogs on the track of the frightened flock. Hector called loudly -upon his people to attack the wall and gave orders that firebrands be -brought from the city to fire the ships. But the Trojans were dubious -about attacking the Greeks within their fortifications. They were not -well prepared for such an undertaking. - -The Greeks now stood behind the wall, huddled close to the ships. The -terrible thunderstorm had passed over and the sun shone once more. -Agamemnon boarded a ship, where he might be seen and heard by all. The -warriors were silent while he cried: “Shame upon you, sons of Argos, who -in Lemnos boasted that ye would each fight one hundred Trojans! Now ye -flee like frightened deer before a single man. Already Hector threatens -to burn the ships. No wonder! It is your cowardice which makes him bold. -Oh, father Jupiter, hast thou ever cursed a king as thou hast me? And -yet how many fat cattle have I not offered up? On the way hither I did -not pass by a single one of thy sacred temples where I did not stop to -burn fat haunches in thine honor. Thou hast doubtless determined to -destroy us here.” - -Full of pity, the father of gods and men looked down upon him and made a -sign that he would save the Danæans. He sent an eagle bearing a young -deer in its beak, which it dropped as it flew high above the Greek camp, -so that it fell palpitating before the altar of Jupiter on the ships. As -soon as the Greeks saw this favorable sign, they pressed forward with -fresh zeal into the Trojan lines. The heroes were like ravening wolves. -Teucer of Salamis, who was skilful with the bow, remained beside his -brother Ajax, who covered him with his shield whenever he was in danger. -Every arrow hit its mark. Agamemnon looked on with delight, and clapping -the youth on the shoulder, he cried: “Well done, my dear fellow! Thus -shalt thou bring joy and glory to thy father in his old age. If the gods -grant me the victory over Troy thy reward shall not fail—whether it be a -tripod, a pair of horses and a chariot, or a beautiful slave girl.” - -Soon afterward Hector’s chariot came galloping up. Teucer quickly set an -arrow to his bow and aimed at the hero, but the missile went astray and -Hector did not see the youth. Teucer shot another arrow, which pierced -the charioteer’s breast. Hector sprang down, and just as Teucer was -taking aim for the third time, a rock from Hector’s hand struck his -breast and he sank on his knees. Ajax covered him with his shield until -soldiers came up and carried the wounded youth away to his tent. - -Juno and Athena, gazing sadly at the unfortunate outcome of the battle, -ventured in their resentment to disobey the command of the father of the -gods and go to the rescue of the hard-pressed Achaians. But Jupiter -espied them and sent the gold-winged Iris to warn them to turn back or -he would strike them with a thunderbolt that would shatter their chariot -and teach them not to resist father and husband. Pouting, they obeyed, -and in a rage arrived at Olympus and seated themselves in the great -hall. Soon afterwards the mountain trembled at the tread of Jupiter, who -entered the hall and seated himself on his golden throne with dark looks -at his wife and daughter, whose glances were fixed defiantly on the -ground. - -“Why are ye so sad?” he began mockingly. “Ye did not remain long on the -battlefield, meseems. Your lovely limbs trembled ere ever ye saw the -fray. Truly ye would never have returned to the glorious home of the -gods had my thunderbolt struck you. My power is far beyond that of the -other gods. Even should they all come to measure their strength against -mine, and if I stood at heaven’s gate and let down a chain to earth and -all Olympus hung to the chain, ye could not pull me down. If I but -raised my hand ye would all fly up. Even the earth and sea I would draw -up, and if I should wind the chain around the peaked top of Olympus, the -whole globe would dangle in space.” - -Meanwhile night had fallen, which put a stop to further strife. Hector -retired to the middle of the field and gave orders that the whole army -should remain in camp lighting watchfires everywhere, so that the Greeks -might not board their ships unseen and steal away. The old men and boys -were to watch the city gates to guard against surprise. - - - - - Chapter VII -Agamemnon Advises Flight—Council of the Princes—A Deputation is Sent to - Achilles - - -Fear and unrest prevailed in the camp by the ships, and even Agamemnon -was no longer confident. He quietly called the chieftains to a council -of war. “Friends,” he said, “I perceive that Jupiter is not inclined to -fulfil the promise of his omens and no longer desires that I take Troy -and lead ye home laden with booty. He has already destroyed many of us -and our misery grows greater day by day. Surely he is but making sport -of us. Therefore let us launch our ships and return home, saving at -least those of us who are left.” - -For a while the princes were silent. Then Diomedes sprang up and spake: -“Do not be angry, O King, if I disagree with thee. It seems to me thou -art faint-hearted, for none of us has given up hope. Truly the gods do -not give everything to one man, and Jupiter has made thee a powerful -king; but valor, the flower of manly virtues, he has denied thee. If -thou art so anxious to return, very good; then go. The way is open and -the ships are ready. But the rest of us will remain until we have -destroyed Priam’s fortress. And if all others should flee, I would -remain with my friend Sthenelus, for it is the gods who have brought us -hither.” - -All the warriors applauded this, and when Nestor had praised Diomedes’ -words, there was no further talk of retreat. The venerable man now -counselled that the walls should be carefully guarded and that -watchfires should be lighted everywhere. He signed to Agamemnon to -invite the friends into his tent, offer them refreshment, learn each -one’s opinion, and to follow the best. - -Nestor was the first to speak. “Great Atride,” he began, “if thou wilt -consider when it was the gods began to compass our ruin, thou wilt admit -that our misfortunes began on the day when thou didst unjustly insult -and abuse, to our great sorrow, that most valiant man whom even the -immortals have honored. We were all displeased and thou knowest how I -tried to dissuade thee. I think that even now we had better seek to -conciliate the angry man with flattering words and gifts.” - -“Honored Nestor,” answered Agamemnon, “I will not deny that I was in the -wrong. It is true a single man, if chosen by the gods, is equal in might -to an army. But having offended I will gladly make amends and offer him -every atonement. I will give him rich gifts and he shall have, besides, -the maiden over whom we quarrelled. How glad I would have been to return -her as soon as my rage had cooled. If Jupiter will but grant me the good -fortune to destroy Priam’s mighty fortress, Achilles’ vessel shall be -heaped up with gold and silver and he may select twenty Trojan women for -himself, the fairest after Helen. And when we return to Argos I will -refuse him none of my daughters, should he wish to become my son-in-law, -and will present him with seven of my most populous cities as a wedding -gift. Thus will I honor him if he be willing to forget.” - -To this Nestor answered: “Son of Atreus, thou dost offer princely gifts -which might well propitiate the proudest. Let us send messengers to him. -Let them be Ulysses and Ajax and the venerable Phœnix, whom his father -Peleus sent hither as his companion and friend. Let the heralds, Hodius -and Eurybates, accompany them.” - -The encampment of the Myrmidons was on the seashore and they found -Achilles in his tent, apart from the others, playing the harp and -singing of heroic deeds. His good friend and comrade, Patroclus, sat -opposite him listening. Ajax and Ulysses entered first and Achilles -immediately put down his harp and came towards them. Patroclus also -arose to welcome his old comrades. - -“Ye are heartily welcome, old friends,” began Achilles, “for I am not -angry with you. Sit on these cushions and, Patroclus, bring a tankard -and mix the wine, for we have honored guests here.” - -After they had eaten and poured out a libation to the gods, Ulysses took -the goblet and drank to Achilles with a hearty handclasp. “Greeting to -thee, Pelide,” he began. “It is not food and drink we crave. But we are -troubled that thou art not on the battlefield. The Trojans have pushed -forward to the ships and nothing stops them. Jupiter has sent fiery -tokens to encourage them and the invincible Hector is hard upon us with -murder in his eye. Already he has threatened to burn the ships. Even at -night he does not retire, but encamps on the open field and the whole -plain is illumined by his campfires. No doubt he is now eagerly awaiting -daybreak to destroy us, for he fears neither gods nor men. - -“Hear what Agamemnon offers thee—gifts so costly that they would suffice -to make any man rich and powerful. Ten pounds of gold will he give thee, -and seven new tripods, with twenty polished basins, besides twelve -magnificent horses and seven Lesbian slave women accompanying Briseïs’ -daughter. And when we shall have conquered Priam’s city, thou shalt heap -thy ship with gold and bronze and take twenty of Troy’s fairest women -for thyself. And when we return to blessed Argos thou shalt be his -son-in-law and he will honor thee as his own son. But if thy hatred of -Atreus’ son is so great that thou canst not forgive him, then consider -the dire need of the Achaian people, who are ready to pay thee honor -like a god. Truly thou shalt earn great glory.” - -Achilles answered him: “Noble son of Laërtes, let me open my heart to -thee frankly. Neither Agamemnon nor any other Greek can move me to fight -again for this ungrateful people. The coward and the hero enjoy equal -reputation among you. Why should I risk my life for others? As the -swallow feeds its young with the morsels which it denies itself, thus I -have spent my sweat and blood these many days for the ungrateful Achaian -people; have watched through many a restless night, fought brave men, -burning their houses and stealing away their women and children. I have -destroyed twelve populous cities in Troy by sea and eleven by land and -always delivered the spoils up to Agamemnon. He remained quietly at the -ships and took my plunder gladly, keeping always the greater part for -himself. Although each chieftain received a princely gift, he took mine -from me—the lovely woman who was dear to me as a spouse. - -“Why did we accompany him hither? Was it not for the sake of beauteous -Helen? Do we not love our women even as he? Let him leave me in peace -and take counsel with thee, Ulysses, and with the other chieftains. For -Hector shall never again meet me in battle. To-morrow I shall launch my -ships, make offerings to the gods, and if thou wilt take notice, friend, -thou shalt see my ships at dawn, floating upon the Hellespont. If -Neptune favors me I may reach my native Phthia on the third day. There I -have riches enough, so that I shall not need the gifts of the haughty -king. No, should he offer me twenty times as much, and even a city like -unto the Egyptian Thebes, which, it is said, has one hundred gates out -of each of which issue two hundred men with horses and chariots in time -of war, even then he could not persuade me until he had atoned for his -insult. - -“Let him find another husband, who is nobler and more powerful than I, -for his daughter. Should I reach home safely, my father will choose me a -noble consort, for there are many beautiful Achaian maidens who are not -wanting in rich dowries. I long for Phthia and already I foretaste the -joys of reigning over my father’s good subjects and enjoying a life of -plentiful ease by the side of a gentle spouse. Life is worth more than -all Agamemnon’s treasures, and once lost can never be regained. - -“Dost know what fate my goddess mother hath revealed to me? Either I die -young upon the battlefield and my name shall be imperishable upon earth, -or I shall live to a great age without renown. Let it be as I have said, -and if ye would have a word of advice from me, it is this: ‘Sail away -before Hector burns your ships, for ye will never conquer Troy.’ Go, -friends, and take this message to the Greeks. But, Phœnix, stay and -return with me to our native land, if so it pleaseth thee; for I would -not compel thee.” - -They were all silent until the gray-haired Phœnix began to speak. “If -thou hast determined to return, noble Achilles, how can I part from -thee, my son, for thy father confided thee to my care? Thy splendid -deeds have made me proud and happy; but now, forgive me, godlike -Achilles, now thy obstinate and unreasonable behavior grieves me. Calm -thy rage. A gentle disposition well becomes the hero, and even the anger -of the gods can be placated. How often have we seen them appeased by -sacrifices and penitential prayers. Yea, woe unto him who listens not to -repentant supplication and who hardens his heart against the enemy who -is ready to make atonement. Behold what gifts Agamemnon offers to win -thee. What is the wrong thou hast suffered in comparison with this great -honor? The ancient heroes of whom our fathers tell certainly were -subject to fits of anger, but they also allowed themselves to be -conciliated.” - -“Phœnix, honored sire,” answered Achilles, “do not disturb my soul with -lamentations; rather as my friend shouldst thou hate him who hath -wronged me. But now repose thyself. As soon as dawn appears we will take -counsel whether to go or stay.” With a secret sign he bade Patroclus -prepare a soft couch for Phœnix. - -Hastily Ajax arose, saying: “Let us be going, for we can scarce expect -to persuade this hard-hearted man, and our friends are awaiting us -anxiously. Cruel man, to cause all thy friends to suffer for one. How -oft have anger and revenge for a murdered brother been forgotten when -the murderer has offered gifts and tokens of repentance. But thou hast a -stony and implacable heart in thy bosom, and all this on account of a -girl. Oh be persuaded! We have come here as thy old friends.” - -“Ajax, godlike son of Telamon,” answered Achilles, “thou hast read my -soul. But my heart is full of bitterness when I think of the man who -treated me so vilely before the Argives. Go and bear him the message. I -will not take up arms until the firebrands of the Trojans fall upon my -own ships. Terrible as he is, I think Hector will not venture near my -tents.” Perceiving that their eloquence was unavailing, the ambassadors -returned to Agamemnon’s tent. Phœnix, however, remained with Achilles. - -The Greek princes were much cast down at the answer to their mission. -Only Diomedes was able to keep up their courage by his unshakable -confidence. “Atreus’ son,” he cried, “would thou hadst never implored -help of the Pelide or offered him rich presents. He was proud enough -before. Let him go or come; he will take up his lance as soon as his -heart speaks. But do thou, King Agamemnon, as soon as Eos’ rosy fingers -paint the sky, array thine horsemen and thy cohorts in front of the -ships and place thyself at the front. Let us now to rest, for it is late -and to-morrow we fight for our lives.” - -All agreed. The goblets were filled once more, a libation poured out to -the gods, and then they separated, each one going to his own tent. - - - - - Chapter VIII - Agamemnon in Battle—Many of the Greeks are Wounded - - -Morning had scarcely dawned when Agamemnon called all to arms, appearing -in the foremost ranks clad in his most splendid armor and determined to -fight more heroically this day than ever before. The great mass of -foot-soldiers pressed forward in long lines shouting their battle cries, -the war chariots containing the leaders following after them. - -At last the two armies met and whole ranks of men fell like grain before -the reaper’s scythe. For some hours each side held its own, but toward -noon the Achaians broke through the enemy’s lines and forced them back. -As soon as the ranks were broken and bodies of men began to scatter in -little groups over the plain, the charioteers had room for action and -dashed forward to terrorize the foot-soldiers. - -Agamemnon was among the foremost, hurling his deadly lance continually -at the Trojan princes. Two young and beautiful sons of Priam, both in -one chariot, fell before him, and he took their accoutrements and -horses. Next two sons of Antimachus came his way and received no quarter -at his hands. He stood with bloody arm uplifted, swinging his lance, -ready to strike down any who approached him. The Trojans fled in -multitudes at the sound of his lionlike voice, and amid the wild -confusion one could see frightened horses, with empty chariots trailing -behind them, galloping back toward the city. Agamemnon and the other -chieftains were relentlessly pursuing the flying Trojans, and as a lion -following a herd of cattle will fasten his cruel claws into the necks of -those which fall behind, thus the Achaians struck down many a fleeing -warrior. - -It was now Hector’s care to stop the rout and bring order into the ranks -once more at the city gates. He implored, he admonished, he scolded and -threatened, and thus drove them back again after a brief rest. Shamed by -his words, the young princes sought out the most dangerous antagonists -to show their valor. Iphidamas, son of Antenor, was even anxious to -contend with Agamemnon himself, who, however, saw him coming and was the -first to cast his lance. But the youth dodged the missile and ran -quickly at him with his own spear and would surely have run him through -had the brazen coat not bent the point of the weapon and broken the -force of the blow. Agamemnon seized hold of the youth’s lance with his -powerful left hand and forced both him and it down, while, with a sudden -blow of his sword, he cut off the youth’s head. A servant soon stripped -him and carried off the armor. - -Koon, Antenor’s second son, who had seen his brother’s fall, called some -of his companions together to avenge him. They approached Agamemnon -unobserved and Koon cast his spear, which struck the hero’s arm, -wounding him so that the warm blood spurted forth. The youth was -triumphant, for although Agamemnon did not fall, he saw him stagger -backward. He wished to make use of this moment to carry off his -brother’s body, but as he was bending over it, Agamemnon’s spear entered -his side, and before he could recover himself Agamemnon had sprung upon -him and cut off his head. The hero then turned away and attacked another -body of the enemy, slaying many. As long as the warm blood continued to -gush out he did not notice his wound, but when it began to dry, he could -no longer endure the pain and was obliged to retire from the field. He -mounted his chariot, admonishing the Achaians once more to fight -bravely, and then drove rapidly away to his tent to have his wound -dressed. - -His departure revived the sinking courage of the Trojans. Hector pressed -forward and the Achaians, abandoned by their courageous leader, turned -to flee, as the Trojans had done before. The young princes sought to -measure their strength against Hector, but only paid for their temerity -with their lives. Seeing this, Ulysses’ heart burned with rage. He -called Diomedes and said: “Son of Tydeus, let us fight together against -that terrible man. It would be a shame should plumed Hector take our -great ships from us.” - -“Gladly will I tarry here,” answered his friend surlily; “but much good -will it do us, for Jove, the Thunderer, does not intend the victory for -us, but for the Trojans.” However, they set forth together and plunged -amongst the swarms of soldiers like two raging lions, driving them -backward, as waves are whipped by the wind. Hector saw this from afar -and quick as a flash he bore down upon them in his chariot, sprang to -earth, and met the heroes on foot. - -“Look,” cried Diomedes to Ulysses when he saw him; “there cometh our -destruction. But let us stand firm, we will not flee.” - -They stood awaiting him with their lances in position, and at the moment -when Hector emerged from the crowd Diomedes’ spear struck his helmet -with such force that he was thrown stunned to the ground. But the weapon -had not wounded him, for his iron helmet was not broken, and before -Diomedes had time to rush upon him with his sword, Hector had jumped up -and plunged back into the crowd. Ulysses’ lance had missed the mark, and -before the two had recovered their weapons Hector was safely on his -chariot. Diomedes stamped his foot with rage. He now set upon the enemy -more murderously than ever, and as he drove them back and was nearing -the tomb of the old Trojan King Ilus, he was met by Paris, who stayed -his mad impetuosity. Hiding behind a pillar of the tomb, he let fly one -of his never-failing arrows, which struck Diomedes, pinning his foot to -the ground. He saw the hero falter and stand still and sprang from his -hiding place crying in triumph: “Ha! it was a good shot. But how gladly -would I have pierced a vital part and taken thy life!” - -“Miserable coward!” roared Diomedes. “Hadst thou met me in the open thy -bow and arrow had helped thee little. And now thou boastest as though -thou hadst conquered me, and it is but a scratch. It is as though a -mosquito had stung me. Woe unto thee when I catch thee!” However, the -wound was troublesome enough, for he could not stand on his foot, and -Paris would perhaps have ventured to shoot a second arrow, if Ulysses -had not come up in the nick of time. He placed himself in front of his -friend and covered him with his shield, while Diomedes sat on the ground -and drew the arrow out of his foot, which caused him sharp pain. He then -called for his charioteer and drove back to the ships, his heart full of -bitterness. - -Ulysses remained behind alone, for his companions had retreated in -terror, and now he found himself suddenly surrounded by the Trojans. He -could not escape and resolved to sell his life dearly with the blood of -his enemies. He met their attack like a wild boar at bay, and so savage -was his onslaught that the enemy, surprised, stood still and none dared -come near him. But when he had stabbed Charops, the noble son of -Hippasus, his brother Socus, full of grief and anger, stepped boldly -forward to avenge him, crying: “Murderous Ulysses, either thou shalt -boast that thou hast slain both of Hippasus’ sons or thou shalt die by -my hand!” With this he threw himself upon Ulysses with his spear and did -actually pierce the shield and coat of mail, tearing the flesh and -causing him to start back. But when Ulysses felt that the wound was not -mortal, he quickly hurled his own lance, crying: “Miserable man, thou -too art destined to fall this day by my hand!” Socus shrieked aloud, for -the weapon had pierced clean through his breast. - -On the other side of the battlefield the fighting was equally fierce. -Hector and Paris were busy with spear and bow. Paris wounded the -venerable Machaon, a good soldier and much prized for his surgical -skill, for he had saved many lives. Therefore his friends were anxious -about him and Nestor lifted him into his chariot and drove quickly away -with him to camp. There they dismounted to refresh themselves in the -cool breeze from the sea and to dry their damp clothing. Then they -entered Nestor’s tent, where he bound up his friend’s wound and gave him -food. While they were eating Patroclus entered the tent. Achilles had -sent him to inquire who the wounded man was whom he had seen brought in -by Nestor’s chariot. For Achilles was accustomed, when the Greeks were -fighting, to station himself on the high deck of his vessel to watch the -fray, not without regrets that he was condemned to idleness; often his -hand would grasp his sword involuntarily. His joy over the overthrow of -the Achaians was the sweetest revenge he had for his wounded pride. - -“Ah, here is Patroclus,” cried Nestor. “Enter, friend, and sit down with -us. I have not seen thee for a long time.” - -“Do not press me, venerable sir,” answered Patroclus. “I may not remain, -for I must take the tidings to Achilles for which he has sent me, and -now that I have seen Machaon I must away. Thou well knowest how -impatient he is.” - -But Nestor continued: “We thought that Achilles was no longer interested -in our fate. And hast thou, his friend and companion, no influence with -him? Canst thou not win him with persuasive words and tame his proud -heart? That was what thy good father expected.” Patroclus was moved by -his words, and promising to do what he could, took his leave. - -Once more the Achaians were obliged to take refuge behind the walls of -the camp. Hector, followed by the victorious Trojans, drove all before -him. When the greater part of the Achaians had reached the shelter of -the gate, Hector gave orders that all the charioteers should leave their -chariots and lead their bands on foot across the moat, for he was -determined to climb or tear down the flimsy walls. Hector was -successful, although there was a fearful struggle at the wall. The -Achaians defended their last stand with desperate courage, while the -Trojans were just as determined to accomplish their purpose of driving -the enemy from their coasts and burning their ships that day. - -Thus far Jupiter seemed to aid the Trojans, for a terrible gale arose -which blinded the eyes of the Achaians with dust, though they still -fought manfully on and Hector was not able to accomplish his purpose. -Two Lycian youths, Sarpedon and Glaucus, met outside the wall, resolved -to shed glory upon their people by their bravery and enterprise. They -sought to break down the wall at a spot defended by Menestheus, and -their first onslaught was so savage that the Greek looked about him for -help. He sent a messenger to Ajax and Teucer to come quickly to his aid, -and they came running up with spear and bow. Ajax threw a stone which -killed Sarpedon’s attendant, who was already on top of the wall. Next -Glaucus climbed up, but received Teucer’s arrow in his arm, which -incapacitated him for further fighting. He got down very quietly, so -that the Achaians should not observe his misfortune, pausing to cast one -more spear, which did its deadly work. Then he drove back to the city. - -At last Sarpedon succeeded in making the first breach in the top of the -breastworks, and under repeated blows the rest followed. This made the -wall so low at this place that the soldiers could shoot over it, and -here the hottest fighting now took place. It was impossible to move -Sarpedon from his position. After a long struggle Hector came up, saw -the breach, and cried joyfully: “Forward, ye Trojan horsemen, break -through the Argives’ wall and cast burning brands into the ships!” He -raised a mighty stone in both arms, and although it was so heavy that -two of the strongest men could not have lifted it or even have loaded it -on a wagon with crowbars, Hector bore it as easily as a shepherd might -carry a bundle of shorn wool, and with feet planted firmly wide apart, -he hurled it with such force against the gateway that the bolts cracked, -the hinges gave way, and the gate flew wide open. He sprang triumphantly -into the intrenchments, followed by the shouting Trojans. The frightened -Achaians hurried away to defend their ships. The cries and confusion -were indescribable. The Achaians were in despair. Nothing remained for -them but to save their ships, and placing themselves in front of them in -long rows with lances set, they thus awaited the final onset of the -Trojans. - -Each now forgot his own distress and all worked together, and soon a -solid chain of armed men surrounded the ships like a wall. Hector -himself, like a mighty rock which falls from the mountain top and -plunges from ledge to ledge until it rests upon the plain, could get no -farther, but was obliged to pause before the wall of lances. He tried to -encourage his men by promising them great rewards. Now they believed -that the last decisive moment had come and that before night it would be -seen whether the gods had determined on the destruction of the Achaians -or of Troy. But Jupiter was but favoring the Trojans in order to please -Achilles and his mother, Thetis. Fate had already decreed that Troy was -to fall, and even the gods could not change this decision, for they too -were subject to the laws of iron necessity. As soon as Agamemnon had -been sufficiently punished and Achilles could be persuaded to join the -ranks of fighting Achaians, the destruction of the mighty city was to be -expected. - -As soon as the Achaians had intrenched themselves they grew bolder and -began a fearless attack. Idomeneus charged the Trojans, followed by his -brave Cretans. As the hurricane raises dark clouds of dust between the -battle lines, thus the ironclad cohorts moved hurriedly forward and -threw themselves on a party of the enemy. Idomeneus himself sought an -antagonist among the princes, and now he chanced upon Othryoneus, who -had just joined the Trojans with his squadron and had a reputation for -great bravery. He had wooed Priam’s most beautiful daughter, not with -the customary gifts, but instead had promised his aid in driving the -Achaians out of Asia. Priam had given his word, and the young hero was -just beginning the struggle for the lovely prize when Idomeneus’ spear -put a sudden end to his life. - -The battle raged fiercest on the right side of the camp where Hector was -fighting. He was determined, in spite of the heroes who opposed him, to -capture and burn the ships. All the fury of war was displayed on this -spot—rage, despair, revenge, wild cries, fear, horror, and flight. The -ground was slippery with the blood of the fallen; there was now no time -to remove the corpses of the slain. The Trojans were the first to lose -courage. Even Hector dared not keep his post where Ajax, Ulysses, and -Idomeneus stood together like a wall, but sought out weaker adversaries -and contented himself by answering the challenge of the two Ajaxes with -insults and boasts. - -“Why dost thou seek to frighten the common soldiers?” called the elder -Ajax to him. “Drive us back if thou canst! Thou wouldst gladly take our -ships, wouldst thou not? But I tell thee that thy proud Troy shall -sooner sink into ashes than our fleet, and thou shalt sooner turn thy -face homeward in flight than triumph over us.” - -At this moment an eagle flew high over the heads of the Achaians toward -the right and, delighted with the omen, they had confidence in Ajax’s -words. But Hector answered him defiantly: “Miserable boaster, what -foolishness is this! Would I were but as certainly a son of Jupiter as -that to-day will bring destruction upon ye all. And woe to thee shouldst -thou stand before my spear! It would tear thy delicate body and give thy -blood to the dogs.” He then dashed away with his band to enter the -battle at another point. All were intimidated where he appeared, and the -battle cries of the Trojans surrounding him rose high into the air. - - - - - Chapter IX -Agamemnon Consoled—The Gods Take Part in the Strife and the Trojans are - Driven Back - - -The Greek heroes who had been wounded on the morning of this unlucky day -and had been obliged to retire from the fight had remained in their -tents in great discouragement, caring for their wounds. Nestor still sat -with Machaon, and after he had tended him and given him food and drink -he arose restlessly and said to his wounded friend: “My dear fellow, let -me go and see what our fortunes are. The shouts of the warriors seem -louder at the wall.” - -He took a shield and lance and went out. Alas, what a sight met his -eyes! The wall was half demolished, the gateway shattered, the Trojans -inside the intrenchments, and such wild confusion prevailed that one -could not tell friend from foe. He sighed deeply and considered for a -moment whether he should go down into the turmoil or seek Agamemnon in -his tent. He chose the latter course. But as he turned in the direction -of the kings’ ships, the wounded lords, Tydeus’ son Diomedes, Ulysses, -and Agamemnon, came toward him with slow steps, leaning on their lances -and sick with wounds. - -“Nestor, Neleus’ son,” cried Agamemnon, “whence comest thou and why -didst thou leave the field? Alas, I fear that all will come to pass as -Hector has threatened; that the Trojans will not rest until our ships -are burned and our people destroyed. The Achaians hate and curse me as -Achilles hates me, for it is I who have led them into this misery. No -doubt they are now deserting or sitting brooding beside the ships.” - -“What has been, even Jupiter cannot change,” answered Nestor. “But let -us consider what is still to be done.” - -“Then let me tell thee what I think,” said Agamemnon. “As we are at the -end of our resources, my advice is that as soon as it is dark we launch -our ships and sail away while the Trojans are asleep. Let them call us -cowards! It is better to escape thus than to be destroyed.” - -“What words are these, O Atride,” said Ulysses, frowning. “Thou shouldst -have led an army of deserters hither, instead of commanding men like us, -who have been taught from early youth to support the hardships of war -unto death. What? Dost thou really intend to save thyself by stealing -away like a thief in the night? Hush! That no one else may hear such -unbecoming words!” - -Agamemnon answered him: “Ulysses, I feel thy stern rebuke deeply, and I -would not have the Argives launch the ships against their will. If -anyone can give better counsel, let us hear it.” - -Now Diomedes began to speak. “It is not far to seek if thou wilt listen -to me. I am indeed the youngest here, but as well born as any, and I -think Jupiter hath given me courage and strength for manly deeds. My -advice, then, is that we return to the battlefield, not to fight, for -our wounds prevent that, but in order to encourage the others.” - -This speech pleased all and they followed him straight to the place of -combat. Just as they arrived there they were met by Poseidon in the -figure of an elderly warrior, who grasped the right hand of the ruler -and said: “Take courage, brave Atride, the immortal gods will not be -angry with thee forever. Thou shalt surely see the day when the Trojans -will retreat in defeat to their city and their heroes fall before our -lance thrusts.” - -With these words the old man returned to the fight and with encouraging -words spurred on the hesitating soldiers to renewed effort. His voice -resounded over the battlefield like the shouting of a thousand men and -the Achaians obeyed it. The princes gazed after him in astonishment, for -his kingly figure was unknown to them. They suspected that it was a god -come to encourage them. Through hatred of the Trojans, Poseidon was -secretly aiding the Achaians contrary to the express commands of -Jupiter. But it would have gone hard with him if the son of Cronos, who -was looking down on the battlefield from Mount Ida, had discovered him -at once. Juno contrived a scheme to prevent this for a while at least. -She went to Aphrodite and said coaxingly: “Wilt thou grant me a favor, -or refuse it because thou art resentful of my aiding the Achaians, -whilst thou art for the Trojans?” - -Aphrodite graciously answered: “Mighty Juno, speak. What dost thou -desire? If I can grant it I will do so.” - -Then Juno said cunningly: “Give me thy magic girdle of love and longing, -which inclines the hearts of gods and men to thee. I wish to visit old -grandfather Oceanus, who has quarrelled with his spouse Thetis, and try -if I may not reconcile them.” - -“How could I refuse thee my help?” answered the goddess. “Here, take it, -and mayest thou be successful.” - -Smiling happily, Juno took the magic girdle and hastened to her chamber. -She bathed her delicate body, anointed it with ambrosial oil, and -arranged her hair in shining ringlets. She then put on the fine long -robe which Athena had woven for her, closed it with golden clasps on her -breast, and wound the magic girdle about her waist. Beautiful earrings, -a shimmering veil, and golden sandals completed the splendid dress. Juno -now hastened over the heights of Olympus and across the mountains and -streams of earth to Lemnos, where she found Sleep, the brother of Death. -He was indispensable to her in carrying out the trick she had planned, -so she took him graciously by the hand and said: “Mighty Sleep, who -tamest gods and men, if thou wouldst ever do me a service, do it now and -I shall be forever grateful. My son Hephæstus shall fashion thee an -indestructible seat, whose cushions are always soft, and it shall be -shining with gold and have a comfortable footstool for thy feet.” - -A smile like a ray of sunshine lit up the god’s face. Nothing could have -tempted him more. Yawning he asked: “What dost thou want of me, honored -goddess?” - -“Come with me and put the father of the gods to sleep for a short time,” -she said. “And to make it easier for thee, I will beguile him with sweet -speeches.” - -“Thou askest a hard thing,” answered Sleep. “Anyone else I would dare -approach, even ever-flowing old Oceanus; but Jupiter, the Terrible, I -cannot venture near unless he calls for me himself. Only remember how he -raged the time I deceived him at thy behest, when thou didst pursue his -dear son Hercules with storms, with intent to imprison him on the island -of Kos. All Olympus trembled at his wrath, and I should have been lost -had Night not protected me out of friendship.” - -Juno replied: “Dost thou suppose the father of the gods cares as much -for the Trojans as he did for his dear son? No indeed! As thy reward I -promise thee for thy wife the fairest of the Graces, whom thou hast so -long desired.” - -“Then swear it,” cried Sleep, overjoyed, “that I may trust thee, and I -will do thy bidding instantly.” - -The goddess touched the earth with one hand and the sea with the other -and swore by the River Styx and by the gods of the underworld. Then they -both passed over the sea to Phrygia. Juno went straight up Ida, while -Sleep, in the form of a nighthawk, slowly circled about the mountain top -and hid himself in the branches of a tall pine tree. - -When Jupiter saw his consort he was greatly astonished. His dear wife -had never appeared so lovely to him before. She had Juno’s eyes, but -Aphrodite’s soulful glance; Juno’s voice, but the words seemed to come -from the heart of the goddess of love. The masterful, rebellious Juno, -become gentle, kind, tender, and modest, so surprised him that he -immediately forgot all his past grievances against her and gave himself -up to the sweet delusion that this change would last forever. And now -Juno became so confiding and affectionate that her lord forgot the -Trojans and in looking at her his back was turned to them, so that he -could not see his disobedient brother Poseidon. At last she made secret -signs to the bird lurking in the pine branches to encompass the happy -one with his outspread wings, and he was soon peacefully at rest. Sleep -then flew quickly down to Poseidon to tell him that Jupiter was -slumbering and that it was now time to aid the Achaians in earnest. - -Then the sea god in the shape of an old warrior went up and down the -ranks preaching courage. Under his leadership the people charged forward -like a hurricane beating against a forest. Many men fell, most of them -Trojans. Hector knew not that a god was opposing him, so he did not give -way and still expected victory. But he soon met his doom. He had just -cast his lance in vain at Ajax, and was about to pick up a stone, when -Ajax quickly hurled a great piece of rock, which struck the hero under -his shield and he fell back breathless. Shield and stone dropped from -his hands and he tumbled over in the sand. Ajax and his friends were -about to come up and strip him, but at this moment the bravest Trojan -princes, Æneas, Polydamas, Agenor, and the valiant Lycians, Sarpedon and -Glaucus, surrounded him, all covering him with their shields at once, -until some of the servants lifted him on their shoulders and carried him -to his chariot. When the chariot crossed the ford of the little River -Scamander or Xanthus, the friends lifted down the moaning and still -unconscious hero, laid him on the ground, and sprinkled him with water. -He revived, opened his eyes, and wanted to arise, so they took hold of -his arms and lifted him to a kneeling position. A stream of dark blood -burst from his lips and he sank into unconsciousness again. - -The news of Hector’s fall was greeted with loud rejoicing in the Achaian -army. Their old courage returned and Poseidon’s presence worked wonders -of heroism. The Trojans retreated farther and farther and few of the -leaders fought alone. Victory now inclined toward the side of the -Achaians, for Hector lay wounded on the banks of the Xanthus and the -gods no longer fought for Troy. Thus the Trojans soon found themselves -again near the city walls and even forced behind them. - - - - - Chapter X - Jupiter’s Message to Poseidon—The Battle for the Ships - - -Jupiter awoke and rubbed his eyes. His first glance sought the ships. -How changed was the situation! “Ha, Juno,” he cried angrily, “this is -thy work, deceitful, malicious woman! So that was the meaning of thy -caresses, thy friendliness and sweet talk, false serpent. Of what use is -it to chastise thee? Hast thou already forgotten thy punishment when -thou didst send a storm to drive my son Hercules into imprisonment on -Kos and I made thee swing on a chain twixt heaven and earth with an -anvil fastened to each foot? Suppose that now I were to—” - -“Heaven and Earth are my witnesses, and I will even swear it by the -Styx, that Poseidon did not go into the battle at my behest,” said the -affrighted goddess. “I do not know whether the Achaians have persuaded -him to it or his own heart. Rather would I counsel him to go -whithersoever thou commandest.” - -The father of gods and men answered, smiling grimly: “If thou wert of my -mind, regal Juno, Poseidon would certainly soon change his course. But -now call Iris quickly and Apollo of the bow, that they may descend and -command Poseidon to leave the battlefield and return to his palace.” - -The lily-armed Juno willingly obeyed, though she still meditated -mischief in her heart. She drove quickly to high Olympus, where she -found the immortals in the banquet hall. Craftily she spoke to them. “It -is useless to seek to change Jupiter’s decrees,” she said. “Little he -cares for us, for he feels himself high above us all in strength and -power. Only just now I saw Ascalaphus, the beloved son of mighty Mars, -slain in battle.” - -“Do not blame me, ye dwellers in Olympus, if I go to avenge the death of -my son,” wailed Mars; “even though the bolt of the Thunderer strike me -down.” He rushed from the hall and donned his shining armor, appearing -greater and more terrible than ever. - -Incalculable mischief would have followed if Athena, concerned for the -rest of the gods, had not hurried after him and taken his helmet, -shield, and lance from him by force. “Imbecile,” she cried, “wouldst -thou destroy us all? Woe unto us if he should see thee, the terrible -Jupiter! Thy son was but a mortal and other noble warriors have fallen; -it is impossible to save them all from death.” With these words she -forced her angry brother back to the throne and he obediently submitted -to her warning. - -Apollo and Iris flew quickly down to the green summit of Ida, where -Jupiter sat enveloped in dark clouds. Iris he sent with a stern message -to Poseidon and his beloved son Apollo to Hector to strengthen him with -his divine breath. “Then lead him into the battle once more,” said -Jupiter, “and aid him thyself to drive the Achaians on board their -ships. Take the terrible ægis in thy hand and shake it, that their -hearts may quake.” - -Iris delivered her message to the sea god and he answered it defiantly. -“Powerful as he is, I call that tyrannical. To combat my will—mine, who -am his equal! For are not he and Pluto and I brothers, and were not the -upper and under worlds divided equally between us? We cast lots; air -fell to him and water to me, but earth and sky are free to us all, and -he shall not stop me here. Let him rule his consort and his sons and -daughters. What care I for his threats or commands!” - -Then Iris said doubtfully: “What, dark-haired World-power! Shall I take -Jupiter thy answer in just those words, or wilt thou not change thy -mind? It is well to keep the peace and respect is always due the elder.” - -“Iris, exquisite goddess,” answered the angry king, “thou speakest -sensibly and with reason, but it was righteous anger overcame me, for no -brother should rule another. Now that I come to think it over, I know I -had best obey him. But tell him this—that if, contrary to the wishes of -all the other gods, he protects Ilium’s fortress and gives not the -victory to the Achaians, he may expect our eternal enmity.” - -He spoke, left the battlefield, and plunged into the sea. Meanwhile -Apollo had appeared to Hector, saying: “Be comforted, son of Priam, for -Jupiter sends me to save thee. I am Phœbus Apollo, who hath so often -protected thee and thine. Follow me, that we may scatter the Achaians.” -Thus the god encouraged the shepherd of the people, and like a colt -which has broken its halter and gallops after the other horses to the -pasture, he hastened into the battle turmoil. The reappearance of the -hero caused astonishment and consternation among the enemy, and as the -invisible Apollo shook the shield of Jupiter, the mighty ægis, fear and -horror took complete possession of the people, and turning they fled -back to the ships. The battle raged fiercer than before, and many brave -men fell there. - -Then Hector called aloud: “The time has come, brave Trojans, to board -the ships. Let all keep together. Let no one tarry to gather booty, and -if one remains behind, he shall die by my own hand.” He urged his horses -across the moat, and the others followed him with exultant cries. When -they reached the ships they paused and prayed aloud to the gods for -victory. A long roll of thunder presaged good fortune, and with -redoubled courage they charged forward. Hector tried to board a vessel, -but in vain. The Achaians, from the deck, thrust back everyone who made -the attempt with their long oars, and where Hector fought there were -always to be found gathered together the bravest warriors. The Trojans, -with their double-edged lances, fought in their chariots, but the -Achaians, from the high decks of their dark vessels, used long, -ironbound oars. - -While the battle raged between the wall and the ships Patroclus was -sitting in Eurypylus’ tent nursing his wounded friend. But he dared not -remain long, for fear of arousing Achilles’ anger. He felt that he must -see how his friends were faring, and his heart urged him to persuade -Achilles to come to the rescue of the Achaians at last. He left the tent -and gazed with horror upon the dreadful battleground. He saw Hector rush -forward with a flaming torch and try to fire a ship, but the Achaians -turned aside the fatal missile. Ajax of Salamis stood upon the deck and -thrust down with his lance all who bore a burning brand. Hector aimed -his javelin at him, but it struck Lykophron, who stood beside him. Ajax -then called upon Teucer: “Look, brother, our friend has fallen by -Hector’s hand! Where is thy avenging arrow?” - -Teucer hastily climbed up with his bow and with the first arrow struck -Klitus from his chariot. He then selected a second and sharper arrow for -Hector and, as he was quite near to him, would doubtless have pierced -him had the cord of his bow not broken just as he was in the act of -drawing it. “Woe is me!” he cried. “A god brings all our attempts to -naught and must have broken this cord, a newly twisted one, which I put -on this morning.” - -Hector had seen the accident, accepted it as a favorable omen, and -cheered on his men. “Let everyone fight with all his might, for the -Olympian Jove is with us. And if ye fall it shall be a glorious death -for the women and children of Troy, and surely the Trojans shall -recompense ye as soon as the Achaians are driven away.” - -Where Hector rushed in, the troops huddled together like a herd of sheep -before a wolf. None dared defend himself, but bowed his head in terror, -and trembling, received his deathblow with averted face. The hero’s -fluttering plumes were like a lion’s mane and his eyes flashed fury -under his dark brows. Fear and shame kept the Achaians together. They -continually encouraged one another. Nestor particularly besought the -people to make one last attempt. - -Among the Achaian leaders the most notable courage was shown by the -Telamonian Ajax. He ran from one ship to another to encourage the -soldiers, who could scarcely be forced to make another stand. A Trojan -brought Hector a torch, which he threw into the foremost of the deserted -ships. The sight drove the Achaians to desperation. They all rushed -forward to defend the ship and a horrible struggle took place. Battle -axes, swords, and lances hissed through the air and much blood flowed. -Hector clung to the ship and shouted: “Bring up the firebrands! Jupiter -has given us the day and we shall certainly take the ships.” And “fire! -fire!” echoed through the entire army, so that all the Achaians -trembled. Ajax himself could make no headway, but standing on one of the -ships, he threw lance after lance at everyone he saw approaching with -fire. His voice was never silent, but rose continually above the din, -calling to his people: “Friends, keep up your courage and show -yourselves men! Is there any help but in yourselves or is there another -wall behind you? Do ye know of other ships, if these are burned, to -carry you over the sea? Your deliverance depends solely upon -yourselves!” - -Fruitless zeal! The rattling spears of the enemy drove them to flight -more convincingly than the voice of the lone leader to the attack. Their -strength was broken. - - - - - Chapter XI - Patroclus Hastens into Battle and Scatters the Trojans—Hector and - Patroclus - - -Profoundly grieved at the sad fate of his comrades, Patroclus turned -from the bloody spectacle and hurried to Achilles’ tent. Hot tears were -rolling down his cheeks as he entered. Achilles, dismayed, forgot to -rebuke him and inquired with concern: “Why dost thou weep, Patroclus? -Speak, tell me all!” - -Sighing deeply, Patroclus replied: “Son of Peleus, thou mighty hero of -the Achaians, do not be angry with me if I tell thee that the Achaians -are suffering too great misery. All over the field and at the ships -their bravest warriors have fallen, and but few of the princes remain -unharmed. Diomedes has been shot through the foot and Agamemnon through -the arm; Ulysses is wounded in the side and Eurypylus received an arrow -in his thigh. The deserted soldiers are panic-stricken and thou, -obstinate one, wilt not take pity on them. Cruel man! Thou art so brave -and yet thou wilt not raise thy hand to save thy despairing friends. May -a god never be angry with me as thou art angry. Surely Peleus is not thy -father nor a goddess thy mother. The dark sea depths or adamantine rocks -must have brought thee forth, so unfeeling is thy heart. Or is it that -thou obeyest some secret command of the gods and darest not take part in -the battle? Then, at least, send me and give me thy Myrmidons that I may -perchance drive back the Trojans from the ships. Lend me thy armor that -the Trojans, deceived, may retreat and the Achaian warriors take fresh -courage.” - -“No behest of the gods restrains me,” replied Achilles, “nor is it my -purpose to be angry forever. As soon as the Trojans approach my tents -and ships, I shall gird on my sword and spear, and woe to him whom I -shall meet! But until then, let Agamemnon bitterly repent his outrage -and promise expiatory sacrifices to all the gods. But I shall not allow -the Trojans the pleasure of destroying the ships. Therefore go, as thou -desirest. Lead the Myrmidons into battle, for the danger is great. -Diomedes no longer shakes his mighty spear and I do not hear the hated -Agamemnon’s valiant battle cry; instead, Hector’s lionlike voice -penetrates my tent, with the loud rejoicing of the Trojans. Take my -resplendent armor, but listen well to what I say. Thou mayest drive the -Trojans from the ships and back to the intrenchments, but pursue them no -farther. Take care not to allow thyself to be enticed into an open -battle, nor still less dare to storm Troy’s fortress without me, for -mine must be the glory, that the Achaians may learn whom they have -insulted.” - -With these words he climbed to the upper deck of his ship to -reconnoitre. And how horrified he was to see Protesilaus’ ship in -flames, Hector still advancing, and the Achaians giving way. “Hurry, -hurry, Patroclus!” he cried and smote his thigh with impatience. “The -ships are already burning! Put on the armor quickly, while I gather the -Myrmidons.” There were more than two thousand of them, splendid warriors -of great strength and stature. At their leader’s call they assembled -under arms. Achilles divided them into five companies, to each of which -he gave a leader of proven courage and experience. Meanwhile Patroclus -bade Automedon bring forth Achilles’ chariot and horses, with a second -one for emergencies. Then he put on the shining armor, placed on his -head the great helmet with its crest of waving horsehair, and took two -lances, but not that of Achilles, for no other living mortal could wield -that. - -Thus armed he sprang into the chariot beside Automedon, who was waiting, -whip in hand. Then Achilles went to the chest which his mother had given -him, filled with cloths and warm garments, and took out of it a precious -golden goblet from which he was accustomed to make sacrifice to the -greatest of the gods alone. He dipped it in the sea, washed his hands, -then filled the goblet with clear wine, and with it in his hands went to -the door of his tent. “Father Jupiter, ruler of the world,” he prayed, -while he poured the first drops on the ground in honor of the god, “hear -me now as thou didst hear me when I was honored before the Achaians. -Grant that my friend may return to me covered with glory, and fill his -heart and the hearts of his companions with courage, that they may make -an end of the Trojans at the ships, and that Hector may learn that -Patroclus knows how to order the battle even if I am not with him.” - -The appearance of Patroclus and his followers was like sunshine after a -shower to the Achaians. The Trojans were frightened, for they thought -that Achilles had come forth again, and even without him the advent of -two thousand fresh warriors was matter enough for concern. When -Achilles’ band made a dash for Protesilaus’ burning ship, not a Trojan -stood his ground. The space about the ship was cleared by the Myrmidons -and they quenched the fire which had already destroyed half of the ship. -But the battle was by no means at an end. The leaders of the Trojans -rallied their forces inside the intrenchments and put them in order once -more. Patroclus did his friend credit; he was indefatigable and himself -slew many of the boldest warriors. The other Achaian leaders joined him -and new life and hope filled every breast. - -The Trojans could no longer maintain their position inside the -intrenchments. Hector was the first to reach the open plain with his -chariot, but many another who tried to follow him was crushed in the -throng. But the rout would not have been so general had Patroclus -remembered Achilles’ instructions. But his success, the suddenness of -the victory, and particularly his secret desire to kill Hector, misled -the zealous man to pursue the fleeing enemy. He jumped from his chariot, -which he instructed to have follow him, and hurried after his victims. -Now he overthrew Pronous and took his armor; next he slew the charioteer -Thestor and took his likewise. With a stone he crushed the head of -Euryalus, who was about to attack him, and many others were struck down -by his mighty arm. Not a Trojan was able to withstand Patroclus. The -foolish man! Had he but remembered Achilles’ warning he might have -escaped death; but Jupiter’s decree is mightier than man. - -A few hours earlier the Trojans had broken down the enemy’s wall and now -the Achaians were seeking to conquer the lofty walls of Troy’s fortress, -and Patroclus himself was ambitious of being the first to enter the -city. But Hector plucked up courage and commanded his charioteer to -drive straight at the leader. As soon as he saw him coming, Patroclus -left the wall and ran furiously to meet him, holding his lance in his -left hand and in the right a stone which he had hastily picked up. This -he threw with all his might at the two tall men in the chariot, and -behold, it struck the good Kebriones, Priam’s son, and crushed his -skull, so that his body fell abruptly across the chariot seat. Patroclus -cried out maliciously: “See how hasty the man is! There are splendid -divers among the Trojans. If he could but have tried his luck in the -water, instead of in the sand, he would have caught plenty of oysters to -satisfy his hunger.” - -He sprang upon the wounded man to take his arms, but Hector jumped from -his chariot and seized his brother’s head. Patroclus took his feet and -the two men struggled for the body. A crowd of Trojans and Achaians came -to their aid, and spears, shields, and naked swords rattled noisily -against one another. The Trojans defended Hector as well as they could, -but while he struggled for the body, none could get near him. However, a -bold Trojan seized a favorable opportunity, and with a powerful blow of -his sword, knocked off Patroclus’ helmet, cutting the strap of his -shield at the same time, so that it fell to the earth. The hero started -back and let go the corpse, but as he turned, Euphorbus stabbed him in -the back. He tried to escape, but Hector laid him low with his heavy -lance. The Achaians trembled, and even the most courageous of them lost -their heads, and none dared interfere as Hector, bracing his foot -against the body, drew out his spear, then stripped off the armor. It -was now Hector’s turn to mock at the dying man and he cried: “Well, -Patroclus, dost thou still expect to lay waste our city and carry off -our women? One could see thou hadst great deeds in mind. No doubt -Achilles bade thee not return without Hector’s bloody coat of mail. Now, -poor man, thou liest here and givest me thy fine armor, but thee I give -to the dogs and birds of prey for food.” - -Faintly the dying man answered him: “It is a foolish boast, Hector. Thou -camest, when I was defenseless and wounded, to rob me. In open conflict -I could have slain twenty like thee, but a boy could have done what thou -hast done. But vengeance is approaching and when it comes, think of me. -The godlike Achilles still lives.” - -“Spare me thy prophecies and die,” replied Hector. “Who knoweth but -Achilles, like thee, may give up his soul at the point of my spear?” -With these words he left the dying man and carried the splendid armor to -a place of safety, then went back into the fray. - - - - - Chapter XII - The Fight for Patroclus’ Body—Achilles Mourns for His Fallen - Friend—Thetis and Vulcan—Achilles’ Shield - - -Hector next roved about seeking to capture the splendid steeds of -Achilles with which Patroclus had entered the field, but he could not -come near them, for Patroclus’ charioteer, Automedon, was already far -distant. Meanwhile the space about Patroclus’ body was deserted except -for Menelaus, who stood guard beside it, covering it with his shield -until some of his comrades should come up to bear it away to the ships. -He was spied by Euphorbus, brother of that Hyperenor who had fallen by -Menelaus’ hand the day before. He approached within a spear’s cast and -called to him: “Son of Atreus, stand back from the dead! Thou shalt not -give honorable burial to this destroyer who hath slain so many of us. -Back, before I rob thee of thy sweet life!” - -“Great Jupiter,” cried Menelaus, “did one ever hear such insolence! Only -yesterday thy brother Hyperenor was equally bold, but I believe he has -paid the penalty, for he can scarcely have returned to his dear wife and -old father on his own feet. The same fate awaiteth thee, if thou -approach nearer. I advise thee to escape while thou canst.” - -“It is for my brother’s sake that I would fight with thee,” cried -Euphorbus. “How delighted shall my father be when I bring him thy bloody -armor in token of vengeance. But why do I waste time in talk? Let us try -our skill.” - -As he spoke he ran at Menelaus full tilt with his lance, but the point -bent like lead against the shield and did not even scratch it. Then -Menelaus ran him through with his own spear and the slender youth fell, -as a tender sprout of olive is uprooted by the wind. His long waving -hair was bathed in blood and he, who but a moment before had bounded -among the ranks of warriors like a deer, lay unrecognizable. Menelaus -was about to take his armor when he saw Hector at a distance, and not -caring to face him he left Patroclus’ body and ran to fetch the elder -Ajax, that together they might protect their friend from the thieving -hands of the Trojans. - -Then Glaucus spoke sullenly to Hector. “Thou art a great boaster, but -never have I seen thee at the post of danger, nor attempting to defend -or avenge any of thy comrades. The heroic Sarpedon, who sacrificed so -much for thee, was left to his fate, and no one knoweth where he fell. -Do the Lycians deserve this at thy hands? If thou art so ungrateful and -no honor is paid a fallen hero, then mayest thou fight thy battles alone -and I will take my Lycians home. If ye Trojans were men of courage and -decision, ye would carry off the body of Patroclus to a place of safety. -Doubtless the Achaians would then offer the body of Sarpedon and his -weapons in exchange and even more. But thou fleest the battle like a -coward, fearing Ajax, who is, indeed, quite another sort of man.” - -Darkly Hector gazed at him and began: “Ah, my friend, I have always -taken thee for a man of sense, but now hast thou spoken rashly. When did -the enemy or the snorting of horses ever terrify me? No, I fear neither -Ajax nor Diomedes nor any of the Achaian heroes, but rather the decree -of Jove, who has apparently given victory into the hands of the enemy. -What availeth the valor of a mortal against the god of gods? But if thou -wilt observe my actions, take heed and see if I am as timid as thou hast -said.” - -Clad in Achilles’ magnificent armor he immediately assembled his men -with loud battle cries. Calling all the princes together, he spoke to -them. “Friends and allies, not to be in the midst of many men have I -called ye to Troy, but that ye might aid me in time of danger to protect -our wives and children. It is for this that our poor people are laboring -to feed and sustain ye with their flocks and the fruits of their fields, -and for this I am striving with sword and speech to encourage ye and -spur ye on to the combat. Then let us fight to the death! And to him who -bears the body of Patroclus into Troy I promise a rich recompense.” - -All followed him, shouting, to the spot where Menelaus and Ajax stood -shielding the body of Patroclus. Their hearts beat wildly when they saw -the little band bearing down on them, and Menelaus ran as fast as he -could to procure more help. “Come friends,” he cried, “there lies -Patroclus, whom the Trojans would seize and carry away to become food -for Trojan dogs. Do ye not feel the shame of it?” - -The younger Ajax was the first to hear and respond; then came Idomeneus -and Meriones, each with a band of followers. They arrived beside the -corpse just as Hector and his men came up, and the shock of meeting was -like the ocean tide at the mouth of some mighty river which empties into -the sea, so terrible was the crash of shields and lances. - -Then Automedon with Achilles’ steeds came dashing along, resolved -himself to contend for the corpse. Hector saw him coming and cried, -rejoicing, to Æneas: “There come Achilles’ splendid horses! Come, if -thou wilt aid me, let us take them!” They ran toward the chariot, but -Automedon, springing to the ground, called Ajax and Menelaus to his aid. -Chromeus and Aretus joined Hector and Æneas and a fresh contest raged -about the chariot. Hector aimed well and cast with mighty power, but -Automedon dashed quickly aside and the spear flew far over him into the -earth, where it quivered for a long time. Automedon was more fortunate, -and although Hector dodged the blow, it struck Aretus, who stood behind -him. Meanwhile evening was descending and Ajax was anxious to secure the -body before night came on. But it was all the Achaians could do to hold -back the enemy. Then Ajax said to Menelaus: “If only some good youth -would hasten to the ships and take to Achilles the tidings of his -friend’s death perhaps he would come himself to rescue the body from the -enemy’s hands. Dost thou see Antilochus, Nestor’s son? I think he could -reach camp quickest.” Menelaus hastened away to seek the youth, where he -was fighting at the other side of the battlefield. He was horrified to -learn of the hero’s death and tears filled his eyes; but he did not -tarry and hurried away to Achilles. - -Menelaus returned straightway to Ajax, saying: “I have sent him, but I -doubt whether Achilles will come without his armor. So let us try once -more to secure the body.” - -“Thou art right,” answered Ajax. “Let us make another attempt, and if -they retire but a little way, do thou and Meriones seize the corpse -while the rest of us keep off the mighty Hector and the other Trojans.” - -This strategy partially succeeded and Menelaus and Meriones were able to -drag the body some distance away. Meanwhile Achilles had been -impatiently awaiting his tardy friend. He ascended to his usual post, -the high deck of his ship, and saw, approaching through the twilight and -clouds of dust, dense crowds which looked like fleeing men. It seemed to -him that he could hear Hector’s triumphant voice pursuing the Achaians. -An uneasy premonition seized him and he was about to send out a -messenger when young Antilochus appeared before him and spake, weeping: -“Woe is me, son of Peleus, I bring thee sad tidings. Patroclus is slain, -and our warriors are fighting desperately for his naked body, for Hector -has taken his weapons.” - -Achilles grew pale as death. He tore his hair with rage, beat his -breast, and threw himself upon the ground, covering dress, face, and -head with dust. His eyes flashed dangerously, his heart palpitated, and -horrible groans escaped his half-open lips. His slaves gathered about -him in affright; but when they learned the cause of his boundless -sorrow, they all burst out weeping. Antilochus wept also and held the -hero’s hands, fearing that the passionate man would harm himself. This -terrible despair lasted a long time, but at last the overburdened heart -found relief in tears and he broke out in loud lamentations. - -His mother Thetis heard him and arose from the depths of the sea to seat -herself beside her unhappy son. She pressed his head to her bosom and -inquired tenderly: “Dear child, what is troubling thee now? Do not -conceal anything from me. Speak! Hath Jupiter not fulfilled thy wish and -given the victory to the Trojans?” - -“What care I for the favor of Jupiter when Patroclus, whom I loved as -myself, lies dead! Hector hath slain him and taken the armor, that -splendid gift of my valiant father. For what a fate was I born! But, -indeed, I will not live if I may not slay Hector and avenge the death of -my friend.” - -“Glorious son,” said his mother, weeping, “when thou hast slain him it -will be thy doom; for thy death is decreed immediately after Hector’s.” - -“Would that I were already dead,” answered Achilles gloomily, “as I was -not permitted to save my friend. But I will avenge him and pay him such -honor as no mortal has ever received before. Then let Jupiter do with me -as he will. Death is the lot of all. Even great Hercules died, the best -beloved of all Jupiter’s sons. But before Death takes me, many a Trojan -woman shall lament that I have slain her son or young spouse. They shall -all learn that my long rest is ended.” - -“I shall not restrain thee,” answered the silver-footed Thetis, “for thy -grief is righteous and thy resolution to honor the dead and save thy -friends from destruction is commendable. But thou hast no weapons and I -forbid thee to enter the turmoil of Mars until at dawn thou seest me -returning with armor from the hand of the artist Vulcan.” She suddenly -disappeared and ascended to Olympus to beg the weapons from the god. - - [Illustration: _THETIS CONSOLING ACHILLES_] - -Meanwhile the noise of the struggle grew louder as the fortunes of war -drove the Achaians to flight. With loud cries the Trojans followed the -body of Patroclus in the twilight, and although the two bearers hurried -as fast as they could to get it to a place of safety, they were often in -danger of losing it. Hector pursued them continually with his men and -more than once had seized one of the dead man’s feet. The two Ajaxes had -no thought of killing Hector, for his gigantic stature appalled them. -They only held the corpse tighter, to keep it from being torn from them. -Just as they were nearing the moat, they would have lost it, if a swift -messenger had not summoned Achilles. “Help! help! Achilles!” he cried. -“Hector will soon have taken the body of Patroclus. He threatens to cut -off the head and put it on a pike and to throw the trunk to the Trojan -dogs. What a disgrace if thy friend’s body be taken and misused!” - -Like a maniac, without armor or weapons, Achilles rushed out, and in a -voice like thunder rolling in the mountains, he roared out most terrible -threats, so that both Trojans and Achaians were overcome by fear and -Hector, terrified, let go the corpse and quickly retired with his -followers, thinking Achilles was already on his track. Thus the two -heroes brought the corpse safely into camp. Achilles gazed long upon his -friend, speechless, with bowed head, clenched hands, and tears coursing -down his cheeks. The Trojans now held council whether they should spend -the night in the city or on the battlefield. Polydamas was anxious to -retire, for he feared Achilles; but Hector insisted on remaining, for he -held that it would be cowardly to allow the enemy to suspect that they -were afraid. “Let Achilles come forth to-morrow,” he concluded; “he will -do so at his own risk. I shall surely not fly before him. I long to meet -him, and then Jupiter shall decide which one of us shall be covered with -glory. Mars is a vacillating god, who oft destroys the destroyer.” - -So they encamped on the field for the night. Youths brought forth -animals from the city for the sacrifice, together with bread and wine, -lit fires, and prepared the evening meal. The Achaians also, after -supping, laid down to rest. But Achilles could not sleep. Kneeling -beside his dead friend, he laid his hand on his cold breast and sobbed. -Overcome with grief he cried: “Before the earth hides me, thou shalt be -avenged, my Patroclus. I will lay Hector’s weapons at thy feet and -Hector’s bloody head beside them. I will slay twelve Trojan youths in -thine honor. Rest thou here in peace, for the morrow shall shed glory -upon thee and me.” - -Meanwhile Thetis had arrived in Olympus and went straightway to Vulcan’s -dwelling. Late as it was, she heard him hammering in his workshop, for -he was making twenty bronze tripods for the Olympians’ hall. He had -fastened golden wheels to each foot, so that they could roll to the -banquet of themselves. They were all finished except for the handles, -and these he wished to complete that night. Aphrodite, the beautiful -spouse of the lame fire god, was the first to spy the newcomer at the -door. She took her hand, saying: “Welcome, dear friend, what bringeth -thee so late from thy sea depths? Thou dost not often visit me.” She led -her within and called her spouse. - -He immediately left his anvil, washed his hands with a sponge, also his -sooty face, neck, and powerful chest, threw on his cloak, and leaning on -his golden staff, came limping to the door. He took the goddess’ hand -and bade her welcome. “I always think of thee with gratitude,” he said; -“for thou didst take me in when I was lamed and my mother would not -tolerate me in heaven. Then I lived for a time in thy crystal palace -under the sea and fashioned many a pretty piece of work—rings and -clasps, pins and chains—until Juno took me into favor again and I left -thy dwelling. Therefore, Aphrodite, see that thou entertain our guest -worthily.” - -When Thetis had partaken of the nectar and ambrosia which Aphrodite set -before her, she began to recite all her son’s troubles, from Agamemnon’s -injustice down to the fall of Patroclus. Then she begged the god to -forge new armor for the unlucky Achilles, so that he might be ready to -attack Hector in the morning. Aphrodite was displeased, for she feared -for the Trojans, but the god paid no attention to her and promised to -fulfil Thetis’ desire. He immediately returned to his workshop and began -the work. - -Before the night was two thirds past the most splendid suit of armor -that ever a hero had possessed was completed. The shield especially was -a work of art. In the middle the earth was represented with the sea and -sky, sun, moon, and stars. There were also two cities; one at peace and -the other in the throes of war. In one a wedding was being celebrated -with music and dance and there were many pictures of peaceful labor in -field and vineyard. The other city was in a state of siege, and one -could plainly see the besiegers and the citizens defending themselves. -Around the edge of the shield flowed the deep river Oceanus. - - - - - Chapter XIII - Achilles and Agamemnon Reconciled—Achilles Goes into Battle - - -Rosy-fingered Eos was mounting the eastern sky as Thetis arrived at her -son’s tent with the rich suit of armor. She found him still stretched -beside Patroclus’ body with the mourning women about him. Achilles -accepted Vulcan’s wonderful work joyfully, and the sight of the weapons -made his eyes flash with a dangerous light. When he had carefully -examined and admired the artistic embellishments he said to Thetis: -“Mother, these weapons are not the work of a mortal; some god has forged -them. Come, I will arm myself, that the Trojans may tremble at the -glorious sight.” - -He then approached the tents and ships of the Achaians, calling to them -loudly to come forth. They rejoiced to hear the thunder of that voice, -which had been silent so long, and came hastening to the council place. -Diomedes was limping painfully and leaning on his lance. Even Agamemnon -and Ulysses, both weakened by painful wounds, came dragging themselves -along with staves. When they were all seated in their places, Achilles -took up the sceptre and spoke. “Son of Atreus, let us be reconciled, as -we have long wished to be. I had rather the gods had slain the rosy -maiden before ever a quarrel on her account had estranged us and my -anger sent so many noble Achaians down to Hades. But let us forget the -bitter past. I have moderated my anger, for a generous man should not be -implacable, however much he has been wronged. And now let us hasten to -lead our people to the combat, for the Trojans must not burn the ships -to-day.” - -He was interrupted by a loud shout of exultation. The tidings that he -had relented and would join them in the battle was enough to fill all -hearts with joy. In their excitement they did not care to hear more, and -not until the thunderous tones of the heralds had commanded silence -could Agamemnon’s answer be heard. “Jupiter alone knows,” said he, “how -blind rage could have led me to commit such an injustice, from which my -heart now recoils and which I have long bitterly repented. Thou hast -already heard from Ulysses of the gifts which I offered thee in -reparation, and even now, that thou comest of thyself, I will take -nothing back. My servants shall deliver all to thee, if thou wilt but -save the Achaians.” - -Smiling, the warlike Achilles answered him: “I care not whether thou -givest or retainest thy treasure. Let us think only of the war and lead -the battalions without delay against the enemy, for there is much work -to do and great deeds must be accomplished this day.” - -Now Ulysses spoke up. “Not thus, excellent Achilles; we must not be -hasty. Let the soldiers partake of food, for the battle will not be of a -few hours’ duration only. Thou hast more endurance than all others, but -none but thee can hold out through the long day’s work without food or -drink. Let the people first break their fast, while Agamemnon sends for -the promised gifts, that we may all look upon them. Then he shall feast -thee in his tent, that thou mayest enjoy all the honor due thee; for -even a king should propitiate the man whom he hath wronged.” - -“I gladly follow thy wise counsel,” answered Agamemnon, “and if thou -wilt, thou mayest go thyself to my ships, with six picked men, to fetch -the promised gifts.” - -“Son of Atreus,” interrupted Achilles, “never mind the gifts. Let us -think only of the slain, who are calling to us to avenge them. And ye -talk of eating and drinking and of rest! If I were in command the people -should be led forth fasting and at night; after the day’s work they -should feast twice over. For my part, not a drop shall pass my lips -until I shall have avenged my friend. I have no thoughts, but of murder, -bloodshed, and the death rattle of falling men.” - -“Great son of Peleus,” suggested Ulysses, “though thou art no doubt -stronger and braver than I, yet I think I can give thee good counsel, -for I have lived longer and seen much. Take my advice this once. Thou -canst conquer only with warriors who are rested, refreshed, and eager -for the fight; but the hungry and thirsty soldier will follow thee -half-heartedly and in the end be overcome by his own weakness.” - -Without awaiting Achilles’ answer, the leaders gave the soldiers the -signal to break their fast. Ulysses quickly selected six good comrades -and went to fetch the presents from Agamemnon’s ships and tents. He -selected the basins, ewers, the horses and women, weighed out ten pounds -of gold, and then summoned the fair Briseïs to follow him. On their -return to the council place Agamemnon sent the gifts immediately to -Achilles’ encampment. - -In vain the noble Achaian heroes surrounded Achilles and begged him to -join them at the banquet. He shook his head, saying: “Kind friends, do -not trouble me, for I am very sorrowful and I shall fast until the sun -sets.” The princes retired sadly to their tents to partake of food. Only -Atreus’ sons and the noble Ulysses, Nestor, Idomeneus, and the gigantic -Phœnix remained with him, trying to comfort the mourner. He sat brooding -over his sorrow. “Dear, unhappy friend,” he said, “how oft hast thou -brought me my breakfast and tended me while the others went forth to -battle, and now thou liest here dead; but neither food nor drink can -refresh me while I mourn for thee. I had always hoped that I alone -should die in the Trojan land and that thou shouldst return to Phthia, -to bring up my son, dear Neoptolemus. And now thou art gone before me.” - -Thus he lamented, and all his friends mourned with him. Even Jupiter was -touched by his deep sorrow and sent his daughter Athena down secretly to -strengthen his heart with heavenly nectar, and thus the hero was able to -appear in all his glory when the warriors gathered together. The lust of -battle had dried the tears upon his eyelids. - - - - - Chapter XIV - Achilles in Battle—The Fight on the River - - -All Olympus was now interested in the combat of mortals since the -godlike Achilles had taken up arms again. Many of the divinities -promised him victory, but Jupiter was resolved that he should not yet -destroy the splendid city of the Trojans, for fate had not decreed that -it should fall by his hand. Therefore he commanded the other gods to -stay the zeal of the Pelide should he rage too terribly. The Trojans -were already armed and in the field and the swarms of Achaians flew to -meet them like a heap of dry leaves driven before the wind. Achilles -looked everywhere for Hector, but without discovering him. Instead, he -espied two other chieftains, Æneas and Lykaon. - -Æneas determined to face the hero. He commended his soul to his divine -mother and pushed forward shouting fierce threats. Achilles ran toward -him without hesitation and then stopping suddenly he called out: “How -canst thou venture so far from thy men, Æneas? What is it impels thee to -fight with me? Dost think perchance that if thou shouldst conquer me -thou shalt become ruler of the Trojans? Priam has still plenty of sons! -Did I not meet thee on Mount Ida, where father Jupiter himself was -scarce able to save thee? Thou didst run like a deer, not daring to look -behind thee. Thou hadst better fly now, if life is dear to thee, and -take care not to get in my way a second time.” - -“Son of Peleus,” answered Æneas, “do not hope to frighten me with words -like a child. My race is as exalted as thine own, for I was fathered by -Anchises of Dardanus’ family and Aphrodite is my mother. My family is -old and powerful. But why do we gossip like women? Come, let us see -whether it be Aphrodite or Thetis who shall mourn for her son to-day.” - -He was the first to cast his spear, and Achilles held his shield before -him at arm’s length, so that should it pierce the metal, it might not -touch his body. But the swift-flying weapon glanced off harmlessly. -Immediately he hurled his own powerful lance, but Æneas threw himself on -the ground and covered himself. The mighty lance crashed through the -edge of his shield and buried itself in the ground just behind the -crouching man. He arose quickly, seized a great stone, and threw it at -the head of Achilles, who was rushing upon him with drawn sword in a -blind rage, forgetting to shield himself, so that had Vulcan’s helmet -not been so strong, helmet and skull would doubtless have been crushed. -Æneas was about to exult over his fall, but Achilles only staggered back -a step and a god warned Æneas to escape. He therefore drew Achilles’ -heavy spear from his shield, and throwing it down, fled into the crowd -of Trojans. - -When Achilles came to, he found himself on the ground, supporting -himself on one arm, and alone. He was astonished and said to himself: -“What miracle is this? Here lies my spear and my adversary is nowhere to -be seen. But indeed Æneas must be beloved of the gods, for no one has -ever vanquished me thus. But he did not venture to kill me in my swoon -and is, no doubt, happy to have himself escaped. And now I must away to -measure myself with other Trojans.” He first returned to his Myrmidons -and cheered them with loud cries of “Forward, man to man! Let none hold -back! I cannot alone conquer the whole Trojan army, even Mars himself -could not do that. But my lance shall never rest.” - -Among the Trojans the gallant Hector was going about encouraging his -bands. “Do not fear, ye valiant Trojans, because the enemy has gained a -single man to-day. Grim Achilles has certainly uttered great threats, -but words are not deeds. Behold, I go forward to encounter him unafraid, -though his hand were a bolt of lightning and his breast of bronze.” - -Achilles had already broken into the ranks of the Trojans and slain a -man here and there. He was like a hungry wolf hasting from one victim to -another. His lance was constantly in flight. He pierced the noble -Demoleon, then laid his charioteer Hippodamos in the dust, then drawing -his spear from the body, he hurled it after Polydorus, Priam’s youngest -son, whom his father had begged not to enter the fight. But the youth, -considered the best runner in the army, was passionate and fiery and -would not be restrained. Just as he was flying past, Achilles’ terrible -spear struck him. He fell, groaning and holding his wounded side. Thus -his brother Hector espied him and in a passion of grief he advanced upon -Achilles, swinging his lance like flashing lightning. - -Seeing him coming thus, Achilles cried: “Ah! there is he who killed my -friend! Come, Hector, come, that thou mayest meet thy doom!” He had -scarcely spoken when Hector stood before him and answered unabashed: “Do -not hope to intimidate me with words, O Achilles! Even if thou art -stronger than I, it rests with the gods to decide whether I shall not -rob thee of thy life.” - -He threw the lance with all his might, but it glanced off Achilles’ -hard-polished shield. He turned about, frightened, and fled like the -wind before the hero’s hissing spear. “Ah! truly Phœbus must be with -thee,” cried Achilles. “Destruction was hard upon thee and thou hast -escaped. But the next time I meet thee I shall send thee down to Hades.” -He glanced about angrily for other adversaries. - -See, now his chariot pursues a band of Trojans who prefer to flee all -together rather than meet this single man. He pressed forward to one -side, cutting them off from the rest of the army and driving them all -into the river. There they paddled about like swimming poodles until -Achilles, leaving his lance on the bank, sprang after them to stab those -whom he could reach with his sword. Finally he drove twelve youths into -the reeds and there bound their hands behind their backs with his armor -straps. He then led them out and gave them into the hands of his -charioteer to take back to the Myrmidons. They were destined for a cruel -sacrifice to Patroclus. - -Achilles turned again to the river and there he recognized with -astonishment, among those who were trying in vain to clamber up the -steep banks, a youth, son of Priam, named Lykaon, whom he had taken at -the beginning of the war and sold for one hundred oxen into Lemnos. Some -years later a rich Phrygian had purchased him, from whom he had but -lately escaped, having returned only eleven days before to the house of -his venerable father. “Ha! there is Lykaon!” cried Achilles in surprise. -“How comes he here? This time he shall taste the tip of my spear and we -shall see if he return from the underworld to cause me trouble again.” -He went to fetch his spear and Lykaon swam as hard as he could to throw -himself at his feet and beg for mercy. - -“Fool!” thundered the terrible voice of the hero, “what do I want with -ransom money? Before Patroclus fell I was inclined to show mercy and -carried away many captives, but now not one who falls into my hands -shall survive—least of all one of Priam’s sons. Die then, my friend! -Thou criest out in vain. Patroclus, too, had to die, who was far -mightier than thou. And seest thou not how great and powerful I am? My -father was a noble king, a goddess is my mother, and yet my death and -doom are drawing near and sooner or later I shall fall by the spear or -arrow.” - -The poor youth’s heart and knees trembled. He spread out his arms, shut -his eyes, and thus received the death stroke. Then Achilles seized him -by the feet and flung him far out into the river. “There! Swim among the -fish,” he cried. “Many a one shall feed on Lykaon. Thus I shall pursue -ye all, until ye have atoned for Patroclus’ death and the woe of the -Achaians.” - -But the river god who heard this blasphemy was angered. Asteropæus, son -of Pelegon, was still standing in the water and Scamander breathed -courage into him. He was practised in casting with both hands and -Achilles saw him advancing with two raised spears. He shouted to him: -“Who art thou, rash man? Unhappy are the parents of those who contend -with me!” - -“What wouldst thou know of me, great Pelide?” he answered. “I came from -distant Pæonia with a gallant army but eleven days ago. Now let us -fight, valiant Achilles.” - -With these words he let fly both lances at once upon the hero. One of -them rebounded harmlessly from the shield, the other brushed his left -elbow and buried itself in the sand. And now Achilles swung his bloody -staff, but missed aim also, and his lance struck the sandy bank on the -other side of the river. Angrily he sprang into the water with drawn -sword, and striding powerfully through the waves, he approached the -unlucky Asteropæus, who was trying in vain to secure Achilles’ lance. -Before he could do so the hero felled him, and he sank down unconscious. - -“Ah,” he cried joyously, “thou couldst scarcely contend with a man of -Jupiter’s divine race, although thy ancestor was a river god.” - -Achilles drew his spear out of the earth and left the dying man gasping -at the water’s edge. He threw himself next upon a troop of Pæonians and -drove them into the stream. Those who would not go of their own accord -he thrust down into a watery grave. Then from the depths of the stream -he heard the voice of the river god: “O Achilles, thou art superhuman in -thy fury and the gods are always with thee. But I warn thee, that if -Jupiter hath given the Trojans into thy hand this day, murder where thou -wilt, but do not pollute my waters, for my stream is already glutted -with the dead, and even now I can scarce flow down into the holy sea. -Therefore forbear!” - -Achilles heard the warning unmoved and replied: “It shall be as thou -sayest, divine Scamander, but I shall never stop destroying the Trojans -until I have fought the last decisive battle with Hector.” - -But when he chanced upon a fresh troop of the enemy, who were astray -near the river, he forgot the river god’s decree, and when they all -jumped into the stream to gain the opposite shore he plunged in after -them. Then the invisible god arose in his might, determined to destroy -him. He sent wave after wave breaking over him and drew him deeper and -deeper down. Struggle as he might he could make no headway against the -mighty stream on whose waves he rose and fell, almost losing his balance -and being carried away. The bodies of the slain bore against him and he -could scarcely hold them back with his shield. He struggled to the -shore, but the angry god stirred up a foaming surf which threw him back -again. - -Almost exhausted he struggled forward once more and grasped a young elm -whose branches hung over the stream; but just as he was about to swing -himself up by it the roots gave way, so that it lay across the river -like a bridge. Upon this the hero reached the bank, although he vainly -hoped to escape the river god thus. Furiously Scamander followed him -across the fallow fields with breaking waves. He also called to his aid -the other streams who generally dash their waters from the mountain -heights to destroy the farmer’s fields only in springtime. To the -Simoïs, which joins him just before he flows into the sea, he cried: -“Come, brother, and help me stem the power of this terrible man, else he -will batter down the walls of Priam’s fortress to-day; for none can -withstand him. Arise, friend, let thy floods loose; roll down rocks and -stones with thundering waves upon him, that we may tame him. For I ween -that neither his strength nor beauty nor his resplendent weapons shall -save him. They shall be buried deep in mud, and him will I cover with -sand and heap a monument of shells and pebbles over him so high that -none shall ever find his bones.” - -The hero was almost overcome and in his despair cried aloud: “Father -Jupiter, not a single one of the gods will take pity on me, and I -thought ye all loved me! But none has deceived me more than my divine -mother, who promised me the glorious death of a hero before Troy. And -now, alas, an ignoble end awaits me, and I shall be drowned as -ignominiously as any swineherd in a mud puddle.” - -Then from afar a solemn and consoling voice arose. “Be comforted, -Peleus’ son, thou shalt not die in the waters. Keep up the struggle -until the Trojans have fled the field. But when Hector is vanquished -thou shalt return.” - -This promise filled his heart with courage, for it was the voice of -Poseidon, to whom all streams are subject. And now the waters quickly -subsided and were drawn into the broad gulf of the sea. Then a south -wind arose which sucked up the moisture from the ground and bore it -away. The valiant hero soon stood upon firm ground again and hurried -away as fast as he could to plunge into the fray. Fired by his example, -his people followed him like a consuming flame fanned by the wind. All -who could do so fled to the walls, most of them toward the gate. The -venerable Priam sat upon the top of the wall, looking mournfully down -upon the sad plight of his people. When the crush at the gate became -intolerable he descended and called to the guards: “Friends, open the -doors and let the men in, for they can no longer withstand the terrible -Pelide. When all are inside, shut the gate and put up the bars, that the -enemy may not enter also.” - -In the confusion of flight, where none wished to be lost, Achilles and -his band would doubtless have pushed in with them had not Apollo -distracted his attention by the sight of Agenor. This bold youth stood -concealed behind a beech tree turning over a thousand projects in his -anxious mind. “What shall I do?” he said to himself. “I am too far -behind to follow the others—he would take me in the back like a coward. -If I try to creep along the wall and escape by way of the thickets of -Ida, the bushes may hide me; then I could steal up to the gate at night -and whisper to them softly to let me in. But what if he should discover -me there? Then I should be lost indeed; for who is as strong as he? But -his body is not invulnerable and he is a mortal like the others. -Therefore I will try my skill with him, that I may save my life with -honor.” - -Meanwhile Achilles came running up and espied the man hidden behind the -tree. Agenor stepped boldly forth and cried: “Madman, dost thou hope to -destroy the fortress to-day? Nevermore! There are still plenty of brave -men in the city, and all are fighting for parents, wives, and children. -On the contrary, thy own sad fate may be upon thee to-day, thou -ungovernable monster.” - -With these words his flashing sword descended upon Achilles, and not -without effect. He struck his shin, and only the impenetrable greaves -fashioned by Vulcan prevented the leg from being shattered. Like a -wounded boar Achilles pounced upon the youth, who fled through -wheatfields and thickets along the river, leading his grim pursuer far -away from the city; for he did not give up the chase until the youth was -lost to sight. And this never would have occurred had the blow on his -leg not sapped his strength. But Apollo had arranged it thus, so that -for this time the Trojans should escape; for when he returned breathless -he found them safe behind their walls. - - - - - Chapter XV - Hector and Achilles—Hector’s Death - - -The Achaians, their shields slung over their shoulders, were awaiting -Achilles close under the walls of Troy. All the Trojans were within the -city except Hector, who had remained outside, resolved to meet Achilles -once more in combat; for he believed that he owed it to his fatherland -and to his own honor, either to free his people from this dread enemy or -to give up his own life for them. His old father looked gloomily down -from the wall and signalled for him to come inside, but in vain. - -Achilles returned from his pursuit of Agenor, his lance on his shoulder. -At the sight old Priam beat his breast in consternation and he trembled, -seeing his son without and alone. “Dear son,” he entreated, “do not face -that cruel man, for he is stronger than thou. Alas, would that the gods -hated him as I do and he would soon be food for the dogs! How many of my -sons he has already murdered or sold to distant isles! And now, my -Hector, thou on whom the Trojan people put their hopes, wilt thou also -go to meet him? Come, take pity on me! Already hath Jupiter heaped -endless misfortunes upon mine old age, and should he rob me of thee now, -I already foresee the enemy breaking into our fortress, carrying off our -women, murdering our children, and plundering our treasures. Woe is me! -for I shall become food for mine own dogs in the courtyard. Alas, that -would be the most lamentable of all destinies!” - -But Hector could not be persuaded and remained steadfast at the gate, -awaiting Achilles. “Woe is me if I should hide now behind walls and -gates!” he said. “Then Polydamas could chide me with reason for -sacrificing so many good friends to-day. I would not follow his advice -and retire into the city, but presumed to contend with Achilles alone, -and alas, I have not saved a single man from his fury and, I openly -avow, have myself avoided him in fear, for he is truly terrible in his -might. But now I must challenge fate boldly, that the women of Troy may -not denounce me for leading the people to destruction and then fleeing -like a coward. But how would it be if I should lay helmet and shield on -the ground beside my lance and thus go to meet the hero and offer him a -peaceful settlement? Offer him Helen and all their treasure, together -with half of all the goods which the houses of the Trojan princes -contain? But no! I cannot approach him a suppliant. It would be base and -unworthy and he would strike me down unarmed like a weak woman. No! I -will fight like a man. Be my fate what it may, I will conquer or die -with honor.” - -Achilles came up looking like Mars himself. When Hector saw him he -trembled, and fled like a dove pursued by a hawk. Hector turned first to -the left, then to the right, striving to tire out his pursuer; but in -vain. Now they ran past the watch tower, now past the fig tree, and now -by the hot springs, where were the stone basins of the washerwomen. His -pursuer drove him clear round the great city, yea, even three times -round the walls, and as often as Hector tried to slip through an open -portal, Achilles would drive him out again into the open fields, keeping -near the walls himself. But when they passed the place where the -Achaians were resting on their spears awaiting the outcome, Achilles -forbade anyone to cast a spear at Hector and rob him of the honor of the -victory. - -As they neared the hot springs for the fourth time, a man ran forward as -though to offer Hector aid. It was Athena in the form of Hector’s -brother Deïphobus, who called to him: “Brother, I saw thy danger and am -come forth to help thee. Stop and await him boldly.” - -“Beloved Deïphobus, how didst thou dare—” - -“My soul was wrung and I could no longer look upon the grief of my -father and mother.” - -“So be it, I will fight,” said Hector, and made ready to meet the foe. -“I will no longer flee before thee, O Pelide,” he cried to Achilles. “My -heart bids me encounter thee, whether I conquer or fall. But let us -first make a compact and swear to it before the all-seeing gods. Should -Jupiter give me the victory, I will not misuse thee. Thy armor will I -take and leave thy body to the Achaians, that they may give it burial. -And thou shalt do the same to me.” - -But with a furious look Achilles roared his answer. “No compacts, hated -Hector! Does the lion make a compact with the cattle, or the wolf with -the lambs? One of us must lie stretched upon the ground, that Mars may -be satiated with his blood. I hope that thou mayest not escape me, and -thus atone at once for all the woe thou hast inflicted on my people.” - -Thus speaking, he sent his terrible spear flying through the air. But -Hector, quickly sinking on one knee, avoided it and the iron missile -passed over him. Fresh courage filled him, and springing up joyfully he -cried: “Wide of the mark, godlike Achilles! Thou art a good talker and -crafty, hoping I should lose strength and courage. Now protect thyself, -for my spear shall not strike thee lightly!” - -He hurled his lance with tremendous force and did not miss the mark, for -the point struck the boss of the shield with a loud crash and would have -pierced both shield and breast had the shield not been forged by Vulcan -himself. But the lance rebounded like a ball thrown against a wall and -Hector stood confounded, for he had but one spear. He quickly looked -about for Deïphobus and called loudly for another spear, but there was -no answer and his brother was nowhere to be seen. Then he was filled -with foreboding. “Woe is me!” he cried. “Some cunning god in Deïphobus’ -shape hath deceived me, and now, when I hoped he would save me, he has -disappeared.” In desperation he seized his sword, rushing forward like a -soaring eagle swooping down upon its prey. But Achilles had already -picked up Hector’s spear, and, as they charged each other, the long -spear reached its goal sooner than the short sword. Taken in the neck -above his breastplate, the hope of Troy sank into the dust, while the -cruel victor and all the Achaians loudly rejoiced. - -“Ha!” cried Achilles as he drew forth his spear, “only yesterday thou -wert so proudly triumphant, as thou didst invade our ships in Patroclus’ -stolen harness, and to-day thou liest powerless before the walls of thy -proud fortress. Surely thou didst little dream that the slain hero had -left a powerful avenger. We shall pay him all the honors of a hero, -while thou shalt make a shameful end among the dogs and birds of prey.” - -Breathing painfully, Hector tried to speak. “I conjure thee by thy life -and by thy parents, let me not be torn by Damæan dogs, but accept the -bronze and valuable gold which my father and mother shall offer thee. -Send my body to Ilios, that the men and women of Troy may pay me the -last honors of the funeral pyre.” But Achilles shouted: “Silence and -die, contemptible one!” - -Dying, Hector answered: “Indeed I knew I should not move thee, for thou -hast an iron heart. But think of me when the gods avenge me and thou -sinkest into the dust felled by the shots of Phœbus Apollo.” And Death, -the brother of Sleep, bore the hero’s soul down to Hades. Many warriors -from the Greek army came up and looked with admiration upon the splendid -form of the hero. And to one another they said: “It is wonderful how -much gentler he is to look on now than there at our ships when he was -leading the assault.” - -Achilles arose among the people and spoke. “Friends, now that the gods -have permitted me to subdue the man who has done us greater injury than -any other, let us discover whether the Trojans will dare withstand us, -without the support of their great hero. But what am I saying? My friend -lies still unburied. Therefore let us chant the hymn of victory and take -Hector with us as an expiatory offering for my friend.” - -First the procession passed by the Scæan gate, that the Trojans standing -there upon the walls might see it. There sat old Priam and his spouse -Hecuba, without any warning of the outcome of the combat. What a -horrible sight for the venerable father and loving mother! Their bravest -son, the pride and hope of Troy, dragged at the wheels of the victor’s -chariot! All Troy set up a despairing lament, as though the city were -already in ruins and a prey to devouring flames. His mother, almost -beside herself with grief, wrung her hands, and shrieking, pulled the -veil from her head and tore her gray hair. And his father was scarcely -to be restrained from going down to cut his son loose or die across his -mutilated body. He called on those by name who stood about it; begged, -implored, wept, and threw himself on the ground, strewing dust on his -gray head. And all those who saw it wept with him. - -Hector’s faithful wife, Andromache, was the last to learn the sad -tidings, for she had been busy in her home attending to household duties -among her women. And now, as twilight fell, she sent one of her maids to -heat water in a tripod for the hero’s bath when he should return. From a -distance arose a sound of loud lamentation and wailing of women. The -wife trembled and sad foreboding filled her heart. “Follow me,” she -cried to two of the maids. “My knees are trembling, for I fear the noble -Achilles has cut off the valiant Hector from the city, for he is always -before all others and fears no one.” - -She rushed out, the servants following after her. There was nobody to be -seen in the street; the cries came from the walls. The unhappy woman -hastened thither. One look revealed the tragedy, and she sank down in a -swoon. She lay for long as one dead, and at length, when consciousness -returned, she began in a low, broken voice: “Hector! Alas, the unhappy -people! Oh, that I had never been born! Now must thou go down to Hades -and I remain here a widow, miserable and deserted. And thy young -son—trouble and sorrow menace his future now that thou art gone—for -others will seek to take his patrimony—and his childhood shall pass -without a friend. For an orphaned child has no playmates; and when the -other boys take their share of their fathers’ feast, none calls the -orphan boy to divide with him. The child casts down his eyes ashamed and -weeps silently. Then, hungry, he goes about among his father’s friends, -pulls one by the coat, another by the cloak; and if one of them is -kindly inclined, he will perhaps hold the goblet to his lips. But, alas, -he does not give him his fill. The other boys, insolent and greedy, do -not suffer him at their feasts, but push him away, crying: ‘Thy father -doth not sit at our feasts.’ Then the child goes away and cries in his -mother’s arms. O ye gods, my Astyanax! How gayly his father used to rock -him on his knees! And now, robbed of a tender father, he shall suffer -much—our Astyanax, as the Trojans call him.” - -Thus mourned Andromache, and round about her wept and lamented the women -of Troy. - - - - - Chapter XVI - Priam and Achilles—Hector’s Burial in Troy - - -It was after sundown when the assembled Achaians dispersed. Each -returned to his own ship or tent to partake of the evening meal and then -lay down to rest, well content. Only Achilles could not sleep for -thinking of his lost friend. In vain he tossed to and fro on his bed; -sweet slumber came not nigh him. Thus he mourned half the night, then -suddenly arose, ran out into the darkness, and wandered up and down the -shore, his heart full of sorrow. At last he went to Patroclus’ grave, -then hastened back to yoke his horses to the chariot, to which he bound -Hector’s corpse once more and dragged him thrice round the grave mound. -After this he drove the horses back to the enclosure and threw himself -again upon his couch. - -Meanwhile the palace of old Priam had become a house of mourning. The -afflicted father had taken no food nor drink since the death of his son, -and the wailing of the wife and mother had so touched the people that -they gathered about the house in crowds. Even the gods looked down -pitifully on the unhappy family and Apollo appeared in dreams to Priam -to strengthen his heart and encourage him to enter the Greek camp and -plead for the body of his son. Jupiter commanded Hermes to accompany the -old man, so that no enemy should hinder him or do him an injury by the -way. Overjoyed at the divine vision, Priam forgot his complaints and -went at once to the chamber where stood the chests in which he kept his -treasures. He said to Hecuba, his mourning spouse: “I go to conciliate -our terrible enemy with presents, and the god who has given me courage -will protect me.” - -Then the queen burst out weeping, saying reproachfully: “Unhappy man! -Hast thou lost thy senses? How canst thou go alone to the ships and meet -the man who has slain so many of thy valiant sons! Truly thy heart is -made of iron! Ah! if he set eyes upon thee and seize thee, that false -and terrible man will have neither mercy nor respect nor reverence for -thine age. Oh, do not go! Let us mourn at a distance our lost son, whom -the fates at his birth decreed should be vanquished far from his people. -Remain with us, dear one, that thou mayest preserve thine own life.” - -But the old man answered confidently: “I should not go if it were only a -priest or seer who sent me, but I saw a god in my dream. He will not -deceive me and my own heart impels me to go. Dost thou say the monster -would kill me? Oh let him do so, if only he will strike me down upon the -breast of my dear son!” - -He opened the chest and took out the rich garments which he intended to -take with him for a ransom—twelve splendid festal robes, twelve warm -covers, and as many tunics and magnificent cloaks. Then from another -chest he took ten talents of gold, four polished basins, and two -tripods. Even the exquisite goblet presented by the Thracians when he -visited them as ambassador from his father he did not withhold. For he -did not begrudge giving even his greatest treasure to soften the hard -heart of Achilles and ransom his beloved son. - -When he had closed the box and turned around, he found himself -surrounded by a crowd of idle people, who had come up to stare at the -treasures which were to be offered for Hector’s ransom. Angrily he cried -out: “Out with you! Away, ye idlers! Have ye not trouble enough at home, -that ye come to look upon my sorrow? Only think what ye have lost in -Hector! Without his support the Achaians will have an easier victory. -Then it will be your turn to lament, but I shall doubtless then be -dead!” - -He drove them out of the courtyard, then called for his sons, reproving -them. “Where are ye? Not one is at hand when I need ye! My best sons are -dead, only the good-for-nothings remain. Pack these gifts quickly in the -hampers, and when it grows dark, harness the horses and summon my old, -experienced Idæus.” - -Abashed, the sons obeyed all these commands and Hecuba began to prepare -a strengthening draught for the travellers. Carrying a golden goblet in -her right hand, she came out to the chariot, and placing herself in -front of the steeds, she said to her husband: “Here, beloved, take this -and pour out a libation to Jupiter and petition him for a safe return, -as thou goest against my wishes. For I should never let thee go if I -could prevent it. And even now I would counsel thee to consult the god -and learn whether it is his will to protect thee. Should this prayer -remain unanswered then I would say, Remain. For woe to him who goes into -danger without divine support!” - -The worthy man answered her: “I will obey thy behest. It is always well -to lift up our hands to Jupiter.” He spake and called upon the -stewardess for water, which she brought in a silver dish, sprinkling him -with her right hand, while with the left she held a basin beneath. After -this he received the wine cup from his spouse, poured out the first -drops in honor of Jupiter, and prayed aloud with eyes raised to the sky: -“Father Jupiter, almighty ruler, let me approach Achilles as a friend -and find favor before him. Grant me a sign that thou wilt protect me, so -that I may set out confident and comforted.” His wish was fulfilled, for -soon afterward one of the eagles which nest high up in the clefts of -Mount Ida flew past on his right hand. All who saw this rejoiced and the -king and his companion mounted the chariot, full of confidence. His sons -accompanied him to the city gates and, weeping, wished him luck. - -Now the swift messenger of the gods descended from Olympus to the shores -of the Hellespont and wandered along the road which Priam was to take. -He had assumed the form of a Greek youth of noble race, whose appearance -inspired confidence. Priam had arrived at the grave of Ilus, where the -Scamander flows gently along, and there he had stopped to water his -horses. Old Idæus saw the godlike youth coming along the river bank in -the twilight and said fearfully to the king: “Look! son of Dardanus, -there cometh a strange man. He will surely kill us both and make off -with our goods. What shall we do? Shall we fly to the city or shall we -get down and embrace his knees, begging for mercy?” Priam looked up and -saw with dismay that the man was already close to the chariot. Sudden -fear paralyzed his limbs, but when he saw the youth’s face close by and -heard his friendly voice he was reassured. - -“Greeting to thee, old man.” Thus the youth addressed him. “Whither -goest thou so late when all other mortals are asleep? Dost thou not fear -the Achaians, who are not far away? And neither thou, nor the old man -thy companion, are fit to defend yourselves. But I will not harm thee, -for thou art so like my dear father, noble king, that I am drawn to -thee.” - -“Fortune favors me,” cried the old man. “Now I see that Jupiter is with -me, as he hath sent me such a noble guide through the dark night, of -such remarkable stature and strength and of such wisdom. Truly thou hast -fortunate parents.” - -“Tell me, old man,” continued the stranger, “where art thou taking these -goods? Art trying to carry thy greatest treasures to a place of safety -before the destruction of Troy, or art thou flying secretly from the -city for fear of the victorious enemy? For indeed thou hast lost thy -chief treasure. As long as noble Hector lived, ye could battle on equal -terms with the Achaians.” This warmed the old father’s heart. “Who art -thou,” he asked, “who speakest so kindly of my poor son?” - -“Who does not so?” answered the stranger. “How often I have seen him in -the stress of battle driving the Argives in droves before him. We often -stood and admired him from a distance when Achilles forbade us to join -in the battle; for I am one of his companions and came hither in the -same ship with him. My father is a noble Myrmidon called Polyctor. He -has property and money, but is an old man like thyself. I am the -youngest of seven brothers. When Achilles went to war we cast lots to -see which should go with him, and the lot fell to me. I have been -wandering about, thinking of the fate of Troy, for to-morrow the -Achaians intend to assault the city. They are weary of the long truce -and are anxious to end the war.” - -“If thou art one of Achilles’ companions,” said Priam, “thou canst -doubtless tell me whether my son’s body is still lying at the ships or -whether the cruel man has already thrown it to the dogs.” - -The stranger replied: “Not yet have dogs or birds of prey touched it, -although it has lain there for twelve days and Achilles drags it round -the grave of his friend every morning. Neither has decomposition touched -it, and the beautiful limbs are still preserved in remarkable freshness. -Seeing him, one would suppose he had but just died. Thus the gods watch -over him even in death, for they always loved him.” - -How happy the old man was at this news. “Oh child,” he cried, “how good -it is for a man to pay honor to the gods with due offerings. My son -never forgot that. He never failed to make sacrifice before he partook -of food himself, and now in death he is receiving his reward. Oh what a -happy father I am! Here, friend, take this handsome cup in remembrance -of Priam. It was intended for Achilles, for I am going to him to ransom -my Hector. But I have enough other gifts for him. Take it and guide me -to his tent. Thou knowest the way.” - -“Wilt thou tempt me, old man?” answered the stranger. “I will not yield -to it. I cannot take a gift from thee without Achilles’ knowledge and -rob him of it. No, I am too much in awe of him. Some harm might befall -me. But I will accompany thee, notwithstanding, and no plunderer shall -come nigh thee unpunished.” - -With these words he swung himself on to the chariot and placed himself -between the two old men, taking the whip and reins from the herald. The -horses trotted along boldly and confidently through the fields and soon -brought the travellers to the walls of the camp. From a distance they -saw the servants busied with the remains of the evening meal, but the -god waved his staff and they all sank into a deep slumber. Then he -unbarred the gates, drove inside and in the direction of the enclosure -in which the tents and ships of the Myrmidons stood. There he took leave -of Priam and disappeared; but before he went he pointed out Achilles’ -tent and encouraged the trembling old man. “Go boldly in,” said he, “and -embrace his knees. The sight of thee will certainly move him, for his -soul is filled with melancholy. Adjure him by his father and by his -divine mother, whom he loves tenderly. Thou wilt certainly touch his -heart if thou speak of her.” - -Much comforted the king got down, leaving the chariots and the presents -outside in the care of his old companion. His heart beat faster as he -crossed the threshold of the tent, but after a moment of indecision he -entered. He found Achilles still sitting at the table where he had -supped. Beside him stood his two favorite companions, the excellent -driver Automedon and the skilful spearsman Alkimos. The great hero was -leaning on his elbows, sunk deep in moody thought, and was not aware of -the entrance of the old man until he had fallen at his feet, clasped his -knees, and kissed his hands—those horrible hands which had murdered so -many of his sons. Achilles was amazed, for he had been taken completely -by surprise. For a moment they gazed into each other’s faces, Achilles -puzzled and agitated, Priam imploring and anxious. At length a flood of -tears relieved the oppressed heart of the venerable man and in a -trembling voice he uttered these beseeching words: - -“Remember thy father, godlike Achilles, who languishes at home, old and -helpless like myself. Ah, perhaps his neighbors are even now oppressing -him and there is none to protect him. But he knows that he has a good -and faithful son, even though far away, who will make an end of all his -troubles when he returns. The old man is full of hope and every day he -cherishes sweet thoughts of thee. But woe is me! I was the happiest of -fathers. I had raised fifty sons, nineteen of them born of one mother. -They were my pride and joy. Then ye came to invest my city and the -unhappy war took one of them after the other until but few were left. -But among them all, the best one still remained—he who had protected me -and all of us thus far; but now he also is no more. Alas, I can no -longer beg for his life, but we long to see the dead once more and pay -him the honors due my son. At home sisters, wife, and mother mourn for -him, and see, here lies his unhappy father at thy feet. Give him back to -me. I have brought thee rich gifts. Fear the gods! Bethink thee and -imagine thy old father kneeling thus to a younger man. But I suffer as -no mortal ere has done before me and press my lips to the hand which -slew my children.” - -The heart of the invincible hero could not withstand these words and -tears. He was deeply moved. The picture of his own gray-haired father -rose before him and a sad longing for his embrace filled his heart. He -wept aloud and bent gently down to raise the old man up, but Priam still -clasped his knees tightly. Thus they both sobbed, each conscious of his -own fate through the sorrow of the other. At last, when they had wept -for some time, Achilles spoke. “In truth, unhappy man, thou hast been -much afflicted. And yet thou hast dared to come alone and by night to -the Achaian ships and to the man who has slain thy bravest sons. Thy -heart is certainly strong and courageous. But come, forget thy sorrow -and let me see no more of thy tears. Arise and sit here and let us calm -ourselves. The gods have decreed that miserable mankind should live in -sorrow, while they know naught of trouble. For many they have mixed the -sad lots with the happy ones, but some receive only ill fortune, so that -his whole life is a miserable failure and he is favored neither by gods -nor men. Alas! neither is my father fortunate. Although the gods have -bestowed worldly goods and power upon him, and although a goddess became -his spouse, it is ordained that there shall be no heir to his kingdom; -for alas! he shall never look upon me again, though his heart longs for -me. I am not fated to return home a peaceful ruler, to enjoy a happy old -age. Thus has fate robbed thee, also, of thy good son. But he is dead; -therefore lament no more. Thou canst not bring him back to life. Who can -do aught against the all-powerful gods?” - -“Bid me not sit,” sobbed the old man. “I will lie here until thou hast -given me back my only beloved son, that my tears may fall upon him. But -take the gifts and enjoy them in peace when thou returnest to thy native -land, because thou sendest me away filled with gratitude and love.” - -At these words Achilles frowned and said: “Do not agitate me further, -old man! Arise, for I have already determined to give thee back thy son. -Do not insult me with fears and mistrust!” - -Silently the old man obeyed this earnest behest and rising seated -himself. Meanwhile the hero, mighty as a lion, arose and went out, -followed by his two friends. Before the tent they unyoked the horses and -conducted the herald inside. They then took the valuable gifts out of -the hamper, except two soft garments, in which they were to wrap the -body of Hector. Then, unseen by the father, Achilles caused two female -slaves to wash the body and to cleanse, arrange, and anoint the hair. -Next the servants wrapped the body in the fine robes and Achilles -himself lifted it onto the chariot and laid it on a bier prepared for -it. Then he stood still a moment and said: “Do not be angry with me, -Patroclus, if thou shouldst learn, perchance, in Hades’ dwelling, that I -have returned Hector’s body to his unhappy father. Look, he brings me a -not unworthy ransom and a share of it shall be consecrated to thee.” - -He reëntered the tent and seated himself opposite his two guests. “Now -thou canst rest content, old man,” he said. “Thy son is ransomed and -lies on thy chariot wrapped in fine garments. Now let us partake of food -and comfort our hearts. Even Niobe did not forget to eat, although her -heart was torn by bitter sorrow when Artemis had slain her six blooming -daughters in one day and Apollo her six splendid sons. So let us feast. -Thou canst mourn for thy son at home, for he is doubtless worthy of thy -tears.” - -With these words Achilles got up quickly, fetched a sheep and killed it. -His companions cut up the meat and roasted it carefully on spits. Then -they sat down at table, Automedon passed bread in a basket, but Achilles -himself served the meat, and they all ate and drank their fill. The old -man admired and wondered at the splendid proportions of the great hero, -his godlike mien, and his bold and fiery glance. But Achilles too was -amazed at heart when he noted the awe-inspiring, majestic demeanor and -the dignified countenance of the king and heard his words of wisdom. -When they had finished eating, Priam said: “Now, godlike host, take me -to a place, I beg thee, where we may refresh ourselves with slumber; for -I have not closed my eyes since my son sank down among the dead, and -this is the first food and drink that have passed my lips.” - -Achilles commanded his comrades to prepare a couch for Priam and his -companion in the porch. The maids brought soft cushions and warm -blankets, arranged them all, and lighted the strangers out with their -torches. Achilles accompanied the king to the door and pressed his hand -at parting. A few hours’ sleep sufficed for the old man. Then he arose -to awaken Achilles, for he was anxious to start before daybreak. - -“Restless old man,” said Achilles kindly, “depart then. But first tell -me something. How soon dost thou intend to bury thy son? For until then -I will keep the peace and restrain my people from battle.” - -“O Achilles,” answered the old man, much moved, “if thou wilt grant us -this favor, give us nine days to mourn the dead and prepare for his -burial. On the tenth day we will burn him, on the eleventh erect the -grave mound, and on the twelfth, if it must be, we will resume the war.” - -“Let this, too, be as thou desirest,” replied Achilles. “I will hold the -army in check for as long as thou hast demanded.” - -He clasped the old man’s wrist to assure him of good faith, then -accompanied the chariot as far as the gate in the wall, taking care that -none of the Achaians should harm the old man. Priam drove once more -through the well-known fields, past the ford of the flowing Scamander, -where yesterday the friendly youth had appeared. And now, just as he was -watering his horses there, the sun rose. Cassandra, Priam’s favorite -daughter, who had been standing on the watch tower since dawn awaiting -the return of her father with beating heart, recognized the travellers. -She waited until she could discern all plainly, even the covered body of -her brother on the chariot. Then she ran down the stairs to the palace, -calling her mother and sisters loudly. “Only look, they are coming! -Hasten, Trojans, to look upon the body of Hector, if ye have ever -rejoiced over him alive as he returned from the battlefield. For he was -the pride of the city and of all the people!” - -All who heard her voice hurried forth, men and women, all hearts filled -with boundless sorrow. But first of all came the old mother and -Andromache. They went out to meet the chariot and stopped it at the city -gate with loud cries. Mother and wife threw themselves on the body and -wet it with their tears, tore their hair, touched his head, and lifted -up the cloths to look upon his wounds. The crowd gathered, weeping, -about them. But the king cried: “Stand back and let the horses pass! Ye -may weep your fill when I have carried him into the house.” - -They all stood aside and the king entered the city, the crowd following -him to the palace. When the corpse was lifted from the chariot the -universal lament began afresh. Singers were brought to chant the hymn of -mourning and round about the women sobbed, especially Andromache, the -beautiful princess. She held the dead man’s head in her hands and -moaned: “Beloved, thou hast lost thy life, but the widow, alas, is left -behind and thy young son. How shall he grow to manhood? For before that -Troy will fall, as thou art dead, who didst defend the walls, the women, -and lisping children. Soon they will be carried away to bondage, myself -among them. And thou, my dear son, wilt go hence to endure ignominy with -thy mother, if indeed some cruel Achaian entering the conquered city -does not seize thee by thy tender neck and hurl thee down from the tiles -into the streets below. Thy valiant father hath slain many Achaians; -therefore the people mourn. O Hector, what unspeakable sorrow thou hast -caused thy parents, but I am unhappy above all others! Dying, thou -couldst not give me thy hand nor speak words of wisdom which I might -have cherished.” Thus she spake, weeping, fathomless sorrow in her -heart. - -The old mother also could not be torn from her beloved son. First she -caressed his head, then the cold hands, as though she hoped to call him -back to life. Helen too lamented over the dead. “Hector dearest,” she -cried, “thou didst love me more than any of my husband’s brothers. What -insults I have suffered since the hero brought me to Troy! Thou alone -hadst never an unkind word for me. Yea often, when thy mother or one of -my sisters-in-law or even their husbands heaped abuse upon me, thou -didst mollify the angry ones and make peace. How thy friendly -encouragement comforted me! Ah, I shall never hear that dear voice -again, and I have no longer a friend in this house, where all turn from -me with loathing.” - -Thus she lamented, and all the women mourned with her. But the venerable -Priam now raised his commanding voice and spake. “Ye Trojans, fetch wood -into the city and go without fear that the Danæans are lying in wait for -you. For Peleus’ son promised with a sacred vow not to raise his hand -against us until the twelfth day.” - -Quickly they yoked oxen and horses to the carts, and on the tenth day, -when golden Eos arose, the people all assembled for the funeral -obsequies of Hector. With loud lamentations they carried out the corpse -and laid it on the high scaffolding, which they set on fire. When the -pyre had burnt itself out, they quenched the gleaming embers with red -wine. His brothers and the comrades of the hero gathered together the -white bones out of the ashes and deposited them in a golden urn, which -was placed in the grave and gigantic blocks of stone heaped upon it. The -grave mound was raised above it and sentinels were stationed about the -place so that the Greeks should not surprise and attack them. After this -all the people returned into the city and the solemn funeral feast was -held in Priam’s palace. Thus the Trojans paid honor to the body of great -Hector. - - - - - LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - - _Translated from the German by_ - GEORGE P. 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